episode_0035

Perhaps it should be called a return. I set one goal as I went back in time.

To make Luna happy. It was the milestone of my life, a dream that had to be achieved at any cost.

Starting to learn swordsmanship from my father, restoring a declining family using knowledge of the future, everything was for her.

Yes, it has been smooth sailing so far. I discovered unexpected talent in swordsmanship, and the financial situation of the family improved significantly.

However, it’s still not enough. There were tasks piled up like mountains that needed to be resolved.

And among them, the biggest obstacle was undoubtedly the civil war.

The war that ultimately led me to death, the worst creation brought about by the radical reformists.

The empire emerged victorious, but all that remained for me were Luna’s tears and memories tainted with blood.

Even now, I occasionally dream of that day. Dreams of the battlefield where screams echo and the stench of decaying flesh wafts, dreams of the voices of bereaved families filled with moisture on that day.

It must be stopped, at any cost.

Remembering the hell of that day is enough for me alone.

I was the only one who could accomplish that.

I may not know every detail, but at least I know which families were involved and took the lead.

It wasn’t a matter of stubbornly trying to do it alone. Rather, I was in desperate need of someone’s help.

There simply wasn’t anyone who could help me.

If I were to say that a civil war would occur and the reformist families needed to be punished, would anyone listen? Surely no one would lend an ear.

It would be fortunate if I didn’t have to face punishment. The occurrence of a civil war is no different from indicating a problem within the royal family.

It’s heavy. It’s truly heavy to bear alone.

However, it must be done. For Luna.

If I can see her smile, I can overcome any adversity.

Anyway, that’s why.

It was not a social circle attended by vultures ready to devour you when you meet their eyes, but rather because those offspring were present. Because they seemed like inexperienced fellows who would readily reveal their weaknesses over a drink.

And the evidence obtained in this way will be the basis to support my claim.

To prevent a civil war.

That’s why I attended the church.

* * * * *

“Albert, Luna. Go and come back.”

“I believe you’ll do well.”

With their parents’ farewell, Luna nodded her head in gratitude.

“Well then, we’ll be off.”

After saying that, I also bowed my head and got into the carriage with Luna.

As the carriage door closed, it moved forward with a slight vibration.

For a while, Luna kept her parents beyond the window in her sight, then turned her head.

In the silence, my reflection appeared in her eyes.

“Luna, that… no, it’s nothing.”

Luna, blinking her big eyes, eventually shook her head slightly.

I felt sorry for calling her out, but I couldn’t bring myself to say it.

There was no reason for me to meddle in her returning home.

Especially because it was a family matter.

However, I sincerely wished she would talk about it after going back.

Perhaps Rachel also feels sorry for Luna.

If they don’t express it, there’s no way to know.

But ultimately, as an outsider, I had no right to meddle in the internal affairs of the Iris family.

Maybe there are other reasons why Luna doesn’t speak.

Having organized my thoughts like that, I reminded myself once again.

My job is to support Luna and stand by her. If Luna chooses not to go back, all I can do is support her decision.

Despite my hopeful determination, the path to the church leader’s house became awkward.

The passing conversation was brief, and even that didn’t continue for long. The time flowed silently, becoming noticeably longer.

It was entirely my fault. My nerves were on edge, causing my words to dwindle.

It was just a bit frustrating.

I only wanted what was best for Luna. Even the suggestion of talking to her family was meant in that spirit.

But what if that’s different from what Luna thinks? What if, because of that, Luna becomes distant from happiness?

Am I living for Luna’s happiness?

If so, what should I do?

What can I do for the woman I love?

It was just vague anxiety, meaningless delusion. However, it was a concern that couldn’t be easily dismissed.

I pondered for a long time but couldn’t come to a conclusion. It was because there wasn’t enough time to decide.

Profit-.

The carriage slowed down and stopped in front of the social club president.

For the first time, I felt regretful for the lack of advanced magic engineering in the empire. If I had thought a little more, I could have found the answer.

But what can I do? I can’t sit and worry all day.

I had things to do, so I roughly put away my thoughts and got up from my seat.

“Shall we go?”

Reaching out for an escort, Luna cautiously took my hand and stood up.

She still had no expression.

I felt a bit lonely, not knowing if she knew I was struggling with these thoughts.

This must be greed.

So, I had to deny it.

Because I didn’t deserve anything in return from her.

I couldn’t pretend to care for her outwardly while secretly hoping for reciprocation.

That would lead to losing my way.

“Excuse me. We need to check your status. Is that okay?”

We got off the carriage and headed towards the entrance of the social club, where naturally a guard blocked our path.

This was a gathering of nobles, and even the prince was attending, so it was necessary for the security to be strict.

The guards’ respectful attitude didn’t bother me. “Of course, in a past life, it might have been different.”

In the days when I lived as a complete wastrel, I would have grabbed the guard and caused trouble. But that embarrassing past was long behind me.

“Here it is.”

I took out the invitation from my pocket and showed it to him. This would serve as proof of my status.

The invitation was stamped with a golden seal, evidence that it was issued by the Imperial Sun, the royal family.

Luna also presented her invitation, and the guard, after confirming our identities, bowed and stepped aside.

“Please forgive the rudeness.”

“We are simply doing what is right. I fail to see how that is rude. Thank you for your efforts in ensuring the safety of the nobles.”

The guard slightly raised his head, full of doubt in his gaze.

I wanted to ask if there was something on his mind, but it would have been impolite to take up more of the guard’s time. So, I responded with a light smile and urged us forward.

“Your Highness!” A greeting reached me belatedly, but I pretended not to hear it. The pretense of someone just coming to their senses seemed rather comical. My face flushed with annoyance.

From that day on, a story circulated among the guards: “How did the princess manage to bring the madman to his senses?” But we were oblivious to it.

* * * * *

Splendid.

That was the impression as I took my first steps into the social gathering. It was a space filled with expensive items and shimmering things.

Of course, it was expected. This social gathering was hosted by the royal family, so anything less extravagant might have sparked unnecessary talk among the nobles.

Moreover, he is the first prince born after four princesses.

Considering that the future emperor, the Sun, was attending the social gathering, extra care must have been taken.

But in truth, none of that mattered. There was only one goal I had set for myself at this social gathering.

“Where are those reformists?”

In such gatherings, nobles tend to gather according to their factions, so those reformists should surely be gathered around a prominent figure.

I began to move my gaze around, and fortunately, it didn’t take long for me to find them.

As expected, they were gathered in one place, engaged in conversation. Their constant smiles indicated they were quite pleased.

Is it because I was once involved with the family in the past that I felt a pang of unease at the sight of them smiling?

However, I couldn’t show this emotion outwardly. I had to approach them and extract as much information as possible.

Exhaling deeply to calm my mind, I headed straight towards them.

But I wasn’t alone, was I? I belatedly realized Luna was by my side and quickly looked at her.

Luna, as always, was staring into space with an expressionless face.

“Luna, could you spare a moment? There’s something I need to do.”

Luna nodded.

I wasn’t at ease, but there was no choice. I considered everything for her happiness.

Turning my gaze away from her, I looked back at those guys.

I took slow steps.

Truly, they were heavy steps.