episode_0010

John slowly opened his eyes. The sunlight streaming in through the window was warm and dazzling.

“Hmm.”

He got out of bed in a half-asleep state and turned his head to the side. Francia was fast asleep.

‘… I drank more than I planned to yesterday because I was in the mood.’

I didn’t have a hangover because I ate just before reaching my limit, but my whole body felt sore.

‘I get all worked up when I drink.’

When he was drunk, he would lose his mind and act on impulse, so he couldn’t even remember what happened the day before, but he clearly remembered the sweet night he had with Francia.

As soon as he entered the hotel room, he hugged her, laid her on the bed, took off her clothes, and took everything about Francia.

She said she was having a hard time and asked to take a short break before continuing, but Yohan, who had only half his sanity left, did not listen to her requests.

in result.

“Ugh… … .”

Even though it was close to lunchtime, Francia was still asleep. Judging from her deep sleep, she must have used up a lot of energy and physical strength.

‘I guess I should exercise some self-control.’

I think I pushed myself too hard today because it’s a holiday.

‘Let’s come to our senses.’

John went into the bathroom, washed himself lightly, and fixed his messy hair while looking at himself in the mercury-covered mirror.

Shh …

After I finished organizing everything and came out, Francia, whose eyes were almost closed, was awake.

“Are you awake?”

“Yes… … .”

Francia’s nape was covered with red bite marks, marks that John had made during the night.

Johan, who felt awkward for no reason, quietly poured water into a glass and handed it to her.

“You must be thirsty, so drink some.”

“Ah, thank you, Yohan.”

The sullen Francia smiled and emptied her cup in one go. It seemed her throat was parched from not being able to stop moaning all night.

John asked.

“Today is your day off, do you have any plans?”

“Uh, what’s the schedule…? Nothing in particular… … .”

Francia smiled mischievously.

“Being with John all day, to some extent?”

“You have the same schedule as me.”

“Hoohoo… … . Haam.”

She, who had been laughing, suddenly yawned. Her voice had also been hoarse since a while ago, and it seemed like she hadn’t yet woken up from her half-asleep state.

“If you’re tired, sleep more.”

“No… … . I have to get up… … .”

She got out of bed with half-closed eyes and headed to the bathroom.

I felt sorry when I saw him staggering around, holding his waist.

“Can I help you?”

“It’s okay. It’s just a little creaky.”

The bashful Francia looked at Johan and smiled bashfully before going into the bathroom.

Click.

As her figure disappeared from his sight, John recalled yesterday’s events.

‘You did something really bold when you were drunk.’

He shook hands with the Crown Prince with force. He gave him a signal. Don’t touch Francia.

If he was quick-witted, he would have noticed it.

At that place, Fedelian was able to get along well and it wasn’t a problem, but it was clear that he was keeping it inside.

‘I don’t regret it.’

On the contrary, I thought it was a good thing. With this, the Crown Prince’s priority would have changed from Francia to himself.

‘If he’s going to do something… … .’

The scouting of the den in a few days. That would be the perfect opportunity, according to Fedelian. It would be the perfect time to kill even the most elite wizards without making a sound.

‘It’s better to take the trick head on.’

If you easily escape the trap set by Fedelian and give him a hint that you know he is the culprit, even the crown prince won’t be able to move easily.

It’s using trickery to reverse the situation.

‘It would be easier to deal with Cassis and Rudel if we just put on some shackles.’

While John stroked his chin with a serious expression and sorted out his plans.

Click. The bathroom door opened. Francia appeared along with a puff of steam.

She adjusted her flowing white gown and tilted her head.

“What’s wrong? Your expression is serious.”

“No, I was just thinking about what to have for lunch today.”

“Hmm, really? Even John thinks so simply.”

Francia chuckled and sat down next to Johan, leaning her face against his shoulder.

“I was so happy yesterday because I was full of John.”

“Me too.”

“Haha, that can’t be helped.”

Although she only showed a cold and sharp impression to others, she showed a soft side only to Yohan.

Francia asked.

“What would you like to eat?”

“It might be inconvenient to walk, so I think it would be better to eat at the hotel.”

“Hmm. I like that kind of delicate side. Added favor points.”

As Francia smiled, Johan quickly picked up the summoning tool next to the bed.

“Then I’ll tell you right away.”

“Yes.”

She was so filled with joy that she wondered if she could possibly enjoy such a happy everyday life.

* * *

Crunch. Crunch.

A woman walked down a hallway that seemed to be immersed in a heavy, profound silence.

Crunch. Crunch.

There was no hesitation or fear in her steps. Her expression hardened coldly and she crossed the hallway and headed toward a room.

Crunch. Crunch.

Down the shadowy hallway, shaded by moonlight, the sound of her shoes echoed coldly.

The pure white silver hair that followed her resembled the softly twinkling moonlight, and her sparkling blue eyes were like the moon rising straight up in the night sky.

Bam!

The arched door opened and a luxurious room was revealed.

She walked into the room without hesitation and kicked the covers off the bed.

A man and a woman were rolling around naked on the bed.

“… Rudella?”

The man frowned and glared at her in sudden awakening.

“Your Highness, did you enjoy the entertainment?”

She- Rudela Bismark looked back and forth between Crown Prince Fedelian Rosino and the woman with a cold gaze.

“Hi, eek… !”

The woman who had been lying down with Fedelian’s arm as a pillow starts to get startled and starts to pack her clothes.

“… … .”

Rudela Bismark looked at the woman in silence. Her eyes were cold. They were full of contempt. Her hands, gathering her clothes, became faster.

“shi, excuse me!”

She ran out in a hurry, and Rudella opened her red lips.

“Aren’t you tired?”

“What does it mean?”

“Are you really saying this because you don’t know?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I mean, taking another woman into your bedroom.”

Her blue eyes sparkled. Her eyes, reflecting the moonlight, held no emotion.

“Haha, I was wondering what you were going to say. Was that it?”

Fedelian nodded, pushing back his bangs.

“Isn’t this all because you rejected me? It’s not all my fault.”

Snap. The sound of Rudella’s teeth grinding could be heard. However, Fedelian paid no attention to it at all, smiled leisurely, and laid his back against the headboard of the bed.

“So, why did you come here today?”

“I heard you called together the magic practitioners.”

Fedelian tilted his head with a puzzled expression.

“Why is that?”

“You really don’t know?”

Rudella swallowed a silent sigh and continued speaking.

“… Your Highness, the Crown Prince. You must not approach the practitioners of the magic. Your Highness is the one who will rule the empire higher than heaven, so you must keep your distance from them─”

“Ah, stop it.”

Rudel’s lips twisted at his attitude full of evidence.

He continued.

“Do you know why I hate you? It’s because you’re just full of old-fashioned behavior. You’re my fiancée, but you don’t even spend the night with me, saying you’re a virgin before marriage, and you find fault with everything I do.”

Fedelian, who had said so, shook his head with a tired expression.

“If you always act like that, you’ll get sick of it even if it’s not me. You won’t want to deal with me either. Who would like a woman with such a stiff personality?”

The barbed words continued.

“If it weren’t for the engagement that His Majesty decided, you would have been abandoned long ago. What could you possibly expect from such a boring and unattractive woman?”

The sharp words flew like a dagger and stabbed her in the chest.

“Well, I guess I can overlook the looks, but.”

Kuk. Rudela Bismark unconsciously bit her lip. She clenched her fists. Her nails dug into her palms, drawing blood.

“…Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

“Ah. Okay.”

Fedelian waved his hand and said.

“If you’re going to keep nagging me, I won’t listen. Just give up and leave.”

The blue eyes sank coldly. The Crown Prince’s fiancée, the future empress, Rudela Bismark, took a deep breath and quietly lowered her head.

“… I hope you return safely from today’s cave scouting.”

She said that and left the room.

In the moonlit hallway, a deep sigh was heard.

* * *

The next morning.

Knights and soldiers gather at the training grounds to check their weapons.

At first glance, it seemed like a peaceful scene, but their faces were tense.

“Attention everyone!”

At that moment, Crown Prince Fedelian, who had climbed up onto the central platform of the training ground, shouted loudly.

“Today is the usual den reconnaissance mission! It’s also time to work for the empire and people who gave you your rights!”

The knights and soldiers’ eyes were fixed on him.

”It is a dangerous mission that could cost you your life, but you are the valiant knights and soldiers of the Empire! Do not fear! I, Crown Prince Fedelian Rosino, will protect you!”

He drew his sword and held it high. The hilt gleamed golden in the sunlight, and the light on the tip of the sword reminded him of a supernova.

“Wow!!”

“Long live His Highness the Crown Prince!”

Fedelian continued.

“You will survive! You will see your family again! You will return to your cozy home! Are you ready, everyone?”

The knights and soldiers, whose morale was greatly boosted by his speech, shouted.

“Yes!!”

Fedelian chuckled.

“Prepare for battle!”

As soon as he finished speaking, the knights and soldiers began to move in unison. Their stiff faces had long since relaxed.

‘… You even know how to make a speech like that.’

Johan, who had finished his preparations and was waiting for Francia, hardened his expression.

‘Isn’t he the crown prince for nothing?’

When I saw his work, I thought he was just a crazy bastard for Francia, but it seems he wasn’t that crazy in public either.

‘Well, he must have some skills as a special reporter.’

Just then, someone tapped John on the back from behind.

“Hoohoo, it’s me!”

It was Francia. She smiled and met Johan’s gaze.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes. I brought all the equipment and potions.”

John turned his gaze to her side bag. It didn’t contain much, but it would be enough for the knights to guard it.

“By the way, it’s a shame that they’re from a different unit. Is it because they’re special magicians?”

“I guess so. There’s no need to have two special magicians in the same unit.”

In fact, the crown prince may have had a little bit of selfish intentions.

While it may be a valid reason not to assign a special magician to the same unit, it is another matter to completely turn the squad in the opposite direction.

“Oh, by the way, I have something to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“Beware of the little duke of Lenokhonen.”

Francia’s eyes narrowed.

“… … Why?”

“The rumors are not good.”

“Is there a rumor about Jeon Jang-gwi?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm… … .”

She was momentarily skeptical, but since it was John speaking, she nodded.

“Okay, I’ll be careful.”

“Okay.”

John smiled and looked straight ahead. It was before the scouting of the cave began.

“… … .”

Francia looked at his back, lost in thought.

‘How did you know that Cassis Lenokhonen was dangerous?’

Of course, there are rumors that he is a warlord who has no mercy.

But is that the only thing that tells you to be careful? No. John is not the type to believe such rumors.

Here Francia made a hypothesis.

‘… Do you vaguely remember the past that has disappeared?’