Ch.39Peek-a-boo

I met with the princess and on the way back, I heard about the kingdom’s situation from Serin.

The kingdom, which had appeared normal at the glance during the banquet, was actually maintaining a precarious peace.

This was markedly different from the Bellonin Empire’s situation.

In the Bellonin Empire, the imperial faction and the deposition faction were in opposition, making governance somewhat inefficient. Of course, there were some sparks of rebellion, but as long as the current Emperor lived, such dreams remained distant.

In contrast, the Carnar Kingdom was truly facing imminent destruction.

“Black Magic… you say?”

“Yes. A dark art that destroys people’s minds is spreading secretly. Not just among commoners, but also among many nobles, and even most of the royal family except for the Second Prince.”

“And until now, the princess and the Second Prince have been dealing with this?”

“That’s right.”

“Are you saying they’ve been removing the Black Magic?”

“No, Black Magic can only be undone by the caster directly, or when they die. What those two have accomplished is merely preventing the conspiracies of those exposed to Black Magic.”

“Hmm…”

I couldn’t understand what mindset led Serin to boldly promise to help the princess. Serin was, after all, an imperial princess of the Empire, with little reason to sacrifice herself for the Carnar Kingdom.

Even if the entire Carnar Kingdom fell to a group of Black Magic practitioners, invading the Empire would be impossible. As long as the current Emperor Harum Literion ruled, no one could threaten the Empire.

Though our meeting was brief, the Serin’s father I witnessed was someone who had far transcended human limitations.

‘Even for national interest, there’s no reason for Serin to help at the risk of facing threats.’

National interests can only be achieved if Serin stays alive. As her guard, I’ll do my duty, but I couldn’t completely approve of Serin’s decision.

‘Could it be… because we’re a people of justice? Is that identity so important to you?’

Since this was confidential information I dared not disclose, I kept my mouth shut and listened attentively to Serin’s story.

“We’ll be busy starting tomorrow. We’re going to raid the ‘Mansion of the Sorcerer.'”

“Is that the headquarters of the Black Magic practitioners?”

“Yes.”

“If they already know about it but leave it alone, I suppose that means there’s no evidence.”

“That’s part of it… and it’s also a place they can’t afford to lose, so it’s difficult to make a decision.”

“I see. That makes sense.”

The “Mansion of the Sorcerer” refers to clusters of sorcerers distributed across various countries.

Sorcerers were typically reclusive by nature. Therefore, they all created areas separate from society where they resided.

The reason why nations tolerated such potentially powerful groups was simple: the Mansion of the Sorcerer dramatically improved people’s standard of living.

They created magical tools accessible even to commoners, benefiting society widely, and thus enjoyed popular support. Moreover, they had long maintained mutually beneficial relationships with national leadership.

“Serin, can we trust the Mansion of the Sorcerer located in the Empire?”

“Don’t worry. Only the kingdom’s mansion has been corrupted.”

“That’s a relief.”

Suddenly, I felt an impulse.

What if I sneaked out overnight and destroyed them all? Wouldn’t that end everything?

But the images of Rodrick and Eshtiel flashed in my mind, holding me back. Besides, I shouldn’t do anything that would put Serin in a difficult position.

In the end, I had no choice but to follow Serin’s decision.

“By the way, Rian. Setting aside the kingdom’s affairs… there’s something I’ve been curious about. May I ask?”

“Of course, feel free.”

Despite my ready permission, Serin hesitated. What could she be curious about?

After a moment, Serin spoke.

“Well… Rian, you’re now the Captain of the Knights, right?”

“It’s an undeserved position… but yes, that’s correct.”

“But I’ve never seen you wearing a sword. Can you even use swordsmanship…?”

“…Ah.”

Her question hit me like a blow to the back of my head.

Only after hearing Serin’s question did I reflect on myself.

‘A knight… needs a sword, don’t they…’

In truth, I could quickly create a sword using Pou. However, that’s a method I couldn’t proudly display to others, so it was out of the question. Therefore, I didn’t have a proper sword at all.

And as for being skilled with a sword…

‘No, I’m not.’

I’ve never trained in swordsmanship, let alone basic combat techniques. I’ve never encountered difficulties with movements I’ve merely imitated from others.

I suddenly felt a sense of self-loathing.

“I’m sorry for being such an unworthy Captain of Knights…”

“What…? Rian?”

“I’ve realized it. That I’m an incredibly shameless person.”

“Hey, no, why are you suddenly like this?! Why are you suddenly throwing your self-esteem into the gutter…”

Hearing my self-criticism, Serin gasped in exasperation and patted her knee.

“Come here. My pretty little kitten. Now I have to comfort you again.”

“No. I’m a Knight Captain unworthy of comfort.”

“Oh come on, you should come when I tell you to, you stubborn Knight Captain.”

“I… ugh.”

Serin’s strength, pulling me in like an antlion’s pit, was considerable. Though not impossible to resist, there was an embracing warmth there that was difficult to fight against.

I surrendered to the mysterious warmth she emitted.

The carriage journey to the residence proceeded in this manner.

◇

Peek. Peek.

Inside a carriage at Duke Rupenter’s Estate. A little girl lifted the seat slightly and raised her head.

This space under the seat was originally designed for storing simple luggage. But the girl had hidden there, patiently waiting for an opportunity—an opportunity to escape before they could take her away without resistance.

The girl’s plan was excellent, but one major mistake ruined everything. Finding the seat unexpectedly comfortable, she had accidentally drifted off to dreamland.

“Where am I…?”

Strange. She clearly remembered hearing her brother and sister talking in the carriage…

Eshtiel was confused as she looked at the unfamiliar buildings outside.

“What should I do…?”

It had been a smooth journey until now.

At first, her adventure began by secretly boarding the luggage carriage following her brother, bringing water and food.

She conserved food and water, sneaking out late at night to take care of necessities.

That’s how she entrusted herself to the luggage carriage all the way to the residence assigned to Serin.

If there was a problem, it was that after running away all the way to a foreign country, she became afraid of the consequences. Even after reaching Rahilt and Serin’s shelter, Eshtiel couldn’t muster the courage to come forward. She was afraid of being scolded for following them without permission.

Then she sensed workers near the luggage carriage. Realizing she couldn’t hide forever, Eshtiel concealed herself in a nearby parked carriage. It was a coincidence made possible because the coachman had gone to attend to other matters.

The carriage Eshtiel entered belonged to Second Prince Luca Ioreen. It was when Luca had visited to invite Rahilt and Serin to Kanarin’s mansion.

Thus began Eshtiel’s adventure of stowing away in Luca’s carriage. Of course, simultaneously embarking on an adventure to dreamland was a critical error.

“Mmm…”

Eshtiel carefully emerged from the empty space under the seat. The sight of a small child struggling alone to push open the carriage door was utterly pitiful.

“Eeek…”

Just as she was using all her strength to push the door open—

Clunk!

Suddenly, the carriage door opened. Eshtiel’s center of gravity, which had been directed straight forward, inevitably shifted rapidly.

“Wah!”

“Whoa?!”

Two screams intersected. As if by agreement, they were high-pitched sounds full of bewilderment.

Eshtiel closed her eyes tightly as she saw the ground approaching. But the sensation she felt immediately after was a floating feeling she had never experienced before.

“Huh…?”

Eshtiel slowly half-opened her eyes. The scene she saw was, strangely, herself floating in the air. When she gently landed, she let out a wistful sigh at how fun the experience had been.

Meanwhile, Luca—the person who had saved Eshtiel—raised his eyes in surprise.

“Who might this little lady be, and why are you here?”

It was the most polite tone he could manage in his surprised state. Even to Eshtiel’s eyes, he didn’t seem “bad,” so she relaxed and felt relieved.

“I’m Eshtiel.”

“I see.”

Luca tried to understand while calming his trembling hands. He had seen children many times in his life, but Eshtiel’s cuteness—from head to toe, even her voice and speech—was beyond imagination.

He wanted to pat her head first, regardless of how suspicious the situation might be. Had reason not held his hand back, he would certainly have done so.

“Who are you…?”

“The owner of the carriage you were riding in.”

“Oh! I’m sorry. I fell asleep under the seat and just woke up.”

“Since when?”

“Since this morning?”

“What?! That’s insane, what if you had suffocated…!!!”

“There were little holes, so I was okay.”

“Well…”

It’s true there were ventilation holes to prevent moisture buildup. Still, staying in such a cramped space must have been incredibly uncomfortable…!

“Where is this?”

“This is Duke Rupenter’s Estate.”

“Did Rihart brother and Serin sister come here too?”

“Um… you mean Her Highness Princess Serinel and Sir Rihart?”

“Yes!”

Luca fell into extreme confusion.

The sight of this disheveled child who had stowed away in his carriage referring to the princess and her guard with such familiarity caused cognitive dissonance.

But if her connection to them was real, he couldn’t just let this pass.

Luca extended his hand to Eshtiel.

“First… you said your name is Eshtiel? Would you like to stay here tonight?”

“I’d love to.”

Eshtiel agreed readily without hesitation. Her uninhibited attitude suggested she was a child raised in privilege.

‘Well… Kanarin would like her too. She might even want to sleep with her in her arms.’

This was why Luca, who had been about to return to the palace, turned his steps back to the Duke’s estate.

Eshtiel had no idea.

That this moment was another turning point that would set her future in motion once again.