Ch.51Shining Knight (9)

This morning was similar to the others. I kept feeling eyes on me. My inner anxiety continued to grow until it was visible on my face.

With a more hardened expression, I stayed closer to Daisy. One hand always rested on my sword, and my eyes scanned everywhere.

“…..”

Daisy looked up at me as I stuck close to her. Since I couldn’t explain why I was acting this way, it was inevitable that she would find my behavior strange.

“Well, good luck with your classes today.”

After escorting Daisy to her classroom, I bowed my head. She waved at me as she entered.

Judy and Asena, who had followed behind us, passed by me.

Judy, like me, greeted Asena. After acknowledging Judy’s greeting, Asena paused before entering the classroom.

She blinked twice, then slowly turned her head to look at me. I noticed her gaze and met her eyes.

Our gazes connected in midair.

Had the moment finally come? Would she apologize to me like Kirsy had? Was this proud girl finally acknowledging her mistake?

But Asena just looked at me, then turned away weakly and entered the classroom without saying a word.

I looked at Judy who remained behind and shrugged. Disappointing, but apparently not today.

Suddenly, I realized this disappointment was greater than expected. Perhaps I too was longing for reconciliation with her. Though I couldn’t approach her first.

Especially since Kirsy had approached me first to apologize, I couldn’t give Asena special treatment.

As many nobles entered the classroom, the door closed, and silence began to fill the corridor where Judy and I stood.

“Everything okay?”

I asked Judy casually. When classes started, we often chatted to pass the time. I was already thinking about what we might discuss today.

Recently, my conversations with Asena and Kirsy had decreased, so I needed someone new to talk with. Of course, the inability to speak with the twins was partly due to the atmosphere surrounding us, but also because of this guard duty itself.

“….”

Oddly, Judy didn’t answer my question. She didn’t seem lost in thought or like she hadn’t heard me.

She clearly heard me but simply wasn’t responding.

“….Judy? Did something bad happen today?”

At my follow-up question, she sighed and closed her eyes. With each unexpected reaction, my nerves grew sharper.

Her response didn’t seem to be a good sign. It appeared she had something important to say.

“….Caden.”

She called my name in a subdued voice.

“….Yes.”

“I said I wouldn’t tell you… but I think I need to talk about it.”

“……About what?”

I was now squinting at Judy with half-closed eyes.

“……You asked me to tell you if Asena did anything unusual or met with anyone.”

“…..”

At those words, my mouth froze. Based on what I’d recently seen and felt, I was beginning to anticipate what Judy would say next. Could it be that Asena had actually made a move? Were the gazes I’d been feeling lately not my imagination?

And Judy’s next words were indeed not good news.

“…..Shallon Payne. You know her?”

“…Payne?”

“Asena met with Shallon Payne.”

*****

The Payne Family.

They’re known as “the Praester Family’s dagger.” I don’t think there’s a more accurate description of the Payne family than that.

Though they didn’t appear much in the novel, right before my possession of this body, it was revealed how much espionage activity the Payne family had conducted.

The twins had apparently assigned many missions to Shallon Payne, and each time, Shallon completed them perfectly.

Of course, having the Praester family to support her actions allowed her to be more reckless and aggressive, which contributed to her high success rate.

After possessing this body in this world, I was able to observe more closely what kind of relationship the Payne family had with the Praesters.

Even Grandmother Riana said they were a capable group. She told me to seek their help if anything happened. Indeed, they were worthy of being called a family’s dagger.

But hearing that name from Judy made my mood sink. Shallon’s name wasn’t one I expected to hear during my Academy life.

Since we weren’t at war or engaged in any political conflicts, there was no need for them.

Why would you need a dagger when there’s no one to stab?

But Judy had mentioned that name to me.

Asena had met with Shallon Payne.

“……”

I didn’t even tell her not to lie. Everything seemed to fall into place.

The gardener who had made eye contact with me. The occasional glances when we passed by. They were indeed watching us.

Judy continued.

“…I don’t know what they talked about. I couldn’t hear that far.”

“…..”

“But since I know what the Payne family is known for… I thought I should tell you.”

My heart started pounding.

Is Daisy the target? Are they targeting Daisy even though they know I’m guarding her? It couldn’t possibly be me, since Shallon’s loyalty would include me as well.

It’s more reasonable to assume they’re targeting Daisy.

“…Thank you.”

All my thoughts about what conversation to have became pointless. My head was filled with other thoughts after Judy’s words. I crouched down and pressed my joined hands to my lips.

What should I do now?

Regardless of what Asena might have done, what should I do right now?

Should I approach Asena and confront her about what she’s doing? What if she denies it? Or what if she hasn’t said anything at all? With people already moving, this wasn’t very likely, but it wasn’t completely impossible either.

Moreover, I wanted to believe in Asena. I truly didn’t think she would go this far.

Then, should I find Shallon Payne, the intermediary, and tell her to stop whatever she’s doing? But what if Shallon isn’t loyal to me? What if I’m the target, not Daisy? Of course, that’s absurd, but in my current state of uncertainty, I can’t be sure of anything. Shallon might not respect me as an adopted child and might be trying to remove me because I’m making things difficult for Asena.

My head is a mess. This sudden problem has started a chain of worries.

“…When did this happen?”

I asked Judy.

“…Two days ago.”

The timing fits perfectly. My instincts had been warning me since yesterday… they must have started moving within a day.

If they’re targeting Daisy, what should I do?

If an enemy approaches suddenly, can I fend them off?

There’s a big difference between striking first and being struck first. If I allow a fatal blow in a defenseless state, no matter how much I’ve trained, Daisy could be in danger too.

But would Asena really do such a thing? Of course, in the novel, she did many incomprehensible things.

If the twins took a disliking to someone, that person would be attacked immediately. She often seemed to play the role of executioner, eliminating characters unnecessary to the novel.

But since my possession made this world real, or as I grew up with them, they’ve never done such incomprehensible things.

There was always a reasonable explanation for their actions.

So if Asena has now decided to attack Daisy, it would mark the beginning of their erratic behavior.

I’m starting to wish I had never read the novel. Then I wouldn’t have these absurd suspicions.

I could trust the Asena I grew up with and believe she wouldn’t do anything wrong.

But in the novel, the vivid memories of their villainous actions kept creating doubts in my mind.

Could Asena really have decided to attack Daisy? For reasons unknown, could that be true?

Could they already be evil? Are they trying to create conflict?

“…..”

I closed my eyes. I needed to act, but I also needed time.

****

The rest of the day passed quite quickly, perhaps because my mind was so preoccupied. While I was lost in thought, the sun began to set, and it was time for Daisy to return to the dormitory.

I still hadn’t spoken with Asena. Though I desperately wanted to ask her, I disliked the very idea of suspecting her.

The affection in my heart kept telling me to trust her. Of course, there was clear evidence that someone was watching us, but I still wanted to believe it wasn’t Asena’s doing.

While I was deep in thought, we arrived at the dormitory door, and Daisy turned to look at me.

“Caden. Thank you again for today.”

“…..”

“Go rest quickly. You look… quite tired today.”

Seeing that I was still distracted and not responding, she slowly reached out her hand.

Gently placing her hand on my arm, she said:

“…I don’t know what’s troubling you, but is there any way I can help?”

“What?”

“Sometimes, it seems like you often worry alone.”

“…..”

“Is it because you grew up as an older brother? Sometimes you should learn to rely on others…”

“…..”

“Ah…! Perhaps you just don’t tell me? Maybe you have other friends you share your worries with. Like Judy Ice.”

“Judy?”

“Yes. You two seem close sometimes. Ah, that’s not what I meant to say. Anyway, I wanted to tell you not to keep your troubles to yourself. Sometimes, holding it in can be poisonous.”

The warmth from Daisy’s touch was comforting. Even my heart felt consoled. Despite being younger than me, she seemed more mature. How did she develop such a strong spirit? I was still swaying like a reed in the wind when it came to the twins.

….Certainly, the more I see her, the more I understand why I liked Daisy while reading the novel. That feeling wasn’t a mistake. Daisy truly seemed to possess a shining personality.

That’s probably why I pledged my loyalty to her during this guard duty. That’s why the twins’ words about not protecting Daisy had provoked me.

And now, this Daisy might be someone’s target. As I sorted through my thoughts one by one, the source of my anxiety became clearer.

One was the twins becoming villains.

The other was Daisy being attacked.

Both were worst-case scenarios I didn’t want to face.

“Daisy.”

Finally, I spoke.

“Yes?”

She blinked curiously, looking up at me.

“…Daisy, listen carefully to what I’m about to say.”

At my words, which might have sounded frightening, her face took on a determined expression. She seemed to be steeling herself for an obstacle ahead.

“I’m listening.”

“Daisy, recently, people have been spying on us.”

“…..What?”

“I’m not certain, but something is definitely happening.”

“…..”

“Have you ever had conflicts with any family? It might help if I know.”

Hoping the twins weren’t the culprits, or perhaps clutching at straws, I asked Daisy, but…

“…If you’re talking about recent heated moments… the only one was when the twins and Caden fought right here…”

“….”

Cursing inwardly, I said to Daisy:

“Daisy. We need to be careful from now on. I’ll stay close and protect you, but it’s better if you’re mentally prepared too, so you won’t be shocked if something happens.”

“…..”

Daisy nodded.

“…Alright. Daisy, I’m sorry for complicating things. Go in and rest now. I’ll be going too.”

“….Okay, Caden. I’ll… see you tomorrow?”

Her voice had definitely become stiffer than before. I felt uncomfortable knowing she now had something to worry about.

But there was no choice. I greeted her and then left the women’s dormitory.

****

The discomfort was momentary. On my way back, I tried to shake off these feelings.

Emotions are of no help. In the end, problems are solved through actions taken with arms and legs. And if my head is complicated, my body will stiffen too. I needed to clear my mind now.

Besides, I still had a remaining schedule.

Today was the day I was supposed to meet Ewin. Since it was still evening and the sun hadn’t completely set, I thought we had plenty of time to talk.

It had been a while since I’d seen my sister, and I didn’t want to bring these emotions when meeting her. Even if I felt uncomfortable, I wanted to greet her with a smile.

As I turned from a large building, I saw Ewin in the distance. She seemed to have finished her work, as she was sitting on a tree stump near the kitchen, enjoying the scenery.

It’s a bit hazy since it was 10 years ago, but I think 8-year-old Ewin also liked watching sunsets like this.

The reason I’m not certain is that I might be confusing her with the twins. The twins definitely loved sunsets.

As I was about to feel at ease seeing her so comfortable, my footsteps halted.

Someone caught my eye.

Between me and Ewin, a man was lurking behind a pillar.

I felt my chest grow cold. My hand moved to the hilt of my sword.

I had seen his back many times recently. So many times that it was now familiar.

The fact that he was now watching Ewin too felt like a whip to my body.

Enough thinking. Time to act.

I moved forward and positioned myself behind him. He seemed so focused on watching Ewin that he didn’t notice my presence.

“Excuse me.”

I called out to him in a gentle tone.

The man turned to me, startled. After seeing my face, the color drained from his.

“What are you doing?”

When I asked, the man fumbled in panic, waving his hands awkwardly in the air several times, then began to make excuses in a trembling voice:

“Ah…! That..! Well…! That woman over there is so beautiful… so I-“

That was enough.

I roughly grabbed his collar, tripped him, and slammed him to the ground.

-Thud!

“Ugh!”

I mounted him and looked down.

Discarding my gentle voice, I coldly asked:

“Do you know what happens when you lie to a Praester?”

“..ugh…guh..”

The man was groaning from the shock beneath me. But since he was clearly listening to my words, I continued:

“I heard that Praesters of the past would cut out tongues.”

“No..! Really..”

“To prevent people from messing with us.”

I uttered a threat as I drew my sword.

Daisy and Ewin. They had already become people who were part of my life.

The man groaned as he saw the sharp blade.

“You know why I’m doing this.”

“….ugh…”

The man’s eyes were fixed on the blade approaching his neck.

As the cold metal touched his throat, he looked at me with wide eyes.

“Who sent you?”

“I… I really…”

My eyes scanned his disheveled clothes. I didn’t miss the black marking on his skin.

With my free hand, I roughly pulled down his clothes, revealing a symbol.

I couldn’t identify what kind of symbol it was, but it was clear that this man belonged to some organization.

“…What’s this?”

“….P-please spare me.”

“Tell the truth, and I’ll let you live.”

I gripped the sword handle tighter.