Ch.52Breaking Off an Engagement Carefully (2)

The atmosphere at the Duke’s residence was always rather heavy.

However, the current atmosphere felt even more oppressive than usual.

I had suspected something was amiss from the moment Roman brought up that topic.

This clearly wasn’t something to be taken lightly.

Yuris, Roman, Hatan, Kilrog, Medib.

These were the five great houses of the Empire, still maintaining their positions under the banner of protecting Evangelium and safeguarding the Imperial family.

Recently, however, an unsettling rumor had been circulating—that the five great houses were connected to dark mages.

Thus, an investigation was launched.

The first target of this secret investigation, which began about three years ago, was surprisingly the House of Roman. The Sword of Roman, a house founded by a knight who had protected the Emperor since the establishment of the Empire.

Since they were second only to House Yuris in loyalty and had never been involved in any scandals, opinions were divided when the investigation began.

Many doubted the possibility, saying that while Kilrog or Hatan might be suspicious, Roman would never be involved. However, now that time had passed, it was clear that Airine’s mention of Roman was definitely related to dark mages.

I remembered Adel Roman’s eyes. Those purple eyes that looked exactly like Zhanzir’s. Had they always possessed those eyes that were characteristic of those who practiced dark magic?

And that inscrutable, somehow unsettling smile.

As I narrowed my eyes at these recollections, Airine entered the room, sat in a chair, and stared at me intently.

“Do you remember what you asked me before? About the person named Adel Roman.”

She was getting straight to the point. As I tried to recall what I had asked about Adel Roman, I tilted my head and spoke.

“About his eye color? Whether they were originally purple?”

“Yes. I’ve been thinking about what you mentioned to me last time.”

Saying that, Airine handed me an old book and continued speaking.

“Do you know how long the Empire’s history is?”

“Well, I believe it’s about a thousand years.”

“That’s right. A thousand years ago, Alarar, the founder of the Empire, established the country in Evangelium, leading the founders of what are now known as the five great houses.”

I nodded in agreement. The founding myth of the Empire was a story I knew well by now.

The fairy tale about how Alarar, the first Emperor, established the Empire was a story that every child in this world had heard countless times.

The book Airine handed me was related to this founding myth. However, what was different was that it was labeled as the “first edition” of the founding myth.

What could be different in the first edition? With this question in mind, I looked at Airine, who slowly began to speak.

“Many parts of the story are omitted in the fairy tale books circulating in the Empire. Many illustrations from the first edition were also omitted. I spent quite some time acquiring this first edition, and I found something interesting.”

“What’s interesting about it?”

“It’s better if you read it yourself. It’ll be faster than explaining it verbally.”

As I slowly turned the pages, the paper felt incredibly delicate, as if it would tear with the slightest pressure.

As I focused on the content, I realized that the beginning wasn’t much different from what I already knew.

The story of Alarar and his companions: Seren Roman, Yeger Medib, Aize Kilrog, Duran Yuris, and Shura Hatan.

Alarar was a child born with a star inside him, and the five companions who were drawn to his wisdom and bravery.

The beginning of this mythical tale about capturing the ancient dragon that had been ravaging the world was surprisingly ordinary.

‘The Mercenaries of Ash.’ It was quite amusing that such a humble mercenary group eventually became the founders of an empire that controlled the entire continent.

Being a first edition, it didn’t have as many vague fairy tale-like descriptions. There were some far-fetched stories, like beheading a wolf that had swallowed an entire village or capturing a snake that had coiled around a mountain, but being the first edition, it was probably closer to the truth.

The catalyst for them establishing the Empire was the sudden appearance of an ancient dragon.

In the ancient times of human history, when the continent was divided into various tribes rather than nations, there was a need to gather the people of the continent in one place to fight against the dragon.

The ancient dragon ‘Mabet’ brought destruction and downfall by its mere existence, and only Alarar could stop it.

Without hesitation, Alarar drew his sword. The companions who helped him when he tried to slay Mabet with the sacred sword passed down in the sacred land of Evangelium were the founders of the five great houses, and Alarar, who eventually defeated and sealed Mabet, established the Empire with Evangelium as its capital.

“There doesn’t seem to be anything special about this.”

I couldn’t help but say that. The descriptions were a bit more detailed, but that was about it.

I didn’t find anything particularly striking while reading. When I responded this way, Airine frowned and pointed at the book with her finger.

“Read more carefully. Didn’t you notice anything strange in the illustrations?”

“…Illustrations.”

At her words, I narrowed my eyes and looked at the illustrations.

Honestly, I hadn’t found anything strange while reading. Thinking that I might have been too focused on the text, I slowly examined the illustrations, and I couldn’t help but frown at one particular illustration.

The scene where Alarar confronts the dragon with his sword.

The only colored illustration among all the illustrations, though slightly faded, still retained its colors.

After briefly smiling at Duran Yuris’s blue eyes, characteristic of the Yuris family, I could find the strange point when I looked at Seren Roman’s eyes.

“His eyes are red.”

Though the color had faded, Seren Roman’s eyes were clearly red.

The same red as Alarar’s. As I questioned this, Airine spoke.

“Seren Roman wasn’t just a companion to Alarar. Alarar’s original surname was Roman.”

“Were they relatives?”

“There’s a reason they’re called the Sword of Roman. The title of ‘Sword’ was bestowed upon them, derived from the sacred sword that Alarar wielded, marking the beginning of the Roman family.”

Sword, Shield, Eye, Magic, Shadow.

Well, all ducal houses have their titles, but I couldn’t help but be surprised by the fact that Roman was actually of imperial lineage.

The red eyes of the Crown Prince were still being passed down, so the purple eyes of Roman would stand out clearly.

“Couldn’t it have diluted over time?”

“…That’s what’s commonly believed. That because they didn’t inherit the Emperor’s bloodline, their blood gradually diluted, resulting in the current Roman family.”

Saying it’s “commonly believed” clearly implied there was something more. But what could be hidden? When I asked, Airine smiled bitterly and spoke.

“When I first saw Lord Adel, I remember his eyes were indeed purple. The Duke of Roman also has purple eyes, and they’ve been passed down for generations. However, the Roman family’s eyes became purple from a certain point in time.”

“From a certain point?”

“300 years ago, precisely when dark mages first appeared in the Empire.”

Airine’s expression hardened. The name “dark mage” was the Empire’s public enemy, especially for House Yuris, which had suffered greatly at their hands.

While it’s commonly believed that dark mages appeared a few decades ago when Extinction was active, they actually first emerged 300 years ago. However, they were such a minor force that they were forgotten, only to reappear later and truly shake the Empire, becoming public enemies.

300 years is certainly long enough for people to forget.

Even if the eye color changed, if it happened gradually rather than suddenly, it wouldn’t be easy to notice.

“Are you certain?”

“We’ll need to investigate further, but various circumstances point to a connection between Roman and dark mages. Do you remember a slave trader who disappeared recently?”

“I’m aware. Wasn’t House Roman investigating it?”

“The verdict was ’cause unknown,’ but is it really unknown? Among dark magic, there’s definitely a ritual that involves offering sacrifices to summon something. They might have covered it up.”

However, this was all circumstantial evidence.

Honestly, it would be too presumptuous to label them as dark mages based solely on eye color and circumstances, given the immense prestige of the Roman name.

We needed concrete evidence. Evidence that would convince everyone and could be publicly verified.

With this thought, I quietly looked at her, and Airine, after taking a sip of tea, pointed at the teacup and spoke.

“Do you know where this teacup was made?”

What was she talking about all of a sudden? As I narrowed my eyes at her words, Airine smiled slightly and spoke.

“It’s made in Count Kasim’s territory near the capital. While they’re known for their craftsmanship, there’s something more important.”

“What’s important?”

“They absolutely despise dark mages. If we collaborate with them, we might be able to create a tool that can detect dark magic.”

And on another paper she handed me, “Kasim” was written, so I couldn’t help but laugh wryly as I looked at her.

“Looks like I’ll have to be your ball partner once more.”

#

“…Sigh.”

To be honest, I wasn’t fond of sudden situations.

The process of attending a ball was already complicated, and having Airine as my partner was quite burdensome.

Since we were going to seek cooperation regarding dark mages, I couldn’t go with Adel Roman, but being her partner…

Unlike at the Crystal Palace when I hadn’t recognized my feelings, now the sensation was distinctly different.

Holding hands, feeling her warmth—all of these things made my heart flutter, and it was hard to bear.

And since I wasn’t oblivious to what Airine’s changed attitude meant, I couldn’t help but feel conflicted about her choosing me as her partner.

I had thought long about how Airine felt about me.

Her attitude had been gradually softening for some time, but the clear change began a few years ago.

She cared about the letters I received, the gifts I gave to Rofena, and she got irritated when she heard rumors of me meeting other ladies. I wasn’t foolish enough not to understand what all this meant.

What should I do? I pondered this all night, but in the end, nothing really changed in my daily life.

There were still too many issues to resolve, and I had promised myself not to confess my feelings until all situations were concluded.

…Perhaps after some time, if this Roman issue is resolved well, my thoughts might change.

But it was clear that now wasn’t the time.

I didn’t particularly like balls.

The gazes that poured on me whenever I went to such places were bearable at first, but now they had started to become a bit sticky.

I wasn’t sure how effective Airine’s warnings, sent by burning letters, would be, but I hoped I could be a bit more comfortable at this ball.

“How about this?”

The first preparation for attending a ball was, of course, the attire.

I wanted something a bit more modest rather than flashy, something suitable for escorting Airine.

But every outfit Rize brought was invariably flashy, making me frown.

“I asked for something a bit more subdued, but they’re all so flashy.”

“You’re the one who’s too flashy. You don’t realize how modest these are.”

“…Well, I guess I can’t help it then.”

My reflection in the mirror always looked presentable.

Even with just a shirt on, my muscles were accentuated, and my seemingly cold eyes transformed into a gentle expression when I smiled slightly.

As I smiled slightly at the mirror, Rize beside me held her breath, and feeling uncomfortable with such a reaction, I narrowed my eyes.

“Why are you so surprised? You see me every day.”

“Even seeing you every day, it’s a bit… I’m amazed at the lady. Having a knight like you by her side and not having any thoughts. She’s truly admirable.”

‘I don’t think she has no thoughts…’

But that was something only I knew.

I chuckled at her words, and Rize, after caressing her cheek, adjusted my attire and stared at me.

Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and thinking that I wouldn’t be able to laugh in the Duke’s residence at this rate, I hardened my expression, causing Rize to exhale and hastily step back.

“Ah, um. I’m done now.”

“…Thank you.”

It’s sad that I can’t even laugh comfortably in the Duke’s residence now. My mouth felt bitter.

After getting dressed and stepping outside, I heard the distant sound of a horse neighing.

Was the carriage already prepared? Well, if we didn’t leave now, it would take a lot of time to reach our destination.

“Rofena, listen to Sir Chris well. And don’t get caught stealing cookies again.”

“Come on, am I a child? Don’t say such things and just make sure you don’t get hurt. You always come back injured from somewhere.”

Her pouting lips while still showing concern for me was adorable, so I patted her cheek, causing her to frown before giving me a bright smile.

“Have a safe trip.”

“Yeah, you take care too.”

As for Sir Chris… I probably wouldn’t be able to say goodbye to him.

It was a bit regrettable, but what could I do?

Checking the sword in my possession, I walked slowly, and soon I saw Airine standing next to the carriage, which made me smile faintly.

Her beauty never seemed to fade, no matter when I saw her.

Like footprints in the snow, her figure stood out clearly against the blue garden.

Her black Victorian-style dress with subtle frills slightly softened the coldness she always carried, enhancing her beauty.

It was surprising how she could appear so fresh even though I saw her face every day. I approached her slowly.

When she, who gives such cold glances to others, smiles, I feel a thrill more exhilarating than anything else in the world. But I don’t show it.

I just casually extend my hand to her. The warmth from her hand, which I now naturally hold, began to transmit.

Warm and soft. Feeling that warmth, I looked at her, and Airine, whose gaze met mine, carefully spoke.

“You took a long time.”

“My lady, you’re just quick with your preparations. Were you preparing in advance?”

“Hmm, I wonder.”

Airine, narrowing her eyes, looked me over. Playfully, she smiled and then poked my chest before answering.

“It’s a secret.”

“Ha.”

Exhaling softly and opening my eyes, I saw Airine step onto the carriage and nod towards me.

“Going to the ball is really for work. Don’t get distracted. And don’t flirt with the ladies there, smiling and making advances.”

Do I look like a playboy to her?

I thought I had maintained my purity throughout my time as her knight, but instead of getting annoyed at her, I chuckled and responded.

“You don’t need to worry about that. What’s always in my eyes is…”

Looking into those blue eyes, I gave the charming smile that the ladies loved so much.

“Only you, my lady.”

The expression on Airine’s face after hearing those words was so red that I would remember it for the rest of my life.