Ch.63Alliance (6)

“Caden!”

The familiar sharpness in a familiar voice.

Grandmother Riana, who had just descended from the carriage with the help of butler Tein, approached me with hurried steps as soon as she saw me.

“Grandmother!”

I tried to put on a bright face as I approached her, but she wasn’t fooled.

As soon as she reached me, she lifted my academy uniform to check my bare skin.

Without any way to hide, she caught a glimpse of some of my scars.

Grandmother Riana’s face turned cold.

“…So. What part of the story am I missing?”

Grandmother Riana would have heard everything through Asena’s letter. But since I didn’t know what Asena had written, I had no choice but to change the subject, not wanting to make the problem bigger.

Swallowing hard, I said to Grandmother Riana:

“Grandmother, you haven’t even greeted the children… they’re feeling hurt.”

Only then did Grandmother Riana brighten her expression and look at the twins standing beside me.

“…Look at me. I must be getting old, letting my emotions get ahead of me.”

“…Oh my. You don’t need to say it like that…”

Grandmother Riana finally opened her arms and approached Asena.

Embracing her, Grandmother Riana said:

“You’ve been through a lot, Asena.”

“It was nothing.”

“Did you get along well with your brother and Kirsy without fighting?”

“……….Of course.”

Asena hesitated before answering.

Grandmother Riana immediately released her arms and looked at Kirsy.

“Grandmother!”

Kirsy hugged Grandmother Riana first with her characteristically bright voice.

“…Hoho… Have you been well, Kirsy?”

“Yes.”

“You haven’t been giving your brother and sister any trouble?”

“…I’ve done many things wrong to my brother.”

When Kirsy answered honestly, I added words so that Grandmother wouldn’t worry more.

“It’s okay. Everything’s been resolved.”

“…Hmm… I see.”

After brief greetings with Grandmother Riana, I exchanged greetings with the rest of the Praester household members who had escorted her.

Head maid Helen.

Head butler Tein.

Butler Max, who assisted Helen.

And Lawrence, who had taught me swordsmanship.

After warm greetings, we headed inside according to Grandmother Riana’s words.

It seemed we needed to sit down for further conversation.

****

Fortunately, the conversation ended well.

Following my and Asena’s assurance that we had resolved things ourselves, Grandmother Riana, though uncomfortable, decided not to touch on the issues involving the Payne family anymore.

From what I heard, Shallon hadn’t returned to her family. Whether she had run away or met with an accident was unclear… but it seemed I wouldn’t be meeting her as a noble again.

The Payne family also seemed unwilling to search for Shallon, having realized what had happened to me.

Either way, I didn’t feel much sympathy for her, as she had committed or ignored crimes against children.

“Caden. You need to consider your position,” said Grandmother Riana, setting down her teacup with subtly strong force while suppressing her anger, having decided not to touch the Payne family anymore.

“Pardon?”

“A duke’s eldest son risking his life to save commoner children?”

“…I understand, Grandmother. You don’t need to say it, I already know—”

“Do you? You still don’t seem to understand. You’re my child, Caden. Do you want this grandmother to experience burying her child again?”

“……”

I had nothing to say to that. I scratched my head, then went to Grandmother’s side and knelt on one knee.

Carefully taking her wrinkled hand in both of mine, I said in a gentle voice:

“I’m sorry, Grandmother. But my body moved on its own. Next time, I’ll be more careful and cautious, so please don’t be angry.”

“…….”

She frowned and turned her head, taking up her teacup again with her free hand. Yet she didn’t pull away the hand I was holding.

Sometimes, I wonder if it’s the power of blood ties, but occasionally I see Asena’s personality in Grandmother.

She speaks harshly, but she likes receiving love.

Seeing that made me smile.

At my smile, Grandmother finally sighed and showed an expression of forgiveness.

“Fine. But… setting aside the fact that you almost died… you did well, Caden. This will win the hearts of many commoners.”

“That wasn’t my intention, but I suppose you’re right.”

“I hear you’re receiving an award tomorrow because of this incident?”

“Yes. Personally, it feels like a show for the commoners.”

“In the end, everything is a show.”

A duke’s son fighting to save commoner children and nearly losing his life—there couldn’t be better propaganda.

That’s why I was to receive an award, to spread this story widely.

I didn’t mind receiving an award, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that the Academy was using me politically.

They were sending a message through me: ‘This is how much we strive for you.’

Personally, I had been thinking a lot about this.

Either way, I needed to improve my reputation. That would make it easier to enter other families.

So rather than just being manipulated tomorrow, it seemed good to make the most of the opportunity.

To raise my reputation.

Even if nobles pretend otherwise, they watch the commoners, and nobles loved by commoners are valuable.

Grandmother Riana set down her teacup and said:

“…Well, now that we’ve settled the urgent matters, I should go greet the heads of other families—”

Just as Grandmother was about to rise, a group approached our table with confidence.

At the sound, Grandmother, the twins, and I looked in that direction.

A large, sturdy man was leading them. On his shoulder was a bear paw family crest. On either side of him followed a young man who appeared to be around my age and two women.

And one of those two women was Judy.

The Duke of Ice was walking toward us.

His household members stopped at a certain distance, maintaining their positions.

Only the Duke of Ice, his eldest son, eldest daughter, and Judy approached all the way to stand before Grandmother Riana.

I stood up from my kneeling position and positioned myself behind Grandmother.

“…Edgar.”

Grandmother Riana said.

The Ice Duke, whose hair was beginning to turn gray, answered in a gentle voice:

“When will you call me Duke Ice, Lady Riana?”

“….It’s been a while.”

Their conversation seemed peaceful, but the underlying tension was considerable. After all, everyone knew we were enemy families.

Only Grandmother Riana, Duke Ice, and Asena could maintain their stern expressions in this situation.

The rest of us were trying not to show it, but we were rolling our eyes, reading the situation.

“I hope your journey to the Academy wasn’t uncomfortable.”

“It was fine, Edgar. You’ve aged a lot too.”

“It’s been 10 years… no… 12 years? This is the first time I’ve seen you since James passed away.”

James was the twins’ father. The former Duke Praester. He was said to have been Edgar Ice’s rival.

Grandmother Riana remained unshaken by his words. Just like Asena.

“It has been that long, hasn’t it.”

“I came only to pay my respects today.”

“…Yes. Thank you for coming to see me first.”

When one cannot gauge the other’s strength, they threaten and draw blades, but knowing each other’s power, they saw no need to engage in a battle of wills that would only exhaust them.

Moreover, Duke Ice seemed to have a certain respect for Grandmother Riana, despite everything.

Either way, the Ice family was portrayed as protagonists in the novel, so I expected them to maintain some level of courtesy and dignity.

“….Lady Riana. I still feel regret about James.”

“…..”

Grandmother Riana didn’t add anything, but it was clear without words that her son’s death was still a painful wound for her.

“….I’ll be going now.”

Duke Edgar Ice maintained his dignity to the end, humbling himself. But everyone present could feel his charisma.

In the end, even with this kind of conversation, when the situation arises, they would still be at each other’s throats. Only recently had the conflict with the Ice family quieted down.

I looked at Judy, who was standing behind. Unlike her usual self, it was obvious she was extremely tense.

Her entire body was stiff, and she wasn’t even moving her eyes.

Somehow, seeing her like that made my heart ache even more. Knowing how confidently she could act, it was sad to see her unable to spread her wings due to her position.

Do I also look like that to Judy? Is that why she’s been more attentive to me?

While I was looking at Judy, I felt a gaze on me.

It was Duke Ice.

He was looking at me as he was about to kiss Grandmother Riana’s hand and leave.

It wasn’t without effect on me. Honestly, I felt quite a strong pressure. Perhaps because he was the head of a family that could rival the Praesters, there was depth in his eyes.

But I didn’t avoid his gaze. After blinking slowly once, I stared back at him steadily, neither glaring nor wavering.

I knew that if I backed down here, I couldn’t be a strength for Asena. Only if I could stand confidently against Duke Ice could Asena also find strength.

After exchanging glances for a moment, Duke Ice nodded slightly and said:

“…Not bad.”

Then he turned his back.

I watched them leave.

But for some reason, my eyes were drawn not to Duke Ice who had just examined me, but to Judy with her slumped shoulders.

****

After a hectic day, the next day arrived, but it was just as busy.

Today was the day I would receive the award.

Since it also had promotional significance, the platform where I would receive the award was set up in front of numerous commoners.

It was my first time seeing so many people at once.

Without time to be nervous, the Academy’s principal, who was already on the platform, called my name.

“Caden Praester!”

At his call, I also ascended the platform.

Behind me were many high-ranking nobles. In front were densely packed commoners.

At that moment, an explosive reaction erupted. Enough to startle me.

‘Caden! Caden! Caden!’

‘Thank you for saving the children!’

‘Is it true he’s of commoner origin?’

Hearing their cheers, I could quickly understand why the Academy wanted to give me an award.

When the principal raised his hand, everyone fell silent as if a mouse had died.

He cleared his throat and began to announce my achievements to the now-quiet square.

Among the crowd were adults expressing gratitude to me, children looking at me with sparkling eyes, and people with indifferent expressions.

“…saved the children! The Academy recognizes his merit and awards Caden Praester with two years’ worth of food supplies!”

As everyone was about to start applauding as my award was presented, I raised my hand high to stop them.

The principal, the nobles seated behind, and the commoners in front all looked at me curiously.

The original plan was one thing, but after hearing my reward, another idea came to mind.

“……”

I looked around at the people for a moment, then began to speak about a story that wasn’t yet fully organized.

“I only did what any person should do. Whether noble or not, children should not be caught up in adult circumstances. So this award I’m receiving… while I’m grateful, it also feels uncomfortable. I only saved a few children, so two years’ worth of food doesn’t make sense, does it?”

‘That’s right!’

Someone in the crowd agreed with my words.

“Neither I nor the people of Praester territory are going hungry. I mean I have no reason to receive food supplies. Instead… the Hexter family.”

As I spoke, I turned around briefly.

Daisy and the Count Hexter beside her were looking at me with surprised eyes.

They seemed to anticipate what I was going to say.

“I’ve heard the Hexter family is suffering from plague and famine. They’re the ones who need food. I want to send these supplies to them.”

First, an action to raise my reputation. Also, an action to help Daisy.

As soon as I finished speaking, thunderous cheers erupted.

It had no effect on the commoners in front of me, but many of them began to applaud, moved by my humanitarian act.

And two. If I did just this much, I could say I had cleanly used this opportunity.

There was something that had been bothering me since yesterday. When I raised my hand again, everyone quieted down once more.

“….There’s one thing you’re mistaken about. I didn’t save the children alone. I had a friend who helped me. My conscience pricks me to claim this honor alone. So I’d like you to give the applause you’ve given me to my friend as well.”

I slowly turned around.

My eyes met with Judy, who was huddled behind Duke Ice, who was sitting next to Grandmother Riana.

I smiled and nodded to her.

“….Come up, Judy Ice.”

She had always helped me, so now it was my turn to help her.

After all, knights live on honor.

****

From the moment Caden said he hadn’t saved the children alone, Asena felt her heart drop.

Murmurs spread not only among the commoners but also among the nobles.

Of course, because of the family.

Judy, whom Caden called his friend, was from the Ice family.

Since the Praester and Ice families had been fighting for hundreds of years, it couldn’t sound more strange to hear that the two were on friendly terms.

The nobles’ whispers grew louder, reaching Asena’s ears.

‘The illegitimate daughter and adopted son don’t care about family matters, I see.’

‘Praester and Ice?’

‘Are they forming an alliance? Their relationship has improved recently.’

And so on, many opinions emerged.

But that wasn’t what bothered Asena.

As the hesitant Judy ascended the platform, a child shouted loudly:

‘That’s the sister who saved me!’

And with that, Caden’s strong hand firmly grasped Judy’s small, rough hand and raised it high.

Once again, a storm-like roar of cheers and congratulations poured out.

But Asena’s eyes were fixed on Caden’s hand holding Judy’s.

Judy blushed beside him. Whether it was because of the cheers from so many people or because of Caden’s touch wasn’t certain, but it was enough to turn Asena’s stomach.

Asena whispered to herself that this too was something she had to endure.

Hadn’t she decided to change after he was injured? In the end, if he returned to her, that was all that mattered. This should be nothing.

After receiving the commoners’ congratulations with his whole body for a while, Caden slightly turned his head.

Asena thought he might look at her, but Caden’s eyes sought out Duke Ice.

As if trying to convey some message, he stared intently at Duke Ice, then whispered something into Judy’s ear. After hearing his words, Judy looked up at Caden blankly.

Every single action of those two was fueling Asena’s jealousy.

Asena finally closed her eyes. Though she was someone who wouldn’t avoid any obstacle, this seemed like something she needed to close her eyes to.

But closing her eyes didn’t mean she could avoid it.

Because of the long history, commoners who knew about the relationship between the Praester and Ice families began to shout what they wanted to say as they watched them.

Whether it stemmed from a desire for peace, they began to bless the two.

‘They look good together!!’

‘Make peace through marriage!’

‘Peace to Praester and Ice!’

-Crunch.

Asena clenched her fist.

At their words, it felt like a cold wind passed through her heart. Even though it was just nonsense from commoners, Asena was shaken by that single assumption. She couldn’t bear the words that dared to separate Caden from her.

Asena didn’t need peace. Not if the price was losing Caden.

As she was suppressing her anger, Grandmother Riana, sitting next to her, asked:

“…Judy Ice, was it?”

Asena answered, feeling an inexplicable anxiety:

“….Yes.”

“How did she become friends with your brother?”

“….They’re in the same knight department.”

“Hmm… Ice…”

Contrary to her anxiety, Grandmother Riana was tapping her knee, wondering about Caden’s friendship with the Ice family.

At that moment, a man’s voice also rang out:

“…..The people like it.”

Asena glanced at the man who spoke. It was Duke Ice.

His eldest son, Sid Ice, sitting beside him, answered his father:

“No one dislikes peace.”

“Do you agree with them too? Do you wish for peace with the Praester family?”

Perhaps because the distance was too close, their private conversation echoed even though she didn’t want to eavesdrop.

“I haven’t thought deeply about it, but… certainly, thinking about the commoners caught up in our fight, it doesn’t sit well with me.”

“……”

“Father, haven’t you always told us to prioritize peace? Don’t you have any thoughts seeing Judy?”

“…Well, it’s good to see her gaining honor.”

“It seems to be all because of that Praester beside her.”

“…..He’s a good man, as Judy said.”

After pondering for a while, Duke Ice said quietly:

“Maybe I should arrange a marriage with Judy.”

-Screech!

Asena finally couldn’t bear it and stood up abruptly.

Caden’s marriage.

Imagining him leaving her and embracing another woman was simply unbearable.

Standing, she suppressed her emotions, hardened her expression, and slowly looked at Duke Ice.

“Duke Ice. I don’t mind you making plans, but I’d prefer if they didn’t reach the ears of Grandmother Riana and myself. ‘Arrange’ a marriage? Do you think my brother is a breeding horse? Just because you arrange it doesn’t mean my brother will accept it.”

“….You heard. I didn’t realize the Duchess Praester was eavesdropping.”

Grandmother Riana also supported Asena:

“…Edgar. Don’t be sarcastic. It certainly grated on my ears too. I’d prefer if you didn’t speak so lightly of our family’s eldest son. Because he’s adopted, it strongly comes across as if you’re looking down on him.”

Duke Ice stared at Grandmother Riana for a moment, then said quietly:

“I apologize. You might indeed have found it unpleasant.”

Though he apologized, his expression remained unmoved.

“But Lady Riana. Even you agree they look good together, don’t you?”

“……”

Asena couldn’t answer his words. Her body seemed to freeze. She forcibly moved only her eyes slowly to check Grandmother Riana’s reaction.

An unpleasant anxiety was overwhelming her.

A smile began to spread across Grandmother Riana’s rigid face. That smile she always gave when looking at Caden.

She said:

“…..They do look that way.”