Ch.BONUS# Side Story – The Protagonist of a Faded Romance Fantasy

I cried for a long time, clutching the swordsmanship manual in place.

I suspect a very long time has passed. When I entered the mansion, dusk was falling, but now the landscape has welcomed the blue light of dawn. I returned to Irefi’s grave in the early morning while the mansion slept.

Not to lean on her again, but to say goodbye.

“Irefi.”

There was no answer.

“I saw the legacy you left behind.”

The words don’t come easily. I simply don’t know what to say. She would hate it if I babbled empty serenades about how deeply I empathize with the pain she must have felt while writing the swordsmanship manual.

So let’s keep it simple. In an expression that’s truly us. Let’s finish our farewell.

“I’ll be strong. So you won’t be sad… I’m leaving this place.”

I have two items that remind me of Irefi.

One is her swordsmanship manual that I discovered today.

The other is the locket containing Irefi’s hair and photograph.

Having just one of these connects us. I don’t need to lean against her grave to feel her presence. We can still communicate. Somehow, that certainty suddenly came to me.

Perhaps it’s because of this dawn that resembles the eye color of Astelnerca, the first emperor. Even rotten, he’s still the old master, so it’s possible.

“Goodbye, Irefi.”

I deliberately didn’t look back. If I turned around now and saw the mansion, I felt that the countless memories embracing us would grab my ankles and bind me here forever.

My steps naturally quickened, afraid I might return to my old place, yearning for your warmth that would have grown cold.

“Where should I go now…”

After evading the guards at the checkpoint and leaving the territory, a vast public road appeared before me. I’m newly amazed at how wide the world is.

That’s why I’m troubled. I have no idea where I should head in this vast world.

Just then, a memory brushed against my chin.

A ridiculous yet somewhat serious scene from the past rises like a mirage.

“… I think I’ll go there this time.”

It was a decision made on the lightest of whims.

I didn’t know then.

That this decision, made half in jest and impulse, would greatly twist the fate of a certain child.

It was the beginning of the first relationship I would form in modern times.

I sailed for a very long time.

I boarded a ship leaving the Eld Empire for another continent. The reason was simple. Irefi had mentioned another continent when revealing the origin of the slave collar.

I had always wanted to visit at least once, but I never thought I’d be heading there for this reason.

Since I thoroughly concealed my identity, there wasn’t much commotion.

At most, I briefly dealt with some impossibly young pirates who attacked without knowing the ways of the world.

The real commotion occurred when I set foot on the other continent—when I stepped into the port city.

Thanks to Netionpis’s past lives being truly remarkable, foreign languages posed no barrier. Having experienced them all, I could easily converse with the people of this foreign land.

I stayed in the port city for over two weeks, never imagining it would cause such a disturbance.

“Find him!”

“We must bring him back no matter what!”

“Search every corner!”

The streets were in chaos.

From what I could see, knights in uniform were searching everywhere, desperately looking for something, though I didn’t know what.

I was eating at a restaurant as usual. Though I didn’t need nutrition, I had to pretend to be an ordinary person since this wasn’t the Eld Empire.

Just as I was about to stuff bread into my mouth.

BANG!

“Here he is! The man is here!”

“You found him already?”

“Yes, those sinister eyes… they match the reported description perfectly!”

I flinched.

Being called “sinister-eyed” made me feel oddly guilty.

Irefi always disliked my face. Though not aesthetically flawed, she said it was far from her taste.

Even future Irefi immediately criticized my face, so I had a good idea of her ideal appearance standards.

Anyway, I wondered who in this establishment had sinister eyes, because I certainly didn’t see anyone like that. So who were these men so desperately searching for?

…

…..

“… Wait, me?”

That can’t be right. I know I’m being self-conscious. Uncertain, I pointed at myself. The knights nodded without hesitation and approached me.

“Excuse me, but you’ll need to come with us.”

“I should know the reason before I follow you.”

“…”

“I see you don’t intend to explain.”

“Please, just by looking at our uniform.”

Even with that explanation, I couldn’t possibly understand its significance.

The black uniform embroidered with gold thread was quite stylish. One could tell at a glance it belonged to knights of a noble house. Though which house from where, I had no idea.

The only thing I could discern was that the man bowing respectfully before me seemed intimidated by my presence.

“You’ve urgently been searching for someone, but since you’re being polite about it, I won’t press for details.”

“Then…”

“Lead the way.”

“Yes, sir!”

Seeing how properly and honestly he showed respect, I doubted there was any ill intent. Even if there was, what of it? In this world, only two people have ever existed who could kill me.

Saint Yashasmisha and Knight Commander Irefi.

Only those two women could end my immortality.

“Please get in.”

“Hmm.”

They escorted me into a splendid carriage. It was a mysterious experience to receive such lavish treatment in a foreign continent without knowing why.

They maintained silence throughout our journey of several days. More accurately, they restrained from conversation. But their attitude remained unchanged.

Though my curiosity grew at their consistently respectful demeanor, I maintained my patience after hearing we were nearing our destination.

“We have arrived.”

How long I had waited for those words.

After a tedious journey, the scene before my eyes was an enormous mansion. Though not as grand as the one I left behind in the Empire, it was quite impressive. If I had to compare, it might rival the Justitia family mansion.

“Welcome to the Duke of Carmanos’s estate.”

“Duke?”

The destination was so unexpected that I absently observed my surroundings, unable to collect my thoughts.

My internal wandering only ended when one of the knights began to guide me.

“Please follow me.”

Walking through the mansion with its exotic atmosphere was a fresh experience. From the garden flowers to the sculpture styles, everything was quite different from the Eld Empire.

Inside the mansion, the differences became even more pronounced. Though it appeared more modest than typical mansions in the Eld Empire, unfamiliar tools were placed throughout, making it exceptionally convenient.

Finally, we reached the threshold of a massive door.

The knight guiding me knocked.

“I’ve brought him.”

“Enter.”

As permission was granted from inside, the large door opened by itself. I involuntarily held my breath at this marvelous sight. An automatic door system was technology not found in the Eld Empire.

After the automatic door, what caught my attention next was the master of this space.

He was a man whose black hair and ruby-like eyes mirrored my own. He seemed as surprised as I was, otherwise he wouldn’t have jumped up to greet me.

“Oh… it’s definitely you.”

Could he possibly recognize me as a Guardian from another continent? I might be in trouble for illegal entry as a high-profile figure.

My expectation was beautifully shattered the next moment.

“This black hair and red eyes… you’re definitely from our family.”

“… Pardon?”

He grabbed my shoulders and introduced himself cheerfully.

“Pleased to meet you. I am Larrel Carmanos. I humbly serve as the head of this household.”

“Ah, yes, well…”

I was so dumbfounded that my old speech pattern slipped out.

“Haha, you must be confused. But this appearance is the proof. In this continent, only those of Carmanos blood possess both black hair and red eyes!”

As I listened to his energetic explanation, a huge question mark vigorously asserted itself in my mind.

‘What is this?’

I understand that he’s mistaking me for a member of his family.

But if I’m someone the Duke doesn’t know, I must be of questionable status, like an illegitimate child.

There would be no reason to welcome someone of such status.

“You surely grew up without a father, didn’t you?”

“Is that a personal attack?”

“Hmm?”

“What?”

An awkward silence enveloped us.

Whatever the circumstances, I needed to clear up this misunderstanding first.

“You just said my appearance is the symbol of your family.”

“Absolutely!”

“Then what if I’m from a different country?”

“Um, ah…?”

The man’s expression hardened in real time.

Having grasped the general situation, I placed my hand on my forehead and quietly suggested:

“Let’s talk for a moment.”

“So you’re saying… you’re the Guardian of the Eld Empire?”

“That’s right.”

“My goodness!”

The full story was as follows.

The Duke of Carmanos’s late father had an older brother who was a notorious playboy with a dissolute lifestyle.

As a result, the direct bloodline of the ducal family was scattered everywhere, and the current Duke was desperately trying to gather and care for them.

And the Duke had mistaken me for someone of Carmanos blood and brought me here—that was the whole story.

‘This is completely like the Lost Blood situation in the ducal family.’

I never thought there would be another person committing acts like Emperor Asar III. It seemed people were the same everywhere.

“The Guardian of the Eld Empire is famous even here. They say you have an immortal body that lives for hundreds of years. I thought the rumors were exaggerated.”

“Would you like to test it?”

“I’ll pass. I’m already sorry for being so disrespectful.”

The head of the ducal family had a remarkably unpretentious character. Seeing his demeanor, I understood why his knights were so respectful.

“Aren’t you suspicious that I might be lying?”

“It’s embarrassing to say this now, but even in our brief conversation, your immense experience shines through. Your bearing is indeed worthy of someone who claims to be a Guardian.”

“You flatter me.”

“Haha, not at all. Though I’m the head of a family known as the Empire’s Sword… the Guardian shows absolutely no openings, making me feel like a frog in a well.”

When a man confident in his own strength meets a wall, he typically shows displeasure. Yet he smiled as if pleased, which softened my heart as well.

“In truth, just the fact that a Guardian from another continent is visiting should prompt us to provide diplomatic protocol… but you don’t seem to want that.”

“I should be grateful you’re not persecuting me.”

“Haha…”

I am an asymmetric power whose very existence can threaten a nation. I have the capacity to cause significant damage to this country if I so choose.

Being watched and monitored with caution was an inconvenience I should rightfully accept.

“If it’s not disrespectful to the Guardian, I’d like to make a proposal.”

“I’m listening.”

“If your goal is simply to stay quietly, how about remaining as a guest of the ducal family?”

“And what would I need to do in return?”

“Hahaha, you’re thorough.”

How likely is it that the head of a ducal family would let me stay out of pure goodwill? I would accept any reasonable request, but if it’s unreasonable, I should consider returning to the Eld Empire.

After a moment, he opened his mouth that had been heavy with thought.

“I have two sons. The eldest is a heaven-sent genius who has already found his path and left… but the second is in an awkward position. If the Guardian could personally teach him, it would be a valuable experience.”

“… Is that all?”

“And if you could spar with me occasionally, that would be nice too.”

“Kuk, ha…”

I couldn’t help but laugh.

After all that careful consideration, his request was so modest. Even if he gave up his title and retreated to the mountains, he’d still be the type to live well.

“Um, is that not acceptable?”

“A decent room will be sufficient.”

“I’ll give you the finest!”

His eyes sparkled brightly.

Behind those seemingly innocent eyes burned the fiery gaze of a warrior.

‘Is this what Bartlant would be like if he were tamed?’

Old memories knocked on the door of my mind, improving my mood. Perhaps it was also thanks to the bright sunlight streaming through the clean windows, illuminating us.

Having decided to stay, there was no reason to delay. I opened the door to the family head’s room and asked:

“Let me see your son. Where should I go?”

“Ah, there’s no need to look for him. You’ll meet him soon enough.”

He was right.

Bonk!

“Ow!”

I felt something gently collide with my knee. Then came the loud sound of a light child falling on his bottom.

THUD!

“Ugh… uh…”

I must have been standing in a blind spot, so he hadn’t noticed me. I took the child’s hand to help him up and apologized.

“I’m sorry. Are you alright?”

“Uh, yes! I’m fine!”

The tears welling in his eyes suggested he wasn’t fine at all. For such a small child, he showed remarkable patience.

The family head laughed heartily from behind and said good-naturedly:

“Introduce yourself. This is the Guardian visiting from another continent.”

At his father’s urging, the child, who had no idea what a Guardian was, greeted me bravely.

“The House of Carmanos welcomes your visit!”

His attempt to act mature was so adorable that I felt a smile forming. I was surprised at myself, not remembering the last time my lips had curved like this.

That must be why I asked his name first.

“What is your name?”

The child puffed out his chest and answered.

“I’m Lutz. Lutz Carmanos!”

The child introducing himself as Lutz Carmanos had bright, hopeful eyes that sparkled like stars.

As if asserting the child’s bright future.

I didn’t know then.

How our meeting would twist the future.

What this child would experience as he grew, and what he would accomplish.

And so, another gear of fate interlocked.

“I look forward to our time together, Lutz.”

“Yes, Guardian!”