Chapter 41: Stay away from Kailo – 1

“You’re a madman, truly.”

Valon said to Kailo.

It was the umpteenth time he’d said it, but Vivian agreed with him a hundred times over.

Kailo probably had no idea how stunned she had been when he climbed onto the dragon, hanging by a hook, and flew away.

She couldn’t understand how he’d even conceived of such an idea.

And yet, he’d done it… and slain the dragon.

It was always impossible to predict his actions.

In a situation like this, which was as much a surprise as an ambush from the dragon itself, he had somehow turned the tables and captured it.

Kailo was now slumped over the horse, trudging along, unconscious from exhaustion.

While his body didn’t seem broken anywhere, he looked completely drained of energy.

The bandage wrapped around his forehead appeared dirtier and more ragged than before.

Vivian now found it childish to act aloof and just wanted to change that bandage for him.

In her honest heart, she wanted to stay by his side and nurse him back to health.

Such was her gratitude for him, as he had saved her in a critical situation.

But there was no time to even change his bandage at the moment.

Eight wagons had gone up in flames because of the dragon’s fire.

Supplies meant for treatment, as well as war spoils, had all burned.

Vivian, too, had merely wrapped her own arm in tattered cloth as a makeshift bandage, unable to treat her wound properly.

If they had let the dragon go, this expedition would certainly have resulted in a major loss.

Their hard-earned work would have gone up in smoke with the dragon’s breath.

But with Kailo slaying of the dragon, they were now set to reap rewards even greater than they could have imagined.

Since dragons were nearly impossible to capture, the price for dragon by-products was as high as they came.

If Kailo had been one of Loctana’s own, he would surely have received endless accolades.

But because of his complicated relationships, Vivian was caught in a dilemma.

Now, Vivian, Vergor, and several other knights were on the road back home.

Since the dragon had caused such an upheaval, plans had changed considerably.

While a team remained to haul the dragon carcass ashore, the injured, including Vivian, were returning home.

Vergor also looked at Kailo, sighed deeply, and muttered.

“I’ve never heard of a kid earning a dragon’s tether at 15.”

Coleman murmured in agreement.

“Indeed. The Alan family has spawned an undeniable monster.”

“If the war had dragged on, would we have had to fight someone like him?”

Vivian continued to look at Kailo, who was slumped over his horse.

The others were right.

Because they’d grown so close, she hadn’t fully realized it, but the accomplishments Kailo was racking up were unheard of.

From now on, Kailo would wear a blue tether at every official gathering as proof he had slain a dragon.

Though he was not yet of age, he would carry that symbol that knights envied.

Some would dismiss it as mere luck, while others would say he had help.

But Vivian knew the truth.

This dragon had been taken down by Kailo and Kailo alone.

He hunted the beast far more bravely and boldly than anyone else.

“…Ugh.”

As she watched him, Kailo groaned, his discomfort evident.

Strangely, this stirred guilt in Vivian’s heart.

Had she been a bit kinder to him over the past ten days, might things have turned out better?

He risked his life to protect her every time she was in danger… and she had done nothing in return.

Clenching her teeth, Vivian rode closer to him.

She placed her hand lightly on his back as he slept and whispered.

“…Just a little longer. We’re almost there.”

***

The Castle of Rondor was in sight.

To enter the fortress, they would also have to pass through the throng of Loctana’s citizens.

The residents who approached them had varied reactions.

Some applauded and cheered for Vivian, calling out her name, while others sneered at Kailo’s condition.

“That fool! Looks like he got badly hurt somewhere!”

“The god Las has cast judgment on him!”

In the past, Vivian would have enjoyed hearing their taunts.

But now, she found no humour in their scorn.

Instead, her chest felt heavy, as if a stone had been laid upon it.

Vivian realized yet again how much of an outsider Kailo was here, how much he was despised.

He was as much a loner as she was.

And yet, she had not even changed his bandages or brought him food.

She felt self-loathing stir within her.

She found herself thinking, almost unconsciously, that at the very least, she should take care of him.

As a fellow outcast, she resolved to repay the favour.

She tugged her reins a little faster.

She wanted to leave behind the scorn, enter the castle, and tend to Kailo.

“Kailo, wake up.”

Vivian gently shook Kailo’s back, rousing him from his sleep.

Slowly, he blinked open his eyes and, regaining his senses, was met with the jeers of the crowd.

His face, groggy from sleep, was unable to mask his feelings, and seeing this, Vivian’s heart inexplicably ached.

Soon, they entered the fortress, where they were welcomed by a familiar face—her uncle, the lord of Nerumport.

“Vivian. It’s been a while, my dear niece.”

He had a large build, a stern face, red hair, thick arms, and a deep voice, exuding an imposing presence.

He approached her with no hint of anger for being kept waiting.

Surprised by his unexpected reaction, Vivian opened her mouth, then simply nodded.

“Yes, Uncle.”

She added,

“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. With the entire force deployed, I couldn’t stay behind.”

“…You’ve changed a bit. Your tone has become gentler.”

“…The Head of Rondor cannot stutter, after all.”

Robert Rondor chuckled softly.

“The Head of Rondor… Yes, of course. Naturally. Well, I had time to spare and could wait. Don’t worry too much. If the Head of Rondor asked me to wait, it’s only right I wait as his vassal.”

“Regardless of rank, I apologize as your niece.”

“I accept. It’s quite all right.”

The conversation flowed smoothly, but Vivian could sense a strange tension, unsure if it was merely her imagination or a true underlying power struggle.

Robert Rondor’s gaze shifted to Kailo.

“…Kailo Alan.”

Kailo met Robert’s gaze without flinching, still on horseback, resolute.

Just as Robert was about to say something, Vivian interrupted.

Kailo looked too exhausted.

“We’ve just returned from a long campaign. For now, let’s end it here… and perhaps continue the conversation after we’ve washed up and rested, Uncle.”

“…Oh dear, look at me. I must’ve been mistaken.”

Robert nodded at Vivian’s words and bowed to her.

“Well then, see you later, Vivian. You did well.”

“…Yes.”

As Robert’s group left, the vassals of Rondor Castle emerged, keeping Vivian busy with conversation.

Lady Linne shook her head in concern, clearly displeased with Vivian’s appearance, dressed like a boy.

“Really, Lady Vivian… how can a lady appear like this…”

“I was just with my knights, like Father.”

“I understand, and I am proud, but… you must look feminine if you want to… find love someday…”

“It’s just for a few days. And besides, I’ve made new friends…”

Vivian replied, thinking about the Kailo unit.

Lady Linne looked even more shocked.

“…New friends? Don’t tell me you’re talking about the young soldiers? Absolutely not! How can the lord of Loctana associate with common children…!”

“It’s fine, Master. Besides…”

Vivian decided to end the conversation and go check on Kailo.

She asked Lady Linne.

“Master, could you bring a few more bandages?”

“Huh? Lady Vivian, is your arm…!”

“It’s not for me…”

Vivian turned and started searching for Kailo.

She knew she was the only one who could look after him, feeling a growing unease since earlier.

The bandage on his head, the fresh wounds…

Vivian spotted Kailo’s dark hair and walked toward him.

“Kail…”

“Kailo!”

But she froze at the sight before her.

Someone had taken over the care she intended to offer.

It was Lorna, her maid.

“My, how could you let the bandages get so dirty like this…”

“…Yeah, exactly.”

Since Lorna was always around Vivian, she wasn’t entirely unfamiliar with Kailo.

And now, maybe due to his injuries, she was fussing over him with even more care.

“Hurry over here. I’ll change them for you.”

• Thud!

Lorna quickly grabbed Kailo’s arm.

Vivian’s eyes captured every detail, her gaze fixed on Lorna’s hand holding Kailo’s arm.

Kailo looked at Lorna and gave a small smile.

“…Finally, someone’s looking after me.”

At his smile, Vivian felt a strange, pressing sensation in her heart.

She couldn’t understand where this sudden irritation was coming from.

But the feeling was intense and sharp, and before she knew it, she spoke.

“…Lorna.”

Her voice came out harsher than intended, causing the surrounding maids to flinch, as if they’d done something wrong.

“…Who told you to take care of Kailo Alan?”

As Vivian spoke coldly, the atmosphere grew tense.

Lorna, faltering, lowered her head and stepped back.

A heavy, hostile silence settled between them.

Left alone, Kailo watched Vivian.

Wounded, exhausted, and dirty, he stood there quietly.

With a humourless laugh, Kailo shook his head.

“…That’s just too much.”

With that, he headed to his quarters.

Vivian remained rooted in place, trying to sort out her confusing emotions.

She couldn’t understand why she’d reacted like that.

Lorna could’ve tended to him, and she herself could’ve just gone back to rest, but the strange irritation had made that impossible.