episode_0039

On the way back from meeting the princess, I heard about the kingdom’s situation from Serin.

The kingdom that seemed normal at the banquet was actually maintaining a precarious peace.

This was starkly different from the Velonin Empire.

The Velonin Empire was in a state of turmoil, with the Imperial faction and the Deposed faction in conflict, making governance difficult. While there were sparks of rebellion, as long as the current Emperor was alive, it was just a distant dream to invade the empire.

On the other hand, the Karna Kingdom was truly on the brink of destruction.

“Black magic… you mean?”

“Yes. The curse that destroys people’s minds is spreading in secret. Not only commoners, but many nobles, even most of the royal family except the second prince, have fallen under the influence of black magic.”

“And up until now, the princess and the second prince have been dealing with it.”

“That’s right.”

“Are you saying they lifted the black magic?”

“No, black magic can only be lifted by the caster themselves or by death. What the two of them did was only to prevent the conspiracy of those exposed to black magic.”

“Hmm…”

I couldn’t understand what mindset Serin had when she pledged to help the princess. Serin was, after all, just the princess of the empire, and she had little reason to sacrifice herself for the Karna Kingdom.

Even if the entire Karna Kingdom fell into the hands of a group of black magic users, invading the empire was impossible. As long as the current Emperor, Harum Riterion, ruled, no one could threaten the empire.

Although it was a brief encounter, Serin’s father that I saw was a man who seemed to have shed the skin of a human.

‘Even if it’s for the national interest, is there really a reason for Serin to sacrifice herself to help?’

The national interest could only be achieved if Serin was alive. I would fulfill my duty as her guard, but it was still difficult to simply agree with Serin’s decision.

‘Could it be… because we are the righteous race? Is the identity of being the righteous race so precious?’

Since this was a secret that I dared not reveal, I kept my mouth shut and listened to Serin’s story.

“I’ll be busy starting tomorrow. I’ll be going to the ‘Mage’s Manor.’”

“Is that the headquarters of the black magic users?”

“Yes.”

“Knowing that and still leaving it alone means there’s no evidence.”

“That’s one reason… and it’s also a difficult decision because it’s a troublesome place if it disappears.”

“I see. I understand that.”

The term ‘Mage’s Manor’ refers to the organization of mages distributed in each country.

Mages were a reclusive type of human. Therefore, they created isolated areas where they resided.

In a way, the reason why the country left them alone, despite being a considerable force, was one. It was because the Mage’s Manor dramatically improved people’s living standards.

By easily producing magical tools even for commoners, they were widely beneficial, gaining high public support. Moreover, they constantly engaged in various transactions with the government and upper class, maintaining a good relationship.

“Serin, can we trust the Mage’s Manor located in the empire?”

“Don’t worry. Only the manors in the kingdom are corrupted.”

“Well, that’s a relief.”

Suddenly, an impulse struck me.

What if I secretly slipped away overnight and destroyed them, would it all end? But Roderick and Eshutiel dissuaded me, and it was necessary to avoid putting Serin in a difficult situation.

In the end, I had no choice but to follow Serin’s decision.

“But, Lian. Setting aside the kingdom’s affairs… there’s something I’ve been concerned about for a long time. Can I ask you one thing?”

“Of course, feel free.”

I readily agreed, but Serin hesitated. What could she be curious about to act like this?

After a moment, Serin finally spoke.

“Well… Lian is now the head of the knights, right?”

“It’s a prestigious position… as you say.”

“But I’ve never seen Lian wield a sword. Does Lian even know how to use a sword…?”

“…Ah.”

It was a question that felt like a blow to the back of my head.

After hearing Serin’s question, I turned to look at myself.

“A knight… needs a sword…”

In truth, a sword made with Pou could be easily created. However, it was a means that couldn’t be shown off to others, so it was rejected. Therefore, I didn’t have a proper sword for myself.

But if asked if I knew how to use a sword…

“No, I don’t.”

Not only did I not know how to use a sword, I hadn’t even trained in basic combat skills. I had struggled with imitating others’ movements, let alone mastering swordsmanship.

I felt a renewed sense of self-doubt.

“I apologize for being such an unworthy knight…”

“What…? Lian?”

“I realize now. The reality that I am an utterly shameless human being.”

“Why is this person suddenly like this?! Why suddenly destroy their self-esteem like this…”

After hearing my self-criticism, Serin, who was now brimming with determination, lightly tapped my knee.

“Come here. Our cute little baby kitten. If you act like this, I’ll have to comfort you again.”

“No. I am a knight commander who is not worthy of comfort.”

“Oh, come on, the knight commander with a long tongue will come if called.”

“I… ugh.”

Serin’s strong grip, like pulling me into an ant hell, was quite powerful. While it may not have been impossible to escape, there was an embracing warmth that made it difficult to resist.

I surrendered to her subtle warmth.

The journey to the mansion proceeded in this manner.

—

Tap. Tap.

Inside a carriage located in the gardens of Count Lufentel’s mansion, a girl raised her head slightly as she sat on the chair.

Originally designed as a space under the chair to carry simple luggage, the girl hid there and waited for an opportunity endlessly. It was an opportunity to escape when she could sneak out without being caught and taken away.

The girl’s plan was excellent, but one huge mistake ruined everything. Unexpectedly comfortable in her hiding spot, she had drifted off to dreamland.

“Where is this…?”

Strange. I distinctly heard my brother and sister chatting in the carriage…

Eshutiel looked around in confusion, gazing at the unfamiliar building outside.

“What’s going on…?”

Everything seemed to be going smoothly on the journey.

Initially, sneaking onto the luggage carriage following her older brother to steal water and food was the beginning of a grand plan.

Saving food and water, she would sneak out at night to handle various tasks.

Eventually, Serin was assigned to the mansion, and Eshutiel entrusted herself to the luggage carriage.

The fear of repercussions for running away to a foreign land grew. Even after arriving at Rahilt and Serin’s safe haven, Eshutiel couldn’t muster the courage to leave easily. The fear of being pursued without permission made her hesitate.

As she heard the footsteps of the servants nearby, Eshutiel, who could no longer hide, hid herself in the carriage that happened to be parked nearby. It was a fortunate coincidence as the coachman had gone to attend to other matters.

The carriage Eshutiel headed towards belonged to Prince Luca Ioren. He had visited Count Canarin’s mansion to invite Rahilt and Serin.

And so, Eshutiel’s adventure of stealing Luca’s carriage began. Of course, setting off on an adventure to dreamland at the same time was a grave mistake.

“Ugh…”

Esutiel cautiously emerged from the empty space under the chair. The sight of a child struggling alone to open the carriage door was pitiful beyond words.

“Oof…”

It was when she mustered all her strength, even the one she used for sucking on her milk, to push the door open.

Creak!

The carriage door suddenly swung open. With Esutiel’s weight shifting rapidly as she poured her strength in a straight line, it was inevitable.

“Ouch!”

“Whoa?!”

The screams of the two crossed paths. It was a strange sound, as if they had made a promise and were now bewildered.

Esutiel closed her eyes tightly, anticipating the approaching ground. But the sensation that followed was a feeling of weightlessness she had never experienced before.

“Huh…?”

Esutiel slowly opened her closed eyes halfway. And what she saw was herself floating gently in the air. The moment of landing was so amusing that she let out a sigh of regret.

Meanwhile, the one who rescued Esutiel – Luca, widened his eyes in surprise.

“Where did this little miss come from?”

Despite his confusion, he spoke as politely as possible. Seeing no signs of distress in Esutiel’s eyes, he felt relieved.

“I’m Esutiel.”

“I see.”

Luca tried to calm his flustered hands. He had seen children before, but from head to toe, even her voice and mannerisms, Esutiel’s cuteness was beyond imagination.

Whether it was appropriate or not, he wanted to pat her head. If his reason hadn’t stopped him, he would have definitely done so.

“Who are you…?”

“The owner of the carriage you were on.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I fell asleep under the chair and just woke up.”

“Since when?”

“Since this morning?”

“What?! You crazy child, what if you suffocated…!!!”

“There was a small hole for ventilation, so it was fine.”

“Ugh…”

It was true that there was a ventilation hole to prevent humidity. But still, it must have been quite suffocating to stay in that cramped space for so long…!

“Where is this place?”

“This is the Duke of Lupentel’s estate.”

“Is Richard oppa and Serin unni here too?”

“Uh… you mean Princess Seriniel and Sir Richard?”

“Yes!”

Luca was in extreme confusion.

The sight of a child who had begged to rent a carriage addressing the princess and her escort so familiarly was a cognitive dissonance.

But if the connection between the two was true, it couldn’t be overlooked.

Luca reached out his hand to Esutiel.

“First… Esutiel, right? Would you like to stay here tonight?”

“Yes, please.”

Esutiel readily agreed without hesitation. Her unreserved attitude hinted at her upbringing.

‘Well… Kana would probably like her. She might even want to sleep with her.’

This was the reason why Luca, who had been on his way back to the palace, turned his steps back to the Duke’s estate.

Esutiel had no idea.

That this moment was a pivotal turning point in her future.