episode_0043

“Then I will take my leave.”

Aaron bowed courteously. Whether he should be called the prince’s guard, his flawless movements felt impressive no matter how many times they were seen.

His gaze lifted and turned to me.

“Lord Albert, you have been of great help. Thank you very much.”

“I am truly grateful; your help has been more than enough.”

“Well then, I look forward to our next meeting.”

“Yes, please return safely.”

With that, he boarded the carriage. With a creak, the wheels began to turn, and before long, the carriage passed through the castle gate.

Did this encounter really help Aaron?

I briefly entertained the thought but quickly dismissed it from my mind as there was nothing for me to worry about.

It was enough that it had been helpful to me.

“It was quite substantial.”

I slowly lowered my gaze to my hand.

The sensation of when sword met sword still lingered in my hand. It wasn’t just the hand that felt the tremendous force, but my whole body tingled with it.

Aaron’s swordplay was truly upright. Rather than unconventional movements, it adhered to the basics.

However, that didn’t mean it was weak. On the contrary, it was faster and carried even greater strength than any other sword.

Perhaps despite being an eyesore as the First Prince, he was liked for that reason.

Because his sword was upright.

According to my father, who imbued meaning into swords, one who wields an upright sword cannot be bad.

In any case, Aaron, who had caused a storm from our first meeting, had left.

However, its aftermath still lingered.

A letter.

A letter inviting us to dinner remained in our hands.

After dinner, Luna and I put our heads together to read the letter.

[Two shining talents working for the empire…]

* * * * *

Tap, tap, tap.

Asilli’s fingers tapped the table at a steady pace. It was a rather anxious gesture.

“When is he coming?”

She was waiting for her beloved Aaron to return, as his exclusive bodyguard.

It’s been half a day, and there’s still no news. It’s ironic that she only went to deliver a letter.

“I didn’t want to send this.”

To be honest, it wasn’t typical for someone like the prince’s bodyguard to go in person.

Delivering a letter inviting someone to dinner is such a simple task that anyone could do.

However, Aaron seemed to have different thoughts.

“Try to minimize any potential trouble.”

There was nothing suspicious in the letter that would make others doubt it.

Moreover, it bore the imperial seal. Would there really be someone bold enough to steal it in the empire?

But it wouldn’t hurt to be cautious. She was grateful that he cared about her.

So, she sent it off without much thought.

Now, she’s regretting it just a bit.

“Maybe I should have scolded him.”

Surely, somewhere along the way, something went wrong.

…Perhaps he met another woman.

Thud!

As Asilie imagined that scene, she pounded the table with her fist.

The thought of him being with another woman was simply intolerable.

Of course, it was just a delusion, and she knew better than anyone that Aaron wasn’t that kind of man…

Yet, a small sense of inferiority made her anger flare up.

Being with a woman would be a hundred times better than being with a woman disguised as a man. Unbelievably, that was the reality.

As Asilie sighed, there was a knock at the door.

Tap-tap.

She had been waiting and waiting, and now the knocking sound came.

Asilie calmed her excitement and spoke calmly.

“Come in.”

With permission granted, the door opened, and Aaron entered the study.

His expression was quite bright, as if something good had happened.

Some were engrossed in reading and writing in the study, so how could the returning bodyguard come in so cheerfully?

“Clearly, it’s a woman.”

Thinking that her delusion had become reality, Asilie opened her eyes slightly and stared at Aaron, saying, “What took you so long?”

“That’s it….”

Aaron couldn’t easily bring himself to speak.

The prince’s instructions only went as far as delivering the letter.

Seeking a duel was an arbitrary action.

Of course, the prince wasn’t the type to hold grudges over such matters…

“No, let’s be honest.”

There shouldn’t be anything hidden. He was her guardian, and his feelings for her were not ordinary.

Rather than causing misunderstandings with the woman he liked, it would be better to confess his wrongdoing.

“In fact, Duke David….”

“What woman…?”

The words were almost simultaneous.

Aaron cocked his head in disbelief.

“What do you mean….”

“To provoke my bodyguard, you’ve got some nerve, don’t you? I need to check if you have the qualifications.”

Acelie’s voice carried a sharper edge than ever before.

Of course, she knew. Aaron wouldn’t behave that way.

“He mentioned Duke David, didn’t he…?”

He had retired, but he was once known as the Sword Saint. He had even left his post for love, so one could still consider him active.

Meeting someone like him, naturally, one would want to gain something.

Aaron was unexpectedly sincere about swordsmanship.

“I wish he’d pour some of that sincerity into this side.”

In any case, that was also the reason for pushing him.

Frustration from being neglected for so long.

“Uh, well….”

Aaron was momentarily flustered, but soon regained his composure and explained slowly. He honestly revealed what had happened with Duke David and the reasons for his lateness.

“Was it quite amusing?”

“Amusing…you think?”

“Why are you asking me that?”

“I’m sorry….”

Acelie, who had been talking with him while resting her chin on her hand, burst into laughter.

Aaron, who always maintained composure, now spoke excitedly like a child. Just watching him made a smile naturally appear on her lips.

That aside.

“It’s unexpected….”

If Duke David is a wastrel, it’s no exaggeration to say that all nobles know it. Naturally, not in a good way.

However, even with his newfound clarity, he is strong enough to earn Aaron’s recognition.

I was a little suspicious when we met at the church, but now I’m sure.

“He has changed.”

What could his true intention be?

If he has been acting as a scapegoat for something all this time?

If Duke David is trying to start a civil war?

“Terrible.”

Duke David may have lost to Aaron this time, but there’s no guarantee it will stay that way.

No, there’s a high probability that he will become a presence close to the Imperial Court. At least, as long as the title of “Master” is attached to him, it’s a confirmed future.

So, if the Imperial Court, and beings of a similar level, start a civil war, it’s a level of concern where the survival of the empire is at stake.

Even if they manage to gather strong individuals and succeed in suppressing them, it’s inevitable that neighboring countries will launch attacks afterward.

In one way or another, there’s no doubt that the Empire is in danger.

Lady Iris, who knows her own secret, and Duke David, whose inner thoughts are unknown.

He sighed heavily at the sudden realization that two unsettling figures had emerged.

“What’s wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

They’ve even become engaged.

Should this be welcomed or not…

“I should assess the situation at this dinner party.”

Whether they will become a closer ally than anyone else, or become a foe aiming a sword.

He earnestly hoped that they would be the former.

* * * * *

Time passed, and before we knew it, the day of the appointment arrived.

It was more of an announcement than a mutual agreement, but nonetheless, we prepared to respond to the prince’s invitation.

As I got on the carriage after dressing up with extra care, the coachman set the carriage in motion with a slight jolt.

I glanced outside for a moment, watching the distant mansion, then turned my gaze forward.

There was Luna.

“Are you comfortable?”

She nodded.

She, too, looked more radiant than usual, having put in extra effort to dress up.

How much time had passed since the carriage departed?

“Well, welcome!”

Capital of the empire, Ascal.

And within it, the grandest and most splendid structure, the Imperial Palace.

The prince was there, accompanied by the bodyguards I had seen before. He looked quite bewildered.