Chapter 139, Foundation of Understanding (9)

Translator: Hedge

Editor: Lizzz

  

Dark brown or light black.

 

Whatever one calls it, coffee had a bitter taste.

 

Though Kalian would come to enjoy that taste later, when he first drank coffee as a child, that bitter taste was so different from its aroma that it was completely disagreeable to him. If something has a sweet scent, it should taste sweet, right? If it has a bitter scent it should taste bitter, right? What was the meaning of such a savory aroma paired with such a sour and bitter taste?

 

‘You have already done enough.‘

 

Ironically, Arsene had said similar words to Bern that day. Though he did not know if the meaning was the same, Kalian heard those words again from Chase.

 

Because Chase’s words felt like coffee, fragrant when smelled but only bitter when held in the mouth. Kalian quietly smiled.

 

“…Thank you.”

 

Chase knew why he said such things. Knowing this, Kalian answered calmly. Knowing this, Kalian accepted Chase’s meaning without other words.

 

[‘Already enough’…]

 

Words that sound nothing but grateful to the ears.

 

Words that tear the heart to pieces the moment they settle in one’s mind.

 

How could it be enough?

 

Whatever was done, however it was done, however much was done… it all ended leaving only tragedy. It was a catastrophe.

 

How could that be called enough?

 

Kalian swallowed another sip of coffee that a long-forgotten person used to enjoy alone. Then, he turned his head to look out the window. Kalian, who had been watching the fountain that rose and fell helplessly, kept his gaze there as he spoke.

 

“Are you perhaps hungry?”

 

Come to think of it, he had not eaten breakfast either.

 

So, this burning sensation in his stomach right now was not because of what he had just heard, but because of the coffee he had drunk on an empty stomach. The fact that his short hair felt particularly empty was also just because his stomach was empty.

 

Since he did not know when he would be able to face Chase again, he should not pretend to be someone sentimental when it did not suit him.

 

[Let’s just eat.] That was what he thought.

 

Chase smiled at the words that came out of nowhere as usual.

 

* * *

 

Rmain nodded his head readily.

 

“Yes. I understand.”

 

This was directed toward Plants, who had come suddenly without sending a servant first, and had simply stated his business quite plainly.

 

As expected, Rmain did not object to placing the Knight Order within the Royal Palace under Plants’ command.

 

“But…”

 

But there was one thing Rmain wanted to confirm, so he opened his mouth again like this. It was because he thought there was no way Marquis Evan Beurisen would have willingly handed over command of the two Knight Orders.

 

*Knock, knock.*

 

But the sound of someone knocking on the office door interrupted Rmain’s words.

 

It was the Grand Chamberlain, Raul. The fact that he knocked despite knowing that he was in conversation with Plants meant it was something important. Therefore, Rmain gave Plants a look, asking him to wait a moment, then let Raul in.

 

Raul held a note in his hand. It was news that was difficult to convey verbally with Plants present.

 

After briefly reading what Raul had delivered, Rmain turned his head to look at Plants.

 

“Kalian has gone to Rubia Hall, they say. Though it’s not yet the day when he should be doing such things.”

 

There was truly much contained in that voice and expression.

 

Though Rmain had done his best to put it nicely, to Plants’ eyes it looked like it had changed to something like ‘that damn youngest son has run away again!’ So one corner of Plants’ mouth rose, just barely noticeably.

 

He knew that Kalian and Randel had met as expected in the morning. He had also seen Randel coming out of the rose garden and Kalian standing alone in the garden, looking lost.

 

So, if Kalian had gone to find Chase, who had acted as if they would never meet again, there must be a reason for it.

 

“It seemed like there was something troubling him about swordsmanship.”

 

Therefore, Plants said this.

 

Whatever the reason for going there, it would be better for Rmain to think that the Knight had business with him rather than connecting Kalian and Chase.

 

He was wondering how to respond if asked why he went there specifically today, when Rmain, who had been mulling over Plants’ words for a moment, showed an unexpected reaction. He nodded as if understanding.

 

“I see. He must have heard somewhere that he’s leaving tomorrow.”

 

Having watched Sleiman continuously, Rmain had a rough understanding of the tendencies of those who wielded swords.

 

Sleiman had become quite thoughtful after meeting and marrying Seri. Even so, hadn’t he taken a Knight from another country to Valkan’s training ground just to spar? Even though he could not possibly be unaware of how important Valkan was?

 

So, he did not have much doubt about Kalian going to find Taillan because he had trouble with swordsmanship. Of course, he thought it was understandable, not that there was nothing wrong with it.

 

“Why does he act so selfishly? This time, I’ll have to properly scold him.”

 

“Is the Crown Prince of Secritia scheduled to return tomorrow?”

 

Plants asked, pretending not to hear Rmain’s words. Rmain, who did not notice that he was trying to change the subject, nodded and answered.

 

“Yes. That’s what was conveyed yesterday.”

 

But Rmain answering like this had a somewhat flustered expression. It was because he realized this was the first time Plants had asked a question first.

 

Because Rmain could not immediately come up with his next words, an awkward silence briefly filled the office. Rmain, who hurriedly recalled their original conversation, opened his mouth with a worried expression.

 

“Yes. What I was trying to say a moment ago… Marquis Beurisen couldn’t have given it up willingly. I want to know how you came to receive it.”

 

An expression of surprise briefly appeared and disappeared on Plants’ face. Though Rmain did not see it, it was definitely ‘amazement.’ Because the ‘ox-like’ Rmain, who thought much but lacked perception, had pointed out something quite sharp.

 

Plants answered without hesitation.

 

“It’s a Seal of Oath. But it is not a contract worth worrying about.”

 

He did not hide the truth.

 

Rather than because there should be nothing to hide from his father Rmain, it was said with the meaning of reflecting once more that there were still many things to repent for. Though it seemed he was already living each day in repentance, in Plants’ eyes, Rmain was still far from it.

 

At Plants’ answer, Rmain’s expression grew cold. He briefly clenched his fist, then let out a long breath.

 

A contract once made that cannot be broken. Even so, he could not thoughtlessly scold a son who had wagered his heart. Because he knew that Plants had made the same choice as Kalian, who had nothing to wager and had drunk poison tea risking his own life. It was that kind of situation where one had to wager one’s own life to obtain something.

 

“I see. Since you only had your life, you wagered your life… It’s largely my fault.”

 

He thought about saying he was sorry, but then again, he could not say those words. Not because of pride, but because he was sorry to even say ‘sorry’.

 

Plants, who had briefly closed and opened his eyes, said quietly.

 

“You may do so. Apologize.”

 

And Plants answered like this.

 

Because that voice was so calm, Rmain lost the words he should say.

 

Plants had grown up. He had grown up too much.

 

He thought of Allan’s words that his granddaughter, who had once come up to his waist, would have grown much more by now.

 

But because he could not imagine what Plants had been like when he was younger, Rmain could not even properly apologize.

 

“Thank you.”

 

So, he could only say this much.

 

Plants, who had suddenly grown up, understood that this was an apology.

 

* * *

 

In Secritia, the head chef would have warmed the food.

 

Though it seemed unlikely to happen here, Kalian and Chase felt no regret about such things. It was because no conversation had passed back and forth enough for all the food to get cold, and the lack of conversation was unavoidable.

 

After silently working his fork and knife for a while, Kalian quietly opened his mouth.

 

“The coronation ceremony, congratulations in advance.”

 

Chase’s hand paused for a moment. Kalian continued without mentioning Debeullan at all.

 

“It seems I won’t be able to go congratulate you in person.”

 

It was a ceremony where a nation’s throne was being inherited.

 

Therefore, it was not uncommon for Royal Family members from other countries to visit with congratulatory delegations. However, when Chase was crowned, no Royalty came. There was no way Tansyll would send their only Crown Prince to Secritia, and the same was true for Liberen.

 

And though Cyries had two Princes, neither visited. In a situation where the Crown Prince position had not been decided, whoever it was had no reason to take such risks.

 

It was natural.

 

Rather, Chase coming here every year saying he was congratulating Rmain’s birthday was the strange behavior. It was simply amazing how he had persuaded Debeullan to allow it.

 

“I know. Thank you.”

 

Chase answered briefly.

 

Then he remained still for a moment, his gaze on the food placed on his plate. Feeling this, Kalian looked at Chase.

 

Chase’s words came much later.

 

“I know this place is changing greatly. And it will do so even more in the future.”

 

It was all happening at Kalian’s fingertips.

 

Plants, who sat with crossed legs saying only what he needed to say, and Arsene, who showed firm trust in Kalian. Rmain, who had begun to make efforts. And even Randel, who had stood among the roses swaying in the wind, gazing at him.

 

Chase, who recalled each of their appearances, continued speaking.

 

“I worry that you might get hurt trying to understand everyone.”

 

Each and every one of those Mages belonging to Valkan, were flames that burned down Secritia. So even if not Plants, even if not Arsene. In the end, everyone here had drawn their blade towards Bern.

 

How many wounds were there from embracing them all?

 

How much they festered, how much they rotted, how much they hurt. It was difficult to even gauge.

 

Kalian was looking at Chase, who could not continue his words, with calm red eyes. After another long period of time passed like that, he quietly opened his mouth.

 

“…Hina.”

 

Hina.

 

He spoke that name.

 

“Kyrie’s younger sister’s name is Hina. She had long ears but cut them short, and though she can’t speak, she scolds with sign language and likes the birds and dogs. She takes good care of cats and is especially good at writing letters on cat collars. She eats ice cream well. And… She smiles well.”

 

And then he began such rambling words.

 

Even that was precious, so Chase listened carefully, not wanting to miss a single word.

 

“…She’s alive.”

 

With a dying body, knowing it would be reckless and dangerous, he had searched for Kyrie. Hina was with him.

 

She was alive.

 

That was light to Kalian. It was salvation and hope. It was healing.

 

“So, I’m alright.”

 

Not that it did not hurt, but that he was alright.

 

Chase, who saw the red eyes that were no longer violet and no longer mad, let out a shallow sigh.

 

[Saying you’re alright, isn’t something you say because you’re alright. It’s not that you’re really fine, but just that you’re enduring well while looking at that ‘light’ you’ve protected.]

 

“May I ask just one favor, Prince Kalian.”

 

Kalian quietly nodded.

 

“This time, if there ever comes a time when you have nothing left to protect. At that time, I hope you will protect yourself. Would that be too much to ask?”

 

It was said knowing what kind of person Bern was.

 

Because he had only ever protected things, what he knew how to do and his life’s purpose, would be nothing other than protecting something. So, if there was nothing left to protect, those two feet that had never stopped would lose where to go. He knew Bern was that kind of person.

 

This time, the red eyes gazed at the violet ones. With a face that had much gentler features than Bern’s, Kalian opened his mouth.

 

“Indeed, I’m not sure if a day will come when I have nothing left to protect.”

 

Because he had decided to keep that guy alive, who said he wanted to live and would live but had no intention of actually living and just ate grass.

 

Because he needed to know why such a guy did such things, and for that he had to keep alive an unfathomable guy who just stared at innocent roses all the time. And by doing so, he would protect all the brothers, whether from the past or present.

 

“Actually, there’s one thing I couldn’t tell you, Crown Prince Chase.”

 

“What is it?”

 

Though there was probably more than just one thing he could not say, anyway.

 

“I hate coffee. Because it seems to have the scent of Reunieri Flower rather than the smell of roasted beans.”

 

Kalian, who had firmly stored Chase’s two eyes in his mind since he did not know when he would see him again, said with a grin.

 

“Not Bern who liked coffee, but Kalian, who hates coffee, will walk well even if he has nothing left to protect.”

 

The sound of the fountain’s water stream breaking and scattering can be heard.

 

Chase once found it melancholy, but now it was nothing but refreshing. He realizes that the sunlight caught in the splashing water droplets creates a rainbow.

 

Chase smiled at Kalian, not Bern, with a much lighter expression.

 

“Next time, I’ll serve something else. What does Prince Kalian like?”

 

“Mint tea. So next time we meet, please give me mint tea.”

 

[And please don’t forget.]