Chapter 233, That Heart (1)

Translator: Hedge

Editor: Lizzz

 

The autumn sky was exceptionally clear.

 

The summer breeze had carried the scent of rippling water, but the autumn breeze carried the scent of fallen leaves. It carried the scent of rustling memories; The many memories of new growth, of absorbing water to survive, and of ultimately completing a life’s journey before falling. And yet, it carried the scent of fluttering lightness, knowing that the trees that had held them would pass through winter and continue well into the coming year.

 

Though the leaves had not yet fully turned color, Kalian laughed softly at the breeze blowing across the lakeside, which seemed to carry the rustling, fluttering scent of fallen leaves.

 

“Perhaps it’s because they’re similar.”

 

Like fallen leaves, both the Old Kalian and Bern.

 

Like fallen leaves that knew Kalian, who had endured a winter-like summer while holding so many memories, would continue living again.

 

“The scent of the wind is pleasant, and I’m fine.”

 

So Kalian briefly offered those pleasant words to no one in particular. On that day in the past when he had spent the day as several different people, he had not actually been fine, but today, having spent the day as the sons of serval people, he truly was fine.

 

His soliloquies might increase somewhat, but what of it? Someone would listen to them somehow.

 

And one more person.

 

Wasn’t there someone who would always listen to anything?

 

Kalian quietly closed his eyes as he waited for a response from such a person, facing the clear autumn breeze laden with the scent of fallen leaves.

 

—Prince Kalian…?

 

The breeze blowing across the lakeside was exceptionally clear.

 

Incomparably clearer than the day he had waited for Dmirea.

 

In that clear breeze, he finally made up his mind. And so, at last.

 

—Yes. That’s correct.

 

He finally made contact.

 

He made contact because it was a day when it would be all right to do so.

 

—Is something the matter?

 

The voice that had hoped only for Kalian’s contact yet had hoped to spend time without any contact at all for fear that it might mean something was wrong, also carried the scent of the clear breeze.

 

Rather than rejoicing at the contact he had been waiting for so long, he worried first. Thinking how very much like Chase this reaction was, Kalian smiled coolly and answered.

 

—Nothing is wrong. I just… Yes. I contacted you for no particular reason.

 

Kalian sat on a lakeside rock still wearing the formal attire that had been as heavy and careful as it was cumbersome. Satinn might be somewhat hurt if he knew Kalian was treating the painstakingly made clothing this way, but what did it matter?

 

It was autumn when anything would simply be good.

 

—Then may I offer you congratulations, Prince Kalian?

 

—You already knew?

 

—Even if many birds can no longer fly, I remain competent.

 

Kalian’s smile became a bit cooler as he fidgeted with the warm blanket that Ian had insisted on giving him despite his repeated assurances that he was not cold.

 

—Yes. Please congratulate me. I’d like to receive it.

 

—Congratulations. I say this sincerely.

 

He received the congratulatory words he had not been able to offer on Chase’s birthday in return like this. For having escaped the unfamiliar restraints he had never experienced and become the Queen’s son again.

 

—Thank you. For the congratulations.

 

—I’m glad. You seem to have finally returned to your proper place.

 

It had been only a few brief words.

 

How had he known that summer had passed and autumn had arrived?

 

Kalian, feeling as grateful as he was amazed, stopped himself from nodding unconsciously and conveyed his answer.

 

—Yes. Thanks to you.

 

—I can only think of having made Prince Kalian step off his path, so I don’t think it’s thanks to me. Thanks to whom, I wonder?

 

—No. How could that be?

 

—That sounds like a lie.

 

—I can’t lie. You know that better than anyone, so why do you say such things?

 

Chase’s laughter could be heard.

 

—Still, I can’t believe those words. Even if you don’t think it’s thanks to me, I won’t feel sorry about it.

 

Chase, who had decided to stand at a reasonable middle ground between stubbornness and compromise, said this.

 

He knew that it was not thanks to him that Kalian had settled his heart, but he said he would not feel sorry about suddenly appearing before Kalian and shaking him to his foundations, about failing to hide Serenty’s mischief, and about truly many past wrongs. He said the words that Kalian would want to hear the most.

 

—I hope it’s not a lie.

 

—You know better than anyone that I’m not easy either, yet you say such things?

 

—That’s true.

 

—It’s not a lie, so don’t worry, Prince Kalian.

 

Setting aside the matter of Debeullan that filled both their minds entirely, they simply exchanged light jokes for no particular reason, having contacted each other for no particular reason. In that way, Kalian let Chase know as well that he was fine now, and he hoped Chase would be a bit more fine too.

 

—Thank you for letting me know. Truly.

 

Chase understood this.

 

—Yes.

 

Kalian conveyed a short answer filled with the hope that autumn would soon come to Secritia as well.

 

The sky was high and the breeze was cool.

 

It was truly a welcome autumn.

 

* * *

 

*Tap tap tap…*

 

The fingertips resting on the edge of the bathtub had already formed a habit.

 

To continue living, there were still many thoughts required, so contemplation continued even in brief moments.

 

“Baron Pollun sent a gift early this morning to congratulate Her Majesty the Queen.”

 

“I’ll check it once I’m ready.”

 

“Yes. And there was contact from the main house overnight. From Father.”

 

A short while ago, at dawn when Kalian had just opened his eyes.

 

While the bathtub was being filled with water, Ian, no, Siroian, who had come from meeting Merlin, had said this and handed over a letter.

 

No suspicious factors within the mansion or missing personnel. Birds that had been staying within the territory have been confirmed to have already departed.

 

Because all contents of letters delivered to the Prince were first reviewed by the senior attendant, Ian, who had seen the contents Sleiman had sent before Kalian, had a somewhat darkened expression.

 

“Was there another problem during the Roselita?”

 

Ian also knew that Kalian had been tracking the group that had attacked him long ago. Kalian, who had read and burned the contents, smiled slightly and shook his head. It was always Kalian’s role to properly reassure the Baby Elephant who worried much and cared much.

 

“No. He says there were no problems. Don’t worry.”

 

“If any problems arise related to you and my Family, please be sure to tell me. I’ll help in any way I can.”

 

“Yes, I’ll definitely tell you. Thank you.”

 

Though the absence of problems was fortunate from Siegfried’s perspective, it was somewhat disappointing for Kalian.

 

*Tap tap tap…*

 

After sending Ian out, lying with his entire body in water at a pleasant temperature, he continued his thoughts.

 

The person who had conveyed information that would allow Debeullan to gauge Kalian’s identity, the person who would have seen Kalian’s swordsmanship, he had suspected such a person might be among the Knights or servants of Siegfried.

 

Sleiman had informed him there were no such people.

 

[He wouldn’t have investigated carelessly, so it truly means there’s nothing suspicious.]

 

However Sleiman-like Sleiman might be, he was the person leading Siegfried. He was someone who might let Secritia’s spies hide and scheme as they pleased, but not someone who could fail to detect their presence. He was different from Evan.

 

[Then where could they be?] Knowing no answer would come, he continued trying to think. And after who knows how much time had passed, a whirring sound was heard as the temperature control device activated. He could feel that outside the window had become completely bright.

 

Kalian, who had been quietly watching a ray of sunlight descending between the curtains, chuckled.

 

“I was being impatient again.”

 

[Yeah, isn’t there still time?]

 

Debeullan would not think Kalian would bother to send an answer through a bird. He would know that Kalian needed time to organize his thoughts regarding his words. Though he would be anxious with each day his life diminished, he was not someone who would ruin things by rushing because of that.

 

Until Kalian, cornered, thought and decided on an answer. Until the bird with the letter bearing that answer tied to its leg reached him; he would wait a bit, so there was still time.

 

“In order. Evan first, for now.”

 

He would resolve Evan’s problem and then meet the Elves.

 

Originally, he had thought to leave Evan alone while being cautious of Zeon, but Debeullan had interfered. So, he would resolve Evan first. If any problems arose, he should trust Arsene. He had guaranteed he could protect at least one person, so now he should believe and leave it to him. The Crown Prince of Tansyll, that could be settled later. As for Evan, if he removes Evan, the pea would handle things on his own.

 

He should try trusting that side from now on too.

 

* * *

 

[No. What on earth was that person thinking?]

 

Kalian covered his face with his palm.

 

As his shoulders shook, the heads of Merlin and the other ladies-in-waiting standing nearby turned sharply toward Ian.

 

‘Is he perhaps angry?’ Their eyes were filled with such meaning.

 

Therefore, Ian first left Kalian alone and shook his head with a carefree expression. Then he looked at everyone once with a slightly reproachful expression.

 

“Our flower-like Prince is such a kind and delicate person, yet I don’t understand why everyone keeps asking if he’s angry. And why can’t you tell yet whether he’s in a good mood or angry? It’s so obvious.”

 

Ian really can’t understand it.

 

Except for Kyrie, who had mastered the method of gauging Kalian’s mood by listening with those good ears to whether his breathing had changed or not, even Allan couldn’t properly discern the truth of that laughter. Why couldn’t Ian think it’s strange that he could just figure it out while others could not? Does this not mean Ian was the strange one instead. How does he not even understand that?

 

These were words Merlin wanted to say but could not convey, yet she showed a relieved expression since Ian said at least the Prince was not in a bad mood.

 

Though Kalian had never been mean to his subordinates even when angry, she had felt unnecessarily cautious.

 

“No, why…”

 

Unaware that many unspoken words had been exchanged around him during the brief moment his face was covered, Kalian spoke softly.

 

The small life cradled in Kalian’s other arm, which had barely contained the burst of laughter, made a pleasant sound.

 

*Meow!*

 

A cry came out.

 

Melpir’s gifts were always like riddles.

 

Kalian’s was never among them, and they generally had meaning.

 

Kalian, thinking of Melpir, the Guild Master of Pollun Trader’s Guild who had sent what seemed not to be his own gift this time as well, realized what thoughts Melpir had sent the gift with and conveyed that he would gratefully accept it.

 

Then he burst into laughter again.

 

The small life in his arms made another sound.

 

“Sorry. Sorry for startling you.”

 

Deep ash-colored fur.

 

Amber eyes close to gold.

 

Certainly, it was not Luci.

 

* * *

 

Even after laughing like that from morning, he did not tire.

 

Kalian, who had been laughing so much he could barely form words, finally stopped laughing. And then barked.

 

“What color clothes will you wear now, older brother?”

 

Like that.

 

Plants, who had been quietly looking down with a truly complicated expression at the two creatures on his lap having an incomprehensible conversation going *meow, mew, mrrow, miaow,* opened his mouth.

 

“I wish at least one of the three could speak human words.”

 

The one large black creature making the most noise on the boisterous fourth floor laughed wickedly.

 

It naturally meant ‘no way. Why are you expecting us animals to speak?’

 

Kalian, watching Plants suppress the desire to expel him immediately, knowing that peace could be restored if only that one creature disappeared, followed with human words this time.

 

“You wear all bright colors because Luci’s fur sticks to you, so I’m very curious what you’ll do if ash-colored fur sticks to you as well. They say when this one grows, its fur will be longer than Luci’s.”

 

Just before, Kalian had come to the dining table and suddenly set down a deep ash-colored cat, then began laughing as soon as he sat at the table.

 

The annoying point was that.

 

Not that he completely failed to understand why he was laughing.

 

“I thought Luci especially liked you, older brother, but that’s not it.”

 

“That’s enough.”

 

As soon as Kalian set it down, the ash-colored cat had scurried over and greeted Plants by rubbing against his leg.

 

“It seems all the cats in the world follow you, older brother.”

 

If it were a mouth that would shut when told to shut up, it would not be Allan’s mouth, blessed with Serenty’s glory, and if it were a mouth that would stop when told to stop, would it be the mouth possessed by such a person as Allan’s son?

 

Of course he would not stop.

 

“So, what is it?”

 

“A cat.”

 

“I’m asking what kind of cat.”

 

“A kitten.”

 

A sound of patience disappearing could be heard.

 

So Kalian leisurely chewed and swallowed a bite of beef steak topped with green butter full of herbs. Then he elegantly pointed to Plants’s steak, which had only black salt sprinkled on it without herb butter.

 

“Eat your meal first. I’ll explain later.”

 

Plants finally gave up and picked up his fork and knife, and a quiet meal continued.

 

After a while.

 

Even after seeing that Plants had finished his meal with duck leg and roasted pumpkin topped with snow-white cheese as the last course, Kalian still did not provide an explanation.

 

Around the time milk pudding full of strawberries and ‘very warm’ orange tea were set down, surprisingly, Plants’s mouth opened first. However, Plants asked about something else instead of the cat who still seemed to have no intention of explaining.

 

“When will you do it?”

 

An apology.

 

He would tolerate being treated like a broom, but being treated like a canvas was not acceptable.

 

“I’ve already given it.”

 

Plants’ eyes fell on the ash-colored cat on his lap as he watched Kalian answer with a beaming smile.

 

Melpir, who was not only the Guild Master of Pollun Trader’s Guild but also operated a Magic Academy closely related to Valkan, knew at least that the Second Prince and Third Prince were not turning their backs on each other. Having frequently visited Chermil Palace to meet Kalian, he also knew whom Luci followed more.

 

Therefore, as soon as Melpir heard about what happened at the succession ceremony, he sent a cat to Kalian. So that Kalian would not have to open his mouth to apologize. Kalian, who was sorry about treating him like a canvas but was somewhat annoyed by that utterly unambitious attitude and decided to follow Melpir’s intentions well, gave Plants a gift with the meaning of apology instead of saying he was sorry.

 

“There’s something I’d like you to learn a little before the Spell to remove cat fur.”

 

And Melpir conveyed another unintended reason instead of an apology.

 

“But don’t discriminate against Luci. Luci is my cat, but it’s a cat I gifted to Hina, so I can’t give it to you, older brother.”

 

Kalian, who had said something unnecessary while knowing it could not be so, took a sip of the fragrant orange tea and continued.

 

“It’s alive, it breathes, its heart beats. It’s small and weak. You don’t know when it might get sick, and it will complete its life before you someday.”

 

They say one never know about life, but if one does not go around selling their heart, like this pea, they would probably live longer than a cat in most cases.

 

“Besides being curious, greedy, and wandering together. I hope you’ll also learn to protect.”

 

Though one could not say that living only protecting was unconditionally right, one also could not say it was unconditionally in vain. Hoping he would learn that even that was one way of continuing life.

 

A thin cat’s meowing sound emerged.

 

Luci, who had been dozing off, opened her eyes. Then she gently embraced the kitten as if comforting and soothing it.

 

Even that young Luci knew how to protect something weaker than herself. Plants, who had been quietly watching that sight, answered.

 

“…All right.”

 

Plants received the apology.

 

Now, his cat made a small meowing sound.

 

It was an autumn that was simply good for living, whatever one did.