Chapter 238, That Heart (6)

Translator: Hedge

Editor: Lizzz

 

Self-loathing, guilt, anger.

 

The one who shouldn’t freely indulge in any of these emotions weakly lowered his raised arm.

 

He was persuaded.

 

No, he had returned to reality.

 

Seeing this, the Mage quietly spoke.

 

“You have thought well.”

 

As Rmain returned to reality, the execution of the Knight who had been subdued by Kyrie after having his tendons severed by something sharp was postponed. It was thanks to Allan’s words that they needed to keep him alive for interrogation, which helped him regain his reason.

 

Allan spoke to the two Mages who had brought the Knight.

 

“Take him out.”

 

One of the Mages glanced at the Knight’s roughly bandaged wound, then looked at Allan and asked.

 

“He is still bleeding. What should we do?”

 

It was a wound inflicted by Kalian.

 

In short, that Knight would absolutely not die. There was no way he would have inflicted a fatal wound.

 

Therefore, Allan answered briefly as if the Knight’s wound was not worth examining.

 

“No treatment is necessary.”

 

One who no longer needed treatment.

 

After all, he was one who would stand upon the Renisita Leaves in the plaza.

 

The Mages who understood the meaning bowed in greeting and dragged the Knight outside.

 

After that, Rmain, who had been looking up at the ceiling for a moment, spoke.

 

“To think… my Caera…”

 

A deep, deep sigh followed regarding the problem that had occurred in a place that should have been sufficiently safe, if not as much as Arpia Palace or Camilon Palace.

 

Yes. Chermil Palace was a sufficiently safe place.

 

When night fell, that place came under Syspanian’s protection. A protective Magic operated in the corridor surrounding all of Chermil Palace, including the lake and gardens. So, unless one possessed abilities on the level as Allan, it was impossible to infiltrate from the outside.

 

This had been the reason and justification for not needing to permit personal Escort Knights for the Princes until now, but Rmain had ignored this and sent Caera Knights as escorts to Randel and Plants. And today, an incident had occurred involving the Escort Knight who had been sent to his Son.

 

“An Escort Knight from Caera…”

 

Soon, Rmain lowered his head to look at the small black pouch in his hand and spoke as if muttering softly. Then he finally opened the pouch with his own hands, the one he had been told not to touch because it was dangerous.

 

“He gave this to the Second Prince and told him to hide it in the First Prince’s room.”

 

The fact that Beurisen’s people had been mixed among the King’s Royal Knight Order. The fact that he had stationed them at the Princes’ quarters without knowing such a thing.

 

He knew it was all Rmain’s own fault.

 

“Evan.”

 

He barely managed to hold back laughter from bursting out. Because he had learned that Evan, borrowing the hands and mouth of the Escort Knight, had tried to use Plants.

 

[He gave poison to my Son again. I failed to protect my Son again!]

 

“What is the situation?”

 

Rmain, who had closed his eyes, sighed, and postponed all the curses directed at himself for now, asked Nidlen who stood beside him.

 

With a calm face, Nidlen began reporting clearly and precisely.

 

“All of Caera’s Knights have been disarmed, and Valkan’s Knights have been prevented from moving rashly. All of Valkan’s Mages are on guard in place of the Knights. The First Prince is being kept at Chermil Palace and there are no problems with his safety. The Second Prince is being protected by Deputy Commander Hertz at Wilhelm Hall with no change in the situation.”

 

In an emergency, the King must not be in the same place as the Princes.

 

This meant that Rmain could not immediately leave Arpia Palace to check on Randel’s anxiety or be by the side of the collapsed Plants. Because they could not risk being annihilated together.

 

After Nidlen, who had reported in as much detail as possible about everything confirmed so far, went outside, Rmain, who was now alone with Allan, finally revealed his inner thoughts.

 

“I have messed things up again.”

 

“Put away such obvious words.”

 

The mouth of the Mage who would absolutely not comfort him at this moment opened.

 

Because it was a problem with the Knight Order that Rmain had governed, an area that even Allan, as someone directly under the King, could not touch.

 

“You have erred again. The most competent day in Your Majesty’s life will probably be a day when you do nothing at all, so should I suggest that you just stay holed up in some corner? Would it make you feel better if I offered such words?”

 

His words were far from kind.

 

“Do you think I came to this country to witness the absurd incident of a Knight from the Royal Knight Order harming their Prince? Do you think I have lived until this day to see my Disciple, who is pretty and pitiable no matter where you look, struggling to fill in the cesspool Your Majesty has dug, with his insides drying up completely? Do you think I’m keeping this useless neck attached because even one part of it is precious, when all it does every day is spout nonsense like ‘I’m sorry, I was wrong, I was short-sighted’?”

 

In fact, the words had never been kind, but they were sharper than any other day until now.

 

There was no way kind words could come from Allan’s mouth, who knew in detail all the numerous problems that had occurred because of Rmain until now, and who was not ignorant of where Kalian had gone and for what purpose at this hour.

 

No, these might actually be in fact kind words instead.

 

The fact that he was speaking with his mouth rather than with Magic or fists was kind for Allan.

 

“A Knight of the Royal Knight Order falling into someone else’s hands. Syspanian would laugh heartily saying this is truly an amusing matter. You say you’re buried in work every day, but I cannot fathom with my own head what you have been doing all this time.”

 

It had only been one year since Kalian came.

 

Knowing it was still too early for many things to change, he was at least speaking with his mouth rather than Magic or fists. He was trying to salvage this fellow who was utterly lacking in both kingly duties and fatherly duties.

 

Because both this country and the two remaining Princes were too pitiful to just give up and let go.

 

“I understand. I have also continued to see who my actions have been consuming.”

 

Rmain, who answered thus, closed his eyes with a groan.

 

“Yes. I also understand that I must ‘not know’ what the Marquis has done, what the Third Prince has gone out to do. I won’t rashly make moves toward the Marquis, so don’t worry. Instead.”

 

And he opened them again.

 

Because he should not keep doing the habitual act of closing his eyes anymore.

 

“I’m worried because the First Prince, even if he’s not showing it now, he is probably concerned about this. I want to meet him briefly to check on him and watch over the Second Prince. Would that be acceptable?”

 

When Allan looked at him without answering, Rmain continued.

 

“I know I shouldn’t be with the Princes at a time like this. But in my thinking, my neck will probably stay attached well until the Count personally removes it anyway.”

 

[Well for now, anyways. It seems this fellow sprawled out like a vegetable, thinking my Disciple will take care of keeping him alive. Are those boys really the Son of this ox-like fellow?]

 

“…Do as you wish.”

 

One short sigh, and one quiet laugh.

 

Allan, who had revealed his complicated feelings, nodded and rose from his seat.

 

“I will watch well to ensure that neck doesn’t run off into someone else’s hands.”

 

* * *

 

“Wait here for a bit. I’ll be back soon.”

 

At the whispered words, Raven quietly raised his head. Perhaps sensing that he should not make any loud noises, this was the behavior he showed instead of his usual neighing response.

 

Actually, he had considered bringing a different horse instead of Raven, but in preparation for returning to the palace after meeting Evan, he just rode Raven.

 

*Clop clop.*

 

With the very small sound of horseshoes carefully stepping on the ground, Raven hid his body well in the darkness.

 

Kalian, wearing the hood of his black robe well pressed down, drew a deep breath with all his might.

 

A habit formed since receiving the birthday gift reeking of the sea’s fishy smell. It was to fill his lungs with the clear night air before the different fishy smell he would soon encounter.

 

*Step.*

 

The foot of Kalian, who had finished his brief preparation, stepped on the ground.

 

One small step, one slightly larger step, two big strides. Just as the stride gradually grew larger like this.

 

*Thud!*

 

In an instant, the black robe of the one who kicked off the ground and leaped high soaked into the shadows and disappeared. A dark red aura colored its wake with a drip, then disappeared together.

 

Marquis Evan Beurisen’s mansion.

 

One magic lamp that had been illuminating the top of the outer wall, built high as if reminiscent of a small castle wall, went out with a pop.

 

The moment a soldier who saw it from afar blinked, another light next to it. And another. The lights began going out one by one as if being submerged by an incoming tide.

 

That night when a cool wind swept around outside the palace.

 

Like a sandcastle swept away by a quiet, massive wave, while the lights illuminating Evan’s castle were being extinguished from one corner like that.

 

Yet, not a single sound flowed out.

 

* * *

 

“Abundant—”

 

[A blue-haired Mage?]

 

[Did he originally say the activation word when using Magic? Or does he speak activation words only because it was a Spell he doesn’t use often?]

 

[When I wake up, I need to ask Kalian.]

 

“Sleep”

 

[I need to ask…]

 

* * *

 

“Did you learn Magic well?”

 

Rerik’s voice.

 

Plants, who had been looking at Rerik while sitting on the sofa for a moment, closed his eyes.

 

A kitten slept on the soft cushion placed beside him, and Luci, held in his arms, made her pretty sounds as always.

 

He did so because he found it bothersome to answer, but Rerik spoke to him again.

 

“Your Highness, are you very tired?”

 

Something unfamiliar.

 

It was a voice filled with worry.

 

“I hope you won’t push yourself too hard learning Magic. We can clean up all the cat fur.”

 

“I told you.”

 

He gave an irritated retort about having the same thought as that fellow living downstairs.

 

“It’s not because of that.”

 

*Meow!*

*Mew!*

 

Even the one who had just woken up joined in and took Plants’s side.

 

At this rate.

 

Were they saying they would speak together to make him believe it wasn’t that, or were they interfering to tell him never to believe it?

 

Plants slowly opened his eyes and exhaled deeply.

 

“I’ve prepared your bath, so please rest while bathing. And since you need to go see the equestrian performance tomorrow, please tell me if you’re feeling unwell.”

 

“Alright.”

 

Plants, who answered briefly as always, got up. Watching this, Rerik opened his mouth again, chattering.

 

“Should I bring you some tea to have while bathing?”

 

“…Fine.”

 

“Yes. I’ll bring it right away.”

 

After Rerik left, in the now quiet room, Plants lifted Luci and laid her down next to the kitten. Then he took off his jacket and draped it over the sofa.

 

*Knock knock…*

 

At that moment, someone knocked on the door.

 

Since Rerik would come before long, it would have been fine to just ignore it, but Plants, who had somehow briefly grown accustomed to staying without attendants, opened the door without much thought.

 

An Escort Knight was standing there.

 

“What is it?”

 

“I have something urgent to tell you. Could you spare me a moment, Your Highness?”

 

Plants, who had been looking at the Knight for a moment, nodded.

 

When he stepped back one step, the Knight stepped inside and closed the door. If he had locked the door, Plants probably would have been suspicious, but he did not do so.

 

Soon the Knight held out a black pouch in his hand to Plants and spoke.

 

“Please take this and leave it in the First Prince’s room.”

 

Before he could even take in what it was.

 

“It is a message from Marquis Beurisen.”

 

*Haaa…*

 

A hollow laugh escaped.

 

The Knight looked at Plants without any further words. He must have been waiting for an answer.

 

Plants slowly closed his eyes and opened them.

 

To hide the fact that thoughts were continuing at a frightening speed in his head.

 

What Evan’s mind could think of was only familiar methods. He would have no choice but to follow the method Sillike had used, so ultimately what was in his hand was…

 

“Poison, I suppose.”

 

The thoughts that had been blocked all this time burst out like a flood in his uncontrolled mind, completing a massive puzzle.

 

Kalian had summoned Gray. Evan, wary of Gray, brought out Lannen, and Kalian made it look as if Gray and Randel had falsely joined hands. Evan, whose rear had become restless due to the incident at the memorial ceremony and his relationship with the Lesser Duchess of Siegfried.

 

[Variables. He created a variable.]

 

“You’re telling me to set a trap for my little brother and older brother with my own hands.”

 

Frame it as if Randel was preparing poison to send to Kalian. Then Evan kills Kalian.

 

Frame it as if Randel, who had prepared poison for Kalian but belatedly learned that Kalian would no longer fall for poison, had summoned either the Wolves of the Great Dunes or a Holy Knight or anyone. Thus pin the crime of murdering Kalian on Randel and Gray.

 

Of course, people, and Rmain, would suspect Evan, but it did not matter. Because only one piece of evidence that Randel and Gray tried to harm Kalian needed to come out of Randel’s room.

 

“This alone would be difficult to act as complete evidence.”

 

While continuing his thoughts, Plants asked a question.

 

“Evidence is not necessary. Beurisen will be the evidence.”

 

[Since when had he been Beurisen’s person? Had he been on Beurisen’s side from the beginning?]

 

“As it has always been, Beurisen is the evidence itself. If Prince Kalian is gone, it will be that way again.”

 

The Knight answered thus.

 

Plants laughed.

 

“When would you be able to do it?”

 

While the Knight urged an answer, Plants briefly closed his eyes. During the short time to gauge the date, thoughts whirled once more.

 

[Should I accept the poison pouch and tell Kalian?]

 

[I would break the Seal of Oath, but Kalian and Randel would be safe, so should I do that? If the two seals collide and something happens to me. He would surely go to deal with Evan right away, and I would just need to endure until then, so should I do just that?

 

[…I suppose this much isn’t betrayal.]

 

Plants, feeling that there was still no particular problem with his heart even as he continued thoughts of killing Evan, made a sound like talking to himself and drew the Knight’s attention once more.

 

He bought a little more time that way.

 

[If Kalian kills and eliminates Evan, what happens then?]

 

[He has surely prepared a way to kill Evan and not be punished, but if I accept the poison and eliminate Evan first like this, the plan he has woven will all fall apart.]

 

[If things go wrong, he would become a criminal who killed Evan for no reason. Even knowing this, he will definitely still strike at Evan.]

 

[I know he’s that kind of fellow. I know it all too well. So, I can’t tell him directly. At the very least, there needs to be proof that I received this from Evan, from that Knight.]

 

[For that to happen… Rather. Right now…]

 

Plants drew in a breath.

 

He looked at the Knight and drew in a deep breath with all his might.

 

“Run away.”

 

The Knight, who did not understand Plants’s words, furrowed his eyes.

 

“Run away, I said. My little brother will come soon, so jump out the window instead of the hallway.”

 

[So, jump out of the window. So that my skilful younger brother can catch you easily.]

 

“My younger brother will…”

 

[So I can make a way to live with what I’m holding in my hand now. So that fellow who will catch you, kill Evan, and keep me alive and survive.]

 

“Because I will live.”

 

He released his killing intent with all his might.

 

“So that he can ascend to the throne.”