Chapter 80, I, To You (4)

Translator: Lizzz

Editor: Hedge

 

Royalty does not speak their own name directly.

 

Even Kyrie, who had lived a life worse than a beggar, knew that much.

 

Yet, ‘I am Kalian.’

 

It was clearly an intentional statement, but there was no time to think about it in detail. Everyone quickly bowed their heads and began to speak.

 

“I am Hemillan Torca.”

 

“Cain Servit, Your Highness.”

 

Except for Aizen, who had fortunately greeted Kalian first, the remaining ten people hurriedly introduced themselves in this amusing scene.

 

Watching them, Kalian’s face bore a smile that seemed mischievous from one perspective and confident from another.

 

And Ian, who immediately caught on to why Kalian had spoken that way, smiled imperceptibly.

 

He recalled what Kalian had once jokingly said before appearing in front of people at Rmain’s birthday celebration long ago.

 

[‘Everyone seems to call me that. Ah, ‘that’ Kalian!’]

 

At that time, the meaning included in ‘that’ was never good. Adjectives like weak, cowardly, powerless, and so on always preceded Kalian’s name.

 

But people still called Kalian ‘that’ Kalian. Although the words contained in ‘that’ had now completely changed, there were many exaggerated or overly embellished evaluations as his name was frequently on people’s lips.

 

‘I am Kalian.’

 

So this greeting carried the meaning that he was not ‘that’ Kalian in their minds, but the real Kalian standing before them.

 

It meant, ‘I will show you directly what kind of person Kalian is, so first discard all the expectations and preconceptions that made you decide to send gifts to Kalian.’

 

Could there be a more confident greeting than this?

 

After finishing their introductions and raising their heads, they saw the smile on Kalian’s face. Those who understood the meaning behind Kalian’s greeting smiled back, while others looked at the smiling faces with puzzled expressions.

 

This was how Kalian made an unforgettable first impression on those who had chosen to follow him.

 

* * *

 

Rmain spoke with a slightly worried expression.

 

It was in a voice small enough that only Allan, who was right beside him, could hear.

 

“I wonder if this is truly a fitting activity for the Princes.”

 

It was very similar to what Allan had said just a few days ago.

 

Allan did not respond by repeating Rmain’s previous retort ‘such grievances from someone so well-fed.’ The presence of other Nobles was the reason.

 

“It will be helpful for them.”

 

With that reply, Allan raised his bow and shot at a bird perching on a distant tree. A Mage wielding a bow was an extremely awkward sight.

 

Sure enough, the arrow made a weak *ping!* sound as it flew and fell to the ground without even coming close to the tree where the bird was perched.

 

Rmain chuckled at the bow skill that was woefully inadequate for hunting birds. The Nobles were surprised to see Rmain laugh, and Allan grumbled.

 

“Don’t laugh at me. A Mage only needs to be good at using Magic, doesn’t he?”

 

Just as he finished saying these words.

 

The bird that had been on the tree until just a moment ago suddenly made a long, small cry and plummeted to the ground. It was dead.

 

The Nobles’ eyes widened, larger than when they witnessed Rmain’s laughter.

 

Only Rmain, not looking particularly surprised, shook his head and said,

 

“Since there’s no rule that allows hunting with Magic, that should be considered invalid.”

 

“Since there’s also no rule that forbids hunting with Magic, could you not consider it valid?”

 

Though the two were merely engaged in a light verbal sparring, the Nobles present felt their hair stand on end. Only after Rmain mentioned ‘Magic’ when the bird fell did they realize Allan had done something.

 

There had been no sound, no sign at all.

 

Allan had even been looking at Rmain the whole time.

 

Those present were all Nobles from Knight Families allied with Beurisen. In other words, they stood in direct opposition to the Nobles Kalian was currently meeting..

 

This also meant they were people quite skilled with the sword. Though perhaps not as much as Marquis Evan Beurisen, they all had their own pride in their martial prowess. Nevertheless, they had completely failed to notice Allan’s attack.

 

[If that had been aimed at me…!]

 

The Nobles who naturally had such thoughts unconsciously clench their fists.

 

Of course, Rmain, who had no interest in the astonishment of those gathered here, answered Allan leisurely.

 

“I can’t allow it to be considered valid.”

 

Then, as if surveying the forest or perhaps glaring at the Nobles on Beurisen’s side, he swept his surroundings once with an enigmatic gaze and continued.

 

“Do you intend to hunt everything here, my Lord?”

 

The Nobles drew in their breath at those words, while a short laugh escaped from Allan’s lips.

 

Allan’s sharp eyes curved in a gentle smile, but through his thin lips came an ice-cold voice.

 

“Even if they sit so conspicuously on such a large tree.”

 

Another bird fell to the ground.

 

After the bird’s final cry, Allan’s words were deeply etched into everyone’s minds.

 

“…Do you think they would be beyond my reach?”

 

It was a clear threat.

 

* * *

 

While Rmain and Allan were pressuring the Nobles on Beurisen’s side with their fantastic teamwork, those who were with Kalian were enjoying a picnic-like hunt.

 

*Ping!*

 

The arrow that left Kalian’s hand made a light sound.

 

The arrow unerringly pierced the neck of a bird that had just taken flight.

 

With each arrow shot, one bird invariably died.

 

Although hunting was not the primary objective, they had to maintain appearances appropriately, so Kalian was catching a few visible birds like this.

 

Because Kalian’s archery skills far exceeded expectations, those who saw the bird with spread wings falling to the ground once more let out small exclamations of amazement. Of course, Ian was among them.

 

“Kyrie, did you also teach the Prince archery?”

 

Kyrie looked surprised at those words.

 

He was surprised – not just that Kalian had never mentioned his proficiency with a bow, but also that Ian, despite everything, had not thought to question it.

 

Still, Kyrie nodded.

 

After all, Kyrie was the only one in the Royal Palace who could have taught Kalian archery.

 

“Yes… I taught him.”

 

After saying this, Kyrie looked briefly at the bow attached to the saddle, thinking that he absolutely must not pick up a bow today. This was because he had handled swords before, but had never held a bow.

 

Hearing Kyrie’s answer, Ian spoke again with a proud face.

 

“Our Prince seems to have quite the talent for handling weapons, isn’t that right?”

 

Just like that.

 

The remark left those nearby with puzzled expressions. They could not help but think that if he had just a bit more of that talent, it would have been a serious problem.

 

“Yes. He learns very quickly.”

 

And the Half-Elf Kyrie supported Ian’s obtuseness with a now perfectly practiced lie.

 

Kalian, who had been laughing briefly while listening to such conversation a little ahead of them, looked to the side. Aizen, who was in that direction, felt Kalian’s gaze and turned his head.

 

“Count Aprin.”

 

“Yes, Your Highness.”

 

“Why were the cookies you sent made of rye?”

 

Although the question lacked clear context, Kalian was genuinely curious.

 

The Nobles of Cyries did not eat rye.

 

Of course, Kalian and Allan were exceptions, but even Ian had said the cookies did not suit his taste and had not eaten them.

 

If even Ian was like that, what about the other Nobles?

 

However, rye was more nutritious than wheat and much cheaper. Therefore, it was an indispensable ingredient for Commoners. Rye was a unique crop that was absolutely necessary for the country, but the Nobles themselves would not touch it.

 

“I’ve been wondering about that all along. Why rye of all things? You’re a Count, so it could not be for the sentimental reason of showing a Prince the life of Commoners.”

 

Aizen, receiving Kalian’s question, opened his mouth with an extremely cautious expression.

 

“To be honest, after sending it, I regretted it and worried a lot that you might misunderstand and think there was some other reason.”

 

“Perhaps you were worried I might take it as a mockery of my mother, since my mother was a Commoner who ate rye.”

 

In response to Kalian’s straightforward question, Aizen bowed his head, not knowing what to do.

 

“If you thought that, I’m truly sorry, Your Highness. I had no such intention.”

 

“I didn’t misunderstand. In fact, even if that had been that stated intent, it would have won my favor.”

 

It would be such an elaborate mockery that Kalian would have at least wanted to see the face of the sender.

 

“It seemed like you didn’t even have my mother’s background in mind, so it was rather a welcome gift to me.”

 

After conveying this honest impression, Kalian looked at Aizen again.

 

“So now I’d like to know the reason for the rye. I’ve been very curious.”

 

Aizen answered again in a cautious voice.

 

“I sent it with the meaning that wheat is good, but rye is also necessary.”

 

“Wheat is good, but rye is also necessary… I see. I understand.”

 

Upon hearing those words, the corners of Kalian’s mouth lifted as if he had solved a difficult problem.

 

It meant that while more powerful Mages were good, Knights, who were less powerful but superior in number, were also indispensable.

 

Since Kalian had been expanding his forces primarily with Mages, the gift was sent with the intention of asking him to turn his attention to the Knights as well.

 

“If I hadn’t eaten it and sent it back, Count, you wouldn’t have come to this place today, would you?”

 

“I apologize, Your Highness.”

 

Aizen made an embarrassed face.

 

He had tested Kalian with a single gift of rye cookies.

 

Yet, in the end, it was Aizen who had been tested.

 

Kalian looked at Aizen and bursted into laughter.

 

It was because he felt as if he were looking at Melpir. It was very similar to how Melpir had sent a horse necklace to gauge Kalian’s true intentions.

 

“I did not realize it from the gift, but since we were thinking the same thing anyway, would you give me credit for somewhat correctly solving your problem?”

 

Kalian asked this, and Aizen could not answer further, only blushing.

 

Kalian, who had been quietly observing Aizen, slightly moved Raven to advance a little further. Then he turned to face the opposite direction. This created a formation where Kalian alone faced the Nobles.

 

“Since we’re ‘outside’ on a clear day, I have something to tell you.”

 

Kalian, facing everyone, spoke with a light tone.

 

“I will be hunting soon. Of course, together with everyone here.”

 

The hunting competition had already been underway for quite some time.

 

At this point, everyone seemed to understand well enough, whether they were perceptive or not, that he was not referring to the hunting at this venue.

 

No one answered, after all.

 

“But I’ve never caught prey that’s neither an eagle nor a lion before. I wonder if you all are interested?”

 

This time, everyone laughed.

 

It seemed that the Griffin in Beurisen’s crest had appeared in everyone’s mind. Since they all had the same expression, Kalian also nodded with a smile.

 

After waiting for the laughter to subside, Kalian spoke softly.

 

“I will send funding.”

 

The only help Kalian could give them right now was the funds that were once again growing at a tremendous rate. Right now, funds were likely what they needed most now.

 

“Just continue doing what you’ve been doing, but a little more diligently, so it doesn’t attract attention. I will contact you through Count Aprin, so I hope you will maintain regular exchanges with each other.”

 

Everyone responded by bowing their heads instead of answering verbally.

 

After examining them once more, Kalian concluded with a low but dignified voice.

 

“Next time, we will meet ‘inside.’ I’ll be waiting.”

 

Inside the Royal Palace of Cyries.