C67 - 68
Chapter 67: To the Imperial Palace (4)
Nothing to boast about, but there was always a story I heard wherever I went.
My face looks stern, always seems dark.
I never quite understood why people said such things about my face, but looking at this girl in front of me, I felt like I might understand a bit of what those words meant.
She had short ponytail hair with a refreshing sky-blue color, and a face so cute that a father with a daughter would be scared to show it outside.
Yet, even those with malicious intentions would stop and not run away in fear upon seeing her eyes.
Her eyes were so dark, almost sinister, that I wondered how the others who had seen my eyes so far felt.
Did they feel the same way?
Do I know her? Not at all.
She’s a complete stranger I’ve never seen before in my life, passing by in this world.
Despite that, this girl just called my name.
That means she knows me, right?
“Do you know me?” she said as she came to our secluded table, so I calmly asked back.
“Yes. You’re a third-year student at the Royal Academy. There’s no way I wouldn’t know someone famous from the academy.”
Her words were calm yet firm.
Frankly, famous?
Probably just for not attending classes, right?
I didn’t show any signs and replied.
“Oh, well, famous, you say. Are you also a student at the academy?”
“Yes, I’m a second-year. My name is… Luna.”
She’s not a freshman if she’s in the second year, so why did she omit her surname and just mention her name?
Was there a need for that?
“Sorry, I’m not the type to remember every underclassman’s face.”
“It’s okay. To be honest, I’m not in class very often because of my weak health.”
She was even kindly telling me a fact I didn’t even ask about, so I felt a little bewildered.
“Since you called me an underclassman, can I call you a senior? Senior Cyan?”
As she said that, she suddenly sat down in the empty seat.
Is this being affable or just shameless?
I’m not particularly concerned about honorifics, so I just let it go for now.
Her eyes, as she sat down, turned to look at Nana and Brian.
“….!”
Her last name wasn’t mentioned, so I don’t know which family she’s from, but since she’s from the Royal Academy, she’s likely to be from a noble family.
Nana and Brian’s shoulders suddenly stiffened.
“Well, you seem to be like a maid and a guardian knight. Seems like you get along well? Having a meal together in one place…”
“Well, sort of. There’s no need to sit separately, right?”
“True. Despite appearances, there seem to be quite a few of you.”
It was a bit confusing whether it was a compliment or a sarcasm, but seeing her eyes shimmering a bit, it didn’t seem like an insult.
“Excuse me.”
Two waiters approached to serve the prepared dishes.
Since there were more than ten plates, it took a while to serve them.
Luna stared at the table full of food.
“Are you going to eat all of this?”
“W-well, yes. My servants tend to eat a lot…”
It was actually food for Nana.
“I’ll enjoy my meal, sir…”
Nana, as always, began to eat the prepared dishes with relish.
The girl named Luna seemed quite intrigued by her eating habits, looking at Nana’s dining mannerisms with a slightly uplifted gaze.
Now that I looked closely, the robe she wore seemed oddly familiar.
It was a shade of blue similar to the light emitted when manifesting mana.
Though I hadn’t seen the back of her robe yet, those who wore such elegant clothes were rare on this continent, restricted to one place.
“You’re from the Garam Kingdom’s Magic Society, aren’t you?”
Luna replied with a dry expression.
“Yes, that’s right. How did you know?”
“I just recognized it from the clothes you’re wearing. Those mana robes aren’t something you can wear just anywhere.”
“You have sharp eyes.”
There was a hint of appreciation in her slightly raised eyebrows.
“But from what I’ve heard, senior usually don’t leave the academy even during vacation. What brings you here to the Imperial Capital?”
For a moment, I wondered if it was appropriate for a stranger from another country to ask such a question.
Actually, shouldn’t I be the one asking?
Although it felt strange, I decided to answer since she asked.
“I received an invitation from the Imperial family to attend a banquet. That’s why I’m here.”
She unexpectedly nodded, her head tilting slightly.
“That’s surprising. I thought senior would be a loner who sticks to their room and wouldn’t come to places like this. Still, I’m glad to see you here.”
Why would that be a relief to you?
Just as I was about to ask, she pulled out a familiar-looking piece of paper from her pocket.
“I was also invited to the royal banquet. To be honest, I really didn’t want to come, but my grandfather insisted. It’s fortunate to have senior here.”
If someone heard us, they’d think we’d been close seniors for about ten years.
I was considering explaining the dictionary definition of “fortunate” when suddenly, several people in blue robes appeared around the corner.
They seemed to be her companions.
Some of them, upon seeing my face, couldn’t hide their frowns.
“Sorry for interrupting your meal. Enjoy your food, and I hope to see you again at the banquet, Senior Cyan.”
She politely bowed her head and even bent her waist, unsure of how to react.
I just waved my hand awkwardly.
What did you come here to say? Now that you’re gone, I’ll just ignore it and eat my food.
As I reached for my spoon, her voice rang in my ears.
“And my name is Luna Rainriver…”
“…?”
“Please remember it, Senior Cyan.”
With a meaningless smile, she said her full name and disappeared from my sight.
My right hand, holding the spoon, stayed still in the air for a while.
“Rainriver…?”
* * *
——————
——————
After finishing the meal, I went to any nearby inn and got a room.
When you go to the Imperial Capital, they’ll probably provide guest rooms, but there’s no need to be within their walls.
I plan to go to the banquet as soon as possible.
As I sat in the chair and looked out the window where the moon had risen, I couldn’t help but be concerned about the girl I saw at dinner.
The Garam Kingdom’s Magic Society.
A gathering of crazy people who wouldn’t hesitate to conduct any research for the advancement of magic.
The leader of those crazy people is the Rainriver family.
Regens Rainriver.
He’s a really crazy guy who doesn’t hesitate to use even his family as experimental subjects depending on the situation.
Luna Rainriver…
When I heard her name without her surname, I didn’t know who she was.
I thought she might be the daughter or granddaughter of some influential person from the academy. But, by chance, she id a direct descendant of the Rainriver family.
Her grandfather who sent her must be the head of that society.
Now that I think about it, I vaguely remember.
A rare possessor with five attributes—fire, water, wind, light, and darkness, each at 20% without leaning towards any one side.
In other words, it means being a remarkable talent possessing the power of all five attributes equally, rather than leaning towards any one.
Perhaps one could even say they are more valuable than someone like me, who leans heavily towards one attribute.
It signifies a wide range of magic abilities one can wield.
Of course, there’s a limit to how much one can progress in any attribute.
Nevertheless, possessing such extraordinary attributes and lineage, that girl wasn’t in my memory.
There’s nothing special about it.
She died early, before she could even bloom. It’s likely that her frail health was indeed true.
In fact, she died of illness before graduating from the academy.
At the time, I didn’t pay much attention, but I didn’t know it was her.
Anyway, it’s none of my business.
Whether she comes to the banquet or not, she can decide for herself.
I’m not a senior who’s so free to care for frail juniors.
“……”
Suddenly, a familiar yet unfamiliar sensation brushed against my intuition.
Rising from my seat, I prepared to leave.
“Where are you going, sir?” Brian, who was exercising, asked me.
“Just going for a drink. Keep an eye on Nana.”
Nana had long since drifted off to dreamland.
I soon stepped outside the inn and headed down the dark alley where the moonlight hadn’t reached.
As I pushed through the chilly night air and moved forward, a man appeared not far away.
“Long time no see, Master Cyan,” It was Kellen Diego, a loyal servant of Aschel.
“No need for long greetings. Just tell me what’s going on.”
Despite my stern response, Kellen spoke without hesitation.
“In about ten minutes from now, multiple infiltrators will converge around Master Cyan.”
“Who sent them?”
“Master Aschel.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“If they know there are forces around me, wouldn’t they hesitate? What’s the point of sending them now?”
“They seem to be taking advantage of the Imperial Capital. Just like us, Master Aschel’s side also thought that you wouldn’t engage in violence here.”
The significance of the starting ground is never small, even in places like Sevellinus.
The royal family does not tolerate crime within Sevellinus.
If there were any murders, they would be caught in the royal surveillance net, causing a lot of trouble.
Are they using this as an opportunity to monitor me?
Although I didn’t think they had any ulterior motives, the timing was impeccable.
“Okay. Watch everything that needs to be watched and pass it on as is.”
“Understood. I’ll observe everything and report accordingly.”
“Alright.”
Acknowledging the instructions, Kellen bowed his head.
However, he didn’t turn away and kept his gaze on me.
“Anything else?”
Kellen asked with a somewhat cautious tone.
“Is there any other reason for your attendance at this banquet?”
If I were to explain it again, Kellen’s personality is currently altered.
His old personality, which sought to devote everything to Aschel, has fallen asleep, and the new personality I injected is taking over his body.
So, the intention behind that question could be solely for my sake.
But there’s no need to disclose everything.
“If there is?”
I replied with a concealed intention.
“I suggest you hold off for now, whatever plans you have.”
“Why?”
“I’m not sure of the specifics. But it seems there’s some kind of scheme between the First Prince and Master Aschel at this banquet.”
A scheme?
This was a matter that couldn’t just be overlooked.
“What’s that about?”
“Assassination.”
For a moment, I was dumbfounded, and my pupils dilated.
Assassination?
It’s almost cute how interesting it is.
“Who’s the target?”
“Luna Rainriver.”
The name wasn’t very familiar, but it wasn’t entirely unknown.
At this moment, all the cluttered thoughts in my mind were set aside, with just one dominating my head.
Is this madness?
——————
Chapter 68: Banquet of Blood (1)
The Great Chamber, third floor, western end room.
Arin couldn’t seem to take her eyes off the mirror, her face filled with nervous tension.
Her silver hair was neatly swept down, her skin powdered evenly to a snowy white, and her lips enhanced with lily petals to bring out their natural color.
It was evident that she had put extra effort into her appearance, different from usual, especially at such a young age of thirteen, a time of significant physical development and emerging interest in beauty.
Despite the annual banquets, she had never paid such attention to her makeup before.
It was as if she were trying hard to impress someone.
“How do I look, Ressimus? Do I look okay?”
“You look beautiful, Your Highness! You’re the most beautiful princess I’ve ever seen. You can stop now!”
“No, I want to look a little more!”
If she was going to keep looking, why did she even ask the question in the first place?
Several hours had passed with the same situation repeating, causing sighs of pity from Arin’s attendants, including Ressimus.
Naturally, this was the Imperial Palace where the imperial family resided.
Despite that, why was Ressimus by her side? It was simple.
It was because Arin, the princess, wanted it. Their relationship was strictly one of master and servant.
As long as Arin wished it, she could take Ressimus anywhere.
Initially, due to her commoner status, there were many within the palace who opposed her presence.
However, no father ever refused his youngest daughter’s earnest request.
With the emperor’s direct recognition and permission of their relationship, Ressimus had been able to continue living in the palace with the princess.
“It can become harmful if it’s too much, you know? Given sir Cyan’s temperament, he may not appreciate such extravagance.”
Arin princess exclaimed in surprise, “W-What are you saying! I’m not dressing up to impress Cyan!”
“You should come up with a better excuse, Your Highness! Especially after sending the invitation yourself.”
“N-No, I mean, well… It’s just that… I didn’t expect him to really come!”
Her face was already flushed with embarrassment, resembling that of a girl experiencing her first love.
“I just thought it was a pity that Cyan was staying at the academy even during the break… I wondered if he would ever experience such an event, that’s all…”
The excuse sounded good, but Ressimus didn’t buy it.
She had noticed Arin’s feelings for Cyan long ago.
Seeing the princess fidgeting like this alone was pitiful.
*Knock knock*
The sound of a knock came from the door. It was likely the guards in the corridor.
However, Arin continued to ignore them, focusing only on the mirror.
A maid approached the door to check.
“Princess Arin. Someone has come from Prince Louisnel!”
“Hmm?”
Her head snapped around for a moment.
She blinked her startled eyes, as if she thought she had misheard.
“Fr-From Prince Louisnel?”
“Yes! It seems to be one of the prince’s attendants. What shall we do?”
It was a strange and unfamiliar situation that had never occurred before.
The First Prince, who usually never paid attention, suddenly sending someone was unexpected.
Arin’s eyes were wide with surprise.
“P-Please let them in…!”
As she couldn’t simply dismiss the prince’s attendant, she decided to let them in for now.
The attendant, upon entering the room and seeing Arin, smiled brightly and spoke.
“Goodness, Princess Arin! You are so beautiful! It’s like seeing a young goddess!”
Anyone with a sense could tell it was flattery, and Arin was no exception.
“Uh, yeah. Thanks for the compliment… But what’s the matter?”
“I’ve come to deliver this!”
The attendant handed a small jewelry box to Arin on the table where she sat.
“Prince Louisnel wanted me to give this to you! He thinks it will suit you well, Princess Arin!”
“Prince Louisnel sent a gift?”
“Yes! Why don’t you open it first?”
Arin cautiously opened the golden jewelry box.
As everyone saw the gift inside, they couldn’t help but marvel.
“Wow…”
It was a magnificent pendant adorned with small jewels intricately arranged.
A central gem, whether ruby or garnet, in a vivid red color, captured everyone’s attention.
“It’s so beautiful… Can I really accept this?”
“Of course! It seems like the jewels have found their owner. Why don’t you try wearing it?”
Arin followed her suggestion and put on the pendant.
“How does it look?”
Everyone in the room showered her with praise.
“It suits you perfectly, Your Highness! Surely sir Cyan will admire it too!”
“I guess so! But wait a minute! I’m not trying to impress Cyan!”
Arin’s face flushed red once again.
The pendant she wore also glimmered with a red light.
* * *
Inside the Grand Hall, the largest space within the palace, numerous nobles gathered under the dozens of chandeliers to enjoy the banquet.
I decided to assess the people inside the hall first.
There were about 60 attendees in total.
The guard knights protecting them were about double that, around 120.
Including the attendants and other staff, there were around 300 people present.
Among them, around 10 members of Mist, including myself, had infiltrated.
The rest would be waiting around the palace.
I anticipated it, but it was still a difficult place to adapt to.
The pretenses of each individual were stretched to their limit, with forced smiles and hidden agendas.
It was an incredible art of concealment, comparable to Mist’s secrecy techniques.
[You seem quite busy. Is there someone you’re looking for?]
“I’m not looking for anyone in particular; there are just many people I need to observe.”
[Are you bothered by what that doll said?]
If I’m not bothered, then it’s a lie.
——————
——————
I don’t think Kellen intentionally lied to me.
Luna Rainriver’s assassination.
Trying to eliminate her amidst so many people watching?
Is the First Prince already preparing for war with the Garam Kingdom?
This is definitely something unprecedented.
Was it attempted and failed before, or is it a new attempt in this life due to changes in the situation?
There are still many questions.
I should probably confirm a little more…
“You shouldn’t have such a grim expression at the banquet.”
At the familiar voice behind me, I immediately turned my head.
Flowing crimson waves of hair.
She was adorned in a fit crimson silk dress, accentuating her slender waist and ample bosom, portraying an alluring maturity that was quite evident.
“The dress suits you well, Instructor Silica,” I complimented her with a smile.
“You seem quite ominous. Handle your gaze carefully. Otherwise, you’ll be misunderstood,” she remarked skillfully, swirling the wine glass in her hand and savoring its taste naturally.
[Ha…!]
Kaeram let out a hollow laugh, seemingly uncomfortable with her presence.
The leader, however, smiled as if to show off Kaeram’s discomfort.
Silica Nigriti.
She was both an academic instructor at the Royal Academy and the head of Mist.
However, she held another title that had yet to be revealed – she was the daughter of the Nigriti Viscount, a renowned scholarly lineage within the empire.
While being part of the aristocracy, most of its members were dedicated scholars, recognized as prestigious knowledge holders across the continent.
Essentially, she was a noblewoman but had chosen to attend the gathering under the guise of a guest like me.
In essence, she was the most comfortable person in this gathering for me.
However, there was no time for idle chatter, like other nobles.
Turning my gaze away, I whispered quietly to her.
“Time is short, so I’ll get straight to the point.”
“…?”
‘This purification operation, I need it delayed a little.’
‘Why?’
Though the telepathy was somewhat abrupt, the leader responded without hesitation.
‘The First Prince’s side is attempting to assassinate Luna Rainriver.’
“…!?”
Her pupils trembled ever so slightly.
‘Are you sure?’
‘Probability-wise, it’s fifty-fifty. I also have no definitive evidence yet, so I want to investigate further. Until then, please delay the purification operation.’
The leader responded without a moment’s hesitation.
‘Alright. But I can’t delay it too much. You have only one hour from now. If you don’t provide an answer by then, it’ll be troublesome. Can you manage?’
‘That’s enough.’
‘Don’t push yourself too hard, Cyan. If you’re really uneasy, we can postpone the purification operation altogether.’
‘We can’t afford that. Even for your sake, shouldn’t Drenian be eliminated today?’
‘What do you mean by that?’
‘The engagement ceremony with Drenian Nepelis is coming up soon, isn’t it?”
Her forehead noticeably creased with surprise.
“Where did you hear that?”
“Shouldn’t a disciple know their mentor’s future?”
I shrugged with a nonchalant smile.
“Then, I’ll see you in a little while, Instructor Silica.”
As I hastened to leave the spot, I could feel the fiery gaze of the leader.
I’ll probably hear about this later.
Well, that’s a problem for later; I’ll deal with it later.
As I left the hall and headed towards the corridor, Brian greeted me.
“Where’s Nana?”
“She’s in the guest room. She promised not to leave, so she should be fine.”
I hope she keeps her word.
“What did you see?”
“There was nothing suspicious. Apart from the hall where I was waiting, I didn’t detect any unusual movement or life.”
With so many eyes here, they wouldn’t go around declaring, “I’m going to kill someone,” right?
“To be honest, I still can’t believe it. An attempted assassination within the royal family… we saw her yesterday….”
“Lower your voice. Many ears are listening.”
Brian quickly covered my mouth.
“For now, I’ll look around. If something happens, send a signal immediately. Try to keep it subtle.”
“Yes. Underst…”
-Step by step
From around the corner of the corridor, I heard unfamiliar footsteps.
At that, Brian and I immediately ceased our conversation.
Light but solid footsteps.
They didn’t seem aristocratic but rather like a maid hurrying along.
We waited quietly for the owner of the footsteps to pass by.
“……!”
As soon as she saw the guardian knight accompanying the well-dressed noble, the maid quickly bowed her head without even looking at our faces.
Judging by her attire not being that of a palace maid, she seemed to be someone’s personal maid.
As we silently waited for her to pass, the maid suddenly took a step back, halting in front of us once again.
For about two seconds, we stared directly into each other’s eyes, as if drawn by a familiar aura.
Then, almost as if we had silently agreed, we blinked simultaneously.
“You… M-Master?”
It felt like my already complex thoughts were getting even more tangled.
Why is she here in the palace, of all places?
My only personal maid, with the same brazen gaze as two years ago.
It was Emily.
——————