“Yes, that’s what Kaon said.”
“I see.”
Joseph concisely explained the recent events between his mother and Kaon, then looked at Leonidas.
Leonidas, his former master and the current master’s sister, remained silent, seemingly deep in thought, before slowly shaking her head.
“Beverly must be deeply saddened.”
“About mother…”
Joseph trailed off. As the son of Baroness Robert and the aide to Kaon, he was conflicted between representing his mother’s position and carrying out his duties as an aide.
“I understand. Baroness Robert was simply thinking of Ferdinand’s best interests.”
“…I’m grateful you understand.”
Unexpectedly hesitant at the crossroads of his choices, Joseph was relieved when Leonidas stepped in, seemingly understanding his dilemma.
Joseph felt a bit reassured, but also a bit inadequate compared to the experienced aide he had become, standing before Leonidas.
“It seems the two of you are faring better than expected. You occasionally have a cold war, but it doesn’t seem to be a major issue.”
“I see. You’ve done well, Joseph. That’s enough.”
“Yes. However…”
In the brief pause, Leonidas’ gaze turned to Joseph.
“Is it alright to leave it as it is?”
“I’m not sure.”
Leonidas responded vaguely to the concerned question. Gazing into the distance as if contemplating something, she soon spoke again.
“Even a dying ember can be reignited by a gentle breeze. And if that ember, however lukewarm, is already a flame, it will only grow stronger.”
Joseph easily understood the meaning behind her words. The young master’s situation was not as calm as it seemed.
“Trials will come regardless of my interference. There’s no need for me to add another obstacle to overcome. I’ll just leave it as is.”
He understood. The feelings involved were something that could not be achieved by sheer willpower alone. There was no need to stir it up and provide more stimulation; it would evolve naturally over time.
Even if Kaon’s youthful love did not end, the marriage would depend on the consent of both families. Ferdinand needed a mage, not a bride, so as long as suitable negotiations took place, Kaon’s wishes would come second.
While Kaon was Leonidas’ last remaining family member, her priority was the family’s interests, not her brother. Joseph felt a twinge of sympathy for the somewhat immature young master.
***
On a pleasant spring day when the warm sunshine was pouring down pleasantly, several carriages departed from the Ferdinand estate all at once. It was finally the day they would set off for the capital.
“Why are you staring at me like that?”
“What are you suddenly saying?”
“You’ve been staring at me.”
“No, I haven’t?”
The attitudes of the two people towards each other had changed countless times since the day they had tacitly agreed to overlook each other’s secrets.
There were times when they got angry out of a sense of betrayal, times when they coldly ignored each other’s existence, and even days when they would growl at each other just by making eye contact.
Now, after going through all of that, the two of them would only occasionally bicker and argue with each other.
“I can see your eyes rolling, you know.”
“Are you trying to provoke me again?”
It was just one of those days again. Kaon ignored Alessia’s provocation and turned his gaze out the window. The scenery outside changed one by one as the carriage rumbled along the dirt road.
“Then why are you staring at my neck?”
Kaon flinched, unable to ignore that remark, as he had been trying to quietly close his eyes for the tedious journey.
“Are you some kind of pervert? Do you have a special liking for necks or something?”
“Huh?” Kaon immediately protested, unable to bear it any longer. “What are you saying!”
To be honest, he had been glancing at Alessia. It was true that he had been looking at the area around her neck. But it wasn’t for any vulgar reason. He had his own reasons, which he couldn’t reveal at the moment.
“Well, you know, you like my face too.”
“How many times do I have to tell you? I’ve never—”
That woman really likes to use her face as a weapon when she’s bored.
Annoyed, Kaon looked at her, and Alessia blinked her big eyes and raised the corners of her mouth in a pretty smile, with no hint of hesitation in her swift movements.
“…never,” Kaon trailed off, averting his gaze. It seemed he should have gotten used to it by now, but her face still stirred his heart every time he saw it.
Kaon swallowed a sigh. After all, he had once brought in a stray dog he didn’t even know the origin of, and had provided it with a home, a name, and food, all because he found it cute.
Compared to that, Alessia, whom he had fallen for at first sight, was a whole different matter.
“I see. It really doesn’t seem to be the case.”
Responding with a light snort, the sarcasm in her words was evident to anyone, but Kaon held his tongue.
This was a topic he had lost a hundred times out of a hundred. It was wise to avoid a fight with a predetermined outcome. As Kaon fell silent, the carriage was once again enveloped in silence.
‘That arrogant Ingelos, as always.’
Grumbling internally about his old rival, he suddenly looked at Alessia. She, who had been silently gazing at the towering castle walls, also felt his gaze and turned her head forward.
“I heard your family is also attending the upcoming banquet.”
“…I suppose so. Most nobles will be attending.”
Alessia’s red eyes held a faint hint of turmoil that quickly disappeared as she replied calmly.
“Didn’t you say you have older siblings?”
Not noticing the fleeting moment, Kaon continued to ask. Though it was a story from quite some time ago, he seemed to recall the general details.
“Yes, Richard is sixteen years older than me, and Nia is eight years younger.”
“…Sixteen and eight?”
He tried not to seem surprised, but he was actually quite taken aback. Doing the math, the age difference between the siblings was enormous. Even he and Leonidas had only a five-year gap, which was relatively small, but the Ingelos siblings were on another level.
No wonder the Duke of Ingelos had transferred authority to his heir so quickly—the heir’s age was much older than expected.
“It seems the Duke and Duchess of Ingelos are quite close.”
“Their intentions do align well.”
The chilly response to his attempt at light teasing made it clear that Alessia had no more to say on the matter, and she closed her eyes, indicating the conversation was over.
‘Did I say something wrong?’
Kaon was left pondering alone as he had suddenly lost his conversation partner.
***
It took a full ten days before the party finally arrived in the capital, Bellum. Even then, they had tried to minimize the time spent in any city.
The carriage passed through the massive gates guarded by several gatekeepers and entered the capital. As they traveled deeper into the city, the central nature of Bellum became increasingly evident.
The well-paved roads, wide enough for carriages, were lined with densely packed multi-story buildings. Towering new constructions could be seen here and there.
Above all, Bellum was teeming with people. Compared to the most populous city in Ferdinand, Briar, the capital felt dozens of times more lively and crowded.
The sheer sight of it all was overwhelming for Kaon, who immediately drew the curtains upon arrival. Alessia, on the other hand, continued to gaze out the window, captivated by the sights, not even noticing the occasional glances Kaon stole at her.
It took them a considerable distance before they finally reached the Bellum Palace. The long line of carriages waiting to enter gave them a sense of the scale of the upcoming court banquet.
“Lord Kaon Ferdinand, Lady Alessia Ingelos. We will guide you to your rooms.”
After a brief meal, the assigned maids courteously led them to their respective accommodations. Kaon was relieved to find that they had been given separate rooms, even if they were directly across from each other, rather than having to share a room.
“The banquet will be held over the course of two days, starting tomorrow when the bell tower chimes. Shall I come to escort you at the appointed time?”
“That won’t be necessary, I already know the way.”
“Very well. I hope you enjoy your stay.”
Kaon nodded in acknowledgment. He only needed to attend the second day’s banquet, where the king would be present. Leonidas wouldn’t expect him to attend every event anyway. There was no need for that.
As soon as he entered his room, Kaon flopped down on the bed and stretched. It was already late, so he could just rest up for the day’s schedule tomorrow.
‘Maybe I’ll stop by the blacksmith’s.’
There was a renowned blacksmith on the outskirts of Bellum, known among the knights. The elderly smith had connections with the previous duke, so he was quite amiable.
Exhausted from constantly bickering with Alessia over the past few months, Kaon felt rejuvenated at the prospect of wandering around without a care tomorrow.
With a refreshed mind, Kaon settled into his bed.
🍉🍉🍉
