“I don’t think it’s appropriate to talk about that now… Since we have to go back together anyway, let’s discuss it then.”
Seeing him wanting to brush it off, I brought up another topic instead.
“Lady Serphenne invited me to the Book Club she’s hosting. If possible, she also requested to bring Your Highness along.”
The moment he heard that, a slight crack appeared in Ludger’s perfect expression, and his eyebrows furrowed slightly.
“…As expected.”
“She must have mentioned it to you, didn’t she? Should I let Lady Serphenne know that the Duke wouldn’t attend?”
I asked, a bit half-jokingly, seeking confirmation to defend myself. However, Ludger sighed before asking.
“Are you planning to go, Captain?”
“Well… I don’t really have a reason to refuse, do I?”
I added quickly, recalling Ludger’s previous advice, which was more like a warning: Keep yourself away from them.
“Ah, it’s not like I’m trying to get closer to them. The situation just doesn’t leave me much choice. Your Highness understands that, right?”
“I do.”
He answered curtly, rubbing his eyes, he looked visibly tired.
“Let me know when you plan to attend. I can’t possibly let you attend alone.”
“…Okay.”
I guess he presumed I wasn’t better off handling them alone. At least, that’s probably how it appeared to be from Ludger’s perspective.
Honestly, the thought of being alone with those floundering fish at Elisa’s Book Club, starting with the main characters of the original story, made me uneasy. Therefore, I was relieved that Ludger was coming along.
‘Of course, if this were the original plot, Ludger would be one of the fish too…’
But the romance arc between them had already shifted. I had to assume there was no chance of Ludger falling for Elisa and to just move on.
“Nevertheless… about that offer.”
“The offer?”
“They offered you the position of escort knight. Were you bothered by my interference?”
“Ah… no. On the contrary, I would have been flustered if you hadn’t stepped in. Had I been alone, I might have been dragged off as an escort knight, regardless of my choice.”
“Actually, I wanted to step in earlier, but I was concerned it might seem like I was interfering.”
His tone had a playful hint, clearly trying to lighten the mood rather than seriously implying about the topic on the escort knight.
“No, I’m content with things as they are.”
“…I understand the Ruby Knights don’t have the best reputation.”
True. Even Heilbronner, in whose case I was currently working on, was hot on my heels. It was quite amusing, especially when Ludger, of all people and the person involved, pointed it out.
“Honestly, it wasn’t great in the beginning either. Back when we were cobbling together, we were trying to find whatever we could get from each order… It was pretty rough.”
The Ruby Knights were hastily formed when I got demoted. They stuffed in all the problematic people who couldn’t be rightly dismissed, which included me (Sir Sein and Lionel were also among them). I became their leader in my early twenties. The situation at that time was dire. Some openly disrespected me, and others rebelled. I was constantly stressed out.
Eventually, everyone, except Sir Sein and Lionel, either left voluntarily, or were dismissed for serious infractions. And so, the tranquil, humble Ruby Knights became what they are today.
“But I like my subordinates now. Besides, if I left… the Ruby Knights might fall apart.”
“….”
“So, I’ll continue to do my best. To make sure the Ruby Knights survive.”
Ludger smiled softly at my answer, and I found my gaze drawn to his gentle expression.
“You consider them family, don’t you?”
“No, our order is very professional, individualistic… and sometimes even distant.”
“No way. I can feel the affection in your words.”
I felt embarrassed at the thought of describing it as affection. We’re a cool, distant bunch of…
“…Ugh, well, please stop that. Honestly, I wouldn’t want to work under someone like the Second Prince anyway.”
“I share your sentiments, but we should be mindful of where we say such things.”
“Oh.”
I had meant my comment for Ludger’s ears only, but I clearly wasn’t being careful, especially considering the fact that we were at a tea party hosted by the Second Prince.
“You call me reckless, but I’d say you are rather bold.”
“…I’ll be more cautious.”
“Good.”
Ludger glanced at Alphonse discreetly, then muttered, almost to himself.
“I think it was intentional. They know Captain’s worth, but they’ve been downplaying your achievements.”
“What?”
“If they publicized your accomplishments, wouldn’t your value increase? Then it would be harder for them to take you away from me.”
In simpler terms, I was being ‘underpriced’. They were downplaying my contributions, like the recent newspaper article that barely mentioned my involvement.
‘It feels excessive for just me, a relatively insignificant figure.’
Though I suppose defeating a demonic creature on the level of Orthros alone had a significant impact. It certainly knocked me out for a few days.
“And if they’ve gone this far… then it likely won’t stop there.”
“You mean…”
“It means the Second Prince will probably continue targeting you.”
Wonderful. Just the kind of information I didn’t want to hear.
But yes, if they’ve put in this much effort, they wouldn’t give up easily just because I said no.
“Understood. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Lady Serphenne is also included. I’d wager she hasn’t given up on you either.”
“…Yes.”
“I wouldn’t stand by idly, though.”
That must be why Ludger has decided to attend the Book Club too, which he previously declined. He was clearly wary of Elisa and Prince Alphonse’s schemes.
As long as he didn’t dabble anyone in black magic, I didn’t care about the political outcome. The novel has already diverged from the original plot, and I have no idea where it was heading.
Instead, I should focus on the real issue, which is black magic.
‘The first relic will soon be unveiled to the public…’
The relics are only revealed at specific times, so it’s likely the black mages would make their move to destroy them at that time.
And it would be during the upcoming “Lunar New Year.”
I quietly asked Ludger,
“What are your plans for the Lunar New Year?”
“Well… I don’t have any yet.”
“Good.”
That meant if nothing provoked Ludger immediately, he wouldn’t act during Lunar New Year. That was a relief.
“…Would you like to attend the festival with me?”
“What? No, I’ll probably be on duty the entire day. Like last year.”
“Then why did you ask about my plans?”
“It’s just… seeing this tea party makes me feel like Spring is really approaching.”
Ludger blinked, then chuckled.
“Captain, you really have an odd side.”
His laugh was light and boyish, starkly different from the cold front he displayed earlier with Alphonse and Elisa.
“I thought we were growing closer.”
“….”
“Weren’t we?”
I still didn’t understand his true intentions. It was too vague to call ourselves friends, but maybe Ludger was right. Maybe we have grown a bit closer.
Otherwise, I wouldn’t have the courage to speak informally like this with the Young Duke.
I often find myself hoping, perhaps foolishly even, that my instincts are wrong. That Ludger isn’t deeply involved in black magic. Or, even if he is, he isn’t a villain.
But I’ve learned not to trust such weak hopes. That’s what got me into trouble with Gustav Mayr.
‘…So stay sharp, Clara Weyburn.’
I needed to stay vigilant and keep an eye on Ludger until Lunar New Year.
***
After that, the tea party continued uneventfully. As Ludger had mentioned, it was a typical social gathering, with people bustling about, discussing all sorts of trivial matters.
Unsurprisingly, people were more curious about me and Ludger. I deflected their questions with polite, vague responses, insisting, “It’s just a business relationship, nothing more.” Not that anyone seemed to believe me. Haa.
At last, after what felt like an eternity, it was time to leave.
I inwardly sighed in relief.
Of course… there was still one more trial to face.
“I’ll escort you.”
“…Sure.”
Having rebelled earlier without consequence, I simply followed Ludger this time.
But just as we were about to leave the Second Prince’s Palace, I ran into a face I had hoped to avoid.
It was none other than Gustav.
