Chapter 19
Karsiel stood at the entrance of a small forest path, where shadows pooled.
A broad-shouldered man, likely a guard, stood behind him. At a glance, it didn’t seem to be Luten.
Iris quickly approached and bowed respectfully.
“I greet the second sun of the Empire.”
“Let’s skip the formalities. From now on, always skip them.”
“Then I won’t hold back.”
This was welcome news to Iris, who had grown uncomfortable with formal etiquette after wandering for so long before her regression.
Karsiel raised an eyebrow, as if he’d expected at least some modest refusal.
“Don’t you like horses, Your Highness? It doesn’t seem like you’re watching the competition.”
“I was talking with Count Morin about warhorses. He’s trying every trick to avoid providing more support.”
“Did he refuse?”
“Halfway. He said he’d give a final answer after the tournament. The imperial family isn’t properly conveying the seriousness of the Kahnav war, so it’s no wonder Count Morin remains ambiguous.”
He gestured subtly toward the count, who was seated at an outdoor table just in front of the manor, observing the pegasi.
“He’s not a villain, but he’s cold. If it weren’t for his deep love for his children, I would have thought him a heartless man.”
“He was originally a merchant. It’s natural he weighs benefit over loyalty.”
“Oh?”
At Iris’s casual reply, the man behind Karsiel rubbed his chin with interest.
“I thought you were just a noble lady locked away in a duchy, but you’re quite rational. His Highness was right.”
Only then did Iris turn her gaze to the man, and as if acknowledging her attention, he stepped forward from the tree’s shadow.
“I’ve wanted to meet you, Lady Apellemion. You wouldn’t believe how much His Highness has spoken of you.”
As he pushed his long tied-back hair behind his shoulders, a chiseled jawline came into view.
“Gale Thales, fifth son of the Thales Viscounty. A close friend and aide to His Highness, Karsiel.”
“…?”
The moment Iris met his reddish-brown eyes, her brows slightly furrowed.
Gale Thales.
The name didn’t ring a bell, but his face—and that distinctive long hair—definitely did.
Iris had seen him once before, long ago, in her first life.
“…His aide?”
She asked again, and Karsiel nodded.
“We’ve been together since we were twelve. He’s one of the few I consider a friend.”
Iris bit her lower lip.
What is going on here?
“Sorry for calling you out so suddenly. I figured Baron Penton wouldn’t show you otherwise.”
“You were right.”
“If that’s the case, then you must be in quite the headache-inducing situation, Lady.”
Karsiel nodded, as if further explanation was unnecessary.
“Let’s keep it brief. I called you to give you an update.”
“An update?”
“The thorn poison has been cured.”
Karsiel grinned. Up close, his complexion looked much better. His breathing was normal, his voice and movements no longer strained.
That cranky old man did it again.
“I’m glad,” Iris said sincerely.
If Prince Karsiel had died now, it would’ve essentially meant the fall of the Empire.
In her first life, she’d survived even after the Empire fell, but she had no intention of repeating that path.
“I owe you my life. Every soldier in my unit knows who saved us. Neither they nor their families will ever forget your name.”
“If the day ever comes when they repay that debt, please tell them I won’t refuse.”
She smiled, then turned toward Gale.
“Were you poisoned as well, Sir Gale?”
“Yes. Before returning to the capital, I nearly died from exposure to the autumn sun.”
“Did the physician say it was serious?”
“I never met the doctor myself—I was recuperating in the Thales territory. But I did receive the medicine.”
Despite his somewhat stern appearance, Gale answered with the warmest smile he could manage.
“There’s a mana stone mine in the Thales territory, isn’t there?”
“…Yes. They’re not particularly valuable, but they emit light over time, so they’re used for illumination. I don’t know much about the business since I’m not the heir, but it doesn’t seem very profitable.”
He tilted his head.
“But why do you ask?”
“Oh, nothing. I’m just interested in mana currents. I heard that places with luminous mana stones have shimmering streams of energy, like starlight.”
Iris replied with a soft smile.
“If you’d like, you’re welcome to visit. Though it won’t compare to the Apellemion estate.”
Gale shrugged.
It was a blunt, candid manner of speaking. Saying such things in front of Karsiel suggested the two were quite close.
A deep crease formed between Iris’s brows.
“Lady, is something on your mind?”
Karsiel bent slightly forward to study her expression.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Iris answered with resolve.
“I have something to say. In private—without Sir Gale.”
“…Excuse me?”
Gale blinked in disbelief.
“My lady, I’m His Highness’s aide and acting guard today. Even if it’s military secrets—”
“I was just going to confess how much I adore His Highness.”
Iris cut him off with a calm tone.
“As you’ve probably heard, I’m courting Prince Karsiel.”
“Ah…?”
Gale’s mouth snapped shut. Half confused, half suspicious, his gaze darted between Iris and Karsiel.
“Give us a moment, Gale,” said Karsiel.
He seemed to have adjusted now to her sudden confessions that once left him flustered.
“What’s going on?” he asked once Gale reluctantly walked away.
“As you saw, Gale knows you learned the thorn poison cure from me at the garden party.”
Karsiel said.
“While I appreciate your repeated confessions, if you’re trying to deceive Gale, I doubt it will work.”
“I don’t mind. I just needed him to leave.”
Iris replied.
“If Your Highness insists on telling him afterward, I won’t stop you.”
“Very well. Then what’s the reason you called me aside?”
Karsiel smiled with interest.
“You once said that once trust is built, there’s much to give and receive.”
He quoted her words from a few days ago.
“Which is it this time—something to give, or something to receive?”
“I want to hear about the war. I heard you’re deploying again soon.”
Iris said.
“You want to hear classified information? Why?”
“Because I’m worried about you.”
Iris answered honestly, having no better excuse prepared. Karsiel’s eyes widened slightly.
“I thought I’d grown used to you… but you still catch me off guard. Still, I don’t mind that.”
He rubbed his temple briefly before continuing.
“Our troops have recovered, so we won’t lose. You don’t need to worry.”
Seeing her dissatisfied with such a vague answer, he sighed and added:
“Tarr doesn’t know we’ve recovered, and we have no intention of informing them. If they gather a large army, the battle will be intense. We’re expecting a confrontation somewhere near the Sessec Valley.”
