37.
* * *
After bidding farewell to her third brother, Roy, Laiya made her way directly to the library.
Upon briefly greeting Kalidupen as soon as she entered, the little girl proceeded straight to the area where the new magic teacher usually lurked.
“I believe I can make some arrangements.”
Normally, upon arrival, she would have greeted her teacher and the miniature snowman and commenced practicing magic immediately.
However, instead of diving into practice, Laiya opted to convey the news first.
“I’m heading to Grandpa’s room. The imperial family arrived earlier than expected, and the house is in disarray.”
“Huh, they’re still resorting to such tyranny? How despicable of them.”
“Haha, well… “
Nonetheless, given that the crown prince made an early visit voluntarily, Laiya sensed an opportunity amidst the somewhat chaotic situation.
“BlackWinter’s system isn’t that lenient to allow them to enter and do whatever they please, so this will be challenging.”
“I don’t think using it as is will be a problem; I’m aiming to proceed with the competition as planned.”
“Very well thought out. Cronos has a robust system in place. Even in the past, the imperial family resorted to all sorts of cruel tactics to try and get the upper hand.”
It seems the imperial family has been employing similar strategies for decades.
“There are three essential things we currently require, Master. Firstly, an adept knight capable of assessing the situation in my absence.”
The little girl confidentially extended three fingers, closing one of them.
“When we breach security a second time, perhaps you, Master, could assist by visiting grandfather or dispelling the magic in the room, correct?”
“Alright, you mischievous lad, I see what you are planning. Let’s give it a try this time.”
“Haha, a little indulgence is acceptable, right master?”
It seems I’m really that eager to aid my grandfather.
However, Laiya chose to help in this manner to ensure no one other than herself was aware of her Master’s presence in this space, as per her Master’s instructions.
Recalling her Master’s guidance, the only daughter of BlackWinter raised a finger.
“Lastly, we need something to serve as an alibi in case of detection. Even with thorough preparation, there’s still a risk of being caught.”
Given her youth after transmigration and the presence of the finest knights in her guard, overcoming this obstacle, no matter how reduced their numbers, would prove challenging.
“There could be issues with the knight assisting me or with the magic provided by the teacher… “
“Just affirm that it will occur.”
“It’s impossible! Could there be an issue with my utilization of it? Haha…!”
I swiftly handled the pride of the esteemed wizard master.
“So, we require a pretext for readiness.”
“From what I gather, it appears you’ve arranged everything?”
“Yes, yes, but… hmm… Ideally, if caught, we could pass it off as ‘a minor mishap of the grandchildren, who dearly missed their grandfather,’ right? It’s endearing and whimsical.”
“Understood.”
However, there was a significant flaw with this excuse.
“But, Master, I’m not particularly embraced by the family. How would they believe this when I was never loved by any of them?”
“…”
“Not to say I was outright disliked, but I’m actually verging on being detested. So, we need someone else.”
This predicament extended beyond herself alone, and to Roy as well.
While Roy’s circumstances were marginally better, he still suffered from neglect due to indifference.
Though her Master suddenly became composed, Laiya sensed his inner turmoil.
Thus, she instinctively averted her gaze to the floor, continuing to speak while contemplating.
“So, what we require is someone who can convey the necessary message and naturally garner trust from vassals, relatives, and even the family head.”
Ideally, Kyle Blackwinter would have been their perfect candidate.
However, why would he assist me? He’s never once treated me with an ounce of kindness.
More likely, he might unsheathe his sword to dispatch something he deems useless. Naturally, I’ll pass on that.
There might be a second candidate, but her interactions with him have been minimal. Also, security maintenance is paramount in this line of work.
While the little girl considered seeking Rainante’s aid, his apprehension could jeopardize his career as a knight and his future.
“… “
Despite prolonged deliberation, no solution surfaced.
When the little girl raised her head, she observed her Master casting a peculiar expression her way.
Now what could master be thinking to make that expression?
“…Ah, I understand the path we must take. Kronos’ second son decimated his children’s knightly endeavors.”
“Indeed?”
Was I abruptly interrogated about my parents’ welfare, or rather, derided by them? Strangely, it didn’t affect Laiya much.
Strictly speaking, it wasn’t incorrect.
If things had proceeded as initially planned, Kyle Blackwinter would have emerged as the antagonist, inheriting the family and leading it to ruin as he opposed the might of the male protagonist.
“No, wasn’t he a proficient knight himself…?”
Laiya tilted her head, but her Master’s muttering ceased there.
The little girl concluded that they should first explore other options and then revisit the matter.
She conveyed her thoughts to her distracted master, who nodded.
“Don’t fret too much. If all else fails, I’ll resort to magic to dismantle the ceiling. They’ll mistake it for a terrorist attack and won’t suspect you in all the chaos that will ensure.”
“No, please refrain—”
If caught at that juncture, there would be no plausible defense.
…People would anticipate a war!
However, that didn’t mean the approach wasn’t considered at all.
Actually… If I’m being honest with myself… If truly desperate, it warranted contemplation.
That day, after a rigorous magical combat practice with her Master, Laiya left the library fatigued, having exchanged greetings with Kalidupen upon exiting.
At the door, the little girl encountered an unexpected individual.
“What, leaving now?”
His tone was icy, and his hair gleamed silver-white.
Stephan.
Why is he here?
Laiya instinctively tilted her head curiously.
And where had Rainante vanished?
A glance revealed Rainante standing a short distance away, lowering his head upon spotting the disgruntled little girl.
Though she wordlessly inquired about Stephan’s presence, Rainante understood and subtly averted his gaze.
Naturally, Rainante couldn’t have known.
“Why no response?”
Stephan’s voice was laced with surprise.
Laiya blinked in astonishment.
“I accidentally ran into my brother… I didn’t anticipate crossing paths with you here?”
“What?”
“Are you here for books? Want to delve into some light reading?”
“Humph, me and books?”
Stephan pouted.
Well, Laiya didn’t envision him here for a literary pursuit either.
He was more inclined to wield a sword than flip through pages.
“Why would I linger in a place like this?”
“Don’t speak like that… Books offer enjoyment.”
Given the common inclination, isn’t the library usually deserted? So I wonder why he made the choice to come this way.
“It’s enjoyable. Let’s peruse another tome on swordsmanship.”
“Indeed, delving into more swordsmanship texts could bolster your prowess… It may sound naive of me.”
“What?”
“No, it’s nothing, but why did you come to the library then? You said you weren’t here to read.”
Stephan paused, his words lingering in the air, as the setting sun cast an orange hue, tinting his hair in crimson.
“I heard you’ve been spending time here. Where have you been wandering, little one?”
“Wandering? It’s true I’ve been here, but why should I announce my whereabouts?”
“What?”
“No one bothers about me.”
Stephan’s expression shifted, though his natural charm softened the frown.
Hmpf, I admit, you do seem cute. Still, our family’s little black puppy is cuter!
“Yeah, right! Who cares about you? It’s better this way!”
“Why the surprise? You always get like this. You’re just bored.”
Laiya sighed, feeling a twinge of annoyance, staring at her hands pensively.
“I gave you access, didn’t I? It’s not hard to figure out why I am here!”
“Right. Thanks again, brother.”
“Brother?”
“What’s with the formalities now? You’re only here for that, aren’t you?”
Why was he like this? He just came to keep tabs on my whereabouts.
Laiya felt irritation bubbling up, but she suppressed it.
With more years under my belt, patience is key when dealing with inquisitive kids.
Laiya glanced at Rainante, the unassuming knight, who seemed slightly embarrassed.
If your Lord’s heirs were squabbling right before you, whose side would you choose?
Hmm, I guess it’s only natural that you would side with Stephan.
Even if he’s not as adept as Kyle, isn’t he the recognized successor?
“This family and its obsession with swordsmanship…”
“So if it’s not pleasantries, what is it? Brother, I’ve asked you thrice. I want to retire to my room.”
“Well, because you weren’t there!”
“In my room? You checked my room? So you came to the library because I wasn’t in mine?”
“Exactly!”
“Why?”
We’re not close enough for you to just drop by like this, are we?
Laiya’s question carried an unspoken implication.
Stephan shrugged, as if not grasping the undertone, though he couldn’t fathom it all.
The little girl pursed her lips, contemplating her response.
It’s not that I have nothing to say when you did me a favor…
Among the brothers, his unique pale blue eyes briefly shifted.
“What’s your name?”
Stefan turned to the knight who escorted his sister.
“I am Rainante, the chief knight of the 1st Knights.”
“Oh, right. You may leave now.”
Rainante hesitated, then approached and stopped beside Laiya.
What’s with his demeanor?
Laiya was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.
