“I’ve heard the name quite often. Duke Taylor… I suppose that’s what I should call you.”
“It’s fine to call me whatever you like. I’ve already heard of Lord Berod’s name.”
“We can’t call you that. You’ve already become a famous person in the capital, haven’t you?”
Lord Berod stroked his beard in reply.
Famous, indeed. The story of rescuing the princess from the North must have spread to some extent.
Although one couldn’t proudly spread the news that a princess was targeted by an immigrant tribe, the high-ranking nobles must have heard some whispers.
That Robert Taylor single-handedly rescued the princess.
How absurd it must sound that someone who had never even held a sword in his life pulled that off.
Of course, I doubt anyone would take it literally, but at the very least, there would be those interested in me.
Perhaps the reason Yuria started moving is also because of this rumor.
Even if they know I went to the North, the accomplishments I gained cannot be disregarded.
If they interpreted that saving the princess obtained the support of the imperial family, it’s possible Yuria would act a bit more hastily.
“There’s still much lacking to be called a famous person. And you already know quite a bit about my rumors, don’t you?”
“There’s nothing better than seeing for oneself to know whether rumors are true or false.”
“Then, what kind of person do you think I am?”
“…It seems that rumor was spread by someone quite malicious.”
Upon hearing that answer and letting out a chuckle, Berod also smiled faintly while gazing at me.
The hostility lingering in his eyes was still present. He likely couldn’t easily discern why I approached Adrian.
However, I didn’t approach Adrian.
It was simply a chance encounter that led to a connection and the current relationship.
I had no intention of gaining anything from Adrian.
Wasn’t it her who suggested going to the South together first? Even if I felt pressured by her presence, my expression remained dignified.
I had felt that pressure many times before. As I properly harnessed my energy to counter it, Berod seemed to be slightly taken aback, clicking his tongue.
“You certainly don’t seem like an ordinary young master. I didn’t expect you to be carrying a sword.”
“The rumors are merely about my past self. However, one cannot live like that forever.”
“So, is that why you approached the Saintess?”
Boom—
A completely different energy began to envelop my body.
It was a fierce force pressing down on me, trying to extract my true intentions.
Yet my calmness remained unbroken.
The magic power that escaped with my breath encircled the surroundings, dispersing the energy directed at me.
Controlling magic is the area I’m most confident in,
and as the energy I emitted vanished, Berod’s eyes momentarily narrowed.
Even after this form of pressure, it didn’t matter much to me.
Unless he charged at me with a weapon, he wouldn’t behave that way in Moon Tower where Adrian is.
So, I quietly gazed at him without saying a word, let out a small sigh, and parted my lips slightly.
“I did not approach the Saintess.”
“I did not approach the Saintess.”
“Then, I wonder what your purpose is for staying at the Moon Tower.”
First, it was essential to clear up the misunderstanding between him and me.
I know he cares for Adrian, but I have to explain that I am not interested in him.
As Adrian said, my relationship with her is merely that of friends. Even so, we still feel somewhat awkward around each other.
Moreover, since her status is that of a Saintess, the likelihood of developing a romantic relationship is slim.
It’s a hypothetical situation, but if I truly fell in love with Adrian and we became lovers, it wouldn’t be out of the question for the Order to recognize it.
The reason I wish to stay at the Moon Tower is due to my relationship with the Order.
If I want to gain support from the Head of House, it’s better to leverage the Order’s influence as much as possible.
“My growing acquaintance with the Saintess isn’t for any particular purpose. So, I would appreciate it if you could ease your anger a little. If a bit more time passes… this place will collapse.”
“I didn’t intend to let it collapse. I just didn’t expect you to withstand this.”
As the energy dissipated, the trembling of the table, which had been shaking for some time, finally stopped.
Simply applying strength can influence the surroundings to this extent.
Being at odds with the Paladin at the pinnacle of his power is not ideal for me.
“I remember the Saintess calling someone a friend only twice in my life.”
“The first would be forming a bond with Her Highness the Princess.”
“And the second I just learned today. I figured Her Highness would be okay since she’s a woman too, but I have concerns about this matter.”
“…Given the differences between men and women, I think it’s a natural concern.”
Earlier, the Paladin’s gaze and Berod’s attitude made it clear that Adrian’s existence is not limited to just being a Saintess.
To them, Adrian is regarded as someone like a daughter.
If you dig a bit deeper… perhaps more like a youngest daughter.
When I spoke as if I understood, Berod’s expression softened slightly, and he relaxed his crossed arms.
It seemed like he was somewhat open to conversation.
However, this only eased the tension about my relationship with Adrian; the question of why I’m staying at the Moon Tower still lingered.
“Then I’m curious about your reason for wanting to stay at the Moon Tower. I knew you were going to the South, but there’s no need for you to remain here, is there?”
“That is separate from the Saintess; I want to maintain a good relationship with the Order.”
“Relationship, huh.”
“I am the firstborn of House Taylor, and the current Lady of the House is Yuria Taylor. However, I still possess the right to become the Head of House.”
At the mention of the Head of House, Berod’s brow furrowed.
Unlike the Grand Duke title granted for uniting the North, the title of Duke has existed solely within House Taylor since the founding of the nation.
The leader reigning over the noble class—such is the position of the Head of House Taylor.
Berod, staring intently at me, seemed to have understood my words.
However, expressing that intent out loud might be a different story. He took a moment to catch his breath and muttered in a low voice.
Isn’t it a story? Taking a moment to catch my breath, I murmured in a low voice.
“I believe the support of the Order is necessary.”
“I assume you know what that support means.”
The religion responsible for 90% of the Empire,
The existence of the Saintess is something even the Emperor cannot easily ignore, which is why the full moon festival is mostly led by the Order.
In that sense, the Order holds a similar power to that of the Duchy.
The Imperial Family, the Nobility, and the Order. It might sound ridiculous to think of gaining support from one of these three pillars.
“And I think you also know that obtaining that support is nearly impossible.”
“That’s true.”
“I’ve heard that the Lady of the House of Taylor has already begun to make moves; it seems to me that it’s too late to seek support now.”
“I moved because I don’t think it’s too late. Indeed, there is a time and season for everything, isn’t there?”
The timing of my reincarnation repeats is truly ironic.
It’s been three years since I was accused of betrayal and two years since Adele’s death.
It may be a short time to achieve something, but it’s certain that important events occurred in those three years.
It might be better if we could go back to before then, but it means there’s nothing better than this period for creating variables.
Going North, going South, and even the head of the family usurpation.
All of this can probably be wrapped up in just one year; this current timing is all we have.
It’s not too late. Rather, I think there’s enough time to prepare everything.
If I pull Yuria down and take the household of Taylor into my hands, I should be able to wrap that up in about 3 to 4 months from now.
Berod’s gaze seemed to pierce through my inner thoughts.
He probably wanted to know how much of what I was saying was true and whether I was speaking sincerely.
Since it’s the truth, there’s nothing to fear, but it seems he still suspects me, so I quietly opened my mouth.
“I reiterate, I did not approach the Saintess with any ulterior motives. I’m simply grateful that we can consider ourselves friends. I don’t know what you saw, but I’m just thankful that you look upon me favorably.”
“…The Saintess is someone who sees into a person’s inner self.”
Berod replied quietly, but this time, his voice was a bit softer.
His gaze, which had been examining my true intentions, softened, and his eyes took on a contemplative look as if reminiscing about the past.
“Though she has lost her sight, she can distinguish the darkness and light in a person more easily than anyone else. That’s why the Paladins prioritize inner training above all else. They must maintain a pure heart so that no impure thoughts can take root.”
“I already knew that from Adrian.”
“…You were calling each other by name?”
In that moment, his voice turned cold, and I realized my mistake, but Berod shook his head with a bitter smile.
I shook my head with a smile.
It made me feel unnecessarily guilty, as he wore an expression that seemed to convey resignation.
There’s no need to feel sorry, but I could somewhat understand what emotions one might have if they were like Adrian’s father.
“As I mentioned earlier, I believe you understand the differences between men and women well.”
“I understand and I’m paying attention.”
“It’s not enough just to understand and pay attention.”
When I slightly raised my head at the weightiness in his voice,
I caught a glimpse of Berod’s rather serious expression.
I could tell what it meant that Adrian regarded Berod like a father.
Isn’t this feeling akin to meeting the Emperor in the past?
Looking at me with a gaze similar to that of the Emperor during the days when he was in a relationship with Miragen.
That kind of look makes me feel as if I’m being judged, which unavoidably shrinks my shoulders.
“We cannot be rude to the Saintess’s guests, but it’s quite unfortunate. I wanted to conduct my own ‘verification’ of who you are.”
“I have faced men other than you—”
“I have never allowed any approach. If I had stayed at Moon Tower, it would have been very difficult for the Prince to meet the Saintess.”
Was I just very lucky?
When I awkwardly smiled, Berod kept his mouth shut, wearing a somewhat displeased expression.
Could it be that her ignorance about the ways of the world was due to this overprotection?
I didn’t blame Berod, but the thought crossed my mind a little when facing him directly.
“If you’re worried that I might do something strange, you need not worry.”
“I do think so. However, if you were to do something untoward to the Saintess…”
Creeeak—
With his hammer dragging on the floor next to me, Berod looked at me intensely.
“Then you will understand what purpose my hammer serves.”
“…Haha.”
Anyone observing might easily mistake it for me seeking permission to date Adrian.
If that were the case, Berod would be in a position akin to that of a father-in-law, but would such a day ever come?
I already knew that Berod would also be accompanying us to the South.
Maintaining that relationship with him while also nurturing a close bond with Adrian.
Thinking of that made my head ache.
I wondered if that was even possible.
In the South, there would surely be times when it would just be Adrian and me, but I could only hope he wouldn’t develop any strange misunderstandings.
“…My boyfriend.”
Already thinking of me as Adrian’s, I just hope he doesn’t nurture any further misunderstandings.
In our brief cross of gazes, animosity still lingered.
It wasn’t as sharp as before, but if I were to do something with Adrian, it would surely intensify.
Watching Berod mumble about boyfriends to himself, I shook my head and sighed.
Wouldn’t it just be better to be with Adrian?
During our stay at this Moon Tower, it seemed I’d need to avoid him as much as possible.
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