Chapter: 129
When His Highness, Prince Rutis, first chose to stay at the academy instead of returning home, it felt like the sky was crashing down. And when I found out that it wasn’t just his unilateral decision, but a collaboration with other key figures, I thought the ground was giving way beneath me.
‘Is this hell?’
I didn’t live a saintly life, but I didn’t lead such a wretched existence that I’d end up in hell either. But what on earth did I do to deserve this punishment? Am I meant to live through hell while still alive? I had hoped to take a breather in my hometown during the vacation!
This news sent other escorts from the three countries into complete disarray. They had been buzzing with excitement at the thought of returning home to make the handover, but now they found out they couldn’t go back?
“Sir Villar! What in the world is happening?!”
“His Highness is staying in the Empire? That’s absolute nonsense!”
The first ones to rush in were the escorts from the Armein Kingdom. I guess being the closest made them sprint over here faster than a rabbit on a sugar high.
‘The tables have turned.’
Just a few days ago, they were patting my back and cheering me on. While everyone else would wrap up all their handovers without a hitch during vacation, I was stuck with this messy duty until graduation!
Back then, they showered me with words of comfort and support, but now they came rushing in like wild animals. Did they forget they’d be in the same boat as me?
“Enough!”
I understood their feelings, but I just couldn’t. How dare they kick up a fuss over this little matter in front of someone who had to endure three years of it?
“It’s His Highness Rutis’s decision. Is it not the virtue of a knight to follow it?”
“But Sir Villar…”
“It’s the royal family’s will.”
At those words, the protesting crowd’s mouths snapped shut like a clam closing up!
We are from Armein, renowned for our chivalry. Among those, we pride ourselves on being part of the royal order, the best knights of them all.
We serve the royal family up close, adhering to their wishes. It’s simply unthinkable for the royal knights to go against the prince’s will.
They probably understood it intellectually, but their hearts just couldn’t digest the sudden blow.
“What about the replacement of the escort unit? I thought the selection process was already complete back home.”
Finally, a knight spoke up amidst the awkward silence.
Sure enough, the selection for the replacements had been finalized. The homeland had painstakingly chosen these candidates while we were off at the academy, and failing to swap them would render the whole process useless.
If we just thought, ‘Let’s do it next time,’ and returned everyone to their posts, that would lead to all kinds of mess! And as much as we’d love to wait indefinitely, we were running low on personnel here!
“I’m in touch with our homeland. They’re working on it, so just hang tight.”
Thanks to this, they were scrambling back home to find a solution. After all, it was the safety of the prince at stake!
With that, I sent the protesting knights off with a simple instruction to wait. Having blown off steam, I wasn’t even surprised they left without a fuss.
“Sir Villar, may I have a word with you?”
“Will your brother have time for that?”
But why are you lot here?
The second wave consisted of representatives from the United Kingdom of Yuben and the Holy Kingdom, and I couldn’t figure out what brought them here during an emergency like this.
This situation couldn’t just be solved by huddling together like a bunch of chickens! Each of them needed to touch base with their respective homelands to brainstorm a solution.
“It’s alright. Please, take a seat.”
Since I couldn’t just shoo them away after they came this far, I had to oblige.
Not long after, I regretted that plush decision. I should’ve just stuck to my gut and sent them packing, even if they put on a stubborn face.
“Even though I’m not well-acquainted with His Highness Rutis, I can see he’s truly knightly! Ever brave and dignified, always at the forefront!”
‘Hey, you punk. Wasn’t it your prince who took the lead this time?’
“I think so too. I must admit, I envy Sir Villar for serving someone like him.”
‘What’s the matter? Can’t you control your prince properly?’
They weren’t here to confer but to complain.
“Fck.”*
They certainly had far too much time on their hands to idly protest like this.
“You speak truth! Rutis’s bravery is indeed an example for knights, but remember, he isn’t just some valiant warrior! He knows how to walk together, rather than just up front.”
‘So, what about your prince or the saint candidate? Aren’t they all in league?’
Conversation paused as they seemed to realize there wasn’t much more to say. Even though Rutis took the lead, he couldn’t have done it without the consent of Prince Lather and Tannian the saint candidate. With that many parties involved, pointing fingers just wouldn’t cut it.
And to top it off, they had approached the wrong person to voice their grievances! I’m just an innocent victim in this mess! It’s just pathetic to see fellow victims squabbling!
In the end, discussions among the three countries’ representatives only left painful wounds behind. It was disheartening. Prince Rutis was the one who stirred the pot, but down here, my subordinates were nipping at my heels, and next to me, all the representatives were calling for my accountability. Who in the world is as unlucky as I am?
— It seems that the pastry club plans to stay at my mansion during vacation instead of the academy!
“…That’s quite a surprise.”
It was surprising indeed!
The Executive Manager, who had seemingly vanished after the vacation ceremony, suddenly got in touch. His cheerful smile and shocking news left my head spinning, yet it also stirred some sympathy within me.
‘At my mansion…’
The pastry club included not only Prince Rutis but also Prince Lather, Tannian, and even the Imperial Prince of the Empire. And now they were going to be staying at my place?
I momentarily imagined what it would be like with the pastry club crowding my mansion. It was a nightmare—something no sane person should have to endure.
— Don’t fret about the escorts; security in the capital is tight. It might be a stretch for everyone, but how about taking this chance to get some rest?
“Thank you for your consideration.”
I slightly bowed my head in response to the Executive Manager. Having all forces from the three countries in the capital may be unfeasible, but some would be possible, so at least that was something.
It worked out quite well. Our homeland decided to rotate some of the personnel, and if we sent back those who couldn’t enter the capital, everything would line up perfectly.
Then as our replacements entered the Empire, those stationed in the capital could return for a second round! Sure, selecting the personnel wouldn’t be easy, but it’s better than having no plan at all.
‘Why does the Empire seem to have it together?’
While the three countries, all suffering the same fate, were left with nothing but complaints, the Empire, which should be on high alert, was being unusually accommodating.
Is this really how it’s supposed to be? It leaves behind this bizarre aftertaste—part relief, part bitterness.
— The Empire will also take extra care with the security of the distinguished guests. I hope you can enjoy some peace during your break, Sir Villar.
At his words, I involuntarily examined the Executive Manager’s face.
‘Surely, you should be the one needing a break…’
With his tight face and those deep dark circles, it’s a shame to see a young man only a few years older than my daughter looking like that, regardless of his reputation.
If only he were just a raving lunatic, I wouldn’t feel so concerned! But I knew him to be a decent negotiating partner, so it’s tough to dismiss him outright.
“Thank you again for your consideration.”
Let’s keep the matters of the three countries as quiet as possible. That’s the most respect I could muster for the Executive Manager.
*
After arriving in the capital, time surprisingly passed without any chaos.
Our travels were strictly within the capital, with our only venture outside being a visit to the Executive Manager’s territory. It was far less chaotic than I had worried it might be.
In fact, the most torturous time had been before arriving in the capital. There were the protests from those who failed to return home due to Rutis’s decision, the unexpected change in the stationed agreement to the capital, not to mention the selection of who would go back first.
‘I don’t want to do this twice!’
It was horrific! Had I not had prior experience working with the royal knights, I’d have definitely crumbled by now.
When the Executive Manager mentioned feeling more at ease, I suppose there was some truth to it; my worries over securities had lessened somewhat.
I even sensed an unusual presence lurking near the Executive Manager’s mansion.
It was likely the Empire’s forces keeping tabs, providing security. Since there wasn’t any evident hostility, I pretended not to notice. There was no point in picking a fight only to get more tangled in trouble!
If only those mysterious forces had taken up residence at the academy too, but that was probably just wishful thinking.
‘Is it almost time to head back? Why am I suddenly overthinking everything?’
I sighed, splashing some cold water on my face. My time in the capital had been a bit more peaceful compared to the academy. Yeah, time flies when you’re somewhat at ease!
Knock knock—
“Sir Villar, it’s Ludwig.”
“Come in.”
While I felt a sense of longing for days gone by, I was interrupted by the sound of Sir Ludwig’s voice now stepping in.
“The second batch of the escort replacement unit has entered the Empire.”
“Is that so?”
Sir Ludwig came right in with the news, and I nodded along, glad to hear that things were progressing.
It was unfolding exactly as planned. Now that they had entered the Empire, they should arrive at the academy before the opening ceremony. We would be heading back just a day before the second batch arrived, so everything would sync nicely.
“However, Sir Villar…”
Sir Ludwig hesitated, holding several sheets of paper, as unease crept into his demeanor.
That was peculiar! If it were anyone else, I’d just let them be. But Sir Ludwig was known for his cold and precise execution, not one for uncertainty.
“…Here’s the list of the second batch of escort replacements.”
After fumbling over his thoughts, Sir Ludwig quickly handed over the papers and beat it out of there.
‘Something’s not right.’
I couldn’t put my finger on it, but if Sir Ludwig was this shaken, it must not be anything trivial. Just at the tail end of our time in the capital, too—talk about unfortunate luck!
Quickly, I scanned the list, looking for any discrepancies. There must be a problem; that’s why Sir Ludwig was acting all jittery. What in the world could it be?
‘Huh?’
Did I read this wrong?
I double-checked because one name on that list struck me as utterly out of place!
Perosa Ganelli.
It was right there! I’d read it correctly!
‘Why…?’
Why on earth is her name here?
She was diligently training in our territory, barely even twenty years old!
I had wished to see my daughter during this lonely stay in the Empire, but that was merely a longing to escape this hell and return home—certainly not a desire to have my precious daughter come suffer here!
My gaze fell morosely on the list, feeling utterly powerless.
‘Is there anyone more unlucky than me?’
At the very least, I doubt there’s anyone with a worse situation.
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