Chapter: 90
As always, when it comes to matters involving the club members, I end up meeting Villar. At this point, Villar feels a bit like a fellow civil servant from the same department. I can’t help but wonder why it feels so familiar and comfortable.
After spending three years together, it seems natural that all sorts of emotions would develop; a fleeting thought crosses my mind about casually suggesting asylum to him. But of course, making such a suggestion to a steadfast knight like him would be incredibly rude, so it’ll just have to remain a thought.
A steadfast knight. Yeah, that’s Villar, alright.
“Are you getting enough sleep?”
“I can manage without sleep for about three days.”
The problem is that steadfastness and mental fatigue are two entirely different things. In a mere moment, Villar’s expression shifted to one overshadowed by fatigue. Of course, a royal knight wouldn’t just drop dead from three days without sleep, but it sure would leave him feeling like a mess inside.
On the day I sold the freedom of my home to the Crown Prince for ten gold coins, I invited Marghetta over and immediately contacted Villar. The whole conversation at that moment could be summarized in just two sentences.
“Our local mutt said he wanted to stuff your mutts into my house.”
— “What the hell!”
Of course, that’s not how the conversation actually went. But the intentions behind those words would have been similar, something Villar, I, and even the Mage Duchess who made the messaging system know all too well. Anyway, instead of spending his break at the Academy, Villar now had new worries on his plate.
According to the agreement with the Empire, the three-country escort forces were only allowed to be stationed near the Academy. If things ended up in a mess, they’d have to go inside the Academy, but the actual escort forces would just be left outside, twiddling their thumbs.
Fortunately, there was a precedent where the three-country forces were allowed to stay in Boyar with the Gold Duke’s permission, and the Crown Prince even permitted them to enter the Capital given the unique situation. However, unlike the Duke’s arrangements, there were restrictions on numbers. It would be annoying to have foreign forces wandering around.
“Since there are many individuals to select from, I found it hard to get any sleep.”
“You’ve really been working hard.”
Thanks to this, Villar’s sleep time exploded into a bright flare of disaster as he had to select the people to be sent to the Capital and those to return to their respective countries to hand things over to a new escort group.
First, he had to send half of the forces back to their homeland to switch with the newly formed escort group, and the other half would return once the new escort arrived at the Capital. Understandably, there was a whole lot of scrambling as everyone wanted to be the first to leave.
“No need for the thanks; it’s a duty I must fulfill.”
I could see sorrow hiding behind Villar’s light laugh. The task of selecting who would leave first and who would leave later fell to someone who, as an anchor, couldn’t even go home. That was pretty brutal.
“I boast of the Capital’s prosperity across the continent. I hope Sir Villar can take this chance to enjoy himself.”
“I also look forward to it. When else could I visit the Capital?”
Somehow, I couldn’t shake the feeling it sounded like he’d rather not set foot here for the rest of his life.
“Since you are a guest in my home, I will treat you exceptionally well.”
“Thank you for the kind words.”
Villar gave a faint smile tinged with sadness as he slightly bowed his head.
Would I ever get to see Villar genuinely smile before graduation? The thought made my heart ache. I should really give him the best room available.
*
Two more days passed as Marghetta finished her student council work, the members packed their luggage, and I secured carriages for the dozens of people and their proportional luggage.
Honestly, teleporting would’ve been the easier option, but hey, the journey to the Capital is part of the experience, right? I briefly recalled the hardships I experienced coming to the Academy, but thankfully, the newly appointed governor seemed to be on top of managing the roads, so I didn’t expect the same issues to repeat.
— I trust you haven’t forgotten what I told you last time.
“Of course not.”
— What was it again?
“If I wish to propose to Mar, I must kneel before Your Grace to plead.”
— So you do remember.
And during those two days, I got a rather furious message from a father who heard his beloved youngest daughter was heading somewhere other than home. His glare was so intense it felt like it could tear me apart!
Luckily, there were other noble ladies like Louise and Irina with us. If only Marghetta had been invited, he probably would’ve stormed my mansion with his knights in a fit of rage. The Crown Prince would surely grant us entry to the Capital with applause.
“That bastard.”
I haven’t caused him to be mad yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I ended up cursing him continuously. It’s said that if you keep cursing, you’ll live longer; perhaps I’m just looking out for the future Emperor, you little jerk!
“Everything’s ready. Executive Manager, you can take the lead carriage.”
“Ah, thank you.”
While wishing well for the Crown Prince, Villar approached me. The three countries had an overwhelming amount of luggage and personnel, but Villar insisted on taking care of it himself. I didn’t mind; less work for me is always a win.
“Let’s start moving. The faster we arrive, the sooner we can rest.”
“I hope the journey goes smoothly.”
Villar’s words came with odd foreshadowing, but it should be fine. With the Empire’s vast territory, there might be bandits and monsters we haven’t dealt with yet, but this wasn’t just any old road. It’s the route connecting the Capital and the Academy! If something does happen, it’ll blow back on the governor too.
Although I was overly focused on safety, the state of the roads was still shockingly terrible. How could anyone muster the courage to let things get to that point? Were they really so detached from the world?
“Kal, you here?”
“Mar?”
Anyway, I climbed onto the carriage that Villar casually pointed out and was greeted by a smiling Marghetta. Inside the carriage with her were Louise, Erich, and… a rather peculiar mix.
This ain’t bad.
Outside of one person, the combination strangely felt familiar. With Louise being such a worrywart, my invitation of Marghetta reassured me. Not too shabby, really. Although having Erich aboard was a little surprising, I could easily guess his reason for being here.
“Anyone can tell he’s the weakest.”
Villar had also come to find out about the real nature of the Pastry Club during his semester at the Academy: a mere collection of five men head over heels for Louise. The look of shock on his face when he figured that out was almost pitiful. Thank goodness he’s the only one among the three countries who found out.
From Villar’s perspective, pairing Rutis and Louise together would seem biased, yet sticking any other guy from the three countries next to her would likely’ve created awkwardness as well. Not to mention, Ainter was also of royal blood after all.
So, Erich it is. It was a bit sad to think even Villar saw him as the weakest.
“Have a seat. We’re about to take off.”
“Ah, yes.”
As I glanced over at Erich with a pitying look, Marghetta patted the seat next to her, suggesting I should sit down. If the carriage suddenly started moving while I was standing, I’d take a dive out of it. No thanks!
“It’s been a while since I last visited the Capital.”
Marghetta opened the conversation as soon as I sat down.
“Is that so?”
“Yes. I haven’t been since last year’s New Year ceremony.”
I diverted my gaze slightly upon hearing Marghetta’s smile. So last year’s New Year ceremony was the last time she’d been in the Capital, which means my rejection of her marriage proposal had kept her from coming back. Suddenly diving into that topic was a bit embarrassing.
“After experiencing a sad event last year, I was hesitant to return to the Capital.”
“…”
“Now, traveling with Carl and feeling joyful really makes me happy.”
“Glad to hear that.”
My heart ached a little.
“I’m just relieved we can cover it up with good things!”
“Fufu, right?”
Marghetta’s gaze shifted toward Louise, who was blissfully unaware of everything. How considerate, Louise…
As expected, the journey to the Capital went without a hitch. We enjoyed the views outside, took a few catnaps, exchanged stories, and tossed around some conversations about what’s famous in the Capital.
“Those carriages are part of my company, so let them through.”
“Understood.”
After we posted about entering the Capital, we smoothly passed through the gates. The carriage slowed as we approached the heart of the Capital.
“Is that your mansion over there, hyung?”
“Uh, yes.”
Even though the carriage slowed down, it didn’t stop.
“Hyung?”
“It’s just been so long since I visited my own mansion that I kind of forgot.”
“What in the world have you been doing at the Capital?”
I arrived at the mansion while inadvertently showcasing my hidden talents as a black civil servant. At least I remembered the address correctly; if I hadn’t, we might have ended up in totally the wrong place.
As I stepped off the carriage labeled “This guy can’t even remember his own house,” the butlers and staff welcomed me.
“Welcome, Master.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you in person.”
“Seeing you again fills me with joy, Master.”
“I appreciate the sentiment, but don’t go overboard.”
The butler smirked, so it seemed he was joking around a bit. I mean, what’s so joyous about a mere business relationship, right?
“Is the person behind you Mr. Erich?”
Turning around, I saw Erich stepping out of the carriage. The same hair color and similar facial features made it easy for the butler to make the connection right away.
“Yeah.”
“If he is the Master’s sibling, he’s an exceptionally valuable guest. I’ll do my utmost to serve him.”
“Since there’s a genuinely important guest here, don’t exert yourself too much.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
After giving the butler a few hearty pats on the shoulder, I proceeded into the mansion. Welcoming someone isn’t my job; it’s the butler’s expertise, so interfering would only complicate things—an interference I wasn’t keen on making.
Suddenly, my gaze went to the servants bowing symmetrically on either side. They were merely hired to sleep there, really. As a result, all of them were common-born, with no aristocratic character among them. Even nobles would find royal or imperial family dynamics overwhelming, I suppose.
Nevertheless, those three from abroad are certainly the “Disasters of Doom.” With their presence, it’s as if calamity has befell the ordinary salarymen.
“Thank you for your hard work.”
“It’s an honor!”
See? Just saying a word made their muscles tense up. These people even get intimidated by a free-spirit master like me.
I sincerely hope nobody quits during the break.
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