Chapter 227: The Cheers are Back |
* * *
“When we arrive in the central region, we will join with Heint,” Carson said, holding a book with a somewhat reluctant expression.
But that didn’t last long, as he soon smiled.
“With the nobles who sided with those Neubra bastards being apprehended one by one, this trip should be safe, so don’t worry.”
“What do I have to worry about when my brother is here?” Lucion replied, playfully nudging Ratta.
Knowing it was a slightly sugar-coated response, Carson couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Originally, we were supposed to meet today, but as you’re aware, the Emperor has made it known that our ties with the Imperial Family have strained a bit due to the Eastern incident, as a diversion for the enemy’s focus.”
“Indeed, I’m already informed.”
“After a brief stay in the central region, the 8th Order of the Knights will then join us.”
Lucion tickled Ratta again as she tapped his hand that had stopped.
Giggle.
Ratta burst out laughing.
“But by now, Heint is likely at our estate in the central region. He is accompanying His Majesty.”
Lucion looked surprised, as if he had been waiting for this.
[Wow, my disciple. The more I see him, the better his acting is.]
Russell teasingly poked Lucion’s cheek.
“Don’t look so shocked. He’s here due to the Magic Tower attack strategy.”
Observing Lucion’s tensed demeanor, Carson spoke reassuringly.
Lucion, unable to look Russell in the eye, swallowed his anger and asked, “But isn’t His Majesty in trouble because of me?”
“No need to worry about that. Everything will be fine,” Carson reassured him.
“Good to hear. That’s a relief.”
“And it seems there will be one more person joining us.”
‘It must be Kran.’
Lucion’s eyes widened, despite his inner thoughts.
“Who might that be?”
“Kran, a member of the Ale organization, will be assisting us in this mission.”
Lucion realized that if Heint had mentioned it, Carson would know that the leader of the organization Ale is not Kran but Hamel.
However, Carson skillfully avoided mentioning ‘the warlock Hamel’ and redirected the conversation.
“What kind of organization is that?” Lucion asked, and Carson narrowed his eyes.
“It’s suspicious, but not necessarily a bad place.”
“Suspicious yet not bad?”
It was difficult to shake off the feeling that it was like forced praise.
It wasn’t like Carson.
‘What is it again?’
His hand, previously playfully tickling Ratta, paused abruptly.
He distinctly remembered Carson referring to Hamel as a ‘bastard.’
“So, there’s someone there who wears a mask. What I said was just because that person seems suspicious, but the organization itself isn’t bad.”
“Are you referring to the person you once called to as a ‘bastard?’”
“That was in the past. He’s not like that, so disregard my previous words,” Carson responded, his expression unchanged.
[Something feels off about this.]
Bethel tilted his head as he listened to Carson’s words.
[Carson shifting his stance? Well, it’s plausible. Given Lucion’s disclosures, it makes sense. Heint would have learned that Hamel aided Cronia, so this reaction is expected.]
‘Ah.’
Lucion finally grasped the reason behind Carson’s change in attitude.
It appeared Carson had realized that Hamel was the one who had assisted Cronia, as Russell had mentioned.
‘Indeed. My brother values gratitude and retribution.’
[It makes sense to change his words after hearing that fact.]
Even Bethel nodded in agreement.
“Lucion, how is your wound now?” Carson asked.
“It’s much better,” Lucion responded.
After hearing his answer, Carson looked at Hume.
Lucion’s eyes widened.
‘…?’
“Yes. The young master’s wound has significantly improved. We can likely remove the stitches in a few days.”
When Hume smiled, Carson was reassured, though Lucion furrowed his brow.
‘Why does no one believe me when I say I’m fine?’
[It can’t be helped. They need to see it to believe it.]
Russell met Lucion’s gaze as if asking why, but he didn’t bother to answer.
Russell had already told him so many times, but he didn’t listen.
* * *
“Don’t be nervous,” Carson reassured Lucion as he paused at the door, glancing back at him.
Lucion simply blinked in response.
[Could it be Carson who’s nervous?]
Just as Russell suggested, Lucion thought the same.
“Why should I be nervous if I haven’t done anything wrong?”
Lucion’s mind raced, contemplating what might happen if Ketlan recognized him.
‘I have to do well.’
Seeing Lucion’s determined demeanor, Carson burst out laughing.
“Precisely. That’s the natural response, but many don’t think that way, hence why I asked you.”
Before entering, Lucion glanced at Hume, who was holding Ratta in his arms.
Hume was waiting for his instructions.
Today, Lucion realized he didn’t need to be so tense.
There had been no attacks on the way here. As Carson mentioned, those who would attack him
were either already caught or too busy fleeing.
“We might be engaged in a lengthy discussion, Hume. So why not treat yourself and Ratta to something delightful?” Carson suggested.
―Ratta can wait!
Ratta appeared resolute, while Hume calmly spoke up.
“I’ll wait here.”
“Ah, remember that ice cream shop we saw last time? Remember, Hume?”
―Hop! Ratta remembers too!
“I remember. Are you talking about ‘Norvia’s Afternoon’?” Hume asked.
“That’s right! Lady Tella told me it’s a place that only sells ice cream in the summer, and she said the ice cream there is really delicious.”
Given the summer season, indulging in some ice cream was a must.
Lucion thought about how he hadn’t had any ice cream due to various reasons: his wound, the heat, or fear of catching a cold. But now, he felt it was okay.
“I’ll go get some right away.”
Even for such a simple errand, Hume genuinely seemed happy.
“Sure. Treat yourself to something delightful while you’re at it.”
As Lucion searched through his pockets, Hume shook his head.
“I have enough money. The young master gave me some just the other day.”
“Just take it. I can’t let you run out of money for food.”
He knew how much Hume and Ratta could eat.
Lucion passed the pouch with the money to Hume, who clutched it tightly.
‘I’m worried.’
In Cronia, it was fine to just send Hume and Ratta, but he was a little worried because this was the central region.
When he had sent them on errands before, they had been confronted by a guy who asked, “Do you believe in the doctrine?” And after they returned, they happily shared stories they had heard about the person’s parents, oblivious to the situation.
“Hume.”
Hume responded with a bright smile. For some reason, he appeared particularly cheerful today.
“Yes, young master.”
“Don’t follow anyone else, okay?”
“I understand.”
―Ratta knows too.
“No matter who calls you, unless it’s someone you recognize, ignore them.”
“I’m aware of that as well.”
―Yes! Ratta knows!
Although both responded enthusiastically, a sense of unease lingered.
[I’ll keep an eye on them, so don’t worry.]
Bethel chuckled heartily, her shoulders shaking with laughter, before chiming in.
[If you accompany them, we’ll feel much more at ease.]
It seemed that Russell shared the same doubt about Hume and Ratta; he let out a deep breath and briefly slumped his shoulders.
“If you’re that worried, I could assign a knight to accompany them.”
To Carson, Lucion and Hume seemed equally worrisome.
“No. Hume can manage. I trust him.”
It was perhaps an unnecessary reassurance for a simple task, yet Carson chuckled and turned the doorknob.
An uneasy silence enveloped the room, almost as if conversations had abruptly ceased.
Lucion glanced at Heint, seated directly across from him, then shifted his gaze to Ketlan.
Ketlan’s eyes were filled with apologies as they met Lucion’s.
The door closed, then Carson and Lucion bowed their heads to Ketlan.
“We are honored to meet the Empire’s only sun.”
“That’s enough. We all know each other, so there’s no need for such formalities.”
Ketlan’s attire was casual because he was being followed, but it did little to hide his air of authority, reminiscent of a corporate executive.
“Please, take a seat.”
Ketlan gestured for them to sit, and as Lucion settled into his chair, he greeted Heint warmly.
“Have you been well, brother?”
Heint glanced at Ketlan before pointing out the dark circles under his eyes.
“Look at these. They’re from lack of sleep—such deep shadows!”
“I deeply apologize for burdening Sir Heint every time,” Ketlan expressed his regret sincerely.
Despite the presence of knights in the empire, the 8th Order of the Knights, being a newly established order, inevitably had to handle a variety of tasks.
Essentially, wasn’t it a blend of imperial guard duties, Lucion’s responsibilities, and Hamel’s tasks?
“I am simply grateful for Your Majesty’s recognition,” Heint responded with a bright smile, sensing this was the compliment he desired.
Carson frowned, his expression clearly saying, ‘What nonsense,’ which made Lucion cover his mouth and giggled.
“Lord Carson.”
Approaching and kneeling to match Ketlan’s sitting level, Carson responded, “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Was he… quite upset?”
“Yes, my father was exceedingly, exceedingly upset.”
“Perhaps next time we meet, I should let him slap me a couple of times. Would that help relieve the tension?”
“How about offering both cheeks for a slap?”
“Ha…” Ketlan sighed.
“I agree. I would willingly present both cheeks.”
[What?]
Russell wondered if something was amiss and glanced at Lucion and Heint, finding both of them equally puzzled.
No matter how friendly Ketlan seemed, he was still the emperor.
[This is strange, right? No matter how close Novio and Ketlan are, Ketlan is still an emperor. Is it really okay to hit him?]
‘Absolutely not. You might be charged with treason.’
Lucion shuddered at the thought.
“Oh, don’t be so startled, Lucion. This sort of banter has been customary between the Emperor and our father since my youth,” Carson reassured Lucion quietly.
Heint frowned momentarily but composed himself in front of Ketlan.
“Lord Lucion.”
Ketlan addressed Lucion cautiously.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“It’s the first time I’ve seen you since you became a saint, and your face… doesn’t look so good.”
“Thank you for your concern.”
Lucion replied succinctly.
“Relax, there’s no need to be so tense. I didn’t come here to devour you,” Ketlan quipped, but Lucion merely offered a faint smile.
Ketlan rubbed his chin in apparent embarrassment and asked Lucion, “Have you heard the story of the Magic Tower from your father, Lord Novio?”
“Yes, I am already aware of it. I informed my father of my intention to go.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No need for apologies. I am pleased to assist the Empire during this time,” Lucion responded calmly.
Carson glanced sideways, Heint wore a strange expression, and Ketlan raised an eyebrow.
[Why does everyone seem so off? Something feels strange.]
Lucion’s reply was perfect, but as the mood darkened, Russell started fiddling with his earlobe.
“Do you not fear this?” Ketlan inquired, still with a raised eyebrow.
“Why wouldn’t I be afraid?” Lucion replied with a smile. “I’ve thought about it several times. Despite the fear, there is only one conclusion: I must participate in this mission, and no one can take my place.”
Ketlan’s brow twitched.
His manner of speaking felt oddly familiar, despite the difference in voice.
“I’m just going to enter the magic tower and look around as if nothing happened in this operation. What else can I do there?”
Lucion’s words caused Carson to gasp involuntarily.
Carson wanted to caution him against speaking so casually, but he was currently conversing with Ketlan.
“While it is daunting, I am prepared,” Lucion continued.
“The magic tower is peaceful now, but no one knows what will happen once you go inside,” Ketlan said, his voice serious.
“But the fact that I have to go doesn’t change, Your Majesty. I simply trust Your Majesty, Sir Carson, and Sir Heint, including the knights.”
‘He really resembles him.’
Ketlan oddly recalled Hamel.
No.
Was it Hamel who resembled Lucion?
Knock, knock.
At that moment, a gentle knock on the door interrupted his thoughts as he readied himself to greet the next visitor.
“My apologies for the delay. I represent the organization…”
Kran entered, lowering his hood slightly as his gaze met Lucion’s.
For a brief moment, his eyes lit up, but he swiftly resumed his introduction.
“I am Kran Zell, the acting leader of Organization Ale.”
Kran appeared more energetic than ever. He seemed genuinely excited to introduce himself as a member of the organization.
‘Well, it looks like everyone is here now.’
Lucion smiled slightly.