Chapter 159 - Recognition (3)

About fifteen Principality knights maintained two rows of formation while providing escort for the distinguished guest riding in Eternia's carriage.

This was for Silveryn, who was heading to the Principality at Grand Duke Gainax's request.

During the journey, Silveryn was sprawled with both arms resting on the carriage windows, chin propped, sighing heavily.

With her deeply upset expression and large cat-like eyes looking up at the sky waiting for something, she seemed somewhat at odds with her reputation as an Archmage, yet also lovely and beautiful, instinctively drawing the escorting knights' gazes.

The junior knights at the very back whispered carefully, "But... we didn't do anything wrong, did we...?"

"Idiot. Percival violated Article 28 of Escort Protocol 3."

"Is, is that why? I'm still in my first year, so I'm confused."

"It's suspicious, but there's no other explanation."

Then a wasp-like wing sound rang from the sky.

A Stitch suddenly flew to Silveryn.

She quickly snatched it and slammed the carriage window shut.

"...?"

"Percival's finished now. For sure. She's contacting a superior."

A moment later, Silveryn stretched her hand out of the carriage and sent Stitch flying away.

The knight escort maintained silence afterward. The sun was blazing, and it was hot for a spring day.

At the back, a junior knight whispered again, "...Pretty hot for spring."

As time passed, the sun grew hotter and the knights were dripping with sweat. Even the horses were wilting from the heat.

"Was this area always this hot...?"

***

Gerald wasn't forcefully pushing but subtly encouraging me.

He added words as if seeing right through my thoughts.

"And the Archmage happens to have scheduled business in the Principality. I heard you two are particularly close."

"Is it true that Teacher is coming to the Principality?"

Gerald nodded.

"It's been planned for a long time."

Is that really true? It sounds like they're saying I should stay put here since Silveryn is coming, rather than wandering around.

Fine. Better to wait here than risk missing each other by going out. It’s a shame I won't be able to find the "Five Rubies" the Forest Keeper's soul mentioned in the Holy City. Wonder when I'll be able to find them. I need to visit Trisha's home during break... seems impossible to go to the Holy City this year.

"You can move freely without worrying about the handcuffs. That was just the Duchess' immature way of showing attention—I hope you'll be understanding."

While massaging my stiff wrist, I said, "Though I appreciate this newfound freedom, I can't move comfortably because of the nobles who harbor ill will toward me."

Gerald smiled lightly and shook his head as if it were nothing.

"Not necessarily. Since it's a rare opportunity, why not look around? This Cameron Castle has gardens so beautiful even the Imperial embassy expresses admiration. And nearby is the Knight Training Institute. You can see the trainees of the Dongnight Squad. It's enough to pass the time until the trial."

I wonder if it was just my imagination that he seemed to be giving me some kind of hint.

"And while you're at it, it would be good to pay respects to the Duchess. If needed, I'll assign an attendant to help guide you. Well then."

Gerald bowed his head like a busy person and left the room.

I took a walk in the courtyard to lightly check my physical condition.

Cameron Castle was indeed beautiful as Gerald said. It was a unique place where they had cut off the top of a mountain to create a flat surface and built gardens and fortifications there. The craftsmanship could be felt in the stone structures like walls, stairs, and fountains.

The walkway had ponds, willows, and artificial streams whose construction method was mysterious.

In vulgar terms, it seemed they'd thrown around ridiculous amounts of money. Well, if they collected just one silver coin in tax from each building in this sprawling city, they could build dozens of these.

And about twenty paces behind, a middle-aged servant with glasses silently followed. He lingered around like he was tailing me, writing something in his notebook whenever I did anything.

While walking to organize my thoughts, a Stitch flew in carrying a letter.

Silveryn's reply came much earlier than expected. This meant we weren't physically very far apart.

To my heartfelt letter, Silveryn left only a simple reply.

[You're dead now.]

"..."

Receiving such an intense expression of affection made my heart race. A flutter I haven't felt in a while. 

How much time is left? Maybe tomorrow, or perhaps even this evening.

To calm myself, I put the letter in my pocket and took a deep breath. Then I beckoned the servant who was tailing me.

***

Bibi, who was still lying in bed, turned toward the wall like a mouse in its hole.

The servant finally delivered welcome news.

"Sir Damian was contemplating alone when he exchanged letters with someone. Judging by his expression, it seems something unpleasant occurred with that person."

"Tell me more."

"And... he says he's coming to pay his respects to you."

After a moment of silence, Bibi answered, "Call the court beautician and maids."

"Yes, ma'am."

No sooner had the order been given than the staff dedicated to maintaining Bibi's dignity entered.

Bibi slowly rose and got out of bed. Her face was slightly flushed.

And she sat at her vanity.

"Since it's a casual meeting, I'd prefer not to look too dressed up."

Some maids nodded and left for the wardrobe. The beautician hurriedly brushed her disheveled hair while other maids groomed her nails.

After changing into a simple white dress, Bibi dismissed all the servants.

And until Damian arrived, she paced before the mirror checking her appearance. Elegantly tied-up hair. Boldly exposed shoulders. Pink lips. Emerald necklace the size of a pebble. Finally, she sat on the bed again, propped against pillows.

When the appointed time came, someone knocked on her door.

Bibi fidgeted, clenching and unclenching her hands several times, then said, "Enter."

The door opened and Damian walked in.

Without greeting, he grabbed a chair from the small table and sat down in front of Bibi's bed.

Bibi looked intently at Damian's face, her hands neatly folded over her lower abdomen.

Damian's first words were mischievously different from expectations.

"Why are you so dressed up?"

Though she felt heat rise for a moment, she suppressed it and answered, "This is my usual appearance."

"..."

"You've only seen me living like a primitive person. I suppose that's all you'd know. Unlike a commoner like you, I must always maintain a ruler's dignity."

"Hmm... Are you feeling well? Your complexion looks good."

"Everything's fine, though I feel a bit feverish."

"Let me see. I was thinking you seemed dressed too coolly."

Damian placed his palm on Bibi's forehead. Her eyes widened momentarily in surprise, but she soon quietly accepted it.

"...My cheeks are warmer than my forehead."

"Hmm..."

Damian placed his palm on Bibi's cheek to check her temperature. Though she had suggested it herself, Bibi lowered her gaze as if embarrassed. Sensing the atmosphere turning strange, he removed his hand.

Breaking the awkward mood, Bibi spoke, "Why are you like this? You're uncharacteristically cautious."

"This is the Principality, isn't it? If someone sees, they'll throw me in the dungeon."

"What's the point of worrying about such things now? We've shared life and death. What bond could be stronger than that? Moreover, haven't you seen me naked, touched my body, and shared my bedchamber?"

"...Sounds like enough reason to put me in prison."

"Don't worry. The trial is merely to weigh merits and faults. Besides, I'll keep it especially secret from your fiancée."

"Why are you so concerned about my fiancée?"

"We were close enough in Barbisia to be considered husband and wife. Though there were no ulterior motives, wouldn't your fiancée's heart be torn if she knew?"

"We weren't quite like husband and wife."

"We were close enough to be called that."

"Your talk of keeping it secret is meaningful... it sounds like you might try to find out my fiancée's identity someday."

Bibi, seemingly caught off guard, carefully tried to deflect, "I'll admit it. I was merely curious about what kind of woman someone as headstrong as you would choose. Why not tell me first? I showed you my secrets too, and our bond isn't so weak that you can't share this much."

Damian thought for a moment before speaking, "There is no fiancée."

"...What do you mean?"

"I never said I had a fiancée."

Bibi's eyes widened in surprise.

"Then Li... never mind. I understand. It was my misunderstanding."

Bibi quickly acquiesced without argument. Somehow, she felt she shouldn't probe further.

"And... may I ask one favor?"

"...You asking for favors is quite something. Tell me."

Damian showed signs of hesitation. He somehow seemed like someone suffering internally.

"If I end up in prison... will you get me out?"

"...Surely you're not worried about the trial? The Principality isn't some barbaric tribe with chaotic laws. That place is for discussing your reward."

"...No. Just forget I mentioned it."

"Who could imprison a man as strong as you?"

Damian took a deep breath as if troubled, then returned to his usual composed self.

"I'd like to eat apple pie while we can see sunlight. You don't seem to have a fever—would you like to take a walk together?"

At the sudden suggestion, Bibi answered in an unconsciously excited tone, "That would be gre—ahem—that's a good suggestion. Since it's your request, I shall graciously accept."