Chapter 66
She must have run out of things to say. To lose control and show her true face like that, even for a moment…
“I think the proper course would be to report this incident to the Temple and hear their response.”
Though Carl was completely convinced that Brita’s attack was a complete fabrication, Hendrick still seemed half-doubtful.
“Then please send someone to the Dragon Temple as soon as possible to confirm the existence of this ominous black dragon.”
Even Hendrick, who had maintained a favorable attitude toward Revenant unlike Carl, slightly furrowed his brow at her words.
It was because her sudden outburst felt somewhat imperious. Carl scowled and struck the table.
“Do you dare to give orders to His Highness the Crown Prince?”
“How could someone as lowly as I, merely of common birth, presume to order the Imperial Crown Prince, blessed by dragons to the heavens? It was merely a suggestion born of concern.”
Revenant made excuses with skilled rhetoric. Having lost her smile, she showed no sign of backing down even before the Crown Prince and Prince’s frowning faces.
No, far from backing down, she emanated an unprecedented intensity. It was enough to understand why her husband Antonio couldn’t properly speak a single word in her presence.
…No wonder Idelin avoided her on sight.
Before Carl, who was now studying Revenant’s expression as if searching for something, she wore a sardonic smile.
“The public sentiment we observed while coming to the palace regarding Brita’s situation seems concerning.”
“…”
“Already even the marketplace merchants are abuzz with talk of the black dragon that attacked Brita’s nest. Whether or not this black dragon is Pegadrasil’s successor, it’s considered an ominous and evil being. I spoke out of hope that you would confirm the existence of the black dragon as soon as possible, as its presence can only harm the Empire’s stability.”
Toward the end, Revenant looked meaningfully at Carl.
“Particularly since His Grace Prince Carlston seems to completely disbelieve in the black dragon’s existence—if the Dragon Temple confirms there is no black dragon, as Your Grace hopes, wouldn’t that quickly calm the public’s unease?”
“That’s for His Highness to decide—you need not involve yourself. Managing public sentiment and confirming the existence of black dragons are matters for the Imperial family.”
“Indeed.”
Revenant openly wore a sneer at Carl’s words.
“I have no intention of interfering in Imperial matters. Who am I to do so? I’m merely offering an opinion, as one of the Empire’s subjects—surely I’m allowed that much?”
By this point, even Hendrick’s expression had hardened, clearly uncomfortable with Revenant’s unsettling intensity.
“I humbly request that you consider my heartfelt opinion, insignificant though I may be, with generous hearts.”
Revenant spoke with exaggerated politeness and bowed her head. Her tone was jarringly inconsistent with her piercing gaze.
“Then, we shall take our leave. May the Dragon Empire be blessed.”
Carl unconsciously bit the inside of his lip at Revenant’s parting words, which somehow sounded more like a curse.
* * *
“…Chilling.”
Only Carl and Hendrick remained in the office. After Revenant left with Antonio, Hendrick mulled over their conversation with a serious expression and muttered softly.
“Those weren’t the eyes of an ordinary woman. That must be the true nature of a dragon hunter.”
“Even Idelin avoided her immediately upon meeting her, saying she felt uncomfortable. Well, I suppose anyone who makes hunting dragons their profession can’t be entirely sane.”
“Idelin has met that woman before?”
“Yes, very long ago, around when I first arrived in Ivarid.”
Hendrick furrowed his brow at Carl’s words.
“Could the scales have been her doing as well?”
“For now, that’s what Idelin and I suspect…”
Carl sighed deeply as he ran his fingers through his hair. Hendrick clicked his tongue.
“But where did this black dragon story suddenly come from? Did you hear anything unusual when you visited the Temple?”
“Nothing at all. I think they might have changed tactics after I was declared innocent at the Temple…”
“Even so, why specifically a black dragon? We’ll need to check with the Temple.”
Hendrick muttered, clearly uncomfortable with the mere mention of such an ominous being. Carl stared at him intently.
“Why?”
“Brother, do you also consider black dragons to be ominous beings?”
Carl asked with a suddenly serious expression. Hendrick frowned as he met his gaze.
“What foolish talk is that from a dragon’s master? A dragon is a dragon—what’s ominous about that?”
He let out a derisive laugh as if the idea was absurd. Carl unconsciously smiled at the straightforward response.
“However, that’s how people perceive them. Though Mrs. Carter’s advice wasn’t well-intentioned, she’s right that we shouldn’t let such rumors spread unchecked.”
“Why do people love to make their own judgments so much?”
Unlike Hendrick, whose mind was occupied with thoughts of sending word to the Dragon Temple, Carl spoke contemplatively as he shifted his position.
Belying his proper posture from earlier in front of Antonio and Revenant, Carl sprawled on the sofa like a lazy cat.
“Come to think of it, you and I have never really been on bad terms, have we? Yet the rumors say the Crown Prince is jealous of Idelin, or that the Prince covets the Crown Prince’s position… To hear the rumors, you’d think we were mortal enemies.”
“Well, our situation is unique. Sweet honey naturally attracts insects.”
Hendrick snorted dismissively. Carl, who had been caught up in a somewhat serious mood, felt it completely shattered by Hendrick’s cold response.
Carl briefly looked at his emotionally distant older brother with reproachful eyes. He was still as businesslike as ever. Then, suddenly remembering something else, Carl adjusted his position again.
“By the way, Brother, have you heard the rumor that I’m the Saint of Ivarid?”
“You mean the story about how you went out in disguise, got slapped on the left cheek by a beggar, and offered your right cheek as well?”
“So you have heard it. I actually started that rumor deliberately.”
Hendrick blinked at Carl. He apparently hadn’t known.
“The rumors about the Prince coveting the Crown Prince’s position were getting quite nasty. I spread that rumor on purpose to make myself look foolish.”
“Why bother?”
“Didn’t you find it strange? I was trying to put your mind at ease.”
“Not at all. I just thought you still couldn’t shake your pushover tendencies.”
Hendrick said. Carl’s face showed disbelief at this unexpected response.
“Brother, you’re still as harsh as ever. A pushover? Since when have I been a pushover?”
“Since when? Since birth. Honestly, what else do you call someone who has a dragon like Idelin as a companion yet leaves without a word when told to go?”
“So you would have preferred if I had used Idelin to start a war for the throne? If I’m told to go, I should go, shouldn’t I?”
Carl let out a hollow laugh. Hendrick shrugged at his disgruntled expression.
“Who said anything?”
“Someone just did. Who was it that called me a pushover just now? You could at least praise me for being good-natured.”
“Well, when people are stirring up trouble around you, one might expect some reaction, but you’re so compliant in a way…”
“That’s just saying the same thing differently, isn’t it?”
