Chapter 54: To the Chionel Territory
Chapter 54: To the Chionel Territory
At Fay’s request, a gentle smile appeared on Lucius’s lips.
“Of course. If that’s what you want, I’ll go anywhere.”
“Hmmm…”
There was logic to Lucius’s suggestion to use Drakan. If they had permission, flying on Drakan offered overwhelming mobility.
She was hesitating, wondering if it would truly be okay, when he suddenly pulled something out.
“If Momo flies too slowly or refuses to listen, use this instead.”
What he held out was a small flute, dangling from a shimmering string.
A flute…? Fay tilted her head.
“A flute? What is this? Is this going to summon a giant cobra to help me cross a swamp or something?”
“Would I ever give you something that hideous?”
“Hm…”
“Just take it and give it a try.”
Lucius was grinning more than usual. Just like that day he gave her the elixir.
Fay, still deep in thought and not noticing his smile, absentmindedly brought the flute to her lips and blew.
Piiii—
With a soft hissing sound, something white and fluffy began to form before her eyes, gradually taking on a graceful shape. It looked like a horse, but slightly smaller…
“…A unicorn?”
Fay muttered in a daze when she noticed the dainty horn protruding from its forehead. Seeing a unicorn in real life, it felt like she was dreaming.
Lucius seized the moment to proudly explain.
“Everyone thinks unicorns left for the spirit realm, right? But one remained on the continent. This is it. It has a long name, but you don’t need to know it. It’s smarter than Momo, so just treat it like a slightly unusual horse and use it.”
Its snow-white body and curly silver mane were stunningly beautiful.
When Fay reached out her hand, the unicorn bowed its head willingly to let her pet it. Enchanted by the soft, fluffy mane, she stammered belatedly.
“A-A unicorn? For me?”
“Don’t worry, it’s not poached. And it’s at least kinder than Momo.”
“Piiiii!”
Momo let out a shrill cry, glaring at the unicorn.
“But still…!”
“Oh, and this too.”
Lucius pulled something small from his pocket.
That was it! The elixir she had accepted without thinking back in the carriage!
“This time I really won’t take it!”
As Fay waved her hands to refuse, Lucius grinned slyly.
“If you want to treat that precious unicorn when it gets hurt, you’d better take it.”
“Ugh…! But still…!”
“Might as well take a few.”
He reached into his other pocket and pulled out three more elixir bottles.
This… This she really shouldn’t accept.
Her mind urged her to resist, but her hand couldn’t pull away from the unicorn’s mane. As if encouraging her, the unicorn pawed the ground and pressed its body closer to hers. Her fingers were busy scratching its mane.
“Mmm…”
It was warm. And comforting.
In that moment, she understood why the elves once became obsessed with unicorns. Fay gave in to the temptation.
Lucius, watching her finally take the flute and elixirs, smiled and smiled again. The truth that a man is happiest when doing something for the woman he loves remains unchanged, no matter the era. He hoped Fay would be caught in this sweetly baited trap – forever.
And he would lovingly maintain it, day by day.
— — —
That smile, which seemed like it wouldn’t fade until the mission was over, disappeared the very morning they were to depart.
Fay had gained permission from the Crown Prince and brought along three companions… well, three men. None of them sat well with Lucius.
‘Isn’t that one Fay’s actual brother? She said nothing, and yet this fool hasn’t figured it out? Unforgivable. And incompetent.’
Kassel, clad in enchanted leather armor, stared quietly at the growling Drakan.
“Is it really okay to carry four grown men at once?”
“Yes. The…master says it’s fine. That’s just how he is.”
Ahem. Lucius had no problem with Momo going through trouble for Fay, but those guys? Did they deserve the honor of riding on Drakan?
Lucius’s disapproving gaze shifted to Raphael.
Kassel was questionable enough, but him, too? He had the look of a knight, sure, but also the flair of a showoff. Pathetic. And the other one? Looks like he can barely handle a dinner knife, let alone a sword.
Astein, noticing Lucius’s scrutiny, greeted him brightly.
“I’ve heard more about you since our last meeting. They say you’re the top candidate for the next Tower Master. Congratulations in advance.”
“I don’t care about such things…!”
Even speaking bluntly to a prince, Astein’s serious expression didn’t waver.
“You truly are remarkable. Might you consider taking me on as your disciple?”
“Absolutely not!”
Kassel ignored Astein’s far-fetched wish and spoke up.
“If Drakan is ready, we should be on our way.”
“Yes, let’s.”
Kraaah!
Drakan let out a thunderous roar before soaring into the sky with all five of them on its back.
Whiiing—
Thanks to Fay’s magic, a gentle breeze surrounded them as they flew. Even at high speed, it was comfortable. Kassel let out a quiet sigh.
“Hm…”
He felt good.
He’d had a one-on-one conversation with Raphael, swore an oath as knights, and poured out his suspicions. As expected, Raphael had no knowledge of the Orleans family’s shady schemes. But he did confess he’d sensed strange undercurrents within his house for some time.
He had no hard evidence, but vowed that if their actions ever betrayed the Empire, even if it was his own parents, he would be the one to report them. Kassel chose to believe him.
“…”
When he glanced at Raphael, the knight flashed a knowing, carefree grin, he was utterly unbothered.
‘If you ever break that oath as a knight, I’ll be the one to take your head, Raphael. We’re not friends, but that will be my show of respect. You won’t regret it, will you?’
Kassel returned the smile slightly.
“But Prince Astein, how did you manage to get permission to leave the palace? We’re going all the way to the Empire’s southernmost point.”
Astein glanced at the short sword at his waist and scratched his head awkwardly.
“Those who know I’ve gone out believe I’m headed somewhere not far from the capital. More than that… if a fight breaks out, this little thing won’t be much help. I’m a bit worried.”
Fay glanced around the group, her expression slightly tightening.
“You’re right. If we get into trouble, we’ll need someone a little more intimidating to intervene. Even if the two knights are tall and built, their faces are too handsome for that kind of work.”
“No need to worry, Lady.”
Kassel spoke formally, but Fay shuddered in mock discomfort.
“Ugh… Lady, really? I’ll accept it in public, of course, but let’s stick to Miss Fay in private.”
She didn’t really mind. She just didn’t want things to get too stiff between her and Kassel. It was her ‘small form of protest’.
“You’ll need to get used to it eventually. Anyone who doesn’t treat you with respect is in the wrong.”
Kassel and Fay continued their warm conversation.
“I’m so glad there was no kiss on the hand at the ball. I held back as much as I could, but I felt like my skin would crawl if that had happened.”
Raphael cut in smoothly.
“Then perhaps I could be honored with that first kiss, Lady Morgana? If you were to stumble, I would catch you immediately.”
“Sir Raphael, that’s enough. Should you offend Lady Morgana, I will have no choice but to challenge you to a duel.”
“Do you really want to see what a duel between a knight and a mage looks like?”
Lucius and Kassel fired off their warnings in unison, deadly serious. Raphael glanced at the two murderous men and pouted.
“…Miss Fay, there are two men here with pretty faces and terrifying personalities. I doubt we’ll have any trouble on our end.”
“Excuse me?”
“If I duel both the famed Knight Commander Kassel and the potential Tower Master, I won’t live to see tomorrow.”
“Pfft!”
She couldn’t hold back her laughter any longer.
Like something out of an adventure novel, bickering on the road, in real life. They’d barely been traveling an hour, and the banter had already begun. She wouldn’t be bored, that was for sure.
Though the reason for their trip to Chionel wasn’t exactly light-hearted, being with them made it fun.
A brother by blood, who didn’t know her in the past but shared something essential now.
A knight under investigation, yet oddly trustworthy – Raphael.
And… a prince overshadowed by the Crown Prince, like Morris once was – Astein.
Even the absent Crown Prince Sillas, and steadfast Lucius by her side.
‘There really are good people in the world. Yeah. Running off the path I was on and choosing a new one was the right move.’
After Raphael’s muttering faded, Kassel resumed the conversation eager to grow closer to Fay.
“So, Miss Fay, do you have any formal plans for social engagements as Lady Morgana?”
“Mm, not really. It’s not like I have a house or base of operations. I can’t keep asking people to meet in someone else’s salon or hotel.”
“…”
Though Fay said it plainly, Kassel nearly sighed.
Why did it always feel this way? She was always strong, capable, and competent, but never once did he feel like he didn’t need to worry about her.
Just like she said, navigating high society was complex.
Hosting at one’s home, displaying the estate, managing servants was all part of the evaluation. He knew she was at a disadvantage from the start. It couldn’t be helped. And yet… his chest felt tight.
He knew all about her situation. But something in him refused to let her live with resignation, to treat giving up as a habit.
‘I…’
“Well, if that’s the case, then I have a good solution.”
Raphael suddenly reached out and clasped Fay’s delicate hands.
“Huh? What?”
“Let go.”
Fay blinked in confusion, while Lucius glared daggers, but Raphael’s sticky charm didn’t stop.
“If Lady Morgana agrees to a formal relationship with me…!”
“Kassel, should we just drop this guy off mid-air?”
“…”
Kassel didn’t say yes, but he did nod slightly. Raphael recoiled in horror.
“Sir Kassel! You would abandon me?! My feelings are true, without a hint of jest!”
“Just let go of her hand.”
“Even you, Prince Astein?! Why do my allies keep vanishing?! I want to get along with everyone!”
‘Ahaha…’
While he flailed, Fay quietly slipped her hands free and turned away, shoulders shaking with silent laughter.
And because she laughed, Lucius’s anger soon subsided as well.
Had she truly been disgusted, Raphael’s fate might have been sealed.
……
T/N: Oh, Raphael wouldn’t want to cross our in love millennial-dragon Lucius hahahaha
