◈ 186. [Side Story] On the way back,
Elise was in pretty good shape for dealing with the Aegis task force alone. His whole body is covered in bandages, but he’s still alive.
“I have been living in the back alley for a long time. It was hard to survive at all costs.”
Elise said calmly and took out an empty potion bottle from her bosom and placed it on my desk.
“… This help from His Highness has also been great.”
Let’s see if I want something, it was a potion I gave you in the past. Didn’t you eat it then and save it and then use it this time? You’re pretty frugal.
“Anyway, I’m not here to say my regards.”
Elise is great! I breathed in.
yes. It must have come to me as an emissary of the Winter Silver Merchant. I smiled.
“Are you okay with a serenade?”
“… I don’t think this is a question that a man who has been single-minded all his life would ask. I will answer you.”
Elise glared at me.
“After shedding tears for three days until yesterday, she returned to work this morning. And he sent me here.”
Surely he didn’t send it after my neck?
I was a little scared at the moment, but fortunately that wasn’t the reason.
“I heard that you use the land route to return to the Crossroads.”
“that’s right.”
It is said that when the poor imperial family returns, they do not burn the emptiness. In the end, I ended up riding a carriage down to the crossroads.
“The farther you go from the ecliptic, the rougher the road to the south is and the less secure it is. You will need an escort.”
Elise raised her hand and placed it on her chest.
“So my master sent me. He told me to use me as an escort to the Crossroads.”
“huh? Elise you?”
“yes. Of course, Your Highness, who easily defeated me, may not be satisfied. I think it will help.”
No, of course it helps a lot. But more than that.
“If you follow me, then who will guard the serenade?”
isn’t this a problem Because Elise was there, I was reassured by her side during the serenade.
“There are many other great escorts at the top of Wintersilver. Your lady will be fine.”
I’m saying that, but aren’t you trembling? Just bite your lip and watch it bleed.
“… The upper level has already started a business connected with the imperial family. As the imperial family has promised the continuance of the Wintersilver Merchant and the family, there will be no one fearless who dares to touch Wintersilver.”
“Mmm.”
“Your Highness will be exposed to more danger than your master, who will be at the Wintersilver Merchant Headquarters. The master said.”
That’s not wrong, but… … .
“I don’t know why I’m so impatient because I can’t take care of a man who has already broken up with me… .”
Elise grumbled. I chuckled.
“Didn’t you want me to get away from the serenade?”
“I always hoped that His Highness the Prince would disappear from Master’s life. When I heard that His Highness kicked the master first, it was really… … .”
“greatly?”
“I’m pissed… .”
What a complex and subtle loyalty.
Anyway, it is said that the SSR grade prosecutor is attached as an escort.
The way down is also long. If the situation on the monster front is urgent, you might be able to borrow their strength.
I just feel sorry for the serenade.
“So, when are you going back to Crossroads?”
“tomorrow.”
I answered while inspecting my simply packed luggage.
“I am leaving at noon tomorrow. Please join me then.”
***
Before going down, of course I had to say hello to the emperor, so I headed to the main palace.
But I guess the timing wasn’t right.
“Abama went into hibernation a while ago.”
Lark and Fernandez, who were talking in front of the throne room, waved at me. Lark pointed to the tightly closed door of the audience room.
“Since you have been awake for a long time, it seems that the situation at the Lee Shin Front has become quite urgent. You fell asleep.”
“Didn’t you say anything to me?”
Then, Lark smiled.
“He said to do well.”
“… .”
“It’s a reader’s route. Now the southern front is not protected by the imperial family or the empire. Even if there is a three-year time limit, it won’t be easy. You chose the hard way yourself.”
Lark tapped me on the shoulder.
“But thank you Ash.”
“yes? What?”
“Thanks to you, the need to massacre prisoners of war through human sacrifice is gone.”
Lark’s dark blue eyes were filled with feelings of genuine gratitude.
“No matter how much I am a guardian who only cares for the safety of the empire, I am a knight. Even if you are from an enemy country, if you are not a soldier, I do not want to cut you.”
“… .”
“Thanks to you, I was able to avoid senseless killing. Thank you very much.”
A palm as large as the lid of Lark’s pot slammed my back. No, if you really appreciate it, just hit it!
“Then, shall I return to the frontlines too! So that we can clear the battlefield and throw a real victory party. So, I’m leaving today. Ash you?”
“I leave at noon tomorrow.”
“haha. It was difficult to get together, but everyone scattered right away.”
Lark spread his arms wide toward me and Fernandez.
“ruler! Then you two come here.”
Me and Fernandez reluctantly approached Larc. Lark hugged us with arms as thick as marble pillars.
“A hug of friendship! See you next time, younger brothers!”
“Kuhuhuhhh.”
“Khehehe.”
After a warm embrace, Lark left the main palace without looking back. I thought my back would break. uh
“… .”
At that time, I felt a subtle gaze, so when I turned around, Fernandez was glaring at me with narrow eyes. I chuckled.
“What else are you complaining about, our second older brother?”
“Did you come up to the ecliptic just to get such a small thing like an independent route, youngest?”
I frowned at the sudden sound.
‘You were caught and called in the first place… … .’
But what Fernandez said.
Originally, when I came to the ecliptic, my plan was to bring more imperial reinforcements.
He planned to tear off about twice as many of the reinforcements currently dispatched to the southern front.
I was confident that I could control it up to this point without encroaching on the command.
However, the opposite result was obtained. The imperial family’s reinforcements were rejected, and there was no reason for reinforcements to come in the future.
Even the military powerhouse of the Northern Kingdom and the good relationship was kicked off.
It was something I shouldn’t have done as I always whined about my lack of troops.
but.
“What are you talking about? You get so much money?”
When I smiled, Fernandez frowned in disapproval.
‘okay. I got a lot.’
I got the cooperation of the biggest corps in the empire, I got donations from various nobles, I learned the secrets of the emperor and the princes, I rented an SSR grade swordsman character, and I got a lot of things.
More than anything… I made a firm decision on my own.
who will you live with
and how to live
This alone had the meaning of coming to the ecliptic.
“You really… I haven’t been able to figure it out since before.”
Fernandez shook his head.
“Even when he’s over-excited, he acts like a knave all of a sudden. Even if you listen well, you throw away everyone. It doesn’t change… … Eh, he was just cute when he was younger.”
Fernandez sighed and waved his hands.
“Okay, go down. Rest assured that the troops you have already lent will be used for the agreed period.”
oh that’s really appreciated In fact, I would have been in trouble right away if they were gone.
“Here in the imperial capital, I will remain alone and work hard to protect this country. As always.”
“okay. I want to keep it hard. I will be grateful for the troops. In the future, please do the change inspection properly.”
“well… I can’t promise that.”
Fernandez smiled sinisterly like the head of the dark department. Having snorted, I jerked back.
It was then.
“Oh, and. As your aide on the southern front… … Ader.”
“?”
I opened my eyes and looked around. Fernandez murmured expressionlessly.
“It’s good that you don’t trust that Eternal child too much. Because he is a cheater.”
“what… ? what is that… … .”
Without further explanation, Fernandez walked away and disappeared from the hallway. I stood there blankly.
“… What are you saying?”
Come to think of it, God Hand said that he had received this kind of secret order from the center.
– Keep an eye on Ader, the lord’s aide… … .
It means that Ader is a person that the imperial family is watching with caution.
‘Is Ader the Eternal? don’t believe A swindler?’
why?
Are you the game director? Are Miu and Gou the guys who help me?
Why is the imperial family keeping an eye on Ader?
‘No, don’t just throw rice cakes, give me some explanations!’
What are you going to do if you just say don’t believe everything! Like a fucking second brother!
***
It was the last evening in the ecliptic.
I wondered if the serenade would come for the last time since Elise informed me that I was leaving. There was no message whatsoever.
So, the last dinner was with Alberto.
When I suggested that we dine together as guests rather than as butlers, Alberto vehemently declined, but he couldn’t stand my insistence.
We sat down and ate. Other servants waited on us. Alberto was embarrassed, but seemed happy.
“It’s been 50 years since I worked at this palace, but this is the first time I’ve been in a position like this. majesty.”
“Have fun, Alberto. It will be difficult for you and me to eat in this palace for a while.”
At my words, Alberto laughed bitterly.
Even with the title of Chief Chamberlain, Alberto was pushed out of the position of managing the villa. I’m pretty old too.
Moreover, it seems that the soldiers were stopped in order to protect the serenade at this victory celebration party. It looks like it’s been hated from above.
So Alberto had already submitted his resignation.
At the same time as I left tomorrow, Alberto also left the imperial palace.
“What are you planning to do after you retire, Alberto?”
“well. I have lived in this palace all my life. There is no home, no family, nothing outside.”
“I guess we can start making them one by one from now on.”
“Whoops. That will be the joy of the rest of my life.”
After the meal, dessert and tea were served.
I hinted at Alberto, who was quietly savoring the scent of tea.
“Alberto. Would it be all right if I put off your retirement plans for a little bit?”
“yes?”
“Aren’t you ready to step down from the front line yet? There is a place that needs you.”
I took a piece of paper out of my pocket and held it out. Alberto took it in bewilderment and I grinned.
“Let’s work hard for a few more years.”
***
the next day. morning.
A new building purchased by the Wintersilver Merchant Chambers.
The building they were originally using had been reduced to ashes, so the Winter Silver Merchant Corps hastily purchased the entire building nearby and started using it as a new Merchant Building.
The top was busy.
He was busy putting things in a new building, figuring out the quantity of burned products, and preparing for a new business in connection with the imperial family.
The serenade sitting at the desk in the main room on the top floor of the building was also busy.
He was wearing glasses as usual, in an elegant woman’s suit, and was handling paperwork at a brisk pace, holding a pen with long, thin fingers.
Except for the shortened hair, she looked the same as usual.
Elise approached the serenade and bowed her head.
“Then let’s go. master.”
Elise had not only a swordsman on her back, but also two large bags.
It would be a long way since he decided to accompany Ash to the southern front.
Serenade smiled faintly at such Elise.
“okay. Come on, Elise. I said enough goodbyes yesterday, so I’ll skip it today.”
“… master.”
“huh?”
“Are you really okay?”
Is it okay if I send Ash away without seeing his face?
Elise was asking that.
“… then. of course.”
Serenade dropped her gaze back to the papers.
“Go now. Take good care of Prince Ash.”
“… your master.”
Elise, who was hesitant, bowed once more and left the upper room.
Serenade bit her lip and continued writing with a pen.
smart.
Then there was a knock and the door opened and someone came in. Serenade looked at him curiously.
“Excuse me, Lady of Wintersilver.”
The one who entered was Alberto, an elderly gentleman dressed in a neat suit. Surprised serenade widened silver eyes.
“Alberto?”
“I have received a letter of recommendation from His Highness Prince Ash.”
Alberto approached and politely placed the paper he was holding on Serenade’s desk.
“There will be more business dealings with the imperial family in the future, but he said that I, who was the chief chamberlain of the imperial palace, would be helpful.”
Serenade unfolded the paper. It was a letter of recommendation written by Ash himself, recommending Alberto as an advisor to the Winter Silver Merchant Merchant.
“Welcome, Alberto!”
Serenade smiled broadly and held out her hand to Alberto.
It was a busy and difficult car, but Alberto, who was the housekeeper of the imperial palace, would be of great help.
“I wish you well in the future.”
“I really appreciate you. Serenade girl.”
Serenade immediately tried to talk to Alberto about business related to the imperial family, but Alberto raised his hand to stop it.
“Business talk is good, but serenade lady. There are many moments in life that never come again.”
“Yes?”
“I don’t think now is the time to be here.”
“… .”
“In a little while, His Highness Prince Ash will be leaving for the South. Do you really have nothing to say?”
Serenade stuttered and lowered her head.
“but… His Highness the Prince has already broken off my marriage… … .”
“So?”
“We are no longer betrothed, we are not lovers. How can I… … .”
“So?”
Alberto smiled kindly.
“Are you going to give up that much? The lord of the Wintersilver, the largest guild in the empire? There’s a product you want, but you quietly let it go?”
Serenade looked up at the old butler with trembling eyes. Alberto said confidently.
“Life is short, lady.”
“… .”
“Run. In the direction you really want to go, my lady.”
So,
I threw away my pens and papers, left behind all the work piled up behind me, and
sprinted out of the office- Serenade started running.
to the southern gate of the ecliptic.
To the place where Ash prepares to leave for Crossroads.
romance in the air