Chapter 91. Not pearls, but mithril (1)
Everything in the world has a purpose.
That’s how I learned and lived, and that’s how I believed.
“It is different in many ways from the ordinary swords the prince would have learned.”
Out of consideration for the busy lord’s agent, I will not be holding a luncheon. He said he would have a simple meal with just his companions, without Fabian’s nobles. Landel said that and left the crowded meal.
Part of it was because he didn’t like noise, and part of it was that he saw no reason to imitate Plants at mealtimes. And above all
“When holding the dagger, hold it like this. The strength… yes, give it that much now. If you hold it too tightly, you may cut yourself on the blade when you throw it back.”
The main reason was that I needed time to learn how to hold and extend a dagger.
The Crown Prince was so picky that he wouldn’t even eat with someone of lower status than me. I decided not to pay any attention to the possibility of rumors like that spreading.
After all, this is Fabian, and no matter what you do right now, nothing good will come out about Plants. If you smile, just as you laugh, just as you hold back, if you keep your mouth shut, just as you keep your mouth shut. Wouldn’t it be possible to create a rumor that would somehow suit their tastes?
“The direction is not in this direction. If you attack like that.”
– Tuk.
– Cheonggang!
“As you can see, it’s easy to lose your grip on the sword or have it stolen by your opponent.”
“You have quick hands.”
“In reality, the enemy’s hands are faster.”
If it were possible, Alan would have come right away and stayed there without any need to tell me this. However, Alan said that he was planning to go to the royal palace after dropping off the people from the Whitlyn estate to Fabian tonight.
He may have been ranting in front of Elf Whitlin, but he didn’t overlook the fact that Rashid Briesen, with his rolled eyes, might choose the worst move. Therefore, just in case, Alan decided to return with Hina and the wounded from Balkan, as well as the criminals and witnesses.
So, I was informing Randel of at least the basic details. If there was an emergency, I could bring Alan back, but I had to be fully prepared.
“A dagger is one that comes out as quickly as it goes in. As the blade is short, it is a sword that is designed to quickly strike vital points several times until the opponent loses his or her life.”
“I know that much, so don’t bother explaining it.”
Kirie opened her mouth again as if she hadn’t heard those words.
“It is a sword made to strike the opponent’s vital area. Even in the most urgent cases, it is a sword held to protect oneself by taking the opponent’s life.”
This is because of Randel’s reaction as soon as he received the dagger. Who in the world would think of holding the handle upside down as soon as they saw an object called a sword?
It’s hard to believe that this is done because the royal family’s life is traded at a very high price. I know very well that neither Chase nor Calian think that way when looking at the sword. Kirie also knows that although Tensil’s dead crown prince, Ser Jane, would have run away to the end and survived his life, he did not think like that.
Lemain and Silique.
The shadows of the two are deep and dark.
“Okay. How many times do I say that I found out?”
Kirie heard a low voice and looked at Randel.
I know now that I am not angry. After experiencing it for a few days, I realized that I was just saying that because I literally already understood everything and thought further explanation was unnecessary. She was finally coming to know that Randel was a person who did not get angry easily and that he was not only like deep water but also contained the calmness of the surface.
Of course, there are times when strong waves appear on the calm surface of the water.
“No matter how many times I told you, His Majesty Crown Prince Planz did not easily get used to it. I was worried that Prince Randel would do the same.”
“You placed an unpleasant weight on the other side of the scale that placed me on it.”
Like this.
He probably meant not to compare himself to Planz.
“sorry.”
Kirie slightly lowered her head. And he said, looking down at the bracelet on my wrist.
“While thinking about the purpose of the sword, it seemed like he was guessing the purpose of the prince’s life, so the story went on for a long time.”
“I can’t fathom that you care about something so useless.”
“Yes. I didn’t guess.”
“You look a lot like your boss. Judging by the wide hem of your clothes.”
As Randel said, I know that this is a foolish act. I also know that it was something I rarely did before I met Calian.
He lived a life where he had to beat the guy in front of him no matter what the circumstances to get the money for three days’ worth of rye bread, so he couldn’t have done anything like looking into someone’s thoughts.
Nevertheless, he was acting in a way that did not necessarily suit him. To Randel and no one else.
“It is not because of my resemblance to Prince Calian, but because of my younger brother, Healer Sir Bern. There is no other purpose for a person’s life than to live well. Healer Sir Verne said so. If you know the purpose of a sword, I hope you will also know the purpose of other things. “I’ve come to tell you this.”
“Did the youngest tell you to pay so much attention?”
Do you know that Randel’s reaction that you keep seeing is exactly like Plantz’s?
Kirie, who almost made the mistake of sighing openly in front of the royal family, answered immediately.
“Prince Calian is not the kind of person who would entrust the difficult task of caring for others and caring for their innermost thoughts to others.”
“Well then. Was there another reason?”
“Sir Bern, the healer I mentioned, was born in the same year as Prince Randel. So that’s right.”
I just did it because it reminded me of Hina.
If Randel hadn’t been born in the same year as Hina, I wouldn’t have been caught up in mixed feelings thinking about Hina. If that were the case, he would have left quietly without worrying about whether he had thought about holding that dagger properly or preparing to hold it upside down.
“Do I look like your younger brother?”
Randel, who had never been anyone’s younger brother, asked.
Then Kirie answered without any hesitation.
“no.”
Even if I were given the whole world, I wouldn’t change it. How could anyone treat Hina like her younger sister?
Randel, who had been silent for a very moment, turned his head when he saw the youngest brother’s expression, which was always as expressionless as Randel’s, rarely show, ‘Would you think of someone like you as a younger brother?’
This is Randel, who has only ever experienced Den, who never refute Randel’s words, never looks at him with such a profane face, and even never utters words comparing Randel to someone else. Randel looked at the red roses by the window that were still in full bloom.
While looking at those flowers.
I looked at that red color for a long time.
“Yes. You shouldn’t be considered someone’s younger brother.”
He said this.
Then Kirie quietly nodded her head.
Maybe it means that he doesn’t want to be someone’s younger brother, or maybe he thinks it’s better to not have brothers in the first place. Could it be that he should be regarded as an older brother rather than a younger brother?
I don’t know that much, but I think I know that I didn’t say it hoping for a special understanding or answer.
“from now on”
– smart.
Therefore, instead of giving an unnecessary answer, Kirie, who was trying to conclude by saying, ‘I hope you take more care of the prince’s safety from now on,’ silenced her. It was because of a knocking sound that came at that moment.
“come in.”
A low voice came out of Randel’s mouth.
– Swoosh… Tuk!
Perhaps her own ears turned sharp, wondering if her disguise had been worn off? Shiona, who had been silently listening to Kirie’s lesson in front of her, her sword master, quickly raised her hand to check her ear and came to stand in front of her Randel. Stepping on her thin dagger that had fallen to the floor, she covered it with her foot.
When Randel took her gaze away from Siona’s stilettos, which were completely hidden and invisible by her black leather boots. The door to her VIP room opened and her familiar face stepped inside. It was Varzian, the lord’s agent.
“Meeting with His Majesty the Crown Prince of Planz.”
“Has the culprit who sent me the poison been identified?”
Randel opened his mouth without even receiving her greeting.
Shouldn’t he try to imitate the 4th floor resident who was so impatient that he broke the 5th floor window?
okay. right.
Randel’s personality is like deep and calm water, but it does not mean that there is no end to her.
Of course, that quick reaction now was also due to the latter, or was it to prevent Barzian’s gaze, which had been lowered to show respect, from touching Siona’s one foot, which had hidden the dagger by stepping on it. Although you may not know that.
In any case, Barzian hurriedly raised his head at the crown prince’s words, which came out even before the greeting was finished, and opened his mouth. And he answered in that calm voice.
“I came to see you because I have some urgent news to tell you.”
“What news?”
“It is said that soldiers are gathering outside Fabian’s outer castle.”
“Military. Did I start walking in the period leading up to the Territory War?”
Pretending to only remember the simple story of Yeongjijeon without knowing the context.
Barzian bowed his head at those words.
“No. If it had been such a dangerous situation, we wouldn’t have been able to attend you like this. It was something we didn’t expect.”
“They are soldiers from a certain territory.”
“It doesn’t seem to be a nearby territory. Other than the fact that they are knights in black armor, there is no exact confirmation.”
“There is not enough information.”
“I’m sorry. There was a distance of more than a day from where the soldiers were discovered to here, so I wasn’t able to find out all the details. We hastily blockaded the inner castle and ordered the residents inside and outside the castle to be evacuated first. Also, Your Majesty, please prepare accordingly. “I came here because I thought you needed to do something.”
“What preparation?”
Randel asked.
Varzian turned his head.
Demirea Siegfried and Kyrie Bern. After looking at these people who were already famous for their outstanding military strength for a moment, he gave his answer.
“In case an attack begins, in preparation for protecting your safety…”
“What preparation?”
Randel asked again.
I don’t know if it was his younger brother or a resident of the 4th floor, but he was perfectly replicating the sneer he used to show in front of nobles.
“I don’t think the Count will make any preparations on his own to protect my safety. But I don’t know what preparations I’ll need to do as well.”
I am saying that you should not think about benefiting from your two companions, but rather protect me on your own. Varzian lowered his head at those words, as if he had guessed that he was only planning to send a formal escort.
“I made a mistake. I’m sorry.”
“I understand. The situation is urgent.”
“Thank you, my Majesty.”
Varzian took a deep breath.
He thought he would have to increase the number of guards he was planning to send to the crown prince. While adjusting the planned number of troops.
“You don’t have to worry about your safety.”
“Why are you worried about my safety? I’m just worried that your Majesty will be very concerned if even news gets out that I was hurt in my brother’s territory.”
“… Yes. Nothing that will concern Your Majesty will happen. We will make thorough preparations to prevent anyone from setting foot inside the castle.”
“So be it.”
“Yes, sir.”
Barjian bowed his head once again and walked out. Randel’s light green eyes, as he watched this, sank for a moment as if in dark water.
As promised, will no one be able to step into the inner sanctuary, or will anyone be able to step into the inner inner sanctuary, which is wide open from the inside? That’s because he felt like he wasn’t sure yet.
* * *
I have a lot of worries.
“Vice Commander.”
A quiet voice was heard.
They were knights who came to the side on behalf of the wizards who were a few steps behind.
Plantz, who realized that there was still a long way to go before he would stop running, answered briefly in a voice that did not seem to be out of breath even though he had already run for quite a long time.
“why.”
An unfamiliar voice and dark blue eyes.
The knight, who was momentarily startled by the light in his eyes that was completely different from the light green he was used to, opened his mouth. I kept running at a pace that was neither slow nor fast.
“We will take care of it. Please go in and rest.”
“why.”
“You must have been very surprised. We know very well that we did something wrong. It’s okay if the Vice Commander doesn’t run with us like this until this day. We will take care of the punishment and go.”
Plantz let out a small sigh.
Surely Calian spoke in a voice that only Plants could hear? So, he had to be none other than Plantz who heard him handing out the punishment.
Thanks to that, the crew members worry about such unnecessary things without knowing the true situation.
“I…….”
I’m not running with you to punish you, but I’m also being punished. Planz, who was about to say that, shut his mouth.
This is because I know very well that a guy who couldn’t even take care of his own life is not the kind of person who would lower his voice and say bitter things without even thinking about it.
Since Calian is in the position of teaching Plantz how to use the sword, everyone probably knows that it is appropriate for Calian to warn Plantz about losing his grip on the sword. Nevertheless, not only did he sell Alan’s name for good reason and punish him, he even hid his voice from others.
Just like one day long ago, when he pointed out Plantz’s irresponsibility in front of the Vulcan crew without anyone knowing.
“…… under.”
No matter what my position is.
Whatever wrong Plants did.
In any case, don’t forget that Planz is Calian’s older brother, the crown prince and vice-captain of the Balkan army.
“I didn’t do anything well either.”
“But Vice Commander. The wounds haven’t completely healed…”
“Just run.”
“Yes, Vice Commander.”
Anyway, your thoughts are so deep.
Also, thanks to his needlessly attentive younger brother, Plantz, who was eventually transformed into a good vice-corps commander who takes the lead even on days like this, silently stepped forward.
He was amazingly astute in checking Calian’s mood, so he quickly grasped the situation without even listening to a single word of the conversation between the two, and quickly followed him out, running just three laps before lying down and saying he was going to die. He didn’t hide the look in his eyes that he wanted to step on and pass by that blue-haired co-worker who, let alone being an example, was worse than an enemy who only got in the way of running.
“… Is this it?”
“Huh? I didn’t hear you clearly.”
“No. Run.”
“all right.”
I guess I’ve been holding back on saying what I wanted to say to my younger brother for a long time, but I ended up saying everything I couldn’t say while drunk, but if I ever get drunk again, that blue-haired crazy wizard will be my sincere and capable vice-captain in front of my brother. Should I tell you that this is not the case at all?
-Tap-tap-tap!
Plantz’s feet kept moving. As I continue to worry about whether or not to add a new wish to my list of things to say.
Soon Plantz turned his head.
Before I knew it, I could see the wizards nearly half a turn behind.
No matter how much he lived as a mercenary, being a wizard doesn’t allow him to run around on his own as much as a knight. In places where you can walk or run, you can ride a horse, but in places where you cannot ride a horse, people cannot run. I know that riding a horse takes a lot of effort, but running on your own is a completely different matter.
Still, I know that their skills have significantly improved compared to the early days of Balkan, when wizards were far behind knights. Therefore, instead of telling them to speed up, Plantz just raised his hand and pretended to loosen his front buckle towards the wizards.
It meant taking off that cumbersome robe.
“It’s okay to just put it on and run!”
“it’s okay!”
The two wizards who saw Plants from afar shouted with determination on their faces. But Planz did not fall.
“Untie. Run.”
“…… yes.”
In the end, the two wizards took off their robes with a subtle sigh. The blue-haired crazy wizard, who was sprawled out on the side of the road like dry weeds and stopped for a moment, chuckled at the sight.
It wasn’t just Plants who realized that he was trying to take at least one less turn using the excuse that his clothes were getting in the way.
“Stop playing tricks and run.”
At that moment, Arsene spoke cheerfully to the wizards passing by.
“Vice Commander, why aren’t you running!”
“I have made fewer mistakes than you. I have already run away from my mistakes.”
“You can’t run because you’re tired!”
“Don’t you know that no matter how many laps you run here, it’s easier than walking across the great desert?”
The wizards looked with resentment at Arsene, who brought up his childhood daily life and claimed, ‘It’s not that I can’t run because I’m weak physically,’ and they used their energy and increased their speed.
“Go quickly. I guess I’ll have to become a wizard and lose to knights by jumping.”
“Vice Commander, you are too great!”
Arsene grinned and waved his hand as if making a fuss.
Arsene, who was leisurely listening to the consistent sound of the sound coming closer and closer again, looked at the sky unfolding in front of him. After a while, the hectic days will continue again, but wouldn’t people live if they could lie down and rest leisurely like this?
No problem. No matter how busy life is, you should feel the clear wind blowing under the endless spring sky. Just look at how pleasant the scent of roses gently drifts in, and how huge and majestic the shadow of Yeongju Castle spread out under the blue sky is.
Anyway, in case anyone thought it wasn’t our prince’s territory, it looks so good even though it has signs of destruction on all sides from the last battle. The prince must have liked it too and is looking out the window like that…
…… huh?
– Slap!
Arsene stood up as if he had been thrown.
The pretty prince was quietly looking down at the parade ground from the window of the 5th floor drawing room, smiling sweetly.
The prince said he would guard the dungeon while I walked around the parade ground. Why are you already up there looking outside?
That’s something I wouldn’t even dare say.
“……Mr.
At the same time, the blue, unlucky, and profane Takkari, who somehow ended up discovering the three princes all alone, trudges along. I started running.
For a long time.
For quite some time after Plants and the other crew members returned.
* * *
-You should say something too.
– how. He’s the same vice commander.
– Then, shall I tell you to take your hand off and hand over the position of corps commander to your brother?
– Your brother should know better that that is not the case.
– I am saying this because I feel like there are times when Sir Hertz finds it difficult to handle. Even if it is difficult to say because they are of the same rank, isn’t your brother a crown prince and Lord Hertz a count? Sir Hertz seems to be more excited because his older brother always looks at him like that and moves on.
– know.
– As you know. Do you solve the problem by telling his brother that the count is ignoring the punishment?
– I didn’t ask you to pass it on to the crazy blue-haired wizard. My brother asked me first if Sir Hertz was running well.
It looks like he feels unfair again.
Calian, who laughed as if blowing air, took his body away from the window.
There was nothing good about being noticed by the other members except Arsene. It wasn’t until Arsene, who even Plants couldn’t touch, let him know that he was running again because of Kalian. How will the prestige of the vice commanders stand?
– Anyway, it was you who told me that I was leaving you without even saying a word.
– I didn’t say that.
– Anyway, you are so gentle. Since you can’t say that even once, isn’t that why you’re being held by someone without your sword taken away from you?
– Are you barking because you are angry? Are you barking more?
– …… Just barking.
– okay.
– yes.
– Whitlin.
– We met. It will be quiet now. I hope so.
– I think it would be better to keep today’s incident a secret.
– yes. I think so too.
– Where are you now?
– This is the reception room.
– Jail.
– I asked Master for a moment.
-Why the living room?
– Orte. I want to meet you. I have something to say.
Calian, who was looking around the empty drawing room while the Balkan knights went out to pick up Orte, who had returned to his room, gave the answer.
Plantz’s answer was not immediately heard.
It’s hard to keep running.
There’s no way that pea could do that.
Calian, who had been thinking about such things, was trying to explain why he wanted to meet Orte when he heard Plantz’s words.
– Don’t get caught. Kalyan.
do.
A word to him, who was Kalian’s senior servant, not to let Calian’s true intentions be known to him as someone else. He said something like asking for Kalyan to be put aside for a while.
– sorry.
And he apologized.
Calian answered with a smile on his face that Plantz couldn’t even see.
– yes.
I didn’t receive the apology because I felt disappointed. It wasn’t like I was laughing because I thought a guy who looked like a sugar cane sprout that had just popped out into the sunlight had said something for which I really needed to apologize.
He told me not to leave Bern behind even if I die soon, but he is asking me to do the complete opposite of that, even if it is just for a little while, so I should at least apologize to him, so he won’t wither and stay green.
So he obediently accepted the apology.
He was already thinking of not getting caught instead of saying unnecessary things.
– I think we should resolve everything here by evening. Would you like to eat together afterwards? If you’re busy with the Balkans, go to the villa and meet Dmirea.
– It’s over. Before that.
– Then, let’s eat together.
– okay.
– yes. Run hard.
– I’m running.
– yes.
I finished my conversation with Plants.
Then he walked slowly and sat down in the very center seat.
– Sreuk.
moved his hand
He was about to undo the red tie that was up to his neck.
Looking back at his memories, I just pulled it down a little loosely. Instead, he undid the top button of his shirt.
– Sarak Sarak.
He played with his pure white fingers and messed up his neatly organized hair a little. He opened his hand and checked again to see if the scar on his palm was noticeable.
– Tuk.
He unfastened the garnet cuffs on the sleeves of the black shirt inside his dark red-purple jacket. After putting it in my pocket, I took out the pocket watch that was always in it.
– Cry!
– Click.
I took a long breath in and out, stopping for a moment that might have interrupted the quiet conversation. I was ready to take a short walk through her memories.
– Knock knock.
There is a knocking sound.
She takes another long breath. And exhale.
“come in.”
I raised my voice.
At her brief words of permission, the door to the living room opens.
A Vulcan wizard wearing pure white clothes let the elderly man standing behind him inside. After that, another wizard who followed along was seen holding a tray with a teacup on it.
I smell it.
What kind of flower or fruit is it?
A pleasant scent that is neither coffee nor mint.
It has such a nice scent that you can’t tell what it is.
Calian let out a small laugh without realizing it at the scent wafting out of the teacup.
“I’ve always been curious.”
Instead of saying nice to meet you.
Instead of asking how are you?
“What was put in the tea?”
Looking into the old servant’s unworn amber eyes.
I smelled that good tea scent again that I remembered for the first time in a long time.
I said the first thing that came out without me knowing.
Unable to take another step, I stood in the doorway of the living room, and even though I had almost died in a prison in an unfamiliar place just the day before, I managed to prepare myself a cup of tea.
“… A little bit of cherry blossom, dried apple and strawberry, a little bit of lemon peel and a little bit of honey.”
The old servant gave the answer.
“I’m curious, are you here?”
“I was curious. Jan really can’t drive a car.”
The old servant laughed.
“I should have told you that. Thanks to you, I only drink mint tea every day.”
The prince, who had always been young, said.
The old servant laughed again.
The prince stood up.
I walked towards the old servant who still couldn’t go inside. I stood in front of an old servant who had suddenly become shorter than me.
He quietly stretched out his hand.
He held out his hand in place of the handkerchief he always brought with him.
The joy, like spring rain dripping from amber eyes, and the regret that feels like time has already passed. He wiped away the clear things. And hold still. He opened his mouth as if to soothe.
“Thank you Orte.”
I’ve always wanted to say that.
I. always.
