PBAOM ★ CH 29

Episode 29 

The City, Kalt

The day after the duke’s order was issued, the knights led by Nicholas began their expedition toward Kalt.

The cavalry, carrying the oak-tree banner of Mermandi, rode quickly south. Before sunset, they reached a large road stretching to the southeast.

When the knights suddenly arrived in the areas near Kalt, the townspeople and gatekeepers were startled and whispered nervously. They were afraid the war in the south might have spread here, but no one gave them any explanation.

Nicholas divided the soldiers into three groups and gave an order:

“I already informed Mayor Jace of the lord’s command. From now on, keep searching the city day and night until you find the young lady.”

As Nicholas headed toward the castle gate, he turned his horse and snapped his fingers.

“Any woman who looks similar is fine. Bring every possible target to the central government building. Understood?”

“Yes, young lord!”

Nicholas clenched his teeth. He didn’t know who sent the anonymous letter, but anyone who dared play tricks on the duke’s family deserved proper punishment.

This time, I will definitely find my sister and bring her home—alive or dead.

Thinking of the worst possibility, Nicholas closed his eyes briefly, then looked at Greg, who was waiting at the front of the unit.

“We’ll circle around the Kalt River area. The others should shoot a fire arrow into the western sky if they find anything to report.”

Under the young lord’s signal, the red wave of cavalry split into four directions and rushed through the wide-open city gate. The people living nearby were frightened by the grand sight and quickly locked their doors.

The prince’s army would soon return, and a victory festival would be held in the capital. To search the city in a single day, even the fastest cavalry had to hurry.

***

After parting with Walter, we rented two rooms at an inn. We planned to visit the area with the “well keeper” tomorrow.

Devon placed the clinking metal key on the shelf by the door. At the same moment, we heard loud fireworks explode outside. I stared at the bright lights crossing the night sky for a long time until Devon said,

“Looks like the townspeople are setting off fireworks before the festival.”

“Festival?”

“It’s an event to welcome the prince’s army home. Messengers have been going around the city announcing it.”

“I heard the war was almost over, but… fireworks? That’s new.”

“It’s a mix of gunpowder and mineral powder made by alchemists. I once saw them making it at the guild. It’s expensive because of the materials.”

“There’s an alchemy guild in the kingdom?”

“Of course. Though the ones I’m talking about belong to Duren.”

Listening to stories of a world I didn’t know was fascinating. Then Devon asked softly,

“Natania, if you don’t mind… want to go out for a bit before bed? Maybe walk toward the east gate?”

“Ah… yes!”

I quickly got up from the bed, happy to hear that. It seemed safe enough with so many people around, but just in case, I covered my face with a robe.

When we reached the first floor, the streets outside were strangely quiet, as if the fireworks had never happened. The atmosphere was slightly festive, but also somewhat tense.

Sensing the mood, Devon led us away from the busy streets to the outer area. We sat together on a bench in a park beneath the city walls.

The winter night air was cold, and darkness settled over the surroundings. After a while, Devon tilted his head back to look at the sky.

“…Beautiful.”

When I turned toward him, he added,

“I thought we wouldn’t see many stars because of the lamps, but the rain cleared the air.”

He described the night sky in detail for me, thinking I couldn’t see it. Moments like this made me feel grateful, but also confused. I still didn’t understand why he cared for me so much.

As I listened to his calm voice, I thought about tomorrow—when I would finally return home.

What will my family say when they see me alive?

Maybe they wouldn’t be happy. Maybe they’d lock me away even deeper to avoid something like this happening again. Only Zenn would probably cry.

Noticing my expression, Devon asked,

“Natania. Have you ever come outside the estate like this?”

I slowly shook my head.

“I used to follow my third brother around a lot, but after the accident, I never left the mansion. I never attended debutante events or appeared in society either.”

Thinking of those years of hiding in the annex, I gave a bitter smile.

“So honestly… this trip has been kind of fun. Even though it was dangerous.”

Devon looked quietly at my profile.

“It must have been suffocating.”

“…”

“You don’t know anything about the world outside the duchy.”

His words made me bristle a little, so I replied quietly,

“I’m not completely clueless. I had someone who told me things.”

He shook his head slightly, half-closing his eyes.

“You’re boldly reckless. You remind me of someone.”

His voice sounded like he was remembering someone from long ago—the blind person he mentioned before, maybe. What kind of person were they, for him to miss them so much?

We chatted a bit more, then decided to return to the inn before it got too late.

Since I had left my cane behind, I held Devon’s hand as we walked slowly.

Just then, I saw a man in a nearby alley hurrying with his arm around a woman’s shoulders.

A couple?

There was an old tradition in Kalt: when the Swan Constellation appeared, young men would rush to the square to find their partner for the night. It looked like that custom still remained.

I stopped walking out of curiosity, but Devon said,

“The city’s lights go out earlier tonight, so we should head back.”

So a visit to the square was impossible. I nodded, a bit disappointed.

Woof! Woof!

Suddenly, loud barking echoed. The sound grew closer, and soon a pack of dogs appeared.

“Stay still, my lady,” Devon said.

Judging by their silver collars and size, they were trained hunting dogs. They barked fiercely, showing their fangs.

Devon swung his sword in the air, scaring some of them away. But then one spotted dog lowered its body and slowly approached me, sniffing near the ground.

Devon watched it carefully.

“…?”

The dog suddenly rolled onto its back, wagging its tail and showing its belly. The fierce hunting dog had become oddly gentle.

Just then, a loud voice shouted,

“Over here! The dogs are here!”

Knights on horseback rushed in and filled the narrow street. It was difficult to run away together, so Devon had no choice but to stop.

At the end of the line of knights, a red-haired man wearing a fur cape appeared.

Ni… Nick?

It was my second brother, Nicholas!