Chapter 33
The residents of the Venerta region had all been successfully evacuated — thanks entirely to the escape tunnel that Lor had revealed.
With no hostages to worry about, subjugating the Kayak beasts that had infested the Venerta Mountains became much easier.
The Kayak were indeed ferocious monsters, but the Archduke’s well-trained knights were more than a match for them.
Thus, it seemed that the Venerta problem had been resolved.
But—
“Remember, we began investigating because it was strange for so many Kayak to swarm and take over an entire mountain range. The results of that investigation have just come in—.”
The turning point came when one of the mages dispatched with the investigative team reported sensing an unusual magical disturbance deep underground, in the very heart of Venerta.
Fearing remnants of monsters might remain, the mage requested a broader search. A full-scale investigation was carried out, and now the written report had finally arrived.
Pointing to a section of the report, Giselle spoke with a serious look in her eyes.
“It says this was something newly discovered in the latest investigation.”
Alcade stared grimly at the sketch at the bottom of the report.
According to it, beneath the village lay an enormous cavern. Inside it, an ancient summoning circle drawn in archaic script had been luring monsters.
What was peculiar was that at the center of that circle rested… a children’s storybook.
Even up until the very moment the mage dismantled the circle, the spell had still been active.
And though no one touched the storybook, its pages had been turning all by themselves.
The investigators, in cooperation with a nearby temple, succeeded in dismantling the circle and retrieving the book.
The aides suddenly felt a heavy, foreboding atmosphere.
Alcade’s expression grew grave, his eyes fixed firmly on the illustration of the storybook.
Hagenz and Giselle exchanged quick glances — and then came the faint murmur from Alcade.
“…Elaine.”
Giselle gasped. That was not a name to be spoken lightly inside this ducal estate.
“Y-Your Grace…!”
Before any aide could stop him, Alcade suddenly rose to his feet.
“I will go to Venerta myself.”
Click.
After one last look around the room, Angelina quietly shut the door as she stepped out.
On the bed, Lor — who seemed to be sound asleep — slowly opened her eyes at the sound.
Glancing around, she carefully pushed herself up, making sure not to rustle the blanket.
[ Lor, are you going again tonight? ]
“Mm….”
Lor gave a small nod.
Lately, she had become completely absorbed in exploring the garden at night.
Though it was the same garden, the night and the day versions were entirely different.
At night, the garden was quiet, beautiful, and mysterious — almost like a fairyland.
Adventures always made her heart race with excitement!
And best of all — she could meet Kainel there!
That was what Lor looked forward to the most!
…Except.
“Uuuh….”
As she remembered what had happened earlier that day, Lor’s shoulders drooped.
“Raecal… doesn’t like me.”
It hurt terribly that the cousin she wanted to be close with disliked her — but she thought maybe that was possible.
But—
“She shouldn’t treat Kainel like that….”
Raecal had been furious from the moment she entered the training hall, and even after seeming to calm down, she’d lashed out again.
True, it was Kainel who first suggested they spar, but to Lor it looked as though Raecal was bullying Kainel.
“…It’s because of me.”
Raecal must have been angry at Kainel because he was friends with her.
Tears welled up, and Lor sniffled.
She felt sorry for Kainel too. He hadn’t done anything wrong to Raecal, and yet, because of her, he had become a target of resentment.
She had to go see him.
If she told him how wonderful he was, if she stroked his soft, dark hair that was as black as night — surely, Kainel would feel better.
The thought eased the heaviness in her chest, and a small smile tugged at her lips.
Then, as Lor stood beside the bed, a book came flying up and began fluttering above her head.
Any moment now, it would sprinkle its “magical-dust.”
And then she would become invisible again — just like a magical princess!
Flip, flip.
The book was about to scatter its glittering dust when—
Click.
The sound of the door opening.
Lor froze.
[ Uh-oh, Lor! ]
The book flapped its pages in panic.
Usually no one came back after Angelina left… Had she returned?
Her heart pounded nervously.
“I-I haven’t done anything yet….”
She darted her eyes around guiltily. If she were caught sneaking out into the garden at night, she would be in big trouble.
Angelina would put her hands on her hips, glare, and then… tell Father.
“Hic!”
That would be the worst.
Father had once forbidden Kainel from leaving his room.
What if it became her turn this time?
Not just nights — but not being allowed out at all….
Trapped in her room forever….
“Waaah!”
She scrambled back onto the bed and was about to dive under the blanket when—
“…You’re not asleep yet?”
At the familiar voice, Lor’s eyes went wide.
Always a welcome voice, but right now — not so much.
It was Alcade.
Unlike his usual appearance — his hair slicked back, his expression sharp and flawless — his hair now fell loose and slightly damp over his forehead, as though he’d just washed up before bed. His clothes were casual, his demeanor softer.
There was a gentleness in his tone that made Lor’s stiff shoulders relax, if only a little.
“…I-I woke up!”
“I thought I heard footsteps.”
“I-I was going to get some water!”
“…Is that so?”
Alcade chuckled softly and stepped into the room.
Lor was glad to see him, but her heart raced with the same nervousness as when she was almost caught.
“Phew….”
Still, at least she hadn’t already gone outside when he came in.
If Father had found her room empty—
The thought made her dizzy.
Alcade came closer and sat on the edge of the bed. Her shoulders tensed again.
Deciding to play it off, Lor put on a bit of childish whining.
“Mm, Papa, why…?”
Alcade smiled warmly and patted her head. His broad, warm palm made her giggle despite herself.
“Was your midnight walk fun?”
“W-w-what do you mean!?”
Hic!
Startled, Lor hiccupped.
She tried to deny it, but her trembling voice and darting eyes gave her away completely.
“D-did he find out!?”
She stole a nervous glance at the floating book by her pillow.
“…But the book promised I wouldn’t get caught….”
Even the maids and knights she had passed at night hadn’t noticed her.
How had Father known? He hadn’t even run into her!
Turning her head away, she tried to feign ignorance.
Alcade chuckled gently.
Her innocence — truly believing she could keep such a secret — was endearing.
No matter how invisible she made herself, she could never hide the sound of her footsteps completely.
In truth, Alcade had left small fragments of his shadow both at her door and her window.
If anyone with ill intent ever tried to enter her room, those shadows would sense it — and strike if necessary.
And of course, those shadow fragments never missed the sound of her door quietly opening or footsteps sneaking out.
He had let it slide until now only because Lor looked so happy whenever she was playing with Kainel.
Any nighttime intruders could be dealt with by the shadows anyway.
But things were different now. He would soon have to leave for Venerta himself.
It pained him to think how downhearted she would be, but for her safety, he had no choice.
“From now on, midnight walks are forbidden.”
Crash!
Alcade’s calm words hit Lor like a clap of thunder.
Not only had her pretense failed, but Father’s decree was final.
“U-uhhh….”
Her face crumpled, and she looked up at him with wide, tearful eyes, clutching her little hands together.
It was the kind of look that made him want to grant her every wish… but he steeled his heart.
“No. It’s not allowed.”
Boom!
Behind his gentle yet firm smile, Lor could only hear thunder and lightning.
At this rate… her beloved midnight adventures might really be over!
