CHAPTER 29…………………...
The Useless Golden Rose
After the successful subjugation of the monsters, the knights who had participated were finally able to enjoy some leisure. At that moment, Chancellor Duke Xenon quietly summoned William to his office.
“You called for me, Your Grace?”
The Duke was seated with a grave expression, holding a letter in his hand.
“There’s a report from the garrison in the northern region of Koun…”
At the mention of Koun, William stiffened. That was the area closest to Wind Canyon—the habitat of the Dark Dragon.
“A few days ago, a massive fire completely destroyed an entire village. It seems to be the Dark Dragon’s doing.”
“But, Your Grace, this isn’t the season when they’re active. It should be at least three more months before they start rampaging.”
“That’s what’s strange… but there was a witness.”
“A witness?”
Looking down at the report, the Duke continued.
“A boy who was playing on the hills outside the village managed to escape unharmed. He swore he saw it clearly—jet-black body, shimmering scales, massive wings, a long jagged tail like a saw, and flames spewing from its mouth.”
Having risked his life multiple times fighting those beasts, William couldn’t deny it. The boy had truly seen a Dark Dragon.
“And the scale of the damage—if it had been during their usual season of activity, it wouldn’t have ended with just one village burning. Clearly, even the creature itself was in some abnormal state when it attacked.”
“But why…?”
“We’ll have to report this to His Highness Miklok.”
For a moment, William hesitated. What was more frightening—the havoc of the Dark Dragon, or the consequences of disturbing a king still lost in the bliss of his honeymoon?
But the answer was clear.
“I’ll report it to His Highness immediately.”
Despite the heaviness in his heart, William’s feet carried him quickly out of the Chancellor’s office.
*****
William, nervous, went to Miklok’s bedchamber, but he couldn’t find the King and Queen. Only maids were there, tidying up.
“Where are His Highness Miklok and Her Majesty the Queen?”
“Well… the two of them went out together so sweetly, but they didn’t say exactly where.”
Even as she answered, the maid’s cheeks flushed, and from that, William could guess how “sweet” the King and Queen had really been.
He sighed at his bad luck—having to bring such grim news when the King was in such high spirits.
Just then, across the hall, he spotted Milly carrying an armful of the Queen’s clothes and belongings.
“Sir William!”
Milly greeted him cheerfully.
“You just missed them. After their meal, they went for a stroll to the Queen’s rose greenhouse.”
“So they finally left the bedchamber.”
“Yes. They didn’t stir for three days and nights… finally emerged after four.”
Meeting Milly’s playful smile, William felt oddly embarrassed. Talking about the King’s bedchamber in broad daylight with her—it didn’t sit right.
“But… is something wrong? You don’t look well.”
“Where are you taking those things?”
“To the Queen’s Palace.”
Instead of replying, William naturally took the burden from her arms and walked ahead.
As they went, he glanced around to make sure no one else was nearby, then whispered just for Milly to hear:
“It’s not certain yet, but we may be sent on another campaign soon.”
“What?”
Already? They had only just returned! Milly was shocked at the brutal work conditions of the Pritan knights.
“Will His Highness also go?”
“Most likely.”
“…And you as well, Sir William?”
“If His Highness goes, of course I go.”
Even though that was the obvious answer, Milly sighed. When they reached the Queen’s chamber, William handed her belongings back.
“Don’t tell anyone about this yet.”
“Of course.”
Her firm answer was reassuring. But as William turned to leave, he stopped again and added sternly:
“Not even Ralph.”
“Huh? Why bring up Sir Ralph all of a sudden?”
Milly scoffed, spun on her heel, and walked inside.
“Milly! You should at least answer me!!”
William’s angry voice echoed in the air, but no reply came.
*****
Unlike Mik, who wanted to linger in the bedchamber, I had wanted to step outside. The icy Pritan winds might still be sharp, but I longed for fresh air.
Though he grumbled that I was the only one being impatient, he couldn’t refuse my request for at least a greenhouse walk.
Still, he made sure I knew he wasn’t happy about it. Instead of walking properly, he trailed behind, holding me tightly from the back, shuffling step by step like a child learning to walk.
Even in the greenhouse, filled with rare and dazzling roses, his gaze stayed fixed only on my crown, ears, and nape.
“Mik, look at this orange rose—they say it’s a new hybrid. Isn’t it lovely?”
“Lovely.”
His half-hearted reply made me glare at him. He quickly averted his eyes.
Just then, a mysterious golden rose caught my attention. Surely even Mik would find this fascinating.
“This is one of only three in the entire Northern Continent! Isn’t it amazing? Its petals shine like gold dust—it looks almost magical.”
“Indeed. Magical.”
He forced a little more effort into that answer, probably worried I’d scold him again.
Smiling, I turned back to stroke the velvety golden petals.
“This golden rose reminds me of Robby. His eyes are the color of dark honey.”
“What??”
At the mention of Robby, Mik’s languid expression instantly shattered. He glared at the rose I was touching as if it had offended him.
“I don’t know why anyone would make something like this. Useless. Can’t even eat it.”
The proud golden bloom was crushed mercilessly in his rough fist.
He tossed the mangled petals to the ground—and, still not satisfied, ground them beneath his heel. It all happened in an instant.
“Mik!! That was priceless!!”
“Enough. Next time I’ll tell them to breed a violet one instead.”
Staring at him in shock, I saw him sneak a glance at my face. Then, seeing my frown, he leaned forward and kissed the corner of my eye.
“Don’t frown. You’ll get wrinkles.”
Like an iron smoothing out creases, he licked gently at the skin near my eyes. Startled, I slapped his arm in protest, but he only laughed.
Determined not to let him off easy, I warned:
“Robby will be coming to Pritan Castle in a few days. If you keep insulting him in front of me, I won’t forgive you.”
“Fine.”
His answer was lukewarm, and then he muttered to himself:
“Then… I’ll just criticize him behind your back.”
“Mik!!”
“Why’s that brat coming here anyway? Isn’t it too cold for him?”
“I’m not sure. He just sent a letter saying he was coming. But he’s my friend, so you will welcome him, alright?”
I stroked his arm soothingly, and though reluctant, he eventually nodded.
Then, as if struck by some thought, his lips parted—then closed again. Finally, he hugged me tightly from behind.
I tilted my head, suspicious.
“What is it? You look like you want to say something.”
“Well… it’s just…”
So unlike him, he hesitated, then whispered at my ear:
“You seem to value a man’s looks quite a lot…”
“…I suppose I do.”
“Well, that brat might be tolerable looks-wise… but of course, he’s nothing compared to me.”
“Pfft! What are you saying~”
I laughed, guessing where this was going.
“You grew up together, didn’t you? There must have been at least one moment you liked him.”
Even as he asked, his mood soured, his brow deeply furrowed.
I pulled his face closer and pressed on his wrinkled forehead with my finger.
“Don’t frown. Wrinkles, remember?”
Quoting his own words back at him only made him frown harder. I couldn’t help but laugh.
“We first met at nine. I was secretly learning swordsmanship from Sir Pallet, and Robby came because his father, Count Stone, forced him. He never liked it—always miserable, skinny, covered in freckles, crying whenever the master swung his sword.”
Mik listened intently; he’d never heard these stories before.
“I felt like I had to take care of him back then. But within half a year, he caught up to me. The first time I lost to him in sparring, I was so upset I couldn’t sleep. From then on, we pushed each other, trying to win. For more than ten years, we were like siblings, like friends.”
“Hmph. Still don’t like him.”
I laughed and clasped his hand. Together, we strolled.
“We even fought over a potato, bashing our heads together, or held breath-holding contests underwater until we cried snot and tears. Trust me, there was no room for romance.”
Mik pouted.
“I bet you were still adorable even then. Thinking of him seeing what I didn’t… infuriates me.”
“But there are things you’ve seen that he never has.”
I leaned close and whispered mischievously in his ear:
“You’re the only one who’s seen me in the bedroom.”
“Ghk!”
His eyes blazed instantly.
“That brat will never see. I should’ve plucked his eyes out long ago—”
“Shhh.”
I silenced him with a kiss, teasingly brushing my lips over his, his nose, his cheek.
At last, provoked, Mik yanked me against him with fiery intensity.
“You’re enjoying this far too much. You’ll pay dearly.”
But before things could escalate, a sudden cough startled us.
We turned—and there stood William, looking extremely uncomfortable.
I jumped back, hiding behind Mik, while Mik shot daggers at the intruder.
“What?”
“Forgive the intrusion, but I have an urgent report. One that cannot wait.”
Sensing the severity, I urged Mik to go. Grinding his teeth, he snapped:
“To the office. If this isn’t serious, you’re dead.”
As they strode off, unease coiled inside me.
I prayed it wasn’t anything grave… but I couldn’t shake the anxiety. Trying to bury it beneath the sweet scent, I began gathering roses into a basket.
