Chapter 66
“I remember. Lord Louis gave me a wooden boat as a gift.”
“That’s correct, Sir Knight. The child who went to register at school didn’t return, so we went looking. They said he had left a while ago. We tracked his trail until it disappeared in the Rutin Territory. While searching nearby, we found his belongings on the path leading up the mountain. We tried to follow the trail further, but the knights blocked us.”
Shing fiddled with the tip of his nose.
“Why did they block you?”
“They said it’s private property, so entry wasn’t allowed.”
“So?”
“We tried to sneak up at night but got caught. He rolled down the mountain while fleeing.”
After that, Sam frantically moved toward the Spes Duchy.
The only ones he could ask for help were Eluana and Louis. The lord of Aden didn’t have the power to intervene in another territory’s affairs. Even when Prince Regis killed and displayed his own people, the lord had stayed holed up in his castle. So Sam walked blindly, until he collapsed.
Fortunately, Shing’s group found Sam unconscious. At the sight of the Spes Duchy flag, Sam felt that the heavens hadn’t abandoned him.
Shing, estimating the situation in his mind, spoke:
“You managed to escape.”
“They probably thought I was dead.”
Looking at Sam’s condition, it was understandable—finding any unharmed part of his body was more difficult than finding the trail.
“Which knight order guarded the mountain?”
“I don’t know.”
Shing pointed with his finger to his left chest.
“Didn’t you see the family crest here? On a flag or something?”
“There were no markings at all.”
“Oh… that’s bad. Something smells fishy.”
It was suspicious that the knights weren’t displaying a family crest.
“Rutin Territory… must be near Crystal Lake. I’ll inform the young lady. The judgment is up to her. Don’t do anything reckless.”
“Please, I won’t forget the help you’ve given me.”
“I’ve heard you’ve helped the young lady and Miss before, so I’m just returning the favor.”
“Still, thank you.”
Sam bowed his head.
“You look injured, so ride this carriage with me. One more day and we’ll reach the Spes Duchy.”
“Thank you, Sir Knight.”
Sam expressed his gratitude again.
“It’s nice, having someone to talk to.”
Shing leaned back in the carriage, smiling. Another person had now joined those in suffering.
So far, Eluana had experienced several farewells. All previous ones had implied ‘death,’ but this farewell was premised on ‘meeting again.’ Even so, her throat tightened.
“Father, will there ever come a time when farewells feel normal?”
As Eluana gazed blankly, the Duke of Spes and Noah spoke to Louis.
“If anything happens, be sure to press this part of the necklace.”
“Young lady, you must travel safely and in good health.”
Kieran, lying luxuriously on the rear sofa, shouted irritably:
“Enough of that. Bring the escort. We’re leaving.”
They were really leaving.
Eluana glanced back, her eyes full of lingering attachment, but Kieran scratched his ear and ignored her. Noah returned with Alex.
Alex entered with precise steps, set down the luggage, placed his right hand on his chest, and slightly bowed in greeting.
“I’m Alex Lotton, of the 1st Spes Knight Order.”
Kieran half-raised his body and asked:
“You’re the one who followed, Annie?”
Alex maintained his proper posture as he replied:
“I’ve joined as Louis’ escort. Please take care of me, Kieran.”
“I hope you won’t be a burden.”
“I’ll do my best.”
Kieran smiled at Alex’s consistent politeness. He wasn’t intimidated, so that was a pass for now.
Kieran raised a finger, and a pocket dimension opened. The luggage Alex had was lifted and flown into the dark pocket space. Louis’ three bags had already been placed in Kieran’s space.
“Ready. Nothing else to pack?”
The real farewell had come. Louis extended his arms and embraced Eluana tightly. When Kieran created the door in the air, Louis’ eyes went wide.
“Go in.”
“Sis! Father, I’ll be back!”
Louis left Eluana’s embrace and went to Alex. Following Alex in, he waved his tiny hand before disappearing through the door. The warmth of the departing Louis felt lonely, but Eluana smiled as her farewell.
“I’ll come back.”
Once Kieran entered, the door vanished as if it had never existed. Only the Duke of Spes, Eluana, and Noah remained in the office. The duke’s gaze at the spot where the door had been reminded Eluana painfully of Ron.
The Duke of Spes murmured belatedly:
“…Did she just call me father?”
“Yes, I heard it too.”
“I see… she called me father.”
It was a different kind of emotion than when Eluana herself called him ‘father.’ After staring at the vanished door for a while, Eluana stood beside the Duke of Spes and spoke.
“Father, I had my mother’s gold necklace. After the last activation in Aden Forest, I think I lost it. Only the chain remains. I’m sorry.”
“I saved you, so it’s fine.”
Hesitant, Eluana looked up at the Duke.
“Kazar said it consumes life energy, right? Please don’t make it again.”
“The Fourth Prince spoke foolishly. It does consume life energy, but with rest, it’s fine.”
“Still…”
The Duke of Spes smiled, tugging at his lips. His smile, a response to Eluana’s concern, was dazzling.
“Thank you for worrying. I’d like to hear what else happened.”
“I’ll prepare tea.”
Taking Noah’s cue, Eluana and the Duke naturally moved toward the table. Eluana didn’t feel like returning to the Lavender Room. Sitting in the single wing chair, she recounted the events at the magic shop in detail.
By the time the lavender tea brought by Noah had cooled, Eluana had finished her story.
“I want the story of Prince Regis to spread. Make sure no one in the Empire is unaware.”
“That’s a good idea.”
The Duke of Spes gestured meaningfully, and Noah quickly took notes. Around then, a commotion was heard outside the office. The noise approached and paused at the door before turning into a knock.
“Dave.”
“Come in.”
As soon as the Duke allowed, Jane entered with Dave. Jane was one of the maids who cleaned the third floor, a familiar face.
Jane knelt immediately upon entering, her eyes full of fear. Eluana, initially confused as to why Jane was brought, realized: there had been a mole spreading stories from the Spes residence.
“This is the girl.”
Dave confirmed it.
“I’ve committed a grave sin. Please forgive me just once. I’ll ensure it never happens again.”
“Do you think there will be an ‘again’? Foolish girl.”
Jane hung her head deeply at Dave’s cold words. She understood that forgiveness wouldn’t come easily.
Dave reported to the Duke:
“We caught her while narrowing down those who have recently increased spending. A few days ago, she sold an expensive ring. The matching necklace and bracelet were found in the room. My apologies, Your Grace. It’s my fault for failing to manage properly.”
“She couldn’t have acted alone.”
Dave explained:
“She had a trainee she was close to. We sent someone to find them; news should arrive soon.”
Tap. Tap. Tap. The Duke of Spes tapped the wing chair’s armrest. Each small sound made Jane tremble.
The Duke finally spoke:
“What’s your name?”
“Jane.”
“To whom did you pass the information?”
“I don’t know the exact place. I only gave it to Cindy.”
Dave added context:
“Cindy was a maid dismissed for trying to steal meals from the young lady and her companion.”
“Ah, that sly one. Her punishment wasn’t enough, it seems. Where is she now?”
“Presumably with the Peggyml Marquis family.”
“Again, the Peggyml Marquis…”
After that, silence fell in the office. Jane began to sob, the atmosphere heavy.
“Please spare me.”
No one sympathized with her frail plea. A knock came from outside.
“The trainee Hiltan has arrived.”
“Let them in.”
Hiltan entered cautiously, realizing there was trouble when he saw Jane lying flat.
‘Got caught…’
Unlike recently recruited Jane, Hiltan had been planted in the Peggyml household from the start. He scanned the surroundings, knowing well the Duke’s skill and the danger of harming the Spes young lady.
Only Noah and Dave remained. For someone on the Spes side, dealing with Dave seemed easier than Noah. Dave, an old retainer, looked frail.
“You called?”
Hiltan approached Dave calmly, closing the distance. When Dave turned toward him, Hiltan immediately grabbed him, intending to use him as a hostage.
But there was nothing to grab. Without realizing the mistake, Hiltan’s face hit the floor. A harsh groan escaped between his lips. Someone firmly twisted his arm behind his back. Hiltan wriggled in pain, realizing who had subdued him.
The elderly Dave.
“You almost showed a disgraceful sight.”
“What disgrace? It’s enough to fight actively.”
The Duke reflexively returned the gold coin he had drawn to the table. Even the orb that flew close to Hiltan returned to Eluana.
Eluana blinked in astonishment, unsure of what she had seen.
“…Is Dave okay?”
“Thank you for your concern. I’m fine.”
Dave, smiling kindly, continued holding Hiltan’s twisted arm:
“The reaction shows he had collaborators. I’ll investigate further and report back.”
“Understood. Take him out.”
The knights outside escorted Hiltan and Jane out. Even after everyone left, Eluana felt dazed.
“I think I just saw an aura from Dave’s hand.”
Noah smiled and explained:
“Dave was the captain of the Spes Knight Order.”
“The captain?”
“After retirement, he stayed at the Duke’s residence helping with various matters. When the previous butler retired, Dave took over. That was seventeen years ago, and he’s still in great health.”
“A wise choice. He’s done better than expected. What about preparations for tomorrow?”
Caught off guard, Eluana swallowed. She had almost forgotten—it would be her first appearance before other nobles tomorrow.
“It’s ready. Not sure if it will go perfectly, though.”
“You don’t have to be perfect. Just do as you like.”
The Duke of Spes smiled leisurely.
