NOVEL NEXT Chapter 168
Chapter 168. The Beggar Siblings – Inside
Leo straightened his posture.
Straightening his back and lifting his head high, he glared at the tall Count Peter and said,
“There’s no need to feign ignorance, Count. I know everything.”
“…Have we met before?”
Count Auguste Peter genuinely looked perplexed.
That’s typical of a noble. They seldom reveal their true feelings. Honesty is an easy weapon. By revealing oneself, one may gain empathy and assistance, but it’s a card that can be played anytime.
On the other hand, hiding true intentions is difficult. Once unmasked, there’s no way back, so nobles always mind their words and behavior.
Of course, Leo had seen through it a long time ago. In the past, one couldn’t even call it, he had whispered his true feelings.
– “Your Highness. Are you running away again?”
– “Haha. You’re surprised. I saw you a few times when I was very young… You wouldn’t remember, right? But I recognized you right away the first time we met. Both of you are alive.”
“Do you not remember me, Count? I saw you a few times when I was very young…”
Leo said. Given the situation, there was no choice but to push forward head-on.
There was a slight reaction. The Count’s blank face twitched, wavered, and Leo drove a wedge into his mask.
“Or would you remember if I called you Baron?”
“…Step back.”
The Count gestured to the butler beside him. Once the butler exited, he assumed a respectful posture, placing his right hand on his stomach and his left hand on his back, bowing slightly – the posture to greet a king or prince.
But he didn’t lower his head. The Count only bent his waist slightly and was scrutinizing Leo with his eyes.
“Please, have a seat.”
The two people sat down. Baron Monarch looked at the mysterious prince for a long time before speaking.
“Amazing.”
It was admiration with many implications.
Surprised you’re alive. Amazed you’ve become a Royal Guard. And shocked that you remember me.
It had been more than ten years since he met the prince.
He was but a child, and it was just a polite greeting to a prince he happened to meet during a tour of the palace, not something he expected to be remembered for.
A genius.
This prince was undoubtedly a born genius. Auguste thought he understood why Prince Eric had hastily expelled his younger brother.
“Where is the princess?”
“…Buried.”
“…My apologies. My condolences.”
– Clink.
Count Auguste stood up to show his respect, and Leo pretended to stir his teacup.
This time, Leo said nothing. He displayed a sad emotion as if he had been asked a question he did not want to recall.
Even if I stay silent, it’s fine. Now, it was up to the Count to speak up and handle the situation.
But the Count was not one to miss the prince’s manipulation.
He was asking out of curiosity about who might have supported his growth, and if the princess was dead, it was likely not the case.
Auguste began to piece things together as he wondered why the prince might have come to him.
“Isn’t the job hard on you?”
“Fortunately, it’s manageable.”
“Indeed. As a Royal Guard, it must be the grace of the Tatalia Royal Family.”
Leo’s eyebrows twitched and lifted.
How dare he talk about the grace of another royal family knowing I am a rightful heir of the Yeriel family… Even though he was testing me, I had to show my anger.
But showing anger was also within the scope of his expectations.
Whether I had ambition or not.
If I got angry, it meant I had come seeking a favor and thus would be in a disadvantageous position for showing rage. If I agreed, it would be taken as me coming as an ambitious knight.
Neither conclusion satisfied me.
Leo took a sip of tea to buy time. He carefully chose words to shake Baron Monarch.
“No. It is the grace of the divine.”
“…”
What did that mean?
The Count felt his throat dry, experiencing thirst for the first time in a long while.
It could be meaningless. If the prince were a believer of the Cross Church.
But then again…
[ Quest: Noble Slayer 50/50 – {Dignity} ability has increased by one stage. ]
[ Quest: Traitor 10/10 – {Blood of the King} ability has increased by one stage. ]
The aura he radiated was extraordinary. Someone like him wouldn’t utter meaningless words.
‘How much does he know?’
Could it be? The thought crossed his mind.
There’s no way, but mentioning the divine…
“Are you a devout believer?”
“How could I compare to you, Baron Monarch?”
If only I had tea too.
Baron Auguste Monarch licked his lips with his tongue. But then his body tilted slowly, and he irreverently crossed his legs.
You. You’ve barked up the wrong tree.
“Why do you say that? Do I look like a devout churchgoer?”
“Just because one does not wear consecrated artifacts does not mean they lack faith. What’s important is the ‘inside,’ isn’t it?”
“That’s correct. Your Highness truly knows a lot about me. So… what brings you to me?”
Damn it. The same reaction. Leo unconsciously clenched his fist.
Bishop Berg was like this too.
As soon as the name of Count Peter was mentioned, a dismissive attitude towards noble conversations was shown, and no further stories related to the Count were discussed thereafter.
The plan was to find that out.
Using the {Barbatos’s Bracelet} to enchant the Count, secure an oath of loyalty and make him confess everything.
Just as it had been done with Marquis Guidan.
However, this would be difficult. Any more provocation on this topic and even the current conversation might be at risk of breaking down.
Feeling cornered, Leo picked up the teacup again. Sipping the tea
[Achievement: Met Eric de Yeriel – Earned minor favor with all nobles serving the Yeriel royal family. Earned minor favor with Eric de Yeriel.]
[Achievement: Met Clyaan de Tatalia – Earned minor favor with all nobles serving the Tatalia royal family. Earned minor favor with Clyaan de Tatalia.]
He thought he had no choice but to trust in these achievements. His teacup was gradually emptying.
“Please help me.”
Although he did not sneer, Leo felt as if he might.
“Why should I help you, Your Highness?”
“… Are you satisfied with your current position, Count? There must be a reason why you have a foothold in both kingdoms. If I am reinstated…”
“And if I say I am satisfied.”
Count Peter interrupted.
He uncrossed his legs and leaned forward, showing his teeth in a smile.
“What will you do then?”
“… So you are satisfied with being Marquis Tatian’s friend. That’s a bit disappointing.”
Count Gustav Peter looked surprised. His eyes bulged and he burst out laughing, “Hahahaha!”
“Your Highness is fearless indeed. To meet Marquis Tatian… I admire your courage and will give you some advice.”
The laughter ceased. His ensuing voice was low as if he were wary of someone eavesdropping.
“I don’t know how you met the Marquis, but it’s best not to approach him. That friend of mine is a very scary person. He will soon find out that you were here, Your Highness.”
“… Do you mean the Marquis knows my identity?”
“No. Who in this country would recognize Your Highness as Your Highness.”
The count leaned back, seemingly losing interest, and looked at his teacup, smacking his lips.
“Then… Do you have no intention of helping me?”
Leo pleaded. He tried to suppress his desperation, but his words only revealed more cracks.
Count Peter remained silent for a while.
He contemplated something as he looked at Leo, and quite some time passed before he gave an answer.
Fortunately, it was a positive one. With conditions.
“Alright. I will help you. But I also need to investigate some things, so you will have to wait a little.”
Not demanding an oath of loyalty was perhaps fortunate. Leo left Count Peter’s mansion dejected. What offered some solace was the Count’s courteous display of respect towards the departing prince.
Whether he could trust this or not remained uncertain…
*
Leo did not return to the royal castle. He stopped by the theater to meet Xenia for a moment, but Lena, who usually slept early, was already in the land of dreams.
“It’s been a while.”
“… Indeed.”
With nowhere appropriate to go as night fell, the two sat in the dark theater seats.
“How is Lena these days?”
“She’s doing well. She learns acting very quickly.”
An awkward air drifted between them. Xenia did not speak while turning her head, and Leo felt there was nothing left to say.
He liked this woman. No specific reason, but he couldn’t deny it. Merely reminiscent of Chaeha or was it more because Min-seo had become so faint?
‘… Okay. What does it matter about Cassia. I didn’t even like her, and now she’s living happily…’
Leo took Xenia’s hand.
Surprised, Xenia looked at him, her soft palm touched by his.
“It’s inappropriate to hold a woman’s hand like this.”
“Stealing another man’s kiss was also a bit inappropriate.”
Though it was dark, it seemed like Xenia smiled slightly. Leo spoke earnestly.
“I’m sorry.”
“… About what?”
“I was too indifferent. Left my sister in your care but rarely visited… Often just came and went without seeing you.”
“… Then?”
“I lied last time as well. Caught off guard by my sister, but you must have been greatly hurt.”
“Then?”
“… It seems I never even held your hand. Just got meals from you…”
“Then?”
“… Never explained what work I do. Right now, I am…”
“I’m not curious about that. Then?”
Xenia was drawing closer. Leo thought deeply and spoke.
“…Never told you I love you. Did I even say you’re pretty? I was bad at expressing…”
His lips were met with something moist. Heavy breathing mingled, and Xenia on his lap said.
“You feel sorry about a lot. One word would have sufficed.”
Leo stroked Xenia’s cheek. Pushing her curly hair behind her neck, he whispered.
“Yes. I love you. Us.”
“… I like that. But…”
Xenia caressed Leo’s lips. She stroked his chiseled jaw and firm Adam’s apple, then whispered softly.
“Won’t you be uncomfortable here?”
* * *
A dressing room with a folding bed. Leo picked up his disheveled clothes.
It was the actor’s clothes, but he thought he should wash and return them.
Under the flickering candlelight, Leo randomly chose clothes from the dressing room, then kissed the sweat-drenched Xenia and said,
“Get up. I have to go now.”
Xenia got up. She also picked up her clothes and got dressed.
“Leo, when will you come next time?”
“When do you want me to come?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Haha. Sorry, that’s going to be difficult. I’ll come as soon as I can.”
“Got it. But don’t forget about the [Demonios] performance next week. If you don’t come, Lena will be disappointed.”
Next week…
Leo counted the days on his fingers.
It was the day the prince of the Astin Kingdom would arrive. Since Gilbert Forte and Princess Chloe de Tatalia hadn’t caused any incidents on the first day, it seemed possible.
Leo promised to come next week and left the theater.
As he greeted Ober loitering on the street in front of the theater and walked back through the night, Leo felt a newfound confidence unlike when he came.
He decided to ask Xenia to leave with him.
He just needed to prevent Gilbert Forte from kissing the princess, and he planned to leave for the Conrad Kingdom.
Count Peter had promised to help, but whether he did or not didn’t matter.
In hindsight, there was no absolute reason to follow the so-called {events}. As soon as Prince Eric summoned Oriax, he just needed to ensure Bishop Berg was nearby, by any means necessary.
Lying, kidnapping using knights—there were many methods.
The bishop had been unwavering even in his final moments. He had rekindled his resolve before Lev, the apostle of Barbatos, despite suffering for several days and nights in the thorn forest.
He wouldn’t ignore the appearance of Oriax’ apostle.
And though it was almost autumn, it was still not too late.
Compared to the previous round when he spent the winter in the Taimon village, he had a few months to spare, and he knew which knights were loyal to him.
There was no need to secretly and cautiously win over the knights.
‘In a few days, my salary will come out… I have enough travel expenses.’
With the insignia of a guard knight, passing through checkpoints would be easy. If guarding became too demanding, he could retire.
They might not let him go so easily, but even so, he was a promising knight who might become a swordmaster.
If they worried about him moving to another kingdom, it would be more of a concern than a threat.
He arrived at the palace.
Entering his room, Leo threw his servant’s clothes into the basket.
As a guard knight, he was assigned a maid who would take care of the laundry.
A spacious room.
Though not luxurious, it had everything he needed. He threw himself onto the bed. Leo thought of Xenia, her cheeks flushed, and he smiled widely.