Chapter 84. Discord (2)
No matter how distant the 4th prince was from the throne, royalty was still royalty.
The way he looked at Schvalt suggested something oppressive in his gaze.
However, it vanished so quickly that no one really noticed.
"Haha, is that so?"
A laugh followed, which could have been mocking the commander of the imperial knights or perhaps ridiculing the weak, and once it ended, Schvalt's face was laced with embarrassment.
"Your Highness, please compose yourself. There are others present."
Sedn, the head of the secretariat, calmed the 4th prince and signaled to me, expressing discomfort.
He was probably cursing inwardly.
Was there really a need to say something like that?
Did the situation need to be escalated?
It seemed to mean something like that...
"Yes, Sir Schvalt certainly did so."
Instead, I showed an even broader smile.
Wouldn't it be a shame to let this slide so easily?
It wasn't because I disliked Schvalt or wanted to distress him.
Besides, he wasn't a character I needed to concern myself with; he was merely one to die shouting "The Sword Saint is supreme".
"The reason Sir Schvalt seems unable to accept the outcome of the assessment might be due to how swiftly the results were released."
The reason behind my actions was to find out who was involved in this assessment.
Who had enough authority to not only add me to a list I hadn't registered for, but also conclude the assessment so quickly?
'Then, that person must be someone from the Dawn Society.'
Since it was Tenelon who instructed my placement.
My suspicion was directed at the one standing right before me now, Sedn Orbian, the head of the secretariat closely linked to the royals.
If his influence was at play, it would make sense for the assessment to conclude swiftly.
"Because the assessment wrapped up so quickly... Sir Schvalt, is what Yulian is saying true?"
Showing a troubled expression, Schvalt slightly bowed his head.
Considering that lying here would only lead to trouble, he meekly nodded his head.
"I apologize."
"I see, so you found the results disappointing..."
The subtle tone in Eulsis' words seemed to agitate Sedn, as his expression transitioned from discomfort to annoyance.
Seeing him like this, I was convinced.
It was you, wasn't it? The one who selected me?
I suspected as much. Sedn being from the Dawn Society...
"I was the one who selected Yulian, you know. If you found the result disappointing, you'll need to provide me with a convincing explanation."
What was this sudden turn of events?
Hiding my bewilderment, I shifted my gaze to Eulsis.
The prince had a face that was half-amused, a dash of apology, and... a gaze that seemed to suggest "What are you going to do about it?"
Didn't it seem like the head of the secretariat?
Could it be...
'Eulsis, the 4th prince, is from the Dawn Society?'
On second thought, it was possible.
Being neither high in the succession line nor particularly competent, he was someone whom the Dawn Society could easily approach.
That's why this lunatic with a smiling face was appointed as the guard commander.
'But I don't recall seeing anything related to the 4th prince being linked to the Dawn Society in the game...'
Reflecting on it, perhaps the card labeled "Prince" could be useful to the Dawn Society, which opposed the imperial family. Would they simply let him die?
'Could it be...'
Was it merely based on 'Yulian'?
As those thoughts crossed my mind, my perspective on Eulsis shifted.
You're a lunatic too, aren't you?
***
Upon hearing that Eulsis himself had made the selection, Schvalt showed signs of panic and hastily made his exit.
"Yulian, may I have a moment of your time?"
As I watched Schvalt disappear, the prince's voice reached my ears.
"Yes, of course."
Naturally, how could I refuse a royal's request?
Contrary to my subservient thoughts, Yulian's posture exemplified the ideal stance of a knight.
"Then let's wrap up what we were doing and have a chat."
Eulsis mentioned he'd be waiting in the secretariat as he departed with Sedn.
A conversation, then.
'Could it be related to the current diplomatic mission?'
Most likely, yes.
Aside from that, I couldn't think of any connection between the prince and me.
'He personally selected Yulian...'
Upon reflection, it wasn't that odd.
Those who disliked Yulian were either repulsed by his notoriety or terrified of the possibility that his sword might be aimed at them.
For the imperial family, considering Yulian merely as a "well-honed sword" or an "obedient hunting dog" wouldn't be strange at all.
'Nothing wrong with that, after all.'
With that thought, I left the study and headed for the secretariat where Eulsis was waiting.
***
"He's waiting for you. Sir Yulian, right this way."
Arriving at the secretariat, someone began guiding me to the director's office.
As the door opened, Eulsis' face came into view.
And.
"Rinne is present as well, I see."
Rinne Londwell, she was also there, waiting.
"Yes, I called her here."
When Eulsis nodded his head, I got a rough idea of why this meeting was arranged.
'Ah, thus...'
And why Eulsis chose me as the guard commander for the diplomatic mission.
"Let's sit before we start discussing."
Following Eulsis' suggestion, I sat down beside Rinne.
Though she seemed slightly uncomfortable, she didn't bother to voice it.
It seemed she intended to maintain proper etiquette since we were in the presence of the prince.
"It seems you've already had discussions with Master."
Poking at the prince, half out of curiosity, his reaction hinted at surprise.
"Yes, how did you know?"
Unlike others who were distant in succession to the throne, Eulsis didn't particularly despise the 'Sword Saint'.
Rather, could it be said that he clung to the "Sword Saint" for his bid for succession?
"Simply because there aren't many reasons for Rinne and me to be together."
I didn't question how he communicated with the expatriate in the Holy Kingdom.
If you're someone of royal standing, you can probably use all sorts of facilities across the empire.
Even if the distance is far, there must be some means to communicate.
"I suppose your decision to select me as the guard commander also involves Master."
"Hmm..."
Eulsis, faced with my logical statement, emitted a short murmur.
Then Eulsis' gaze subtly changed.
Did it become sharper...?
In that fleeting moment, it vanished, and soon after, Eulsis was scanning my reactions.
For someone of his status in the imperial family to look at me, a mere citizen under the royal institution, it was quite the curious thing.
"If spoken bluntly, it might hurt Yulian's pride, so I intended to phrase it more gently."
Wasn't it obvious, even to the royals?
Eulsis, naturally, was aware of the relationship between the Sword Saint and Yulian.
Perhaps he hesitated so that a madman upon hearing the name "Sword Saint" might not act rashly.
"When Master abandoned the Empire, whatever pride I had was already shattered."
"... If it was going to be shattered so easily, wasn't it virtually nonexistent to begin with?"
In response to Rinne's sharp retort, I turned to her and silently observed.
"As his prized student, defending the one who defected, Hayden Reich... your master would be most pleased."
Rinne, staring fiercely at me, coughed and adjusted her gaze.
Judging by her reaction, it seemed she was aware of the "Sword Saint" having defected to the Holy Kingdom.
"Yes, as you guessed, the decision to make Yulian the guard commander was one I made after consulting with the Sword Saint."
Consult? What kind of consultation went on with someone who had defected....
"I queried who seemed the least likely to be affiliated with the Dawn Society from Hayden Reich's perspective."
Gulp.
Hearing the words "Dawn Society" slip from Eulsis' mouth, I instinctively felt my eyelids flutter.
"... What's the matter?"
"Nothing at all."
Rinne peered at me inquisitively, seemingly unaware of anything unusual.
'Perchance, was this meeting...'
Gulp.
I felt something hot stream down my throat.
It swiftly transformed into tension, causing sweat to trickle down my back.
'Could this be set up to determine whether I'm part of the Dawn Society or not?'
Although it was mere suspicion, there was a strong chance Rinne knew about my affiliation with the Dawn Society.
After all, she had overheard my conversation with Alphas.
"Ahem."
Clearing my throat once, I braced myself to calm down.
"Even without me having to say who those pipsqueaks from the Dawn Society are, Rinne knows, and Yulian must have heard of the Dawn Society by name?"
"Yes, of course, I do."
'That crafty fellow is one of the Dawn Society's officials!'
Fearing Rinne might blurt such an accusation, I maintained a smile on my face.
"They're fools who defy the empire's laws and challenge the grandeur of the imperial family."
"Haha, that's correct."
Showing a slight smile, Eulsis adopted a somber expression.
"But, you see... as of late, the Dawn Society, their movements have been quite unusual."
Unusual, what did he mean by that?
The moment Eulsis' face became serious, my sense of tension began to rise again.
"According to the Intelligence Bureau, the Dawn Society has multiple branches, and recently, all the branch leaders have gathered in the capital."
That much was something I already knew.
"Even Gerard Oclean. There are claims he was a part of the Dawn Society. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the entire Oclean family is involved or not."
That too, I was already aware of.
"Even Sir Gerard being part of the Dawn Society is beyond imagination."
"I think so too."
Deliberately, I feigned ignorance.
If I admitted knowing, I would have to explain how, exposing myself to all sorts of probing questions potentially.
"Since it's too perilous to travel to the Holy Kingdom alongside maniacs hoping for the empire's downfall, I consulted the Sword Saint."
"About individuals unlikely to be affiliated with the Dawn Society?"
"After all, Hayden Reich has been tracking the Dawn Society for a while, so I asked him to select someone suitable."
Eulsis exuded a strong trust in the Sword Saint.
Despite the latter defecting to a competing nation, who would have thought a royal could trust him so unwaveringly?
But his assumption was incorrect.
While I wasn't genuinely allied with them, as it stood, I was currently a part of the Dawn Society.
"Indeed! Master's eye for discerning talent has always been impeccable."
Although a slight smirk slipped across my lips as I said that, I barely managed to stifle the impending laughter.
Of all the Sword Saint's past actions, this was perhaps the most beneficial to me.
Even if it was the 4th prince, he had essentially nudged me into the royal family's sight—figuratively speaking.
"Yes, he's truly an impressive person. Since he unearthed such remarkable talents in both Yulian and Rinne."
Seeing the atmosphere affirm Eulsis' words, he opened his mouth once more.
"In that sense, there's a favor I'd like to ask of Sir Yulian."
"Yes, please, go ahead."
"I might... meet with the Sword Saint once we arrive at the Holy Kingdom."
After broaching that topic, Eulsis, alongside Rinne, began observing my reactions.
"Due to personal acquaintance, and I wish for my journey to the Holy Kingdom to proceed without incidents."
The defected Sword Saint would no longer be under the empire's legal protection.
That seemed to worry them, fearing Yulian might pursue the Sword Saint's head for self-validation.
Goodness. Worrying needlessly.
Would I fight the Sword Saint? Insanity.
Given what I know, in his present state, I cannot be sure Yulian would defeat him in his current state.
"I understand your request."
"Glad you grasp it swiftly."
Eulsis showed a bright smile and extended his hand.
"Then, I'm counting on you, guard commander."
***
Clank, clank──!
On the train heading towards the border.
Seated and watching the outside scenery, I inwardly sighed at the familiar tension.
"With Rinne also accompanying us, wouldn't it be safer to stay in the capital?"
Exchanging looks briefly, Rinne threw me a glance.
"Master mentioned he wanted to have a conversation."
After that brief explanation, she reverted her gaze to the window just like I had.
It was somewhat apparent. When Eulsis summoned us at the secretariat, he hadn't just called for me, but Rinne as well.
"Is the prince occupying a private seat?"
"Yes, with his attendants, a distinct private seat has been assigned."
"... They truly handle royals differently."
The empire's trains—exclusive to the nobility due to their lavish fares—offer a VIP service.
Among those, the supreme service tier is reserved solely for the "Royal Family".
"The atmosphere doesn't seem joyous."
"I'm sorry, what?"
"The upcoming reunion with Master. You don't look particularly thrilled."
She kept silent whilst looking at me, masked by a smile.
Both Rinne and Yulian were prized students under the Sword Saint, yet their approaches differed entirely.
However, Rinne's face couldn't hide her lack of joy.
The sudden defection of the Sword Saint must have been shocking for her too.
"It's just the current situation that's rather uncomfortable."
After stating that, Rinne returned her gaze to the window.
"But it's strange how quiet the passengers are, even though the prince is on board."
However, her statement broke the uneasy silence soon after, pondering how calmly the train's atmosphere remained despite a royal aboard.
"It's more favorable this way."
"... Why so?"
"It signifies less work for us. Perhaps Rinne, you should relax a bit?"
"Pardon?"
Rinne returned my words with a slightly flustered tone.
"Even as the prince's guards, our duty stays the same. If enemies appear, we fend them off. Nothing more."
'Isn't it simple?'
...mirroring my grin, I shifted my gaze to examine Rinne's face.
By voicing this, surely she'd be scornful, labeling me as 'barbaric'.
And then, an uncomfortable silence would ensue, during which I'd take the chance to shut my eyes.
"... Right, needless tension won't do any good."
However, Rinne, after a deep breath, met my gaze.
"Thank you for the concern."
Rinne's unanticipated reaction wasn't the indifference I anticipated, but it didn't matter much regardless.
As predicted, an awkward silence settled, allowing me the luxury to rest my eyes.
'No fool would attempt an assault on a royal...would they?'
Damn. Some would.
Through the window, I saw a familiar face.
'Felkhor?'
Belonging to one of the noticeably large "Monsignor" of the Dawn Society.
The first to have fallen to me before my official entry into the Dawn Society.
'What on earth are you doing here?'