Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Prince Camille explained to me proudly, “You guessed correctly, Juya. The special incense in your washroom… I added a few additional ingredients to the fragrance. I found a recipe from an ancient document, but because I didn’t learn how to process, I just did my best. I have been wondering if my product was working for The Innocent Ones… I wasn’t sure… So… How is it?”

“Well, for me… I don’t like things like that very much, but…”

I felt embarrassed, so I replied hurriedly. However, when I saw the boy prince looking disappointed, I realized I had to give him a better answer. Prince Camille talked about this incense innocently, which must have meant that he didn’t know what it was being used for.

I added quickly, “But I think it is serving its purpose efficiently. I am sure the other brothers are using it often and are thankful for it.”

The prince seemed extremely excited by this news. His steps were much lighter as we walked towards our training hall. His delight refused to be dimmed even during our lesson because he wasn’t able to focus. On our breaks, he refused to stop chatting about it.

“In the old works of literature, there are many medicinal ingredients that are mentioned to be blessed and approved by the Goddess herself, and not just medicines, but other substances too. My guess is that here in Minurd, there used to be many researchers and scholars, and for centuries, these people studied and experimented with these elements. Of course, now… I am the only one here… and I am the only one who has been reading these incredible findings… I am thrilled to be the one who gets to learn these things, but for Alincha, it is a shame. More people, smarter and more experienced than I, need to come here and study these documents.”

“So, you were saying these things can be useful for different occasions?”

“For example, that special incense you mentioned. It’s not exactly medicine, but my brother begged me to make it a while ago. I have never seen my brother so desperate. Hahaha, so I did my best to create something he might approve of then. Oh, and the fragrance you smell in my quarters… You know, the one that smells like fire… In some works of literature, it claims that this material is essential to achieve the Goddess’ blessing, but it is never mentioned in the official legal documents. It’s so confusing and interesting at the same time.”

After patiently listening to the prince, I stood up to resume our lesson.

“Your highness, let’s stop chatting and get back to work. It seems that lately, you are less interested in improving your swordsmanship.”

“Oh, that’s not true!”

Prince Camille stood up quickly and held his sword. The way he positioned himself was all wrong, so I got closer to fix the angle of his arms. I could smell the distinct sweetness from his hair. My beautiful boy… The one I could never have… The one I could never even dare to claim…

Before he made his attack, Prince Juya made an awkward excuse, “But Juya, didn’t you ask me about this topic because you were interested in it? Hya…!”

I blocked his move and replied, “Well, my friend Iztal Eriez suggested that as I teach your highness how to fight, I should learn from you about the law and the ethics of the Goddess in return.”

For some reason, I felt pleased that this could be my chance to get closer to Prince Camille.

***

I never forgot the order to spy on the prince and report back to the warrior. It was a good thing that I got closer to this naïve boy prince so he could tell me his honest thoughts and feelings. I was pleasantly surprised when Prince Camille, who has been preoccupied with the Virtuous Priestess, made time and offered to show me his library. He claimed that he wanted to show me some of the old documents. Prince Camille talked about it excitedly, and, although I could only understand a small part of it, I was sure they were all great things.

It seemed that he took my words very seriously. To learn the laws and ethics of the Goddess… Hmm…

According to his highness, he spent most of his free time in this library. Well, except for the time he devoted to “caring” for the Virtuous Priestess. He promised that I was free to drop by the library, morning or night, to ask him any questions. No matter what the reason was, I had no desire to refuse any time I could spend with his highness. I secretly felt happy at his offer.

However, when the day ended, on my way to report to the Goddess’ warrior, I wondered if I was too preoccupied with the prince and not having enough time to spend with Eriez.

I remained kneeled and bowed as I reported my findings to the warrior. The Goddess’ warrior muttered, “Hmm… So Camille is taking care of Hawaki, but he claims he is not in love with her… And he is also saying that he can’t keep her there for too long… I see. Alright. You may go now, Juya.”

I contemplated how much I should disclose to the warrior. I remembered Prince Camille warning me that the warrior did not like anyone telling him about his duties and responsibilities.

The crazy Virtuous Priestess Hawaki.

The naïve and kind prince who feels sorry for her.

And… the Goddess’ warrior who needs to change the priestess’s mind for the good of Minurd and the rest of the kingdom.

The warrior aspired to go to war with the west. Was it indeed because he wanted to atone for what he did to the priestess or was Eriez right? Was it merely to prevent further dissension and agitation of his people as well as the capital?

Perhaps Manar was right? Was it because the Goddess still hasn’t been reborn and the warrior, thinking the kingdom was doomed anyway, wanted to die in a battle?

I asked him, “Is there anything else you need me to do?”

I was hoping he would give me some hint about what his plan was. I wondered if I should tell him about what Prince Camille thought of him, but I decided against it.

The warrior replied, “Hmm… why? Is there a problem?”

“No, not a problem. I was just asking if you needed me to do something based on my report today.”

“No, I asked you to report to me, so I would know as a proactive measure. There is nothing you need to do additionally at this point. You are dismissed.”

Well, I had no choice but to leave. As one of The Innocent Ones, I had to have complete faith and trust in the warrior. If he said everything was okay, then I had to believe that everything was indeed okay.

For now, I needed to be satisfied with remaining close to my beloved Prince Camille and enjoying the peaceful Minurd.

… and, of course, appreciating my excellent friend who helped me relieve my needs.

However, before I could leave, the door burst open and one of Hakim Karid’s servants appeared. He announced anxiously, “My warrior! We have a problem.”