Chapter 39

Her Majesty lived in the Royal Palace, and it was in one corner of it that she dealt with state affairs.

The Audience Hall was in the Royal Palace.

However, it was the Royal Castle that the majority of people worked.

This Royal Castle was incredibly large and surrounded by numerous walls. It was almost a town in itself.

I approached the Royal Castle without diving into the shadows, and saw the huge, deep moat.

This alone limited who could get in and go out.

Even if you overcame the moat, there were many outer walls that were very high.

“Seeing it again like this, I’m reminded of how annoying it would be to enter on the surface.”

Not that I couldn’t do it, but it would take a long time.

And since it was evening, there were shadows all over the place.

And so I approached the closest one and melted into it.

I went through the shadows and past the outer walls.

There were layers of inner moats here and it would take a long time to get through them.

And while I was very curious to figure out how the intruder had done it, I didn’t have time right now.

“I should just go to the castle courtyard, like last time.”

If I continued in this direction, I would have to go through many barriers, which would take too long.

The best way was to use the underground waterway and go in through the courtyard.

“…Huh, what’s this?”

I saw someone walking.

Well, it was more of a jog, which suggested they were in a hurry.

“Since they’re here, maybe I could use their shadow.”

With Shadow Crossing, aside from moving through shadows with your own will, you could also latch onto someone else’s shadows and have them carry you.

It allowed you to assimilate more strongly with the shadow, and so there was even less of a chance of being detected.

However, there was a demerit, which was that you could not see what was happening outside.

When moving by yourself, it was as if your vision was covered by just a thin veil and you could still see the outside world. But when you were in someone’s shadow, you couldn’t see anything.

And so I would just have to listen to sounds to determine where I was.

Also, as you were not moving by your own will, you may not be taken to the place that you wanted to go.

I could be taken into the castle but then immediately taken out, which would make the whole thing pointless.

I would have to start again.

“I have to be careful when I leave the shadow.”

I could move from shadow to shadow if they are connected. But if they aren’t, then my foot would suddenly appear.

Of course, that would mean that I’d be discovered.

The man who was jogging seemed to be rushing towards the center of the castle, so I thought to make use of that.

And so I moved through the shadows to his feet and dove in.

“Ah, Duke Galia. What brings you here?”

“I heard that my lands were attacked by Moon Beasts.”

“Yes, we got the report from the town of Winst. As the messenger is still here, perhaps you should head to the Moon Beast Castle?”

“The messenger is supposed to come to my mansion later on. As I heard that the damages were to the town and surrounding area, I wanted to look at the documents first.”

“I see. Well, there is a map that the Dragon Master brought. But it was taken to the main hall so Her Majesty could inspect it. But we should be able to see it if you apply for permission.”

“Thank you. The main hall. I see.”

“No, I’m terribly sorry for your misfortune.”

“It cannot be helped. Every town that is close to the Shadow Moon Road will be attacked. The point is to minimize the damage. And so I must hurry. Please excuse me.”

So, the person I had latched onto was Duke Galia.

And his lands had been attacked by the Moon Beasts.

The Moon Beasts were an inevitable phenomenon that occurred when the two moons joined.

Damage varied from light to very heavy.

It was the duty of Dragon Masters to minimize the damage. That was why citizens idolized Dragon Masters so much.

“I should leave this shadow on the way.”

The main hall was a building that was in front of the Royal Palace.

While I could follow him inside, it would be very inconvenient if it happened to be very bright.

I could either dive into someone else’s shadow or just move on my own.

As it was nearing night time, it would probably be best to move on my own soon.

As Duke Galia walked down a hallway, I used the opportunity to move away.

“Alright, I better be careful.”

The closer I got to the audience chamber for Shadows, the more complex and strong the barriers became.

And so progress became slower.

It was just as I was starting to lose patience over how annoying they were, that I detected a familiar presence.

It was Her Majesty.

And one other. It was someone I had met today. What did this mean?

I moved slowly and then dove into that person’s shadow.

“Really, I was so surprised, Your Majesty.”

“Yes. Such coincidences can happen.”

The Queen was practically rolling with laughter.

They seemed to be enjoying themselves. But what were they talking about?

As for this person, she was the noblewoman who demanded that we deliver the bread this morning.

So, she was in fact, one of the Queen’s Shadows.

“Still, what a waste of time it was. When trying to make the wish of my family come true…losing just half a day is devastating.”

“So, that is why you were in such a hurry.”

“Yes. No, making my report to you was much more important, Your Majesty…”

“Don’t worry, you can be honest with me.”

“I’m very sorry…”

“It is fine. So he is doing well then?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“When I heard that he was working at a bakery every morning, I didn’t know what to think. But if that’s what he wants to do, then there is nothing that can be done.”

“I heard that he is a rare talent. And so I cannot help but feel that his time is being wasted. He should work as I do. Surely, that is the better way to live?”

“That’s incredibly unlikely. Besides, that child has his own calling.”

“…”

Bakery… They were talking about me?

They clearly were. Should I be listening to this?

“I heard that he has no intention of looking for a Patron. Do you want to be a candidate?”

“If you would allow it. Yes, very much!”

Wait a minute!

Why were they just deciding this without me?

And why now?

No, someone similar had happened before I left the town of Sol.

I had been asked to investigate a merchant. It was as if they wanted him to become my Patron by attaching me to his daughter.

“Then I shall arrange an opportunity for you.”

“You are most generous! Now my family and townspeople will be very happy.”

I better get out now.

I decided. And so I revealed myself to them.