Chapter 290
* * *
He was used to the stares. Hed been handsome all his life. Hed never been ugly in his life.
There was no shortage of incidents to support this truth-based confidence. For example, hearing a priest perform a marriage proclamation, let alone a confession, in front of him, or witnessing an outrageous demonstration of Garuel Monzasi is stolen by God!.
When you live in such a glamorous place, you cant help but attract attention just by breathing and walking. So the blatant stares didnt really bother him right now. On the other hand, what really bothered him was.
Hey, I think I just saw a gnarly aura coming from that black magicians hand. Is he cursing someone else?
What? So someone else is going to look like Easton? Damn it, why the hell is there a black magician roaming the Emperors sacred grounds?
Its all because of the commander of the Scarlet Scales Knight Order. Because His Majesty indulges him, he doesnt know his limit.
You go and say something.
To whom? To the commander of the Scarlet Scales Knight Order?
To that black magician!
You madman. If I say something and then die from a twisted limb, youre gonna be responsible?
It went something like this. His role as a black magician, assigned to him by Cadel, was excellent for freeing him from the suspicion of others, but it also had its own side effects.
I thought Sir Easton was injured by his own fall. When did this become an injury caused by my curse?
Turning his head in the direction of the sound, he saw two knights, their dark navy blue robes making them obviously members of the Heaven Time Knight Order.
He, hes looking this way!
Damn it, dont make eye contact! Youll be cursed.
Our eyes have already met!
Then go quickly and pray!
I have the pride of a knight, how can I bow my head before a black magician?
Then die alone. Im outta here.
As his unfaithful friend quickly moved out of Garuels line of sight, the lone man was left shuffling his feet. Unable to make eye contact, he hesitantly glanced at his thigh, so Garuel decided to approach him.
Do, do you have any business?
When Garuel bent down to force eye contact, the man shuddered and covered his eyes with his hands, even though he was right in front of Garuel.
What are you doing?
.
I thought you were talking about me, so I came over. Did I mishear you?
.
Thats strange. The curse I cast didnt have the power to take away your voice. Should I check again.
After a teasing nudge, the white-haired man leaned back.
I apologize for my ramblings, and Ill make sure it doesnt happen again, but if youve cursed me, please take it back.
Naturally, there was no curse. He didnt even know how to cast one. But instead of just admitting that he was joking, Garuel decided to play the part.
Well, why would I do that?
Can, can you get me that blanket over there?
Turning to where Cadels gaze was directed, he saw a pile of crumpled, frozen blankets by the door. They looked too stiff to do their job.
After a moments pause at this unacceptable sight, Garuel walked over to Cadel with a wry smile and threw his own robe over his shoulders, and Cadel, releasing his grip on Lydon, desperately pulled it on.
Can someone explain to me how this happened? Did Sir Lydon go on a mana rampage or something?
Lydon seemed to be in pretty good shape for a rampage, but Garuel couldnt quite put his finger on it, so he asked, and Cadel shook his head in misery.
He suddenly came to me and said I smelled like another human being.
The smell of another human being?
Of course I do! Im out there meeting people!
Cadel glared at Lydon in annoyance, and Lydon glared back at him.
Why are you hitting me after you cheated on me, darling? Isnt it me who should be angry?
Whos cheating on you?!
Then why dont you tell me who youre meeting with!
Because his identity is a sensitive thing to talk about.
Look! Its an affair! Thats too much, Cadel. Am I not enough? I even took care of your concubines. I cant stand it anymore because Im so angry that youre being greedy even though Ive tolerated you so much.
As Lydon whined, Garuel could see what was going on. Cadel had met with someone who wasnt supposed to be in the public eye, and his attempts to keep it a secret had apparently irritated Lydon.
I understand how you feel, Sir Lydon. If this continues, Knight Commander will catch a cold. Why dont you stop getting angry?
If he has a cold, hell stay in his room. Thats better.
Oh, that kind of obsession tires out the other person, and while I might be able to build up some favorability by acting as Knight Commanders only breathing space, Sir Lydon is going to be thoroughly disliked, isnt that right?
.
Didnt you already have a history of being hated once? I thought youd learned your lesson from the time you got treated harshly. Well, you still have a chance, because I dont think hes that mad at you yet.
Cadel secretly admired Garuels skillful handling of Lydon. After all, the former knight commander was quite skilled at manipulating his opponents.
Lydons grip on Garuels arm loosened a little as he was persuaded. His sullen face rubbed his cheek against Cadels thigh and he sighed softly.
Sensing that Lydons stubbornness had finally broken, Cadel took the opportunity to stroke his hair.
Its not really an affair, Lydon. Dont worry, dead or alive, Im not cheating on you with those people.
Its okay to cheat.
Huh?
I can just kill them all.
Contrary to the bloody remarks, the expression on Lydons face was one of complete tears. Cadel finally burst out laughing at the consistent foolishness and rubbed Lydons white cheeks like dough. Garuel, who was looking at Cadel coddling Lydon, also took off his mask with a pleasant smile. It was the knight commanders relaxed smile that he had rarely seen lately, so he was not even jealous.
By the way, Garuel, didnt you come here to talk to me?
Ah, yes.
Hed completely forgotten why hed come here in the first place. Garuel clutched his removed mask in his hands and cut to the chase.
Ive heard rumors that a summit of the 7 great nations is about to take place, and since the host is the Osma Empire, Im wondering if you might be involved. Apparently, Sir Lumen is in trouble with the Mainue Kingdom.