Chapter 158

Chapter 158

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Chapter 158

"Why are you the one to make that judgment?"

Interrupting mid-sentence, the gaze of Crown Prince Katchian appeared serenely calm on the surface, yet held a chilly depth.

"Did I ever say you could?"

"N-no, Your Highness." Discover new chapters at novelbin(.)com

"I've known all along that you listen more to Duke Diarca's words than mine. But I didn't realize you were foolish enough to think your opinion superior to your master's."

Listening to the Crown Prince's low, murmuring words, a chill ran down the spine of the servant. The Crown Prince's face betrayed no anger.

"No, Your Highness. You misunderstand. I exist to serve you and only you. Why would you say such a thing?"

"Is that so? Then, are you saying your action of dealing with matters without informing me, who had issued the command, is merely a misunderstanding and not a sign of your disregard for me?"

"Absolutely not. From the moment you first entered the palace, I've faithfully stood by your side. Please don't doubt my loyalty."

Hearing the servant's words, Katchian was silent for a while. This was the first time the servant had encountered such a situation since serving the Crown Prince, causing him to feel rather flustered. The majority of those serving Katchian were appointed by Duke Diarca, but until now, that fact had never been a problem.

The Crown Prince, a calm and insightful boy, had always respected the opinion of Duke Diarca, who had placed him in his current position. He had never significantly rebelled against the duke's words. But what could have prompted him to speak this way now?

'Could it be because of the discomfort he's felt throughout the festival period....'

Duke Diarca had confidently expected to land a blow on Duke Peletta and his Cavalry during the festival, but he had not succeeded even once until this day. This failure had created an awkward tension between the duke and the prince for the first time, which in turn had led to the presence of only their third child and Kiolle at today's party.

It was enough for the still young prince to grow discontent with the capabilities of the Diarca household and decide to take matters into his own hands.

'If His Highness intends to draw a line and warn Duke Diarca, how should I report this matter to the Duke....'

As if reading the flurry of thoughts racing through the startled servant's mind, Prince Katchian remained silent for a long while. Only when beads of cold sweat began to stream down the servant's bowed back did the prince finally respond in his usual tone.

"I’ll let this one slide."

"Th-thank you, Your Highness."

"Act as befits your station and spare me your unnecessary thoughts. Do not give me a reason to doubt you."

"Of course, Your Highness. I promise I won't repeat such a foolish mistake."

"Good."

After saying this, Crown Prince Katchian changed the atmosphere and issued a new command.

"Reduce the personnel searching for the assassin to a minimum and focus on pursuing Duke Peletta. He has abruptly slipped away; he must have an objective."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"And... the man I asked Duke Diarca to look into after the parade incident on the first day of the festival. I didn't see him today."

"My apologies, Your Highness. Could you clarify who you mean..."

"The Cavalry member who took care of the assassin in place of Duke Peletta."

"Ah, yes. I remember now."

"...Commander?"

Upon hearing Gakane's cautious call, Kishiar took a deep breath, closed his eyes, then opened them again.

"Be careful with that letter. It has a bad odor."

"Pardon?"

"When you return, send it directly to my office. Also, if you return to the hall, could you find Ever Beck or Steiber Rendley and ask them to oversee the Cavalry’s return on my behalf?"

"Oversee the return? Then, Commander, you..."

"I need to dine with His Majesty the Emperor today, so I may stay a bit longer. I had previously arranged this, so the assistant and Deputy Commanders are already informed. Just relay my message, and they will handle it. Don't worry."

"Understood."

Before Gakane knew it, Kishiar was back to his impeccable Commander-like demeanor as if his earlier strange behavior was a lie.

"Normally, I should personally order the return, but now... an unexpected matter has arisen."

"An unexpected matter, you say..."

"Could you handle it for me?"

Instead of answering the question, Kishiar issued an order. Gakane was slightly worried, but he nodded in response.

"Certainly. Then, Commander, do we send all the troops back without leaving anyone to accompany you?"

"No."

Kishiar, who had turned around again, gave a curt reply and looked somewhere. Following his gaze, Gakane saw a few groups of soldiers walking beyond the corridor. Judging by their scanning of the surroundings, it seemed they were investigating the death of Lenore.

Watching them quietly, Kishiar opened his mouth in a low voice.

"Asistant, Yuder Aile will stay. Don't worry."

Upon hearing Yuder's name, Gakane recalled that he had not seen him in the party hall for a while.

'Did the Commander send him on an errand beforehand?'

"Then, I'll leave it to you."

As soon as Kishiar finished his last words, he immediately turned around and disappeared. Only after his figure had disappeared to the end of the corridor did Gakane realize what the strange atmosphere he felt from Kishiar was.

'Ah. I see.'

It was anxiety. Kishiar, unlike his usual self, had briefly revealed a hint of restlessness.

Why would the Commander, who always maintained a smile and poise in any situation, abruptly leave the hall in such a way? Although Kishiar, a member of the imperial family, would not be in danger moving alone in the imperial palace, Gakane couldn't help but worry, having seen his unusual behavior. However, as a Cavalry member, Gakane knew that carrying out the task the Commander had entrusted to him was a priority.

He put the letter back in his pocket and took out his identity badge.

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