CH 63

Chapter 63: Alliance (6)

"Cayden!"

It was a familiar voice filled with excitement.

Grandmother Liana, who had descended from the carriage with the help of butler Thein, approached me with heavy footsteps.

"Grandma!"

I forced a cheerful expression and approached Grandma, but she was not swayed by it.

As soon as she reached me, she lifted the academy uniform to inspect my body.

Witnessing some of my scars, Grandma Liana's face grew cold.

"...So, what did I miss?"

She must have learned about everything through Asena's letter. However, since I didn't know what Asena had written, and I didn't want to make the problem bigger, I had no choice but to divert the conversation.

Swallowing my saliva, I spoke.

"Grandma, you didn't even greet the twins... they may feel hurt."

Only then did Grandma suddenly relax her expression and look at the twins standing beside me.

"...Look at me. Maybe it's because I’m getting old, always letting my emotions take over."

Finally, Grandma spread her arms and approached Asena.

Embracing her, Grandma spoke.

“You’ve worked hard, Asena.”

"No."

"You didn't fight with Oppa and Keirsey, did you?"

"..........no."

Asena hesitated in her response.

Immediately, Grandma let go of her and looked at Keirsey.

"Grandma!"

Keirsey, with her characteristic cheerful voice, embraced Grandma first.

"Hehe... Did you do well, Keirsey?"

"Yup."

“Did you get along with your Oppa and Unnie?”

".......that… I did a lot of things wrong to Oppa."

When Keirsey answered honestly, I added a comment so that Grandma wouldn't worry any further.

"It's okay. Everything has been resolved."

"...Hmm…"

After exchanging brief greetings with Grandma, I greeted the maids and butlers who had accompanied her as escorts.

Head Maid Helen.

Butler Thein.

Max, the butler who assists Helen.

And even Lawrence, who taught me swordsmanship.

After exchanging warm greetings, and following Grandma's words, we headed inside.

It seemed like we needed to have a seat first to discuss more.

✧ ✧ ✧

Fortunately, the discussion regarding the Payne family ended well.

Following the statement that Asena and I had resolved things on our own, although Grandma Liana seemed uncomfortable, she decided not to meddle with the issues involving the Payne family any further.

From what I heard, Sharon did not return to the family. It was unclear whether she had run away or had an accident somewhere... but it seemed that she wouldn't be able to maintain her status as a noble anymore.

As for the Payne family, they also seemed reluctant to search for Sharon, as they were aware of what happened to me.

Regardless, since she had committed or turned a blind eye to a crime against the children, I didn't feel much sympathy for her.

"Cayden, you need to consider your own position."

Grandma, who had decided not to interfere with the Payne family, put down her teacup with a subtle display of strength and spoke to me.

"Yes?"

"A duke's son risking his life to save commoner children?"

"...I understand, Grandma. You don't have to say it-"

"You do? It seems like you still don't understand... You're my child, Cayden. Are you trying to make this grandmother bury her child in the ground once again?"

“......”

As she spoke, I had nothing to say. I scratched my head and knelt beside Grandma, resting one knee on the ground.

I cautiously held her wrinkled hand with both of mine and spoke in a gentle voice.

"I'm sorry, Grandma. But my body acted before my mind. I'll be more careful and attentive next time, so please forgive me."

"...."

She frowned and turned her head, gripping the teacup again with her remaining hand. However, she didn't let go of the hand I was holding.

Sometimes, although it may be due to being her granddaughter, I can see Asena's personality in Grandma.

Despite her rough words, she likes the love I show her.

Seeing that, I couldn't help but chuckle.

In response to my laughter, Grandma eventually let out a sigh and gave me a forgiving expression.

"Well, ignoring the fact that you almost died... it's a good thing, Cayden. This way, you can win the favor of many commoners."

"I didn't do it on purpose, but I guess so."

"By the way, I heard you will receive an award tomorrow because of this incident?"

"Yes. Personally, it feels like a show to demonstrate to the commoners."

"In the end, everything is a show."

The incident of a noble engaging in a battle for the commoner children and going through hardships... There couldn't be better content to promote.

That's why it was decided that I would receive an award to spread this story far and wide.

I didn't dislike receiving the award, but I couldn't shake off the disappointment of being used as a political tool.

Through me, they were trying to convey the message to commoners that ‘We put in so much effort for you.’

Personally, I had many thoughts running through my mind.

In any case, I was in a position where I had to improve my reputation. Only then would I have an easier time entering other noble families.

So, instead of just being swayed tomorrow, it seemed like a good idea to make the most of the opportunity given to me…

…To raise my reputation.

Even if they pretended otherwise, nobles were aware of the commoners' opinions, and as a result, nobles who were loved by the commoners were valued.

Grandma put down her teacup and spoke.

"...Well, now that the urgent matters are settled, I should go and greet the heads of other families-"

As Grandma was about to rise from her seat, a group confidently approached our table.

At the sound, Grandma, the twins, and I turned our heads in that direction.

A sturdy man led them. The emblem of the Bear's Paw was on his shoulder. Two young women and one young man who appeared to be around the same age followed him on either side. And one of those two women was Judy.

Duke Ice was walking towards us.

His attendants stopped at a certain distance and stood their ground.

Only Duke Ice, his eldest son, his daughter, and Judy approached and stood in front of Grandma.

I rose from my kneeling position and stood behind Grandma.

"...Edgar," Grandma said.

Duke Ice, whose hair was starting to gray, responded with a gentle voice.

"When will you start calling me 'Duke Ice', Lady Liana?"

“…It’s because it's been a long time.”

Their conversation seemed peaceful, but there was considerable tension underlying it. 

Everyone knew that we were rival families, even without saying it. Only Grandma, Duke Ice, and Asena could maintain a stoic expression in this situation.

The rest were trying not to show it, but they were rolling their eyes anxiously to read the situation.

"Wasn't it inconvenient for you to come to the Academy, Lady Liana?"

"No problem, Edgar. You have aged a lot too."

"Ten... no, twelve years, right? It's the first time I've seen you since James left."

James was the twins' father-The former Duke Pryster. He had a rivalry with Edgar Ice.

Grandma showed no wavering in response to his words, just like Asena.

"And why did you come today after such a long time?"

"I came today just to offer my greetings."

"...I see. Thank you for coming first then."

When you can't gauge each other's strength, you may threaten each other and draw your swords, but when you know what power the other possesses, there's no need to engage in a pointless fight and accumulate fatigue. Both of them understood this.

Furthermore, Duke Ice seemed to have a sense of respect for Grandma.

Also, the Ice family was a noble family with a role as the virtuous faction in the novel, so I had guessed they would maintain a certain level of courtesy and dignity, which turned out to be true so far.

"...Lady Liana, James… It still saddens me."

"..."

Grandma didn't add anything to that, but even without saying it, I could tell that her son's situation was still a painful wound to her.

"...I'll take my leave now."

Edgar, Duke Ice, humbled himself until the end. However, everyone present could still feel his charisma.

In the end, even if they conversed peacefully now, once the game was set in motion, they would growl and tear each other apart. Recently, the conflict between the Ice family and us had calmed down, but it was still there.

I looked at Judy, who was standing behind him. Unlike her usual self, she was clearly tense.

Her body was stiff, and her eyes didn't even move.

Her appearance made my heart ache even more. Knowing how confident she can be, it was pitiful to see her unable to spread her wings due to her circumstances.

I wonder if I appear that way in Judy's eyes too. Is that why she has been paying more attention to me?

While I was looking at Judy like that, I felt someone's gaze on me.

It was Duke Ice.

He, who had kissed the back of Grandma's hand and was about to leave, was looking at me.

Honestly, he exuded quite a lot of pressure. Perhaps because he was the head of a family that could rival the Pryster family for so long, his eyes had a depth to them.

But I didn't avoid his gaze. After blinking my eyes slowly once, I stared at him intently without flinching or opening my eyes wider.

Because I knew that if I faltered here, I wouldn't be able to support Asena. 

I have to be able to confront Duke Ice with confidence so that I can become Asena’s strength… at least for today.

In that momentary exchange of glances, Duke Ice nodded slightly and said, "...he's fine," then turned his back.

I watched them leave.

However, for some reason, my eyes were directed not at Duke Ice, who just scrutinized me, but toward Judy, who had her shoulders hunched.

✧ ✧ ✧

Another hectic day passed, and the next day was no different.

Today was the day of receiving awards.

As it was done for propaganda, the platform where I received the award was set up in front of numerous commoners.

It was the first time I saw so many people at once.

Without much tension, the principal of the academy, who was standing on the platform, called my name.

"Cayden Priester!"

At his call, I stepped onto the platform, standing beside him.

Behind me were numerous high-ranking nobles, and in front of me stood countless commoners tightly packed together.

At that moment, an explosive reaction erupted. It startled me.

-"Cayden! Cayden! Cayden!"

-"Thank you for saving our children!"

-"Is it true that he's of commoner origin?"

Among the crowd were adults expressing their gratitude to me, children with sparkling eyes looking at me, and even people with teary-eyed expressions.

Hearing their cheers, I quickly understood the reason why the academy intended to present me with an award.

The principal slowly raised his hand, and everyone fell silent as if dead.

Clearing his throat, he began to announce my achievements in the now-quiet square.

"...for rescuing the children in need. In recognition of his contributions, the academy awards Cayden Pryster with a supply of rations!"

As the award was about to be presented to me and everyone began to applaud, I raised my hand high to stop them.

The principal, the nobles seated behind me, and the commoners in front all looked at me in confusion.

Although I had initially planned for something else, upon hearing about my reward, another idea came to mind.

“……”

I glanced around the people for a moment and then began to speak, even though the words were not yet organized.

"I simply did what any person should do. Whether noble or not, children should not be at the mercy of adults' circumstances. So, this award I'm receiving... I am grateful, but at the same time, I feel uneasy... I only saved a few children, and yet I'm being rewarded with so much ration. It doesn't make sense."

-"That's right!"

Someone in the audience empathized with my words.

I continued, "Neither I nor the residents of Pryster territory are hungry. There is no reason for me to receive rations. Instead... the Hexter’s territory...."

As I spoke, I glanced back for a moment.

Daisy and Count Hexter, standing beside her, looked at me with surprised eyes.

It seemed they had already guessed what I was about to say.

"I've heard that the Hexter family is suffering from plague and famine. They must be the ones in need of rations. I want to send this food to them."

My actions served two purposes:

-First, my reputation would be improved while simultaneously helping Daisy.

As expected, as soon as I finished speaking, thunderous cheers erupted.

It didn't have any impact on the commoners in front of me, but many were moved by my humanitarian gesture and started applauding.

-Second, if I did this, I could cleanly make use of this opportunity.

There was something that had been bothering me since yesterday. As I raised my hand again, everyone fell silent once more.

"...But there is one thing you all are mistaken about. I didn't save the children alone. I had a friend who helped me. It would prick my conscience to claim this honor alone. So, I hope the applause you gave me, you also give to my friend."

I turned around slowly.

My gaze first met with Duke Ice’s, sitting next to Grandma Liana, and then it reached behind him and met with Judy’s, who was still huddled in the back.

I smiled and gestured to her.

"Come forward, Judy Ice."

She had always helped me, so I could at least let everyone know the truth that would benefit her. After all, ultimately, a knight's reputation is their lifeblood.

✧ ✧ ✧

From the moment Cayden said that he didn't save the children alone, Asena’s heart began pounding crazily.

The murmurs spread not only among the commoners but also among the nobles.

Of course, it was because of the families.

Judy, whom Cayden called his friend, belonged to the Ice family.

The Pryster and Ice families have been fighting for centuries, so the idea that they would get along well sounded quite unfamiliar.

The whispers among the nobles grew louder and started reaching Asena's ears.

“I don’t care about the situation of the illegitimate daughter and the adopted son.”

"Pryster and Ice?"

"Are they forming an alliance? Their relationship seems to have improved recently."

And various opinions popped up.

However, what made Asena uncomfortable was not that.

As Judy stepped onto the stage, a child shouted loudly,

-”Oh! That Unnie saved me!”

The girl shouted loudly and in response, Cayden’s firm hand, though rough, firmly held Judy's small hand and raised it high.

Once again, a storm-like cheer and applause poured out.

But Asena's gaze was fixed on Cayden’s hand holding Judy’s.

Judy blushed by his side. It was unclear whether it was because of the cheering of the many people or because of Cayden’s touch, but it was enough to turn Asena's insides upside down.

She whispered to herself that she had to endure even this.

Didn't she decide to change after he got hurt? In the end, when he returns to her, everything will be fine. This was nothing.

Cayden received the applause of the people for a while, then turned his head slightly.

Asena wondered if he was looking for her, but Cayden’s eyes found Duke Ice.

As if trying to convey something, he stared fixedly at Duke Ice and whispered something into Judy's ear. Judy, upon hearing his words, looked up at Cayden with a blank expression.

Every action of the two fueled Asena's jealousy.

Asena eventually closed her eyes. She was someone who didn't avoid any obstacles, but it seemed like she had to close her eyes for this.

However, closing her eyes couldn't change what was happening.

As history was long, even the commoners who knew about the relationship between the Pryster and Ice families started shouting their opinions when they saw them.

Whether it was born out of a desire for peace or not, they began to bless the two.

-"They suit each other!"

-"Form an alliance through marriage!"

-"Peace between Pryster and Ice!"

Asena clenched her fist.

With their words, a chilling wind seemed to pass through her heart. It was just empty talk from commoners, but it shook Asena. She couldn't bear the words that dared to separate Cayden from her.

Asena didn't need peace if it meant her Oppa would disappear as a result.

Asena, who had been suppressing her anger, was asked by the elderly lady sitting next to her, Liana.

"...Did he say Judy Ice?"

Asena felt an inexplicable unease as she answered.

"...Yes."

"How did she become close with your Oppa?"

"...They are in the same department."

"Hmm... Ice..."

Contrary to her anxiety, Liana’s thoughts seemed to be focused on Cayden becoming close with a member of the Ice family, as she tapped her knee.

At that moment, a man's voice rang out.

"...It seems people like them."

Asena ignored the man's words. It was Duke Ice.

Sid Ice, the eldest son of the Ice family who was sitting next to him, replied to his father.

"There is no one who dislikes peace."

"Do you agree with them? Do you want to make peace with the Pryster family through marriage?"

Perhaps because they were too close, even if she didn't want to eavesdrop, their private conversation reached her ears.

"I haven't thought deeply about it... but, surely, I can't help but feel uneasy when I think about the commoners being involved in our fight."

"..."

"Father, don't you always tell us to prioritize peace? And don't you have any thoughts when you see Judy like this?"

"Well, it's nice to see her gaining a reputation."

"Seems to be because of that Pryster."

"Right… as Judy said, he's a good man."

After pondering for a while, Duke Ice spoke quietly.

"Should we arrange a marriage between Judy and him?"

-Swip!

Asena couldn't hold back any longer and stood up from her seat.

Cayden’s marriage.

The thought of him leaving her and holding another woman in his arms was unbearable.

She stood up in a state of turmoil - suppressing her emotions - and slowly looked at Duke Ice.

"Duke Ice, you are free to make plans, but I hope it doesn't reach my or Grandma’s ears. To ‘arrange’ a marriage... Do you think my brother is a commodity? Just because you arrange it doesn't mean our brother will accept."

"...Did you hear us? I didn't know that the Duchess Pryster was eavesdropping."

Liana also intervened to calm Asena.

"...Edgar, don't be sarcastic. It did bother me as well. It feels like you're taking our eldest son lightly just because he's an adopted child."

Duke Ice stared at Liana intently and spoke calmly.

"I apologize. It must have made you uncomfortable."

Although he apologized, his expression remained unchanged.

"But Lady Liana, Duchess Pryster… you also agree that they suit each other, right?"

"..." 

Asena couldn't answer his question. It felt like her body had stiffened. She forcibly moved only her pupils, observing her Grandma's reaction as an uncomfortable unease swept over her.

A faint smile began to spread across Liana's stern face. The same smile she always wore when looking at Cayden.

She spoke.

"...Yes, it seems so."