The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away

Leslun had declared that he would use the Crown Prince for his own ends, yet ended up captured without accomplishing anything. Even that was only possible because the Empress had lent soldiers, and now he was struggling to figure out how to sever ties neatly. Just then, Brian mentioned Leslun’s name once again.

Before, he hadn’t even known the child’s name, but now it was slowly lingering in his mind.

“If the Crown Prince’s feelings are sincere, then I must not have him killed.”

A man could not bear a child, so the Empress had nothing to gain from his death. Rather, he was someone to be cherished.

Her thoughts gradually began to tilt toward a direction more favorable to her.

***

“The Empress has granted permission.”

At the secretive whisper from beyond the bookshelf, the librarian’s hand paused for a moment while arranging books. Soon, he resumed what he was doing as if nothing had happened, slowly moving along the shelves.

He was merely putting books back in their places, yet his pace was frustratingly slow to watch. Still, he placed every volume precisely where it belonged, without a single mistake.

The librarian moved as though he remembered exactly where each of those many books originally rested. He spoke to the subordinate still lingering beyond the shelves.

“We will move today. Report tomorrow.”

“Yes, sir.”

Even after the subordinate left, the librarian continued shelving books.

He could have informed the Empress right away, but he didn’t.

It wasn’t because he anticipated failure. Rather, it was because he had begun keeping a certain distance from her.

They had worked together until now, but he could see the gap between them widening.

“Soon enough, even that woman will kneel beneath our feet.”

He had told the Empress that their goal was to step out into the light, but in truth, the commander’s ambitions were far greater and more vast. The librarian’s wrinkled lips twisted into a faint smile.

As soon as morning came, Leslun went to look for Kailos. But the one who greeted him was Aide Robin.

“His Highness said he’ll be coming in late today. He asked that you also come in later.”

At Robin’s words, Leslun swept his eyes across the empty seat where the Crown Prince usually sat.

He always greeted him every morning before leaving for the academy. Skipping it today felt disappointing.

No matter what excuse he came up with, he just wanted to see him one more time.

“I’ll be on my way, then.”

If he waited for the Crown Prince to return, he’d end up late for class. Instead, Leslun gave a polite bow to Robin and turned to leave.

“Wait a moment.”

Robin stopped him.

One of the attendants standing quietly nearby stepped forward and respectfully held out a lidded basket. Robin handed the basket over to Leslun.

“His Highness ordered that you be given breakfast.”

Leslun accepted the basket. Warmth bloomed in his chest.

“Thank you. I’ll be off, then.”

Just as he turned to go, Robin called him again.

“It’s not over yet.”

He gestured to another attendant, who came forward holding a parasol wrapped in silk. The Crown Prince’s silver-embroidered crest shimmered faintly on its surface.

“His Highness also said the sunlight is strong today, so you should take this.”

Leslun took the parasol, momentarily dazed. Each small act of consideration quietly filled the empty space of a morning without the Crown Prince.

“…Thank you.”

“You can save your thanks for later. There’s still more, so let’s get it all out at once.”

Robin signaled to the attendants to deliver the rest directly to Leslun. Wherever they had been waiting, they now lined up before him.

A basket of fragrant flowers, a sachet of perfume, a small box, and even a heavy bundle wrapped in thick cloth.

Before Leslun had received even half of it, his hands were already full. He tilted his head slightly and let out a soft laugh.

“I’m not sure if I can carry all this.”

“Don’t worry about that either.”

Robin clapped twice, and the attendants all turned in unison.

“His Highness said you’re to take the carriage today, so we’ll load everything there.”

Leslun blinked and nodded.

All of this had been prepared by the Crown Prince for him. The disappointment he’d felt from not seeing him turned into quiet gratitude.

“Shouldn’t you get going now, instead of standing here being moved? Even if you leave now, you might still cut it close.”

Robin checked the time. Leslun gasped and quickly bowed his head.

“I’ll be going!”

Leslun walked briskly away.

He had no idea what would happen to him today. His mind was full only of the gifts the Crown Prince had prepared for him and the thought that he must not be late for class.