The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away - Chapter 11.2
Guardian beasts, or spirit beasts. They were not singular in existence. Because there were those chosen by them, nations were able to come into being, and in each generation one would appear to choose a master.
There were times when generations passed without a spirit beast, and conversely, times when siblings each received one of their own. Usually, that was when a nation declined or was split apart.
That was why the single spirit beast that appeared for the one who would lead the next generation was more important than anything else.
For generations, the Empire had been protected by feline spirit beasts. Because of that, it was assumed that Blue would also have some kind of feline form, but no one had confirmed it yet.
Even Kailos could do nothing more than keep it in a cage and cover it with cloth.
It was, quite literally, a creature that avoided strangers. The moment a hand was put into the mist, invisible sharp claws would wound its owner.
And such a thing had been entrusted to Leslun.
Robin knew well it was the Crown Prince’s mischief, his way of toying with Leslun, who had begged for his family’s rescue, but he swallowed down the words he wanted to say.
“If you can handle Blue, then bringing your family here is something I might grant.”
“How could that be possible? Your Highness knows perfectly well that a spirit beast cannot be handled except by its master and the master’s bonded partner.”
By now Leslun too must have realized the trap hidden within the Crown Prince’s promise.
“Think of it as the final trial. Only if you do that much will I feel inclined to grant your request.”
Had Leslun wanted gold or power, Kailos might have accepted it readily. But the fact that what he wanted was, of all things, his family—that was what pricked at Kailos’s temper.
“They should be arriving shortly.”
Receiving the signal from a servant, Robin took his place behind Kailos.
“Let’s see what candidate for academy head Count Maven has brought with him.”
Kailos’s expression showed interest. But, as his words implied, it was not interest in Count Maven himself.
***
On the way back from the luncheon, Kailos’s brow furrowed.
“When did Count Maven turn to the Empress’s side?”
“It has not been confirmed yet.”
“Look at the candidate he’s put forward. It’s more than enough to anticipate, isn’t it?”
“One must never draw conclusions based only on circumstances without proof.”
Kailos stopped walking without warning, but Robin, unfazed, maintained the set distance.
“Robin, maintaining physical distance from me is not your only role. If I anticipate something, it is your role to find evidence to support it. Otherwise, there is no reason for you to be called an aide, is there?”
Kailos, sharp at Robin’s repeated denials, cast him a look demanding an answer.
Even under his superior’s pressure, Robin stood his ground calmly as he replied.
“Then I’ll stop being an aide. Take Leslun with you and see how that goes.”
At those blatant words of quitting, Kailos pressed hard at his temple as if his head hurt.
“How many aides do you think I have, that you can say that so easily?”
“As of today, you have two. So even without me, there is still someone to attend to Your Highness.”
“Fine, quit then. But know this—if I collapse from overwork, the blame will be entirely yours. If by chance I’m at death’s door, I’ll make sure to write in my will that it’s all Robin’s fault.”
“I won’t quit.”
At Robin’s quick reply, Kailos patted his shoulder as though to say he had made the right decision.
“Then in that case, go and find me the evidence. I’ll go see my other aide, who must be flustered right about now.”
It meant plainly that he was in a bad mood and wanted to amuse himself by watching Leslun’s distress. Robin, without adding another word, followed after Kailos.
He had to investigate Count Maven on the Crown Prince’s order, but he too was curious how Leslun was faring.
When Kailos arrived, a knight formally opened the door. After the Crown Prince passed through, Robin gave the knights a questioning look before following.
They answered with complicated expressions. Robin could not decipher what those expressions meant, so for now he chose to follow Kailos inside.
“You must have had a hard time with Blue. Just because it isn’t visible doesn’t mean it isn’t there. So then…”
Since he had deliberately put Leslun in a difficult spot, Kailos spoke more brightly than usual. But upon facing an unexpected sight, he trailed off without finishing.
“You’re here.”
By Kailos’s expectation, Leslun should have been disheveled and injured, nothing like he had been in the morning.
But now, the only difference from the morning was one thing—the small living creature resting in Leslun’s arms.
“What is that?”
The words came out half-blankly from Kailos. For what was curled up quietly in Leslun’s palm, something even he was seeing for the first time, was a black kitten.
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Misioky
ESO MI LESLUN DEMUESTRA QUIEN MANDA 🤑🤑
Ty for the chapter!!