The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away - Chapter 122.2
“I apologize for not informing you in advance. Since Your Highness came not as the Crown Prince but as a Prince, I assumed there must be a reason for it, so I believed it was best to pretend not to notice.”
Perhaps it was because he was an aide, but his voice, though not loud, was clear and articulate.
“But I was moved when Your Highness wanted to tell me who you truly are. I was happy that you considered me, a mere aide, as someone close.”
Reslun’s face turned red, seemingly sincere. Watching him, the Crown Prince slapped his forehead.
“My goodness.”
He had completely misunderstood.
He thought Reslun had known his feelings, but it turned out Reslun was referring to his identity, not his emotions. And yet he had been so overjoyed and eager to rush back to the Empire.
“So you knew my identity all along.”
“Yes, Your Highness. In fact, I have known for quite some time.”
That meant Reslun had known even before coming to the Kingdom of Bancor and meeting him as the Crown Prince.
No wonder he hadn’t seemed very surprised.
“Did the Crown Prince tell you?”
“Pardon? Your Highness knows about that too?”
Reslun’s eyes widened.
Just what in the world was going on?
The Crown Prince finally let out a hollow laugh and shook his head, utterly dumbfounded.
Not knowing the reason, Reslun simply thought the mood had softened and laughed along.
Inside the carriage heading back to the Empire, a strangely warm yet awkward air lingered between them.
***
[Your master has lost his mind.]
[If you know why, then keep your mouth shut.]
Silber’s voice was clear and cold. It carried firmness without the slightest tremor.
But Blue flattened his ears and growled lowly, the sharp, feline sound slicing through the air.
[You vile bird. You tried to spirit Reslun away behind my back?]
[I did not try to spirit him away. He came to me for help.]
Blue’s voice trembled with anger, but Silber did not back down an inch. The tension between them pressed against the air, distorting it.
[You were the one who drove him to run away, by speaking nonsense.]
When Blue recalled the time they came to the Kingdom, he remembered the moment Reslun decided to leave Kaillos.
When Blue had confessed that he meant more to Reslun than just a companion, Silber had twisted that truth, throwing Reslun into confusion. Because of that, Reslun had no choice but to flee.
[I did not lie.]
Silber squared his shoulders and spread his large wings wide. The tips brushed the ground like shadows. He looked proud and unyielding.
[That child bears a great destiny. He could lead the Empire to ruin.]
At that, Blue lunged like lightning, his claws flashing toward Silber’s chest.
Silber twisted his body midair, barely dodging, and a few strands of silver feathers scattered through the air.
[Do you truly see Reslun as someone who would destroy the Empire? Or do you think the Empire is too weak to contain him?]
Blue bared his fangs, his growl vibrating deep from his throat.
[And your precious kingdom—can it handle Reslun?]
[I only spoke the truth.]
Silber’s eyes gleamed, though he didn’t even bother to wipe away the blood. But there was a trap hidden in his words.
Showing only part of the truth.
[As I said, depending on how he chooses to live, he could either revive the Empire or bring it to its fall.]
Blue’s spine quivered. His tail lashed against the ground like a whip.
[You twisted the truth. You cornered Reslun and left a scar on Kaillos.]
Silber gave a cold laugh, like a hawk mocking its prey before the kill.
[You should be thanking me.]
His gaze slowly swept over Blue from head to tail, as though he were evaluating him.
[You were a sharp little fledgling once. Now look at you. Who do you think helped you grow this much? Reslun did. Or rather, it was I, together with the Crown Prince, who shook Reslun and awakened Kaillos.]
At last, Blue’s rage exploded.
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