The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away - Chapter 24.2
Blue, nestled in Leslun’s arms, let out a faint cry as he looked at the Crown Prince.
“Sit here.”
Robin, already seated, pointed out a suitable spot for Leslun. As Leslun awkwardly lowered himself onto the seat, Robin sat right beside him as though it were only natural.
Though it was technically across from the Crown Prince, the seats were angled so that they weren’t facing directly forward. To look at the other, one had to turn their head.
“What an irritating aide you are.”
“That is why I had him sit here—so Your Highness wouldn’t have to look at him directly.”
Robin gently adjusted Leslun’s body so he turned slightly to the side. Thanks to that, Leslun was spared from meeting Kailos’s eyes.
The carriage, befitting its purpose as a royal mode of transport, was overly quiet and meticulously refined. Outside the windows, the passing scenery was calm, but inside, the air was heavy with a tension that demanded everyone match their breaths with caution.
Seated beside Robin, Leslun found no words to say and instead turned his head, letting his gaze scatter across the leather trim and gilded handles of the carriage interior.
“We are going to the Academy.”
Kailos spoke leisurely. But within his words lay a test—how long could Leslun keep looking away?
“We must meet with Dean Kelly, so be aware of that.”
Leslun tightened the fists he had neatly folded atop his knees, hoping it wouldn’t show.
So Baron Kelly truly has become the Dean.
It was a deviation from the original course of events. Unconsciously, Leslun stole a glance at Robin.
If so, could this man also be one who would not die?
Leslun found himself hoping Robin would indeed live. If Robin’s life were not to be trampled along Kailos’s thorn-strewn path, perhaps even some of the Crown Prince’s cruelties might be lessened.
Gently stroking Blue’s small body, Leslun thought and thought again of what he could possibly do for the Crown Prince.
“Because I don’t know how our relationship will change.”
Three hours later, a change did indeed occur.
More precisely, between Leslun and the Crown Prince.
***
On the wide grounds stood buildings, each displaying its own refined architectural beauty.
The atmosphere was entirely unlike the grand, oppressive palaces of the Imperial Palace.
Every building came with its own small or large garden, and the antique colonnades and spacious courtyards were so beautiful that they inspired admiration at every glance.
‘So this is the Academy…’
Leslun could hardly stop himself from looking around, captivated. It felt different from the blueprints he had seen while organizing Academy-related documents.
Though the buildings had been completed, no students had yet enrolled, leaving the Academy empty. It had not officially opened, and so was not yet open to the public, but even now, some staff appeared to be busily making preparations.
Imagining how lively it would become in a few months when filled with students brought a quiet thrill to him.
“Aide Leslun.”
At Kailos’s call, Leslun immediately straightened his posture, turning from the view of the campus to respond.
“Yes.”
“The students here will likely be of a similar age to you. How does that feel?”
Leslun was now exactly twenty. The age at which one was recognized as an adult varied by country, but most acknowledged it between eighteen and twenty.
He had become an aide earlier than most for his age. Had that not been the case, he might have instead been attending an academy and preparing for a profession like everyone else.
At present, admission to the Academy began at sixteen. So yes, the incoming students would indeed be his peers.
“The buildings are splendid.”
“Is that all you have to say?”
Leslun tilted his head inwardly. What had he missed?
The buildings were beautiful, the lawns were green, the sky stretched high above, and the library they had passed was quite large. Was there something beyond these things he ought to remark upon?
‘Ah…’
He recalled the Imperial Garden. Then, too, Crown Prince Kailos had taught him to call it beautiful. Faithfully repeating what he had been taught, Leslun opened his mouth.
“All of the buildings are beautiful. They seem like living works of art. The flags fluttering in the wind are splendid as well, and everything appears perfect.”
Kailos regarded him for a moment before letting out a small laugh, half incredulous.
“You’ve learned to put your lessons to good use. Even managed to add a touch of your own. How very commendable.”
It was praise, and yet it didn’t quite sound like praise.
But the Crown Prince wasn’t entirely wrong either. Leslun had recited his words like memorized lines from a book—little wonder they had sounded that way.
“Would you not want to attend a place like this yourself?”
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