The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away - Chapter 39.1
“I know cake tastes good, but just as you only know how delicious it truly is after tasting it, I want to go to the library myself.”
“Ah… so you’re saying the books in the library are like cake to you.”
Kailos still looked as though he didn’t quite understand, but he tried, somehow, to meet Leslun halfway.
“Yes, that’s right. Cake. That’s exactly it. I’ve heard a lot of rumors about the place, but I’ve never been there.”
Leslun lifted himself slightly onto his toes, as if worried his feelings wouldn’t reach Kailos. Even so, he still couldn’t reach him—but it was the best he could do.
“But the library… you don’t get tired of it the more you go… Do you.”
Pretending not to notice Leslun’s efforts, Kailos straightened his back even more, lowering his eyes. He had often looked down at others from above, but now, being so close, he could clearly see Leslun’s swaying hair and clear eyes. Because of that, he lost himself for a brief moment.
“My apologies, but I must refuse.”
“…”
Leslun froze at the crisp rejection. Kailos lifted his head to gaze at the sky.
“The library doesn’t have much flavor to it.”
He had acted as though he would grant him everything.
***
Kailos summoned a carriage. Prince Tarensiu left things to Robin and urged Leslun to get in quickly.
Leslun followed his instructions and boarded the carriage, but his mind was in disarray.
He hadn’t even managed to properly greet Prince Tarensiu. He would likely see him again at the palace, but who knew when that would be. The thought left him both worried and regretful.
Naturally, Leslun’s wandering thoughts soon drifted back to the Crown Prince. The conversation they had shared in the alley left behind a faint, strange sense of regret.
They had spoken, and yet… it hadn’t felt like a real conversation.
Since he hadn’t realized it was because they had been speaking of entirely different things, Leslun couldn’t be sure of anything.
Meanwhile, the carriage carried them faithfully into the Imperial Palace. Even to Leslun’s eyes, the scenery was becoming familiar.
As they neared the Crown Prince’s residence, the carriage slowed. The wheels carefully rolled over the gravel, slowing further as the buildings beyond the window came closer.
“Do not allow anyone inside.”
As soon as the carriage came to a complete stop, Kailos was the first to step out, his voice ringing clear. The knight who received the order moved at once.
But Leslun, who was about to follow him out, faltered. At some point, Kailos had taken his hand.
Leslun had never been treated that way before and didn’t realize it—but the gesture was the posture of an escort.
“You will come with me.”
Kailos spoke softly, but his grip was firm. Pulled forward so decisively, Leslun’s upper body pitched ahead, though he managed not to stumble.
The Crown Prince led him away. To call it walking would be generous; it was closer to half-running.
Leslun tried hard not to pant as he followed, though he still cast quick glances around.
Unfamiliar corridors, strange passageways. This path clearly did not lead to the Crown Prince’s chambers.
“Your Highness, where are we going?”
“To a place where no one will disturb us.”
Even as he strode on without pause, Kailos’s voice carried clearly through the hall.
Soon, they arrived at a restricted section of the Crown Prince’s residence, a place one could not enter freely. With no attendant to open it, Kailos himself pulled open the heavy door.
Creak. The iron hinges groaned low, as though aged, revealing the room within.
Leslun stared blankly inside. The ceiling was high, and the walls were lined from floor to top with books. He gazed at the gold-embossed titles on the spines as the scent of old ink and leather filled his nose.
Candlesticks and oil lamps fixed to the walls glowed softly, pushing back the darkness. The faint light cast shadows into the gaps between desks, weaving a strange atmosphere.
“This place is…”
He had once overheard in passing that there was a magnificent study within the Crown Prince’s residence.
While he was still gazing in awe, the hand holding his own tugged, turning his body around. He was still in the Crown Prince’s grasp.
“Off your guard, are you?”
With his other arm, Kailos shut the door behind Leslun.
In front of him was Kailos. Behind him, the closed door. There was no way to run.
Leslun let out a silent scream.
This wasn’t any different from that alley before.
Kailos leaned his face in toward Leslun.
“This place is better.”
Leslun’s body, frozen stiff until then, flared hot all at once.
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