The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away

“Kailos, you have accomplished something truly remarkable. You have once again brought honor to the Empire.”

Though dressed in praise, the words carried a double weight. He was, more than anyone, the figure who must remain at the center, yet today, for once, it was not political calculation but the face of a father commending his son for the success of the completion ceremony.

The Empress, too, chimed in with a gentle voice as if to agree.

“I am more pleased than anyone with the Crown Prince’s achievement. I also extend my sincerest gratitude to the guests who have come from afar.”

But behind her tone lingered faint caution and tangled emotions. Between the lines, one could sense her unwillingness to let Kailos’ path become clearer through this single completion ceremony. Even so, the Empress never once let her smile falter.

Young nobles crowded around the Crown Prince.

“Your Highness, I was deeply moved by your speech today.”

“The Empire’s new Academy will soon become the greatest hall of learning in the world.”

Kailos responded to each one calmly.

If they knew that the speech had been drafted together with Leslun, a commoner, what expressions would they make? The very thought brought a spontaneous smile to his face.

“The Academy’s doors are always open.”

It was a flawless reply, both in public and in private.

Amidst the grand court music and the blend of unfamiliar tongues, joy and wariness intermingled—and at the very center stood Kailos. He quietly accepted the attention, the pressure, and the responsibility bearing down on him, proving his own existence by his presence.

From a corner, Leslun quietly observed the Crown Prince.

Under the pretext of celebration for the completion ceremony, many nobles densely surrounded Kailos. Outwardly they exchanged bright smiles and toasts, but inwardly they weighed and measured countless things.

Within this palace, there were still many weights they could manipulate and play with.

At the very center stood the heaviest of all weights. With his characteristic composure, Kailos faced those who approached him.

Not neglecting a single one, he received them all—as if he had been waiting for this very moment.

The more Leslun watched the Crown Prince, the more tangled his own mind became.

He had once committed every kind of atrocity in order to seize the throne by any means.

Whatever he did, things only ever turned for the worse, and the Empire groaned under it.

All cursed and reviled the Crown Prince once he became Emperor. The more they did so, the more shamelessly he committed misdeeds.

His relentless obsession with the throne, and his cruel methods, could never be deemed just. Yet the quiet resolve behind them was something not so easily dismissed.

Though he had been caught by the Crown Prince and made into his aide, Leslun had always thought of the day he would leave.

He no longer wished to abet misdeeds, even if not by his own will. Even if he bent the methods as far as he could, if in the end it still ended in wrongdoing, he believed he would never be able to forgive himself.

Yet contrary to his fears, up through this very completion ceremony of the Academy, the Crown Prince had not once given him an unlawful order. Everything proceeded through prescribed documents and official procedure. Budgets and personnel assignments were handled transparently.

Nothing had occurred that might weigh down his heart.

Because of that, Leslun felt, almost without realizing, a quiet warmth kindling within him.

Was that warmth reflected outward? Kailos’ face seemed to shine all the brighter.

The sunlight of the Empire—that phrase suited Kailos far more than it ever did him.

Just as he breathed a sigh of relief, suddenly his eyes met those of the Crown Prince, surrounded by people.

At Kailos’ lips played a smile both playful and warm. He moved them soundlessly, offering words only Leslun could understand.

“Has sunlight fallen upon me as well?”

At that brief, wordless encouragement, Leslun’s heart gave a quiet tremor. A gentle light spread through his vision. Unknowingly, he felt his cheeks grow a little warm as he returned a silent greeting with his gaze.