The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away - Chapter 49.2
On the large desk lay lesson plans divided by subject and neatly arranged notes. Beside them, drafts were piled up.
Write once, then read again. Incorrect expressions were quietly struck through with a black pen and written anew, in an unending process.
Though more light gradually streamed in through the window, to Leslun’s eyes it seemed as if he could not even perceive the passing of time.
Rubbing his fatigue-laden wrist for a moment, he picked up the pen once more.
The lesson plan in his hands was not merely a simple course outline.
It reflected countless things, the structure of power, the philosophy of the Empire, and more. Leslun was analyzing it one by one.
While he bowed his head and wrote a few more lines, the door quietly opened.
The one who entered approached silently, without a word, and picked up a sheet of paper Leslun had left upon the desk.
“What is this?”
What Kailos Delroi held was the very page Leslun had just been writing notes upon.
As his eyes skimmed the writing in the light, the corners of Kailos’s mouth lifted faintly.
“……Your Highness!”
Startled, Leslun tried to rise at once, but Kailos lifted his palm, quietly bidding him stop.
At that single gesture, Leslun sat down again without another word.
“I was only studying.”
“Studying—and yet writing it out like a formal report? And what is this, here.”
Kailos held the paper upright and scanned its contents.
“You’ve organized supplementary material according to the Academy’s lesson plans.”
“I thought it would be good to prepare in advance, so I did it.”
Leslun spoke awkwardly, placing his two hands together politely and extending them, hoping to receive the paper back.
“But why on earth do something like this? Once you attend the lectures, you’ll learn it all. And yet, well done.”
Kailos’s expression was one of incomprehension. In response, Leslun’s face flushed, as if embarrassed.
“I… have never attended a class before. Since it is my first time, I feel nervous, and I thought if I studied beforehand, I might be able to understand.”
Until now, Leslun had endured by learning, memorizing, realizing, and organizing on his own through books. Since he had never received systematic education, his desire to learn was all the greater.
“Understand? This is not just understanding—this is beyond sufficient… wait. You’ve never attended a class before?”
Kailos thought it was absurd.
“Then how did you learn to read?”
“I taught myself with books my parents managed to obtain for me. When things were difficult, I matched them against other books.”
“And how was it that you became an aide?”
“I was lucky.”
Perhaps these were questions he should have asked when they first met.
Unwittingly, Kailos let the paper slip from his hand. Leslun swiftly snatched it up and tucked it against his chest.
“At first, I handled all the documents that had to be processed in the village. Then one day, suddenly, the lord summoned me.”
“What should I even call this…”
It could only be likened to a pearl, buried in the mud, that by chance had been found. And the one to discover it first happened to be Count Robert Camilo.
“I know I am greatly lacking.”
Hiding the paper behind him, Leslun slipped it between the books.
“I also know that ordinarily I should not be serving His Highness the Crown Prince. That is why I will study all the harder.”
Kailos looked at him with an incredulous gaze.
From what he had just seen, he thought Leslun belonged not as a student but as a professor. Yet the man himself was saying he was insufficient.
“One more question. Then, the stratagems you devised until now—how did you think of them?”
“It was only luck.”
“Ha.”
Kailos laughed in disbelief, then patted Leslun’s shoulder.
“Well then, do your best. Since you’re here, aim for first place.”
“I will do my utmost.”
Leslun’s eyes shone, as though he would not disappoint the Crown Prince. It was doubtful whether such an expression could truly look strong, but at least it showed resolve.
“And if the Chancellor or any professor tries to lure you to their office with offers of flower tea, refuse them all.”
“……Yes.”
At the incomprehensible command, Leslun tilted his head slightly in puzzlement, but soon nodded.
Did His Highness mean that luxurious teas like flower tea might seem like bribes and should therefore be avoided?
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