The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away - Chapter 51.2
“I have something to say.”
The prince’s voice, short and curt, skipped over formal greetings and went straight to the point. By now, Leslun was almost accustomed to how much meaning was contained in his clipped words.
“I don’t know when I’ll return.”
“You mean when you will return to your own country, Your Highness?”
It was no longer difficult to understand. At Leslun’s question, Prince Tarensiu nodded.
“Busy.”
He had not yet revealed the truth, but as the Crown Prince, there must have been a great many matters that only he could resolve.
When the second prince, Cassian, had gone to the Kingdom of Vancor, it was because of that influence that the Crown Prince had been an indispensable ally.
“It saddens me greatly. I hope I may have the honor of seeing you again.”
Leslun chose words of parting that were appropriate. He did not tell Crown Prince Kailos the man’s true identity.
The reason was… a hope that Kailos and this man might grow closer, even if just a little.
More precisely, he wanted the two of them to reach the point where they could hold a conversation.
That bond might be what prevents Robin’s tragic death.
That event had not yet come to pass. But in order to forestall it, Leslun thought he must do what he could now.
If he were to report the Crown Prince’s secret here to Kailos, there was a high chance Tarensiu would be left with a poor impression. The best course seemed to be smoothing things between them until the time came for him to reveal his identity to Kailos himself.
It was unfortunate that Tarensiu would leave before they could grow closer, but at least the two had not clashed badly, so it was not the worst outcome.
“Regretful, is it.”
“Yes… it is.”
Even as he replied, Leslun could not shake a strange feeling.
“I will consider it.”
With those words, Prince Tarensiu departed.
‘Consider what?’ Left alone, Leslun tilted his head.
But only for a moment—for fear of being late to the entrance ceremony, he quickly set off.
It was his very first step into the Academy as a student.
***
On the day of the entrance ceremony, the Academy’s main building was a splendid sight with freshly painted pillars and banners. From the gate to the entrance, a red carpet had been laid, and invited dignitaries and noble youths stood gathered in small groups.
The ceremony proceeded calmly. The headmaster and the imperial advisor each took the podium in turn, and finally, Kailos ascended. Today, the Crown Prince was both the speaker and the central figure of the event.
Watching that scene from below the stage, Leslun was seized by a strange feeling. He seemed so far away. Kailos, whom he had seen reclining at ease on a sofa and speaking to him, now stood straight-backed, commanding the platform under the gaze of countless people.
Though they were in the same space, the unreachable distance made their connection feel more like an illusion than reality.
Before beginning his speech, Kailos swept his gaze over the new students.
“This is not a place for the chosen few to gather. This is a place to be built by those who walked here themselves.”
He spoke in his crisp, unembellished manner. As Kailos turned, Robin approached and whispered something in his ear.
Watching the two draw away, Leslun clenched his fist. That he had come to serve the Crown Prince at all was little short of a miracle. But he had no intention of relying on that miracle forever.
He would strengthen himself quickly. He wanted to become a far better aide than he was now.
“At least until the day I must leave his side.”
To serve him forever—perhaps that was impossible.
***
The Academy’s opening commemorative party was held.
The venue was the Great Hall in the main building. If the entrance ceremony had been a formality, from this moment on was the true beginning of forging connections.
Leslun brushed awkwardly at his formal wear. The leather belt’s strap still wound around his waist, and a thin golden chain was draped lightly over it.
He stood in an unobtrusive spot and surveyed the Great Hall.
Even with nobles and new students crowding together until the hall was full, Kailos stood out above all others.
Watching him, graciously and unhurriedly receiving whomever approached, Leslun found himself relaxing without realizing it.
“Leslun.”
A familiar voice reached his ear.
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