The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away

Borrowing Prince Tarensiu’s name, Kailos attended the academy, and now Second Prince Cassian, who had not yet begun attending the academy, had appeared.

The flow of fate had shifted its course, and that would inevitably affect Kailos as well. If the Crown Prince, who for now merely kept a wary eye on his young brother, were to ride this ominous current that was unlike anything before…

The ringing of the bell announcing the next class pulled Leslun’s mind back up from the swamp into which it had begun to sink.

***

The mornings in the Imperial Palace were always busy. Yet rarely had Robin’s steps felt so heavy as they did today.

He let out a heavy sigh in advance and, upon entering the study, froze when he was met with a cold gaze. Kailos had been like this ever since hearing the report on who had given Leslun the medicine.

It might have been better if Leslun were here, at least then Kailos might soften, but Leslun was currently at the academy.

“I’ve brought the report.”

Robin spoke, trying to recover his composure, and that cold gaze turned toward him.

“Leave it.”

Kailos did not even glance at the report. He merely stared out the window.

Robin did not leave after seeing him like that.

“Forgive me, but please look at it now.”

“If you are going to give me orders like that, why don’t you take this seat yourself.”

Even faced with Kailos’s petulant remark, Robin waited calmly for his approval. At last, Kailos reached out with a rough motion and flipped through the documents, as though irritated by the very act.

He frowned as he read, wondering why Robin was urging him so strongly over this report.

“Was it the Locke Trading Company supplying the academy? If I remember correctly, it wasn’t them.”

The mere fact that the Crown Prince remembered which merchant company supplied the academy was astonishing, but this was no moment to point it out.

“That’s correct. It used to be the Luna Trading Company, but it recently changed.”

Kailos tossed the report aside as though discarding it and pressed his fingertips to his temple. His face was marked by both fatigue and annoyance.

“How should I interpret this?”

His murmur left the air thick with unease. Watching him, Robin added carefully,

“They replaced the headmaster and then changed the supplier. It seems they mean to take control of the academy from the ground up.”

“No, not quite. Do not twist it that far.”

“But, Your Highness, this cannot be a coincidence. It’s clearly intentional.”

Kailos’s sharp gaze cut toward Robin, but Robin did not back down.

“Until we have clear proof, certainty is dangerous. Even if Locke Trading Company is the one filling the Empress’s coffers.”

At Kailos’s loaded words, Robin closed his mouth. Understanding the intent behind what Kailos had said, Robin stepped back as well.

He knew all too well that making a premature judgment would only rob them of any just cause.

“Still, we should inform the headmaster.”

Kailos rested his chin on one hand and sank deep into thought.

His long fingers tapped his temple rhythmically. Though he did not look at Robin, that simple gesture was enough to show he was seriously deliberating.

“Let’s watch and wait until cracks begin to show within.”

“You mean to leave the supplier as it is? If this starts affecting the entire academy…”

“Leslun will tell me.”

Kailos cut him off decisively, his words filled with absolute trust.

“When he returns, have him report directly to me.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Robin bowed and gathered the papers, preparing to leave, when Kailos spoke again.

“I heard that the Knights briefly appeared at the academy gates this morning. Was that your order?”

“No, it was not.”

“Then it must have been by chance…”

Robin held his breath for a moment at Kailos’s words. With the Empress’s faction growing increasingly blatant in their movements, the Crown Prince could not afford to let down his guard.

“I will keep a close watch. Or shall I summon Leslun to discuss it?”

“No need.”

The answer was unexpected. Robin looked up at him in mild surprise. Kailos, speaking now in a softer tone than the one he had worn all morning, continued,

“He’ll come straight here after class. I can tell him then.”

At those words, Robin suddenly realized something. The Crown Prince even knew the daily habits of a mere aide.

Perhaps Leslun being caught in that trap could no longer be dismissed as a mere accident.

Kailos rose to his feet and walked to the window. Facing the sunlight streaming in brightly, he narrowed his eyes.

“The day feels so very long.”