The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away

Inside, the servants and cooks who had just finished carrying out the meals were bustling about. The air in the kitchen felt heavy and tense.

Leslun’s instincts flared. Something bad had happened here.

“Leslun?”

At Lady Miroi’s call, Leslun turned his gaze back. He hid his expression naturally and waited for the two of them to finish their meal.

***

In the office, Kailos and the two aides sat around the long table.

Kailos sat at the head seat. Below, within his line of sight, Robin and Leslun sat facing each other.

Before the meeting began, Leslun spoke about what had happened today at the academy. Robin, across from him, nodded expressionlessly, while Kailos tapped his fingertips against the table, as though deep in thought.

“Do not try to get used to it.”

This was what Kailos said after listening to everything. His words directly contradicted the gentle advice Lady Miroi had given him.

Lady Miroi had comforted him, whispering that he would get used to it with time. In contrast, Kailos was firmly advising him to abandon the idea of becoming accustomed.

“But do not show that you are aware of it. Just focus on what is yours.”

It was not just that. He replied coolly, as if to say there was no need to adjust himself to the gazes around him or to force himself to become used to the feelings they stirred.

Of course, the man before him must have had his own reasons for saying this. But Leslun could not relate. He felt that perhaps, like Lady Miroi had said, getting used to it might be the better choice.

As Leslun sat lost in thought, Kailos’s lips curved slightly, a faint, unreadable smile spreading across his face.

“If it is too difficult, then try feeling it now.”

No sooner had Kailos finished speaking than Robin, who had been quietly tidying up the documents, let out a loud and clear cough. That cough carried more than just sound.

It was a sharp warning asking what exactly Kailos was about to do here, combined with a subtle signal meant to protect Leslun. Robin’s gaze passed over Kailos and landed on Leslun.

It was an unspoken piece of advice, telling him not to get swept up by the Crown Prince, with a hint of concern mixed in.

In the sudden shift of atmosphere, Leslun felt bewildered. Trapped between the two, he did not know how to act.

Kailos rose from his seat and approached Leslun with light steps. The distance between them closed in an instant.

“You were studying diligently. Did you finish the report?”

When Kailos asked quietly from beside him, Leslun flinched. The seriousness radiating from him made Leslun unable to think of any reply.

He tried to maintain a calm facade with a serious expression, but he could not stop the blush from spreading across his cheeks.

Leslun had wanted to talk about the Locke Trading Company. Kailos had personally taken him to the library and given him the chance to look through the books.

“I am sorry. I have not finished it yet.”

There were still unclear points, so he had been unable to complete the report.

Flustered, Leslun could not reply right away and instead clenched the hem of his uniform under the table.

“Did you not review today’s agenda?”

His mind went completely blank thanks to Kailos’s remark. Noticing Leslun’s reaction, Kailos leaned even closer.

“Well? Leslun. Speak.”

“It was not on today’s agenda…”

Leslun forced the words out. Kailos then placed a hand on his shoulder.

“That is right. It was not.”

Kailos admitted it easily, almost playfully, leaving Leslun looking confused.

He felt slightly wronged, but at the same time, he thought that even if it was not on the agenda, it was still his duty to be prepared. His thoughts spiraled on and on, and he shifted slightly in his seat.

“I will go get it right now.”

As Leslun was about to rise, Kailos pressed down on his shoulder, as if expecting it, and made him sit back down.

“There is no need. More importantly, what did you think of Robin staring holes through you?”

“…”

Leslun blinked. All his attention had been focused on Kailos, and he had failed to notice Robin’s sharp gaze or the careful signal he had sent.

“Well? Am I wrong?”

This was Kailos proving through action what he had just said—that there was no need to become accustomed.

If one focused only on what was theirs, even under the stares of the world, they would not be swayed by someone else’s hand. He had shown that to Leslun personally.

“But, Your Highness…”

Still caught up in the strange mood, Leslun finally voiced what had been on his mind.

“What I wanted to tell you about was the matter in the kitchen.”

It was the suspicious atmosphere in the kitchen that concerned him, and he had only mentioned their meal together while explaining the situation.