The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away - Chapter 79.2
“Drink that.”
“Yes, Brother.”
Cassian hesitated for a moment, an awkward look crossing his face.
He held the glass in his hand but seemed unsure how to drink it. Should he hold it like when drinking tea and sit up straight, or simply drink it as it was?
His large eyes sought out Leslun again, a clear question reflected in them.
Leslun spoke quietly.
“You may drink it comfortably.”
Only then did Cassian let out a short breath and carefully put the milk to his lips. The moment the cold liquid slid down his throat, some of the tension seemed to ease.
When he set the glass back down on the table, a thin white mustache of milk lingered around his lips. It was so cute that Leslun almost laughed.
Just as he turned his gaze away, a maid came forward and placed dessert on the table.
Cakes smaller than a palm, colorful cookies, and scones were arranged neatly on plates. As the sweet scent spread, Cassian blinked in surprise and stared at the dishes.
He had thought there would be a solemn and heavy conversation, but the atmosphere was entirely different, leaving him confused. Kailos did not change his expression even at the young prince’s reaction.
He spoke briefly.
“Everyone, leave.”
As soon as the words fell, the servants and maids in the garden all bowed and withdrew.
Leslun also quickly bowed before stepping away quietly.
The last thing he saw as he looked back was the Crown Prince and the young prince sitting across from each other at the white marble table. It was a sight that would stay in his memory for a long time.
Once he was left alone with Kailos, Cassian became noticeably quieter. He had not spoken much to begin with, so by now he was practically silent.
“I heard the sacred beast came to you.”
“Yes…”
That was all. Since Kailos did not ask further, Cassian just fidgeted with his milk glass, then stole a glance at his brother.
“Will you not ask me anything more?”
Unable to hold back, Cassian finally spoke.
“Do you have something you wish to tell me?”
Cassian hesitated for a moment before raising his head.
“No, I was just concerned that you might worry.”
“What would I worry about?”
Again, the conversation fell silent. Only this time, there was something subtle about it. Kailos frowned slightly.
“The sacred beast is free. It may go anywhere it pleases within the palace.”
There it was—the reason Kailos had not pressed him for answers.
“And whatever name it is called by, that too is nothing to be concerned about.”
Cassian’s head sank lower and lower. To him, his eldest brother was like a towering mountain, as great and unreachable as their parents. That alone made things difficult. Now, the fact that the sacred beast had chosen him made him uneasy.
But his brother had told him it was nothing.
What had been only frightening a moment ago now seemed a little different.
He even wondered if the cake was brought out not for him but for his brother to eat.
Since Kailos did not touch the dessert, Cassian cautiously reached for a cookie.
“Prince Cassian.”
At the sharp voice calling him, Cassian flinched, withdrew his hand, and turned around.
He shrank back when he saw the dignified woman entering with her skirt gathered.
“Mother.”
Cassian stepped down from his chair and stood straight. The Empress approached, her graceful eyes fixed sharply on Cassian.
A child frozen stiff as if he had done something wrong, and a woman looking down at him with no expression.
Kailos drank his tea while observing the atmosphere between the two.
Before long, the Empress’s expression softened. A gentle smile formed on her lips as she reached out and lightly stroked Cassian’s hair.
“What are you doing here, my prince?”
Her warm tone made the sharpness from earlier seem as if it had never been. Cassian blinked in surprise, unable to find an answer.
“Were you having tea with Crown Prince Kailos?”
Only after she asked again in that gentle voice did Cassian’s expression change.
“Yes, I was having tea with my brother.”
“That is nice. But what shall we do? There is somewhere you must go with me.”
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