The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away - Chapter 86.2
Life as an aide.
His thoughts naturally drifted back to the days he had worked under Count Robert Camilo, until the memories stopped at the image of himself standing at Kailos’s side.
The warmth of the teacup he had been holding for so long slowly faded, and the fragrance of the tea seemed to drift away from his nose.
Only after carefully choosing his words did he speak.
“I am not sure.”
When Lady Miroi gazed at him silently, Leslun continued.
“I only did it because I had to, so I have never really thought deeply about it.”
In this world, there were few who ever worried about what path their lives would take. Most simply inherited whatever work their parents had done.
Only a rare few with talent were given the chance to try something else, and even then, the chances were slim.
Leslun thought himself lucky. Because he had learned to read and write, he could become an aide. Considering his frail health, farming like his parents would have been too much for him, so he had felt relieved.
At least, he thought it was fortunate at the time.
But now he realized just how foolish that thought had been.
“Do you think Robin feels the same way?”
At her words, Leslun slowly lifted his head.
Lady Miroi, wearing an expression of calm indifference, sipped her tea as she spoke.
“He chose to become His Highness the Crown Prince’s aide. Was that what he wanted from the beginning?”
Her tone was composed, but something different was in it now.
At last, Leslun realized that her question about what it was like to live as an aide had not been about him, but about someone else entirely.
“I do not know.”
At his honest answer, Lady Miroi gave a faint smile.
“I could just ask him directly. I suppose I made things unnecessarily difficult for you.”
She set down her cup, as though trying to change the subject, but Leslun quietly spoke again.
“Aide Robin is an excellent man.”
There was sincerity in his voice. He added slowly,
“He accurately grasps His Highness the Crown Prince’s intentions, and comes up with measures that never go against them. At times, he even compensates for things His Highness has not considered.”
After speaking at length, he drew a short breath and went on.
“Sometimes he quietly stands guard behind him, and other times he steps forward before anyone else. He serves His Highness with utmost respect, yet approaches him like a friend when needed.”
Lady Miroi listened silently, then raised her teacup again. She did not ask any more questions.
From that short explanation alone, she could clearly picture the place Robin held and the standing he had.
Leslun had the sense that there was more she wanted to ask.
She had once said that her life had changed because of the kidnapping. Perhaps her interest in what was happening at the academy was not purely because of Leslun, but rather because it was connected to Robin.
Once again, the conversation fell quiet. Neither of them forced themselves to speak. They simply sat, each lost in thought, letting the breeze pass by.
***
Later that evening, Lady Miroi had a carriage prepared so Leslun could travel comfortably back to the palace.
He did not refuse and expressed his thanks.
Even as the carriage passed through the gates, Leslun kept his eyes fixed on the garden. Though the light was fading and it was hard to see clearly, it was still beautiful.
The carriage interior was silent.
Lady Miroi had tried to assign an attendant to him, but he declined.
Finally alone, Leslun let out a short sigh and leaned back.
He knew where he belonged. At the Crown Prince’s side.
The thought filled him with both anticipation and unease. Like mixing two different colors in water, there was no way to separate them again.
Because all of it was part of his heart.
What face should he show the Crown Prince tomorrow?
That was when it happened.
With a jolt, the carriage shook violently and came to a stop.
The coachman shouted in alarm.
“Who are you people?”
At the urgency in his voice, Leslun hurriedly looked out the window.
There was a group blocking the road ahead.
Their builds and weapons were all different, but one thing was the same: each had their face hidden by a hood.
One of them approached the carriage where Leslun sat.
“Aide Leslun.”
The man addressed him politely.
“Forgive us for startling you.”
Leslun felt a strong sense of déjà vu.
This was almost exactly like what had happened when he had gone to bring Lady Miroi.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
