The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away - Chapter 90.1
When Kailos rose from his seat, everyone’s attention turned toward him.
“First, we capture Count Camilo. If possible, handle it quietly.”
“My father will hear of it for sure.”
Miroi was the first to break the silence.
Since the knights of her family were involved, it was inevitable that Duke Delta would be informed. In other words, it would be difficult to resolve this matter among only those present.
Naturally, Leslun and Robin both closed their mouths. Even if they had something to say, they knew very well this was not the time for subordinates to speak.
“I have no intention of hiding it from the Duke. If necessary, I plan to ask for his help.”
“Not from me, but from my father?”
Her face darkened.
“That won’t be necessary. I can handle it first and report to my father afterward.”
As Miroi’s voice softened, Leslun held his breath as well. He could not fully understand her emotions, but he could sense her disappointment.
Kailos, pretending not to notice, continued lightly,
“The reason you came to find me wasn’t just because of the carriage, was it?”
“That’s…”
Miroi started to speak, but when her eyes met Robin’s, she closed her mouth again.
“We’ll leave that conversation for another time. I trust you’ll take care of today’s matter properly, Lady Miroi.”
Though his tone seemed cold, there was a trace of consideration within it. Miroi seemed to catch his meaning, for her expression softened.
Leslun quietly shifted his eyes between the two of them. His expression was calm, but inside, his heart was restless.
Crown Prince Delroi and Lady Miroi.
‘Will the two of them eventually become engaged?’
He imagined Miroi standing beside Emperor Kailos. Though it had not yet happened, the image of the two standing together came naturally to mind.
For them, that would be the natural outcome.
In the original story, things had begun with a single mistake and spiraled into tragedy, but if they continued as they were now, their relationship might lead to a new future.
Leslun felt as though the air had been stolen from his lungs. He quietly faced what he was feeling.
It was jealousy.
“I…”
When Leslun finally spoke, both Kailos and Miroi turned to look at him. Robin, who had been silent the whole time, did the same.
“I think I know what to do.”
Since he had already begun, he did not hesitate further. Having everyone’s attention on him somehow made it easier to breathe.
“Count Camilo wouldn’t have made his move unprepared. He must have anticipated that Duke Delta and Your Highness might retaliate.”
Kailos raised an eyebrow as he listened to Leslun’s calm explanation.
“You’re not suggesting you should become a hostage yourself, are you?”
Though his tone was playful, his blue eyes carried a clear disapproval. It was a look that said such an idea would not be tolerated.
The air turned colder. Miroi and Robin sensibly remained silent.
Leslun gave a small shake of his head.
“There’s no need for that.”
Then, with an even expression, he took something from his coat.
“What is that?”
“It belonged to the Count’s steward. It’s an item used to signal the Count.”
In Leslun’s hand was what appeared to be an ordinary dry twig. It looked so common that no one would have given it a second glance if it had been lying on the road.
Leslun spoke in a quiet, steady tone.
“This tree only grows in the Count’s territory. By carving a certain number of notches, you can send a secret signal. In this case, it means the kidnapping succeeded, but something unexpected has occurred.”
Kailos let out a restrained sigh and looked at Leslun with a curious expression.
“And how do you know that?”
Leslun gave a faint, bitter smile.
“I was the one who created that signaling system for the Count’s household. Officially, someone else is credited for it.”
The Count’s steward had dumped the work on Leslun, thinking him easy to use, and then stolen the credit for it.
When Leslun worked for the Count’s household, he had barely any time to take care of himself. He already had a weak constitution, and since everyone kept passing their work onto him, he had been forced to overwork himself daily.
Who would have thought that experience would prove useful in a moment like this.
Kailos let out a short, hollow laugh. He was glad to know the meaning of the secret signal, yet hearing Leslun speak so indifferently about it left a bitter taste in his mouth.
It was clear just how harshly Leslun had been treated in the Count’s estate.
“I don’t know whether to call that fortunate or not.”
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