The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away

In the original story, Prince Kailos became engaged to Lady Miroi and expanded his influence through her ducal family. It was thanks to that alliance that he grew powerful enough to oppose the Empress’s maternal faction.

Following that path, as if it had all been predetermined, he ascended the throne, and Lady Miroi became the Empress.

That was what Leslun had disrupted.

Leslun knew that the moment he freed Lady Miroi, their fates had begun to diverge. From that point on, no bond, whether good or bad, had formed between Kailos and Lady Miroi. Ever since she entered the Academy, they had seemed even more distant.

It had been a marriage without love from the start. Since both of them met tragic ends, Leslun had always believed that was the right outcome.

But now, the broken story is returning to its original course.

The instant he sensed that, Leslun’s heart trembled faintly.

“Why… didn’t you tell the truth?”

He meant to sound composed, but his lips were dry, and his throat burned. The words stuck together inside his mouth like something sticky that refused to come out, yet he forced them out clearly.

His gaze was fixed solely on Lady Miroi. Because of that, he did not notice Prince Tarensiu watching him.

“I thought it would be better if it were me instead of you.”

Lady Miroi’s words were short and light, but if one looked deeper, they carried the weight of careful thought.

Sending only one aide in the ducal carriage had been her small gesture of kindness. But if she had said it plainly, the rumors that followed would have grown and twisted on their own.

Some people might exaggerate their vague relationship, turning it into gossip, while others might misunderstand her transfer to the Academy as a continuation of that connection.

Even knowing all those possibilities, she had chosen to conceal the truth and protect him.

She had become his shield.

He should have been grateful for her consideration, yet Leslun couldn’t bring himself to be.

The story he alone knew lingered like a thorn stuck under his fingernail.

It could not be pulled out, nor could he bury it deep and ignore it, because it was far too vivid.

“Thank you.”

Leslun bowed his head deeply, avoiding her eyes as he looked ahead.

Seeing the subdued air around him, Miroi parted her lips as if to speak but stopped. She watched him for a long moment before turning her head away.

***

When class ended, the students began to leave one by one.

The sound of chairs scraping, bags being lifted, and chatter fading filled the room. Yet amid the noise, Leslun sat still and silent.

Perhaps because his stillness seemed unusually heavy, several passing students glanced his way. Their eyes then shifted to Lady Miroi and Prince Tarensiu.

But both of them remained where they were, as if waiting for Leslun. Eventually, everyone left, leaving only the three of them behind.

“You have something to say, don’t you?”

It was Miroi who spoke first. During the entire lecture, she hadn’t looked at Leslun even once, but now she faced him directly.

Her tone was calm, but there was a trace of caution in her eyes that she couldn’t hide. She had realized that the rumor had upset Leslun, yet instead of questioning him, she gave him the chance to speak first.

At the same time, she was subtly aware of Prince Tarensiu, who was listening in the same room. He sat perfectly still, not even blinking.

Leslun lowered his gaze briefly before looking up at Lady Miroi again.

He had thought about it all through class. Now that his inner conflict had settled, he spoke evenly.

“Would you be able to spare some time tonight?”

“At night?”

Her voice wavered slightly. Perhaps it was because of the particular nuance carried by the word “night.” After a brief hesitation, she seemed to steady herself.

“His Highness the Crown Prince will be present as well.”

“Then will Robin be there too?”

It seemed she had finally realized why Leslun had asked to meet.

“I can’t be certain.”

Lady Miroi’s expression darkened visibly. Then, as if resigned, she gave a small nod.

“All right, I’ll see you tonight.”

Leslun took out a neatly folded piece of paper he had prepared in advance. On it were written the time and place. He handed it to her, and without a word, Lady Miroi accepted it.