The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away

“I came early just in case.”

Leslun, still tense, gestured for her to follow him.

Miroi didn’t move, as if lost in thought. When Leslun, who had started walking first, noticed she wasn’t following, he turned back to her.

“It’s just the two of us.”

It was a line that could have been either a joke or a dangerous truth.

Leslun’s expression stiffened noticeably. He didn’t protest that it wasn’t like that, nor did he look offended. He only seemed to be quietly reflecting on the situation as it was.

Even Miroi, who had spoken, was taken aback by his reaction.

“Is it true?”

She asked again, half in disbelief. But before Leslun could answer, his gaze shifted past her to another direction. Realizing that, Miroi turned around just as someone else appeared.

“I came to keep watch.”

“Robin…”

“Shh.”

When Miroi’s voice started to rise, Robin quickly hushed her and nodded toward the path ahead.

“Go on.”

Satisfied enough just by seeing Robin, Miroi said nothing more and followed after Leslun. Leslun’s expression grew darker with every step.

Each time he saw where Lady Miroi’s heart seemed to lean, an ache settled deep in his chest.

Leslun entered the building where the dining hall was located. The door, which should have been locked, slid open smoothly, as if welcoming them.

Inside, Kailos waved his hand, having opened it from within.

“You brought her?”

At the Crown Prince’s gentle voice, Leslun felt a sudden urge to cry for reasons he couldn’t explain.

Leslun had never intended to ruin the story. At every moment, he had done his best for himself and for the people precious to him. He had convinced himself that those efforts would lead to a better future for everyone.

Even so, if Lady Miroi and the Crown Prince were meant to end up together, was it truly something he could not change, no matter what he did?

It was a question he had asked himself throughout the entire lecture, and yet he still hadn’t found an answer. Instead of dwelling on what he couldn’t resolve, he decided to focus on what he could do.

First, he would track down the weapons being smuggled in through the trading company.

Perhaps it was just an excuse, but concentrating on that issue helped him forget the rest.

Fortunately, Kailos had also agreed that this matter should take priority. Since it was something happening within the academy, it hadn’t been difficult to bring Lady Miroi into the plan as well.

Because of that, explaining the operation to her was easy. Working together toward the same goal even felt strangely natural.

But still… Was it really fine to just stand by and watch like this?

More than anything, what Leslun wanted to keep for himself was the Crown Prince’s gentle smile—the one he shared so easily with others.

Leslun looked at the hand Kailos held out to him, then took it. The soft pull of his grip had become familiar by now.

Lady Miroi followed behind the two of them.

“From now on, we’ll be searching for something hidden here.”

“What exactly are we looking for?”

“Anything suspicious.”

Kailos replied casually. His tone might have sounded indifferent, as though he didn’t expect much from Miroi, but that wasn’t really the case.

“As you know, we don’t have exact information.”

There were only signs suggesting that weapons had been transported, but that alone wasn’t proof. Miroi felt the same frustration he did.

“So we’re only looking for what’s visible?”

Kailos shrugged lightly at her question.

“Can’t be sure of that either. We’ll search anything that looks suspicious, as I said.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Leslun handed her something he had been holding—a candle lantern to light the dark.

“If it becomes dangerous, please put out the flame.”

Despite his warning, Miroi accepted the lantern with a faintly regretful look.

“If we need a lookout, I have my escort knight as well.”

“It’s better for just the four of us to move together.”

When Kailos shook his head and replied, Miroi looked disappointed for only a moment before tilting her head in confusion.

“But there are three of us.”

Her question drew mixed reactions—Kailos looked displeased, while Leslun seemed troubled. Then Miroi realized why. From the shadows, another man stepped forward.

“Prince Tarensiu.”

Why was a foreign prince with them?

“I gave my permission.”

Kailos explained kindly, though his expression made it clear he had done so unwillingly.

“He asked for a deal.”