The Villain’s Aide Has Run Away

Tarensiu knew that Leslun would be meeting with Miroi.

He did not know the exact time or place, but that was not a problem. All he had to do was go to Crown Prince Kailos and say that he wanted to join them.

He was already attending the academy, so his continued presence there would not raise suspicion. However, once he presented a document bearing the royal seal, things changed. That authority carried far more weight than mere words.

Still, Kailos did not seem pleased. Though he accepted it, the subtle stiffness of his expression and the cold air surrounding him revealed his displeasure.

Prince Tarensiu, on the other hand, appeared completely unconcerned. In fact, he calmly proposed a deal.

“If the four of us move together, we’ll surely draw attention.”

He even voiced his own thoughts about how it might look if all four traveled together.

Kailos crossed his arms, his expression one of weighing his options. The tension on Leslun’s face grew as he watched the situation unfold beside him.

If possible, he did not want a foreign prince to learn that something troublesome was happening within the academy. Rather, he thought it necessary to watch him closely so he would not uncover any crucial evidence.

That was not the only thing troubling him. After a brief hesitation, Leslun bit his lip tightly.

“I…”

At his quiet voice, the three others turned their gazes toward him.

“I will accompany the prince.”

For a moment, Kailos’s brow furrowed slightly.

“Are you suggesting we split into pairs?”

“That way, we can move more discreetly.”

“In that case, wouldn’t it be better for you to go with me?”

Kailos’s tone carried faint discontent at the idea of not being paired with Leslun. As he said, since they were the ones most desperate to find the weapons, that would have been best. Yet Leslun remained silent, clearly standing by his proposal.

After a brief silence, Kailos let out a long sigh.

“Go ahead.”

Lady Miroi glanced at Leslun, then turned away.

Once the two of them were alone, Leslun looked at Prince Tarensiu.

“I apologize for asking belatedly. Would it be alright for me to accompany you?”

“That’s what I wanted.”

With that short yet firm reply, Leslun gestured in the direction opposite of where the crown prince had gone.

“Let’s go.”

It was less of a guide and more of a lead. As Leslun began to walk, Prince Tarensiu naturally moved to his side, matching his pace. The faint presence beside him made Leslun exhale a quiet sigh without realizing it.

Instead of actively searching the surroundings, Leslun moved toward a more open area.

From Tarensiu’s point of view, it looked as though they were heading somewhere pleasant, but he chose not to voice that thought.

Meanwhile, once the two disappeared from sight, Kailos’s steps slowed until he stopped altogether.

“Why?”

“Are you prepared to search diligently?”

Though his tone was calm, there was a probing undercurrent in Kailos’s question.

Miroi did not fully understand his intent but nodded.

“I’ll search.”

Since she had offered to help, she did not intend to act halfheartedly. Her desire to be useful was sincere.

“You’d rather have a different partner than me, wouldn’t you?”

At Kailos’s teasing remark, Miroi’s face brightened.

“Of course.”

“Then how about the two of you go together?”

When Kailos gestured, Miroi slightly bowed her head in acknowledgment, then hurried off. Upon realizing that her footsteps echoed, she quickly slowed down.

After giving Kailos an awkward smile, she left. Seeing her meet up with Robin, Kailos’s lips curved faintly.

“I suppose I’ll be more motivated if I’m with my aide.”

At this rate, finding the hidden weapons tonight seemed unlikely. Kailos began to walk slowly in the direction Leslun had gone.

***

Though they had come secretly, walking through the empty academy in the middle of the night felt almost like taking a stroll.

The moonlight was bright enough that they hardly needed the lantern to see their way.

“Are you enjoying this?”

The prince’s low voice suddenly broke the silence. Leslun turned his head.

The moonlight traced along the prince’s face, softening his usual expression and making him seem almost like a different person.

Perhaps he was asking about academy life.

“Yes, I enjoy it.”

In truth, Leslun lost track of time just by attending classes. Each new lesson sparked his curiosity, and by the time he left the lecture hall, his mind always felt full of energy.