Even though he is the fourth prince and far from the throne, royalty is still royalty. There was something pressing in the way he looked at Schwartz.
However, it disappeared so quickly that no one properly noticed.
“Ha ha, is that so?”
The laughter that followed could have been mocking the royal knights or belittling the weak, but once it stopped, Schwartz’s face showed embarrassment.
“Prince, please stay composed. There are others here.”
Seden, the chief of staff, tried to calm the fourth prince and gave me a look that expressed his discomfort.
Probably… cursing a lot inside.
Did you really have to say that?
Was there a need to make such a big deal out of it?
Well, something like that…
“Yes, Sir Schwartz certainly did that.”
I gave an even deeper smile.
It would be a shame to let it go too easily.
It’s not because I dislike Schwartz or want to upset him.
Moreover, he’s not a character I need to be concerned about; he’s just someone who’ll die shouting ‘the greatest swordsman’.
“Sir Schwartz seems to have not accepted the results of this recent evaluation because they came out so quickly.”
The reason I’m doing this is to find out who was involved in this evaluation.
Not only was my name added to a list I never applied for, but I also want to know who has the power to end an evaluation so quickly.
‘Then, that person must be a member of the Dawn Society.’
Since it was Tenellon’s order that got me involved.
The most suspicious person right now is the one right before my eyes, the chief of staff, Seden Orvian.
The chief of staff, who has close relations right next to the royalty.
If he had any influence, it’s only natural that this evaluation ended so quickly.
“The evaluation ended quickly… Sir Schwartz, is what Sir Julian saying true?”
Schwartz, looking embarrassed, slightly bowed his head.
Perhaps anticipating that lying would only complicate things, he faintly nodded.
“I apologize.”
“Really? You were disappointed with the results…”
Something about Ulysses’s tone made Seden’s expression shift from discomfort to outright annoyance.
At that moment, I was sure.
It was you, wasn’t it? The one who chose me?
I knew it. Seden is with the Dawn Society.
“Actually, I was the one who chose Sir Julian. If you’re disappointed with the results, you’ll need to give me a convincing explanation.”
What? This sudden development.
I hid my bafflement and turned my gaze to Ulysses.
The prince showed a mix of amusement, a hint of apology, and a look that said, ‘what are you going to do about it?’
Wasn’t it the chief of staff?
No, then…
‘Ulysses, the fourth prince, is with the Dawn Society?’
Thinking about it again, it was possible.
Being inadequate both in the line of succession and capability to ascend to the emperor’s throne, he is someone whom the Dawn Society could approach.
That’s why he would appoint this smiling psychopath as the captain of the guard.
‘But in the game, I don’t think I’ve ever seen this…’
Prince Ulysses, who had nothing to do with the Dawn Society, really couldn’t remember the developments related to it.
Ulysses was also a character who didn’t live very long.
Upon further reflection, if the Dawn Society, which opposes the imperial family, had the ‘prince’ card, they would surely make use of it.
Would they have just left him to die?
‘Could it be…’ Simply out of trust in ‘Julian’?
As these thoughts reached this point, my view of Ulysses changed.
Are you also a madman?
***
At the mention that Ulysses had personally selected me, Schwartz showed a flustered expression and hurriedly left the spot.
“Sir Julian, could you spare me a moment?”
I heard the prince’s voice as I watched Schwartz disappear.
“Yes, of course.”
It’s only natural.
How could I refuse the words of royalty?
Contrary to my obsequious thoughts, Julian’s posture was dignified, an exemplar for any knight.
“Let’s have a brief talk then. Finish up what you’re doing and come.”
Ulysses said he would wait in the secretary’s office and left with Seden.
A meeting, huh?
‘Is it related to the recent diplomatic corps?’
Probably so.
I can’t think of any other connection between the prince and me.
‘Julian was personally selected…’
Upon further thought, it wasn’t that strange.
Those who dislike Julian either despise his notorious reputation or tremble at the possibility that his sword might turn towards them.
The ‘Julian’ that the imperial family thinks of could be considered a ‘sharp sword’ or a ‘well-obedient hunting dog.’
‘Well, there’s nothing wrong with that.’
Thinking so, I left the office and headed to the secretary’s office where Ulysses was waiting.
***
“They are waiting for you, Sir Julian, this way inside.”
Upon arriving at the secretary’s office, one of the staff began to lead me to the director’s office.
As the door opened, Ulysses’s face came into view.
And.
“Miss Linne is also here.”
Linne Londebell, she was also waiting for me here.
“Yeah, I called her.”
Ulysses nodded, and I roughly guessed how this meeting came about.
‘Ah, so that’s why…’
And the fact that Ulysses chose me as the captain of the diplomatic corps’ escort.
“Let’s sit down before we talk.”
After Ulysses spoke, I sat right next to Linne.
She seemed a bit uncomfortable, but didn’t verbalize her discomfort.
Apparently, she was maintaining some decorum in front of the prince.
“It seems you’ve already spoken with the master.”
Trying to probe the prince, he looked slightly flustered.
“Right, how did you know?”
Ulysses, unlike other royals who are far from the line of succession to the throne and do not dislike ‘Sword Saint,’ is quite the opposite.
Rather, he might be holding onto the ‘Sword Saint’ as a lifeline for the succession to the throne.
“There aren’t many reasons for Miss Linne and I to be gathered here together.”
I didn’t ask how he had a conversation with a nobleman who had sought asylum in the Holy Nation.
Being a noble of royal blood, he would be able to use all sorts of facilities in the empire.
Even if far away, there would certainly be devices available for communication.
“It seems that selecting me as the captain of the diplomatic escort is also related to the master.”
“Hmm….”
Ulysses briefly murmured in response to my logical statement.
At that moment, Ulysses’s eyes slightly changed.
Should I say they sharpened?…
In a moment of surprise, it disappeared quickly, and soon, Ulysses began to subtly take my measure.
It’s quite strange that a royal would notice a mere citizen’s reaction, even though he is affiliated with the imperial exclusive agency.
“If I speak so directly, it might hurt Sir Julian’s pride, so I tried to phrase it more indirectly,” he said.
Wouldn’t a royal know about worldly affairs?
Obviously, Ulysses knew about the relationship between the Sword Saint and Julian.
That must have made it difficult for him to bring it up first.
This insane guy could act unpredictably upon hearing the name ‘Sword Saint.’
“My pride was already shattered the moment the master betrayed the empire.”
“If your pride was so easily shattered, it might as well not have existed,” Linne snapped back sharply, and I turned to look at her quietly.
“You defend Sir Hayden Reich, who has defected, as if you’re his favorite disciple. The master would really appreciate that.”
Linne looked at me sharply, then coughed lightly and composed her expression.
From her reaction, it seems she knows that ‘Sword Saint’ has now sought asylum in the Holy Nation.
“Right, as you just said, the decision to appoint Sir Julian as the captain of the guard was made after consulting with the Sword Saint.”
Consultation? What sort of consultation could there be with someone who has defected…
“When Hayden Reich asked who seemed unrelated to the Dawn Society, I had to think.”
I flinched.
As Ulysses uttered ‘Dawn Society’, my eyelids twitched involuntarily.
“What was that just now?”
“It’s nothing.”
Watching me, Linne looked at my face with a suspicious gaze.
‘Could this meeting have been prepared to check if I’m a member of the Dawn Society?’
Gulp.
I felt something hot slide down my throat.
It quickly turned into tension, causing sweat to run down my back.
‘Is this set up to verify if I’m part of the Dawn Society?’
It’s just a suspicion, but Linne might well know that I belong to the ‘Dawn Society’ since she mentioned overhearing a conversation with Alphas.
“Ahem.”
I cleared my throat, trying to calm my nerves.
“You must know what kind of people the Dawn Society are, Miss Linne, and Sir Julian, you must have heard the name ‘Dawn Society’ before, right?”
“Yes, of course.”
‘That cunning guy is one of the officers of the Dawn Society!’
Trembling with fear that Linne might say such a thing, I forced a smile.
“These are foolish people who defy the laws of the Empire and challenge the high authority of the royal family.”
“Ha ha, that’s right.”
Ulysses showed a small laugh but then became very serious.
“But, you know… lately, the movements of the Dawn Society have been unusual.”
What does he mean by unusual?
Suddenly, as Ulysses’s expression grew serious, tension began to rise again.
“According to the Security Bureau, there are several branches of the Dawn Society, and the heads of these branches have all gathered in the Capital.”
I knew that.
“Moreover, there are rumors that Gérard Oclean was a member of the Dawn Society. I’m not sure if the entire Oclean family is involved, but an investigation is underway.”
I knew that too.
“I couldn’t even imagine Sir Gérard being part of the Dawn Society.”
“I thought the same. However, I pretended not to know. If I said I knew, I would have to explain the process, and I didn’t know what kind of questioning I might receive.”
“Going with those madmen who wish for the destruction of the royal family to the Holy Nation is too dangerous. That’s why I asked the Sword Saint.”
“Are you talking about selecting someone who would not belong to the Dawn Society?”
“Since Hayden Reich has been chasing the Dawn Society for a while, I asked him to choose a suitable person.”
Ulysses’s actions reflected a strong trust in the Sword Saint. It’s strange that he trusts the Sword Saint so much, even though he has defected to a rival nation, but I can’t know all the thoughts of royalty.
But he was wrong. Although I’m not sincerely with the Dawn Society, I am currently a member.
“As expected! The master always has an accurate eye for people.”
I said, with the corners of my mouth rising slightly, but I barely held back a bursting laugh.
So far, this move by the Sword Saint has been the most helpful to me.
Although he is the fourth prince, he gave a hint noticeable enough to catch the eye of royalty.
“Right, he really is a great person. Sir Julian and Miss Linne, too, he has discovered people with tremendous talents.”
Ulysses spoke affirmatively, and then he started to speak again.
“In that vein, there is something I would like to ask of Sir Julian.”
“Yes, please speak.”
“Probably… if I arrive in the Holy Nation this time, I plan to meet the Sword Saint.”
As Ulysses said this, both he and Linne started to glance at me cautiously.
“It’s because I have a personal acquaintance. And during this visit, I hope to complete my journey in the Holy Nation without any incidents or accidents.”
The Sword Saint, having defected, is no longer protected by the laws of the empire.
It seems he is worried about Julian’s actions, who might want the Sword Saint’s head to prove himself.
Oh my. Worry is part of his fate.
Do I look crazy enough to fight the Sword Saint?
The ‘Sword Saint’ I know now might not necessarily beat the ‘Julian’ I know now.
“I understand what you mean.”
“I’m glad you understand quickly.”
Ulysses gave a bright smile and extended his hand. “Then, I’m counting on you, Captain of the Guard.”
***
Clatter, clatter─!
The train heading towards the border. Sitting in my seat, I looked out at the passing landscape and clicked my tongue inwardly at the familiar atmosphere. “It would be safer for Miss Linne to stay in the capital.”
Linne, with an awkward expression, glanced at me briefly. “The master said he has something to discuss.”
With that, she turned her head towards the window just like I did. I had somewhat guessed this. After all, in the secretary’s office, Ulysses had called not only me but also Linne.
“Is the prince in a private compartment?”
“Yes, he has been assigned a separate private compartment along with his attendants.”
“Indeed, royalty is different.”
This imperial train, with its expensive fare accessible only to nobles, offers VIP services. Among them, the highest level of service is available only to the ‘Royal Family’.
“You don’t seem very happy.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s a reunion with the master, but you don’t seem particularly happy.”
She pursed her lips and looked at me, who was smiling. Linne and Julian are both disciples of the same Sword Saint, but their attitudes towards him are completely different. Despite this, Linne’s face was not bright. It seems the Sword Saint’s sudden defection was also a shock to her.
“It’s just that I find this situation uncomfortable.”
Saying so, Linne turned her gaze back to the window.
“Even though Prince Ulysses is on board, the passengers are quiet.”
However, the uncomfortable silence didn’t last long, and Linne broke it by speaking up. Despite the presence of royalty, she was puzzled that the inside of the train wasn’t noisy.
“It’s better if it’s quiet.”
“Why?”
“It means there’s less for us to do. Maybe you should relax a bit, Miss Linne?”
“Huh?” Linne responded in a slightly flustered tone.
“Although we are escorting the prince, in the end, our job is the same. If an enemy appears, we fight. That’s all there is to it.”
‘It’s quite simple, isn’t it?’ I said this with a smile, implying the simplicity, and observed Linne’s face.
Saying this, she might respond with a grim face, calling it barbaric. Then an uncomfortable silence would start, and I might as well use that silence to catch some sleep.
“Right, I shouldn’t be tense.”
Linne took a deep breath and looked at me. “Thank you for your concern.”
Surprisingly, the atmosphere wasn’t as brusque as I expected. Well, it doesn’t matter. As expected, an awkward silence has settled, so I might as well close my eyes and rest.
‘Unless there’s a complete idiot, no fool would dare attack royalty… Shit. There is one.’
Through the train window, I spotted a familiar face. ‘Felkor?’ One of the ‘Monsignors’ of the Dawn Society, a particularly large fellow.
Before I joined the Dawn Society, he was the first one who had fallen to my hands.
‘Why are you here?’
Cliche Novel 