TESL 08

Chapter 08

“So, you were here. I’ve finally found you.”

Huh? That voice… it sounded familiar.

I sniffled lightly and tilted my head. Where had I heard it before? Actually… I’d heard it this very morning.

Wasn’t it the voice of the one who had given me the Elmu boots and the bracelet I was wearing?

“…Sir, weren’t you supposed to enter the palace after one o’clock today? What are you doing here?”

“Your Majesty—no, rather, everyone in the palace has been worried about you. After breakfast, you disappeared without revealing your destination. Even the second-class officials of the civil and military departments were called in for emergency assembly at the palace. Everyone is searching for you.”

The voice was formally businesslike, sharp and precise—but it was definitely my brother.

“Brother!”

I couldn’t help myself and called out, peeking my head from behind Lubelus’s back.

As expected, it was Elfin. But… he looked different.

His attire was nothing like the uniform he had worn when he first departed. Even his hair was styled differently.

Earlier, his bangs had fallen softly across his forehead. Now, his entire forehead was exposed, slicked back with pomade.

Over his uniform, he wore another layer—a ceremonial sash. And on the right side of his chest, gleaming in the sunlight, was the Gold Merit Medal, the highest honor one could receive for military achievement.

And two silver epaulet cords ran from his shoulder to his chest.

Two cords—awarded only to generals or equivalent high-ranking military positions.

“Brother… a general?”

What… is this?

My mouth fell open. I was so shocked I completely stopped crying. His uniform looked exactly like those worn by the minister of war and his direct subordinates in the old palace.

Was my brother really that high-ranking now? Or was I seeing things?

Of course, I knew he had been friends with His Highness, Lubelus, and had sided with him despite Father’s opposition. I had even heard that three years ago he became deputy commander of the royal knight corps. But when had he become the commander?

At home, neither Father nor Brother ever spoke of it. And having been cooped up in the mansion for the past three years, I had no way of knowing.

“Sir Wildenbiston, glad you came.”

Just as I was about to call him again, Lubelus, who was blocking my path, spoke.

“I was taking a morning walk, reflecting on the heavy responsibilities that lie ahead… when I happened upon Lady Wildenbiston. It seems there was a misunderstanding—but perhaps it’s the same misunderstanding you are aware of, so I thought I should clarify.”

Lubelus’s low, rich voice was gentle, almost tender. Listening to it, I felt as if I could melt into it.

I couldn’t help but gaze at his back in awe. Truly, he was remarkable. Even his explanations were clear and precise.

…but something was strange. Why did Elfin’s face look pale? He even took a step back.

“It seems this is a misunderstanding I also know of. I will explain it to you later, Aira.”

“Brother.”

Elfin reached out his hand to me. I felt a surge of relief. I nodded, quickly moving from behind Lubelus’s back toward him.

Crack.

Something snapped.

What was that? Startled, I turned back for a moment. Lubelus stood there, smiling kindly, gesturing toward me.

What had I just heard? A branch breaking? Or something similar…?

“Aira, go now. Lady and Viscount Delion are looking for you.”

Elfin urged me, his tone far firmer than before. Of course, I shouldn’t have been here in the first place.

“Mm.”

I nodded and, though my feet felt heavy, began to walk away. I could feel their gazes on my back as I moved.

I might get scolded by Brother later—but at least I would ask him not to tell Father.

Wait a moment.

Peeking beyond the bushes, as I turned toward the main palace, I glanced back.

“Your Majesty.”

“….”

The emperor, who had been watching Elfin, turned his gaze toward me. His violet eyes, even deeper than before, locked on me.

It seemed to carry far more emotion than earlier—but I could not understand it. After all, I had no right to interpret His Majesty’s feelings.

Still, I had to say this. Clenching my fists, I summoned my courage.

“Your Majesty, please rest assured.”

“…Huh?”

I saw Lubelus’s brow twitch in surprise. Had I started too boldly? I licked my lips and hurriedly spoke.

“Please, don’t worry, Your Majesty. I’ve completely given up on you. Today, even if you smiled at me, it won’t make my heart flutter again. I know why you smiled—you smiled because I gave up my unrequited love, didn’t I? I kept my distance, so this is your way of commending me, right?”

I sniffled, raising both fists to show my resolve to him and to Elfin.

“I’ll also keep your secret. I really will. I haven’t told anyone, and I won’t say a word in the future.”

It was sincere. I think now I understood what His Majesty meant when he asked if I knew the meaning of his gesture earlier—he probably just wanted me to quietly pretend I didn’t.

Ah… see? As soon as I moved a few steps behind His Majesty, reason returned to me.

I nodded firmly.

“Today, I will quietly watch over Your Majesty’s coronation from behind. I no longer like you. I won’t appear at the palace anymore.”

“Lady Wildenbiston.”

Today, more than ever, Lubelus cut me off coldly.

“…Yes?”

“It’s better if you leave now. Return safely to the palace.”

His tone had completely changed—formal, businesslike. He addressed me as Lady Wildenbiston.

Even stranger, his expression was unreadable—his mouth twisted oddly, neither a smile nor a frown.

“…Yes.”

I blinked rapidly and mechanically began walking. I must have startled him with my prompt reply.

Still, I reassured him at least. For a moment, I was the very image of a mature lady. Thanks to that, my steps toward the palace felt lighter.

I just hoped he hadn’t noticed me sniffle earlier.

I sighed deeply, gripping my dress. Whatever the case, I needed to hurry back.

The moment Aira disappeared from view, Lubelus transformed into a demon.

At least, that’s how Elfin saw him.

The mask of a desperate smile had long shattered. Lubelus glared at Elfin, his face cold, his eyes burning.

“…Explain.”

Elfin remained calm, his expression unchanged, taking a deep breath despite Lubelus’s deadly tone.

“Aira doesn’t know that Your Majesty has been giving her gifts.”

“Why not?”

“…Because I didn’t tell her, Your Majesty.”

Elfin’s blue eyes flashed sharply as he faced Lubelus. Lubelus’s presence was so fierce and cutting that it would have been difficult for anyone to keep up.

But Elfin did not step back, no matter how imposing Lubelus was.

Elfin Wildenbiston.

Usually slow-witted, known only for his training and swordsmanship, nicknamed “the Bear.”

Unlike his father, he had no political flexibility, but he was fiercely loyal to the nation and extremely discreet—he never leaked military secrets, even to his father.

This was why Lubelus trusted him.

His close friend, a loyal subject, and potentially his blade—he had supported Elfin all this time.

Thus, Elfin believed utterly that he could be relied on in “this matter.”

Then it happened.

Elfin bit his lower lip, suddenly dropped to both knees.