WCMP 15

chapter 15

Even while suspecting it, words of agreement came from Arban’s mouth.

“Very well. I will accept your proposal. If we find the Holy Sword, the ownership will be mine, and in return, I will teach Prince Robert swordsmanship.”

Just as she had said, it was a win‑win situation. It only required time and effort.

“If I refuse, he might really go to the Emperor next.”

She wasn’t openly defying the Emperor, but she had no intention of leaving him with power he didn’t deserve.

As for other minor issues, there was the fact that an unmarried man and woman were traveling together… but that was something that could be handled with just a little caution.

The current Emperor was more wary of Arban than of her younger brother, the former Grand Duke.

Publicly, Arban was praised as a war hero, but she knew the Emperor watched him more carefully than anyone else.

A talented magician and capable Emperor, unlike her brother, was thorough and methodical.

He had removed her bothersome brother, the former Grand Duke, from the battlefield and placed Arban in that position.

The intention was clear. He would also eliminate Arban if he became a problem.

But Arban had survived every battle and won them all.

The Emperor no longer interfered with him and treated him as a war hero. The reason was simple:

“It benefits the royal family more if I stay alive.”

Once the territories acquired through past wars stabilized, he would move again.

For that time, the Emperor tolerated her presence.

He was someone who would use any means necessary to maintain power.

Arban himself was included in those means.

Even so, the Emperor never let down his guard toward Arban.

And if Arban were ever deemed useless, it was obvious he would again face a threat to his life.

As a warning, the Emperor had poisoned Arban’s mother while he wielded a sword on the battlefield.

Because of this, Arban’s mother passed away shortly after his return.

If Arban voluntarily brought the Holy Sword to the Emperor, it was clear that such strict surveillance and pressure would be reduced.

But.

“I don’t want to.”

She would rather destroy the existence of the Holy Sword than hand it over just to avoid trouble.

Previously, she had been cautious because there was something to lose, but now it was different.

The Holy Sword made Arban think too much just by existing.

“Whatever happens, I can decide after getting it in my hands.”

He forcibly cut off the chain of thoughts that kept trailing.

“You really thought this through! Our child is kind and smart, so it will be worth teaching him.”

Rielly quickly replied, fearing Arban might reject her words.

“By the way, when should we depart? I’m always at home, so my schedule is fine, but when is convenient for Your Highness?”

“The mine is located about halfway through the mountain range. It will take at least ten days round trip, and once we enter the mountains, we won’t be able to use a carriage.”

“Ah, don’t worry about that!”

“And above all… we will need to camp along the way. Is that alright?”

“Yes, I’m not picky about sleeping arrangements. Also, no need for attendants. It’s best to travel quickly with the minimum number of people.”

“I don’t know when your arm might fall off, so I want to move as fast as possible.”

She also worried about leaving Amon alone for several days.

Suppressing those thoughts, Rielly smiled at Arban.

She was relieved he trusted her words without suspicion, though part of her worried that he was too naive.

Arban was momentarily speechless at Rielly’s straightforward answer.

The young lady was far more unpredictable than he expected.

Both were unmarried and of marriageable age.

She had asked whether traveling together was truly okay, and her answer carried no concern at all.

But it would be silly to argue further when she said it was fine.

Arban had wanted to warn her that camping might be tougher than she imagined but stopped himself.

No matter what he said, it would not sink in until she faced it herself.

“I must prioritize the lady’s convenience and prepare accordingly.”

After assessing the schedule and timing, Arban spoke:

“…In that case, please give me three days. I will prepare the necessary supplies and people.”

“Thank you. I’ll wait.”

“Understood. I will come for you in the morning, three days from now.”

Arban quietly observed Rielly’s purely happy expression.

“I’ll talk to my father, so you only need to say a few words,” she said.

Arban, who had been unconsciously watching her face, reflexively responded:

“I don’t think the Duke will easily agree…”

“That doesn’t matter. If he refuses… well, we’ll go regardless.”

Rielly Rober was no longer a sheltered flower who had grown up entirely within the Duke’s mansion.

She was an adult who had lived longer than the original Rielly.

Biologically, her father was the Duke, but she would not let him make any decisions.

“If the Duke doesn’t allow it, I have no choice but to proceed anyway.”

Now that this was her life, it was hers alone.

She knew her thinking was selfish.

But she could not waste this new chance at life.

She felt some guilt toward the original Rielly but that was no reason to obey the Duke as the old Rielly had.

Life was too short to only do what others wanted.

Rielly, unaware of the look in Arban’s eyes beside her, led the way to the mansion.

*

Arban and I entered the reception room, leaving the gradually graying garden behind.

With a lighter heart, we began to draft the contract without hesitation.

Verbal agreements are rarely favorable to both sides.

I would reveal the location of the Holy Sword, and the one who found it would own it, while he would serve as Amon’s swordsmanship teacher. We signed the brief contract and exchanged copies.

When I asked what compensation he wanted if the Holy Sword wasn’t found, Arban simply shook his head.

He said even if it wasn’t found, no compensation was needed.

I asked again if he was really okay with that, and his answer was the same.

“Goodness, a Grand Duke so naïve about the world!”

He looked capable and sharp, not someone to be underestimated, yet he agreed to a contract that could cost him.

A complete contrast between appearance and action.

I shook my head at how this man, who blindly trusted my absurd words, would survive in the harsh world.

Then I noticed the garden lights outside and remembered:

I had forgotten that nights here came earlier than in Korea.

“Oh, it’s already dark outside. It might be dangerous to return at night. How about staying here?”

There were empty rooms, and we could eat breakfast with Amon in the morning. My little brother is small, cute, and kind…

Arban gently shook his head:

“Thank you, but I have an important schedule tomorrow morning.”

I could imagine the scene of us greeting each other in the morning… but he had work, so I didn’t press.

“Then I have no choice. I’ll just escort you to the front.”

When I smiled as if disappointed, Arban answered after a short pause:

“…Then, I’ll leave it to you.”

Satisfied, he waited for me to rise.

I hesitated but placed my hand on his arm, and we walked slowly.

As befits a wealthy Duke, the mansion, including the front yard, was lit with magical lamps, making the path bright.

The lighting allowed me to admire his face without obstruction.

The shadows cast by the lamps added a different charm from daytime, and I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

“Really handsome…”

Since it was late and no servants were around, walking through the garden together felt like a couple on a night stroll.

I smiled at the pleasant thought.

Time always seemed to pass faster when I wished it to slow.

Soon, we reached the waiting carriage, and Arban held out his hand as before.

Now, I knew what that hand meant.

I placed my hand in his without hesitation.

He gently lifted it and silently kissed it.

As he held my hand and lifted his head slightly, my blue eyes reflected in his gaze, flickering like blue flames in the light.

“Sorry for the late hour. I shall visit again. Have a good night.”

“…Yes, Your Highness. Have a good night as well, and take care.”

The day had passed in an instant.

Since we would meet again in a few days, I brushed off the remaining attachment and returned to the mansion with light steps.

With the Arban matter resolved, I thought to go see the Duke and tell him we would head to the mountain range together.

“I’m not eager, but… he’s the only protector of this body, so I should inform him.”

It was late but not yet bedtime.

Moreover, I was sure the workaholic Duke would not be in bed yet.

Approaching his office, I saw a servant waiting by the door.

As I stopped, the servant bowed and informed the Duke of my arrival, then opened the door.

“It’s me, Rielly.”

“Our Rielly is here. Come in.”

Even with my sudden visit, the Duke smiled as before.

I froze for a moment, surprised that his attitude hadn’t changed.

“Is he truly unaffected, or just pretending?”