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Chapter 23
The Invisible Line
“P-please, you first, Marquis.”
“Ahem. Staying in the barracks… must be very uncomfortable. I’ve arranged separate lodgings for you, so starting today, move there.”
Kailian spoke in a deliberately casual tone, his eyes averted.
“Oh? But I’m not uncomfortable at all.”
“Not uncomfortable? Hah! Surrounded by men like that… Ahem. It’s because of your wrist, so no more arguing. Just do as I say.”
“Because of… my wrist?”
“Yes. Even washing… wouldn’t it be inconvenient?”
“Washing? Ah, bathing?”
“Y-yes…”
“I don’t bathe, though.”
“…What?”
“Well, living among a bunch of smelly men, what’s the point? As long as I wash my face, that’s enough. Hahaha.”
What the… Is she doing this on purpose, or is she really that clueless…?
“From now on, use my bathroom. I’ll bathe elsewhere when you’re using it.”
“What? Oh, no, you don’t have to go that far…”
A sudden, ominous thought flashed across her mind.
Wait… Didn’t the head maid say it’s his first time keeping a new knight close? And he suddenly told me to serve him? Now a separate room, sharing the bath… W-wait! Don’t tell me his tastes are… that way?
Himena’s expression grew serious.
In the novel, it ends with “Kailian and Ines lived happily ever after.” But it never says what happened later! What if… while living with Ines, he suddenly awakens to a new identity… “My true taste is pretty boys!” and turns… Gasp!
Clatter!
Himena slammed her teacup down.
“W-what’s wrong?”
You sly fox!
She hugged her body with both arms and glared suspiciously. Kailian froze, his own cup halfway to his lips.
“Why… are you looking at me like that all of a sudden?”
“Marquis.”
“What?”
“I respect everyone’s… personal tastes.”
“What? Wh-where is this coming from?”
“But given the times we live in, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t cross the line, considering the eyes and ears of society.”
“C-cross the line?”
“I am now the most beloved pretty boy in Acticos. Everyone adores me—even children! You saw yesterday, didn’t you? I’m more popular than you. All eyes and ears in the community are on me. So please abandon any… unrealistic dreams of monopolizing me.”
What on earth is this woman saying…
Kailian was so dumbfounded he couldn’t even reply.
“Well then, to protect the invisible line drawn between us, I shall take my leave.”
Still hugging herself, Himena stood up carefully.
“W-where are you going?”
“You said you’d give me another room, didn’t you? I’m going to fetch my things. But let me make it absolutely clear—just because I accepted your offer does not, absolutely never, ever, mean I’ve granted permission to cross that line! I declare it here and now.”
“No, that’s not what I—”
“Then, I’ll be off.”
She bowed politely and darted out of his office.
“H-ha? P-pretty boy? Invisible… line?”
Every time Kailian was with her, his thoughts got scrambled.
“I don’t understand a word she says… Sip—ah, hot! Damn it…”
“Your Majesty, Prince Diego requests an audience.”
“The prince? Let him in.”
In the office of Emperor Xenos of the Kerdem Empire.
Diego, the third prince who had just turned twenty, had been bright and valiant since childhood, dearly loved by the emperor. The second prince had died young due to illness, and two years later, when Diego was born, the emperor’s joy was immense—especially since the crown prince, Felix, had long disappointed him.
From childhood Felix shunned books and martial training, only obsessed with food. As an adult he grew fat and indulged in debauchery, showing no sign of a future heir. Still, that alone was not enough to strip him of his title. The empress doted on Felix—who resembled her—and so the emperor had no choice but to name him crown prince, though his heart always leaned toward Diego.
“I greet Your Majesty.”
“Come in, Diego.”
With shining golden hair and eyes, Diego’s appearance had only grown more dazzling as he matured, earning him admiration wherever he went.
“To see you working at this late hour, Father, I can’t help but worry about your health.”
“Hahaha. Don’t worry. I don’t tire that easily. But what brings you here so late at night?”
“I have something important to consult you about.”
“Very well, speak.”
“Father, I am already twenty years old, am I not?”
“Haha, indeed. This winter, I’ll see to it that your birthday is celebrated more grandly than ever.”
“Thank you, Father. That is why… I wish to find a lifelong companion, and I came to seek your guidance.”
“Oh? So you’ve already found a lady who caught your heart?”
“Yes, Father.”
“Really? How delightful! I’m curious to know who this charming lady is. Tell me, from which house is she?”
“She is Lady Himena Sylvester of House Sylvester.”
“W-what!?”
“Wah!”
“Careful there, knight!”
A farmer quickly caught Himena when she nearly tripped on a tree root.
“Thank you, sir.”
Kailian, who had instinctively reached out too, withdrew his hand awkwardly and scolded instead.
“You’re so careless.”
They were out inspecting the birch forest where townsfolk harvested chaga mushrooms.
“Hoho, watch your step, pretty boy knight, or you’ll ruin that handsome face.”
“Haha, don’t worry! I may look like this, but I’m an official candidate knight of the Red Moon Order. A little mountain path is nothing!”
Himena cheerfully reassured the villagers.
Because chaga, one of Acticos’s specialties, was often harvested near Kataraets where magical beasts lurked, knights always accompanied the villagers. This time, senior knights were on guard, and since Kailian himself joined the inspection, Himena insisted on tagging along.
“Don’t boast. Stick close to me. Instead of protecting villagers, I’ll end up having to protect you.”
“Tch, it was just one little stumble…”
She muttered, sulking at his cold words.
While the villagers hacked mushrooms from tree trunks, the knights stood watch with drawn swords. Beside Kailian, Himena asked:
“Marquis, what do magical beasts look like?”
“Never seen one?”
“No, not yet.”
“Why? Want to?”
“Not exactly want to, but… I’m curious.”
“They vary too much to describe, but usually look like fused animals. A bear and a boar, or a snake and a wolf. Some don’t even keep a fixed shape.”
“Ah, I see.”
“But they’re always massive and vicious. That’s why magic stones are necessary. Kataraets is central, so it’s impossible for knights to guard every village nonstop. That’s why we build barriers with stones.”
Since becoming lord, Kailian had established a great cross-shaped path through Kataraets using magic stones. Sometimes beasts broke through, but overall it eased trade and travel across nations, so even Emperor Xenos could not treat him lightly.
“Oh? So that’s chaga? Wow, it’s so ugly. Looks like a chunk of coal!”
“Do you judge everything only by looks, pretty boy?”
Kailian folded his arms and smirked down at her.
“Why are you picking a fight again, Marquis? I was just about to say—even if it’s ugly, as long as it tastes good, that’s what matters. Same with me! You underestimated me for being small, and look how that turned out.”
“What? You dare bring that up again? That was you—”
“Hahaha! He’s right! Even if ugly, chaga has great effects. And just like that, underestimating someone small can land you flat on your back. Hahaha.”
“Ahem.”
The mention of that kick made Kailian redden and fall silent.
“Sir, may I try harvesting one?”
“Hoho, if you wish. But it’s firmly rooted, so be careful.”
Tired of only watching, Himena grabbed a hammer and chisel.
“You’ll just hurt your other wrist. Better stop.”
“Oh come on, I came all the way here. Gotta at least try something! Experience the real thing!”
“Good grief…”
Ignoring his warning, she pounded awkwardly with her left hand—her right was still feigning injury. It didn’t go well, so she braced one foot on the tree and yanked hard.
“Ah!”
The mushroom popped loose, sending her sprawling—straight into Kailian, who had been standing behind.
“Huh? The ground feels soft?”
“Ugh… Hermes…”
She had fallen right into his arms.
“Hahaha! The pretty boy knight toppled the marquis again!”
“Turns out our marquis’s nemesis is a pretty boy knight! Hohoho.”
“You two look good together!”
“Sigh… Honestly.” Kailian tried to rise.
“S-sorry…”
Turning in his arms, Himena’s face ended up only inches from his own.
