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Chapter 12
Killian:
“Huh? Father returned to the domain…?”
Servant:
“Yes, Your Highness. Sir, he won’t be back for at least a month and a half.”
Killian was stunned—the Duke had left the estate without warning. From childhood he’d been told, “It’s your duty to go guard the Whistle Wall.” So Killian assumed one day he’d fulfill that legacy. But this sudden departure blindsided him completely.
Servant:
“He left to attend to matters at the Whistle Wall. The Deputy Head will manage in his stead, so you needn’t worry—just continue your daily life.”
Whether it was kindness or indifference, Killian felt relieved.
He’d been anxious—Celestia had suggested going on a group trip, but without the Duke’s permission he had hesitated. Adelaide readily agreed, which made him even more nervous—but with the Duke absent, approval from the Deputy Head seemed possible.
Accompanied by the steward, Killian visited the Duke’s office. Duke Märchen may have abused him in private, but publicly he always presented Killian as his heir. With Duke Märchen gone, no one in the household could deny Killian’s role in the family.
The only insiders who might know the truth dare not act—they had to maintain appearances.
“My lord!”
Seated in the Deputy Duke’s seat was Count Marik Tolquie, a senior vassal of the Märchen clan.
Tolquie belonged to a prestigious merchant family dealing in fine spices and salt—a household deeply trusted within the empire.
Tolquie:
“A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness.”
Killian:
“You too, sir.”
Tolquie, quietly sorting documents, smiled warmly without shock at Killian’s presence.
Tolquie:
“I’m fine as always, but Your Highness seems more confident—your presence glows.”
Killian noticed himself sharper, more assured—especially after spending time with Princess Celestia. Whatever worries lingered before, now seemed groundless.
Tolquie:
“What brings you here today, Your Highness?”
Only then did Killian recall his purpose—he faltered before speaking, guilt making him nervous. Tolquie waited patiently.
Killian:
“It’s about the trip Princess Celestia mentioned… but without the Duke here, I wasn’t sure who to ask for permission.”
Tolquie:
“Lady Adelaide Lewendiff is accompanying you—but your baedong status gives me pause about refusing the princess.”
Count Tolquie paused, smiled, and-playfully offered:
Tolquie:
“Shall I refuse for you, my lord?”
This surprised Killian, who blinked in disbelief. Tolquie laughed.
Tolquie:
“Good to see you acting like a boy your age again, Your Highness.”
Killian hesitated.
Tolquie’s Explanation:
Tolquie explained that due to being baedong—visiting the palace every other day—Killian worked oddly hard to keep up academics at home. His tutor, Alex, Tolquie’s second son, reported this. Tolquie and Alex felt protective of the heavy burden Killian carried despite being only seven.
Seeing that Killian himself wanted to go on the trip—even asking politely—they felt it would be wrong to refuse. Tolquie isn’t a Duke, after all; there was no power to overrule orders. He welcomed the trip allowance as his duty.
Tolquie:
“Since the princess is going, you’ll need no escort—or do you?”
Killian:
“Sir… really—may I go?”
Tolquie:
“Of course. Go enjoy yourself fully.”
Killian looked uncertain—it was so easy to receive approval.
Tolquie:
“When will you leave?”
Killian:
“Day after tomorrow… for about fifteen days, I think.”
Tolquie:
“And the destination?”
Killian:
“It’s to a royal villa—I’m not familiar with the name…”
Tolquie scratched his beard, offering a theory:
Tolquie:
“Possibly near Deaark—a new imperial villa sits there.”
Killian:
“That’s right! Thank you, Count Tolquie.”
Tolquie:
“You’ll need to pack now—you’ll be busy with lessons tomorrow.”
Killian:
“Yes—thank you. I’ll… I’ll leave now.”
He hurried out awkwardly—paused—
Killian:
“Oh! Thank you, Count Tolquie.”
Blushing, he bowed and exited the office. Tolquie watched with a patient smile.
Meanwhile—Back in the carriage…
“Let’s go! Departure now!” I settled into plush cushions; with galloping hooves and creaking wheels, we set off. Liz, Killian, and Adelaide—none could hide their excitement. The weather was fine, we were happy, and I found myself humming in delight.
Me:
“This will be fun, right?”
Killian & Adelaide:
“Yes, Princess!”
“Really?”
Sense the energy rising!
Though it appears to be a cute friendship trip, it’s actually an investment mission.
My decision was impulsive—but deliberate.
Deaark is a small land given as my seventh birthday gift by the Emperor. I’d asked for it; I got a villa too—more than I expected, and surgeries much smoother for it.
With untouched, rich nature, Deaark appears as lush forest from inland—but I know from the story: this land conceals treasure.
Legend says Deaark is blessed by gods—every living thing houses divine breath. Fruit tastes hundreds of times sweeter, herbs have the most potency. This royal “salt land” yields golden-hued salt known to revive bland food—aptly the empire’s finest seasoning.
Not only that: Deaark salt is superb medicine—for skin, ailments, throat… even colds. I know it sounds like a scam—but the original author wrote it that way, so there you go.
Plan: We mine and sell this salt. My new source of wealth.
This trip is essentially a business inspection.
Liz, quietly:
“Your Highness, the trip to Deaark will take some time. Let me know if you feel uncomfortable—same for the youngsters.”
Me:
“Thanks, Liz. Are you okay, Killian? Adelaide? The opposite direction is long; any motion sickness?”
Killian & Adelaide:
“We’re fine, Princess.”
The imperial carriage had been hastily refashioned—the largest in the fleet. The wheels replaced with sturdier ones to reduce sway. Though internal design eliminated all external arm rests or insignias to avoid drawing attention; outside was reinforced plating. Inside, bed-like chairs and tables allow eating or lounging—truly a vehicle ready for multi-day travel.
It was a carriage built for comfort.
The journey to Deaark will take about three days. The next days we’ll spend confined to this carriage—but with my beloved couple? It’ll be fine.
