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Chapter 52
“The Presence of Someone Who Knows a Secret”
As the knight investiture ceremony continued and each person chose the knight order they wished to belong to, Stella gradually began to feel something strange.
It made sense that the people right after her would choose the First Knight Order.
But—
‘Why?’
By the time the last candidate had chosen their order, the ceremony transitioned into a full banquet to celebrate the newly appointed knights.
However, for some reason, only Stella and Chelid had joined the Second Knight Order.
“Stella, look at this. I actually have this badge on…”
Chelid spoke excitedly, but Stella quietly looked around.
Members of each knight order were congratulating their new recruits and talking among themselves. The Second Knight Order was no different.
“We are Stella and Chelid, newly assigned to the Second Knight Order. We look forward to working with you, and please treat us kindly.”
“I’m Chelid. It’s an honor to join the Second Knight Order I’ve always admired. Thank you for having me.”
At their greetings, Bain welcomed them warmly.
“Yes, we look forward to working with you too. Let’s get along well as fellow knights from now on—Stella, Chelid.”
They continued chatting comfortably with the others.
Only then did Stella finally ask what had been bothering her.
“Putting the First Knight Order aside… why aren’t there more knights assigned here? And why are only the two of us newcomers?”
Stella looked around at the knights, but none of them answered, all avoiding her gaze.
Finally, her eyes landed on Bain, the vice-commander.
“Well…”
Bain glanced toward Cainzys, who was speaking with someone else at a distance, and carefully said,
“The Commander’s personality… makes things tough. Training is intense and frequent. And we’re often dispatched to border regions like last time. Because of that, people don’t really come to the Second Knight Order.”
“I see.”
Stella accepted the explanation as everything clicked into place.
Then she turned to Chelid.
“Chelid, did you know?”
“Somewhat. That’s why the Second Knight Order has fewer members than the others. I just thought you already knew before joining.”
‘I might be regretting this a little.’
Bain seemed to read her expression.
“Don’t look like that. It’s too late—you’re already part of the Second Knight Order. No backing out now.”
“I did prepare myself for hardships. Even if it’s just the two of us.”
Stella had already begun to like this place.
Even though they knew who she was, they treated her as just another member.
While they were talking, a group approached the Second Knight Order.
“Wow, still the smallest again. At this rate, the Second Knight Order might disappear.”
At the blatant provocation, Stella turned her head.
The group was from the First Knight Order.
Bain immediately stepped forward.
“We may be few, but we’re strong. Unlike you, who rely on numbers.”
A tense atmosphere instantly formed.
Another knight approached Stella and Chelid to explain.
“The one causing trouble is the vice-commander of the First Knight Order. The two orders don’t get along well. Honestly, we’ve been quiet, but they always start it. Not sure why.”
“I see.”
Bain also had a response ready.
“You all know, right? The top-ranked recruit this year came to our order. That should settle the discussion.”
At that, the provocateur fell silent in frustration, unable to refute.
But he still muttered bitterly,
“Don’t get arrogant. Our new recruits will overturn things soon enough.”
With that, they left.
“When were we ever arrogant? They’re the ones boasting every year about getting first place.”
Bain shrugged it off.
“Don’t mind them. It’s just jealousy.”
“We’re fine.”
Chelid nodded, though he still looked tense.
Stella noticed and spoke to Bain.
“I’ll take Chelid outside for some air. He seems overwhelmed.”
“Go ahead. Take your time.”
Stella led Chelid to the terrace of the banquet hall.
A cool breeze washed over them as Stella gently patted Chelid’s back.
“It’s over now. Relax a bit. You’re officially a knight now.”
“It’s just… His Majesty is here too. I feel like I can’t make a mistake.”
Chelid’s usually neat hair was slightly messy from nerves.
“Let’s rest here for a bit. No one’s watching.”
Stella leaned against the railing and looked up.
The sky had already turned dark, filled with stars.
Chelid followed her gaze.
“Is this really real? I’m so happy I’m scared it might be a dream.”
At that, Stella smiled.
“Want me to pinch your cheek? To check if it’s real?”
“No. If you do it, it’ll probably hurt too much.”
Stella laughed, understanding his feelings.
After a while, Chelid seemed calmer.
“Shall we go back in?”
“Yeah. Talking with you made me feel a lot better.”
“Wait, Chelid.”
Stella stopped him and stepped closer.
Chelid instinctively stepped back, but Stella didn’t mind and reached out.
“Stay still. Your hair’s all messed up.”
“You startled me by suddenly coming closer.”
“You think I’d hit you or something?”
“You might. That’s very possible.”
Just as Stella was fixing his hair—
The terrace door suddenly swung open.
Both of them turned toward the intruder.
‘What now?’
“May I ask what you’re doing here?”
The man who entered looked at them with folded arms, clearly displeased.
“Why are you two alone in a place like this?”
“Pardon?”
Even Stella was confused.
She stepped back from Chelid and turned fully toward him.
Chelid, startled, looked back and forth between them.
The man smiled pleasantly and said to Chelid,
“I need to speak with this person. Would you mind giving us a moment?”
“Yes, of course. Stella, I’ll go ahead first.”
Chelid quickly left and closed the door behind him.
Now only the two remained.
Stella looked at the man.
“I feel like you’ve been looking for me quite often.”
“It’s a coincidence.”
“Doesn’t seem like one.”
“Let’s just say I can go anywhere in the palace.”
The man—Teslo—leaned casually on the railing beside her.
Stella sighed at his shameless behavior.
“Were you not even here a moment ago? When did you arrive?”
“Getting in is easy. I came quietly so I wouldn’t cause a fuss.”
“For your sake, or for everyone else’s?”
“Of course everyone else’s.”
Stella stared at him.
“So… you came to see me again?”
“Yes.”
“What is it this time?”
“The injury.”
At that, Stella stiffened slightly.
Teslo met her eyes.
“Who did it? That woman named Camilla. Your sister.”
Stella’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Did you investigate me?”
“Not exactly. I investigated openly.”
He continued casually.
“When I went to the man responsible for your injury, he could barely move. So I checked his memory. That’s how I confirmed Camilla’s face and saw her entering the mansion. Well… the man’s mind was a bit ruined afterward.”
Stella’s expression darkened slightly.
“So that’s why she acted so confidently… there was no evidence left.”
“And you don’t look happy about it. There’s even a witness here.”
Stella said nothing.
“If I were you, I’d have wiped them all out.”
“I’d like to… but I don’t want to become the same kind of person. And frankly, even if I told the truth, no one would believe me.”
Her voice turned slightly bitter.
“I’d rather not get my hands dirty in that kind of filth.”
“I don’t understand. If it were me, I’d destroy them.”
“That’s why I told you not to interfere on my behalf.”
Teslo studied her.
“If you were about to die… you mean you would act?”
“Yes.”
She looked up at the night sky.
“Even I have limits.”
Suddenly, she moved her hand toward the outside of the terrace.
“Do you hear that?”
“What?”
Teslo listened carefully.
A faint sound reached them.
“…Birds?”
And then—
A shadow pierced the night sky and landed directly on Stella’s arm.
“It’s late. Did you come looking for me? Or did you miss me?”
The bird chirped softly.
Teslo narrowed his eyes.
“That bird… the one that attacked Jin.”
“Yes. This is my family. His name is Lye. Cute, isn’t he?”
“Only you would call that thing cute.”
Lye tilted its head at Teslo.
Stella extended her arm toward him.
“Want to try touching him?”
Teslo hesitated, then gently tapped the bird with a finger.
Warmth met his touch.
“He only lets people close if he likes them—and if I approve too.”
Teslo absentmindedly asked,
“So that means… you like me?”
“Well, technically… yes.”
“…What?”
Teslo was the one who looked surprised.
