THSMW 36

chapter 36

* * *

The next day, and the day after that, passed by in a whirlwind of monster subjugation.

The only difference from before was that unlike two days ago, Siegfried no longer made any effort to approach me.

That didn’t mean I was unaware of his presence. Whenever I snapped out of my focus, I’d catch him watching me from somewhere. And whenever our eyes met, he would dramatically turn his head away, as if sulking.

“All this was only possible thanks to His Highness the Prince. We’ve finished the subjugation in record time.”

“You’ve all worked hard.”

In just four days, the subjugation was completed. In the past, it took at least two weeks, sometimes even a full month. But four days? We used to joke that Siegfried could take on a hundred men by himself, but I didn’t think it was literally true.

“Thank you once again for protecting our village this year.”

Tonight, Siegfried was surrounded by people expressing their gratitude. There was a constant stream of villagers lining up near where he sat, offering him their thanks and drinks.

Drinks? A boy who probably hasn’t even finished growing is drinking alcohol already? I had half a mind to go over and say something.

But since Siegfried and I were still in this vague cold war, I wasn’t in any position to do that. Who gave a kid alcohol anyway…?

Scanning the area with a glare, I saw Viscount Cariel holding a large bottle of wine. Maybe he thought it was okay since it was a special night. Since he was an elderly man, I quickly accepted it.

“His Highness looks quite busy tonight.”

Due to the tavern overflowing with people, we had all taken our meals outside.

Well, calling it a meal didn’t really capture it—it was more of a small festival. The village men were grilling meat and vegetables, while the women danced around a large bonfire made of stacked wood. Off in a corner, musicians played music. I was sipping wine while watching this scene when Killian spoke to me.

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

I smiled. Killian had done his part during the subjugation too. I just hadn’t had time to pay attention to him because I was mostly with Siegfried.

“Yes, about four days, I suppose.”

“Ha

“You sure do pay a lot of attention to the prince, Ariel.”

“Huh? Not really?”

“They say strong denial means strong affirmation.”

“Who says such cliché things anymore?”

I burst.

It’d be a lie to say I wasn’t paying attention to him. But he was the male lead, after all. And his path was filled with hardship.

I wanted to live a life disconnected from the original plot. I didn’t want to get involved with the crown prince. Still, I did hope he could be at ease—at least until he left Elifritz.

“Well, enough of the clichés. Care to dance?”

“What? No thanks.”

If I waited just a bit longer, someone from the village would bring out the Corte grapes. If I was off dancing and missed tasting them first, I’d be devastated.

I rejected him a bit too firmly, and Killian looked awkward. Maybe that was a bit harsh. I could finally understand why Miliard said I’d die an old maid. I always rejected things outright.

“…On second thought, it might not be so bad. Just one dance.”

Killian’s face brightened. He pulled out my chair to help me up and said,

“This reminds me of when we met at the tavern. I was standing behind you then too.”

“Right, thanks again for the drink. If only you hadn’t tried to kill the prince afterward, we’d have only good memories.”

“So it was you who tipped him off, wasn’t it? Thanks to that, I almost died.”

“You’re alive and well, though. Talking a lot too.”

Come to think of it, I remembered Siegfried ripping Killian’s arm apart back then. Was he okay now? Well, he must be if he was plotting to kidnap Siegfried again.

Sensing my glance, Killian calmly extended the same arm. The injured one.

“I treated it before it got too bad, but it’ll never move like it used to. Probably never will.”

“Oh no…”

I said, sounding sympathetic. Killian smiled faintly.

“Are you worried about me?”

“More like wondering if that’s why you were so useless in the warehouse.”

“…I can’t deny that. Still, even without the injury, I wouldn’t have stood a chance against the prince.”

True. Killian was a minor extra in one of the many assassination attempts orchestrated by Eisa in the original novel.

Did he even become one of Siegfried’s allies later? I couldn’t remember. Siegfried had recruited quite a few people across the empire.

“So, shall we dance?”

Killian moved slightly, signaling me to place my hand on his arm. I looked around to check if the villagers had brought the grapes yet. Thankfully, there was no sign of them. I placed my hand on his arm.

—Clang!

Suddenly, a glass slammed onto the table. Startled, I pulled my hand back from Killian’s arm.

“Killian.”

Siegfried, who had been surrounded by people, pushed his way through the crowd. He saw Killian’s outstretched arm and my hand hovering in the air, and his lips twisted.

“Put your arm down, and I’ll give you a gold coin.”

Siegfried made a strange offer. Both Killian and I blinked, not understanding.

“If you take a step back, I’ll throw in another.”

“…Are you talking to me?”

Killian asked, flustered. Siegfried nodded.

“Who else here’s money-obsessed like you?”

“I’ll do it! So I get the coins, right?”

Here I am. I raised my hand excitedly. I didn’t know what kind of game Siegfried was playing, but I was willing to join in. A single gold coin was 100 erks—enough to buy a dress. With two, I could get a bag too.

“…Don’t joke around.”

Siegfried frowned like he couldn’t believe I was serious. I didn’t get it—what made him think I was joking?

Wait a minute… are we talking again? For the first time in two days? I smiled a little, more pleased by that than the gold.

“I’m not sure what just happened, but it seems I’ve upset His Highness.”

Killian touched his silvery hair, resembling morning dew on spiderwebs, and quickly added,

“I think I’d better excuse myself. It was a pleasure speaking with you, Ariel.”

“Ah, yes. Same here.”

I replied awkwardly. Killian lowered his arm and stepped back.

“You said two gold coins.”

The fact that he was making sure to collect them even now—so calculating. I should learn from him.

“Take some from my room.”

Siegfried said casually, not even looking at Killian. My eyes widened.

“You can’t say that! What if Killian takes three?”

“Ariel, why would you say that?”

Killian clicked his tongue in mock disappointment. He must’ve really been planning it. He wasn’t an ordinary guy after all. Good thing I warned Siegfried ahead of time.

“Two or three, what’s the difference?”

Oh, there is a difference! I almost gave Siegfried a lecture. No matter how rich you are, you can’t be that careless with money. Saving even small amounts is how you become truly wealthy.

Then again, maybe that didn’t apply to Siegfried. He was going to inherit a diamond mine and become emperor.

“Enough, just go already.”

Siegfried waved Killian off dismissively. Killian glanced at me like I’d betrayed him, then left.

“So this is when money comes in handy. Is this how you flaunt wealth? Should I have raised the stakes?”

Siegfried asked seriously, as if the last two days hadn’t happened at all.

“Weren’t you mad at me?”

And I couldn’t understand him. Had I been the only one thinking we were in a cold war? He was acting like he hadn’t been rejected just two days ago before he could even confess.

“So what if I was?”

“…Sorry?”

“You never take the first step toward me. Not before, either. After just one argument, you ignored me completely.”

He said it so calmly.

Come to think of it, when he had rejected Count Paresa’s proposal on my behalf, I was so shocked by the way he did it that I vowed never to get involved with him again.

If Siegfried hadn’t pretended to cry just to make peace with me, I probably would’ve kept my distance until now.

And now, he was pointing that out. Every time something like this happened, it was always Siegfried who took the first step to mend things.