Chapter 68

"Why did you try to get close to me and Cordelia?"

"Because you both seemed strong."

Bernard's lips, which had always been tight, finally curved into a faint smile.

"Lord Cordelia endured my killing intent without showing it on his face. For a young lady who is not accustomed to the battlefield, I found that to be an astonishing mental strength."

"…I was just too shocked to move."

"Even so, to maintain composure in that situation is quite remarkable. If a civilian were to receive my killing intent, they would usually run away or cry out."

"…"

Had he had so many opportunities to confront civilians with his killing intent that he could say it was normal to cry out?

Perhaps it wasn't strange for a soldier, but it was a dangerous topic.

As Cordelia was puzzled, Bernard turned his gaze to Leonhardt.

"Furthermore, Prince Leonhardt was the only one who noticed my killing intent in that situation. He reacted quickly but suppressed his own killing intent to avoid disrupting the atmosphere. His quick judgment and skill are those of a formidable warrior, in my opinion. Prince Leonhardt, who is likely the strongest person in that room, and Lord Cordelia, whom he gazes at with such devotion, were the most intriguing individuals in this country. And—"

It seemed as if his previous taciturn demeanor was a lie.

Bernard's words flowed like an unceasing stream of water.

Though his expression remained mostly unchanged, his lips were slightly relaxed, and he seemed lively.

"Sir Bernard, calm down, calm down. Lord Cordelia is getting nervous, you know?"

A blond-haired adjutant, standing behind Bernard, tried to stop him.

The adjutant's uniform was black, suggesting he was of commoner origin.

He stroked his stubble and smiled wryly at Bernard's state.

"Prince Leonhardt, Lord Cordelia, I apologize. If we startled you, please understand that Sir Bernard has no ill intentions."

"…Yes…"

Thinking that this adjutant must be a hardworking man, Cordelia nodded.

"Sir Bernard may seem hard to read, but he has a simple and physical nature, unlike his well-arranged appearance."

"Physical…?"

"According to his sister, Lady Letizia, 'he looks elegant but is a brainless musclehead.' Sir Bernard finds his purpose in life by fighting and defeating strong people. That's why he's in the military."

Bernard nodded in agreement with the adjutant's explanation.

"Gail is right. I accepted the request to attend the welcoming ceremony for King Balmonk of your country because it seemed interesting to learn about the strong individuals here. Thanks to that, I encountered a rather amusing situation, so it was the right decision to accept the request."

"…You accepted the request just because it seemed interesting?"

To Cordelia, it was an incomprehensible reason.

Bernard didn't seem to be a bad person, but he was quite unusual.

"I understand your situation. Now, about our situation—"

Leonhardt can transform into a lion.

And he is the 'Holy Beast' that Cordelia, known as the 'Holy Maiden of the Lion,' commands.

While glossing over the details, she explained the matter of the ancestral regression.

It would be more troublesome to try to deceive and face unnecessary inquiries since Leonhardt had been seen transforming into a lion.

"…I see, so that's the situation."

After listening to the story, Bernard placed his hand on his chin.

"You want us to keep quiet, right?"

Leonhardt nodded.

"Yes, that's correct. I want you to remain silent, even to your colleagues, superiors, and acquaintances in your homeland. The ancestral regression is one of our royal family's highest secrets. Spreading it around would not benefit either of us."

"I don't mind keeping quiet… But there must be some compensation, right?"

Cordelia tensed.

Even though Bernard didn't seem to be a bad person, as a soldier from another country, he wouldn't keep quiet for free.

"Of course. I will refuse any unreasonable requests, but what do you desire?"

"I have two requests."

What could they be?

Cordelia watched the conversation with attention.

"First, I would like your assistance in gathering information. There is a case I am investigating, but it's difficult to gather information with just my own efforts."

"…We will assist you, as long as it doesn't disadvantage our country."

"It shouldn't be a problem. After all, this is also part of cleaning up the mess left by your former crown prince, Zaid."

"…!"

Cordelia reacted sharply at the mention of the former crown prince, Zaid.

He was a name that was relevant to her.