Chapter 87: Triumphal Entry (4)

"It was a feeling."

Kalin replied calmly, trying hard not to appear anxious or flustered.

"A feeling?"

"When I was young, ever since I was an orphan, I often felt a chill run down my spine. Thanks to that warning, I've managed to survive several life-threatening situations."

The Duke looked at Kalin with a blank expression.

"And even when I became a mercenary and a knight, I've often saved my life thanks to that feeling."

"Honestly, it's hard to believe."

It was a matter-of-fact response.

"I've had similar experiences myself. I know what you mean when you talk about that feeling in battle. My subordinates and famous knights have felt it too."

Survival instinct, danger sense. There were many terms for it. However, this time it was a bit different.

Because it was a magic bomb.

"But isn't the situation itself a bit different?"

"I understand it's hard to believe, but it was exactly that feeling."

Kalin couldn't read the Duke's expression at all.

It felt like dealing with the Director of Haisen's intelligence agency. He wasn't just a figurehead; he was a tough nut to crack.

"I have a question. Just based on that? If it was a threat to yourself, why did you try to protect His Highness?"

"Triumphal Entry. In a situation filled with knights, soldiers, and citizens, I thought the target of the assassination would be His Highness rather than me."

Kalin spoke calmly.

"However, the feeling that my life was in danger meant it wasn't targeting an individual. I thought it was a bomb."

"Did you make that judgment in such a short moment?"

"Yes."

"Even if the feeling is hard to believe, it's impressive."

The Duke let out a hollow laugh.

"I know your contributions weren't exaggerated, but you exceeded my expectations. You're not just a brilliant strategist."

"Thank you."

"If you weren't by the side of the Princess, I would have brought you to my side."

The Duke clicked his tongue, looking regretful. It was hard to tell if it was an act or genuine.

"If I wasn't by the Princess's side, I might not have caught your eye."

It was a meaningless conversation. Kalin waited for the Duke's next words, watching him smirk.

"Anyway, when I say you're impressive, I mean it. Sensing danger and immediately throwing yourself to protect your lord isn't easy."

"It's my duty to protect my lord."

"As the Director of the Empire's intelligence agency, I thank you. Thanks to you, there are more patriots in the Empire."

"..."

Kalin tilted his head at the unexpected comment, and the Duke smiled subtly.

"Isn't a knight from another kingdom dedicating himself to the Empire? The recruitment rate in the past two months has been the highest in nearly a decade."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. Are there any easier people to handle than patriots? It's a blessing for the Empire. Of course, I am a patriot too."

Kalin looked at the Duke with a blank face. It was a sudden change of topic.

The Director of the Empire's intelligence agency. The old man's whimsical behavior had a reason. Perhaps he was subtly probing. The silence that followed was quite heavy.

"I've done a lot of research on you."

"I expected as much."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. Since you were brought from Haisen by the Empress, who was once the Princess of Haisen, it's natural that you would."

The Duke smiled, seemingly satisfied with the answer.

"However, there was nothing to find. You were so clean as an orphan that it was suspicious. Even the slightest gap in your history was too short to allow for any mischief."

"Is that so? I suppose I was just focused on my sword training."

"An assumption, then."

Kalin shrugged.

"Is there a specific period you're referring to?"

"I see. How about it, do you remember your past well?"

"I do, but I can't guarantee the accuracy of my memories, given how harshly I lived as a mercenary."

"Perhaps I know more about you than you do."

Their conversation flowed calmly, but Kalin felt like he was walking on a knife's edge.

The Duke clicked his tongue.

"Well, that's enough. I didn't come here to interrogate you."

If he had come to interrogate, what was this? Kalin thought but didn't bother to point it out.

"Anyway, when the bomb exploded, it was purely based on that feeling, right?"

"Yes."

"Pity, I thought you might know something."

"It seems tracking is difficult."

The Duke frowned uncomfortably.

"There's no need to hide it. We found a tunnel under the explosion site but the trail was already erased. It wasn't the work of an individual."

Kalin read the sharpness in the Duke's eyes. He was observing his reaction.

"Forgive me for saying this, but could it have been the Prince's doing?"

"Perhaps. It seems plausible given the circumstances, but the likelihood is low."

The Duke replied casually, indicating he had already verified it.

"Getting that level of bomb, even for the Prince, would be difficult."

"Was it that much?"

"Indeed. You wouldn't know. Even if the Emperor had orchestrated it, the scale of the bomb would have reached my ears."

"I see."

Indeed. Through this conversation, Kalin was convinced that the mastermind was a demon worshipper.

The Duke stood up.

"Even though you were injured, thank you for talking. I'll take my leave now."

"No, please be careful on your way back."

As the Duke headed for the door, he suddenly turned around.

"By the way, I have an interesting piece of news. Would you like to hear it?"

"I wouldn't mind."

"Do you know about your roots? Your parents?"

"No, I don't."

Kalin tilted his head. It was a topic recently mentioned by Duke Ryurik.

"During my investigation, I found that there were two places in the Empire where a child of your age was found around the same time a noble family fell."

"Is that so?"

Kalin replied indifferently. He genuinely didn't care. It was a useless piece of information.

It meant that orphans of the same age could be descendants of nobles.

The reason the Director of Intelligence was suspicious was ultimately due to Kalin's intelligence and skills.

In this world, capable individuals are often of noble blood.

"Are you not interested? You might be able to reclaim your title."

"There are over ten thousand orphans of my age. The chances of me being the child of an Imperial noble are low."

"You could have moved from the Empire to Haisen."

"Even if that were true, I'm not interested."

"I see."

"That's correct."

The Duke looked at Kalin with a subtle expression before leaving. Kalin sighed as soon as the door closed.

The Director of Haisen's intelligence agency was tough. He felt drained.

* * *

Kalin met the Princess shortly after the Duke left, as news of his awakening had been relayed.

The Princess seemed to have rushed over, as she was slightly out of breath.

"Are you well? The doctor said you need to rest for a few more days."

"My body is heavier than usual, but I'm fine. I can return to duty tomorrow."

Kalin smiled faintly, reassuring her. The Princess shook her head.

"I cannot allow that. Rest until the doctor permits it. Sir Ludern is guarding me, so you don't need to worry."

"Yes, I will."

"Thank you. If it weren't for you, I would have died."

The Princess had heard about the explosion that morning. She was within the kill zone.

If Kalin hadn't protected her, she would have died yesterday.

"As a knight of the Princess, it was my duty."

"Still, the fact that I owe you my life won't change."

"You don't need to think that way."

"I cannot help it."

Kalin's humility made the Princess shake her head firmly.

"I have nothing to offer, so I postponed your reward last time, and it's the same this time. Is there anything else you desire?"

"No."

"If I become Empress, I will repay you."

"You don't need to feel indebted. I do this because I want to."

Erendil sighed, looking unsatisfied.

"Don't say that. I just want to thank you."

"...Yes."

Kalin bowed, feeling reprimanded. The Princess turned her gaze to the window, where sunlight was shining.

"I have a question."

"Please ask."

"How did you know? You were trying to protect me before the explosion. Can you see the future?"

Kalin had anticipated this question from the Princess, as she was directly involved.

"It was a feeling."

"A feeling?"

Kalin repeated what he had told the Director of Intelligence.

Avoiding death was the same as a feeling, so it wouldn't seem like a lie.

"Impressive. I knew you were smart, but to think that way in that moment."

Erendil was impressed, though she found it hard to believe.

"However, when the explosion happened, I felt protected. It was as if there was an invisible shield."

"..."

Kalin was taken aback. He had acted to save her, but he hadn't expected her to notice.

It was fine with the Princess, but it shouldn't be known by others.

"Perhaps because I was so shocked, time seemed to slow down. I saw small fragments but they didn't touch me. Was it something you did?"

"Yes."

Kalin admitted, deciding not to lie to the Princess.

The Princess's eyes widened in surprise.

"Have you told anyone else?"

"No, I wanted to ask you first."

At least it was a relief. Kalin felt reassured.

"How did you do it?"

"I have a mystic power called Wind."

"...A mystic power?"

"Yes. I used it to protect you."

"Didn't you get hurt? Why didn't you protect yourself?"

Kalin scratched his cheek awkwardly.

"The question was whether my ability could protect both you and me. The shockwave and heat... I didn't know the scale of the bomb, so I had to protect you."

"You could have died."

"For the sake of the continent, the Princess's life is more important than mine."

The Princess's mouth opened wide in surprise. It was hard to define the emotion, as she had never seen someone willing to sacrifice their life for her.

"The Princess's survival is for the Empire, and thus for the continent."

Kalin had made this judgment based on his belief in the Iron Man and his own body, but he didn't elaborate.

He hoped the Princess would become more sincere, having been drawn into the succession struggle for the Emperor.

"Also, it would be strange if I, who protected the Princess, was unharmed. I didn't want my mystic power to be revealed."

The following words weren't particularly important in the current situation. The Princess was still pondering her previous statement.

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

A moment of silence passed. The sunlight deepened as the sun set.

The Princess's golden hair shone, and her cheeks glowed in the sunlight.

"Do you usually protect your body with wind?"

The Princess wondered if her mystic power not working was due to wind.

Kalin shook his head.

"Not really."

He had done it a few times due to his OCD in dusty places, but not consistently.

For a swordsman, the sense of touch is important and must always be sharp.

"Then why do you ask...?"

"No, it's nothing."

The Princess got up, brushing off the question.

"Anyway, I wanted to thank you and check on your condition."

"Thank you for your concern. I will recover and return to duty soon."

"Good. Rest now. I'll come again tomorrow."

Tomorrow too? Kalin wondered but thought it made sense, given that he had saved her life.

It would also show his consideration for his subordinates to those around him.

After the Princess left, Kalin went back to sleep, as the recovery process and fatigue were catching up with him.

When he woke up again, it was a clear night.

Kalin looked out the window and expanded his sense of wind, thinking of Haisen.

Sure enough, Phiri was nearby. He sent a signal, and Phiri responded.

-When did you arrive?

"A while ago. How are you feeling?"

-I'm fine. I'm sorry for making you wait.

"Don't apologize. I'm glad you're fine. I was worried."

Phiri's tone was genuinely full of concern, making Kalin smile.

-That's what I expected.

"Rascal. Making jokes even at a time like this?"

-It means I'm fine, doesn't it?

"How did you know?"

Kalin sighed, realizing he would have to explain this three times today.

Phiri, knowing about his feelings, easily believed him.

"It was a reckless move. Your life is more important."

-Objectively, the Princess's life is more important, isn't it?

"To me, it means my life. What if both of us died?"

-I was confident we would both survive.

Phiri let out a small sigh but didn't nag further.

"By the way, wasn't this war a bit too grand? You were impressive."

-I'm usually impressive, aren't I?

Phiri surprised Kalin with an unexpected comment.

"Let's talk about that later. I have something to say."

-What is it? Your tone is a bit scary.

"The Captain is suspicious."

Kalin tilted his head. He had been wondering how to bring it up, but it turned out like this.

It was probably related to the recent terrorist attack, which was connected to demon worshippers