Chapter 21

That's right. Meeting Her Highness Octavia means that the knight guarding her—the Messenger of Ongarn—is also present.

Before long, the killing intent disappeared. Perhaps I was deemed harmless. The reason I was targeted with such intent was likely because I was an unexpected visitor.

The Messenger of Ongarn moved to the side. The one they were protecting was Her Highness Octavia.

—Is this Her Highness Octavia?

Perhaps it was due to the red and black dress she was wearing. Although her appearance hadn't changed, the impression she gave to those facing her was quite different. The story about the fan made from Rev bird feathers that I heard this morning flashed through my mind.

With this, if I had the 'Black Fan,' it would be perfect.

Moreover, Her Highness Octavia is served by the Messenger of Ongarn. It's a sight that resembles the goddess of hell and her loyal servant. Precisely because both are strikingly beautiful, they appear to be a terrifying master and servant.

That's it. I've made up my mind.

Her Highness Octavia deliberately has the Messenger of Ongarn as her guard.

Her gentle blue eyes seem to be sizing me up.

...Troublesome. I can't move. Is Her Highness suspicious of me? The Messenger of Ongarn, though the killing intent has disappeared, can't be taken lightly. The lingering malice still pierces my skin.

On the other hand—wait a moment? Even with the noble cause of delivering a message from Prince Alexis, was it right for me to speak without permission in the presence of the princess?

Is it even appropriate to speak again?

—The savior was the Chief Lady-in-Waiting. Thanks to her, I was able to state that I had no affiliation and that my name was Guy Peutz. However, I was asked to prove that I was a soldier of Esphia.

"Of course. Do you have your identification badge?"

The Chief Lady-in-Waiting asked.

Identification badge? Identification badge, right. Yes, showing it would resolve the issue. "Yes!" I frantically searched my body.

"Always... hanging from my neck...?"

At this moment, I recalled the tragedy that occurred in the barracks early this morning. Soldiers without rank typically share a room with one other. I left the room early to prepare for the morning patrol. However, on my way to the assembly point, I realized I had forgotten my identification badge and had to return to my room in the barracks.

...I returned but didn't enter.

The walls of the barracks are thin.

From my room, I clearly heard voices that sounded like they were being intimate.

My roommate. The moment I left, he had invited his lover into the room...!

He must have considered my feelings. Regular duty soldiers still have free time. Normally, they would be sleeping. There's nothing wrong with being intimate.

However, I lacked the courage to enter. After all, there were water sounds too!

I left empty-handed, silently turning around.

"Um, I seem to have left it in the barracks today..."

—Damn! Even if it's awkward and they are in the middle of something, I should have gone in...!

Being a soldier of Esphia without an identification badge is suspicious. Suspicious, indeed... I can't even defend myself.

The Chief Lady-in-Waiting told me to go fetch the badge. That's the only option...? If I return to the barracks, it will delay delivering the message, but...

"Please wait."

For the first time since I arrived in the practice room, Her Highness Octavia spoke. She then revealed something astonishing. She claimed to have seen me before, and therefore knew I was a soldier of Esphia. She then turned to the Messenger of Ongarn and sought their agreement!

I must have seen you before... No, no, no, that can't be.

The Messenger of Ongarn looked at me. I felt as if I was being pierced by their gaze.

Eventually, the Messenger's response made me break out in cold sweat.

The Messenger of Ongarn remembered me.

What? On the battlefield? You've seen me on the battlefield?

The battle instigated by the followers of the Saza religion.

The Messenger seemed to kill indiscriminately, targeting both the Esphia side and the Saza religion side. But if they remember me, it means they made some distinction while killing?

I thought the Messenger of Ongarn was a madman. Some people take pleasure in killing and join the war for that reason. Killing in war isn't something to be condemned if the target is the enemy. If we were to arrest everyone, most soldiers would be criminals. These kinds of people are strong in battle because they have no hesitation.

And the Messenger of Ongarn was one of them.

But what if they were sane from the beginning to the end?

When I saw the Messenger on the battlefield, did they also see me and distinguish me, not killing me?

If so, what was the basis for that distinction?

Not mad, but with a purpose, did they throw themselves into that battle?

For what purpose?

By their own will? Or by someone else's order?

"Well... what a strange connection."

Her Highness Octavia's voice, devoid of any pressure and even somewhat friendly, reached my ears, but I couldn't fully process it.

The Messenger of Ongarn remembered that I was a survivor of that battle. Now, Her Highness Octavia knows too.

Is this... a probe?

The cold sweat wouldn't stop.

—Denial! Total denial!

I must make Her Highness understand that I am just a nobody!

Desperately pleading, Her Highness didn't mention the battle any further.

"Matilda, have you accepted that he is a soldier of our Esphia?"

The conversation returned to whether I was a soldier of Esphia.

That's right... I came here to deliver a message from Prince Alexis...

"—There's no other way. Guy Peutz, the content of the message—"

The Chief Lady-in-Waiting urged me.

However, I couldn't nod.

I was only ordered to deliver the message to Her Highness Octavia. This is non-negotiable.

As a result, with Her Highness Octavia's intervention, I was temporarily subjected to a physical examination.

"Then, let Clifford conduct Guy's physical examination—"

Forgetting my manners, I interrupted Her Highness.

"Please, I couldn't bear it!"

Being examined by the Messenger of Ongarn is like being sentenced to death. It would shorten my lifespan.

Her Highness tilted her head cutely.

"But there's no one else suitable, is there?"

"I will ask the Chief Lady-in-Waiting!"

"Matilda? What does Matilda think? Will she do it?"

"I don't mind... but you're a strange new recruit."

The Chief Lady-in-Waiting looked at me suspiciously, but I didn't want the Messenger of Ongarn to examine me. As Her Highness Octavia's guard, the Messenger might seem to fit in, but to me, the image of the Messenger on the battlefield is the true one. I don't want to get close to them, and I certainly don't want to be their enemy.

—They are like a Rev bird, aren't they?

During the physical examination, my eyes kept drifting to Her Highness Octavia and the Messenger of Ongarn. Is it a synergistic effect? There's something that draws me in.

Her Highness Octavia picked up the longsword on the stand and handed it to the Messenger. I remembered the Messenger wasn't equipped with a sword. Was it by Her Highness's order?

Despite the sword's weight, Her Highness casually touched and held it.

The Messenger, showing no anger or discomfort, accepted it?

Is this real?

The Messenger of Ongarn, for any reason, would never let anyone else touch their weapon. This was well-known on the battlefield. Strong warriors are typically particular about their weapons. While the truth is uncertain, it was credible. Strictly speaking, others could only touch the weapon if it was cut or damaged.

If the Messenger had entrusted their weapon to someone, and that person had touched it, it would make sense.

Her Highness Octavia picked up the sword on the stand without permission. Did she just take it without the Messenger's consent?

Did the Messenger endure it because they were a guard? But if so, it's strange...

—This time, the Messenger of Ongarn moved.

There was another item on the stand.

The black fan that Her Highness Octavia always carries. The 'Black Fan' made from Rev bird feathers, which I learned about this morning.

As if returning it, the Messenger of Ongarn calmly handed the 'Black Fan' to Her Highness.

Naturally, Her Highness Octavia accepted the 'Black Fan' and opened it.

Both of them showed no resistance to the 'Black Fan.'

However, the scene of the Messenger of Ongarn handing the fan made from Rev bird feathers to Her Highness Octavia was too perfect...

Like the goddess of hell and her loyal servant?

"Sasha, stop staring."

"Matilda-sama, but—"

A young maid assisting the Chief Lady-in-Waiting was looking at Her Highness and the Messenger of Ongarn with sparkling eyes, sighing deeply.

Those eyes... They are the same as the village girls who talk about love and romance. The eyes of someone who wishes to be like them.

Maid! That's not right!

That's an extremely heretical and terrifying scene.

"Indeed, it seems you only carry one sword."

The Chief Lady-in-Waiting stood up after checking my feet and said to me.

"As I declared."

I had handed over the only longsword I was equipped with to the Chief Lady-in-Waiting at the start of the physical examination. I had no other weapons. Wealthy soldiers often buy better swords or additional weapons with their own money.

...I don't have money, so I spent my limited funds on shoes. I replaced my worn-out shoes with a new pair. ...But they were defecated on by a Rev bird.

I focused on the part of the shoe where the feces had stuck.

What a disaster... I'll wash my shoes today.

"Admit that you are unarmed."

The Chief Lady-in-Waiting nodded solemnly.

"However, the fact that I know this is against my father's wishes, isn't it?"

Her Highness Octavia murmured, slightly lowering her face towards the 'Black Fan.'

I took a breath.

It seems I have completed my mission. I have delivered the message.

Elegant music was flowing in the practice room. We were speaking in low voices to ensure our conversation with Her Highness wasn't overheard. I don't know the name of the song. When I entered the practice room, it was already playing, and it continued even when we were interrupted.

...I see. The Messenger of Ongarn was not carrying a sword because they were dancing with Her Highness.

...A dance of death?

I observed Her Highness Octavia. A new recruit, a commoner, is so close to the princess. The princess, refined and beautiful, gives a gentle impression despite the different atmosphere created by her dress.

However—she's not someone to be underestimated. The Messenger of Ongarn is behind her.

It's not just about status. I can't let my guard down.

I braced myself.

My task is complete, but what comes next?

"You, a new recruit not under Alex's command, seem to have gained Alex's trust in a short time."

However, I received praise from Her Highness Octavia.

Gained trust in a short time...?

If I had earned it through my own abilities, that would have been great...

But that's not the case, Her Highness Octavia...

I felt deflated.

I need to correct this. I tried to correct it, but I felt a sense of futility as I spoke.

"I haven't been influenced..."

According to a seasoned soldier, there are advantages to male-male relationships in the military. During war, it can strengthen bonds and increase survival rates. Morale is less likely to drop, and sexual desires can be satisfied without having to pay for women.

However, that doesn't mean I would be influenced...

The memory of my roommate being intimate with his lover, and the scenes I witnessed during patrols, flowed through my mind.

With a sense of resignation, I stated the facts.

Then, I came to my senses.

Looking at Her Highness Octavia, I saw her large, clear blue eyes wide open, blinking in surprise.

Cute... No!

Did I offend her?

"I remember too. Guy Peutz."

She doesn't seem offended...? In fact, Her Highness Octavia remembered my name?

"Ah, thank you..."

In a casual tone, Her Highness continued.

"By the way, I find it curious, but when you entered the practice room, why did you pale when you saw Clifford?"

"Th-That's because, O—"

My heart pounded like a drum.

Close call! I almost blurted out the Messenger of Ongarn's name.

—Leading questions.

"O?"

Her Highness Octavia urged me, her face showing no intent.

I have been on the same battlefield as the Messenger of Ongarn.

Naturally, Her Highness would have the next question.

How much does this soldier, Guy Peutz, know?

Is he just someone who saw the Messenger on the battlefield without knowing who they are?

Or does he know that the Messenger is the Messenger of Ongarn?

If he knows... what would happen?

If I were Her Highness Octavia, I would dispose of a nobody who knows the secret of my close guard—

No, I don't know! I don't know that Her Highness's guard is the Messenger of Ongarn.

Calm down.

Her Highness's question is about why I paled when I entered the practice room.

Honesty. I must be honest.

Fortunately, Her Highness's name also starts with "O." My head is still attached!

"—O, Her Highness Octavia. It was the killing intent. I sensed the killing intent from the guard knight. Given their dramatic entrance, it was natural for the guard knight to be suspicious of me."

Everything I felt was true, except for the word 'Ongarn.'

...How will Her Highness react?

"Being able to sense killing intent is impressive. Is it because of your experience on the battlefield with Clifford?"

She praised me while steering the conversation back to the battlefield. Is this the main topic?

I instinctively shouted, "No!"

"I don't know anything, Her Highness. There's nothing to worry about...! I have no connection with the guard knight at all!"

However, the more I spoke, the more I felt I was digging myself into a hole.

Her Highness reprimanded me gently and with a troubled expression.

"I was just expressing my thoughts. There's no deep meaning, so don't worry. Just ignore it."

Should I take her words at face value? This is Her Highness Octavia.

Don't say anything unnecessary. Is it a subtle warning?

The phrase "no deep meaning" is also meaningful. There is a meaning, isn't there?

If I reverse everything—

There is a deep meaning. Pay attention. ...Don't ignore it.

Keep quiet about the Messenger of Ongarn.

If I do, I will be let off for now.

"......Yes"

Probably, my head is still attached.