Chapter 41

Immediately, I countered with a question.

"Why would a 'Servant' target Lady Sil?"

What came to mind was the pattern engraved on Lady Sil's protective ring. The pattern that shone on the back of my right hand, similar to 'Sei'—could this be why Rust's words made some sense? Is there a connection between the appearance of 'Servant' and Lady Sil's birth?

"Servant. —Your Highness, you're not surprised by this, are you? I find the idea of a 'Servant' quite dubious, but perhaps it's different for you, Your Highness?"

Rust's lips curved into a smile, his gaze still fixed on me.

"..."

Damn, I messed up... Because Clifford, the real one, is nearby, I just let the word 'Servant' from Rust's mouth pass by without a second thought. But that's right. 'Servant' is almost as rare as an endangered species! First, you have to doubt whether they even exist. It's a presence so rare that you should have questioned, "Servant? What are you talking about?" If I were still the me before becoming the 'Master,' I would have done the same.

—But I can still make up for it.

I adjusted my fan and opened it with a snap, bringing it close to my face to hide any changes in my expression. I re-focused my energy to avoid any further mistakes. I have to do this right and find out where Lady Sil is!

I opened my mouth, feigning calm.

"To me, a 'Servant' is like a character from a fairy tale. However, it would be rude to interrupt a story just because it seems far-fetched. I'll listen first. According to you, the one targeting Lady Sil is a 'Servant,' right? That's why I asked why."

I wanted to think I had deflected it! Taking advantage of the lack of rebuttal from Rust, I repeated my question.

"Why would a 'Servant' target Lady Sil?"

"Hmm."

Hmm? Hmm...

"I've already said I'm not involved. All I know is that a 'Servant' is targeting Burks, and the two points are where Burks is likely to be."

He held up two fingers as he spoke.

"Perhaps you should direct your question to the 'Servant' who is targeting Burks?"

"...I wish it were that simple."

For some reason, the voice that returned was tinged with unmistakable coldness, yet the smile on his face didn't fade.

"Do you know? The 'Servants' are a mysterious warrior race. Due to their nature of serving a 'Master,' they were coveted by those in power, leading to their decline. There are tales of a single 'Servant' who slaughtered a hundred enemies to protect their 'Master.' They are not easy opponents to defeat."

He recounted one of the anecdotes that highlight the strength of the 'Servants.'

"If you interfere with the 'Servant' targeting Burks, you will naturally be seen as an enemy. How do you plan to fight the 'Servant,' Your Highness?"

As he asked, Rust picked up the blue-silver mask that had been on the table.

"For example—"

He smiled at me, but then suddenly moved. The first thing that came to mind was that his expression and actions were completely mismatched. He wasn't putting it on his face. It was more like a weapon—Rust quickly directed the sharp part of the mask toward me. He was unarmed and didn't have any hidden weapons. But with the right use, even a simple metal mask could cause injury.

—I have to avoid it.

Danger was approaching, but my body couldn't keep up. Just like when I died in my previous life, when the van was coming at me. For a moment, a second, or just a brief instant, the events seemed to slow down.

Then, the mask, which had been approaching me, suddenly moved away. I was lifted by someone.

Clifford, who had stepped forward to shield me, was holding me with one hand and had drawn his longsword, which he now pointed at Rust's throat. If Clifford moved even a little, blood would be spilled. It was a very close call.

The mask Rust had held was just a short distance from where I had been sitting. If I had stayed there, the sharp part of the mask might have made contact with my chest. Rust only needed to apply a quick, forceful movement.

Neither Clifford nor Rust moved further. The stalemate was broken by Clifford's calm voice.

"What will you do?"

I swallowed. The decision was mine. I reached out and touched the arm of Clifford, who was holding the sword. His gaze fell on me.

"I still have things to discuss with him."

"Then speak while I keep the sword at his throat. If he makes any suspicious moves, I'll cut him down."

I nodded slightly and then looked at Rust, who was also looking back at me.

"Do you intend to do that again, Rust Burn?"

"Make any more suspicious moves? ...No. I don't want to die either."

"Given your actions, I find that hard to believe."

"Rebellion against the royal family is a grave crime, but what if I had no such intention?"

"...No intention?"

"I was just showing my question through action. —Shall I continue with the example? For instance, if a 'Servant' attacked Your Highness like this?"

Rust slowly let go of the blue-silver mask, which fell to the edge of the table with a light thud.

"I had no intention to kill. The knight guarding you would also confirm this."

"Clifford, what's your assessment?"

"...It's not a lie. Whether he had the intent to kill or not, I don't think it's important."

Rust, still looking at me, answered.

"In the event of an emergency, I intended to stop before hurting Your Highness."

Just showing his intent. The lack of murderous intent, as acknowledged by Clifford, might be true. He might have intended to stop just short. —But I can't understand why Rust would deliberately do something that could be considered high treason.

"Did you understand the answer to 'What if a 'Servant' attacked Your Highness like this?'"

Rust shook his head, his throat vibrating slightly.

"I already knew the answer. A weak woman like Your Highness can do nothing. Even against someone who wasn't serious, like me, who isn't a 'Servant.'"

Isn't that right?

"..."

It was frustrating, but he was right. Clifford had protected me. On my own, I could do nothing. So,

"Did you want to prove that?"

No, did you want to show me?

"I want to save Burks. It's a noble sentiment, but the enemy is a 'Servant.' I doubt a weak woman like Your Highness would ever take up a sword. Fighting is out of the question. By necessity, someone else will have to fight in your place. —But remember, for most people, being asked to fight a 'Servant' is the same as being told to die. Or, perhaps, it's the nature of the royal family to sit in a safe place and easily command others to die?"

Rust's face, as he spoke flatly, was tinged with a sneer. It was filled with contempt. The hatred for the royal family, of which I, the princess of Esphera, am a part, was palpable. It was deep-seated.

This time, Rust was on the side of capturing the culprit. Using the mask to attack me might have been just a pose. But, as depicted in the original story, his stance against the royal family remained unchanged.

"I understand your point. ...I won't hold you accountable for this."

"You forgave your brother for accidentally throwing a sword. I believed you would forgive my actions as well."

"—Tell me where Lady Sil is. That's the condition for forgiveness."

The problem is that only Rust has any leads on Lady Sil. The priority is not punishing Rust.

"I will tell you. If you show me your seriousness."

"...My seriousness?"

"Do you have the intention to go to Sil Burks yourself? If you do, I will show respect and accompany you."

"You mean you'll guide me?"

"That would be the most reliable way, wouldn't it?"

I would go to find Lady Sil, knowing the danger. I can't rely on the others. They would surely stop me. But if I don't go, Rust won't say anything or guide me.

What about Lady Sil then? Time is passing.

If I follow Rust's advice and go to save Lady Sil, the only outcome I can see is a disaster. I wouldn't hesitate to avoid such a foolish act. But if there's a chance of success? 'Servants' are formidable opponents, but there's a way to fight them on equal terms. The key is on my side.

"—Clifford"

I called out to Clifford, who was still holding the sword without letting his guard down.

I can't stand a chance against a 'Servant.' The one who will fight in my place is—

"Can you defeat the 'Servant' targeting Lady Sil?"

Clifford's lips curved slightly as he turned to me.

"If Your Highness commands it."

If the enemy is a 'Servant,' then a 'Servant' should counter them. It's simple and straightforward.

But is this the right choice? Asking someone to fight a 'Servant' is the same as telling them to die. I believe Clifford won't end up that way, but what if—

"Do you not trust me, Your Highness?"

Clifford's voice came down to me.

"...No."

I lifted my face, which had been slightly lowered. His deep blue eyes came into view.

"Then, please give the order."

"—You must win, even if you have to fight a 'Servant.'"

"Yes, I will."

With that, my resolve was set. Since Clifford said this, I will believe him. I will accept Rust's proposal.

"I will commit a foolish act. Will you take me there?"