Chapter 60

As the cherry blossoms danced in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

---

Well then, I have to go right away before my brother changes his mind!

The plan to have a light snack and drink upon returning was suddenly changed. I called Sasha to check my appearance, and after making adjustments, I completed my style with a casual dress and a black fan in hand.

Off to meet Clifford!

I was seen off by Sasha and started moving with my brother and the two knights who were waiting in the corridor as his guards.

--- Through the midnight castle.

My brother and I walked side by side, with a guard knight on each side behind us. I was looking around unnecessarily, using the spread black fan as a cover.

So this is what it feels like...

Usually, I would have changed into a nightgown and been in bed by now, not leaving my room until morning.

...Whether I'm actually asleep or not is another matter.

I often read books borrowed from the castle library or translated by Cécile while lounging in bed, staying up late!

Sometimes I get so engrossed in reading that I don't realize it's almost morning!

In short, even if I'm wide awake in my bedroom at midnight, I don't go out. That's why even though I'm familiar with the castle, it feels fresh.

It might be a valuable experience. While a midnight stroll through the castle isn't impossible, it's different from doing it during the day.

During the annual ball held in the castle, I can move around freely at this hour. However, the ball is bustling with people from night until early morning, and it's like a festival, completely changing the castle's atmosphere from usual.

--- The midnight castle during normal times had a special charm.

We were currently walking through a grand corridor mainly used by nobles. The shutters on the windows facing the inner side of the castle were not closed, unlike during the ball, allowing the moonlit scenery to be enjoyed. A silent and fantastical space!

...On the downside, it could also make you think of ghosts. Yeah.

While walking and thinking about this, I saw one of the castle's gardens outside the window.

It's a cozy spot, a hidden gem. One of my secret favorites.

There are many white flowers called Reishuran blooming. With the moonlight, I felt like going there for a midnight garden stroll.

Of course, that's not the case right now—

"!"

I stopped in shock.

"Octavia?"

Noticing me, my brother called out, and I hurriedly shook my head.

"No..."

I confirmed again outside the window. ...Ah, it's gone.

While looking at the garden, I saw a figure standing dazed among the Reishuran! Was it a ghost? I froze, but upon closer inspection, it was probably Lord Edgar!

My father's companion and my foster mother (male).

Lord Edgar is quite agile, so maybe he was taking a midnight garden stroll like I wanted to? As a former merchant, Lord Edgar has a commoner's sense, which I think is similar to mine! He might have chosen the same garden.

However, he must have moved, as I couldn't see Lord Edgar from here.

...Was it a mistake?

"Lord Edgar..."

Was he there?

"---Lord Edgar?"

Repeating my brother's name, he looked at me suspiciously.

If I said Lord Edgar was in the garden, it would probably lead to a barrage of questions! After all, Lord Edgar usually doesn't walk around at midnight.

However, I think it's plausible that he was taking a midnight stroll for relaxation. Father would probably allow it.

But! Asserting that here would be counterproductive. To be honest, I only caught a glimpse, and I'm not 100% sure it was Lord Edgar.

I read the room!

"---It's nothing."

"..."

My brother frowned. Uh. An oppressive silence fell.

I subtly observed my brother's condition while using the black fan as camouflage.

While he still had a frown, his exceptionally well-featured face didn't show any particular distress.

I recalled when my brother picked up my diary.

...That was a temporary thing, after all.

I asked about his condition again before leaving my room, but he replied, "I'm fine," and I couldn't press further—leading to the current situation.

"..."

"..."

--- By the way, someone!

I need someone to break this oppressive silence!

Sure enough, a savior arrived!

With the sound of hard-soled boots.

"Prince Serius!"

"...Hugh?"

My brother, with a "Why you?" expression, turned to the black-haired knight—Hugh Roberts—who had run up.

---

Hugh Roberts is one of my brother's guard knights.

I have only one guard knight, Clifford, but Father, my brother, and Alec have multiple guard knights. Of course, Lord Edgar does too. ...To be precise, everyone except me.

Incidentally, the reason I have only one guard knight is apparently a reaction to the past when I had dozens. At one point, there were more than the number of people serving the king. It was too extreme. There could have been a middle ground!

That aside, about Hugh.

The reason I remember Hugh's full name, unlike mine, is that my brother's knights don't change frequently, so they naturally get remembered, plus—Hugh appears quite often in the original novel "The Noble King" as a trusted figure of Serius! He's like my brother's confidant, a vassal, and a friend.

A supporting character in the original novel, more of a secondary character than a main one.

He mainly appears in the first volume.

Hugh Roberts' role is to be drawn to Sir Sil as he watches the deepening bond between my brother and Sir Sil. However, he never confesses his feelings to Sir Sil and remains loyal to Serius, serving as a good advisor and mediator, always being there for them.

His position is similar to Octavia's in the original, where he is admired like a brother by Octavia, and the overprotective Serius makes a face at him.

Is the little sister maybe in love with Hugh? In a BL novel, could there be a plot where Hugh heals from his heartbreak and ends up with Octavia? Readers had mixed opinions about this.

...What about my relationship with Hugh in reality?

Hmm. Given that my relationship with my brother is different from the original, you can guess!

As a staunch supporter of my brother and Sir Sil, I might be seen as a thorn in their side by Hugh!

But, I thought again.

--- Like Derek, who I unexpectedly got along with, there's a very low probability that I might be judging Hugh based on preconceptions?

I forgot the exact age, but he's probably in his early twenties, single, from a minor noble family, and was appointed as my brother's guard knight. In the original, he was depicted as a kind older brother character.

He has short black hair and black eyes. One of the two strong figures trusted by my brother as a close vassal.

Besides his duties as a guard knight, he is often entrusted with other tasks.

Another memorable episode in the original is... the sword tassel? When Hugh was appointed as a guard knight, Serius bestowed a golden tassel, which Hugh cherished, and Sir Sil was impressed by it...

And now, such a Hugh was reporting to my brother with a troubled expression.

His voice was clearly audible, but the content was incomprehensible. It's probably a coded conversation used when my brother and others want to have a private discussion, as seen in the original.

However! Here, my knowledge of the original novel comes in handy!

In a bonus episode where Sir Sil studies ancient Esphera, it was revealed that this coded conversation is an adaptation of ancient Esphera.

I listened closely.

"××●●△?"

"---■×○▲△×"

My limited knowledge of ancient Esphera was no match...! Plus, I don't know what kind of adaptation or rules were used...!

...I gave up quickly.

The only thing I could do was wait for the conversation to end.

Hmm... but.

The sound was heavily modified, but the name "Clifford" came up a few times?

Also, from his actions, it seemed Hugh was apologizing to my brother, saying something like, "This is my fault."

There was a sense of a problem, but I couldn't get involved, which was frustrating.

I could only stare at them.

--- Ah.

Looking at my brother and Hugh, I noticed something odd—Hugh.

The golden tassel hanging from the hilt of the sword Hugh carried.

In the original, and in reality, this tassel was bestowed by my brother when Hugh was appointed. It was cut short, as if it had been cut off.

I tilted my head in confusion.

--- Was the tassel this short in design?

I glanced at the two guard knights who had been following my brother.

They looked surprised, probably because it was sudden.

I responded with a princess smile and quickly checked their sword tassels!

Hugh's sword tassel is the prototype of the tassel my brother started bestowing on his guard knights. So, the design and length should be the same.

...The tassels hanging from the hilts of the two knights were at least twice as long as Hugh's.

Clearly, Hugh's tassel was abnormally short. So, it was cut?

Maybe it was cut during a battle? I thought, but—turning to my brother. Hugh's appearance as a guard knight was perfect, with no dirt or tears.

--- While I was focused on the tassel, the conversation between my brother and Hugh had ended.

It was a very short conversation,

"I understand."

My brother nodded at Hugh with a stern face.

"I'll go ahead. Hugh, stay here. Take care of Octavia."

"As you wish."

Hugh bowed to my brother.

Going ahead?

"...Brother?"

I couldn't help but call out, and my brother quickly responded.

"Octavia. There's been a development. Hugh will temporarily be your guard. Come with Hugh."

Before I could stop him, my brother had already turned and was walking away. The guard knights who had been following us also went after him.

Left behind were Hugh and I.

I need an explanation...!

I looked at Hugh.

"Hugh Roberts, what's going on?"

"I will take Princess Octavia to Clifford Alderton on behalf of Prince Serius."

"Brother went ahead to see Clifford, right?"

Hugh nodded in affirmation.

"What development? Why does Brother need to go ahead?"

"...The location of Clifford Alderton's confinement has changed. Therefore, Prince Serius is going ahead."

Clifford was under house arrest in the castle, so I thought he was in his room in the guard knights' section... A change means he's moving?

"---Where to?"

"..."

Hugh invoked his right to remain silent, so I pressed on.

"Where to?"

"---The training ground."

Reluctantly, Hugh answered.

"..."

I closed my black fan with a snap.

Under house arrest and going to the training ground? At midnight? And Brother went ahead after hearing this.

I have a really bad feeling about this...

I lifted my dress slightly to make it easier to run.

"Sir..."

I had a good night's sleep and was in full energy. I should be able to run at full speed.

I'm worried about a relapse since my fever just went down, but... even if that happens, this is a situation where I need to push myself! Now that I know the location, I can't afford to be leisurely!

Ignoring Hugh's wide-eyed look, I started running towards the training ground to catch up with my brother.

"! Wait, please!"

I'm not waiting!

---

...Hugh caught up to me quickly.

The clear difference in physical strength! But I kept running, and the training ground was finally in sight. I saw my brother's back.

In a corner of the midnight training ground, a group of people had gathered. It was a place mainly used for practical exams.

A stage used for match-style combat, with torches lit around it for lighting.

"Draw your swords! Is it a lie that you defeated 'Servant'? Clifford Alderton!"

On the stage—Clifford and several of my brother's guard knights, swords in hand.

One of the knights, a blonde knight, was provoking Clifford!

"Nathan! I ordered you to monitor. I did not give such an order!"

My brother's reprimand rang out.

...Nathan? That Nathan?

"What are you all doing!"

The other guard knights were also harshly criticized.

"But, Prince Serius! --- Based on the results of that practical exam, I cannot believe this man could have defeated 'Servant'! This is to prove it! It is necessary! Immediately!"

The blonde knight, Nathan, was the only one to argue with my brother.

--- As I got closer, I could clearly see his face. ...Ah, our eyes met with Clifford? Just as I tried to get closer to the stage, Hugh grabbed my arm.

"Excuse me, this far, Princess Octavia."

"Let go."

"Approaching the stage now is dangerous. Prince Serius would not want it. Everyone is on edge. If you must approach, wait."

"Everyone? Nathan, right?"

The blonde knight. Nathan's full name is Nathan Holden.

I remember him clearly from the original.

One of the two strong figures trusted by my brother. One is Hugh.

And the other is this Nathan!

With his sleek blonde hair and purple eyes, he looks like a noble prince, but in "The Noble King," he is known as a musclehead and is beloved by some readers!

My lord's enemy is my enemy! My lord's ally is my ally! My lord's beloved is also my protection!

--- Such a straightforward personality. No pretense. Yet, he is also perceptive of his lord's subtle feelings, which is highly valued by my brother... but.

He acts on instinct before thinking... a type who moves on impulse.

He often takes actions beyond my brother's imagination, and his loyalty sometimes leads him to disobey orders. In the original, Serius often allows such actions from Nathan.

Is it okay for a guard knight to be like that! I thought as a reader, but in the end, it's Nathan! I can accept it.

Moreover, despite his occasional failures, Nathan does good work. When taken in isolation, it might seem like a failure, but the result is often correct.

His straightforwardness also makes him well-liked by others. So, even when Nathan acts rashly, many people follow him.

And that's exactly what I just saw!

Also, my lord's enemy is my enemy! So, I am naturally viewed as an enemy by Nathan!

While I was glaring at Hugh,

"---Princess Octavia!"

A voice was thrown from the stage. This voice... Nathan?

Deciding it was unnecessary, Hugh's hand slipped away. I turned my attention back to the stage.

Nathan's purple eyes met mine.

"Nathan Holden, I must ask Princess Octavia!"