Chapter 65

#065 The Northern Duke's Territory (2)

A ship floated on the distant sea. The emblem on its flag was hard to make out due to the distance.

However, it was certain that the sound of cannons had been heard.

"Evacuate all the villagers from the beach. Have them retreat to the viscount's manor with only their valuables!"

"Yes, my young viscount!"

The knights seemed accustomed to such situations.

Hardly anyone was surprised by the word 'pirate,' and instead, their ranks and expressions became even more resolute.

Christel watched the orderly movements of the duke's knights and calmly called out to Elizabeth.

"Sir Elizabeth, I want to help too."

"I would be grateful for your assistance, lady."

The young viscount smiled with his gray eyes twinkling. His tone was the same as always.

Perhaps because she had dealt with many pirates, there was no sign of urgency or anxiety in her demeanor.

She seemed a bit more composed.

"Please also call for Mr. Johann and the priest. We might need their help."

Christel said, and Elizabeth nodded quickly.

"Convey the lady's words. Gabriel, you go!"

"Yes, my young viscount!"

The knight designated as the messenger quickly rode to the viscount's manor.

Christel watched his retreating back, lost in thought.

'Johann Haines' was the knight instructor sent by the Vatican to her and Prince Sedric.

Though he was usually unenthusiastic and even found eating a chore, he wouldn't just stand by while his student faced pirates.

The priest he brought was also essential for supplying ether.

Compared to Prince Xysser's pure ether, his was more like junk food, but it was better than nothing.

Prince Xysser.

Christel smiled slightly as the sea breeze blew.

The prince was one of the two most vibrant figures here.

Though she couldn't pinpoint the exact reason, it was a very subjective feeling that she couldn't even explain to herself.

When the prince and the prince were around, everything around her felt clearer and more vivid.

Her sense of being alive became more intense than ever.

She had a similar impression from Sir Elizabeth and Cardinal Bute, but no one was as 'distinct' as these two.

Of course, the impressions they gave were entirely different.

She and the prince had a relationship where they clashed to release their anger and stress.

After exerting herself to the maximum in a duel with him, the unique sense of liberation that came with being a holy knight made her feel quite good.

Though he was a man she instinctively disliked, he was perfect as a sparring partner.

After a big fight and lying sprawled out, the vitality in her body felt refreshed.

Prince Xysser was a bit odd. For example...

"Be careful of the pirates."

At the time, it was so absurd that she laughed. He was a strange person.

He seemed kind but kept his distance, and though he was clearly warm, he pretended to be cold.

Though he had never interacted with her, his mere presence exuded an unbelievable vitality.

It was as if he lived in a 4K world while everyone else was in HD.

Was it because of his immense ether?

*Bang!*

*Whoosh!*

Another cannon shot rang out. This time, a large splash of water rose from a nearby shore.

While no one else smiled, Christel alone beamed brightly.

Getting lost in incomprehensible phenomena wasn't her style.

She shook off thoughts of the two handsome men and gripped her blue whip.

As long as it didn't cause too much trouble for her host, she intended to do whatever she wanted.

And today's goal was...

"Just a small souvenir."

"Souvenirs are nice. I'll do that."

"Pirate ship... souvenir, I guess."

She drawled, humming to herself.

The bright sunlight of early summer illuminated the white cliffs and the blue sea.

Though she had never used her abilities from such a distance before, the background was the sea.

It was worth a try.

*

I don't care.

Who is the Duke of Evelyn and who is the Count of Evelyn? Honestly, what do I care?

I had no curiosity at all. It didn't matter if no one told me.

With my own life to worry about, I had no time to care about distant relatives.

I mulled over truly important things as I stepped out of the carriage and walked briskly.

Demi, perched on my shoulder, and the two lesser pandas in my arms chirped enthusiastically.

Benzam and Ganael followed, carrying simple luggage.

"It's been two years since we last visited the summer palace. It will be a pleasant summer retreat."

The Emperor, walking ahead, seemed to find it amusing to tease me, as his lips had been slightly curled up since earlier.

Only Cardinal Bute muttered things like, "Is he getting old?" and "I'm embarrassed for him."

He was practically the last conscience of the empire.

"It is an honor to see you, Prince Xysser."

"I am also pleased to see you."

The butler of the duke's manor bowed respectfully to me after greeting the Emperor and the Cardinal.

After a few hours' ride in the carriage, we arrived at the Duke of Evelyn's residence, where the butler and servants were lined up outside.

The duke's manor boasted a size fitting its name as a 'summer palace,' but the number of staff was surprisingly small.

As it was a strictly restricted retreat for the Emperor, the number of servants was also managed.

"The stories of your bravery in the 'Great Beast Purge' are well-known. May you receive the infinite blessings of the gods."

"I didn't do much, really."

I smiled lightly and looked around.

The summer palace was a grand mansion with orange walls and a navy roof.

Gold was used to add lavish decorations in various places, and the large fireplace displayed intricate sculptures and silver-crafted magical lighting.

The main gate could be reached via two large staircases, and the mansion seemed to open its arms to welcome guests.

In front of the building, a steep grassy slope and a fountain adorned with various jewels extended.

The waterway was over 200 meters long and wide enough to float a small boat.

"What a beautiful place."

"Thank you."

When I expressed my admiration, the butler bowed deeply.

Unlike the palace, which exuded the majesty and authority of the royal family, the summer palace clearly focused on relaxation.

It was more compact than the palace but bolder in color.

Though it would be very cold in winter, the cool breeze was refreshing now.

I felt a bit embarrassed to be included in the Emperor and Cardinal's summer retreat, but this place seemed worth enduring the embarrassment.

"Your Grace, hmm. His Highness, the Count of Evelyn, usually reads books on that lawn."

"His Highness, the Count?"

"Yes. Since you enjoy reading, I thought it would be an appropriate place to recommend."

The butler bit his lip firmly.

Seeing him suppress a smile when mentioning the Count of Evelyn, it seemed the 'imperial order' had already been conveyed.

I sighed involuntarily.

To play with a prince, issuing a command with no more authority than a chick's tear...

"Thank you. Please show me to my room first."

"Yes, I will."

The butler signaled to the palace servants.

The Emperor and the Cardinal had already gone to their rooms and were nowhere to be seen.

I started walking up the smooth granite stairs with my companions.

Why is the count called 'His Highness'? Well, he is the Duke's child and a member of the royal family, so it makes sense.

No, I don't care.

*

"Wow, this is great. I wish I could live here."

"Me too, Prince. I love Evelyn. It's my first time here, and I really like it."

*Chirp!*

I, Ganael, and the three lesser pandas lay on the mat, rolling around.

Benzam smiled gently and poured us some refreshing honeybush tea.

Bright sunlight, cool grass, a pleasant tree shade, and cute companion beasts with close friends.

Everything was perfect at the summer palace.

I felt that if I could just survive and return home, it would be perfect.

The Emperor had gone hunting to catch dinner, and the Cardinal naturally accompanied him.

The Count of Evelyn, who had set out to eliminate pirates, wouldn't return for a few days.

I was truly alone in this beautiful summer palace.

"But why can't outsiders enter Evelyn? Is there a specific reason?"

I suddenly asked a question that came to mind.

Ganael's golden eyes showed a hint of discomfort.

"Well, Prince. Um..."

"Evelyn was originally the private property of the royal family. It was only recently named and divided. As it was specially granted to the Duke, only close family and guests can enter."

"I see."

Benzam managed to alleviate my curiosity without mentioning the Duke or the Count of Evelyn.

I was impressed by his skill. I nodded and sat up.

Holding a peach in one hand and a quill in the other, I opened my notebook.

"Well, I'm not curious about the Duke or the Count."

"Suddenly?"

Ganael was puzzled by my sudden statement.

I quietly offered the peach, and Demi quickly approached, grabbing my sleeve and starting to munch on the fruit.

The other two didn't seem very interested.

I maintained this position and wrote down 'truly important things' in my notebook.

- Sadi and the suspicious letter

This was actually what I was most concerned about.

Last night, I found a mysterious note between the cards celebrating Prince Xysser's birthday.

It was a message from 'Vil' to 'Rosna,' clearly asking about my well-being from someone in the New Kingdom.

Sadi sn