Chapter 104: Orhen (2)


    Things have gottenplicated.


    Duke Brusek, Chief of Intelligence of Haisen, tapped his desk with his fingers and let out a frustrated sigh.


    It had gotten terriblyplicated. He didnt even suspect Derek was a traitor.


    And that wasnt all. The atmosphere was strange so he investigated and found out some of those in the north had also betrayed them.


    Disguised as deaths during their missions, after brutal interrogations, he found out they had heard the devils voice.


    They called it a sacred revtion but to Duke Brusek it was merely a deluded voice.


    He couldnt even guess how far the roots of corruption had spread within the intelligence agency. There probably werent many but the important thing was that there were some.


    His confidant Shadows Mystic Power had its limits too. Given enough time he could catch them but time was the issue.


    He didnt know who else might betray them during that time, or how things might get tangled up in the empire.


    The leader position wasnt just handed over. It was a spot that was considered in the top 5 even within Haisens intelligence agency.


    Reaching that position meant one had survived in this vicious ce. Their instincts would be ghostly.


    Hes probably already suspicious.


    Contrary to ns, his confidant brought Hepate through Phiri. If he was the leader he would have noticed something strange.


    They were already in a situation where Carlyn and Haisen could be exposed at any moment the very next day.


    Considering the Emperors personality, the Princess would definitely be disqualified from thepetition to seed to the throne.


    An attack on Haisen would also just be following procedure.


    The best thing would be to eliminate the connection between Haisen and the character Carl Schurtafen.


    But that didnt seem likely to happen.


    Because Derek must have evidence.


    Within the agency, information about godchildren was only managed by the Duke. But his opponent was the leader.


    Moreover, Carlyn had worked in the empire too so if they wanted to make connections they could.


    And the fact was, Derek himself was evidence. Fanaticism made people take their lives lightly.


    If Derek went to the empire himself and revealed his identity, that would be enough proof.


    Because he couldnt see a clear solution, the Duke felt frustrated.


    The remaining methods were things he didnt like much. The Duke wanted to talk to Carlyn.


    He felt that clever child might havee up with some ingenious idea.


    Of course, he didnt have high expectations. It was clearly not a situation he could get out of.


    Oh well. The Duke let out a deep sigh.


    Destroy all information rted to Carlyn, secretly.


    .Yes.


    The Shadow who answered hesitated for a moment.


    Are you abandoning Carlyn?


    Abandoning him.


    The Dukeughed at his confidants question. He was too great a talent to abandon.


    He was a child he had raised to be the imperial princesss guard at 18 and be on the cusp of fulfilling the agencys will.


    His activities in the Western War were enough to even astonish the Duke.


    And where else on this continent could he find another child like that? Carlyn was the closest to perfect of all the agents hed seen.


    It may seem that way. But youre mistaken. That child is probably thinking the same as me.


    ..


    Pass on word to Phiri.


    Your Highness, its an honor to meet you. I am Henna Schrier.


    Orhen came for lunch. The purpose was to share a meal and conversation together.


    While exchanging greetings with the princess, she never once looked in my direction.


    It was a kind of etiquette. As a member of the escort, I could observe Orhen a bit more freely.


    She certainly appeared more mature. She was still young, but I had seen her even younger.


    Being a count might change the atmosphere. Orhen probably felt the same when she saw me.


    Only when Orhen lifted her head did she briefly nce in my direction. There was warmth in her short eye contact.


    You must have gone through a lot toe here. Ive heard about your deeds. Youve reimed the lost title of your ancestors.


    Yes.


    A significant achievement. But it must have been quite challenging on your own.


    I am satisfied, having achieved vengeance.


    Erendil nodded as if this were expected.


    You wished to see me.


    Yes. Your courage and skill shown during the recent Western War


    Orhens ttery, Erendils humility and eptance. The conversation that followed was familiar yet tedious.


    It was the usual discourse exchanged with noble visitors who sought support.


    Well, Erendil might already see falsehoods and truths in Orhens words.


    During the brief pauses in conversation, Orhen asionally nced at me.


    As the meal ended, Orhen hinted that she might add some additional gold.


    While sipping tea, Erendil proposed a stroll to Orhen.


    The pce gardens are quite beautiful. Would you care to walk with me?


    It would be an honor.


    Schurtafen, follow us.


    It felt a bit out of ce. Orhen wouldnt naturally be fond of this.


    As the three of us walked in the garden, Erendil suddenly gave Orhen a sharp look.


    Count.


    Yes, Your Highness.


    You seemed acquainted with Schurtafen.


    The abrupt question was quite surprising. How did she know? It didnt make sense.


    Erendil didnt know Orhen. This meeting was arranged by Haisen.


    Even if Erendil noticed the falsehood in Orhens ttery, there was no reason for her to associate it with me.


    Orhens actions hadnt caused any issues.


    Her gaze had briefly met mine a few times.


    It wasnt just me who noticed. Emmet saw it too. It felt strange but hard to pinpoint.


    Is he one of the princesss guards?


    Your gaze seemed quite familiar.


    Unlikely. It was just a momentary nce.


    Erendil looked at me instead of Orhen. It was a demanding gaze, seeking an answer. I had no choice.


    I had decided not to lie in the first ce, and Orhens response confirmed it was a lie.


    Your Highnesss thoughts are correct. The count is affiliated with Haisen. We grew up together.


    As expected, so it is.


    While Erendil nodded, Orhen shot me a shocked look.


    It was a question of What are you doing? I chose not to answer.


    Why didnt you mention it earlier?


    I apologize. Even though the Count is affiliated with Haisen, I didnt think this meeting would change much.


    Thats not the point. If I knew you two had a connection, I would have arranged the meal differently, more privately.


    Erendils words indicated her consideration.


    You didnt mention it on purpose because youre acquainted, right? Its been a while since youve seen each other, so I thought youd want some time to catch up.


    She seemed to be thinking differently. I didnt deliberately avoid mentioning it out of consideration.


    I shook my head.


    Its fine.


    Weve alreadye to the garden. Since its not a ce people can just casually enter, lets take some time to chatfortably.


    Erendil said so and walked ahead. It was an unintended consideration, but it wasnt bad.


    But I couldnt keep too much distance, so Orhen and I followed behind.


    Carlyn, I cant understand why you said that.


    Her old tone remained.


    Although I thought her manner of speaking had changed during the conversation with Erendil, it seemed it was all an act.


    She seemed to have already noticed. Its a meaningless matter.


    Still


    Anyway, it turned out well, didnt it? Theres no problem.


    At my words, Orhen also smiled faintly.


    Youre not wrong. Its been a while.


    Yeah, about three years? We parted ways at sixteen.


    Right. How are you doing, Carlyn? I roughly know, but


    Since I became a guard, my movements could be seen from anywhere, so I answered with a smile.


    What about you? It wouldnt have been easy to be a count.


    My father put in quite a bit of effort. I think I worked hard too.


    I thought there wouldnt be any awkwardness since we had spent almost every day together for three years, but there was a bit.


    I was fine, but there seemed to be some difort on Orhens side. Maybe it was because we were in the presence of the princess.


    Oh, Denif sent his regards.


    Have you seen him recently?


    He was the contact for this mission.


    Had he gone to Temerza and returned to Haisen? Well, considering theplexities involving devil worshippers and the empire, talented agents focused on Haisen and the empire when needed.


    Hows Denif doing?


    He seemed in good spirits. He was very grateful to you. He said you saved his life.


    Right. I was the one who saved him.


    He was praising you. He said, Lets have a rematch next time we meet.


    A chuckle escaped.


    Hes still the same.


    Hes Denif.


    Didnt he ask you to fight?


    It was a secret meeting.


    Orhen nced briefly at Erendils back.


    However


    It seemed like the princess really cares about you.


    Is that so?


    Yeah, it looked that way.


    Well, considering what Ive done, its understandable.


    It seemed like there was more to it than just that. Besides, your face alone adds some credibility.


    Erendil whispered softly, wearing a subtle smile. Then she gestured subtly to indicate that the conversation had gone on long enough.


    It was a signal to stop. Well, this was probably enough. I nodded in agreement.


    I hope we can meet again next time.


    Orhens final words.


    I gave a slight smile in response, but inwardly, I shook my head. Whether that would be possible or not remained uncertain.


    She was quite pretty.


    It was what the Princess had brought up. For some reason, Carlyn sensed the atmosphere was tense.


    He smiled and lowered his head.


    How could shepare to you, Your Highness?


    ttery.


    The Princess sharply turned her head towards the window. But to Carlyn, he was just telling the truth.


    Whether in the game or now, Carlyn hadnt seen anyone more beautiful than the Princess after all.


    A silence briefly visited them and Carlyn contemted. There was something he had to tell the Princess too.


    But he wondered if this was the right timing.


    Its still just at the concept stage.


    It was questionable to talk in detail. He didnt know how the situation might change. But he had to mention it.


    An order coulde tonight out of nowhere.


    Because it would be a shocking thing to say so suddenly when a situation that allowed him to talk might appear without notice.


    It was best to give a heads-up about things like this in advance. If the situation actually hit, things could get tangled up and misunderstandings could ur.


    Your Highness, would it be alright if I stepped down from being your knight?


    .What do you mean by that?


    The Princess asked back in a cold tone.


    Did Haisen tell you to return?


    No, thats not it.


    Or did they tell you to marry the Duchess?


    No, neither. Haisen hasnt said anything to me. Im just hypothesizing.


    Because it was after Carlyn met Orhen, the Princess thought hed received word from the Haisen side.


    The Princess red at Carl with sharp eyes.


    Speak properly. Youre not the type of person to just randomly say something like that on your own.


    Her voice was frosty. Although the Princess was pretending to remain calm, her expression and voice werepletely opposite.


    Carlyn sighed internally.


    He had expected a reaction like this to some extent, but he didnt think it would be this intense.


    There is a high probability of that happening.


    How high of a probability?


    ..


    Very high then.


    The Princesss eyes reddened slightly. As for her, it was only natural to be flustered by the sudden talk.


    What happened without my knowing? Speak truthfully.


    Do you recall when I mentioned there were traitorsst time?


    I remember.


    There is a high likelihood an attack towards you and I wille.


    The Princess expressed surprise with her eyes.


    If my identity is revealed, it will be a tremendous blow to you as well. I want to take action myself before you get excluded from thepetition.


    The Princess couldnt react for a moment after Carlyn spoke. It was because although shed vaguely heard it before, the situation had been quite serious.


    .Is there no way to avoid leaving?


    It looks nearly impossible.


    Then isnt it not a possibility but a certainty?


    Im sorry.


    The Princess looked at Carlyn resentfully. Her emotions going haywire was also a novel thing for her.


    For a while, she seemed like she wanted to say something as she wet her lips.


    Didnt you ask if I would be alright with you stepping down as a knight?


    ..


    I am not alright with it.


    I apologize.


    The Princess let out a long sigh.


    Didnt you say you would stay by my side and make efforts. Was that a lie?


    No. Even if I am no longer Your Highnesss knight, I will be near you.


    The Princesss expression softened subtly.


    Is that possible?


    You know of my Mystic Power. Of course, I wont be able to see you as frequently right after the incident first happens and Ill have to keep some distance, but I may also be able to create a situation where I can return.


    Silence flowed for a while. After a period of stillness, the Princess looked at Carlyn with hard eyes.


    If by some chance I be Emperor, would that problem be resolvable then?


    Carlyn looked into the Princesss eyes and deeply lowered his head.


    It would be at the Emperorsmand. Who would defy an order from the Emperor?Author''s Thoughts


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