~Chapter 61~
Titi changed the topic.
“I heard about it. They say the kidnappers are only targeting girls.”
“What? I heard they’re going after noble kids, boys or girls.”
“Really? I heard they didn’t care about status at all.”
Hmm? Titi and Liv tilted their heads, looking at each other.
“Since it’s such a bad situation, I guess the rumors are getting twisted in many ways.”
I added, and Licht—who had been quietly listening—let out a deep sigh and joined in.
“Whatever the case, young ladies need to be careful.”
He set down his fork with a clink.
“Always take an escort with you, and don’t go out after dark.”
“Of course I will. I want to return safely to the academy!”
“Hehe. Titi doesn’t like scary stuff either.”
“……”
I turned my head with the fork still in my mouth.
As expected, those pale blue-gray eyes were staring straight at me.
‘I know. I know already.’
Even if you don’t look at me like that, I won’t mess up.
I had also heard bits and pieces about the recent rumors.
‘They say they’re trying to catch a runaway mage?’
“Hey, Khal. There was an attempted kidnapping in Ipsun. The rumor is…”
“No. And that’s not it.”
“I haven’t even said anything yet?”
“You were gonna say it’s my fault again, right? And then say you’ll help, and jump in.”
He really sees me as too much of a good person sometimes.
I got super annoyed.
“No way, you pig! I was just about to say I’ll never get caught! Catching criminals is Count Camelan’s job.”
“Surprising.”
“I’m not that nice!”
“You’re that nice.”
Sigh. I drank the milk in front of me.
I gave Khal a death glare, reminding him of what we talked about earlier. He turned his head with a “hmph” and crossed his arms.
What am I going to do with that guy’s lack of social skills?
“By the way, did you hear about the Green Festival competition?”
This time Olivia brought up a new topic.
“Huh? There’s a competition?”
“It’s Rubian’s first time, right? After the Green Festival’s prayer ceremony, adults usually go hunting or compete in martial arts. But children have simpler contests. It’s part of the fun!”
Oh, right. I think I read something like that in a book once.
Olivia explained further.
“There’s a children’s horseback riding competition, maze race, quiz contest, swordsmanship competition… see if there’s anything you’d like to try, Rubian.”
“Ah, okay…”
Titi jumped in.
“I’m joining the quiz contest!”
“That’s great.”
“I heard there’ll be lots of questions about herbs this year! Right, Lord Licht?”
Licht rubbed his forehead like he was troubled.
“I’m not sure. But I did notice the academy’s herbology professor going to the palace a lot.”
I quietly asked,
“Um… do you get a prize if you win at the Green Festival?”
“Of course!”
“What kind of prize?”
“Second place gets money, third place gets jewels.”
“……”
Seriously? Isn’t that a bit too realistic for a children’s event?
Titi let out a small sigh.
“It’s gotten modest. Last year the prize was land.”
“……”
You rich noble kids…
“What about first place?” I asked, leaning on my arm with a grumble.
“The first place prize is…”
Licht looked at me and smiled neatly.
“A Hero Collection card. A Green Festival limited edition with unreleased portraits.”
Back to childhood dreams, I see.
“But… I kind of want it.”
Suddenly, I wanted the first place prize more than anything.
‘My collector instincts… they’re on fire.’
Because I wanted to see Dad’s disgusted face again when looking at those cards.
‘I want to tease him. So badly.’
Ah… is that why the Hero Collection card is the grand prize?
“It’s going to be a fierce battle…”
Olivia put her hands together with a serious face.
“Yeah. All the kids on the continent want it…”
Even Titi furrowed her brows.
Guess money and jewels mean nothing to these well-fed noble kids.
“Alright! I’ll aim for the quiz contest! Let’s climb Ipsun Mountain to study herbs!”
“Ohh! I support you, Liv!”
“Um, there are kidnappings going on, remember?”
I asked, feeling a bit skeptical. Olivia raised her eyebrows like it wasn’t a big deal.
“We can just take escorts, can’t we? Though honestly, it’s most fun when we dress like commoners.”
I sighed quietly at her innocent answer.
‘The real troublemakers are right here.’
Okay. When I get back to the mansion, I’m writing letters to Count Camelan and Count Olson!
Once we finished eating cake, the group started to split up naturally.
Using the allowance I got before going out, I bought a nicely boxed cake for Dad.
Then, I remembered Grandpa, Void, and Liam—so I borrowed a bit more money from Sir Leon and bought cakes for them too.
‘This feels really nice!’
Thinking of people while buying something tasty… it really feels like family, huh?
“Well then, see you all later!”
I waved my hand. Since we were going in opposite directions, Titi and Liv stood across the street.
“Okay, see you at the Green Festival!”
With their escorts, the two girls walked off hand-in-hand like sisters.
That’s when Sir Leon and Khalid showed up, holding a stack of cake boxes.
“Ruby, let’s go. They said they’ll send the rest to the Duke’s residence.”
“Okay!”
I replied lightly, then looked up at Licht who stood in front of me.
“Was it boring?”
“Huh?”
He blinked slowly.
“I dragged you out to have fun, but we didn’t talk much… and you don’t seem to like cake.”
I scratched the back of my head awkwardly. I meant to spend time with him, but I ended up enjoying myself too much. I felt bad all of a sudden.
“I honestly don’t even know how to hang out…”
This was my best effort. I gave an awkward laugh, and Licht smiled gently.
“No, it was really fun.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
I thought he was just being polite, but his sparkling eyes seemed totally honest.
“Rubian.”
That moment, Licht stepped closer to me.
“Thanks for playing with me today.”
“Uh…”
“Can I come find you again if I want to hang out?”
“Well… I guess?”
Since we’re kind of friends now?
Then, a big bright smile appeared on his smooth face. He looked so happy that it made even me feel ticklish inside.
“Ruby, aren’t you going?”
Khalid’s quiet voice made me turn around quickly.
“Bye! See you at the Green Festival!”
“Yeah.”
I walked ahead, leaving behind the prince’s red-orange hair glowing in the sunset. Sir Leon followed closely behind me.
‘But why is he being so sweet to a boy like that?’
Wait a minute…
Hmm.
Maybe… The Empire’s future is going to be pretty interesting.
Meanwhile, after Rubian and Leon had gone far ahead—
Khalid and Licht were still standing, exchanging a strange look.
“I’ve been meaning to ask…”
Khalid, who had been standing still, finally spoke slowly.
“You know, don’t you.”
That she’s a girl.
Even though his words were chopped short, Licht understood exactly what he meant.
“Well, why don’t you guess?”
This brat…
Khalid twisted the corner of his mouth up. Licht watched him and muttered like he was talking to himself.
“I guess… you really are her friend.”
“Don’t know what your deal is, showing up out of nowhere…”
Khal stepped forward slowly. The red sunset shimmered in his blue-gray eyes.
“You’d better keep your mouth shut.”
“……”
“Your Highness.”
At that moment, Licht saw something shifting deep within Khalid’s shadow.
‘This guy…’
‘Is he even human?’
A chill crawled up the back of Licht’s neck.
“Khal! What are you doing? Hurry up!”
At the sound of Rubian’s cheerful voice, Khalid’s darkened eyes cleared up. The shaking shadow stilled and became solid again.
He adjusted the cake boxes in his arms and turned away.
“…What are you?”
This energy… no way. As he turned, Khalid tilted his head and looked back at Licht.
“Well, why don’t you guess?”
The boy smiled with one corner of his mouth and walked off casually.
Licht clenched his fists and watched him for a long, long time.
