Chapter 10
Chapter 10
“So, Sir Orge was the one who damaged the youngest princess’s carriage, and you subdued him?”
“Yes, that’s correct, Commander!”
After subduing Orge, imperial knights who detected the use of aura appeared, and both Orge and I were taken to the barracks.
While Orge remained unconscious, I was brought before the commander of the imperial knights, Jerome Kripton, and explained everything that had just happened.
“Tch… attempting to assassinate a royal is punishable by death. What was Sir Orge thinking… sigh.”
A heavy sigh escaped the commander.
“This doesn’t look like something he did on his own, Commander.”
“Indeed. An imperial knight wouldn’t commit something like this independently.”
He nodded slowly.
“Then I will take responsibility for uncovering the truth behind this matter.”
It seemed he intended to interrogate Orge inside the knight barracks.
But that made me uneasy.
The one who had sent a hunting dog after me during interrogation was the Second Empress, the mother of the Third Prince.
Like father, like child, and in this case, like mother, like son.
It was obvious she might try to eliminate Orge as well to cover things up.
Having Orge nearby was reassuring, but it also meant I was not trusting Jerome Kripton.
That could be interpreted negatively.
And if that happened, my goal of building cooperation with him could fall apart.
“I honestly would like to leave this to you, Sir Damian. After all, this is your achievement.”
‘What does he mean by that?’
“But you are already the knight who was involved in the Third Prince incident, aren’t you? Some people are starting to look at you unfavorably.”
‘So he’s removing me from the interrogation list out of consideration?’
There was no other reason for him to say that.
“This is to protect a capable knight like you. Don’t be too disappointed. I will make sure your contribution is properly credited.”
“Understood, Commander. Thank you for your consideration.”
“Don’t mention it. The problem is those who dislike competent knights, not you. Hahaha.”
It sounded almost like he was indirectly criticizing the imperial family causing trouble.
Even if it wasn’t directed at anyone specific, it was still dangerous to say in the imperial palace.
But he was Jerome Kripton, head of one of the three great ducal houses, the Empire’s strongest swordsman, and the most trusted knight of the Emperor.
With that kind of status, he could afford to speak freely.
“Since that is the case, I will personally take charge of the investigation. Sir Damian, you should rest for now.”
“Understood, Commander. I will report during night duty then.”
“Do so.”
After bowing, I left his office.
Just as I was heading back to the barracks—
“Sir Damian, there you are!”
“Senior Jackson?”
Jackson, a first-year imperial knight who had been friendly since my first day, rushed toward me.
He looked unusually excited, as if he had news to deliver.
“What is it, Senior Jackson?”
“Your little sister came looking for you. And you also have a sister? There was a beautiful woman who looked almost identical to her with her.”
“My sister came? And my sister? That’s probably my mother.”
“Your mother?! That stunning woman was your mother?!”
I understood his reaction.
Honestly, my mother still looks like she hasn’t aged a day since her prime.
During academy breaks, when I visited home and helped her with shopping, she often got approached by men trying to flirt with her.
Of course, I drove them all away.
‘But why are they here all of a sudden? I did send letters saying I was fine.’
Whatever the reason, it was already evening.
It would be best to meet them quickly and send them home.
I had recently heard that security issues were increasing in the capital.
“Thank you for telling me, Senior Jackson. I owe you a meal sometime.”
“No need, no need~. That’s what big brothers are for~ Still, I’ll take that meal~ Free food is the best, haha!”
“Of course. I’ll take my leave then.”
After thanking him, I quickly headed to the imperial entrance.
And there I saw them.
My mother and younger sister, both carrying bags full of things.
But—
“Why don’t you come hang out with us? With your little sister too.”
“Sorry, I’m waiting for someone right now. And she’s not my sister, she’s my daughter.”
“Huh? Using that kind of lie to ignore us?”
“Lie? Hoho.”
A group of thug-like men were harassing my mother and sister.
‘Just as I thought. They should have come with Father.’
It was almost a routine sight at this point, but it was never pleasant.
This was my only mother.
And my only sister was being treated the same way.
I stepped forward.
“Excuse me for a moment, seniors.”
“Sir Damian? We can’t interfere outside the gate—”
“They are my family. That makes it my business.”
“W-what?”
I walked past the guards and stepped outside the imperial entrance.
And stood directly in front of them.
“That’s enough.”
“What the—?”
“A knight?”
“Isn’t this outside the gate? They can’t interfere, right?”
They seemed to think I was just another imperial knight trying to intervene.
Which meant this was something they did often.
“Mother. Take Yuki and go inside.”
“Oh my, alright then~?”
My mother cheerfully took my sister’s hand and walked back inside.
“W-wait, mother? Sister?”
“I came to meet them. Do you have a problem with that?”
I released killing intent from my eyes as I looked at them.
“N-no sir! We were just joking around!”
“Y-yeah! We were just playing! Haha!”
They immediately turned pale and scrambled away.
“Tch.”
‘How dare they approach my mother and sister?’
I turned back and walked into the gate again.
“My son is here~?”
“Mother, I told you to come with Father next time. You always end up dealing with this.”
My mother truly looked like she was aging backward.
Her red and yellow twin-toned hair tied half-up, obsidian-like eyes, and a face that looked like it belonged to someone in her early twenties.
And a figure that naturally drew attention wherever she went.
Honestly, I understood why men approached her.
Who would believe she was a married woman with children?
Even my sister Yuki, who looked like her twin, only looked like her younger sibling.
‘When Yuki grows up… will she look like Mom?’
“Yuki, your brother is scolding Mom again.”
“Sigh… Brother, you’ve got it rough because of this silly mother.”
“Hey! Don’t call me silly mother!”
“Mom, that’s enough. We just came to check on you and bring food.”
Yuki explained calmly while ignoring our mother’s protests.
“I’m glad you’re doing well, brother.”
“I already wrote that in a letter.”
“Yes. But Mom insisted on seeing you herself.”
“I just wanted to see my dear son~!”
She pouted like a teenage girl.
Even though I loved her, I could never get used to that personality.
“Don’t bother your brother too much. Let’s go back, silly mother.”
“Eeeeh—!”
Dragged away by Yuki, my mother waved energetically.
“See you again, my son~!”
“Please at least call ahead next time…”
I sighed deeply as I watched them leave.
‘I’m drained… completely drained…’
◈
“Media, did you see our son?”
“Yes, darling. He seems to be doing well.”
The mother of Damian and Yuki, Media, leaned into her husband’s arms.
“But he looked tired.”
“That’s normal for imperial knights. Don’t worry too much. He’s strong like me.”
“…And darling, Yuki is being so cold to me.”
A bead of sweat ran down the husband’s face.
“…She’ll warm up again eventually, right?”
“Yes. She’s just going through a phase. Just wait a little.”
“Okay… then… hey!”
Media suddenly pushed her husband down.
And climbed on top of him.
“…Don’t leave me lonely tonight, darling♡.”
“My back has been—”
“I’ll take care of everything. Just stay still.”
She licked her lips and looked at him with hungry eyes.
And the husband thought silently.
‘Son… daughter… your father is thinking of you two right now…’