Chapter 28
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 28
Chapter Title: The Lambda Stronghold
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Madman.
In Actaeon's eyes, Niu was a madman.
"My type?"
Overly massive tits and ass.
That much she could shrug off, but the solidly developed muscles and huge frame made her an object of shock.
Even the hair she'd cropped short because it got in the way was a problem.
Plenty of people said she looked like a man if you didn't look closely.
Because of that, Actaeon herself had realized she lacked any feminine charm.
She brushed off the looks of disgust or disbelief.
"He's a real weirdo."
Defiling an assassin who'd tried to kill him? Sure, that made sense.
There were no shortage of people like that in the world.
But declaring her as his type?
And casually riding around in a wagon under the pretense of a pilgrimage? That didn't make any sense.
Was that why even that ruthless emperor doted on him so much? Because he was unique?
"...He is handsome, though."
Actaeon crossed her arms and leaned back against the edge of the wagon bed.
The more she thought about it, the more the man sitting across from her nagged at her mind.
"Master. I can see walls up ahead. Looks like Count Krueger's territory."
Antiope, who was driving the wagon, said while staring forward.
The crown prince's standing order was to always keep eyes on the road while driving.
Constant vigilance was proper etiquette.
"Then let's stay the night there. Actaeon, use invisibility to hide, memorize our movements. If you've got time, go see your family."
Niu opened his closed eyes and yawned.
His face was full of sleepy traces from dozing off with his head bobbing.
"Got it."
Actaeon immediately cloaked herself in invisibility.
Faster than a blink.
"He's really weird."
Letting an assassin who'd tried to kill him roam free, even trusting her.
She couldn't pin him down at all.
Of course, even set free, she couldn't run or ambush him.
He wasn't just a simple fucktoy—he was an exceptional bodyguard in combat.
And Niu himself, her assassination target, had freakish fighting prowess.
"How is that the spoiled, fragile crown prince?"
Actaeon shook her head, recalling the personal details Count Krueger had shared.
Not a single one matched up.
Maybe information hadn't leaked because he was so doted on.
Or perhaps he'd personally covered his tracks.
She couldn't know for sure, but both could be true.
"I give up."
In the end, Actaeon quit thinking about it.
She was too busy savoring the faint anticipation and strange thrill bubbling up.
"Welcome...!"
Upon arriving in the county, Krueger's son greeted us warmly.
Thanks to that, we slipped into the main castle easily.
Under the excuse of sightseeing, we comfortably mapped out the interior layout.
We didn't bring up the assassin at all.
No need to toss out bait first and make things awkward.
Actaeon had stepped away just in case.
They might have ways to detect invisibility magic, like heat sensing.
So the other side didn't mention the assassination either.
He might not know, but dropping bait first meant losing, probably.
"The outer walls are sturdy, but the mansion's built tough too."
"Yes. With northern barbarians who could strike anytime, we've prepared meticulously. The other northern castles are the same."
"I can feel the northern grit. Very impressive."
"Thank you."
A bit of praise, and Krueger's son's face lit up.
His name was... Nixon, right?
"Uh... Nixon?"
"Yes, Your Highness. Please, speak freely."
Nixon flashed a smooth, oily smile.
Guessed right.
"Count Krueger's always busy at the front, right?"
"Yes. It's embarrassing for me to say, but he's doing his utmost to assist Lord Manes."
"Reliable. Good."
"I am honored."
I nodded lightly and walked the corridor.
A traitor's family mouthing loyalty—it was absurd and bittersweet.
"Thanks for the tour. You follow tough policies well, so Mother will be pleased."
"Just doing my duty as a vassal, but it's truly an honor."
"Not laying it on too thick? Anyway, great look around. I'm heading out."
Such a guy betraying us?
I gave an incredulous laugh, then left the mansion right away.
Probably looked like a genuine smile to Nixon.
"Layout mapped."
Back in the wagon, I sorted the plan.
As expected, no reveal of the hidden room, but I could guess.
First, visit relatives and fill them in on events.
Need the owner's permission to clean up slaves.
Then gather evidence.
Process based on that if it exists; figure it out later if not.
"It's gotta be there."
No evidence of trying to assassinate me? Possible.
Verbal orders and cash, done.
But proof of northern dealings and spying? Definitely.
Letters exchanged, bribes—something's turning up.
"I'm back."
Once out of Krueger's territory and in a spot with no eyes, Actaeon's voice came from beside the wagon bed.
"Good work. Hop on."
"Yeah."
Actaeon dropped invisibility and leaped into the bed.
Oddly, the wagon didn't shake, not even a footstep sound.
"Impressive. How'd you do that?"
"Trade secret. Master could learn it too, if he wanted. Same for the girls here."
"So if I ask you to teach me, you will?"
"Whatever you say, I do."
Impressive?
Normally, folks get cagey about sharing skills.
Especially survival tech like an assassin's.
But Actaeon's face showed no such reluctance.
Her voice was nonchalant.
Like someone who'd given up on life.
Or an obedient slave.
"What's with her?"
Her personality didn't scream "life quitter," so maybe affinity went up?
I'll find out later while fucking her brains out.
"Your Highness. We can speed up and overnight in a village, or take it easy and camp. Which?"
Antiope asked, eyes forward.
Her voice had a dazed edge, like she was still shocked.
"Village. Pick up speed."
"Yes, sir."
Antiope whipped the reins hard as she spoke.
The horses snorted and accelerated with full power.
Adrenaline from the beating, or just lashing out in pain?
Only the horses know.
"Almost there."
The horses galloped long before halting at a village.
Sunset just starting—perfect timing.
Actaeon kept invisible well before the village.
Slipped into the inn with us like that.
"Finally see it."
After a rough meal and wash, I lay in bed lost in thought.
Heart pounding at the idea of meeting a relative I only knew by face tomorrow.
Couldn't sleep, stared through the night.
First time in life feeling this excited—unreal.
"Crown Prince. Almost there..."
We rode from dawn till the sun peaked.
Ekyon, driving, pointed ahead.
Majestic walls, flanked by massive mountains.
A picture-perfect natural fortress.
"...Whoa."
I gaped in awe without thinking.
Seen plenty of fine, flashy sights... but nothing compared.
Heard they carved out the middle of Lambda-shaped mountains...
Reminded me of that hellish army that'd shave mountains if the captain ordered.
"Halt!"
At the grand walls, a gate guard bellowed deeply.
Thick cloak over armor, spear at ready—impressive.
Guards intimidating, gates and walls too.
Intimidating all around.
"No entry to just anyone. No prior notice or locals? Turn back."
Stern face, but polite tone.
The grave dignity earned respect.
"Good work. Told to visit first on pilgrimage, so here I am. Boss inside?"
I waved casually, meeting the guard's eyes.
Natural bright voice flowed out, thanks to the good vibes.
The guard eyed me closely, then eyes widened.
"Y-Your... H-Highness, Crown Prince?!"
"That's me. Good eye. Seen a portrait?"
"N-No! We got word you'd come, and a description..."
Ah. Didn't know the face, but traits passed down for ID.
Makes sense.
Far off, just silhouette, so halted first.
Proper checkpoint.
"What traits?"
"Black-haired youth with two women in red and blue armor as escorts. All exceptionally attractive."
"Flattering me here? Veteran soldier, huh."
I fished out some silver coins.
Precious travel funds, but he earned it sucking up right.
"Take this. No inspection needed?"
"No need. Orders to pass anyone matching that description."
The guard waved off the coins lightly.
Honest type—better reward another way.
"Just on traits?"
"Yes. Even fakes—let through, then execute mercilessly."
Chills.
Superior's mindset colder and sharper than northern chill.
"Alright. Open the gate?"
"Yes, Your Highness! An honor to meet you!"
The guard saluted sharply, then opened the gate fast.
Frontline meant gates opened and shut on demand.
Screeech. After a wait, the heavy gate groaned open.
So massive, operating it was labor.
"Thanks."
I called out, and Ekyon drove through immediately.
Snow piled on walls, but roads clear.
"Nice view here too."
Snow-draped wall city.
European-style buildings everywhere—like winter Russia.
Tourist spot material.
"Actaeon. Peel off here, come to the castle at night. Tough, but I'll leave a window open—find that room."
I whispered low; a faint breeze stirred as the wagon jiggled slightly.
Actaeon, invisible since before checkpoint, had jumped off.
"Your Highness, you sure?"
Antiope beside me asked with a sigh-mixed tone.
Worried things going south might drag me down.
"Mother's the emperor, and this relative's imperial kin too. Distant, sure, but it'll work out."
"Some kin are worse than strangers."
"True."
Greedy money-grubbers, sibling scammers—plenty of inhuman types.
But Orpheus would've warned if so.
"Still fine. Mother trusts her, so she's gotta be good people. I trust that."
I don't fully trust kin, but trust Emperor Mom.
Emperor trusts kin, so I trust kin too.
Flawless logic.
"If you're set, nothing more to say."
Antiope's lips curved in a soft smile.
Mind eased now.
Thanks to that, I gazed ahead lighter-hearted.
No burden from the stares at outsiders.
"Crown Prince. Almost there."
Ekyon murmured low.
A pure white castle, like sculpted from snow, loomed right ahead.