Chapter 99
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 99
The Lord of the Castle, observing Barkas’s rigid expression, let out a strained laugh and scratched the back of his head.
“I’ve been acting like a meddling old fool. My apologies if I’ve offended you, Your Excellency.”
Barkas, watching him with cold, detached eyes, simply turned and strode across the courtyard.
In front of the castle gates, the cavalry was already lined up, their preparations for departure complete. As Barkas scanned the ranks, his gaze caught Thalia walking along the dirt path, and he came to a sudden halt.
Her pale, tawny hair was neatly braided, catching the autumn sun and shimmering like spun gold.
Barkas studied her weary face intently before handing his horse’s reins to a junior knight and stepping up behind her. As he approached, the woman, who had been reaching for the carriage door, spun around and glared at him with wary eyes.
“W-what is it…?”
Barkas, who had intended to help her into the carriage, slowly withdrew his hand.
His wife looked exactly like prey cornered by its natural predator. As he met those terrified blue eyes, an unfamiliar pang of unease rippled through a part of his gut he couldn’t quite name. He narrowed his eyes, quietly observing her face for a moment before taking a step back.
Only then did he see the tension drain from her body. She looked as if she were finally able to breathe, and a bitter taste filled his mouth. Ignoring the strange physical reaction, he spoke calmly.
“I’ll be traveling on horseback from now on. I will station separate guards by the carriage, so call for me if anything happens.”
A faint look of relief flickered across her face. Hiding it quickly, she lowered her long, thick lashes and replied curtly.
“Do whatever you want.”
With that, she hurried into the carriage as if fleeing for her life.
Barkas stood by the door, watching her in silence, before letting out a small sigh and turning away. It seemed all the effort he had put into getting her used to his touch had been in vain. Considering his impatient behavior the previous night, her reaction wasn’t particularly surprising.
…It would be best not to touch her for the time being.
She was as sensitive and fearful as a young wild mare. To lower her guard, he would have to keep his distance and avoid approaching her recklessly.
Feeling the bitterness in his mouth grow stronger, he swung himself into his saddle.
“Once again, thank you for accepting the invitation, Your Excellency.”
The Lord of the Castle, who had been waiting a short distance away, approached him again. Barkas turned his horse toward the head of the long line of cavalry and gave a slight nod.
“I will see to the raider problem as quickly as possible.”
“Thank you. Then, I shall visit you in Kalmor soon,” the man shouted in a booming voice.
Barkas immediately spurred his horse forward.
As they passed through the gates, the cavalry warriors followed in formation. A heavy scent of wine clung to them, suggesting they had enjoyed themselves quite rowdily the night before. Barkas scanned the faces of the riders before speaking dryly to Tyron, who was riding at his side.
“Bring Lucas to the front. Until we return to Kalmor, I will personally oversee his training.”
Tyron sent him a worried look. Was he concerned that Barkas might harm the green boy?
Barkas let out a faint, mocking laugh and added coldly, “Must I repeat myself?”
“……I will bring him at once.”
Tyron turned his horse and moved toward the rear of the column. A short while later, Lucas rode up with a stiff, guarded expression. Barkas looked his brother up and down with dry eyes before giving a slight tilt of his chin.
“From now on, you will act as the scout. Move to the vanguard.”
A clear look of tension appeared on the boyish face, which still bore the soft down of youth. It seemed he sensed the ordeal that was about to befall him.
Barkas gestured with his head again. “What are you waiting for? Get to the front.”
After a moment’s hesitation, the boy snapped his reins and moved to the lead. Barkas added sharply to the boy’s rigid back, “From this moment on, you are not permitted to break formation or leave my sight without permission. Should you fail in your duties, you will be held responsible.”
“Your Excellency, the young master is still lacking in experience—”
“Tyron El Drakan.”
The man, who had dared to interject, immediately fell silent. Barkas delivered his first and final warning.
“Interfere with my orders one more time, and you will pay the price.”
A chilling silence fell over the cavalry. They realized that his warning was directed at everyone present. Barkas scanned the riders with a sharp gaze before turning his eyes back to Lucas.
“Now, move out.”
Lucas, glancing at him over his shoulder, spurred his horse. Barkas followed immediately behind his brother.
They planned to make a wide circle through the northeastern region before heading south. After traveling to the border of the former Arex Kingdom, they would turn west to inspect the southeastern region. Finally, after touring the northwestern area and arriving in Kalmor, the circuit of the territory would be complete.
It would take about fifteen days at most. It was plenty of time to discipline his thoughtless brother.
Barkas followed closely behind Lucas, keeping a careful watch on their surroundings. He intended not to interfere with his brother’s scouting unless there was significant danger. Fortunately, Lucas found the way skillfully enough without deviating much from the set path. However, lacking experience in leading a group, he would often mindlessly enter remote paths without considering those following him.
Eventually, after having to backtrack several times, Lucas became visibly dejected.
“Make sure you study the map properly. We must reach the area near Brinak by tomorrow,” Barkas said sternly to his brother as they reached the campsite near sunset. “If we are delayed, it is entirely your responsibility. Keep your wits about you and do your job.”
“……Why is that my responsibility?”
Barkas, who had dismounted and was leading his horse to the water, paused and looked back at his brother. Lucas was glaring at him with a rebellious, defiant look in his eyes.
“The delay in the schedule is your fault, Brother! You’re just taking out your petty frustrations from yesterday on me!”
The sound of sharp intakes of breath could be heard from the surrounding knights.
Tension clouded Lucas’s face, but believing that Barkas wouldn’t actually harm him, he kept his neck stiff and defiant. Barkas let out a long sigh and slowly walked up to his brother. Lucas committed the folly of tilting his chin high, glaring fiercely.
Barkas let out a dry chuckle and reached out to brush back the boy’s messy, dark brown curls. Lucas’s shoulders flinched, surprised by the sudden touch. Barkas then gripped the back of his brother’s head and leaned in close to the boy’s pale face.
“If I had intended to take my frustrations out on you for yesterday, I would have stood you in the sparring ring instead of going through all this tedious trouble.”
The color drained from the boy’s sun-kissed face. To that carefree face that had never known responsibility in its life, Barkas added softly:
“Be grateful that you are not yet an adult and that you are my brother, Lucas. If you weren’t, I would have stood you where Alec Gutvan stood, instead of putting you at the head of my path.”
“……”
“If you understand what I mean, you should offer your brother a polite apology.”
“……I am sorry, Brother.”
“Good. I forgive your insolence,” Barkas continued smoothly. “Soon, you will also have to apologize for wagging your tongue so recklessly at my wife. For now, I am simply leaving you be because she says she doesn’t even want to see your face.”
Lucas bit his lip. Barkas looked down at the face flushed red with humiliation for a moment before releasing him with a dismissive shove.
“Now, go do your work.”