Chapter 63
Chapter 63
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Amid the Revelry
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Chatter, chatter!
Was it because of all the people?
The nights in the capital, Shurton, stretched out far longer than in other regions.
Especially tonight, with the lingering excitement from celebrating Princess Isabel's coming-of-age ceremony.
Drunken revelers used the royal festivities as an excuse to delay heading home, indulging in the fun, while countless shops eyeing their pockets kept their doors open until the money ran dry.
In that boisterous atmosphere,
even if a few people acted a bit suspiciously, no one paid them any mind.
After all, the best place to hide a tree was in the forest.
"Hahaha! I'm in such a great mood today! Come on, let's grab another round!"
"Wahaha! Man, I've met a real hearty fellow who clicks with me tonight! Great! I know a good spot—let's head there!"
Adam and John had just met for the first time.
Yet they strutted down the main street like old friends of a decade, flaunting their instant camaraderie.
Alcohol and festivals had a way of working magic, letting people bond with anyone.
Was it their high spirits that drew a crowd?
Before they knew it, their group had swelled to over a dozen, all following John's lead toward his recommended spot.
A voice pierced clearly into Adam's ear.
Even amid the cacophony of noises, it reached him precisely, and Adam didn't find it odd at all.
"……."
For a brief moment, Adam paused, then casually slipped his arm from John's shoulder.
"Hahaha! Oh man, sorry about this, friend! I totally spaced on an important prior engagement! Looks like we'll have to call it here tonight!"
"No way! Hey, Adam! You can't do that! We may have just met today, but didn't we agree to party till dawn?!"
Adam felt irritation rise as he looked at his clingy new "friend" John, who wore an expression like he'd been betrayed for life—despite them meeting only hours ago.
He'd only played along to avoid suspicion for the mission, but this guy was sticking like glue.
'Should I just kill him?'
His fist, hardened tougher than rock, twitched involuntarily, but the thought passed quickly.
Adam relaxed it gently.
No matter how reckless he was, he wasn't insane enough to cause a murder in a place teeming with witnesses.
'Can't do anything stupid that might mess up Tia.'
"Aw, come on! Sorry, John, old pal! But this is that kind of appointment—what can I do? Cut me some slack!"
Shake, shake!
As Adam waggled his pinky, John finally got it, flashing a lecherous grin.
"Ah, of course! Man, why didn't you say so from the start? I almost looked like some prude who doesn't get it!"
"Hahaha! Yeah, I was a bit embarrassed—cut me some slack!"
John slapped Adam's shoulder with a hearty whack at his banter.
"If that's the reason, no helping it! But next time we meet, it's on you—big time!"
"You bet! From start to finish, I'll treat you till your nose twists!"
The two parted ways, promising drinks next time despite the reluctance.
But both already knew.
There'd be no reason to meet again after this farewell.
Though for very different reasons.
To John, Adam was just a one-night drinking buddy.
To Adam, John was already erased from his mind.
No one remembers every ant crawling underfoot.
And John could never imagine.
If he'd clung just once more,
he might never see tomorrow's sun.
Adam replied lazily to the repeated voice.
"...On my way."
His tone was chillingly eerie, nothing like the man chatting with John moments ago.
Despite her reputation as a spoiled brat, Princess Isabel's escapades outside the palace were surprisingly modest.
She simply wandered aimlessly through the capital, Shurton, observing and experiencing the lives of her kingdom's people.
Most palace servants knew this, so they turned a blind eye even if they spotted her outings.
Isabel wasn't the type to harass commoners, and in Aslan Kingdom—especially its capital—no disloyal forces would dare touch her.
Of course, she possessed exceptional magical talent herself.
When troubled, Isabel sometimes helped those in distress, sometimes watched daily life, or even dipped a foot into it herself.
Like tonight.
Sizzle!
The mouthwatering sizzle of grilling meat, the pleasant smoky warmth and aroma stimulating Isabel's senses.
It was already late.
Yet perhaps because so many were still celebrating her birthday, plenty of shops remained lit.
One such skewer stall had caught her attention.
"Hey, pretty miss! How about a skewer to go? Fresh off the grill—nice and hot, delicious!"
The old man grilling at the stall, wise from years lived, spotted her interest and called out.
True to his confidence, the sauce-glazed, juicy skewers looked irresistible.
Gulp!
'...One sandwich from Nanny wasn't quite enough.'
As her stomach belatedly signaled hunger, Isabel approached the old man slowly.
"How much for one skewer, sir?"
"Not pricey—one bronze each! But you're so pretty~ On a whim, three for two bronze!"
Late hour meant leftovers otherwise—what's to lose?
Despite the obvious discount, Isabel couldn't help smiling at the cheeky shopkeeper and handed over two coins.
"Oh, thank you kindly!"
The shopkeeper grinned back, flashing his uneven teeth.
"Miss, I don't know your worries, but chin up!"
"...Pardon?"
At the sudden words, Isabel reflexively asked back, but the still-smiling old man continued.
"A pretty girl like you shuffling along with slumped shoulders—it caught my eye! Good day or not, it's late! Head home quick—your parents'll worry!"
The clear, genuine concern in his eyes.
"...Thank you."
Sensing the sincerity, Isabel quietly thanked him warmly.
With an indescribable mix of emotions, she wandered the streets skewer in hand.
Step, step!
"...Sigh."
How far had she walked, sorting her troubled thoughts?
Letting her feet carry her to clear her mind, she'd unwittingly reached the outskirts near the slums.
She must have wandered here subconsciously, seeking quiet reflection.
"Oh dear. Too far out."
Most lights were out, showing time had passed.
Isabel turned back toward the palace without hesitation.
Or tried to.
If not for the woman blocking her path.
"Well, now. You look like fine lady—what brings you to this out-of-way corner~?"
"……."
Instead of replying to the red-haired woman, Isabel turned the other way.
Only to find the space now filled by a man.
"Eh, who cares why. Just wrap it up quick and go home."
"Hey, you dumb bear! That's why I told you to come when I called! Instead, you get drunk trying some half-assed plan. Wasted time—what a mess!"
The woman snapped at the man's words.
Despite her sharp tongue, the man scratched his head sheepishly and sighed.
"...I'm regretting it too, so spare the nagging. We got her proper—good enough."
They already treated Isabel like captured goods.
But she calmly eyed them both.
Unpleased, the redhead Tia smirked, lifting one corner of her mouth—her habit when offended.
"...So, esteemed princess doesn't mind being surrounded? Hey, princess. Not scared of us?"
"...Who'd fear this childish nonsense?"
Isabel scoffed at Tia's threat.
Naturally—she assumed they were from a martial clan or mage tower.
No matter her genius magic,
Isabel was just a seventeen-year-old girl.
She'd never imagined assassins targeting her life.
"...What'd you say?"
Of course, Tia and the man couldn't know her thoughts.
To them, she just seemed defiant.
"Guess I misjudged Second Young Lord Ian or Elder Luyen. If you're trying to scare me, wrong target. I won't yield to the likes of—"
Slash!
"……!!"
Sudden burning pain exploded on her cheek, cutting her words.
...Drip!
Warmth trickled down with the pain; instinctively, Isabel touched her cheek.
Her bloodied palm filled her vision.
"Th-this... what...?"
Her head spun, breath quickened.
'What is this? Are they really trying to kill me? Have the clans and tower gone mad?'
Facing death's threat for the first time, Isabel's eyes shook wildly. Tia smiled then.
"There we go. Now you look proper."
The panicked face before raw terror—Tia adored it.
Especially from haughty royals and nobles who acted untouchable.
"Ahh, wearing that 'one smack to submission' face again. Let's add a bit more..."
Stroke!
"Hey, Tia, ease up—no time. Don't wanna get chewed out by the boss."
As Tia licked her bloody finger and stepped forward, Adam murmured lowly.
The quiet words worked instantly.
Tia's reddening eyes cleared completely.
"...Tch! I know. Just a shame."
Isabel wasn't some common princess. She was Aslan's cherished daughter—the sole kingdom's in South Continent, Bestrika.
Almost no one outranked her there.
Tia was dying to hear her screams.
But,
'Don't wanna die by that guy's hand either.'
She shelved regrets, opting to finish fast.
"Well, princess? Short time, but nice meeting you. Time for goodbyes~"
Shing!
Tia playfully swung her arm at Isabel; a chilling whoosh followed.
But Isabel was a magical prodigy.
She wouldn't go down without a fight.
Ting ting ting!
Whatever Tia flung halted midair, short of its mark.
"Oho? Magic too? Not bad at all~?"
Tia whistled mockingly.
"Hah... hah..."
Isabel steadied her pounding heart and trembling arms like willow branches.
"Don't know what you are... but I see you're serious about killing me."
"Aw, only now? Slow on the uptake?"
"...I won't die so pathetically. At least, I'll uncover who you are."
"Tsk tsk, good luck with that~?"
Tia taunted, but Isabel exhaled deeply, face resolute.
She slowly ignited a flame atop her small wand.
Their eyes widened at the sight.
They'd never dreamed of chantless casting from her.
"I'll show you exactly which family rules this land."
With Isabel's determined voice, the flame on her hand began to dance.
Roarrrrr!