To the Sionel Territory
At Pay’s request, a gentle smile curved Lucia’s lips.
“Of course. If that’s what you want, I’ll go anywhere with you.”
“Hmm…”
There was merit to Lucia’s suggestion of using the Drakan. If permission could be obtained, riding the creature would grant far superior mobility. Just as Pay hesitated, wondering whether it would truly be all right, he suddenly produced something.
“If Momo flies too slowly or refuses to listen, use this instead.”
What he held out was a small flute dangling from a glittering cord.
A flute…?
Pay tilted her head in confusion.
“What’s the flute for? Don’t tell me blowing it will summon a giant cobra somewhere to help us cross a muddy swamp?”
“I would never give you anything so grotesque!”
“Well…”
“Just take it and try blowing.”
Lucia was grinning particularly brightly, just like the day he had given her the elixir. Pay had been lost in deep thought and missed the smile, so she absentmindedly brought the flute to her lips.
Pii—
With a sound like escaping wind, something white and fluffy materialized before her eyes, forming an elegant silhouette. It resembled a horse, yet was slightly smaller…
“…A unicorn?”
Pay muttered blankly upon noticing the horn rising proudly from its forehead. Seeing a real unicorn felt like something out of a dream.
Lucia seized the moment to boast proudly.
“Everyone says unicorns all returned to the spirit realm, right? In truth, one remained on the continent, and this is that very one. Its name is rather long, so there’s no need to remember it. It’s smarter than Momo, so just think of it as a slightly unusual horse and put it to work.”
Its pure white body and silvery, curly mane were so lush and beautiful that Pay couldn’t help but reach out. The unicorn willingly lowered its head, allowing her to stroke it. Enchanted by the soft, fluffy texture of its mane, Pay stammered belatedly.
“Y-you want me to keep the unicorn?”
“Don’t worry, it wasn’t poached. At the very least, this one is gentler than Momo.”
Piiik!
Momo glared sharply at the unicorn and let out a shrill cry.
“But still—!”
“Ah, this too.”
Lucia reached into his trouser pocket and pulled out something small. That’s it! The elixir she had carelessly accepted in the carriage before!
“I really won’t take it this time!”
When Pay waved her hands in refusal, Lucia raised the corner of his mouth and said,
“You’ll need it as emergency medicine in case the precious unicorn gets hurt, won’t you?”
“Ugh…! That’s… but…!”
“Might as well take several.”
He slipped his other hand into his pocket and produced three more bottles of elixir. This… this… she really shouldn’t accept. Her thoughts raced toward reason, yet her hand refused to leave the unicorn’s silky mane. The unicorn stomped its hoof as if asking for more attention, then pressed its body close against hers. Pay’s fingers had no time to rest as they continued stroking the mane.
“Heh…”
It really was warm to the touch. And comforting. In that moment, she understood why elves had once been so obsessed with unicorns that records of their longing remained. Pay surrendered to temptation. In the end, Lucia smiled and smiled again at Pay, who accepted both the flute and the elixir bottles. It was an unchanging truth across eras that a man in love was happiest when doing something for the woman he loved. He hoped Pay would remain forever caught in the trap he had baited with such sweetness. He would continue to prepare it with care every day. The smile that had seemed unlikely to fade until their current plan was complete vanished the very morning of their departure. It was because of the three companions Pay brought after receiving permission from the crown prince. No—three men. Their faces were all equally displeasing to him.
Especially that one. Isn’t he Pay’s real older brother? Even if Pay said nothing, how has he not noticed until now? How utterly incompetent and detestable.
Cassel, clad in magically enchanted leather armor, was quietly observing the Drakan, which growled from its throat.
“Will it truly be all right to carry four sturdy men at once?”
“Yes. The master says it’s fine. Apparently, that’s just its habit.”
Ahem. Momo didn’t mind the hardship for Pay’s sake, but those men—were they truly worthy of the honor of riding atop a Drakan? Lucia’s disapproving gaze then shifted to Raphael beside him. Cassel was one thing, but this one also carried the air of a knight, yet had a rather shabby look about him. Tsk… And who was that next to him? Some brat who could barely hold a dining knife?
Astain noticed Lucia’s scrutinizing look and offered a bright greeting.
“I’ve heard more stories about you since our last meeting, Lord Lucia. They say you’re the most likely candidate to become the next Tower Master. Allow me to congratulate you in advance.”
“I have no interest in such things…!”
Even though Lucia spoke informally to the imperial prince without hesitation, Astain’s serious expression remained unchanged.
“As expected of someone truly remarkable. Might you consider taking me on as a disciple?”
“Absolutely not!”
Ignoring Astain’s presumptuous wish, Cassel spoke up.
“If the Drakan is in good condition, let us depart soon.”
“Yes, let’s do that.”
Kraaaah!
The Drakan, returned to its true form, let out a roar and soared into the sky carrying all five of them at once. Whoooosh— Thanks to Pay’s protective magic, only gentle air flowed around them. Even while moving at high speed, the ride was comfortable, and a light sigh escaped Cassel’s lips.
“Hmm…”
He was in an exceptionally good mood. After settling things one-on-one with Raphael through a knight’s oath and opening his heart, Raphael had—as expected—claimed no knowledge of the Orleans family’s suspicious schemes. However, he admitted he had noticed strange occurrences within the family. Though he had no concrete evidence, he swore that if it went against the empire’s interests, he would report it himself, even if it involved his parents. Cassel would have to trust him. When Cassel looked at Raphael, the other smiled warmly as if he understood exactly what was on Cassel’s mind. There was no trace of worry in that smile.
If you break your knight’s oath, I will personally take your head, Raphael. There may be no friendship between us, but I’ll grant you that courtesy. You won’t regret it, will you?
Cassel returned a small smile. “By the way, Prince Astain, you managed to get permission to leave quite easily. And we’re heading all the way to the southernmost reaches of the empire.” Astain lightly touched the short sword at his waist and gave an awkward smile. “The people who know I’m going out believe the destination isn’t far from the capital. More importantly… I’m worried that if a fight breaks out, this sword won’t be nearly enough.” Pay glanced around at everyone and her expression grew slightly serious. “You’re right. If trouble arises, it would be easier to mediate with a few intimidating-looking people around. Even though both of you knights are tall and broad, your faces are too handsome, so it might not work.” “You needn’t worry about that, my lady,” Cassel said politely. Pay shuddered in mock horror. “Ugh…! What do you mean by ‘my lady’? I suppose I must accept it in public, but please just call me Lady Pay when we’re together.” In truth, she didn’t mind. She simply didn’t want things to become too stiff between her and Cassel. This was Pay’s own small act of protest. “You’ll have to get used to it eventually. Anyone who doesn’t treat you with the respect you deserve is in the wrong.” The warm conversation between Cassel and Pay continued. “It’s a relief there was no hand-kissing incident at the ball that time. Even if I endure everything else, that alone makes my skin crawl just thinking about it.” Raphael slipped into the conversation. “Won’t you grant me that first honor, Lady Morgana? If you twist your ankle and stumble, I’ll catch you swiftly in my arms.” “Sir Raphael, that’s enough. If you show any disrespect to Lady Morgana, I’ll have no choice but to challenge you to a duel.” “Do you even know what a duel between a knight and a mage entails?” Cassel and Lucia’s warnings came simultaneously, sharp and menacing. Raphael looked between the two, their eyes filled with killing intent, and made a pitiful face. “…There are two people here with pretty faces and vicious temperaments, Lady Pay. We won’t have to worry about anyone picking a fight with us, will we?” “Pardon?” “I’d die instantly if I dueled the Knight Commander Cassel, who’s called the pinnacle of martial arts, and then immediately dueled a mage rumored to be the next Tower Master.” Pfft! Pay finally burst into laughter she had been holding back. So the petty squabbles found in adventure novels really did exist in real life. They had only been traveling for less than an hour, yet conversations like this were already flowing—there would be no time to get bored. Though the reason for heading to the Sionel territory was far from cheerful, being with these people made it enjoyable. Her blood-related older brother who hadn’t known her in the past. Sir Raphael, heir to the family under investigation yet somehow reassuring. And Prince Astain, who had always lived in the crown prince’s shadow like Morris. Including Crown Prince Silas, who wasn’t present, and Lucia, who always supported her steadfastly from her side. There are good people in this world, too. Yes. It really was the right choice to step off the path I was on and try walking a different one. The conversation, briefly interrupted by Raphael’s grumbling, was picked up again by Cassel. His goal was none other than building rapport with Pay. “Then, Lady Pay, do you have any set plans for social activities as Lady Morgana?” “Hmm, not really. I don’t have any family foundation to speak of, and I can’t keep asking to meet at other people’s salons or hotels every time.” “……” Though Pay spoke calmly, Cassel nearly let out a sigh of lament. Why was it that she was always so cheerful, capable, and diligent in everything she did, yet there was never a moment when he didn’t worry about her? Just as she had said, social circles were complicated. Inviting guests to one’s home to display one’s wealth and treating them well through one’s servants was also part of the evaluation. He knew she was at a disadvantage from the start in that world. It couldn’t be helped. But then… why did his chest feel so tight? He knew all about Lady Pay’s circumstances. Still, he couldn’t shake the thought that he shouldn’t leave her to make a habit of resignation and acceptance, living so calmly. I… “Well, if that’s what you have in mind, then there’s a good solution.” Raphael suddenly stretched out his arm and grabbed both of Pay’s delicate hands. “Huh? What?” “Let go.” Despite Pay’s confusion and Lucia’s menacing glare, Raphael’s sticky words didn’t stop. “If Lady Morgana would only decide to formally court me…!” “Hey, Cassel. Would it be all right to drop this guy off down there and leave?” “……” Cassel didn’t give an affirmative answer to Lucia’s harsh question, but he gave a small nod. Raphael’s face turned to shock. “Sir Cassel! Are you going to abandon me? My feelings are completely sincere with not a single trace of jest!” “Please let go of her hand right now.” “Even the prince! Why do my allies keep disappearing the longer this goes on? I just want to get along with everyone here!” Ahaha… Meanwhile, Pay had quietly slipped her hands out of Raphael’s grasp and turned her head away, laughing silently in amusement. Because she laughed, Lucia’s anger soon subsided. If Pay had truly been disgusted, Raphael’s fate might have been very different.