Chapter 10, A Pleasure To Meet You (4)

Translator: Hedge

Editor: Lizzz

 

A white shirt and light beige pants.

 

A red jacket long enough to cover the calves, bordered with gold thread. And a white cloak decorated with gold tassels and embroidery.

 

When Kalian entered wearing this magnificent ceremonial attire, distinctly different from the Prince’s formal uniform or the modest clothes he wore during tea time, everyone fell silent at once.

 

“It’s that ruby pendant again.”

 

Those who had turned their attention to his splendid attire noticed the ruby pendant he had worn before.

 

“He wore the same one. As expected, this confirms it wasn’t just a simple accessory.”

 

Kalian’s sudden appearance was as if he had been waiting for this day.

 

Seeing these reactions where even the smallest detail about him seemed to carry tremendous significance, it was hard to tell whether this was a banquet for Rmain or if it was Rmain’s banquet for Kalian.

 

Soon Kalian began to move.

 

*Tap… tap… tap…*

 

The soft sound of shoes echoed through the banquet hall.

 

From Duke Siegfried standing at the entrance to Viscount Beurisen, whom he had shared dinner with recently, to the nobles he had met during today’s teatime, all the way to the Royal Family’s seats located at the innermost part of the banquet hall; he made eye contact and smiled at as many people as possible.

 

As for Ian, he wore a solemn expression as he silently followed behind Kalian.

 

Since Rmain and the other Princes had yet to arrive, the banquet had not officially begun. However, people present maintained their silence for a different reason. It was because everyone was staring at Kalian.

 

He effortlessly drew their attention, and naturally, once the silence disappeared, whispers began to flow once again – whispers about him.

 

“They say he’s only fourteen now. I can’t tell whether we should look forward to his future or fear it.”

 

“Indeed. I was just thinking the same thing.”

 

Of course, there were some who showed slightly different reactions from the majority of nobles.

 

Curiosity rose in Duke Sleiman’s gray-blue eyes as he guessed why Kalian was dominating the crowd.

 

[That little one sure has quite the presence! Though he looks delicate and pretty, as if he’s never been near a sword, he’s projecting an aura in all directions just like that of a true Knight!]

 

It was Ian, not Kalian, who first noticed Sleiman’s gaze. After observing Sleiman for a moment and reading the clear expression on his face, Ian reported to Kalian.

 

“It seems Duke Siegfried has taken an interest in you, Your Highness.”

 

Kalian smiled slightly. He knew exactly why Sleiman was showing interest in him.

 

[As a Sword Master, it is only natural he couldn’t help but notice.]

 

However, Kalian’s aura alone was not enough to prove the other person’s suspicion, so it would not be a major issue. Without bothering to turn his gaze, Kalian responded.

 

“While it’s appreciated, it’s too early. For now, just pretend not to notice.”

 

“A most wise decision.”

 

Ian, having reached the same conclusion, nodded firmly.

 

Soon Kalian gradually softened the aura he had been deliberately projecting to draw the crowd’s attention, just as Sleiman had guessed. People began to turn their eyes away from Kalian one by one, and some of them resumed their conversation with Sleiman.

 

This led Sleiman to set aside his interest in Kalian for now and begin talking with the others.

 

Soon the two Princes, and shortly after, the King and Queen, entered with slight time intervals between them.

 

As the banquet began with Rmain’s words of gratitude, Kalian stayed in his seat for exactly 30 minutes before slipping out, pretending to go to the garden.

 

Ian, who had followed Kalian out, approached holding Raven’s reins.

 

Although Ian had offered to walk together, concerned about Kalian’s face turning pale, Kalian eventually mounted Raven.

 

Watching Raven docilely carrying Kalian, Ian commented, “It’s amazing. It’s like a gentle lamb in front of Your Highness.”

 

Kalian playfully laughed while ruffling Raven’s mane.

 

“Raven. You’re such a good boy.”

 

“Don’t be fooled. When Your Highness isn’t around… AH!”

 

Kalian burst into laughter again.

 

After exchanging various conversations with Ian like this, Kalian moved to a spot that had a clear view of the Royal Palace’s main gate while maintaining an appropriate distance. There, he began to vigilantly watch the gate.

 

Ian, standing beside him, seemed curious about what was happening, but Kalian decided it would be better to explain the details after obtaining what he wanted.

 

What Kalian sought to obtain.

 

It was none other than Allan Manasil.

 

“Your Highness, good evening.”

 

Due to the conspicuous white cloak, the palace guards passing by noticed Kalian and greeted him, despite him being in the darkest spot in the area.  Ian, wearing a black formal suit instead of his usual servant’s uniform for the banquet, was not as noticeable in the darkness.

 

Seeing this, Kalian felt a moment of regret.

 

[I should have worn something black today…]

 

The fortunate thing was that even though they noticed Kalian, no one asked ‘what are you doing here?’ This was because of Plants. Due to his terrible temper, anyone who dared to ask such a question would face his wrath.

 

[Randel is also too scary looking for anyone to ask such a thing.]

 

Therefore, as long as he did not try to leave through that main gate or attempt to intrude into Heisia Palace, where Sillike stayed, they would not place too much attention onto him.

 

Another guard approached. He seemed to be making his rounds in this area. After receiving greetings six times in total,

 

*Clop, clop.*

 

The sound of horse hooves slowly approaching the Royal Palace’s main gate began to be heard from afar. Kalian straightened his head and his eyes gleamed. Seeing this, Ian also tensed up and listened carefully.

 

“So, Your Highness is waiting for someone.”

 

After Kalian gave a small ‘yes’ in response, he placed his index finger over his lips, and Ian nodded in acknowledgment.

 

The sound of horse hooves began to grow gradually louder.

 

The four Royal Palace Guards standing at the main gate quickly moved into action. Two blocked the gate while two stopped the approaching horse. Though the backs of the guards and the horse’s head were visible, the visitor’s appearance was hidden behind the thick pillars of the main gate.

 

Kalian, who had considered going straight to the main gate, decided to observe the situation a bit longer first. If it was not Allan, and he came out, the guards would most likely find his follow up actions to be strange. The guard’s respectful voice could be faintly heard.

 

“Would you kindly dismount?”

 

It was the characteristically flat yet courteous voice of a Knight.

 

A moment later, there was a *tap* sound of feet touching the ground, and the guard’s voice continued.

 

“What brings you here?”

 

“I came for the festival celebrating the Cyries’ King’s birthday.”

 

Finally, the visitor’s voice rang out.

 

As far as Kalian knew, Allan Manasil was in his early fifties. However, the voice that came through sounded much younger.

 

Just as Kalian was starting to feel disappointed at the possibility that it might not be Allan,

 

“I am Allan Manasil. A Mage.”

 

[It’s him!] Kalian tensed up, his shoulders twitching slightly.

 

*Clop.*

 

Surprisingly, Raven took a step forward without him doing anything.

 

Somehow understanding Kalian’s intention, Raven began walking at a very slow pace. It was as if they just happened to be taking a walk and noticed the situation.

 

They were allowed to be seen to suddenly approach after waiting nearby.

 

Allan was a Seventh Circle Mage. He would surely be aware of anyone moving in the vicinity. Therefore, they wanted to approach the main gate by taking a wide detour from as far away as possible, though within earshot.

 

*Clop.*

 

Raven seemed to understand Kalian’s thoughts and moved accordingly. As though Raven could read minds, he appeared to be picking up on Kalian’s unconscious movements indicating where he wanted to go.

 

Kalian patted Raven’s neck and whispered.

 

“Raven, you’re so clever.”

 

Raven’s neck tensed, seeming to understand the praise.

 

“Please show your invitation.”

 

Another voice came from the direction of the main gate.

 

They did not seem to recognize who he was just by the name ‘Allan Manasil’.

 

There was silence for a while, perhaps as he made a show of looking for the invitation.

 

Allan’s voice soon came through, sounding troubled.

 

“Oh dear. It seems I’ve lost my invitation.”

 

This matched what Kalian knew.

 

Allan did not produce an invitation, and the guard spoke with a slightly wary voice.

 

“I apologize, but without an invitation, you cannot enter.”

 

“I’ve stated my name. Couldn’t you check your list? I’ve come from very far away.”

 

The guards have a list of attendees, and those people have identification documents. Therefore, even without an invitation, one could enter the Royal Palace if their identity was clearly confirmed. In fact, for someone like Archmage Allan Manasil, an invitation should not even be necessary.

 

At that moment, Kalian, who had been approaching them, frowned as if dismayed. [Ah, just hold him there…]

 

The guard briefly looked over Allan’s attire. Without checking the attendee list, he spoke.

 

“Please return with an invitation.”

 

“… So, you judge by appearance.”

 

Shabby attire.

 

In addition to that, Allan. who did not have an invitation in hand, chose to rebuke them.

 

Whatever Allan was trying to verify, he was deliberately created an issue by faulting the guards. It was as if he was trying to find a reason not to come to Cyries. While the guard who judged based on appearance alone was not entirely in the right either, this matter was certainly not something Allan needed to raise his voice about.

 

Kalian furrowed his brow.

 

He needed to catch Allan, who seemed reluctant to set foot in this country.

 

“Very well. I shall leave then.”

 

The sound of mounting a horse was heard, followed by the sound of hooves different from Raven’s.

 

Kalian’s heart grew urgent.

 

They still had a bit further to go to reach the main gate, but Allan’s surrender came too quickly.

 

Kalian grabbed Raven’s reins and said.

 

“Ian. Stop the guards by any means necessary.”

 

Ian asked in surprise.

 

“What?”

 

“Keep them from following.”

 

“Your Highness, surely… you’re not planning to go out?”

 

Without answering, Kalian turned his head forward.

 

Simultaneously, Raven sprung forward. The guards, immediately recognizing who the boy in the white cloak riding the black horse was, hurriedly moved to block his path.

 

“Your Highness, please stop your horse! You cannot go out at this time!”

 

[I know!]

 

There was no need to spur Raven’s belly. Raven increased speed on his own, and he skillfully evaded the guards, slipping out of the Royal Palace.

 

The guards frantically blew their whistles. As if trained for such situations. Soon, two horses rushed forward to them.

 

Ian’s eyes shook greatly as he ran toward them.

 

‘What should I do, what should I do!?’

 

Though told to use any means necessary, Kalian did not have the power to take responsibility for what was happening now. Having just barely created a good impression with the nobles, if Kalian were to be confined soon after, it would all be for nothing.

 

Therefore, he needed to take action that could be accounted for.

 

Soon, Ian seemed to have decided as he clenched and unclenched his fist once. Then he loosened his bronze-colored curly hair that had been neatly tied to avoid revealing his status as a servant. It was fortunate he was not currently wearing his servant’s uniform.

 

“Stop.”

 

Ian called out to the guards, putting strength in his eyes.

 

The guards’ eyes all turned toward Ian.

 

Ian’s gray-blue eyes met theirs.

 

Briefly thinking of someone with the same colored eyes who would be enjoying the ball, Ian opened his mouth.

 

“I am Siroian Siegfried, the Eldest Son of the Siegfried Ducal Family.”

 

[Siegfried!] The guards immediately removed their helmets. Then with disciplined movements, they tucked their hats under their arms and raised their right fists to their chests. This was the salute of Cyries soldiers.

 

Ian nodded lightly to acknowledge their greeting, then spoke.

 

“Duke Siegfried has vouched for Prince Kalian’s outing.”

 

Ian, who had been living here, having forgotten the name he now invoked because of Kalian, looked toward the plaza with worried eyes.

 

The fluttering white cloak grew smaller and smaller until it finally disappeared from view.