Chapter 40

“Ro- Rosaline…”

I couldn’t answer that.

“Ah, oh… Ugh…” Only moans, not fully formed, leaked out.

The smell of blood filled the inside of the half-destroyed carriage.

“… It’s okay. What a relief…”

Sharp shards from the shattered carriages pierced the girl’s abdomen.

‘Aaaaaaahh!’ A voice, sharp enough to tear one’s eardrums, resounded. I couldn’t tell if it was a scream or a cry. My… No. Rosaline’s. It was her voice.

[I’m scared. It’s scary that people die so easily.]

The space of the past and the present began to mix as she remembered the girl’s words. It was a happy moment. Rosaline was smiling, stroking the girl’s soft hair. The sun was pouring warmly, and the air was soft like the spring breeze.

[Don’t worry, Princess.]

“I have a… request… My… brother…”

[I will protect you.]

***

Rosaline got up just before dawn. Her whole body felt uncomfortable, perhaps because of the messed up dream last night. Rosaline turned her head and looked at Ricardis, who was sleeping soundly. She intuitively realized the dream she’d had was the memory of ‘Rosaline’. Her first tears as a human flowed because of that forgotten time.

Rosaline stepped out through the window and ran into Raymond, who was on escort duty. ‘The 2nd Prince’s room. Dawn. Even sneaking out of the window?’ Raymond exclaimed with a look that looked like he was about to burst into tears at any moment.

“I- I… I didn’t raise you like that, Rosaline!”

Rosaline read the signs of an incoming long nagging and quickly ran away. She was as fast as the wind. Raymond still couldn’t get out of his shock and grabbed the back of his neck.

When she returned to the room, Macaron, sleeping in a teacup, woke up. Her black sesame seed-like eyes blinked, and littered on her plump stomach were crumbs of leftover corn kernels. ‘This wench… wandering around late at night… You can’t do that…’ The squeaking sound stretched out due to her lazily sleepiness. If one looked outside, the morning sun was rising.

***

Most meetings conduct themselves in a grave and heavy atmosphere. It was natural mainly because it is a space where various powers gather and wield their mouths instead of swords for their benefit. However, Balta’s meetings were different from most countries, which were full of tension. It would be the same smiling on the outside, sharpening the blade on the inside, but the atmosphere was different.

The banquet hall, lavishly decorated with gold and various colors, was lit up with thousands of lanterns and candles. It was full of all kinds of delicacies to satisfy the taste buds of hundreds if there were hundreds. People drank and danced amid beautiful and lively songs. It was not inferior to a festival or a banquet.

However, there was one thing in common between this free-spirited meeting and the conventional meetings: No weapons are allowed inside the meeting place. The rule was intended to reduce risk factors as much as possible as it is a place where major national events are held, and crucial national figures gather. However…

“…This morning I got a call from Prince Haqab. All members of the Illavenian delegations are permitted to carry weapons anytime, anywhere,” Ricardis announced.

It was unusual. There was a commotion among the knights. Allowing the possession of weapons anytime, anywhere? It was clear that Haqab was speaking with today’s meeting in mind. It was also a sudden notice that came just a few hours before the meeting. They could only become more suspicious about the situation. Ricardis chuckled and laughed.

“I was wondering where that good personality went. This declaration is a masterpiece that’s trying to cause agitation. Let’s not mind it, everyone.”

Despite Ricardis’ carefree attitude, the Knights of the White Night could not hide their complicated feelings. ‘Allowed to carry weapons? There may be unexpected risks. What is he planning to do in the conference room? Will he strike under the pretext of self-defense? What the hell is Prince Haqab thinking?’

The agitation of the delegation group did not subside. They couldn’t help it even if this was calculated by the enemy. It was because time was running out to discuss countermeasures. Ricardis folded his arms and looked around him. A stone that fell into the lake was causing a ripple. ‘I will feel uncomfortable to see anything more… ridiculous than this.’ Ricardis stood up and opened his mouth.

“All personnel entering the conference room will be unarmed.”

“I will list the names.”

Everyone loosened the scabbards attached to their waists. Rosaline had a look on her face implying that she did not understand. You can take weapons with you, but why do you want to unarm us? She lowered her sword slowly with a somewhat dissatisfied expression.

“Sir Rosaline.”

Ricardis called her.

“Yes?”

“You should also remove the weapon in your boots.”

Rosaline sneaked out two daggers from inside her boots.

For Ricardis, there were no worries. Haqab was a person who liked to hold other people in his hands.

He shook others with one word and one action that didn’t mean much and enjoyed watching it. Elpidio said that his personality was like a dog’s.

Ricardis preferred the word ‘shit’.

“Because you can’t get rid of it easily by just shaking it.”

Isserion looked impressed. ‘How daring you are…!’

Ricardis looked at Diech, who was sitting silently. Diech neither advocated nor opposed his decision. He’s always been like that, just like a leaf floating on the water as it flowed.

***

A banquet hall without a door was instead the shape of an arch, allowing a clear view of the interior. The sound of glass clinking mixed with a beautiful melody. Prime Minister Attilak greeted them with a bright smile. The delegation of Illavenia arrived at the meeting place, and with a loud announcement, Ricardis stepped into the shining space.

Prince Haqab, surrounded by people, walked towards the entrance. He was dressed in a long cloth that dragged on the floor over a tunic embroidered with gold thread. All kinds of ornaments were shining from his arms and ears. Haqab welcomed the delegation with a friendly smile. He looked genuinely happy— unlike the delegation party, who was nervous and forced a smile on their faces.

Haqab’s gaze turned to behind Ricardis. He stared blankly at the people in white uniforms. To be precise, he was looking at their waists. After confirming that the knights were not carrying weapons, Haqab put on an amused expression. If it was Elpidio, he would definitely have come with various weapons. He swallowed a laugh inwardly. ‘This one will be much more complicated.’

“You have worked very hard to come this far, distinguished guests of Illavenia. I am the first son of Hiksala Adon, Haqab.”

Ricardis also tried to respond politely to this opening greeting, but Haqab approached him first. He walked towards Ricardis without hesitation. Knight Commander Starz stopped Haqab.

“Sir Starz.”

Ricardis called him in a low voice. Starz politely retreated. A Baltan’s conversational distance is much closer than that of an Illavenian. Also, the first prince of Balta, Haqab, was not that stupid. There was no chance of an attempt to harm the prince of Illavenia by suddenly drawing out his sword at the meeting place. Starz knew this, but he made a mistake. Haqab’s plan to shake the delegation’s side just before the meeting was effective. The dark-haired prince went past Starz with a pleasant smile.

The escort retreated behind Ricardis. Haqab smiled and took another step closer to Ricardis. And then another step. Their toes almost touched each other now. ‘Isn’t it too close?’ It was a moment that even Ricardis’ expression changed. Haqab gently placed his hand on Ricardis’ shoulder.

“Ah.”

Based on her own experience, Rosaline knew what Prince Haqab would do. As expected, the prince’s face turned to Ricardis.

Peck.

Through the sound of music filling the space, Ricardis heard it. The sound that vividly lodged in his eardrum.

He felt it: the soft feel of the lips pressed against his cheek.

He turned his stiff head. Prince Haqab’s face was right in front of him. Ricardis’ head was unusually sluggish. ‘Just now… did… the prince just… my cheek.’

“I really wanted to see you, Prince Ricardis.”

As if proving the rumor that all thirteen concubines loved Haqab, he had a pleasant smile on his lips. Ricardis wrinkled his face. Diech also frowned at him, which was a rare expression coming from him. It was the custom of Balta to kiss on the cheek. Even if you are from a foreign country, there are times when you want to have a close relationship… However, it was never done at important meetings, not to mention on foreign envoys.

Prince Haqab’s sudden action put the meeting place in silence for a while. The band that was playing their instruments was also slightly disturbed. But soon, a pleasant laugh rang out. The nobles of Balta clapped their hands and laughed. The prince of Balta welcomed the delegation of Illavenia to this extent. Whatever his intentions, he was expressing to everyone that they should be aware of it.

The envoy also understood the prince’s will. It was a country that they had been fighting for hundreds of years, so it was hard to believe in their hearts, even as none of the Balta’s royalty and nobility showed any signs of hostility. The smiling faces that skillfully hid the inside were so creepy that it felt terrifying. But it was much better than going into a grim atmosphere. It was not known whether Prince Ricardis, greeted with affection, would feel the same way, but everyone else thought so.