ICTFF - Chapter 82




The difference between awareness and illusion (12)

Rahon quickly left the room, leaving only Kalit in the living room.

After remaining silent for a while, Kalit let out a long sigh.

"I remember what you said the other day when we were out for a walk. You said you no longer supported Oslo."

"Yes."

"But you don't plan to stop there. You plan to bring down Oslo."

The first step to changing the future of Oslo's ascendancy to the throne was to break with him.

It wasn't enough to break down the already solidly built forces, but it was enough to create a rift.

"It's almost time to move on to the second step."

Oslo used the future I had told him about as a weapon.

It was a method of secretly revealing the future only to nobles who could be helpful to him and absorbing them into his power.

There was no need to contact and persuade each and every noble. Once I had won over the first two or three, the rest would have been a breeze.

Upon hearing the rumor, nobles flocked to Oslo to protect their lands or satisfy their own selfish desires.

On the other hand, I did not reveal the future to nobles who I could not win over to my side, such as Eldern.

A typical example is the small crack in the orchidwood.

"I intend to render useless all the power that the Third Prince has accumulated because of me."

"You tell everyone about the future you saw?"

"Isn't information a powerful law only when it is monopolized? Information that everyone knows cannot be used as a weapon."

"Then you should have talked to them when I was away. Why are you helping me?"

"When did I ever help you, Kalit? I just made you stay because I felt bad for you leaving your seat for me."

"There's no way the Golden Tree Lord didn't recognize me. He must have thought you were on my side and that's what helped me. Why do you pretend not to know when you know?"

I deliberately did not ask Erica to keep quiet about this contract.

So, the quick-witted Erica will spread the word about our contract around. Also, the fact that I was with Kalit.

What would people think when they hear that story?

'Of course, they'll be convinced that I'm in league with Kalit."

Kalit ran his hands through his hair, seemingly frustrated.

"You will be accused of violating your duty of neutrality again. I should have noticed when I asked you to stay by my side. I was complacent."

"If you were so worried about me, why did you ask me to get engaged? If I got engaged to Kalit, I would be accused of breaking my duty of neutrality even more."

"At that time!"

Kalit raised his voice and turned his head.

"Because I thought there was no other way..."

I covered my mouth and laughed.

"Revealing the future is the duty of neutrality. We can ignore the criticism of those who do not understand this."

"I don't like hearing bad things about you..."

Kalit stopped talking and closed his mouth. His gray eyes opened wide as if he had realized something.

"Oslo gets the crown."

"...What, are you saying..."

"If Oslo doesn't become the Emperor, there's no need to reveal the future and render his power useless."

"...I was betrayed by the Third Prince. Couldn't this be the way to get revenge?"

"Your feelings toward Oslo are too dry for that to be the case. You intend to change the future."

As expected, he's a smart guy. I lowered my eyes and held back a smile.

"I will become Emperor. That is all I have lived for."

Kalit revealed his feelings indifferently.

Even though he learned of a future where his half-brother would usurp the throne, he showed no sign of anger.

"That's why I plan to take advantage of this situation. So don't be disappointed in me. You already know that I'm this kind of person."

"Everyone acts in their own best interests. I do the same. I don't think I will be disappointed in you, Kalit."

In fact, I kept you by my side so that I could use you. So that you could sense my will to make you the Emperor, not Oslo, and use it.

In my previous life, Kalit was banished from the imperial court as soon as Oslo ascended the throne. How pitiful was the sight of Kalit heading to the border with only one attendant?

Even while I was in prison, I heard stories that he was more like a vagabond than a Prince.

This won't happen in this lifetime.

Because it will be Oslo, not Kalit, who will be driven to the outskirts.

"As a friend, may I give you one piece of advice?"

"Tell me."

"How about joining the battle against this monster?"

The Knights of Eldern will achieve a great victory in this operation.

Not only have we already found the crack, but we've also prepared herbs to counter the monsters.

It was a very good situation for Kalit to establish himself. If this goes well, his position will be much more solid. Kalit seemed to understand right away.

But he just looked at me without answering. Slow and persistent, like the gaze of a beast hunting its prey.

I feel embarrassed every time this happens. I can't even ask why he's looking at me.

Kalit muttered softly.

"Why do I keep getting greedy?" 

"What is it?"

"Yes. I'll do as you advise."

"...Yes? Oh, yes, thank you."

The moment I answered, the reception room door opened.

Is that Nadia?

As soon as I thought that, the smell of soap wafted past my nose.

'It's Ian.'

Today was my first time meeting Ian. He's been busy with training so I haven't had a chance to see him.

It was when I turned my head with a smile on my face.

Ian stepped back silently. I stared blankly at the door slowly closing.

"Who was it just now?"

"...He's an employee."

What? Why are you lying? Did you two decide to meet in the living room in secret?

It made sense, considering their secret relationship, I got up from the sofa naturally.

"Excuse me, but can I go out first?"

"Is it so."

I left the living room and headed to the training ground with Nadia.

Ian stood among the knights polishing their weapons the day before departure.

"Your Grace."

When Nadia called out softly, he raised his head from his deep thoughtful stare at the sword.

"Young Lady?"

The footsteps were getting closer, so small that I had to strain my ears to hear them, Ian stood in front of me and asked.

"What's going on up to here?"

"Just now..."

Why did you come all the way to the reception room and then just leave?

I wanted to ask, but I held back. It would be rude to ask about things Ian and Kalit were hiding.

Instead, I took out a neatly folded handkerchief and held it out. A heavy gaze settled on his hand.

"This is the handkerchief the brewery gave me."

"..."

"Thank you."

"I just did what I had to do."

Ian answered calmly and took the handkerchief. He held out his hand to the man who looked like he was going to turn away at any moment.

"Do you have time to take a walk?"

"... It's cold."

"It's gotten a lot warmer. The snow has all melted."

Ian looked at me quietly and then took my hand.

As we walked slowly around the training grounds, the knight's curious gazes gathered around us.

Ian sighed softly, took off his coat, and wrapped it around my shoulders. He then stood obliquely, cleverly blocking the knight's gaze.

"Did Baba get hurt badly while rescuing Luther? To the point where he had difficulty moving."

"...That's not it."

"So do you know where he is now?"

"Isn't Young Lady the only one who comes into contact with him?"

"Ah. That's right. I asked because there was no news from him since the day we rescued Luther."

"Do you have anything else to say?"

"..."

It seemed like Ian wanted to end this situation quickly.

The question that had been lingering for a few days has come back to me again.

Are you mad at me?

"I may be blind, but I am sensitive in other ways."

"I know." 

"Aside from hearing and smell, I am also very sensitive to people's feelings. I become more aware of whether I am making the other person uncomfortable, and it happens naturally."

I stopped walking and turned my head towards Ian. I could see his jawline, which was sharper than before.

I guess the training was tough. I think he lost some weight. 

"Your Grace, have I ever acted in a way that made you feel bad?"

"That has never happened."

"I thought you might be like this, so I told you in advance. I'm good at reading other people's feelings. It's okay, so please let me know. What I did wrong."

"It's not Young Lady's problem It's my problem. Don't worry about it."

"Is there something you can't tell me?"

"..."

Ian lowered his head silently. His shadowed expression looked complicated.

What's the problem?

After thinking for a moment, I reached out my hand towards Ian's face.

The moment my fingertips touched the sharp chin, Ian bit his lower lip.

"You told me to keep smiling. That's why I was curious. How much does the little Duke smile?"

"Young Lady."

"Try to smile."

If he really hated me, he would have pushed my hand away. But Ian just quietly lowered his eyes.

"Come on."

"... is smiling."

"Your lips aren't moving at all?"

It was when I asked playfully, feeling near Ian's lips.

He grabbed my hand.

"Please."

"..."

"Don't do this."

I froze. The expression on his face that had passed by for a moment seemed terribly confused.

"Ah... Uh...I'm sorry."

"First of all. I would like to apologize."

Ian nodded to Nadia and turned around.

I blankly stared at him as he quickly ran away.

I think the reason Ian just walked out of the reception room a little while ago was because of me.


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