CHAPTER 106: WHISPERS IN THE SHADOWS

Jircniv had nothing else to do, so he focused fully on studying.

When guards asked why a blind boy needed books, Argyll convinced them that Jircniv could read by using magic to trace the words with his fingers. Maybe because of his supposed blindness, the guards hadn’t watched him too closely.

Argyll had also trained Jircniv in the use of magic.

Because of that training, even with his eyes closed, Jircniv could see his surroundings as if his eyes were open.

Even walls didn’t block his sight. People, objects—everything carried a magical presence. Jircniv could sense that power and build a complete image of the world in his mind, as if he were truly seeing.

"This is the gift of royal blood," Argyll had told him. "The first king who founded Dalmasca used this power to keep his ministers under control and secure his throne. It has been passed down through the royal line ever since. Be very careful not to let anyone know you have it."

Whenever Argyll gave him this kind of advice, he did so gently, with genuine care in his voice. This power, inherited from his royal father, was also what convinced Jircniv that Argyll was someone he could trust.

"Just a little longer. This kind of cruel government won’t last forever. Wait patiently for your time to come."

That’s what Argyll always said.

And so, Jircniv believed. He would wait, just as he was told.

Today, again, he sat quietly, straining his ears for footsteps in the hallway—silently calming his fear while waiting for the right moment to come.

...

Louis was running all around the city of Rabanastre.

Running errands was nothing new for him.

He moved from shop to shop, buying supplies, exchanging money and picking up bits of information.

He chatted while grabbing a quick bite at food stalls and when he rested on a bench in the square, he’d clink mugs and share a drink with the man sitting next to him.

Captain Dominic had finally made contact with the royalist faction of Dalmasca.

They had an open and honest discussion and had agreed to work together.

Now, the preparations were underway for a coordinated uprising.

The reports of their progress and next steps were sent to the Supreme Commander and the Korisha Fortress using Aaron’s newly developed simplified magical document transfer device.

The message from the Supreme Commander simply said, "Proceed with the plan." From the fortress, the reply said that the second division had already departed and was heading their way.

Louis kept his senses sharp, careful not to let any movement be noticed by the government’s tight security network.

Even at that very moment, the royalist faction and the Rosaria infiltrators were likely moving around the city, putting things into place.

Stuart had remained behind to organize their allies around the outer wall.

Things were so hectic that even a cat’s help would’ve been welcome.

As for Rex, he had already left Rabanastre by carriage to pick up Amal and the royalist allies left in Mitromica.

The wagon carried the rest of the sacks of Moongrain—part of a plan to disguise themselves as Moongrain traders and enter both cities.

If everything went smoothly, they would reunite in about four or five days.

"Drinking in the middle of the day, huh? Must be nice living that kind of life."

Louis was whispering in the square, deep in a secret conversation, when a group of patrolling soldiers passing by called out to him. He raised his mug of alcohol and waved it at them.

"Boss! You gotta hear me out. I finally made it back here after so long and guess what? She got married while I was gone! I’ve had my heart completely crushed!"

The soldier’s face instantly shifted—clearly thinking he shouldn’t have asked.

However, Louis wasn’t going to let him off that easy. He reached out and grabbed the soldier’s uniform.

The man Louis had been whispering with suddenly stood up.

"Whew, that was close. I almost got dragged into something. Alright, I’ll leave the rest to you!"

With that, the man quickly walked away. One of the soldiers looked panicked as he watched him go.

"Wait! Do something about this guy!"

"This is cruel, right? How can anyone not drink after something like this? Just listen to me, please!"

"Hey! Let go! Don’t grab my uniform!"

"I finally made it here... I thought we had a promise..."

"Y-Yeah? Fine, but stop pulling! You’re stretching it!"

"Boss! Tell me... What was so wrong with me?!"

"P-Probably... everything?"

"That’s just mean!"

Louis let go of the soldier’s clothes, acting like he was shocked, then slumped over the table.

The patrol soldier, clearly relieved, quickly left with his partner like they were fleeing.

Louis watched them disappear through the gap between his arms. Strangely, sadness started to well up in his chest. He sniffled without meaning to.

He was 28 years old and had never been in a real romantic relationship. Sure, there were plenty of girls he thought were cute.

However, every time, those girls would blush while looking at Captain Dominic, not him.

It was always the same. Standing next to such a beautiful man, he looked like nothing more than a side character.

He was like a bear... A plain, forgettable bear.

Maybe... just maybe, he really was incredibly unlucky.

Maybe... he should just cry now.

Please come baaaack! My youth!

...

Starting that day, flyers began to be handed out at street corners and quiet rumors were whispered beside mugs of alcohol in taverns and eateries.

"Hey, you know that surprise attack from the Rosaria Army the other day? I heard that was all fake news."

"I heard they used some forbidden magic circle."

"In Lynn’s Village, they say the damage was really bad. Almost everyone died."

"No joke. I heard it from a guy who actually went there as a peddler."

"Keep it down, but... some say it was all a big screw-up by the top brass."

"Hey, don’t say that too loud. If the military police hear you, you’ll be in big trouble."

"Word is, the Rosaria Army actually destroyed that magic circle."

"That’s totally different from what we heard."

"This country’s so messed up, maybe it’d be better if it just collapsed."

"Man... things used to be better."