[Translator - Kiteretsu]

    [Proofreader - Kyros]

    Chapter 99

    “You want to join the reinforcements now?”

    “Yes, Your Highness, Second Prince.”

    The Second Prince, Bellos, frowned as he looked at his half-sister, Violet, who was smiling brightly in front of him. Not long ago, despite repeated requests for help, she had refused to act, citing the capital''s precarious situation.

    Still, having her, the owner of an S-class mana suit, on their side would be a great asset... but her sudden change in attitude was unsettling.

    “Aren’t you under house arrest?”

    “Father lifted it on the condition that I reach the 5th Circle.”

    “Father did...?”

    “Yes. It seems he is wary of the Sword Master.”

    “Sir Stein? Why?”

    “Perhaps because if he were to invade the royal castle, no one would be able to stop him.”

    “Why would he invade the palace?”

    “Who can truly know a person’s heart? He might suddenly develop ambitions, even aspire to become king.”

    “That’s unlike Father... he’s worrying too much. If Stein had such ambitions, he would have started by accepting a count’s title and building his influence.”

    Bellos said this while studying Violet.

    “In any case, if Father wants you to reach the 5th Circle, there’s no need for you to join the reinforcements.”

    “We need to save the kingdom before I reach the 5th Circle.”

    “I didn’t expect you to have such a noble mindset.”

    “Oh my, I’ve always put the kingdom first.”

    “...Fine.”

    If Violet were to join the battle, it would indeed be a great help.

    She would undoubtedly stand out on the battlefield.

    Then, rather than being remembered as someone who supported the First Prince, a known follower of the Otherworld, she would be praised for her bravery in fighting against the monster wave.

    Bellos, who had firsthand experience of Violet’s capabilities while competing with her for power, didn’t like it... but—

    ‘No matter how much merit Violet earns, she can never become queen.’

    The Bormian Kingdom had never had a queen.

    The heir to the throne had to be male.

    With that thought, Bellos felt he didn’t need to worry too much about Violet gaining recognition.

    “Fine. You may join. You are welcome.”

    “Thank you, Your Highness.”

    “But don’t stir up any trouble among the reinforcements.”No?v(el)B\\jnn

    “What trouble could I possibly cause?”

    “Haha. Right. You won’t mind that there are members of the First Prince’s faction among the reinforcements, will you?”

    Bellos’s words carried a deeper meaning.

    The reinforcements were primarily composed of his supporters.

    If there were remnants of the First Prince’s faction among them, it meant some had already switched sides.

    Bellos was pointing that out.

    “Are you referring to those who have switched to your side, Your Highness? Why would that bother me? In fact, I’m grateful you accepted them.”

    “Well... after all, the First Prince was a follower of the Otherworld...”

    “Yes, that’s right. They sure know how to go with the flow. But you should manage them well—they’re as fickle as reeds. If they find out I’ve joined the Royalist faction, they might waver again.”

    “What... Royalist faction?”

    “It seems His Majesty is planning to take a more active role in state affairs. As a member of the royal family, I must cooperate fully.”

    Bellos’s eyes trembled slightly.

    ‘Wasn’t Father’s only order for Violet to reach the 5th Circle? The Royalist faction, huh...?’

    Bellos had thought that once the power struggle with the First Prince was over, he would firmly seize control of the kingdom in place of the disinterested king.

    But now, things were taking an unexpected turn.

    “Come to think of it, Father has quite a lot of children. And quite a few sons, too.”

    “...What are you implying?”

    “Oh, nothing. Just a passing thought. But if Your Highness continues to cooperate, I suppose I’ll soon forget about it.”

    Seeing Violet smile slyly, Bellos gritted his teeth.

    With the First Prince''s disgraceful death, Violet should have remained under house arrest, and the remnants of the First Prince’s faction should have been absorbed...

    However, due to the king''s sudden change of heart, she had managed to make a comeback.

    “...Fine. Since you’re offering help, I have no reason to refuse.”

    “That’s a wise decision. By the way, is Sir Stein also joining the battle?”

    “Yes. But Sir Stein will not be joining the reinforcements. He will arrive separately.”

    “I see.”

    “Why do you ask?”

    “Someone I know is traveling with Sir Stein.”

    “Someone you know...”

    “Yes.”

    “Come in.”

    Kaylen, who was reviewing documents at his desk, lifted his head.

    Roenna’s mouth fell open on its own.

    The elf from earlier was impressive, but...

    This man was on a whole different level.

    “Wow...”

    “This is your sister?”

    “Yes, this is Roenna.”

    “I see. Nice to meet you.”

    Kaylen stood up and approached Roenna, extending his hand for a handshake.

    “Heh...”

    “...Roenna, get a hold of yourself.”

    “Ah, Ka-Kaylen! H-Hello! My name is Roenna, and I’ve just entered Bormian Magic Academy as a first-year! Please take care of me!”

    Roenna repeatedly bowed her head, her face turning bright red.

    Seeing his sister flustered, Alkas felt a little relieved.

    It seems even she can’t help but be affected by Kaylen.

    “The academy is quite far from here, isn’t it?”

    “N-No! Not at all!”

    “Really?”

    “Y-Yes! Kaylen, please speak comfortably with me!”

    “Alright. Royen, would you come to my office? Your tutor is here.”

    Vwooom.

    As Kaylen spoke, the entire room vibrated briefly.

    Roenna looked around, thinking it might be due to a younger brother nearby, but she couldn’t sense anyone.

    “Take a seat for now. Your brother will be here in about five minutes.”

    Five minutes?

    How did he call his brother who’s five minutes away?

    ‘What is this? It’s not even magic...’

    Still puzzled, Roenna sat down on the sofa and stared blankly at Kaylen.

    —Hey, hey! Kaylen’s at the library!

    —Really? Let’s go see him!

    She was starting to understand why her academy friends were always talking about Kaylen.

    Coming from a poor background, she had always focused on her grades and declined when friends invited her.

    Now, she was glad she hadn’t gone with them back then.

    ‘If I’d seen Kaylen at the academy, my grades would have dropped for sure.’

    She would have been like her friends—neglecting her studies and following him around.

    “Royen is quite a special case, so teaching him won’t be easy. He has a great aptitude for fire magic, but there might be parts you won’t understand... I ask you to keep this confidential.”

    “Y-Yes!”

    “In return, I’ll offer generous pay. How about four lessons a week, 500 gold a month?”

    “My lord! That’s too much! 500 gold...!”

    Alkas was startled, but Roenna quickly jumped up and covered his mouth.

    “Ah! Brother! Be quiet! Kaylen, I’ll do my utmost to teach your brother!”

    “Alright, alright. Roenna, it is a large sum, isn’t it?”

    “Ah, yes...”

    “This amount includes a condition to strictly keep Royen’s unique condition a secret.”

    Kaylen gazed steadily into Roenna’s eyes.

    “Can you keep that promise?”

    “Yes, of course!”

    “Good. Then, I’ll leave my brother in your care while I’m away.”

    “W-Where are you going?”

    “Oh, I’ll be heading to the duchy with Alkas for a while.”

    “I... see.”

    Kaylen spoke so casually, as if he were just visiting a neighboring town.

    Because of that, Roenna didn’t even consider that he might be heading to the Oblaine Duchy.

    Knock, knock.

    “Come in.”

    And so, thoughts of the duchy quickly left her mind.

    ‘Is that him? He doesn’t look anything like his brother.’

    ‘So... this is my tutor...’

    As Royen entered shyly, Roenna observed him closely, trying to get a first impression.

    [Translator - Kiteretsu]

    [Proofreader - Kyros]