Chapter 214
“Wait a moment. Sister. Hear me out. And you, Lucas, put down your sword.”
Fortunately, the deputy leader stepped in to mediate. He explained the advantages of bringing us along. And that he had confirmed we weren’t associated with “them.”
“We’re strong. But they are stronger. Sister, you know that from your own encounters.”
“So?”
“He was a nobleman’s guard. He knows proper swordsmanship. This man could teach us those skills. If our forces get stronger, it will help protect Banya.”
Banya. I now knew the alias of the person who could be the Third Prince.
“What if they side with the other faction?”
“As long as the young master stays in the village, they won’t act recklessly. Isn’t that right, Lucas?”
“I agree. But if the young master wishes to leave this place, I intend to take him out at any time.”
“Chick, what do you think?”
Chick? Was he here?
But there were only four people here. The small hut didn’t have suitable hiding places. Just as I was wondering where this person had been watching from, a diminutive figure emerged from behind the leader.
A slender body with yellow hair, and… green eyes.
‘It seems like this is indeed the Third Prince.’
Green eyes aren’t particularly rare. But mannerisms and posture learned from birth aren’t something easily changed. The straight posture and dignified movements that had become habitual were difficult to imitate. Thanks to this, I was certain he was the Third Prince.
‘So he’s the leader’s lover…’
If we take the Third Prince away, they would surely pursue us to get him back. With Luwen’s speed, we should be able to outrun them. If we just make it safely back to the main force, they wouldn’t be able to do much with their limited numbers.
“Since I don’t know their faces, I think it’s fine.”
“Hmm. Lucas, was it? Are you willing to teach us as Juno suggested?”
“I’ll do anything as long as the young master’s safety is guaranteed.”
“Pretty one, there won’t be the comfortable bed you’re used to, can you still bear to stay here? Also, I can’t say it’s safe since there are ruthless individuals constantly eyeing my chick.”
It seemed my response would determine our accommodations. Since I needed to appear foolish, I nodded with a bright smile.
“As long as Lucas can sleep comfortably, I don’t mind anything!”
The leader made a deflating sound and chuckled.
“Alright. I accept you. But remember one thing. I never forgive traitors.”
Just when I thought we had passed the first hurdle.
“What should we do if we want to leave?”
Luwen asked as if to confirm, fully immersed in his role. The leader shrugged and answered frankly.
“Just tell us in advance. We don’t hold back people who want to leave.”
* * *
The hut provided to us was the most dilapidated and dirty place. Fortunately, we wouldn’t be staying long; it would have been dreadful to live here permanently.
‘Maximum four days…’
We needed to make contact with the Third Prince within that time, but it was impossible today. After being shown the well, shower area, and cooking station, and then cleaning the hut that was covered in dust from long disuse, night had already fallen.
While it was necessary to act as if we would be staying here for a long time, I felt the time was being wasted.
Still, one positive outcome was confirming that apart from Banya, there was no one else who resembled the Third Prince.
‘I need to approach naturally…’
It would be difficult if the Third Prince didn’t leave the leader’s hut.
Unfortunately, the next day, I couldn’t catch even a glimpse of the Third Prince. After wasting the second day fruitlessly, on the morning of the third day, the leader summoned everyone.
‘This might be my chance to find the Third Prince.’
Standing on a moss-covered platform, the leader surveyed the gathered people below. Instead of the ornate feathered clothing from the first day, she wore plain leather armor and had braided her long hair up. Her appearance indicated she was planning to leave the village.
“Today is the day for hunting to secure food. Main hunting: Team 4. Support: Team 3. Rear support: Team 2. Team 1 is on guard duty.”
People moved with precision according to the leader’s designations. Each team had roughly 10 or so members, and from their appearance, the overall power balance seemed similar.
“We depart in one hour!”
“Oh! Oh! Oh!”
Thump! Thump! Thump!
The Kans responded loudly, stomping their feet. Dust rose thickly.
Not wanting to inhale the dirty dust, I covered my nose and mouth with my sleeve, and at that moment, my eyes met directly with the leader’s.
‘…Fortunately, she doesn’t seem displeased, but what’s with that familiar look?’
While I was inwardly puzzled, the leader raised her voice again.
“Lucas!”
At the sudden call, everyone’s attention turned to us. Taking advantage of this opportunity to openly observe people, I once again beamed broadly and made eye contact with each person in greeting.
Some looked at me with disapproval, others blushed, some waved, and some avoided my gaze. There was a variety of reactions.
And finally, I spotted the Third Prince. He was among the people staying in the village, not belonging to any team.
“Did you rest well yesterday? Today, you two must also contribute to the village. Lucas, join Team 4 for the main hunt.”
“Huh? Oh, that won’t work!”
I pretended to be flustered and grabbed Luwen tightly. Now that I understood why that gaze from earlier was familiar, this much should be fine.
“Why not?”
The leader asked me. There’s that look again. Luwen looked at me exactly like that when he found me adorable, so of course it was familiar. I just hadn’t immediately made the connection because I didn’t expect someone else, especially the leader, to find me cute.
“I’m still scared to be alone…”
“The pretty one is quite spoiled.”
“Hahaha!”
Someone burst into laughter at the “pretty one” nickname. As if it were contagious, snickering sounds could be heard here and there, and soon more people began to roar with laughter.
“He certainly is pretty.”
“Prettier than my wife~”
“As always, our leader has a natural talent for nicknames!”
I’m certain the last comment was pure flattery. I don’t see how there’s any talent in the nickname “pretty one.” Well, first I needed to calm Luwen down. Seeing him clench his fist, he seemed on the verge of getting angry.
“Does Lucas think I’m pretty too?”
Next time, I absolutely won’t play the role of someone with flowers for brains. I want to escape quickly…
“Yes. You are pretty. I’ve never seen anyone as beautiful as you, young master.”
It’s good that he controlled his anger, but Luwen’s response made him seem like a doting husband. And I had to smile broadly as if I liked it.
“I’m sorry, but since the young master is anxious, I’d like to be assigned to village guard duty today, if that’s acceptable.”
“Guarding the village is important too. However, remember that next time you must assist with the main hunt.”
The leader permitted it with a hearty laugh.
That was fortunate. Because the Third Prince was wearing a plain white shirt and black pants. It might be just a coincidence, but the fact that he was wearing those clothes today of all days, when the main combatants would be away from the village, couldn’t help but concern me.
‘If an attack really happens today, it might mean the entrance has been discovered.’
In combat, it’s important to minimize friendly casualties while maximizing enemy casualties.
The Tuaso pursuit team commander was probably quite cautious in nature. Continuously searching this area meant they were confident the Third Prince hadn’t left the mountains, and they were maintaining vigilant surveillance. So if this commander had discovered the entrance to Kans’ hideout, they would certainly raid when the place was empty.
‘I can’t send Luwen away in this situation.’
It would be fortunate if nothing happened, but if something did, I would need Luwen.
In that brief moment, the leader who had given the dismissal order came down from the platform. I linked arms with Luwen, naturally guiding him to our hut.
As soon as we entered the hut, Luwen, who had been surveying the outside situation, spoke first.
“Did you notice that person’s attire today?”
“You saw it too, Luwen.”
“Yes. Although it might be a coincidence, we should strengthen our vigilance.”
“Even if an attack does occur, it’s not entirely a bad situation for us.”
In the midst of chaos, no one would notice if someone disappeared. Of course, if that someone happened to be the person the attackers were targeting, it might draw attention, but I had thought about this as well.
“Even if that person disappears, the blame would be directed at the Tuaso pursuit team.”
“That’s true, and it would be easier than taking him away during a quiet period.”
“If necessary, I’ll knock him unconscious and drag him away.”
It was a somewhat violent method, but I nodded in agreement. We could persuade him after taking him to a safe place.
“I’ll make contact with that person before any attack occurs.”
“Will that be alright? He doesn’t leave the leader’s tent.”
“But the leader won’t be here today.”
When I answered with a smile, Luwen looked at me with a worried expression. He’s so overprotective.
“There’s no need to worry. Why do you think I’ve been acting like a dimwitted, cheerful person?”
There are things I can do precisely because I’m perceived as having flowers for brains.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
