The Regressed Son of a Duke is an Assassin

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Chapter 14: Imperial Visit (1)

Morning had dawned.

The sky was tinged with its usual crimson hue.

Though it felt a bit restless to call it morning, isn’t it odd to have nothing to say otherwise?

There’s a vague feeling of fuzziness today, unlike usual.

It’s like waking up the day after heavy drinking, feeling hungover and disoriented.

Well, I certainly ran around quite a bit yesterday…

I checked on Kaeram, who was tucked under the pillow.

[……]

She’s sleeping soundly.

After all the chaos last night, she’s lying there, stretched out, sleeping like a log.

I must be crazy.

I used ‘Manifestation of the Mist’ just to take down one measly monster.

And not only that, I went ahead and used the Secret-Sword Technique too.

Thankfully, I managed to consume some of the monsters’ blood, but if this had happened a month ago, my organs and veins would have burst, and it still wouldn’t have been enough.

I’ve completely succumbed to the temptation of the cursed sword.

-Rustling-

It’s noisy outside.

Probably because of yesterday.

I hurriedly threw away the corpse of the Death Worm, so now I look like I got hit by a truck unintentionally.

Ah, come to think of it, it’s quite regrettable, isn’t it?

Capturing a rare and valuable high-level monster and not even getting a taste of its blood.

By now, it would have turned into a messy pile of ashes, not even leaving a trace.

“Oh? Are you awake, my lord?”

Emily, carrying a bundle of ingredients, entered the barracks.

“You must have had quite the workout yesterday. You were sleeping so soundly, almost snoring.”

“Enough about that. What’s all the commotion outside?”

As if waiting for the question, Emily exclaimed.

“Don’t even get me started! Well, last night, they found the body of a high-level monster near the entrance to the Lemea Valley! It’s been a long time since a high-level monster was found near the stronghold, so now all the knights are busy rechecking the security facilities!”

“Anything else?”

“Yes?”

“Did you hear anything other than the high-level monster?”

Emily stumbled over her words, surprised by my unexpectedly indifferent demeanor.

“Well, you see, I didn’t hear anything else. Just that they found the body of a high-level monster…”

“So, you know nothing else besides the high-level monster’s body?”

“…No.”

“Alright then.”

It seems like the rumor has only spread among the knights.

Although some knights, including the Duke, might have noticed, I used a technique (Shadow Art: Disguise) to hide my true identity, so for now, no one should know who I am.

The problem is that there might be a few who recognize the technique… I’ll have to keep an eye on the situation for a while.

“Is Sir Cyan here? This is Guardian Knight Eulken.”

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Eulken’s voice came from outside the barracks.

“Come in.”

Judging by the commotion, it seemed that several other knights were accompanying him.

What’s going on, especially when it’s not time for regular check-ins?

“What’s the matter?”

“I’ve come to escort you as per the Duke’s orders. Would you be able to accompany me?”

“Can you tell me what this is about?”

“He mentioned it’s regarding the scheduled visit from the Imperial family this afternoon. It seems he has something to discuss with you regarding that matter.”

Regarding the Emperor’s visit? Well, as the Duke, he has to fulfill his duties as a noble.

“Alright, I’ll go right away.”

I quietly took Kaeram, who was asleep under the pillow, and headed outside with Eulken.

The camp covers an area roughly the size of a small village, and the Duke’s residence is located right in the center.

It was strategically positioned for efficient communication, and unless there’s an emergency, my father rarely leaves the premises.

Passing through the vigilant Guardian Knights, I entered the barracks where my father was conducting his affairs.

Upon seeing me, he gestured for me to sit.

“How’s life on the front lines?”

“I’m learning a lot every day and hoping to become a useful presence here someday.”

“Well, you seem to be holding up quite well. If you ever feel like you want to come back, don’t hesitate to tell me.”

I nodded slightly in gratitude for his kindness.

Of course, I have no intention of returning earlier than the agreed upon period.

At least for ten months.

Until I turn eleven and enroll in the Royal Academy, I’ll continue my life on the front lines.

“Let’s leave it at that. Do you happen to know who’s visiting today?”

“I’ve heard vaguely that it’s scheduled for His Majesty the Emperor and other members of the Imperial family.”

“I see. Today, Emperor Dionne of the Great Ushif Empire is scheduled to visit the front lines. So, there’s something I’d like to ask of you today.”

“W-what request do you have?”

Father, who never lets his guard down, seems unusually relaxed today.

I can roughly guess what it might be about.

It’s probably about showing a good image of his son.

I’ve heard that I’ve become quite a notable figure among the nobles of the Empire.

From what I heard, it seems that I have already become quite a celebrity among the empire’s nobles.

The fifth son of the Vert family is so amazing that he has already gone to the front lines.

They say he goes around with his knights to subdue demonic creatures.

It’s not really a favorable situation for me.

Naturally, isn’t it?

In the noble world where jealousy and rivalry reign, I’ll eventually just be fodder for their gossip.

They’ll talk about how the family will pass on to another child anyway, or how a child with no real foundation is trying so hard to stand out.

Well, I shouldn’t let it bother me too much.

Anyway, from Father’s perspective, I’m the closest child he has, so he’ll probably ask me to stay by his side for today to help safeguard the Emperor’s visit.

“Do you happen to know about the Fifth Princess of the Empire?”

“….?”

Huh? Why bring up the Fifth Princess out of the blue?

“The Fifth Princess… You mean?”

Let’s see, if they’re talking about the Fifth Princess of the Empire at this time… Are they referring to that unfortunate princess?

Her name is probably…

“Are you referring to Princess Arin Sevellerus?”

“That’s right. She’s your age and the youngest in the Imperial family. She’s also scheduled to be part of today’s visit.”

It’s interesting, but it’s not something I particularly care about.

Whether it’s the Emperor or the Emperor’s daughter coming, it’s not my job, but the Duke wouldn’t have mentioned her without any relevance.

A strange feeling brushed through my mind.

“Will you take care of Princess Arin today?”

“Excuse me?”

What does he mean by ‘take care of her’?

Guard duty? Entertain her?

Honestly, I don’t like either option.

“It’s nothing to be surprised about. Just spend some time together and build rapport. After all, won’t you meet again when you enter the Academy next year? It wouldn’t hurt to foster friendly relations with people from the royal family. It’s just for a short time, but I hope you can develop a good relationship.”

“…”

I dislike it even more now.

Is he asking me to be her full-on escort?

Why should I engage in such antics with a young girl, especially the unfortunate princess?

I can understand the Duke’s intention of fostering relations with the royal family, but the target is wrong.

Arin Sevellerus is not someone I should be getting close to; in fact, I should stay far away from her.

At least for now, no one knows.

That princess will be implicated as the mastermind behind the rebellion in the Imperial Civil War a few years later, and will be sacrificed…!

“As your son. I’ll do my best to follow the Duke’s wishes, even if I’m somewhat lacking.”

Huh, what’s the point of muttering about the future that only I know?

For now, I’ll just comply.

“Thank you. Let’s meet again when the royal family arrives. You can go now.”

I bowed my head once again and immediately turned away.

I’ve unexpectedly taken on a troublesome task.

I guess I’ll just try to make it look good, right?

I already have a lot to worry about besides that.

“Last night…”

My steps involuntarily halted at the low, ominous tone.

I turned quietly to hear what he had to say next.

Father’s expression suddenly grew grave.

“What were you doing?”

What was I doing?

I don’t know what kind of answer he’s expecting, but there’s only one response I can give.

“Due to exhaustion, I fell into a deep sleep early. I hurried to the scene when the signal of a monster’s appearance came, but the situation had already ended.”

After fleeing from the scene, I immediately returned to the camp in my original form.

There were quite a few other knights who encountered me at the time, so my alibi was solid.

Seeing my unchanged expression, the Duke eased his guard.

“I see. Alright then, go back and rest.”

After bowing my head once more, I turned away.

Until I left the mansion, subtle glances followed my every move.

It was as if he was scrutinizing me, comparing me to some other entity…

Is that what it means to be the Guardian of the continent?

Everything around him becomes a subject of suspicion.

Even if it’s his own son…

Hmm.

With an enigmatic smile, I stepped outside.

* * *

The massive stone wall that borders Velias along the frontlines.

Though it might appear as mere rocks, high-grade magic barriers are woven into the wall.

In the center stood a single gate, the only border gate on the continent that allowed access to and from the frontlines.

Inside the gate, numerous guardians, including Duke Vert, awaited, each wearing solemn expressions and standing with strict posture, ready to greet the nobility.

-Boom!

“His Majesty the Emperor has arrived!”

With a heavy trumpet blast, a knight loudly announced.

Before long, dozens of knights and, within them, the imposing figure of the Emperor, revealed themselves.

Emperor Dionne Sevellerus of the Ushif Empire.

As befitting the location, his attire was always prepared for battle.

As the Emperor reached the gate, Duke Vert, who had been waiting, approached and knelt before him.

“Lord Willius Vert, Lord of the New Velias. I humbly greet His Majesty the Emperor!”

“You’ve always worked hard, Willius! There’s no need for formalities between us.”

The Emperor lifted the Duke as if meeting an old friend.

Regardless of their official positions, the relationship between the Emperor and the Duke was far from casual.

Their friendship, which had spanned from the Royal Academy, was well-known among the public, and the Emperor himself had mentioned Duke Vert as the noble he trusted the most.

Amidst their customary pleasantries, the Emperor’s gaze turned towards me.

“Ah, to think there’d be such a bright sprout in such a despairing and dark place.”

Realizing he was referring to me, I calmly stepped forward and bowed my head.

“I humbly greet Your Majesty the Emperor! I am Cyan Vert, the youngest among Duke Vert’s children.”

The Emperor seemed genuinely intrigued by me.

“So the rumors are true. To see such a young lad living in these harsh conditions, your family must truly be different, Willius.”

“Your Majesty, your words are too kind. As a father, I am deeply ashamed.”

“I, too, have someone I must introduce to you.”

As the Emperor turned around, someone disembarked from a carriage as if they had been waiting.

With deep silver hair and porcelain-like skin, she appeared to be around the same age as me.

There was no need for explanations; I knew who she was.

“Princess Arin Sevellerus of the Ushif Empire.”

She was Princess Arin, who was scheduled to visit today.

While in my past life, I wouldn’t have cared whether the Emperor visited or not since I was confined to the mansion, but today was different.

It wasn’t my duty to escort her, typically, a prince would accompany her.

Her being alone was somewhat unexpected.

Did the royal family collectively fall ill?

While idly observing, our eyes met.

What does she think she’s doing, treating me like a child?

She might as well just speak her mind, as her intentions were crystal clear. Even the princess was no exception; in a fleeting moment, I could discern her true feelings.

“…?”

Is she feeling jealous?

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