Prince Jeong Yusin lifted the fifth prince and the knight with ease.
“Umpf!!!”
The knight struggled but couldn’t move an inch due to Jeong Yusin’s firm grip.
The fifth prince appeared unconscious, showing no reaction.
Carrying both over his shoulders, Jeong Yusin passed through the kitchen and stepped out into the yard.
He stopped and looked around.
A quiet night.
The moonlight alone illuminated the yard.
‘Good.’
There was no sign of any prying eyes.
He quickly walked through the yard and entered the warehouse.
Thanks to Tarman’s thorough cleaning, the warehouse was tidy.
He placed both on the floor.
“Prince, wake up please.”
“Umpf!!! Umpf!!!”
When Jeong Yusin touched the fifth prince’s shoulder, the knight went into a frenzy.
Ignoring the resistance, Jeong Yusin shook the prince’s shoulder.
“Ugh… ugh…”
The unconscious fifth prince slowly opened his eyes. Upon seeing Jeong Yusin, he panicked and started trembling.
“Settle down. Either spit out that chicken breast or eat it.”
“Tuuuueet!”
The prince spat out the chicken breast.
“…”
Jeong Yusin made eye contact with the prince.
“I won’t ask why you’re here. Let’s put everything aside and get to the main matter. Do you know that your nanny has arrived in this city and is in danger? Assassins are after her. Haven’t you heard anything?”
“…”
The prince remained silent. His expression indicated he hadn’t heard a thing.
“Umpf!!! Umpf!!!”
The knight started struggling again.
Jeong Yusin sighed and loosened the belt gagging the knight.
“Prince, don’t believe this person! He’s the one who poisoned your wine!”
Jeong Yusin chuckled.
“That wine was for me to drink. Why are you meddling with someone else’s things?”
“… Why drink poisoned wine?”
“I acquired a new ability in the Labyrinth. I was testing it when you two showed up.”
Jeong Yusin shook his head and looked at the prince.
“It doesn’t seem important right now. Honestly, I don’t know much about the kingdom or politics. This situation feels random. I’m trying to clear my mind as this is just the nature of life.”
Jeong Yusin helped the prince sit up against a pillar in the warehouse.
“Regardless of my situation, Prince, you have two options: abandon your nanny and leave the Labyrinth City or rescue her and deal with the assassins.”
“… And what’s the second option?”
“Save your nanny and bury all the assassins.”
‘Technically, the nanny is in our hands.’
Since she’s pursued by assassins, her life is equally in danger.
“Why should we trust you? You could be lying.”
Jeong Yusin looked at the knight.
‘She’s been throwing roadblocks since the start.’
“Don’t trust me, but you’re supposed to be the prince’s knight, right? Yet you didn’t know the nanny came to this city or that assassins were after her. What dangers could you possibly foresee in such a situation? Are you earning your wages in vain? If I were your knight, I would’ve resigned out of incompetence.”
“Ghh!!!”
Jeong Yusin’s harsh words left the knight trembling and clearly shaken.
“… Don’t be so harsh. Cecilias is a loyal knight.”
The fifth prince defended her.
Her name is Cecilia.
‘Confirmed.’
“Make your decision. Will you help me save the nanny and eliminate the assassins, or will you leave?”
“… Tell us more. We lack sufficient information to make a decision.”
“Understood.”
Jeong Yusin took the time to explain everything that had happened until that moment.
About 30 minutes later, the fifth prince nodded.
“… It seems the situation is quite complicated. The assassins were likely sent by my second brother. My eldest brother stepped down from the crown prince position, leaving the successor seat open. My second brother has always been ambitious, so this isn’t surprising.”
“Prince! That’s…!”
Knight Cecilia raised her voice in horror.
The retirement of the first prince was an open secret, but the ensuing power struggle was the royal family’s private matter.
“This story doesn’t seem very relevant to me. Let’s pretend I didn’t hear it.”
Jeong Yusin shrugged.
“I was just speculating, so do you have any specific plans?”
The prince smiled, regaining some composure despite still wearing soiled pants.
“Yes.”
Jeong Yusin described the plan.
“… I intend to lure them out of the city, kill them, and rescue those captured.”
“Unacceptable! This plan essentially uses the prince as bait. Why not request help from Lionnel Kingdom’s merchants instead? I’ve heard some are here.”
The knight asked.
“I already said it. Some of the Lionnel Kingdom merchants are in cahoots with the assassins. We don’t know the extent of their involvement yet. They could all be colluding beneath the surface.”
“…”
Cecilia clenched her lips silently.
Jeong Yusin looked at the fifth prince.
“Prince, if you don’t like the plan, you can back out. It’s fine.”
“No. If the nanny is in danger, I can’t just watch. Slave hunters and profit-driven merchants alike deserve punishment.”
The fifth prince’s eyes were clearer than ever—though still wearing soiled pants.
“Understood. Let’s meet here tomorrow night. You should be able to meet your nanny then.”
“I agree. But what’s your name?”
“Scath.”
“Arnoa Lionnel. I entrust my safety to you.”
Jeong Yusin nodded.
Arnoa and Cecilia.
An odd connection. Prince Arnoa turned out to be more straightforward than expected, like a transparent young man.
Even after an attempted abduction, the prince quickly trusted his words, leaving a strong impression.
‘Did I say something trustworthy somewhere?’
After careful thought, no distinct answer came to mind.
Strangely enough.
Despite lacking any clear evidence.
Jeong Yusin also began to trust Prince Arnoa. He gave off an aura similar to Iron Mask, for lack of a better comparison.
Jeong Yusin stood up.
“Let’s finish here today and rest. You can use the seventh room on the right. Can you stand?”
To his credit, Arnoa managed to stand unsteadily.
Just as Jeong Yusin turned to leave the warehouse, Arnoa called out.
“Scath.”
“What is it?”
“… Do you have any spare pants?”
That night, Jeong Yusin lost a pair of pants.
The next night.
They gathered the group.
Delnaco, Oswald, the nanny, the fifth prince, and the knight were all present in the warehouse.
The fifth prince had returned to his original appearance.
Who knows how he managed the disguise last night?
Jeong Yusin had asked while handing over the pants, but the prince refused to disclose his method.
“Prince!!”
The nanny, pale-faced but with her white hair billowing, kneeled before the fifth prince, Arnoa, in distress.
Tears streamed down the elder woman’s face.
“Nanny, you’ve worked hard.”
Arnoa approached and embraced her unhesitatingly.
“Why did you leave the palace without a word?!”
The nanny’s question made Arnoa look awkward.
“Nanny… it’s embarrassing, and I’d rather not discuss it here.”
“Kuep! Very well.”
The prince’s nanny stood up and bowed deeply to Scath.
“Barbaroy, thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“There’s so much to say, but an old woman will remain silent.”
The nanny glared sharply at Oswald before turning away, clearly upset.
Oswald looked aggrieved.
“I didn’t lay a finger on the nanny’s party!”
“You must’ve been involved somehow. Useless scum.”
Jeong Yusin shot back.
“Indeed. Have some words.”
“… Damn. I have nothing to say.”
Knight Cecilia gripped her sword, glaring at Oswald.
“You bastard! You’re shameless! Let me handle you right now!”
“Let’s calm down. Let me explain the plan. We don’t have much time.”
Jeong Yusin clapped his hands, gathering everyone’s attention.
Twenty minutes later, the briefing ended.
The nanny was furious.
“… Impudent! How dare you endanger the prince!”
“Nanny, stop.”
Arnoa intervened.
“Prince, it’s very dangerous. We should consider other ways…”
Arnoa shook his head.
“It must be done. We can’t return to the kingdom with assassins on our tail, and it’s our duty to free those captured unjustly. Still, it is dangerous, so Nanny, you can opt out if you wish.”
“… Prince…”
The nanny couldn’t continue. Her face was filled with worry and concern.
“…”
Oswald had a similar worried look on his face.
“Oswald, why so grim? Cheer up.”
“… Damn. What if this plan doesn’t work?”
“Plans change. We’ll figure it out when problems arise.”
“Haa.”
Oswald sighed deeply.
“Let’s proceed casually. We’ll execute the plan in three days. Relax until then. Oswald, keep busy. Dismissed.”
As people left the warehouse, only Jeong Yusin and Delnaco remained.
“Delnaco.”
Jeong Yusin softly called out his name.
“I’m sorry.”
Delnaco bowed his head deeply.
“People who just arrived in Labyrinth City and haven’t entered the Labyrinth yet were quick to jump to conclusions based only on appearances and behavior without considering imprints.”
“There’s probably a reason you made that conclusion. I don’t know who educated the fifth prince, but he seems to have adapted to civilian life pretty quickly. It’s not your fault. Besides, people who just arrived in Labyrinth City do stand out. In that situation, it was actually the right judgment.”
“…”
Delnaco looked up silently, staring at Jeong Yusin.
“How can you stop doubting if there’s no imprint, and actions and appearances are so different? You’re not paranoid or anything.”
Jeong Yusin patted Delnaco’s shoulder.
“Stop worrying. It’s always alright to make mistakes.”
“… Yes!”
“Let’s get some sleep.”
Jeong Yusin and Delnaco left the warehouse.
By noon on the third day.
At the entrance of the circus tent in the Eastern Sector.
Jeong Yusin stood at the edge of the entrance, watching the falling raindrops.
The dampness that had clung to his skin for several days had thickened, and finally, it began to rain.
Plip. Plip. Plip.
As he watched the rain, Oswald approached and handed him a mirror.
Final check.
Jeong Yusin looked at his face in the mirror.
His hair dyed green by magic and his face painted white with makeup—it was clearly the face of a jester.
Dropping the mirror, he looked down at his outfit.
He put on the monster skin coat given by Delnaco, carried two poison-coated daggers and an Aming Sword, and brought along quality potions and magic scrolls.
“Are you ready?”
Responding to Oswald’s question, Jeong Yusin nodded silently.
Trot trot trot.
A carriage pulled by five horses arrived, followed by two more.
In total, three carriages.
Creak.
The carriage door opened, and a chubby middle-aged human man popped out.
“Haha!!! Oswald-sama, it’s been awhile!”
“Indeed. Kundal.”
Oswald replied with a smile.
“This is very unfortunate. I’m sorry for the tension between us.”
The middle-aged man called Kundal said with a laugh.
“Hahaha!!! Well, it happens. In fact, we have quite a few wastrels among our circus troupe. Please take some of them and use them wisely.”
“Sure thing. I, despite appearances, am still a man of influence in the Lionnel Kingdom. Don’t worry, the troupe won’t starve.”
The merchant Kundal suddenly stiffened his face.
“Still, is that information really true?”
“Indeed. ‘That One’ is currently in the village of Dreadville to the south of Labyrinth City. We happened to see ‘That One’ when we were on tour. We’re likely resting somewhere in the village as it’s raining.”
“So, the person who saw ‘That One’?”
“That’s right. It’s one of our troupe members who returned today—a dear friend of mine.”
Oswald patted Jeong Yusin on the shoulder as he spoke.
Kundal looked at Jeong Yusin and smiled.
“I see. Is it alright if I take this person with me? There’s no other meaning behind it; I just want some company.”
Oswald’s expression hardened.
“… Is it absolutely necessary? There are other people in the circus troupe.”
The plump merchant Kundal’s eyes gleamed coldly.
“No. This person would be better. At least they seem somewhat normal.”
Oswald’s expression faltered, and Kundal enjoyed it.
“What’s that look for? No matter the reason—be it Elderich—but you did kill all the ‘helpers’, didn’t you? I’m the mediator keeping Oswald alive, after all. Tsk. We don’t have time, so I’ll go first. Anyway, what’s your name, kid?”
Kundal looked at Jeong Yusin and asked.
Jeong Yusin smiled and responded.
“MommmHmmmm.”
Kundal’s eyes widened.
“Hmph. This guy can’t speak. Still, his skills…”
“KHAHAHAHAT!!! This guy’s a total idiot!!!”
Kundal burst out laughing.
“Ah, sorry Oswald. Just too stupid, you know.”
Grrr.
Oswald’s teeth ground together.
Kundal patted Jeong Yusin’s stomach with a laugh.
“Oswald, you gave us such a great clown. Very thankful. Hope to see each other often, and I have big expectations. That’s all. Hehe.”
Kundal stepped into the carriage. Jeong Yusin glanced at Oswald then followed him inside.
Creak.
Thud.
The carriage door shut.
Trot trot trot.
The carriage started moving along the road.
Oswald sighed deeply as he watched the departing caravans.
“Phew. Why the sudden act of being mute? Crazy bastard.”
Jeong Yusin looked around the carriage.
It was unusually spacious, likely due to an expansion magic spell.
Including Kundal, a total of 10 men were seated.
Their eyes were familiar, identical to those of the assassins he’d encountered in the Labyrinth. Unfortunately, the Dark Elf wasn’t among them; he was probably in another carriage.
“Sit here.”
Kundal patted the seat beside him.
“MummmHmm.”
Jeong Yusin nodded and sat down.
Trot trot trot.
The rain pattered on the carriage roof as it easily passed through the eastern sector and out of the city, presumably thanks to a hefty bribe. There was no inspection.
Jeong Yusin closed his eyes and listened to the pitter-patter of the rain.
Outside the city of the Labyrinth.
He hadn’t ventured outside since being thrown into this world, too focused on the labyrinth city.
What a novel feeling this was.
Memories of his pilgrimage walks with teacher Simuth flitted through his mind, then disappeared.
Would the plan succeed?
He doesn’t know.
Even Zhuge Liang couldn’t guarantee success without fail.
Still.
There’s only one thing to do what can be done.
Jeong Yusin closed his eyes again.
Squeeek!!!
Jeong Yusin’s eyes snapped open. His right cheek stung.
Kundal shook his palm.
“What the heck, are you asleep?!”
“Uhhhh. Mmmmh.”
Jeong Yusin bowed his head, muttering.
“Damn fool.”
Kundal clicked his tongue and wiped spittle from his mouth.
Kundal stood and opened the driver’s window.
“Hey! Where are we?!”
“Almost there! Near the forest of Dreadville!”
The driver replied from the window.
Kundal closed the window and sat back down.
“Kek! What luck. We’re getting both the slave transport and capturing the fifth prince.”
“Kundal. Watch your words.”
The man sitting opposite Jeong Yusin frowned and called Kundal’s name as a warning not to speak recklessly.
“I understand. Still, thinking about it, aren’t things going unusually well for the ‘helpers’? Capturing ‘That One’ and handling the slave transport all at once. Hahaha!!”
“Kum! Is the information reliable?”
The man cleared his throat and asked. Kundal nodded confidently.
“Yes! A friend at the southern checkpoint saw ‘That One.’ After comparing the description, it’s definite. Now, all we need is to take this mute person and find the exact location.”
The soft chatter filled the carriage.
“Today really feels like a lucky day with this much good fortune!”
Kundal said it again.
At that moment.
Jeong Yusin pulled out a cigarette from his pocket and put it in his mouth.
Before anyone could say anything, he took out a flint and lit the cigarette.
Sizzle! Sizzle!
The end of the cigarette began to burn.
“Tuuuuuuuuueeeep. Haaaaaaaaa.”
He drew the smoke into his lungs and exhaled slowly.
The man sitting across frowned.
People looked confused by the sudden unexpected action.
“You clown! What the hell are you doing?!?”
Kundal shouted.
“Hmm!!!”
Jeong Yusin burst out laughing.
A strangely high-pitched and eerie laugh.
A cold, suffocating silence descended upon the people.
Jeong Yusin looked down at Kundal.
“Uncle, didn’t you say today was your lucky day?”
Kundal’s eyes widened immeasurably. The assassins looked at him with the same shocked expression.
“…Ah. Ah…?”
Stammering, Kundal showed his confusion at Jeong Yusin suddenly speaking.
“In my opinion…”
Jeong Yusin brushed his green hair back and continued.
“Uncle is having a very unlucky day today.”
“…”
The silence was suffocating within the carriage.
Patter. Patter. Patter.
Summer rain continued to beat against the carriage roof.
