Chapter 178

Leopold graciously arranged for me to have a private meeting with Freide.

The garden of the 1st Prince’s Palace, bathed in the red hues of the sunset, led us to a secluded pavilion for rest. Since there were no prying eyes or ears around, it was better for confidential talks than indoors.

On the table, tea and snacks were already laid out.

Leopold stayed behind in his office. He said it wouldn’t be proper for him to intrude on a conversation between women.

Thanks to that, Persval had to start his shift two hours early, but he didn’t seem to mind. Honestly, even if he did, what difference would it make?

If Leopold says to do it, you just do it. What else can you do?

—-

“So, how did you end up with this letter?”

“You know the Rose Cross Knight Order, right? After the last incident and the suspicious movements of the beastmen, they wanted to come north just in case. ‘For the sake of the Empire’s peace’ or something…? Anyway, one of them came to meet me with this letter. Said to deliver it to you.”

Must be Leonor’s doing.

At this rate, the knight order is doomed anyway. Even if Leopold takes down Isabella and ascends the throne, Leonor wouldn’t trust him, so she’d rather join under Faelun.

For something that came out of her head, it was a pretty wise decision.

Faelun is always hungry for knightly power, so they’d welcome their defection rather than refuse it.

The imperial family also has no justification to forcibly bring back knights who want to protect the Empire on the frontlines.

If they were part of the Imperial Knight Order, it might be different, but the Rose Cross Knight Order is essentially Leonor’s private army, independent of the imperial military.

Since their chain of command is separate, even if they defect to Faelun, no one else has the authority to intervene.

This way, even if Leonor herself isn’t safe, the safety of her knights is secured.

Considering Leonor’s intelligence, it’s probably not her own plan. Maybe one of her subordinates has a sharp mind?

Anyway, if she went through all this trouble to send a letter, it must mean Leonor has something important to discuss with me.

I didn’t even have to look for her—she reached out first. That’s a relief.

“Do you know what it’s about?”

“Of course not. Opening someone else’s letter? I’d never do something so undignified.”

Freide shrugged her shoulders.

…Isn’t it a bit late to worry about dignity? She’s always rolling around on my bed.

Next thing you know, she’ll bring her own pillow.

“Looking for dignity now… Anyway, thanks.”

After expressing my gratitude, I opened the envelope.

Sure enough, it was a letter from Leonor.

– I need your help. Is it okay to ask?

True to her brother Ernst’s style, it was a very brief message.

Just one sentence, followed by the time and place.

The time was midnight tonight.

The location was near the church of the Astraea Order.

…So she’s been hiding within the capital after all.

I can use the excuse of escorting Freide to go out.

—-

After that, it was just casual chatter.

Things like how Nigel is helping them train as I requested, or how Damien’s skills have improved surprisingly fast.

“By the way, how’s the bodyguard work going? I can’t imagine it’s easy for someone like you to work under others.”

“There’s not much to it. Just walking around all day.”

You’d need attackers to actually guard someone.

Right now, I’m basically just a walking decoration.

To put it nicely, you could say it’s because of me that no attackers show up.

“You’re a thief of the national treasury. No, more like a plunderer.”

Freide giggled as she elegantly brought her teacup to her lips.

Honestly, I can’t get used to her acting like this. After all the things she’s done, pretending to be refined…

Anyway. The accusation of being a national treasury plunderer is a bit unfair.

“I’m not getting paid a single penny, so how am I a plunderer?”

All I’ve received here is a room in Leopold’s sister’s quarters and imperial-level meals.

“What? No, that’s not right. This isn’t some charity work. Even if you’re part of the same faction, using someone of your skill privately should at least warrant a salary on par with the Royal Guard! In fact, even if you didn’t bring up the pay, Prince Leopold should’ve mentioned it first. That prince, pretending to be all proper, but he seems a bit sly…!”

The teacup she slammed down clinked sharply against the saucer.

Freide’s expression clearly showed a hint of anger.

What’s with her? Is this really something to get so worked up about?

It’s not like I’m doing this for money anyway. If Leopold gets assassinated, I’d be in trouble too, so I agreed to be his guard.

“Well, our interests align for now—”

“You’re really into this ‘aligned interests’ thing, huh?”

Freide cut me off sharply.

“So, are the other knights not aligned in their interests, which is why they get their salaries and estates regularly?”

Huh? Is that how it is?

Now that I think about it, that doesn’t sound wrong…?

Maybe it’s Freide’s unwavering tone, but I found myself being convinced by her logic.

“Well, I’ve been receiving some things here and there, like imperial banquets…”

“Those banquets are worth a few pennies at best. If you’re being fed and worked, that’s slavery, not knighthood.”

I thought about it again.

Is Freide right?

……

Yeah.

She’s right.

I see. So I’ve been exploited…!

“Uh… now that you mention it, you’re right. I should probably bring this up.”

Considering Leopold’s personality, he’d probably brush it off with some excuse, though.

“Of course you should. If it feels awkward to bring it up now, just ask me. Before I leave, I’ll drop a hint for you.”

“Thanks, but… why do you seem angrier than me…?”

I’m just feeling a bit uneasy about being shortchanged, but Freide, who’s not even involved, seems furious… Honestly, it’s a bit bewildering.

“Well, of course. Faelun treats their masters…”

“How much does it cost to maintain it, and yet they’re using it without spending a single penny? It’s making my stomach twist just thinking about it.”

Ah, is that so…?

What should I even say? It’s such a realistic reason that I’m at a loss for words.

“Then, what about… if I end up serving in the north after graduation, will I still get my salary on time? From what you’re saying, it sounds like a pretty hefty amount.”

“Huh? Oh, uh, well. I think that’s part of the contract signed as an admission condition. So, doesn’t that mean it’s already settled…?”

Hey, man.

—

After finishing the small talk, I returned to the 1st Prince’s Palace and reported to Leopold about the letter.

Freide was already preparing to head back by carriage.

“So, Leonor made contact first? That’s a relief.”

“Yes, it’s a relief. So, it seems like I’ll be moving around outside the Imperial Palace from tonight until dawn.”

After seeing Freide off and finishing my business with Leonor, I probably won’t be back until around 3 a.m. at the earliest.

Since my status is already guaranteed, I won’t be stopped at the palace gates or anything.

“Sir Persval doesn’t look like a spy at all, so my safety shouldn’t be an issue… but you should be careful with the princess. If the letter is really from Leonor, then it’s fine, but there’s always the possibility it could be a trap set by the Empress.”

“Once I get close, I’ll be able to sense their presence, so if it’s a trap, I’ll just run away.”

Even if there are about ten bug knights waiting, if I run away before they even see me, what can they do?

If I end up in a chase in the middle of the capital, the Imperial Knights will be on high alert, and everyone except me, with my confirmed status, will be wiped out.

“More importantly, the oath you made earlier still stands, right? The promise to ensure Leonor’s safety under the condition that she and her descendants permanently renounce their claim to the throne.”

If you dare to change your words later…

For now, the stability of the empire is the top priority, so I can’t touch you, but once the world becomes peaceful… I won’t have any reason to hold back.

“Don’t worry. Would I ever break an oath made in the name of Elpinel? Especially in front of the ‘Divine Punishment.'”

That was a jaw-dropping statement.

I almost dropped the letter I was holding without realizing it.

“Wait, where did that nickname come from…?”

I thought no one called me that, so I was relieved…!

“Lady Pailoon told me.”

Freide…! Was this your doing again…?

Her smirking face flashed before my eyes.

“I knew about nicknames like ‘Beastman Devourer’ or ‘Knight of the Goddess,’ but ‘Divine Punishment’… *cough*, isn’t that a cool nickname? Even Sir Richard, the Paladin Master of the Elpinel Church Order, never got such a grand title.”

Leopold’s lips twitched, as if he was holding back a laugh.

…If you’re going to laugh, just laugh openly.

The conversation with Leopold didn’t last long.

Since Freide was waiting outside, I didn’t plan to linger either.

I also brought up my salary, and Leopold explained it without a hint of hesitation.

He said he hadn’t mentioned it because he didn’t know how long the escort duty would last, but he planned to pay me once the job was done.

His attitude made it seem like it was the most natural thing, so there was no room to press further.

This guy… I’m pretty sure he would’ve just skipped over it if I hadn’t brought it up.

—

As soon as I got into the carriage, I confronted Freide.

“Why on earth did you tell Prince Leopold that nickname?”

Facing my intense anger, Freide just smiled calmly.

“What do you mean, ‘that nickname’? You earned such a splendid title through your deeds with me, and isn’t it my duty to spread it far and wide so everyone knows?”

Duty, my foot.

“Isn’t your duty to increase your number of friends to over 65? Isn’t that your lifelong goal?”

“Well, isn’t ‘Divine Punishment’ worth about 50 ordinary friends? I’m not far from 65 now.”

As usual, I bickered with Freide and escorted her to the academy entrance.

We arrived at the academy in the dead of night.

Most people were already asleep, so only a few windows glowed faintly, while the inside of the academy was mostly dark.

“Well, do your best. Be careful not to die. Once you graduate, you’ll have to serve diligently in Pailoon.”

As I pulled up my hood and got out of the carriage, she threw a worried joke my way.

Too bad, Freide. I’ll be enjoying feudal military service in Randenburg.

“Sigh… you should also stay on guard for a while. Officially, you came to see me, but the Empress won’t be happy about your visit to the 1st Prince’s Palace. She might even try to use you as a hostage to lure Duke Pailoon. Stick close to Nigel if you can.”

If I were in Isabella’s shoes, I’d definitely try something like that. I don’t know how much Duke Pailoon dotes on his daughter, though.

Freide, who had been making a surprised face, looked me in the eye and smirked.

“You’re worrying about me? Have you finally become human?”

“That’s my line. Anyway, I’ll be off now. Take good care of Rana and the others.”

I’m glad I brought my hood.

The fabric covering my face hid my flushed cheeks.

—

I arrived at the location Leonor mentioned about thirty minutes later.