110. Childhood Friend – Unbeliever

The Marquis asked with a bright expression.

“What plan do you have?”

“I still can’t share it, but I’ll let you know later. You won’t be disappointed.”

“Understood. Please meet the king tomorrow. I’ll reach out.”

Duke Harvey Gaidan smiled brightly as if he fully trusted him. Reb returned the smile and wrapped up the conversation.

Soon, the Marquis called in his butler and stated, “Give this gentleman the best room… No, the third room on the east side.”

He didn’t include any honorifics because Reb had requested to be treated just as a visitor for a time.

“Please come this way.”

The butler, whose face showed surprise, led the way while Reb followed behind, lost in thought.

‘Let’s adopt Lena as a princess and gather noble forces.’

To be honest, the idea of making Lena a princess in this Kingdom of Orun with its trashy princes made him uneasy.

He pondered whether he should consider another kingdom, but he had no proper alternatives.

The Kingdom of Conrad was out of the question since it had a king who was bedridden and had Prince Eric, who was a disciple of Oriax, so he had to be ruled out. The Frederick Royal Family in the Holy Kingdom is firmly bound by the laws of the Cross Church, so even if he could charm the king, he’ll still need the church’s consent.

That procedure would be a nuisance, and using Ashin’s power right in front of the Cross Church would be burdensome.

Among the nearby kingdoms left, the Belita Kingdom was the only one, but this one was especially sensitive about legitimacy.

The Belita Kingdom claimed to inherit the history of the Empire, having fully taken over the capital of the Acaian Empire, Orbig.

If a commoner like Lena were to be adopted as a princess, nobles would surely protest, not to mention the citizens of Orbig.

With three kingdoms eliminated, what remained were the northern Kingdom of Astin & Aster and the magic kingdom known as the Aisel Kingdom, but those felt somewhat distant. They also had very different cultures from the south.

Thus, the Kingdom of Orun where Lena was born seemed the best option for making her a princess.

‘It’s strange to elevate a commoner to a princess, especially a foreigner, that would be troublesome for a charmed king too.’

Of course, there would be some resistance in this Kingdom of Orun regarding making a commoner like Lena a princess… But while conversing with Duke Gaidan, a great idea struck him.

According to him, there were still quite a few families that hadn’t attached themselves to the princes yet. Mostly they were nobles who didn’t have daughters to be flirted with or “normal” nobles who refused to fawn over the princes. Some of these included grand families like Gaidan and Drazin.

If a rallying point was provided for these nobles, they would protect Lena for their own survival, allowing her to live safely as a princess under their protection, making it the best option for Reb.

Apart from that, there was one more straightforward method to make Lena a princess…

That was to ask the Marquis Gaidan to adopt Lena as his foster daughter and have her marry a prince instead of Hirie.

However, that idea was not worth even considering. Because…

As he continued his thoughts, the butler ahead opened a door adorned with jade.

“This is it. I will ensure your comfort. If you need anything, please feel free to call. A handmaiden will also be assigned to you.”

Reb entered the room and admired it with satisfaction. The room the Marquis had given him was well-lit and covered with a thick carpet that reached the edges.

This was the second time ‘Leo’ had stepped into an aristocrat’s mansion.

However, the atmosphere here was very different from that of the previous place.

The Tatian Marquisate had an overall thick and cold atmosphere.

In contrast, the Gaidan Marquisate had many small decorative items, and the warm-colored curtains and green walls combined to create a peaceful atmosphere.

Moreover, the servants wandering around wore bright smiles and chattered away, adding to that tranquility. It was a stark contrast to the servants of the Tatian Marquisate, who hid away with stiff expressions, devoid of presence.

Once inside the room, Reb sent the butler away, haphazardly stuffed his belongings into the drawers, summoned a smiling handmaiden to ask for water, and gulped it down.

As he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, he recalled his future plans while staring out the window as dusk fell.

It was an extension of the thoughts he just had.

‘I can’t let those trashy nobles marry Lena. Adopting her as a princess is the better choice. As for the princes… I’ll just smash them to bits. Yeah. I owe them a debt to repay.’

Those bastards who used Lena as a political pawn! Up until now, I couldn’t even muster the courage to take revenge due to powerlessness, but it’s different now. I will never, ever forgive them.

As he sank into the lush bed, he vowed vengeance against the ceiling. His eyes, which were now burning red, tinted the peaceful green room a deep crimson as the sunset outside glowed.

The shadow of the sunset reflecting on the trembling curtains almost formed a trumpet pattern, but that was probably just a coincidence.

*

The next day, Duke Gaidan, having sent a messenger to request an audience at the royal castle, headed towards the Nevis Church to inform his daughter to return.

Though he could have simply sent someone to deliver the message, he decided to go personally. It seemed easier to communicate with his daughter while talking beside the priest on duty.

However, the look on the Marquis’s face as he entered the church was severely twisted. It appeared as if he might burst into tears, yet the clenched expression also gave off an impression of anger.

He strode forward with large steps, and the church attendees, recognizing the Marquis, subtly made way.

Meanwhile, Reb was left with nothing to do, hanging back at the mansion, when he suddenly realized that the room assigned to him was not merely a guest room.

There were remnants of life scattered around. A study book lay on the desk, and a Nenato— resembling a tall cylindrical percussion instrument—was carefully placed in the corner.

Given the size of the instrument and the somewhat rough condition of the books, it was evident that this room had been used by a relatively young boy.

When he asked the handmaiden, he learned that this room belonged to the son of Duke Gaidan, ‘Havni Gaidan.’ He was the younger brother of Hirie Gaidan and the heir to the Gaidan family, who had passed away five years ago.

Had the Marquis not lost his son, he would have offered this room to Reb, who would be of a similar age.

“By the way, where is the Marquis’s wife? I haven’t had a chance to greet her yet.”

Upon questioning, the handmaiden’s expression became somewhat stiff. The exaggerated smile that usually graced her lips faded away.

“…The lady is at the Gaidan Territory’s mansion. It might be difficult to greet her.”

What a peculiar addition.

Her tone implied that not only was the lady not here, but even if she were, it would be impossible for Reb to greet her.

Thanks to the information about the Noble Society, Reb, who was sensitive to every word, inquired further.

“Why is that?”

The handmaiden hesitated slightly. It wasn’t that she couldn’t speak, but she seemed uncomfortable, prompting Reb to use his charm.

Only then did the handmaiden finally open up.

“It’s because of an incident from five years ago. It was a fine day when the young lord rode on a white pony…”

+ + +

“Yah!”

The boy, whose mature gaze was unmatched for his age, kicked the pony into action. However, it turned out to be nothing more than an excited shout that neither kicked the pony’s belly nor pulled its reins, causing the small pony to stroll leisurely.

Havni Gaidan remembered his father’s instruction not to tug on the reins carelessly.

“Son, a horse, which is stronger than a person, turns its head obediently when the reins are pulled due to a somewhat cruel principle.”

“What is that?”

The boy, sparkling with anticipation at the sight of the beautiful pony, eagerly asked, nearly itching to ride and gallop around the estate yard.

“Pain.”

However, his father sprinkled cold water on his excitement with a dreadful story.

“A bridled horse suffers a lot because its tongue and gums are pressed tightly. So tightly that its tongue can turn blue. When you pull the reins, it pushes back, giving the horse intense pain. That’s why the horse quickly turns its head when the reins are pulled.”

The boy, who had been smiling and petting the white pony, turned pale. The pony had a bit in its mouth, and the reins were held tight in his left hand.

“So remember. Always apply a steady pull on the reins, and when you need to pull, do it gently so that the horse experiences less suffering.”

“My dear.”

The Marquis’s wife, who was beside him, interjected with a roll of her eyes. Cutting off her husband’s excessive advice, she kindly wrapped her son’s stiff left hand in hers and spoke.

“Your father’s words are true, but don’t worry too much. It may feel sorry now, but when you actually ride, you’ll feel thankful.”

Reassured by his mother’s soothing, the boy climbed cautiously onto the pony’s back.

Fortunately, the pony trotted along as if it was nothing and Havni Gaidan gasped in awe.

The view from up high was refreshing.

His father’s scalp was visible, and the second floor balcony of the mansion seemed within reach.

The pony’s stepping seemed to echo his own, and the wide yard seen beyond the pony’s head felt cramped. This was probably the world the horse observed.

What if he fell? The anxiety he had while mounting the pony had completely vanished.

The reckless thought of whipping the reins however he liked and racing forward disappeared.

He remained quiet, except for giving a single “Yah!” as he had earlier to spur the pony, letting the pony walk as it pleased.

‘We have a fascinating relationship…’

Havni Gaidan found the reins paradoxical.

A tool that brought pain.

Yet this very tool connected him and the pony as one. Without it, he wouldn’t have mounted the horse, nor would he have shared this bond with the pony.

It was then that Havni understood what his parents had been trying to say.

“Thank you… for letting me ride.”

He whispered gratefully, expressing his appreciation for the creature that endured pain and shared this moment, gently tugging the reins. The pony turned around and headed back to where they started.

His father, mother, and sister were gathered around a small table in the yard, watching Havni ride.

“Oh my, you’re doing well. It’s hard to believe this is your first time riding, our son.”

The Marquis’s wife praised her returning son. Duke Harvey Gaidan looked at him proudly and offered advice.

“Son, that pony is still young. If you ride for too long, it will tire, so it’s best to stop now.”

Havni Gaidan carefully dismounted at his father’s advice, beaming brightly.

“Father, thank you so much! This is so great! I’m going to be with him for life!”

“Haha, that kid…”

Havni, filled with exhilaration from riding for the first time, began to excitedly share his thoughts with his sister, ‘Hirie,’ who had yet to experience riding, but the handmaiden interrupted him.

“Just a moment, Young Lord. You need to wipe your sweat.”

She handed him a wet towel and a dry towel.

The boy quickly wiped his face with the dry towel and then used the wet towel to wipe the pony’s neck, inquiring,

“When will he grow up?”

Although the pony had finished training to wear a bit, it had yet to grow all its teeth, and was merely a pony meant for the young lord of the Marquis.

The Duke told him that for the pony to carry its owner and walk for a long time, it would need at least another two years of growth, and Havni, feeling a bit disappointed, began to pet the pony’s mane.

It was such a pity that being able to ride this pony just a little was all he could do…

“How about giving him a blessing? He’s feeling so disappointed…”

It was the suggestion of the Marquis’s wife.

Priests could also bestow blessings upon animals. However, the effects differ significantly from those bestowed upon humans.

Blessings would grant humans protection against evil and shield them from diseases, but with animals, it was unpredictable what effects would manifest.

Among similar ponies, some might gain strength, others might grow faster or have better endurance.

And often, there ended up being no effect at all, so pouring significant funds into blessing a horse was just considered gambling to horse merchants.

However, for the Duke, a great noble in the Kingdom of Orun, there was no concern about gambling.

“Hmm… That could be good. There’s no guarantee it will grow quickly, but there’s no loss either, so how about taking the opportunity to go to the church right now and get the blessing?”

“Wow! Really?!”

Havni Gaidan jumped with joy, grabbing his sister’s hand and shaking it excitedly.

Hirie Gaidan responded with an expression that showed she was fed up.

“Oh come on, you go ahead. I’ll head in first. I’m tired from being out in the sun for too long.”

The young lady gracefully said goodbye and entered, accompanied by a handmaiden. As the handmaiden glanced back, she noticed Duke Gaidan, his wife, and Havni Gaidan leading the pony out of the mansion.

+ + +

“But there was an accident. Really… such a ridiculous accident.”

On the second-floor terrace overlooking the courtyard, the handmaiden sitting across from Reb sighed and continued her story.

From here on, she was recounting something she had heard from others.

The Marquis, who went to the Nevis Church, requested a blessing for his son’s pony, which received a generous donation, and without a second thought, the church bestowed its blessings.

However, was it because of the pure happiness radiating from Havni? The priest had given the blessing more strongly than usual, and that caused a problem.

The young pony, startled by the white light that enveloped its body, kicked out at the boy standing just behind it, eagerly anticipating.

Unbelievably, Havni Gaidan lost his life on the spot.

“The Marquis was not just heartbroken…”

The handmaiden vividly recalled the returned Marquis’s anguished expression. He poured forth curses and blasphemies against the holy deity and smashed anything related to the church found in the mansion. Enraged and in turmoil, he locked himself in his room.

In that room, the sound of weeping never ceased. Occasionally, heart-wrenching curses and destruction echoed out.

The handmaiden had to endure much trouble bringing meals to the grieving Marquis.

He had refused to eat and wouldn’t even wash himself, so she had to subdue him with assistance from a knight.

Had he been an ill-tempered master, neither the handmaiden nor the knight would have volunteered for such hardships.

But Duke Harvey Gaidan had always been a kind master, and the late Havni Gaidan had been a charming boy, honestly apologizing, “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again,” even after being scolded by the handmaiden.

Everyone in the mansion deeply sympathized with the Marquis and did their best for him.

Perhaps because of their efforts, he managed to conceal his soul-crushing loss after burying his ridiculously dead son and emerged from his room in a disheveled state.

But soon, the Gaidan family found themselves politically cornered.

Rumors spread that the Marquis had gone mad, dared to curse the holy deity, and that his only heir had received divine punishment… All sorts of malicious rumors proliferated and tarnished the Gaidan name.

Had he taken even a moment longer to regain his senses, he might have lost the title of Duke. Had it not been for the quiet support of his friend, Evni Drazin, it would have truly been gone.

As he began to bustle around once more to keep the family line alive, Duke Harvey Gaidan was faced with the fact that his wife never stood up again.

After fainting and recovering multiple times for months, she sealed her heart away. She stopped speaking and gazed vacantly into the air, not looking at anyone who approached.

The only people she would respond to were her husband and daughter, but when she saw them, she would burst into tears and faint, leading to her being sent away to the Gaidan territory’s mansion under the pretense of recuperation.

“…They say she locks herself away there too… What happened to such a harmonious household…?”

The handmaiden could not hide a despondent expression and concluded with a sigh.

Reb understood why Duke Harvey Gaidan had become an unbeliever.

And why the people in this mansion were all trying hard to wear bright faces… It was to show consideration for their kind yet pitiful master.

“Oh! I’m sorry. I must be going now. My master has arrived.”

At that moment, the handmaiden who had been looking down at the terrace jumped up. When Reb turned his head, he saw Duke Gaidan’s carriage arriving at the front gate.

As the Marquis approached the mansion with heavy footsteps, he called out to Reb, who was on the terrace, a bit louder than usual.

“The date has been set for you to meet the king. You will go to the royal castle with me the day after tomorrow.”

In the place where his son first rode a horse, that unbeliever’s green eyes reflected deep fatigue as he looked up.