Chapter 37
Cielo will essentially act as a valet and personal assistant, handling any tasks required by the Imperial Prince. In essence, serving as an aide is similar to taking on the responsibilities of a secretary.
The difficult part is maintaining a calm demeanor and avoiding any display of emotions, especially when the prince is discussing important matters, as any visible reaction could lead others to question his competence or view the prince as having an inadequate aide.
‘What a tiring life…’
He already feels exhausted just thinking about the many responsibilities that come with being the prince’s aide.
“Since your etiquette class is set for the afternoon, let’s proceed to discuss the people you will meet and the proper behavior expected of you around them.”
He not only has to keep a calm demeanor most of the time, but he also needs to stay alert to the different individuals they will meet and modify his behavior as needed.
“Can I resign?”
“Unfortunately, no.”
“Got it.”
Alistair categorized individuals into two groups, pointing out which ones to avoid and which ones are suitable for association. Konstantinos has many enemies, but his greatest rival is Grand Duke Ettore and his followers.
‘Ettore?’
Ettore is the surname of Castiel who is the cousin of the prince.
“Is the Grand Duke the prince’s uncle?”
“Indeed. They previously maintained a cordial relationship, however, the Grand Duke blames his Imperial Highness for the disappearance of his heir.”
Alistair replied with a disgusted look on his face.
Cielo was intrigued with Alistair’s reaction and tilted his head in curiosity. The heir to the Grand Duke has gone missing? That must be quite an important issue.
“Has he passed away?”
When a member of the Imperial family goes missing, there should be some updates by now, right?
“That question is rather impolite, young master, and I would advise you to refrain from asking it in the future. However, there has been no news about their whereabouts. Before his disappearance, however, he expressed his wish to leave the estate to His Imperial Highness.”
In other words, he abandoned his responsibilities and family to avoid inheriting the Duchy.
‘I remember Fisher mentioning the Ettore household before.’
It appears they are in turmoil due to a significant event that took place two years ago. This must be the turmoil he mentioned regarding the absence of their heir.
“Am I right to assume I will meet the Grand Duke at the noble’s banquet?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
Alistair shot him a worried look.
“With your rising status and the growing recognition of your name, the Grand Duke may want to have a private discussion with you, trying to lure you away from his Imperial Highness.”
How wonderful. To whom should I attribute my newfound fame?
Alistair noticed the look aimed at him but intentionally decided to ignore it.
‘This shameless person…’
They voice worries that other nobles might steal him, even as they themselves are trying to put him on display.
With a sigh, he asked.
“What should I do in that case?”
“Refrain from giving a definitive answer. Simply inform him that you will consider it.”
This situation is precarious, caught in a struggle between an Imperial Prince and a Grand Duke. It feels like a fish caught in a cat’s fight.
“Is that all the information I need about the Grand Duke?”
Alistair paused, his face revealing a touch of discomfort, before he began to express his thoughts.
“Concerning Lord Newcastle… His family is a vassal of Grand Duke Ettore, so don’t be surprised if you often see him in the Grand Duke’s company during the founding festival.”
“…Eh?”
This explains why he can’t attend as Konstantinos’ aide as he has commitments elsewhere. Somehow, that interpretation sounds fundamentally off.
“How can such a situation be allowed? Isn’t he the prince’s aide?”
“Yes, he is, but he would be acting on behalf of his family, which makes it permissible. Additionally, Newcastle was initially granted by the Grand Duke to His Imperial Highness, thus he retains the right to reclaim him at any time.”
However, the prince would not approve of this, as Newcastle has demonstrated to be one of his most capable individuals in overseeing the Grand Duke. This is why Newcastle has been allowed to leave for now.
Newcastle certainly has a complicated history.
“Are you implying that he was sent here by the Grand Duke as a spy, which is why you feel animosity towards him?”
“…I don’t hate Lord Newcastle. I simply disapprove of his disloyalty.”
Alistair’s demeanor betrayed his true feelings. He doesn’t just tolerate the person in question-his contempt for Newcastle is unmistakable.
“I remember him saying that the prince asked him to stay with his family as an informant. Is that true?”
Cielo leaned closer, eager to learn more about the dynamics between Alistair and Newcastle.
The head butler seemed uncomfortable with Cielo’s enthusiasm, particularly since he appeared indifferent to the conversations among the nobles.
Alistair contemplated revealing the true nature of Newcastle and decided that, with Cielo’s increased involvement in politics in the future, it would be wise to gradually introduce him to these issues.
He nodded in confirmation, which sparked a hint of amusement in the Traveler’s green eyes.
“Indeed, it is true. He is what one might refer to as a double agent.”
Alistair responded while adjusting the posture of the young Traveler, ensuring he was seated correctly. It is crucial for Cielo to start practicing this activity, as there are only three months left until the founding festival.
Cielo expressed his displeasure at being assisted in this manner but refrained from protesting.
“If he truly is a double agent, does that mean he has shared information with both sides?”
“Yes.”
If he keeps giving the Grand Duke false information, it’s only a matter of time before they figure out he’s not on their side, which could put Newcastle at risk.
“While his Imperial Highness has faith in that person, I remain unable to place my trust in him under any circumstances.”
Cielo found it amusing to see Alistair’s firm determination to keep a close watch on Newcastle.
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‘Nevertheless, I don’t blame him.’
At this time, it’s difficult to easily trust others. He doesn’t completely trust them, and they don’t fully trust him either.
“Young master, prior to our lunch break, there is one more matter I must caution you about.”
“Oh? What is it?”
Alistair took note of his high ponytail and captivating green eyes before proceeding.
“Under no circumstances should anyone find out that you are a Traveler, especially not the Nobility faction.’
“I suspected as much.”
Who, in their right mind, would trust nobles? They are mainly defined by their selfishness, shamelessness, and greed, and the faction’s choice to continue the war against the alliance only strengthens this view.
“Once they discover that you have been residing here for the past three years, they may impose numerous demands upon you, particularly regarding marriage.”
Cielo’s mind went blank at the mention of marriage.
‘Me…? Marriage…???’
The idea of getting married…
He had never thought about marriage before, nor had he ever had the chance to consider it. The realization that his status as a single person could be threatened in this empire was quite shocking.
Alistair kept talking, unfazed by Cielo’s silence.
“Your bloodline holds the utmost significance. While it may be simple to reject a proposal from the nobles, the situation becomes complicated if the three factions insist on your union with a member of the Imperial Family. In such a case, your only option may be to depart from the empire entirely therefore it is imperative that you keep this matter concealed, young master.”
“Absolutely! I’m not ready for such a commitment right now!”
He doubts whether he will ever feel ready for it because he recognizes the harmful effects that families can have on each other.
“I’m glad that we share a mutual understanding.”
Two months have quickly flown by, and November is almost here.
‘November… …’
More precisely, the very first day of the month.
Cielo had believed he would manage when that day came, but as it draws near, he finds himself filled with anxiety and fear, which is perplexing.
‘I wonder how my mother is doing…’
Do the timelines of this world and his previous one match up? Is it almost November there too? Does his mother feel the same way he does?
The thought strikes him like a bolt of lightning, igniting a whirlwind of worry in his chest.
He finds himself grappling with the idea that while he is here, living a life that feels both foreign and familiar, his mother might be counting down the days, just as he is.
‘I only wished for her happiness.’
Ah. This sucks.
Cielo closes his eyes, trying to steady his racing heart.
“You seem to be feeling rather down lately, young master. Is there something troubling you?”
Alistair asked as he noticed the young man staring out the window once again. This had become a familiar sight since the last week of October began.
Cielo blinked slowly before answering.
“I’m sorry, Alistair, but could I take a day off on November 1?”
While this wasn’t a direct answer to his question, Alistair was intrigued by the unexpected request for a day off, especially since the young master had previously voiced his dislike for such days, which often left him feeling restless and bored.
The Traveler admits that he frequently engages in impulsive actions when he experiences feelings of restlessness or boredom.
“Certainly. We have been diligently studying and practicing without pause, it is only fair to allow the young master some respite. However, may I inquire as to the reason?”
The young master frowned at the table.
Cielo clenched his fist as he took a deep breath.
“It… Well, it was on November 1 that I met my death.”
Alistair’s eyes widened in surprise.
Naturally, he knew that the Traveler had died in his previous world, as that rogue Newcastle had reported this to the prince and in extension, him. However, he was unaware of the specifics regarding the circumstances and timing of Cielo’s death.
“I am truly sorry to hear that, young master.”
Alistair was surprised by how deeply the situation affected the Traveler.
When Cielo woke up from the coma, he seemed surprisingly untroubled by having come back from the edge of death. Now it was clear that he had an extraordinary talent for hiding his feelings.
“Would you like to talk about it?”
The head butler asked with great sensitivity.
He remembered a time when the young master had emphasized the importance of speaking with someone who was struggling, suggesting that expressing their bottled-up feelings could bring relief and a sense of well-being to the prince.
‘I can’t say for sure if it will help, but it might be worth a try.’
The Traveler’s eyes widened slightly at the suggestion. He seems surprised as he tries to implement his method to help those dealing with mental health issues.
“…I’m not really inclined to discuss it. I suppose it still lingers in my mind, even though three and a half years have passed since I arrived here.”
“If you are certain.”
Alistair understood that he couldn’t force the young man to express his feelings, leading him to think of another way to offer support.
“I recommend that you take a three-day leave beginning today, returning on November 2. I will discuss this matter with His Imperial Highness.”
Alistair proposed.
This time off could help ease the Traveler’s worries, enabling him to concentrate on fewer matters during the next three days.
Cielo merely shook his head in refusal.
“No, that’s not needed. My main concern is for my mother in my previous world.”
He is the sole family member of his mother. The realization that he has also abandoned her fills him with sorrow.
“If that is your wish…”
Alistair chose to take a more relaxed approach during today’s lesson, allowing the young master to leave early. He also decided to cancel the afternoon class until November 3.
As Cielo left the study, he gave Alistair a sincere smile.
“Thanks, Alistair.”
He closed the door without looking back at Alistair’s response.
Once the door was shut, the person who had been hiding for some time now had finally made his presence known.
With his hands tucked deep into the pockets of his black trousers and a mischievous smile playing on his lips, Newcastle tilted his head slightly, letting his dark hair fall just enough to shadow his eyes. He displayed a grin that was both teasing and perceptive. The dim lighting of the room accentuated the gleam of his teeth, adding a sense of intrigue to the moment.
“You really have a talent for being unhelpful, Tree.”
He remarked, his voice laced with a playful tone that suggested he enjoyed Alistair’s steadfast demeanor.
“And you continue to be inept at concealing your presence, Newcastle.”
Alistair remained undeterred as he continued to sort through the scattered books and papers that had accumulated during their lesson that day, his fingers deftly organizing the chaos into neat piles.
Newcastle chuckled as he settled himself on the table.
“No matter how many times I see it, I’m still baffled by how much you indulge the Traveler while showing little regard for His Imperial Highness.”
“I fail to see how that concerns you.”
Alistair replied, his voice steady. He remained focused on his task, though the slight movement of his lips suggested that Newcastle’s playful jabs had not gone unnoticed.
Newcastle let out another chuckle as he perched on the edge of the table, swinging his legs playfully. The wood creaked beneath him, a familiar sound that echoed throughout the room.
Alistair returned the books to their shelves before turning to face Newcastle, his expression intense.
“Speak.”
Newcastle met Alistair’s gaze, and they held a charged stare, the tension thick in the air until Newcastle clicked his tongue in irritation.
“You remain as dull as ever.”
As he shifted his stance, a small piece of paper materialized. Alistair swiftly grasped it. After perusing its contents, he released the paper, which ignited instantly, and remarked with a grave demeanor.
“The Diamond Badge of the Merchant Guild is participating in this year’s founding festival. This event signifies the first occasion in half a century that representatives from this guild have chosen to engage with us.”
“Any thoughts on why?”
Alistair stayed quiet and didn’t respond to the question, but Newcastle already knew the answer, even without the head butler’s spoken confirmation.
The timing was so perfect that it can’t simply be regarded as a coincidence. Which means…
‘They are aiming for Cielo.’
This thought lingered in both of their minds as they let the silence in the room stretch.
Alistair pressed his hand against his forehead, applying a light pressure.
“He indeed made contact with the badge and has consequently been marked.”
That specific tracking technology is unique to that guild. It doesn’t depend on any magical methods, and to get rid of it, a person must dig their own body. However, even with this method, there’s no guarantee that the tracker can be successfully eliminated.
Alistair shot a fierce glare at the culprit of their current predicament.
Newcastle raised both hands in a sign of surrender.
“It is important to acknowledge that, despite my error in bringing him there, we have gained valuable insight into their intentions, and it is possible they possess knowledge regarding Cielo’s lack of memory concerning his journey between worlds.”
The man’s claim is indeed correct.
Not long ago, they didn’t consider that those individuals and that guild had any connection to the Traveler. However, this viewpoint has clearly shifted. The recent announcement from the Merchant Guild, especially the unexpected choice of the higher ups to participate in the founding festival just months after the Traveler found the gold badge in Faye’s Garden, is quite telling.