CHAPTER 39
At first, he expected a formal breakfast since the prince is joining them at the table. However, as the meal began, it was clear that the mood was laid-back, with everyone participating in lighthearted conversation and ignoring traditional customs, like remaining silent when the prince was speaking. Instead, Alistair and Newcastle traded sarcastic comments, while Dr. Happy and the prince enjoyed some playful teasing.
For example, right now.
“Your Imperial Highness, I humbly ask that you refrain from offering me the most lavish sweets from Verrill City! I have previously stated that the confections available in the palace are more than satisfactory!”
The prince nodded slightly.
“Yet, they do not align with your preferences.”
“…I regret having mentioned my preference for them…”
The doctor pouted.
This exchange sparked a realization. The elegantly wrapped chocolate-covered strawberry, tied with a ribbon covered in real gold, was likely meant for Dr. Happy. The knowledge that he had been indulging in these treats without permission filled him with guilt.
When he looked up, he accidentally met Alistair’s gaze, who seemed to understand his thoughts and responded with a mysterious smile.
Cielo quickly turned his eyes away.
Alistair is definitely aware that he was stealing some of those chocolate-covered strawberries.
As the lively breakfast continued, Cielo stared at his food, eating quietly.
Luckily, the people around him seemed to grasp his mood and realized he wasn’t feeling well, so they avoided pushing him to talk or join in their activities. They made occasional attempts to include him, making sure he didn’t feel alone.
Once it was over…
‘It was not as unpleasant as I had expected.’
In fact, the celebration breakfast turned out to be quite enjoyable. Furthermore, this was the first time he had seen all four of them together, which allowed him to closely observe their interactions.
Newcastle and Dr. Happy acted like siblings, taking every chance to tease each other. Alistair’s smile would subtly twitch whenever Newcastle spoke to him, but he seemed genuine with Dr. Happy and consistently polite towards the prince. What surprised him the most was the clear bond between Dr. Happy and the prince. The prince listened intently to her every word and even offered her a small smile!
He struggles to believe that the prince is capable of smiling. In the six months since he started living in the palace, he has never seen the prince’s expression change that much.
‘I suppose it wasn’t too bad…’
At the very least, it served as a welcome distraction from his worries.
After breakfast, Newcastle and the prince quickly had to leave, as they usually had other commitments to fulfill.
As Cielo was about to leave after bidding farewell to Dr. Happy, Alistair called out to him. The man asked him to wait for him in the study room, even though it was a bit early to go there, as he had something important to discuss.
Recognizing that Alistair took such matters seriously, he quickly made his way to the study room and took a seat. True to form, it wasn’t long before Alistair tidied up and joined him.
“It appears that someone is after you, young master.”
The man said with a grave expression on his face.
Cielo was already aware that he was being targeted, but he decided to let Alistair share more details.
As it turns out, the Merchant Guild is after him. This organization is vast, with members from various regions around the world, and is recognized as the most powerful entity in terms of connections. Additionally, they enjoy diplomatic immunity, which complicates any potential confrontations with them.
“Do you recall the Merchant Guild I previously mentioned?”
He nods in acknowledgment.
“The owner of the badge.”
“Correct. They are the same Merchant Guild that has been targeting you. The upper echelons of this guild have not ventured outside their nation since the organization solidified its power 50 years ago. This marks the first occasion in half a century that they have announced plans to leave their country, with their initial destination being the empire.”
They intended to take part in the festival celebrating the empire’s founding. They asserted that their motivation was rooted in the belief that they had adequately handled their affairs back home and were now prepared to reconnect. However, their true aim was to reach the site where the tracker had been activated, specifically the empire where Cielo resides.
“The Founders of the Merchant Guild also originated from the Alliance.”
Cielo’s curiosity was sparked.
It seems that everything is connected to the Saoirse Alliance. This discovery was significant, as it helped him see them as a group deserving of notice.
“Why are people from the opposing faction even allowed within the empire’s vicinity?”
“To answer your question…”
It seems that all members of the alliance are allowed entry into the Empire, as long as they hide their true identities. The Empire does not enforce strict measures against them, but it is confident in its ability to handle the alliance if tensions rise.
‘Yikes.’
Overconfidence is dangerous.
“Furthermore, the Founders of the Merchant Guild established their organization in the United, a nation characterized by its freedom. In this jurisdiction, all activities are permissible, and anyone registered there is afforded protection. As long as the Merchant Guild refrains from actions that could compromise their agreement with that nation, they are free to operate without fear of persecution.”
“That… certainly is an issue.”
Cielo commented after hearing Alistair’s account. He hadn’t expected a guild to pose such challenges.
But a genuinely free nation?
He had also heard about “United” from the servants, though they seldom delve into the topic, as their focus is more on the latest gossip than on issues outside the empire and the ongoing war with the Alliance.
Cielo was considering a trip to that place once his contracts were finished.
‘But I have doubts about its safety…’
It seems to be open to everyone, as long as they follow the laws of the country. This brings up the potential for criminals to be within its borders. Nevertheless, this is something worthy to take note of.
Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
After finishing his explanation, Alistair paused for a moment before finally asking the question that had been troubling him.
“Why did you not inform us that you had touched the gold badge, young master? Is it because you lack trust in us?”
“That is… Uh…”
“There’s no need for further clarification. I understand that it is challenging to place your trust in us, especially considering how we have consistently kept you uninformed. Nevertheless, please be assured that your safety remains one of our highest priorities.”
Alistair quickly made a correction.
Cielo took a deep breath and prepared to speak.
“Honestly, I was hoping to lead them to a place and confront them directly.”
He said, avoiding eye contact and feeling a pang of guilt.
He realized that it was a reckless idea. This world is different from his own and filled with magic. The potential outcomes of confronting those who had placed the tracker on him were uncertain. He could have been kidnapped, tortured for information, or, in the worst-case scenario, lost his life.
He now understands how misguided that belief was, especially given the astonished look on Alistair’s face, as if he had completely lost his mind.
“I know, I know! I recognize that it was a reckless choice!”
Cielo interrupted before Alistair could reply.
He felt guilty for having kept this information hidden, particularly now that they were facing yet another threat. His reluctance stemmed not from a lack of trust in them, but from a desire to speak with the person searching for him, hoping they had insights into how he ended up in this realm. After all, they had anticipated his arrival, only to find that the prince had reached him first.
“I trust this will not occur again. To ensure your safety, I will appoint a bodyguard who will discreetly accompany you. She will ensure your protection.”
“Is she strong?”
“She has been a mercenary since childhood, and after joining our ranks in her teenage years, I have taken on the responsibility of training her. Lord Newcastle approved of her skills as well.”
“Stop speaking as if you are old.”
His newly appointed bodyguard is definitely not Dr. Happy, as she has no sense of discretion and has openly confessed to him about her inability to fight, suggesting that his bodyguard is likely a new person he hasn’t met before.
‘It must be one of the prince’s aides.’
In addition to Alistair, Newcastle, and himself, Konstantinos has more aides that he hasn’t met. While he isn’t sure of the exact number, it’s evident that there are others besides them.
If this new bodyguard secures the endorsement of both Alistair and Newcastle, he won’t have to worry about his safety during the founding festival.
Feeling relieved, he decided to ask about a concern that had been weighing on his mind.
“So how can I get rid of the bug inside me?”
Cielo asked while lightly touching his right hand where the tracker had entered. It was curious that he felt no sensation as it entered his body, nor could he see any visible injury. The electric feeling must have distracted him from the tiny device infiltrating his system.
“That presents a challenge. The materials used in the tracker are not native to this world, making it difficult for mana to recognize it. Furthermore, it is exceedingly small and constantly travels with your blood cells.”
“That is simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.”
If the materials aren’t from this world, it implies that the benefactor of the Merchant Guild might have been a Traveler. But is it possible for someone to live for over 800 years? This raises the question of whether they might possess some form of immortality.
“It is prudent to remain cautious, as we are unaware of their intentions. The young master should exercise vigilance, particularly with the founding festival’s commencement just a week away.”
“Noted.”
The Empire’s founding was officially announced on December 14, and the festival usually kicks off in the second week of November.
‘I am becoming more and more anxious.’
Although he dislikes spending long periods with Konstantinos and engaging with nobles and royalty, the chance to finally explore and visit many places excites him.
***
Cielo has a deep dislike for attending formal banquets and mingling with nobles and royalty. Politics is one of the contributing factors, while another reason…
‘Why do I have to wear these goddamn clothes!?’
With just two days left until the grand opening of the founding festival, his official uniform and formal attire had finally arrived. As the prince’s sole aide and a “celebrated inventor,” he was expected to present himself flawlessly.
He was unsure about how the garments would look, as Alistair had taken his measurements and managed the entire process without a fitting session. Today was the day he would receive his outfits. The only detail he had was that he would be wearing the same black and silver uniform that Alistair wore the first time they met for public events. However, for formal occasions, he would be dressed in more elaborate attire.
“Here you go!”
Newcastle set several boxes filled with his uniform and formal wear on the ground. He then gestured for him to open the boxes and try on the clothes to ensure they fit properly.
As he opened the first box, a rush of air seemed to escape, carrying with it the faint scent of something pleasant. Inside, he found his uniform—a striking silver-fitted outfit that caught the light, making it appear almost radiant.
The garment was adorned with shimmering silver lines that wove intricate patterns across the fabric, creating a stunning display of elegance and sophistication. It was paired with sleek black undergarments that provided both comfort and style. The ensemble struck a perfect balance between simplicity and luxury, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship that went into its creation.
However, as Cielo examined the uniform, he couldn’t shake the feeling that it was different from the attire he had seen Alistair wearing earlier.
Noticing Cielo’s confusion, Newcastle decided to address his unvoiced question.
“The outfit you probably saw Tree wearing earlier is our standard uniform. However, this particular version has been designed to be more elaborate due to the importance of the occasion. We need to project a sense of power and wealth to other nations.”
Cielo nodded thoughtfully, considering Newcastle’s comments.
He carefully took the uniform out of the box, noticing that, despite its thick layers, it was surprisingly lightweight. As he put on the uniform, he realized that while it wasn’t excessively warm, the fabric was smooth and breathable, though it still felt a bit restrictive.
“Remember, it’s crucial to wear the brooch at all times to guarantee access to the banquet halls.”
“I am aware, so please stop your constant reminders.”
Cielo let out a frustrated sigh as he slipped on what was probably the most comfortable pair of white shoes he had ever had.
The shoes are fine, but the rest is…
He held the collar as he shared his thoughts.
“I’m not a fan of it.”
Newcastle burst into laughter at his response.
“I expected you would say that.”
If the sight of the uniform filled him with dread, he nearly fainted when faced with the array of formal outfits he had to wear on designated days.
Although Cielo dislikes the task, he must ensure the outfits fit correctly otherwise he will be the one overwhelmed with stress when the day they are needed finally arrives.
He spent the entire day trying on the clothes. An entire day! It’s ridiculous how difficult it can be to do a fitting, even for someone who isn’t a prince.
While Cielo busied himself trying on the different outfits laid out for him, Newcastle watched in silence, his mind wandering.
The Traveler seemed entirely oblivious to Newcastle’s focused scrutiny, prompting Newcastle to contemplate the need to teach Cielo about situational awareness for the future. Without their support, this man would probably find it difficult to survive even a single day on his own.
With that in mind, Newcastle made an effort to capture the Traveler’s attention.
“Hey!”
“Yeah?”
As Cielo took off the last outfit he needed to try on, he glanced over at Newcastle, who was lounging lazily on the green chaise lounge.
Newcastle seemed deep in thought, his brow knitted in concentration as he considered what to say first before eventually voicing his thoughts.
“You’re aware that my family is a vassal of the Grand Duke, right?”
“Yes. What about it?”
The look on Newcastle’s face seems serious, causing him to concentrate closely on the man seated across from him. The atmosphere in the room thickens, a palpable tension hanging in the air as Newcastle’s expression hardens, his brow furrowing slightly.
Before discussing the issue, Newcastle shifted his position on the sofa, his attitude distinctly cold.
“Once we are in public, do not look at me, do not approach me, and do not even consider speaking to me.”
“… .”
“… … .”
“You understand what I’m trying to say, right?”
“…Sure. I won’t.”
Cielo turned his eyes away.