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Today was exactly one of those days.

“Master!”

“Honored guest!”

From afar, Harun and Kirian came running. Jan was with them too.

“They say the postponed knight exam is going to be held soon.”

“What? Really?”

The knight exam had been temporarily put on hold. There had been so many different things happening. But the main reason, of course, was……

“Are they planning to put new wine into new wineskins?”

Those who pass the knight exam must swear an oath of loyalty at the royal palace. With a new king set to ascend the throne soon, the timing was just right.

‘This actually works out for the better.’

I don’t know much about the second prince. However, I’m sure his head isn’t just for decoration.

‘From now on, he’ll want to gather his own people and build power.’

In other words, this was a chance for our kids to get noticed.

‘That’s what I would do if I was in his shoes.’

After all, he saw his father dethroned right before his eyes. He must think that the same thing could happen to him at any time.

‘I can’t help but feel uneasy, as if it’s my own problem.’

These days, it’s been really hard to suppress my killing intent.

My five subordinates. Furthermore, my secret second child may be alive. Yet, there wasn’t anything I could do.

Hadn’t Narakas already told me? In my current state, he couldn’t tell me anything.

‘It’s all because I’m weak.’

That’s why I had to get stronger as soon as possible.

“……Alright, from today onwards, it’s hellish training.”

It’s not just about my own combat skills.I needed to gather allies and make them stronger, as well. So that I never have to go through such a miserable experience again.

‘Wait for me, Empire. I’ll be back soon.’

At that moment, as I unknowingly bit my lip hard.

“M-Master. Why are you making such a scary face? How much are you planning to push us?”

“Harun…… Are you shaking right now?”

“……Spare me.”

Seeing the three of them react one by one, I finally smiled broadly.

“Don’t worry too much. I won’t kill you.”

* * *

Reaper Scans

[Translator – San]

[Proofreader – Abstract]

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* * *

Hummm!

A deep, resonant hum echoed throughout the room. It happened just after the mana pill given to me by Duke Herman had completely dissolved in my system.

‘……That bastard conned me.’

At best, it was of medium quality. By the Empire’s standards, it was barely worth anything.

Even if this country lacked resources, a duke was still a duke. However, was this supposed to be the family’s secret pill?

‘No way.’

Rubbing my abdomen, I smirked.

“Well, it’s fine.”

After all, it was something I got for free.

And with this, all the preparations for departure were complete. All that was left was to follow the scheduled events.

First, there was the kids’ knight exam in two weeks. Then, the coronation of this country’s new king in three weeks. Lastly, a month later, there would be a diplomatic meeting with various nations.

Keeping that in mind, we arrived in the capital, Bromhill, a week prior to the knight exam.

“Ughhhh……”

“I-I feel like I’m going to puke. Urgh……”

“Kill me……”

Seeing the kids still looking terrible, Count Arsene had a worried expression. We hadn’t stopped training even while traveling here.

“The exam is just a week away. Are they going to be alright?”

“Our kids should be able to protect themselves.”

“That’s true.”

The three kids, who had been listening, tensed up with veins popping on their foreheads. They looked like they were about to snap, ‘Why are we your kids?’

But at that moment.

“……!”

Count Arsene and the three kids, no, the entire group fell silent. We had just entered the bustling downtown of the capital. Approaching us from across the street was a familiar face leading a group.

“Hmm……”

Count Arsene swallowed hard.

“Look at that old geezer.”

I, too, narrowed my eyes slightly.

“……Greetings, Marquis.”

Count Arsene respectfully greeted him on behalf of us.

“Welcome, Count.”

“What brings you here?”

“Hahaha. Do I need a special reason to walk around my own courtyard?”

In other words, he was making it clear that this was his territory. Count Arsene’s face hardened even further.

“Do you have a place to stay? If not, why not stay at my house until you enter the palace?”

“I wouldn’t want to impose. Fortunately, I have a residence in the capital.”

“I see.”

As if he had expected this response, Marquis Foltaine nodded. Then, he turned his attention to me.

“What about you?”

“Me?”

“Yes, you.”

I casually ran my finger across my neck.

“I’m worried I might quietly die in your house without a soul knowing.”

“Hahaha, really? I think wandering around the streets like this is more dangerous.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“Of course not.”

Marquis Foltaine shrugged, then said something unexpected.

“Weren’t you the one who spread the rumor that the Empire is interfering in our country’s affairs?”

His voice was filled with certainty.

“I feel wronged.”

“No, the source was Count Arsene’s family. And you’re the only one bold enough to do such a thing.”

“Do you have any proof?”

“What is your relationship with the Mask of Night?”

Marquis Foltaine answered my question with another question.

“I told you, it’s not me.”

“Kid, there are far more things you can learn with money than you think.”

“Are you saying someone sold information about me for money? Then that person is a fraud. You were scammed, Marquis.”

“Quite the opposite.”

“Pardon?”

“No one was willing to sell information about you, not even the money-loving Mask of Night.”

Marquis Foltaine had a peculiar expression.

“I believe money is the best thing in the world, but if there’s information that can’t be bought with money…… it’s not suspicion, but certainty.”

I see.

The Mask of Night values trust too much to spread false information. Now I understand his reaction.

At that moment, Count Arsene, who had been watching, stepped in.

“Money isn’t everything in this world.”

“Count, money might not be everything, but no one can deny there’s nothing like it.”

Marquis Foltaine chuckled and turned away.

“I just wanted to clarify in case of any misunderstandings; my coming here today is purely an act of ‘goodwill’.”

“This is goodwill?”

“Yes. Shall I give you some advice, you fool?”

“I’m listening.”

“Spreading the rumor that the Empire is interfering was a foolish move.”

Marquis Foltaine clicked his tongue.

“Whether you know it or not, those imperial folks are already in this capital.”

“……”

“Regardless of how many weak countries band together for diplomacy, you can’t ostracize them at a new king’s coronation, can you?”

He clearly had a lot of pent-up feelings towards me. He was trying to provoke me.

“It would be troublesome if someone who’s supposed to die by my sword gets killed by another’s hand.”

Who said anything about dying?

‘Actually, this is for the better.’

This is my chance to witness the Empire’s progress firsthand.

“Thank you for the advice.”

***

Meanwhile, at the large mansion of Duke Herman in the capital, Bromhill.

“Ugh……”

Duke Herman groaned as he looked up at the training ground. A young person with short blonde hair……

“Princess.”

……No, a ‘young girl’ was sweating profusely as she continued her training.

“How long do you intend to stay here?”

“It seems I make you uncomfortable, Duke.”

“That’s not what I mean. The entire palace is in an uproar right now. They’re saying the youngest princess has gone missing right before an important event.”

Winley wiped her forehead with her sleeve.

“All the more reason to stay here. No matter who comes from the palace, they wouldn’t dare to search a duke’s mansion carelessly.”

“Ugh……”

Duke Herman groaned again. It was certainly a strange sight. For some reason, this formidable man was acting submissive in front of the young princess.

“Just wait for one week, please.”

“One week…… Are you seriously planning to take the knight exam?”

“I can’t impose on you forever, Duke.”

“Are you really going to put me in such a difficult position?”

Winley looked at Duke Herman with clear eyes.

“You’re the one putting me in a difficult position, Duke. You already promised me, a long time ago, that you would help me once.”

“That was……”

“Help me just this once. I won’t bother you again.”

Duke Herman let out a deep sigh.

“What are your plans?”

“I want to acquire the status of a knight and start a new life.”

“Why don’t you just stay in the palace? No one would dare to harm you there.”

“Isn’t having my life controlled by others a form of harm?”

“Political marriages aren’t always bad. A capable husband could be a strong protector for you.”

“See?”

Winley’s gaze turned cold.

“In the end, you also see me as a tool for a political marriage.”

“What can I do? It’s the fate of royalty.”

“That’s why I’m choosing to abandon my title as a princess.”

“But what if you get hurt……?”

“Didn’t you acknowledge my talent before?”

“……This is a completely different matter.”

“Why? Are you afraid that your precious commodity might get damaged?”

“Princess.”

“I absolutely don’t want to end up like my sister or brother. So, hand it over.”

Duke Herman held a badge inscribed with the name “Winzer.”

Winzer was the alias of the apprentice knight trained by the duke’s household. It was Winley’s new identity.

“You owe your life to my late mother, don’t you?”

“……”

“And yet you supported my second brother without saying a word to me.”

“Uggghhhh……”

Finally, Duke Herman handed over the badge.

“My promise to your mother ends with this.”

Winley, taking the badge, smiled brightly.

“Of course.”

***

That evening, Count Arsene made a surprising proposal to me.

“Why don’t you also take the knight exam?”

“What?”

“You can’t reveal your true identity publicly, can you? Besides, even if the Empire finds out you’re the source of the rumors, they won’t be able to harm an official knight of another country.”

To be honest, it wasn’t like I hadn’t considered this before. After all, I needed to represent this country in the upcoming Master Tournament.

However, there was a crucial problem that had made me dismiss the idea.

“I actually already registered you for the exam.”

“Huh?”

I couldn’t help but let out a high-pitched sound.

“Wait! Why didn’t you ask me first……!?”

“With your skills, passing the knight exam should be no problem. So I thought, why not?”

Count Arsene looked at me with a knowing expression.

“It’s because of money, isn’t it?”

“……What?”

“Are you worried about the cost? Don’t worry. I’ve taken care of the registration fee.”

I stood there with my mouth open, shaking my head.

“No, it’s not about the money. Isn’t there a written test on the first day?”

“Huh? Ahh. It’s just a kids’ test. A genius like you can pass without studying, definitely.”

Looking at his confident face, I couldn’t even get angry.

“The important part is the practical test. The written part will just cover basic tactics and chivalry.”

That’s exactly the problem.

‘I hate chivalry more than anything, you old man.’

***