The Last Shade VI: Illusory Dream

Chapter 5

Kiel's expression barely shifted, and surprisingly, his first thought was "Is it time to experience a modern-day dungeon?"

He pushed away his cup, moving his notebook back into his pocket and making to stand.

"I suppose I should start running, then."

"I spoke in jest," Alicia said, mildly disappointed at Kiel's lack of reaction. "I am well aware of the circumstances in which my butler fell. From what I have gleamed of your character, I don't believe you work for my elder brother either."

"...I am well aware," Kiel said after a brief pause, his hand playing with the torn page from his notebook.

"But, I am now indebted to you." Alicia's impersonal smile reappeared on her face. "Allow me to be direct- what are your intentions?"

Kiel, already prepared with his answer, subconsciously shifted to a more relaxed position.

"I would like to ask for two favours. Firstly, to see the latest newspaper, and secondly-" he handed the notebook paper to Alicia, "-I would like to ask if you could acquire these items for me."

"Let me see," Alicia took the paper, and only seemed vaguely surprised as she looked it over carefully.

"The first two should be simple enough to acquire, but for the third...it may take some time."

Kiel nodded as Alicia folded the paper, tucking it away.

"Now, if you don't mind, could you tell me why you require a newspaper?"

"I had to leave Elvar Kingdom abruptly under certain circumstances, and I would like to know how things are back there," Kiel answered simply.

"Very well, I'll have it sent to your room."

Alicia reached under her seat to pull the dangling rope beneath, then stood and reached out her hand to Kiel.

As he took it, a smile a few degrees warmer than earlier crossed her face.

"I haven't said this yet, but, thank you, Kiel. Without your aid, I am not sure if I could have settled things this smoothly. Walk with me?"

"Alright."

The two, traversing the shortest path back indoors, met a maid who bowed to them and introduced herself to Kiel as her guide.

"Kiel, I forgot to ask," Alicia said like an afterthought, "how did you come across my butler's message?"

"I smelled blood while passing your residence, so I got curious and went over the wall. That was when he called out to me, while severely injured."

Alicia was looking away thoughtfully, and she briefly glanced at him, her right hand moving moving towards her left wrist.

"I see. Rena, you may guide the guest to his room now."

The maid, Rena, bowed to the countess who left, her heels striking rapidly against the floorboards of the open corridor.

"This way, distinguished guest."

Turning, Rena started walking at a measured pace, revealing the long sword strapped to her back, while the sheathed dagger at her waist coldly reflected the warm sunlight.

                          ———~~<~>~~———

Kiel, shortly after being situated in the best guest room, heard a knock on the door. Rena handed him the requested newspaper, and Kiel took it with the reverence of a desert-stranded man seeing an oasis.

The Empire's news system was the same as Elvar's, which meant Kiel felt the great chasm of his own lack of knowledge of current events. Flipping to the section on outer affairs, Kiel finally got to see the Tournament's result.

Rosenthal Academy had understandably lost 1-2 in the Martial segment, but the second-years won the Arts by a landslide. The third-years also achieved stellar results, resulting in a rare victory for the academy this year.

Now knowing that those children were doing well, Kiel was ready to close that chapter of his life. With one more thing to ascertain, he flipped the page.

"Multiple nobles in Elvar have been assassinated in quick succession lately, with the first casualty being a viscount from a declining household living in the outskirts. Compared to the other victims, who were done in by less showy methods, the first had a brilliantly exploding star above his residence after the deed was done.

This led us to believe that the remnants of the once formidable rebel force is plotting a wide-scale upheaval of society, and the first life claimed was merely them making a statement. The king views this incident seriously, and rumour has it that the crown prince and second prince have been sent to investigate."

Kiel's eyebrows were raised throughout the short article, a certain someone's profile coming to mind.

It seems that they have taken full use of my actions. I suppose I must thank him if we meet again.

The rest of the newspaper paled in comparison to those two sensational articles, so Kiel put it aside, his footsteps briefly faltering as he passed the huge main ceiling beam above. Before his anomaly could be noticed, he was already moving to the bathroom.

———————

Not long ago, a lithe man dressed in unassuming clothes had bowed to Alicia, straightening at her command. The man with a build that could be seen anywhere and a forgettable face had listened to his master's orders seriously, bowed and then left her study like a gust of wind, leaving no trace.

Now, the same man was laying prone on the ceiling beam. His dark brown eyes tracked Kiel's movements, pinning themselves to his back all the way to the bathroom door, where they moved away as the man emotionlessly carried out his orders.