TOPWL 120

“Are you saying it might be possible to assassinate him?”

“We can attempt it, but it won’t be easy. Still, we should be able to stir up some chaos for a while. If you deem it too dangerous, I can suggest another method.”

“There’s no need to wait for things to quiet down before we act.”

Reginald, stroking his chin, paused in thought before speaking again.

“Proceed as planned, but if you’re discovered, make it look like Hiore is responsible.”

After all, his mother was on his side. Hiore, on the other hand, pretended indifference but struggled desperately for her affection. This might be a good opportunity to eliminate both Yudit and Hiore at once.

“If I suffer even the slightest harm, not only you but your entire family will face the consequences. Exercise extreme caution.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Despite the selfish command, the aide accepted it without a word of complaint. That was exactly why the third son of a minor viscount’s house served as Reginald’s aide. Reginald clicked his tongue as he looked down at the dark, bloodstained carpet.

“I was fond of this one, and now it’s stained with filthy blood.”

“My apologies. I’ll have it discreetly cleaned and taken care of.”

Pleased at how well the aide had read his mind, Reginald offered a satisfied smile.

“When I rise to where I belong, I’ll see you rewarded handsomely.”

“I am honored.”

“You’re dismissed.”

The aide bowed deeply and stepped out of the room. Reginald looked around at the mess, then let out a whistle.

***

Bern’s Third District had been bustling with prosperity for days. With a grand festival in full swing, everyone ate and drank well, and the generous mood meant even the penniless didn’t go hungry.

What gained particular popularity was the lodging. An old building had been completely renovated—part of it was made available to the poor, and the rest was rented out. It became a sensation.

The area was far more spacious than the capital, yet accommodations cost less than half. On top of that, a carriage ran every ten minutes, making travel to and from the capital both easy and affordable.

The cost of living was also cheaper, so even those who came to watch the swordsmanship tournament would stop here for meals or take food with them to the capital. Thanks to that, the village was livelier than it had ever been, teeming with people.

“Your Highness, are you ready?”

Shane knocked on the door.

“Yeah, I’m coming out now,” Yudit replied as he opened it.

Shane stood waiting outside, dressed in simple travel clothes. Today, for the first time in a while, Yudit was leaving the district. He was headed to the capital to watch Khalid’s match.

Though Khalid could have used a bribe to start directly in the finals, he insisted on entering from the preliminaries to warm up. Today marked his first match.

‘Why are you even going to the prelims? You could get some extra sleep instead.’

‘I’m going. I haven’t been to the capital in a while, and I’m curious.’

At Yudit’s reply, Khalid looked a bit sheepish but didn’t try to stop him.

When they came down to the first floor, Selena and Hess were chatting. They had run into each other a few times, and it seemed they’d become friendly. Hess bowed her head as soon as she saw Yudit and hurried off to the kitchen.

“Hess, Selena. Good morning.”

“Your Highness, you’re up early.”

“There’s a match this morning, so I need to head out early. I feel a bit bad going off to enjoy myself alone.”

“It’s fine. I make more trips to the capital than you do anyway.”

Selena smiled, as if to say he was worrying for nothing. Still, Yudit felt a little guilty about leaving the village in her care. Reading his mind, Selena rested a hand on her hip.

“You really don’t need to feel bad. Besides, His Grace the Duke is your representative. You have a duty to be present.”

At that moment, Hess returned from the kitchen, holding a thick paper bag. She must have hurried, because despite the cool weather, sweat dotted her temples.

“I figured you might get hungry on the way, so I made something quick… It’s a sandwich with ham and cheese.”

The bag sagged under the weight of its contents—it was packed generously. Yudit accepted it with a smile.

“I’ll enjoy it. Thank you.”

Blushing, Hess rubbed her dry hands against her apron.

“Y-Yes… yes, of course…”

“Then I’ll leave things in your hands, Selena. I’ll be back by three.”

“Oh, Your Highness, you could stay out for dinner too, no need to rush.”

With Hess and Selena seeing him off, Yudit headed to the carriage. Waiting in front was Huyan. Since Wadiram was participating in the tournament, Huyan and Shane were assigned to guard Yudit for the time being.

“Good morning, Huyan.”

At Yudit’s greeting, Huyan smiled and offered his hand. Yudit took it and climbed into the carriage. Once the three were inside, the carriage began to roll forward slowly. It was still early, so the roads were quieter than usual. They easily exited the village, and the carriage picked up speed as it entered the forest road.

“Good heavens…”

Yudit, stepping down from the carriage, clicked his tongue at the sight of the crowd. He had thought Bern’s Third District was packed, but this—this was on another level. Commoners and nobles alike crammed the streets shoulder to shoulder. Lines stretched endlessly—from ticket booths to betting stands to food stalls. Yudit looked around with slight dismay.

“Your Highness, standing there will get you swept away by the crowd.”

“Oh, right.”

Following Shane’s lead, Yudit moved gradually toward the wall. Though the street was completely jammed, the two tall, broad-shouldered men flanking him kept most people at bay.

“Are we heading to the spectator stands?”

“Yes, sir.”

“…I see.”

Yudit’s flat reply made Shane glance at him curiously. Then, as if realizing something, he let out a soft “Ah.”

“Would you like to visit His Grace the Duke?”

Yudit’s ears reddened, as if caught in the act.

“If it’s alright, I was thinking of stopping by. Would it be a bother?”

“If it’s just for a moment, it should be fine. I’ll take you there.”

Shane changed direction and took the lead. Yudit followed behind, pulling his hair slightly over his reddening ears.

“Come to think of it, you’ve been to the waiting area before, haven’t you?”

“Yes, several times.”

“If it weren’t for me, you would’ve entered the tournament too, right?”

“As Your Highness’s guard, I am fulfilling my duty. That kind of speculation is meaningless.”

Shane responded in his usual firm tone but added after a moment’s pause:

“And with His Grace the Duke participating, my joining would be pointless. I couldn’t win, anyway.”

“Khalid is that strong?”

Yudit asked with a hint of surprise—he already knew Shane was among the finest in the knight order. Shane nodded.

“It may sound like boasting, but I’ve never beaten His Grace, not even once.”

“…I see.”

“This way, Your Highness. Enter this tent.”

Shane lifted the flap of the leftmost of two tents. Yudit, a little tense, stepped inside. The space was much larger than it appeared from outside.

In the center, long benches spaced apart were set up for three people each, and one wall had drawers for storing personal items, as well as side tables for drinks. People inside were either stretching or checking their weapons and armor.

Yudit had expected a noisier, more energetic atmosphere, but the tent was surprisingly quiet. A strange tension filled the space, making it feel rather stifling. Looking around, Yudit soon realized this area was reserved for nobles—the quality of their armor, swords, and even their health far exceeded the average.

There were quite a few familiar faces. As Yudit walked further in, looking for Khalid, he ended up running into someone he’d rather not see—Hiore.

Hiore was leaning against a drawer, sipping a drink. Apparently, he was participating in the tournament himself rather than sending a proxy. Yudit quickly turned his gaze, but Hiore spotted him first.

“And what rat thinks it has the right to crawl in here?”

He growled like a hound guarding its territory. Unfortunately, with a match approaching, Hiore was especially on edge. He was itching to cut someone down—and now, a convenient little rat had walked right into his reach.

Shane and Huyan immediately moved to block Yudit from view, tense and alert. But Hiore didn’t back down. A fierce aura radiated from him toward Yudit.

Yudit couldn’t breathe.

It felt like being curled into a ball inside a round room filled with spikes. The oppressive sensation tore at his chest—and just as he thought he might collapse, someone beside him gently pulled him into an embrace.