Chapter 16: Kind and Cruel
Several days had passed since the report of the attack on the second wall. I had done my job well, keeping it secure. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Since then, there had been some subtle changes in my relationship with Sigren. After learning that I was a fighter mage, he had stopped being sarcastic. However, during our conversations, he occasionally looked at me with a mixed expression.
Am I that strange?
Sigren’s wounds had healed, which was a relief. However, we had run out of excuses to keep him at Heilon Castle, and I was uncomfortable sending him back to the fourth wall. There were still mercenaries there who had bullied him. As I had decided to protect him until the beginning of the original story, I couldn’t ignore this problem.
What should I do?
“Lady Fiona.” A maid called out as I walked down the hall.
“Yes?”
“The Duke has summoned you to his office.”
“I’ll go right away.” I replied and immediately headed toward the office. I wondered why Abel had called me suddenly. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Lately, the number of monster attempts to invade the walls had decreased, allowing me some leisure time. In short, I had surplus mana in my body, so I was wondering why Abel suddenly called me. I was a fighter mage tasked with defending the walls, but Abel always accompanied me and carried me around. It felt like he didn’t trust me to handle things on my own. I was eager to find out what he wanted.
I knocked on the door of Abel’s office.
“Come in.”
I entered as soon as I received permission. Abel was seated at his desk, skimming through a pile of documents. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“What did you call me for?”
“It will be a long conversation, so sit down.”
I quietly took a seat in the chair opposite him.
“Fiona.”
Abel rarely called me by name.
“I heard from the healer that the boy you took in is healed.”
“Yes.” Was he going to kick him out immediately? I still hadn’t decided how to handle the mercenaries who bullied Sigren.
“As you know, I am not a person who likes to keep strangers in my castle.”
“Of course.”
“And I’m wondering if you knew the boy’s true identity when you brought him here.”
“……”
It seemed Abel had investigated Sigren’s background and knew he was a prince.
I composed my expression and feigned ignorance. “Sigren’s identity? I’m not sure what you’re talking about. All I know is that he’s been doing chores with the mercenary corps.”
I was an illegitimate child from an ordinary noble family. If I admitted I knew Sigren was a secret prince, I’d likely be seen as suspicious. Abel’s eyes narrowed, as if trying to read my thoughts. I tilted my head slightly, putting on an innocent expression and a gentle smile.
“Well, actually, compared to your existence, he’s not that important.”
“Yes?”
Wait, why is the topic shifting to me? But, of course, there’s no girl like me. Haha. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Fiona… I don’t know what’s going on inside your head. Sometimes you seem like a child your age, while at other times you’re more rational and cold-blooded than anyone else. I really don’t know what your personality is.”
“I… I think it’s normal.”
Abel spoke softly. “It must be your own perception.”
“…..”
He suddenly looked at me with a curious expression. “Ah, is this what a genius child is like? I was deeply concerned about whether I should be wary of you or consider your presence an asset. It’s beneficial to have a strong and competent aide, but if you’re more capable than anyone else, it could be a double-edged sword.”
Wait. Why is he scrutinizing me so closely? It feels unfair. I’m working hard! Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
I shrugged at his remark.
“… Are you going to kick me out?”
Seeing my frightened expression, Abel sighed. “No, it’s the opposite. I’ve decided to keep you, and I don’t intend to change that.”
I blinked in relief. So, why had he called me?
Abel rummaged through the papers on the desk. “So, I think, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to let you do something else.”
It seemed I was about to be assigned a new task beyond defending the second wall. Abel appeared to have been assessing me throughout our meeting, trying to determine if he could trust me. His inquiry about Sigren wasn’t just to gauge my trustworthiness but also to understand my connections and loyalties. Given Abel’s hostility toward the imperial family, it was understandable that he might be suspicious of me, especially since I was associated with a royal child who behaved unusually for his age. However, it seemed that Abel had come to trust me. I felt a sense of relief, knowing I no longer had to worry about being dismissed.
Abel pulled out some papers and began to read them with a casual demeanor.
“There’s a petition from the people of the fourth wall. Some mercenaries have used violence against the locals and harassed women.”
He handed me the documents. I scanned them and saw that they confirmed his statement. However, one word stood out:
Karl Mercenary Corp.
That was the group to which the mercenaries who harassed people from the fourth wall belonged, and it was also where Sigren had been. I glanced at Abel, who was smiling lazily. He must have known about my recent troubles, which is why he gave me this case. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“I can’t believe those idiots dared to harm my people in the land I protect. But I suppose that reckless courage is a gift.” Though he was smiling, annoyance laced his voice.
He continued, “Of course, I have no intention of letting this go. So, Fiona…”
This was the moment Abel was putting his trust in me. It was a relief to have a chance to resolve my worries. I raised my head and locked my gaze on him. “Yes.”
“I’m giving you the authority to handle the soldiers of the fourth wall. Make sure those insolent mercenaries pay a heavy price.” Abel’s grin widened as if he was enjoying himself.
“Also, for reference, Heilon, the strongest shield in the North, will pay tenfold to my people and ten times as much to my enemies. Make an example of them so others will think twice before touching our people again.”
“…..”
Heilon was known for its distinct characteristics. I understood his words well. It was a call to make an example of the mercenaries so that others would be deterred. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Anyway, the boy you’ve been caring for.”
“It’s Sigren.” I corrected him immediately. Regardless of Abel’s position, Sigren was a prince. It didn’t seem right to refer to him casually.
“Yes, that one. You were planning to send him to the fourth wall anyway, weren’t you? Why don’t you handle this matter as well?”
“Okay.” I nodded. With this, the problem with the mercenaries who harassed Sigren would be addressed. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Abel leaned back in his chair, propping his legs up on the desk. With a smile, he made a slicing gesture across his throat. “For your information, I don’t need a bunch of bullies in my territory who can’t control their fists and legs. Go and deal with it.”
I wished I could master such an expression. Feeling in good spirits, I answered clearly, “I will take care of it.”
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