The Regressed Son of a Duke is an Assassin

The situation was resolved relatively early.

The monster that appeared was a “Big Snail,”

a giant snail-type mid-level monster that inhabits the desolate forests of the west.

These creatures secrete a highly concentrated acidic liquid that can dissolve and contaminate skin upon contact. If left unattended, there was a risk of spreading a severe stench around, making early suppression crucial.

Under the command of Duke Vert, a purification operation was carried out, successfully exterminating the Big Snails and preventing the spread of contamination.

The task was made easier with the addition of support troops from the imperial army.

“I guess my body isn’t what it used to be.”

Emperor Dione said with a casual smile as he sheathed his sword.

“Now that we’ve dealt with the monsters, you should head back to the rear, Your Majesty.”

“Don’t rush me; I know. By the way, has the princess evacuated safely?”

He belatedly remembered his daughter’s safety.

Thankfully, the knights informed him that she had evacuated to the rear without any issues.

“That’s a relief. Let’s head back then.”

While fire magicians dealt with the carcasses, the emperor headed to the rear where the princess was waiting.

“You’ve worked hard, Your Highness.”

Princess Airen was the first to run up and greet him at the rear camp.

“I’m glad you’re safe.”

It seems she waited quietly without any issues.

“…!”

The princess’s eyes, which had been quietly raised, met mine.

Her gaze was filled with even more intense contempt than before.

This was far from fostering camaraderie; it only built up resentment.

Despite Father’s hopes, it seemed better to let go of a rotten rope than to hold on.

As the commotion settled, the sun on the front lines had already moved to the western edge.

“Wouldn’t it be better to return to Vellias now? I’ve already sent a message to the stewards in your domain to prepare for your comfortable rest.”

Father wanted to guide the emperor to a safe place, but the latter seemed unwilling.

“Hmm, is that necessary? Let’s spend the day here at the rear camp, after all.”

“But, Your Majesty. Even so…”

“I don’t wish to receive luxurious treatment all the way out here. In an emergency, shouldn’t I fight as one of the knights? Besides, there are things I’d like to discuss with you.”

Even if it was a rear camp near the border, this place was clearly on the front lines.

The emperor spending a night on the front lines was not only dangerous but also unprecedented.

However, knowing that the emperor had another purpose, Father immediately ordered the preparation of the royal quarters.

Princess Airen was blankly watching the construction of the dwelling.

So, the emperor is one thing, but is the princess also staying here?

Well, it is none of my business.

There is no need to stay here once the emperor’s tour is over.

It would be best to end the meeting with the princess here.

Without any particular reports, I naturally returned to the camp along with the knights.

* * *

“It’s been quite a while since we’ve shared a drink like this, Willius.”

Drinking on the front lines is clearly prohibited.

Violators are strictly governed by military law, but the story changes if there is an entity above the law.

Although the cups were filled with alcohol, the duke had yet to empty even one.

“Was it Cyan you mentioned? Your son… Despite his young age, he seemed very dignified.”

Despite the emperor’s sincere compliment, the duke showed no reaction.

“He still has a lot to learn. I’m just grateful you think highly of him.”

“A lot to learn, you say…”

The emperor emptied his cup heartily, then asked with a meaningful smile.

“Does that child also intend to follow the will of the family…?”

The duke did not answer immediately.

“We’re just watching for now. It’s not something that happens just because he wants it to.”

The emperor refilled his cup with a casual smile.

“Right, before being a guardian of the continent, you’re someone’s father, aren’t you? It would be strange not to worry about one’s child as a parent. I feel the same…”

A moment of silence passed.

The emperor’s expression, which seemed to lighten, soon turned grave, and the atmosphere darkened naturally.

After emptying another cup, the emperor began the real conversation.

“Lately, assassination incidents targeting some nobles have been occurring throughout the empire. Indiscriminately, without targeting any specific faction…”

“Is there a commonality?”

“A commonality? Yes. The murdered nobles were all corrupt officials who had committed crimes. Moreover, the bodies found were all horribly mutilated…”

“…!”

The duke’s gaze became severely shaken.

Just those two facts made it easy to guess who was behind it.

“Could it be the followers of the Black Mist…?”

“It’s still just a strong suspicion. However, within the imperial palace, we’re almost certain it’s their doing. After all, who else would do such things?”

This so-called noble hunt.

There was only one group crazy enough to undertake such an endeavor.

“Then we should organize an investigation team immediately and start tracking them, shouldn’t we?”

“Track them? Well, yes. They’re causing chaos in the country, so naturally, we should…”

However, the emperor seemed more concerned with something else.

The way he swirled his cup revealed his complex feelings.

“What do you think about the position of the 5th princess?”

It was a somewhat abrupt mention.

“…factually, she has nothing to do with the throne, right? I understand she has no backing forces…”

“Having no backing forces means, in other words, it wouldn’t be strange for her to be used anywhere.”

“…!”

The duke understood the emperor’s words immediately.

“Are you saying there are movements to associate Princess Airen with those people?”

The emperor nodded silently in response.

A position very distant from the throne.

Yet, it was an excellent pretext for political exploitation.

Although it would be unthinkable now with the emperor watching closely, the mere existence of such movements indicated how complex the current state of the empire was.

If such movements truly existed, it was highly likely they were orchestrated by the forces of the current Empress, the ‘Nephelis’ Duchy.

“What sin could that young one possibly have? As long as I stand firm, there shouldn’t be a big problem.”

The emperor took another drink.

However, the duke was not unaware of how much anxiety the emperor might be holding regarding this matter.

“I have a favor to ask of you, not as an emperor, but as a friend.”

“Please speak.”

“If, just if, I were to die before you… quietly take that child away. I hope she can live as a normal person, completely unrelated to the royal family, living an ordinary life.”

The turbulent storm of blood anticipated after the current emperor’s death.

The emperor thought that in such a bloodstorm, the young princess could never survive.

Before being an emperor, he was a father wishing for his daughter to live peacefully.

“I will honor Your Majesty’s command.”

The duke accepted his request without a second’s hesitation.

“Being an emperor sure doesn’t allow for much. If it were up to me, I’d wish for those dark bastards to kill all the fools in the palace.”

The emperor, slightly intoxicated, let slip his excessive true feelings.

The duke could not help but have several thoughts.

Why have they appeared at this time?

The ones not appointed as gods among gods.

Aer, the god of the Black Mist.

And Mist, the continent’s foremost assassin group following him.

Their reemergence after a period of hiding surely meant something.

Whatever the reason, it would bring a significant change to the continent’s precarious state of affairs.

Though it was unlikely to be a change for the better…

“Mist…”

The duke stared deeply into his cup of alcohol.

The mysterious figure he had encountered in the valley the night before vividly haunted him.

* * *

Just as the sun was setting, dark clouds gathered from somewhere.

-Thud thud thud

Soon, a heavy downpour began to pour from the black sky.

-Rumble Boom!

The monstrous sound of thunder followed in succession.

While most would bury themselves in blankets, avoiding even the thought of going out, my body was itching for action.

“So? Is that all?”

Emily asked, sounding unimpressed by the story.

“What else do you need?”

“What? It’s not just anyone, it’s the princess! Are you saying you just ended your escort duty for the princess, whom one might not even see once in a lifetime, just like that?”

Anyone listening would think it was a date.

Was escorting during a tour such a significant connection?

“Sir, you really are indifferent, but you shouldn’t be like that! The princess is a woman too; you should have treated her more delicately!”

She prefers a delicate touch.

This is not a playground, and if she wants that kind of attention, she should dress up pretty and go to a flower garden.

“A woman may appear strong on the outside, but inside, they’re very tender and can get hurt easily if not treated gently! Sir, if you keep being so blunt, you might end up not getting married, you know?”

Now she is giving marriage advice, what a loyal maid I have.

Reminds me of some perverted magic swordsman living somewhere, a very meaningful piece of advice.

Listening any longer would only make my ears bleed.

I was already debating whether to go out, and our dear maid made the decision for me.

I got out of bed and changed my clothes right away.

“Are you planning to exercise even today? With this rain?”

It had only been a day since the commotion, but I could not miss a day like today.

Just as certain creatures reveal themselves on the ground when it rains, there are monsters that appear only on rainy days here.

The rain-soaked ground turns into marshland, and moisture-laden, squishy monsters emerge. I could not miss tasting their blood.

Though they might look a bit more repulsive than other monsters, all are beneficial for the body and should not be avoided.

“Missing a day of exercise can break the flow. It won’t take long.”

After changing, I wrapped a black raincoat around my body.

Putting Kaeram in my pocket, I was about to step out of the tent when suddenly-

-Plod plod

Unexpected footsteps were heard.

Judging by the direction and the echo, these footsteps were undoubtedly heading towards my tent.

What? It is unlikely that the knights would patrol at this time.

Focusing more on the sound, I realized that the footsteps belonged to multiple people, not just one.

I paid more attention to the footsteps leading the group.

It was a sensation familiar yet not completely recognized.

Modest yet confident.

More noble than a knight.

Not an adult but a child.

Not a man but a woman.

Definitely, footsteps I had encountered in the not-too-distant past.

“…!”

It was only when those mysterious footsteps reached the front of the tent that I could determine their origin.

And then, the tent opened immediately.

A red brooch, a symbol of the royal family, caught my eye first.

Slowly raising my head, I faced the unexpected night visitor.

She tilted her head as she examined my attire.

“Where are you going…?”

It was undoubtedly Princess Airen, who was supposed to be in the rear camp.

“Who has come…?”

At the visit of the stranger, Emily also peeked out.

Though she would not recognize the face of the princess, her expression turned to one of shock the moment she saw the emblem on the princess’s chest.

“Pr-Princess!?!”

A scream or a shout, it was unclear which.

To make matters worse, a black mist began to rise from within her grasp.

[Good morning, Master~]

Morning, she says.

[Hm? Why has our Master frozen like this?]

She stretched this way and that, then silently poked at my still body.

Suddenly noticing the princess standing at the door, she covered her mouth as if surprised.

[Master, is this your taste?]

Ignoring worthless comments is the correct choice.

“I’m sorry for coming out of the blue. I was told I could find you here…”

“Did you come looking for me?”

“Yes. If you’re not too busy, could we talk?”

The sudden request for conversation left me somewhat dumbfounded.

Looking outside, I saw she had brought a number of royal guards with her.

It seems like there are suddenly too many eyes on me…

Leaving now to exercise would only arouse suspicion.

It looks like I might have to postpone my nightly activities.

“Please come in, Princess.”

I greeted her with a somewhat reluctant face.

(To be continued)