The Regressed Son of a Duke is an Assassin

It’s not something I’m proud of, but wherever I go, there’s always one thing I hear.

You look stern, you always seem gloomy.

I never really understood why people would say that about my face, but looking at this girl in front of me, I began to grasp a bit of what they meant.

Her hair was a cool sky-blue, styled into a short ponytail.

A face so cute that a dad with only one daughter would be afraid to let her outside.

However, those with malicious intent, upon seeing the girl’s eyes, might just change their minds and run away in fear.

Her gaze was so dark and intense it bordered on sinister.

It made me wonder if this was how others felt when they looked into my eyes.

Do I know her?

Not at all.

In my entire current life, I’ve never even passed her by; she’s a complete stranger to me.

Yet, despite that, this girl just called out my name.

That must mean she knows me.

“Do you know me?”

Since she had come over to our secluded table to talk, I asked her calmly.

“Yes. You’re a third-year student at the Royal Academy, aren’t you? It’s impossible not to know someone as famous as you are there.”

Her response was calm yet sharp.

Honestly, if famous meant not attending classes, then maybe?

I responded without showing any reaction.

“Ah, well, I’m a celebrity, I guess. So, you’re also a student at the academy?”

“Yes, I’m in the second year. Please call me… Luna.”

Not a freshman then, and she deliberately omitted her last name, only mentioning her first?

While I wondered if there was a need for that, I decided not to dwell on it since it wasn’t really my business.

“Sorry, I don’t tend to remember every underclassman’s face.”

“That’s okay. Actually, I don’t often attend classes either because of my poor health.”

She was very kind to share such details unasked, which was a bit surprising.

“Since you’ve already called me a junior, may I call you senior? Senior Cyan?”

With that, she promptly took a seat at an empty spot.

Is this being sociable or lacking manners?

I wasn’t particularly fussy about titles, so I let it be.

Once seated, her gaze immediately turned to Nana and Brian.

“……!”

Although I couldn’t tell which family she belonged to since she didn’t mention her last name, given she’s associated with the Royal Academy, it’s likely she’s of noble birth.

Nana and Brian’s shoulders tensed up suddenly.

“It seems like you have a maid and a knight with you. You must have a good relationship, sharing a meal together at the same table…”

“Well, something like that. There’s no need to sit separately, right?”

“You have a point. You seem to have more kindness than one might expect from your appearance.”

It was a bit confusing whether it was a compliment or an insult, but seeing her eyes sparkle a bit, it seemed more like it wasn’t meant as an insult.

“Excuse me.”

Two waiters approached to serve the prepared dishes.

With more than ten plates to serve, it took quite a while.

Luna stared intently at the table laden with food.

“Are you going to eat all of this?”

“Well, yeah. My servants tend to eat a lot…”

Specifically, it was food for Nana.

“Enjoy your meal, Pa… no, Master!”

As usual, Nana began to heartily eat the food laid out.

The girl named Luna seemed quite fascinated by Nana’s eating, watching her with slightly raised eyes.

Now that I looked at it, the robe the girl was wearing seemed familiar.

A blue robe similar to the light emitted when mana is manifested.

I hadn’t seen the back of her head yet, so I couldn’t be sure, but there was only one place on this continent where such stylish clothing would be worn.

“You’re affiliated with the Garam Kingdom’s Magic Society, aren’t you?”

Luna responded with a neutral gaze.

“Yes, that’s right. How did you know?”

“I just recognized it from the robe you’re wearing. That mana robe isn’t something you can wear just anywhere.”

“You have a keen eye.”

There was a certain appreciation in her slightly lifted eyebrows.

“But I’ve heard that you don’t leave the academy even during vacations, senior. What brings you to the imperial city?”

For a moment, I wondered if I really had to hear such a question from a foreigner from another country.

Actually, it felt like a question I should be asking her.

Still, since she asked, I decided to answer.

“I received an invitation to a banquet from the imperial family. That’s why I’m here.”

She tilted her head as if surprised.

“That’s unexpected. I thought you were a loner who wouldn’t attend such events, but I’m glad you did.”

Why would that be a relief to you?

Just as I was about to retort, she pulled out a familiar piece of paper from her belongings.

“I was also invited to the imperial banquet. Honestly, I really didn’t want to come, but my grandfather insisted that I must. It’s a relief to have at least you here, senior.”

Anyone listening might think we’ve been close for a decade.

I was contemplating whether to explain the literal meaning of “relief” when a group of people in blue robes appeared around the corner.

By their demeanor, they seemed to be her companions.

Some of them couldn’t hide their expressions, frowning upon seeing my face.

“Sorry for interrupting your meal. Enjoy, and I hope to see you again at the banquet, Senior Cyan.”

She bowed politely, folding her hands in front of her waist, leaving me unsure how to react.

I ended up awkwardly waving my hand.

Feeling like I was caught off guard by an unexpected rainshower, this was truly an odd sensation.

What exactly did she want to say by coming here?

Just as I decided to focus on my meal and picked up my spoon.

“And my name is Luna Rainriver…”

“……?”

“Please remember that, Senior Cyan.”

With a meaningless smile, she stated her full name and then disappeared from my view.

My hand holding the spoon remained suspended in mid-air for a while, motionless.

“Rainriver…?”

After finishing the meal, I casually entered a nearby inn and got a room.

I figured the imperial city would provide a guest room, but there was no need to stay within their walls.

I planned to attend the banquet right on time.

Sitting in a chair and looking out the window at the moonrise, I couldn’t help but be bothered by the girl I saw in the evening.

The Garam Kingdom Magic Society.

A place filled with madmen who wouldn’t hesitate to conduct any research for the advancement of magic.

And the maddest of them all was the head of the Rainriver family.

Rigens Rainriver.

A man so mad he wouldn’t hesitate to use even his own family for experiments.

Luna Rainriver…

When I first heard her name without the surname, I had no clue who she was.

I thought she was just the daughter or granddaughter of some prominent family affiliated with the society,

But I never imagined she would be a scion of the Rainriver family.

That grandfather who sent her must be the chairman of the society.

Thinking back, I vaguely remember.

A rare holder with not one but five elements – fire, water, wind, light, and darkness – each making up 20% of their attribute values.

Meaning, she had the tremendous talent to equally wield the power of all five elements, a rarity perhaps even more valuable than someone like me, who is heavily inclined towards one element.

The range of magic she could utilize would be that much broader.

Of course, there’s a limit to how far any element can develop.

Despite such extraordinary attributes and family background, that girl had not been in my memory.

The reason is simple.

She died early before she could show her potential.

Her claim of being frail was probably true.

After all, she died of illness before even graduating from the academy.

At the time, I didn’t pay much attention, but I hadn’t realized it was that girl.

Anyway, it’s none of my business.

Whether she attends the banquet or not, she can do as she pleases.

I’m not the kind of senior who has the leisure to care for a frail junior.

“……”

Suddenly, a familiar energy brushed against my senses.

Getting up from my seat, I prepared to go out.

“Where are you going, Master?”

Brian, who had been exercising, asked me.

“Just out for a bit. Keep an eye on Nana.”

Nana had long since drifted off to dreamland.

I then stepped out of the inn, heading into a dark alleyway where the moonlight didn’t reach.

Cutting through the chilly night air, I didn’t go far before a man revealed himself.

“It’s been a while, Sir Cyan.”

It was Kellin Diego, a loyal servant of Aschel.

“No need for long greetings. Just tell me what you’re here for.”

Despite my blunt response, Kellin continued without any change in expression.

“In about 10 minutes, several infiltrators will surround you, Sir Cyan.”

“Who sent them?”

“Sir Aschel.”

I couldn’t help but let out a snort.

“If they knew what kind of forces I have around me, they wouldn’t dare. What’s the reason for sending them now?”

“It seems they’re taking advantage of the fact that we’re in the imperial city. Just like us, they probably think you wouldn’t expect a skirmish here.”

The significance of the land where something begins is never small.

This is also true for Sevelinus.

The royal family absolutely does not tolerate crime within Sevelinus.

If someone were foolish enough to commit murder here, they’d get caught in the royal family’s surveillance network, entangling them in a very troublesome situation.

Are they using this as an opportunity to watch me?

I don’t necessarily feel targeted, but the timing is well chosen.

“Understood. Watch everything you need to and report back as is.”

“Understood.”

Kellin nodded in acknowledgment of the instruction.

However, he didn’t turn away, continuing to look at me.

“Is there something else you want to say?”

Kellin then asked in a somewhat cautious tone.

“Do you have another reason for attending this banquet?”

To explain further, Kellin is currently in a state of altered personality.

The original personality, which was willing to dedicate everything to Aschel, is asleep, and a new personality that I implanted is taking over his body.

Thus, the intent behind his question can be seen as purely for my benefit.

“What if I do?”

I replied with a question, concealing my true intentions.

“I don’t know what you’re planning, but perhaps it would be wise to postpone it.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know the specifics. However, it seems there might be some plot between the First Prince and Sir Aschel at this banquet.”

A plot?

This was something I couldn’t just overlook.

“What is it?”

“Assassination.”

For a moment, I was so astonished that my pupils dilated.

Assassination?

This was not just interesting; it was downright intriguing.

“Who’s the target?”

“Luna Rainriver.”

That name, not entirely unfamiliar but certainly not unknown.

At this moment, all trivial thoughts were set aside, and only one thought filled my mind.

Are they insane?

(To be continued)