Chapter 53: The Narrow Tightrope
On the main street of Rien, the Imperial Capital.
Inside a posh restaurant, Fairys Feast.
Although it was rather late for lunch, the restaurant was bustling with customers.
Like all things labeled luxurious, their patrons were not concerned about money.
What they lacked was only a place, time, and entertainment.
Therefore,
Order whatever you want.
Really, is it alright?
Bertas hand, holding the menu, trembled faintly.
Her eyes widened, and her throat went dry.
2100 shillings.
That was the price of the dish at the very top of the menu. And, of course, this wasnt the most expensive item, as there were more expensive dishes below it.
Then this. Ill have this.
Berta pointed to one item on the menu.
[Salad with raisin chicory and white Chandaz.]
170 shillings.
Shiron frowned upon reading the dish Berta pointed to, unable to even imagine what kind of dish it was.
Chicory is chicory, but whats Chandaz?
Shiron, who usually ate straightforward and intuitive foods made of clear ingredients like meat or vegetables, could read the words on the menu but couldnt understand their meaning.
I came here because its said to be the most expensive restaurant, but I cant make head or tail of it.
Ding-
Shiron rang the call bell.
A woman, elegantly dressed with a bowtie, approached gracefully.
Are you ready to order, sir?
Yes, from here to here. Bring everything.
Shiron traced from the beginning to the end of the menu with his finger.
The waitress stepped closer, tilting her head, wondering if this gentleman was joking.
May I ask you to repeat?
From here, to here No, bring every dish on the menu.
Understood.
The waitress collected the menus with a bow.
Sir, are you sure? The prices are no joke
I have plenty of money. So dont worry unnecessarily. Ill even let you taste something special.
I cant be seen asking what kind of food they are.
Soon, a variety of dishes arrived, filling the table. The originally 2-seater table couldnt hold all the dishes, so an additional table was attached.
Naturally, this attracted the attention of others. Whispers started filling the space, which was filled with the sound of clinking dishes and sporadic conversation.
Whose child could he possibly be?
Tsk. Some filthy rich guy, no doubt.
Some probably think he doesnt have money to order just what he can eat.
Shirons group couldnt help but overhear the chatter. Ophilia and Encia, his escorts, chuckled as if amused, while Berta, who was unaware of the situation, blushed.
Well, lets eat.
Berta tried to cool her heated face with a fan. She gracefully sliced the food and took a bite.
While tasting various dishes, Shiron spoke to Berta.
Hey, can I ask you something?
Yes?
Youve properly submitted the report, right? Why havent I heard anything?
Cough!
Berta choked at the sudden question about work. Fortunately, the spread in front of her remained untouched. She turned away, sweating profusely, pounding on her chest.
Cough, cough.
Hey What are you doing? Damn, thats annoying. Ophilia, can you pat her back?
Yes.
Following Shirons command, Ophilia gently patted the distressed womans back. After gulping down some cold water, Berta finally managed to respond, albeit breathlessly.
Sorry, sorry. What did you just say?
The report.
Report? Yes, I submitted it. Of course. Yes.
Hmm But why do you look so flustered? Its like youve heard something you shouldnt have.
Shiron rested his chin on his hand and gazed at Berta intently. They were simply talking about work during their meal, but her reaction was excessively animated.
Anyway, if the report was submitted, there should be some response on this side. Yet no ones come looking. Its rather dull.
Did they really send someone just out of curiosity about the succession of the Prients? At least, I dont think so.
Yes. That seems very likely.
Heh.
Shiron smirked. The woman standing in front of him couldnt meet his eyes. Shiron tore into a deliciously cooked lamb rib. Blood rushed to Shirons head, and his vision spun.
It wasnt even a proper investigation. They just sent one person. Isnt this suspicious?
Its suspicious.
You think so, too?
Who exactly read the report that you cant even talk to me?
Shiron took a sip of wine, then breathed out the alcohol-laden breath. He felt a little irritated, and his demeanor grew rougher. There was no reason to keep up appearances anymore. Bertas tone, actions, everything shouted to Shiron that she wasnt in a straightforward position.
Shiron bluntly stated what was on his mind.
Who exactly is it that youre hiding from me? Someone high-ranking? Its annoying to think Im secondary to you.
Wa, Wait!
Berta hastily stood up, narrowly preventing her voice from breaking.
I didnt betray you! Please dont kill me!
Berta recalled a dream she once had. A scene where a demons hand pierced her abdomen replayed in her mind, making her anxious.
The sudden commotion attracted the attention of those around them.
Looking around, Berta felt a chill. The dim lighting reflected in peoples eyes. She felt like a demon was lurking behind her, ready to plunge its hand into her heart. She wanted to run away.
What?
However, surprisingly, Shiron looked more puzzled than angry, his eyes wide in confusion.
Amidst the unintentional attention, Shirons face grew hot. He looked around before softly speaking to the woman in front of him.
Hey, sit down. Its embarrassing. What the hell are you doing?
Youre not going to kill me?
What the hell are you talking about? Why would I kill you? Are you going to keep spouting nonsense? Want me to not pay for the meal?
Just then, a waiter walked over from a distance. The stern-looking man adjusted his glasses and spoke.
Sir, youre causing a disturbance for the other customers. Could you please be a bit quieter?
Im, Im sorry.
Bertas face turned red, and she buried her face in the table.
Shiron looked at Berta with pity and sighed.
Is our relationship this fragile?
Im sorry.
I know you can be rash and have your shortcomings, but inherently, youre a good person.
In the original story, Berta was such a character. She never ran away, even dying buried under the debris while holding onto an enemy in a collapsing building.
So, tell me openly. Who exactly is so important that you cant even tell me? I must know.
Berta clenched her fists tightly, hesitating for a moment before tightly closing her eyes. For a mere salaried worker like herself, the burden was heavy. But as she decided to speak, her heart felt lighter. After exhaling deeply, she was about to speak.
I
Hold on.
Shiron interrupted Berta. It was because Encia, standing behind him, pressed on Shirons shoulder.
Someone keeps watching us.
Shiron pulled out a yet-to-dry black card.
Lets change our seats.
Shiron summoned his carriage and headed towards the mansion.
He was not heading to the annex but to the innermost part of the main building, Hugos office.
Because Hugo had been away from his office for a long time, Shiron took out the spare key he had obtained from him recently.
This place, protected by several anti-eavesdropping spells, was a safe zone where one could speak without worrying about anyones interference.
Shiron, having securely locked the door behind him, slumped down on the sofa in the office. Before him sat Berta while Encia and Ophilia stood side by side.
Its the 3rd prince.
I had a feeling. The quality of the one following us seemed too high.
Fo-following?!
Yes.
Shiron, after glancing at Berta, signaled Encia with his eyes.
I only realized it later. It started after this woman suddenly stood up. From that moment, I felt an annoying gaze.
Im sorry. I should have noticed sooner.
Ophilia apologized to Shiron with a somber expression.
No, its just that the opponent was cunning.
Encia and Ophilia, the guardians of Dawn Castle, were sadly not omnipotent. Encia, specialized in attack, and Ophilia, specialized in defense, were an optimized combination to protect someone.
You shouldnt expect them to detect outsiders or track down others. Of course, they could detect low-level individuals, but it was natural that they wouldnt be able to locate a master of stealth or someone with a related skill.
If its a master of such caliber, the 3rd prince shouldnt be able to handle him
Shiron pondered, recalling a list of names in the game who were capable of evading Encia and Ophilia in the final region.
[Hugo Prient]
[Guardian Knight Commander Zard]
[Court Mage Arak]
Excluding Hugo, who was on Shirons side, the other two wouldnt operate under the 3rd princes orders.
An order from the emperor? But the current emperor shouldnt be interested in the 3rd prince
Who else could it be? Shiron continued to think, recalling hundreds of characters from the game. Each name appeared and disappeared in his thoughts.
He dismissed the possibility of a messenger from the devil. If it were a messenger, Encia and Ophilia wouldnt have missed their hostile intentions.
Someone who could freely travel across the continent, especially now, 10 years before the original story, would have the ability to induce hostility at will.
Then,
Shiron could think of only one person.
[Forgotten Mage Seira]
Seira.
As Shiron called her name, everything around him turned blindingly white.
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