Chapter 58

The day after returning to the Royal Capital, I headed to the audience chamber.

High ceilings. Light shining through stained glass. Upon the throne sits the King—my father.

Beside him was also the figure of my older brother, the First Prince.

I stepped forward and bent my knee.

“I have just returned.”

A quiet voice fell upon the hall.

The King stared at me for a while, and then nodded slowly.

“Welcome back. Raise your face, Leonhart.”

I stand up.

“I shall report on the progress of the academy establishment discussions.”

The audience chamber was completely silent.

The King crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes as if thinking for a while.

“You finished the military campaign safely as well?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

Saying only that, the King nodded.

I saw my brother next to him let out a small breath.

Whether that was a smile or relief, I could not tell.

Eventually, the King speaks.

“By the way.”

His gaze is directed behind me.

“Marc, was it? Your wounded close aide.”

I answered.

“Yes. He is currently recovering smoothly.”

The King lightly pulled his chin in.

“Marc, step forward.”

His name called, Marc steps forward one pace.

And quietly drops to his knee.

“I hear that in this mission, you exhausted your loyalty to Leonhart.”

“It is an excessive honor.”

The King directs his gaze to his close aides.

“Grant him gold coins. And I bestow upon him the rank of Royal Secretary.”

A small stir ran through the court.

My brother opens his mouth.

“Protected him with your body, they say.”

“Yes.”

“A good vassal.”

I nodded quietly.

Continuing, the King says.

“Issue rewards to the attendants as well. Neither their labor nor their diplomatic merits were small.”

“As you command. I have one more request,”

I said.

“The attendants this time left the country for a long time to fulfill their duties. If granted a few days of leave, they too can return to their homes.”

The King raised an eyebrow. And nodded quietly.

“Very well. Those who worked should rest.”

At the King’s words, I bow my head deeply.

“Thank you very much.”

I stated my gratitude in a quiet voice.

The King further added words weightily.

“Furthermore, Leonhart. You have already been bestowed the title of Honorary Count of the Court by the great power. In this castle as well, we acknowledge that title and recognize it publicly.”

The air in the court stirred just a little.

The King said nothing more, and just waved his hand lightly.

It was a signal that the audience was over.

I stepped back one pace and bowed my head once more.

Behind me, Marc was bending his knee and bowing.

Eventually, I turned around and left the audience chamber behind.

Marc also quietly followed behind.

When the doors of the grand hall closed, I felt the taut air relax slightly.

We exited the audience chamber. Behind us, small whispers still remained.

I began to walk. One step behind, Marc followed. After advancing a few steps, suddenly there was the sound of rustling clothes behind me.

The next moment, there is a presence holding its breath slightly.

“Why do you try to move your arm?”

I asked without turning back.

“No…”

Marc paused for a moment and said,

“I thought it was a dream.”

“It is reality.”

When I answered shortly, there was a presence exhaling deeply behind me.

I stopped and looked back.

“Your Highness.”

“What is it.”

“What is with that hand?”

My hand was about to reach out to Marc.

“…I thought it might be better if there was a little more pain.”

Marc says as if appalled.

“It is plenty.”

I pull my hand back.

“Is that so.”

Marc gave a small laugh.

“Yes.”

We began walking together like that.

Beyond the corridor, every time people of the court passed by, they looked this way.

It seems the rumors have already begun to circulate inside the castle.

I walked without paying it any mind.

Marc also followed silently behind.

I was compiling the events that occurred this time into a report.

Finished parchments piled up on the desk, and fair copies were proceeding with the help of a clerk’s hand.

If I submit this to the King’s secretariat, this mission will be over for the time being.

And, those who followed me needed rest.

Of course—I do too.

I put down the quill pen and lightly loosened my shoulders.

My destination was already decided. A hot spring resort.

An old health resort, it is also a place where nobles and knights visit for recuperation and recovery from battle wounds.

I directed my gaze.

“Marc.”

The close aide who was organizing documents in the corner of the room looks up.

“Yes?”

“Once the report is submitted, I will leave the Royal Capital for a while.”

Marc seemed to guess immediately.

“A hot spring?”

“That’s right.”

I answer shortly.

“Your arm is not yet perfect either.”

Marc gave a light, bitter smile.

“Not Your Highness’s recuperation, but mine?”

“Both.”

I return my gaze to the report I was in the middle of writing.

“What needed to be done is finished. Now is the time to rest.”

Marc remained silent for just a little while, and then nodded.

“Then, I will get the preparations in order.”

Saying that, Marc bowed his head quietly.

A hot spring, huh.

It’s after a long mission. Soaking in hot water and resting to the core of my bones doesn’t sound bad either.