The Regression Of A Grand Mercenary - 93 - Spring Festival Days - Veiled Intentions from Nobles and Friends

Cornered by powerful people, I stand alone…even Evelyn left me to my own excuses.

“A lie can be a deadly thing…Mr. Guard, especially said to certain nobles.” said the prince as he turned to face me with a rather devious smile.

“…” being cautious, I remained silent.

“Now, pardon me for intruding…but Lady Samantha, you just left without saying anything. I was a bit surprised.” said the prince.

“I am so sorry, your highness. I was just curious of this guard’s armor…it truly is unlike anything I have ever seen. As I’ve said, this armor’s design is almost similar to that of one of the strongest guild members of my city.” said Lady Samantha as she tries to pardon herself of her misdemeanor.

“Yes, I’ve also heard of this event. The members of your guild are one of the strongest in our country…so hearing that the hundred blade master was defeated by Oxy the Battleborn was simply an event I cannot ignore.”

“…Pardon me for my intrusion, but may I ask for the identity of this guard?” asked Amelia as she came walking in with a smile on her face. One that showed curiosity but also the foxy smile of deviousness.

“Ah yes. From what I know, this is Miss Evelyn Amber’s chosen companion to this festival. Please, can you kindly show your face to everyone. It would be rude not to show your face to us, seeing as how you are a handsome man yourself.” asked the prince.

“…Of course.” I said hesitantly.

Slowly, I lifted up my helmet and revealed my face to the gathered crowd.

“!” out of everyone, Amelia was the one who was shooked the most.

“There, doesn’t he look handsome?” said the prince as he showed Lady Samantha.

“Oh my, he does…but doesn’t he seem young for a chosen guard? May I ask, how old are you?” she asked.

“…I’m 18 years old.”

“Ehh?! 18? Are you serious?”

Despite their reactions, I tried maintaining a calm composure. Showing a reaction to this kind of event shows a bit of weakness on my end. The way I have been reacting to all sorts of surprises have placed me in a bad position. If I have to be a proper guard for Evelyn, I needed to maintain a strong image.

So even to their reactions, I remained composed.

“May I ask Miss Evelyn, where did you hire this guard?” asked Lady Samantha.

Evelyn straightened her posture, the soft rustle of her marigold gown catching the crowd’s attention. Despite the weight of noble eyes upon her, she smiled — calm, poised, and resolute.

“…He isn’t just a hired guard,” she began, her voice graceful yet firm enough to carry through the murmurs. “Thill Cicial is my chosen partner — both in life and in duty.”

A hush fell across the ballroom.

Even the prince, ever composed, blinked in surprise.

“I see…so he’s your boyfriend. Hmm, from what I heard, you have started a business near our city in a place called Fether village. Is that where you two were able to meet?” asked Samantha.

“Yes. But it was merely by coincidence that we were able to reunite in that village.” she replied.

“Reunite? What do you mean by that?”

“You may or may not have heard, but a few months ago I was captured by bandits.”

“Ah, yes I know of that event. You’re father was able to hire Liondel in the efforts of searching for you, but the mission was canceled because you were saved before our guild could even make a move.” said Lady Samantha.

“Yes, and the reason for that was because he was the one who rescued me, along with the other kidnapped women in the bandit camp.”

“And by coincidence, this young man lives in that same village where you are currently doing your project?” asked Lady Samantha.

“Yes, and not only he lives there but he manages a certain group of his own to combat the issues of the village. Issues pertaining to troubles with bandits and what-not. He calls it the village defense company.” said Evelyn as she explains proudly.

“Oh, I’ve heard of that. Most of the people from far off villages who can’t reach the city go to this company to ask for help. And it isn’t simply just fighting bandits, but you also hunt monsters and apply for services like escorting merchants. I’ve heard a lot of good things and was meaning to come by and see this operation of yours…but Please explain to me how you were able to gather the strength to fend off bandits? Did you hire mercenaries of your own?” asked Samantha.

“No, I trained the villagers who were willing.”

“Train villagers? To fight?”

“Yes.” I said plainly.

Hearing my answer, the prince steps in and then puts his hand on my shoulders.

“Amazing, it is capable men like you that holds value to our kingdom the most. Where the weak hide against the danger, you walk up front with your swords high and with not a single fear in place. Protecting them even to the degree of near death. Truly, you resemble a knight’s heart.” he said proudly as if announcing to the world.

“You humble me, your highness, but I am simply helping out those in need.”

“Hmm, ever so humble. Like a knight should. But tell me, you never once answered the first question to begin with. Where did you purchase your armor?” he asked as he started daggers at me…like a snake eyeing a cornered rat.

“…Is that necessary?” asked Amelia as she turned to the prince with a concerning look.

“I am simply asking. It doesn’t hurt anybody to know where you claim such wonderful armor.” he said as he looked to Amelia with a calm gaze.

“True…it doesn’t hurt anyone. So I should be honest then.” I said as I stared back to the prince.

“…”

“Just like how Oxy was able to dismiss giving information to the blacksmith who made his armor, I am in the same position. Because Lady Samantha, you are right. This armor was also crafted by the same blacksmith….and just like Oxy the battleborn, I too must withheld information for the safety of the craftsman.”

“That….I see.” said the prince as he looked at me as if I had told no lie.

“But why?” asked Lady Samantha.

“…Simply because he doesn’t love the attention.” I said straightforward.

The room fell silent.

Even the prince, for a brief second, said nothing—his eyes studying me carefully, as if trying to read what lay behind my words.

“Hmm, I see…excuse for a moment.” said the prince as he suddenly walks away.

As he soon disappears from the crowd, my mind begins to boggle.

The prince…he was quite the mystery. Capable of detecting lies at the moment I finish speaking…and his eyes, everytime we meet…they shine like crimson rubies.

He isn’t a normal man…that much is true.

Seeing that the prince left, Lady Samantha bowed and turned back to me.

“Hmm, you know, for some reason you remind me of Oxy.” she said.

“And why is that?” I asked.

“Because you two hold honor and promise to a degree that is frightening. Even to the request of nobles, you don’t give information that easily. I respect that.” she said as she smiled my way.

“thank you for the praise.” I said.

“Oh, its not a praise. I am genuinely angry that I couldn’t claim information over this blacksmith. But sad to say…I can’t do anything about it. Unless…you are willing to talk for money?” she asked as she spoke in a suggestive voice.

“Ah…hahaha, no thank you.” I said as I chuckled at her offer.

“Hmph, I see. Very well then. Until next time.” she said as she leaves the conversation.

As the two high-ranked nobles left, it was just now me, Evelyn, Sherry and the woman who calls herself Emily despite her true identity being the saint of the Alticrast church.

“So it’s been a while.” she said as she turned to me with a her soft saintly smile.

“…Yes, it has been.” I said in return.

“Do you know her?” Asked Evelyn.

“Of course…she was once the nun who taught the children in the village how to read and write.”

“Really? I’ve never seen her before. In fact, it’s been a while since the church sent someone to the village.”

“Ah yes, unfortunately, I have cut all ties to the church. And I’ve only stayed for a little bit at the village. I was barely able to teach the kids..and for that I am very sorry.”

“I see…but don’t worry, we were able to find a suitable person to teach the children.” said Evelyn.

“Is that so? Did the church provide another nun?”

“No, for some reason, no one came to fill in the position, so I just used one of my assets. One of the maids that work in my family actually teaches the children now.” said Evelyn.

“That’s great…I’m very thankful that the children were able to continue on their education. I was very sad to leave village as it was…”

But why did you leave the village?” asked Evelyn.

“Oh…it was for some personal reason.”

“I see…seeing as how you are able to attend to such a gracious banquet, you must have found a very generous sponsor.”

Evelyn’s curiosity showed in her tone; after all, a nun at a royal banquet was far from ordinary.

“Ah no, it’s not what you think it is. I’ve been able to come to this event under the invitation of a certain friend. He has a very close tie to the royal family…and it just so happens that he couldn’t attend, so I took his place.” she said.

“I see…”

“I know it may seem weird that a commoner such as myself gets to attend, but please take no heed. I am simply filling in for my friend.”

“Of course, and may I ask who this friend of yours is?” asked Evelyn.

Hearing that question, it may be the perfect opportunity to find out who is the one supporting Amelia’s actions. This ‘friend’ of hers…whoever it is, they have to be the leader of the organization she is apart of.

Her…Jenny the Capstone Mage…and possibly Elgor. All of them may be apart of the same organization held to go against corrupted churches and demons.

“I’m sorry…but I can’t say. This friend of mine doesn’t like to have his name said outloud…he is very shy. Just like how Thill doesn’t like his blacksmith friend’s name to be said, it is the same for my friend as well. He likes to live in peace against all the troubles.”

“Really?”

“Hm, Yes…very much so.”

“I see…very well then. I won’t pry.” said Evelyn as she calmly steps away from her questions.

“Thank you,” Amelia said, bowing slightly. Then, after a small glance to the side, she added, “Now, forgive me for being rude, but it seems someone’s calling for me. I must take my leave.”

No one had called her name aloud — but judging by the faint twitch of her ear and the subtle shift of her eyes, she must have received a magical signal.

Either way, she wanted to leave.

“O-okay, it was good seeing you.” said Evelyn.

“Of course. And you too.” she said.

But right as she passes by me, she quickly hands me a letter that was fast enough for Evelyn to not notice.

“…”

“Who would have thought that she had a friend that was close to the Royal family. Isn’t that interesting?” asked Evelyn.

“Yes…it was.” I replied quietly, pocketing the letter without a word.

“Hmm, I feel very hungry. How about we go to one of the tables and pick ourselves something to eat.” said Evelyn.

“I’ll join you. I haven’t had anything to eat since the parade.” said Sherry.

As the two ladies went on ahead, Me and Berny slowly followed them from behind.

***

As time passed, the grand event began to lose its luster.

The orchestra’s rhythm softened into a calm, fading melody, and the once roaring laughter of nobles turned into quiet, tired murmurs. Servants moved gracefully across the marble floor, collecting empty glasses and half-eaten plates, while the chandeliers above dimmed ever so slightly — a silent signal that the night was nearing its end.

I watched as one by one, the guests took their leave. Some stumbled from too much wine, others whispered politics behind polite smiles. Even the king and queen had already retired, leaving the remaining nobles to their idle conversations.

The once radiant ballroom — filled with color, warmth, and life — was slowly being overtaken by the gentle stillness of night.

“…It’s gotten quieter.” Evelyn said softly beside me, her voice calm yet wistful.

“Yeah…” I replied. “It feels like the night itself is exhaling.”

She chuckled at my words, brushing a strand of golden hair from her cheek. “You always sound poetic when you’re tired.”

“Do I?” I asked with a faint smile beneath my breath.

“You do.” she said, and her tone softened — gentler now, warmer than it had been all evening.

Without saying much more, she reached for my hand and gave it a small tug. “Come with me. I need some air.”

And so, I followed.

We left the ballroom through one of the large arching doors at the side hall, where the muffled sound of music faded behind us. The corridor beyond was quiet, the kind of silence only castles could hold — deep and sacred. Golden sconces lined the walls, their flames flickering like whispers in the dark.

After a short walk, we found ourselves before a balcony.

The doors were left slightly open, letting the cool night breeze seep in.

Stepping through, the world seemed to widen all at once.

Below us, the kingdom stretched far and wide — glowing with hundreds of lanterns that danced across the streets. The moon hung proudly over the horizon, bathing the castle walls in silver light. The faint laughter of people from the town square could still be heard, carried upward by the wind.

And for a moment… it was peaceful.

Just me and Evelyn.

No nobles.

No prying eyes.

No questions.

Just the two of us beneath the moonlight.

Evelyn leaned forward against the railing, her hair swaying with the breeze. The faint light of the city below reflected in her eyes, making them gleam like amber glass.

“…You know,” she said softly, “I didn’t think tonight would turn out like this.”

“How so?” I asked, stepping beside her.

She gave a quiet laugh. “I thought we’d just dance, enjoy the food, and leave early. I didn’t expect we’d end up catching the prince’s attention… or that you’d be questioned in front of half the nobility.”

“Neither did I,” I admitted, looking out toward the horizon. “I just wanted to keep a low profile. But I suppose fate had other plans.”

She looked up at me with a faint smile — one that carried a mix of pride and worry. “You handled yourself well though… better than most nobles would have. I could tell they respected you.”

“Respect and suspicion often walk hand in hand.” I said quietly.

Evelyn’s expression softened, her gaze lowering to the balcony floor. “…You think they’ll pry further?”

“Maybe,” I said, my eyes scanning the far-off lights. “But for now, we’re safe. Tonight, that’s enough.”

For a while, neither of us spoke. The silence wasn’t heavy — it was comforting, like a shared breath after a long day of pretending to fit into a world that wasn’t ours.

Finally, Evelyn broke the quiet, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Thill… when I said those words earlier — that you were my chosen partner — I wasn’t lying.”

I turned to her slowly, meeting her gaze.

“I know. I mean, we already promised one another didn’t we?” I said.

She smiled faintly, though I could see the nervousness in her eyes. “I meant it. Even in front of all those people. I wasn’t just trying to protect you. I wanted them to know that you’re someone I believe in… someone I love. It was another way to cement our relationship.”

The wind carried her words softly between us — fragile, honest, and unguarded.

“…I know.” I repeated quietly.

And under that vast moonlit sky, I reached for her hand again — this time, not because of formality or protection, but because I wanted to.

Because after everything that happened tonight — the questions, the stares, the secrets — this was the one moment that still felt real.

This moment…as our hands were touching, she slowly leaned in to my lips and she kissed me.

“I love you…” she said as her eyes look ever so in love.

“…I love you too.” I said in return.