The Forest Race Clonne

Chapter 36

“Duke Rouster, it’s always so hard to see your face. I was quite disappointed that you didn’t attend the recent banquet”

“My apologies. I’ve been very busy with both public and private affairs.”

“Of course, you must be a very busy man. So, you’re here at the Crown Prince’s palace for official business?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Haha, as expected. I nearly felt slighted, thinking you were spending time with His Highness the Crown Prince while ignoring me.”

The First Prince laughed slyly, openly scrutinizing our group. Everyone kept their eyes on the floor, avoiding his gaze.

“Who are these people, looking so bedraggled?”

“They are my subordinates. They came to report immediately after returning from the field, so there was no time to change.”

“Regardless of the urgency of the report, they aren’t dressed appropriately to meet His Highness.”

“His Highness has granted us permission.”

“Well, if that’s the case, it’s none of my concern…”

The First Prince muttered disapprovingly but eventually moved his gaze away. Or rather, he pretended to. He immediately feigned surprise as if noticing someone belatedly, then spoke up.

“Ah, isn’t this Camille Rouster?”

“…It’s been a while, Your Highness the First Prince.”

Camille, who smiled awkwardly, greeted politely. The First Prince patted his shoulder with a very pleased expression.

“The last time we met was at Camilla’s birthday banquet last year. I heard you left the Imperial Guards to join the Security Department, and here we meet again. How have you been?”

“Thanks to your concern, I’ve been well…”

“You could have continued on your path as a knight. The Imperial Guard uniform suited you well; it’s such a shame. Did you know that our Camilla was quite lovesick after seeing you at that banquet? Even now, she seems to be counting the days until she meets you again.”

“…The Lady is very kind to speak so favorably of me.”

“No, no. She was so shy that I doubted my own eyes. Well, she’s about the age to start experiencing feelings of affection. Haha, you two make quite a lovely pair.”

It was an obvious move. Camille looked troubled, and Duke Rouster’s eyes darkened even further. Everyone knew that the First Prince had been trying to court the Rouster family for years, including proposing a marriage between his cousin, Camilla Lakan, and Camille.

“He’s being really blatant.”

Hamar clicked his tongue in annoyance, and it was no wonder. Even the First Prince’s entourage seemed uncomfortable, gauging the tension. Among them, one face particularly stood out—a man with dark hair that fell to his shoulders and blue eyes.

“……”

At first, I thought I was mistaken, but I wasn’t. He recognized me too, and his face grew tense.

“You are…”

At that moment, the First Prince beckoned to him.

“Ah, I nearly forgot to introduce you. Lord Dewey Lavant, come here.”

“…Lavant?”

At that, Camille’s face hardened and Duke Rouster did the same. The man, who had been staring intently at me, reluctantly stepped forward at the First Prince’s urging. The First Prince introduced him proudly.

“This is my newly appointed aide, Lord Dewey Lavant. He is the heir to the Lavant countship and will become the next count.”

“……”

“Ah, come to think of it, Countess Lavant is Duke Rouster’s daughter, isn’t she? Which makes Lord Dewey Lavant the Duke’s grandson, right?”

The air grew cold. It was no wonder; the First Prince had just announced that Duke Rouster’s son-in-law had sided with him. Dewey swallowed hard and looked at Duke Rouster.

“It’s been a long time, Grandfather.”

“…When did you come to the capital?”

“Not long ago.”

“I thought I made myself clear to your father. It seems it didn’t reach you as intended.”

Dewey’s face turned pale at Duke Rouster’s displeased retort. Reflexively, he glanced at me, but I quickly averted my gaze. Was he in his right mind? Why look at me now? Realizing his mistake, he immediately lowered his eyes. The First Prince stepped in to diffuse the situation.

“Haha, isn’t it a bit harsh to treat your grandson so sternly? Lord Rouster, you should greet him too. Aren’t you cousins? And if I recall correctly, aren’t you of similar age?”

Dewey responded to that.

“We’re of the same age, but my birthday is a bit earlier.”

“Oh, then Lord Dewey must be the elder. Come now. It’s been a while since you’ve seen your cousin. You should at least exchange a light embrace.”

“…Y-Your Highness, I…”

“Haha! He’s normally not like this, but he seems shy. Perhaps the younger one should take the initiative. Don’t you think so, Lord Rouster?”

Camille remained silent, his icy stare fixed on Dewey.

“Lord Rouster?”

When the First Prince looked at him in puzzlement, Camille slowly responded.

“I apologize, Your Highness, but I am not on familiar terms with the Lavant family. Even though we are cousins, we have never established a brotherly bond, so please understand that our relationship is a bit awkward.”

“Oh, I see. Well, LordLavant has mostly lived in the countship. Considering the distance from the capital, it’s understandable there wasn’t much interaction. Haha, but now that you’re here, you can build that relationship. After all, you are family.”

“We’ll see. We’re both busy with our own responsibilities, so I’m not sure we’ll have much time for that.”

It was a polite refusal. The First Prince’s expression immediately turned sour. Dewey, biting his lip in embarrassment, cast another glance in my direction. Of course, I ignored him completely. However, it seemed he wasn’t going to let that go easily this time; his gaze clung to me more insistently.

‘What is he thinking?’

Unable to endure it any longer, I met his gaze directly, and only then did he hurriedly look away. A sigh escaped me.

“Your Highness the First Prince, we must take our leave now as His Highness the Crown Prince awaits us. We cannot delay any longer.”

Fortunately, Duke Rouster wrapped up the awkward situation before it could escalate. The First Prince couldn’t find another excuse to delay us and grudgingly stepped aside with a forced smile.

“That was dreadful.”

I whispered in agreement with Lisa as we walked. Even now, I could feel the piercing gaze at the back of my head. I never looked back, though.

* * *

As we entered, the servants greeted us and guided the way. The reception room we arrived at was filled not only with the Crown Prince but also with royal magicians and palace physicians.

“May the light of the world shine upon you. Greetings to His Highness, the Crown Prince, the small sun of the Empire.”

Crown Prince Esteban smiled warmly in response.

“Welcome, everyone. It’s a joy to see you all return safely. You’ve all worked hard.”

He appeared somewhat thinner than the last time I saw him, likely due to the Emperor’s ongoing illness. Yet, his expression was brighter.

“I’ve read your reports. To accomplish a task that no one could guarantee success for—truly remarkable. I’m immensely proud of you all.”

“It is an honor, Your Highness. It’s all thanks to the benevolence of His Majesty the Emperor and Your Highness.”

Hale’s voice trembled as he responded. Duke Rouster then handed the wooden box he carried to the Crown Prince. As the Crown Prince opened the box and examined its contents, his eyes sparkled with interest.

“This is…”

“Yes, it is the Lupinus fruit.”

“It certainly resembles a tree fruit. The surface is smooth too, but are you saying this is a formulated medicine?”

“If you look closely, you’ll notice a slight difference from a real tree fruit.”

“I see. Indeed, it feels a bit rough to the touch. And what is this vial?”

“It’s a liquid that enhances the medicine’s efficacy. They need to be consumed together for the best effect.”

“Ah, so that’s what the separately labeled solution experiment report was about.”

Nodding, the Crown Prince opened the glass vial and sniffed lightly. It had already been confirmed that it had no odor. Despite this, I felt my body tense up automatically.

Fortunately, no unexpected incidents occurred. The Crown Prince put the vial back in the box and handed it to the Chief Royal Physician, who accepted it with a deeply respectful expression.

“Come to think of it, wasn’t it Officer Sei who obtained this medicine?”

“Yes, Your Highness. He acquired it from an herb gatherer who owned it.”

The Crown Prince’s gaze fell on me.

“Thank you, Officer Sei. I will compensate you double for the money spent on purchasing the medicine.”

“No, Your Highness. Please do not concern yourself. I merely did what was necessary.”

“Such a precious medicine must have been quite expensive. I am not one to accept gifts without offering something in return. If not money, do you wish to receive something else?”

“What? No, nothing like that…”

“That’s fine, too. If you have something you wish for, speak up. If this medicine wakes His Majesty, no reward would be too much. Ah, yes. How about a title instead of money? If you wish, I can grant you a title and land immediately.”

The Crown Prince wore a mischievous smile. Though his tone seemed to test me, it didn’t come off as a joke. Camille’s eyes, watching me, were filled with anticipation.

“Please, Your Highness, withdraw your offer. The herb gatherer gave me the medicine because he valued saving lives over its worth. Profiting from this would betray his noble intent.”

“Hmm, but it was your effort that moved the herb gatherer’s heart. You are too humble for your abilities. Opportunities like this don’t come often. Won’t you regret it later?”

“There will be no regret.”

I planned to leave eventually anyway. Accepting would only complicate things. The Crown Prince looked somewhat disappointed but nodded.

“Well, very well. I will withdraw the offer if that eases your mind.”

I bowed my head in thanks. Beside me, I thought I heard Camille sigh softly. Of course, I didn’t look to confirm what was undoubtedly a critical gaze.