Kyle might have intended to warn me with his statement, but in truth, it brought forth only reassurance. Domans sweetness was a lie. He was not a kind person.

I dont need fake affection.

Unfortunately, the real Riddel Spencer would have no reason to doubt Doman. She would never possess my suspicion, so I couldnt reveal to Kyle how I honestly felt. I had no choice but to allow another wave of silence to descend over us, suspended like a thin, fragile thread mere moments from snapping. When Kyle began to whisper once more, the thread gave at last, unraveling beneath the low, gentle rumble of his voice.

From now on, I would advise you not to mention his name in my presence.

How badly does Doman annoy him that I cant even say his name? However, just like his last admission, this was a good thing for me.

I didnt like talking about him either, but I cant tell that to Kyle because it would be incredibly out of character for Riddel Spencer. Oh, but there was one last thing Another grave secret I mustnt tell.

Kyle is a liar.

The tenderness of Kyles touch, gently petting my hair, conveyed a sweetness that contradicted the austere nature of his earlier claim.

Yet again, I couldnt acknowledge this aloud. The original Riddel Spencer wouldnt have cared enough about Kyle to notice details like these, occupied as she was by Doman Woodhill. Her mind only ever swam with thoughts of him and I had to emulate that. Silence was the only answer she wouldve had and the only answer I could offer Kyle, because that was just who Riddel was. That was who I had become.

***

Two days have since passed following the Doman incident. At the time, Kyles tumultuous disposition, affected by the dragons curse, persisted for quite a while. Fortunately, he didnt harm me, so I didnt dig too deep into it. After all, his curse was probably driving him into bouts of caprice and inconstancy, making it hard to read his emotions.

I would be lying if I said I wasnt worried about anything, though. I had one more concern to occupy myself with and it was pretty important.

The rose. Now that the incident on the fifth floor has died down to some extent, I only need to dispel Kyles magic.

I knew how to deal with Kyles magic. It was simple: I could ask a black magic sorcerer to help me. But, of course, simplicity did not imply ease. There was a problem with that method.

Itd be impossible for me to find a black magic sorcerer because I needed to be alone to do it.

If I wanted to hire a black magic sorcerer, I would have to go outside, but if I were to go outside, Id need a guard. I couldnt just recklessly allow anyone to be my guard, either. It was customary for the Archduchess to have three or more guards accompany her, but that would be far too many for me.

The more guards I have, the harder it will be for me to move.

Therefore, my qualifications for an ideal guard hinged heavily on them being someone who would overlook my actions and who could protect me solely with their own power. Someone strong enough to stop Kyle even for a moment, just in case I got caught like I did once before.

I knew only one person in the novel could meet those demands.

It was Sejan, the leader of the knights.

This troubled me. Out of all the characters, why did it have to be Sejan? It was like plopping a fish in front of a cat.

But I cant ignore the fact that Sejans my only option right now.

Originally, I wanted to interact with Sejan the least out of all the characters. It wasnt just because he had a bad personality, but also because I had no means of controlling him or influencing his actions. His wildcard qualities lead me to decline his initial request to serve under me. I refused to be his master, yet here I was, forced to take that rejection back.

Well, it wasnt like I didnt have a way out of it.

If I made a deal with Sejan, maybe I could persuade him to help me temporarily.

Sejan was someone whose motivations were thoroughly rooted in his own interests, so money, honor, power, beauty, and other things of the same vein wouldnt tempt him.

But I wrote this novel.

Luckily for me, I had information that would spark Sejans interest. The only catch was that while I knew that the information would attract his attention, I didnt know whether it could actually be used to make a deal with him. It was a double-edged sword, because it could also end up paving a road to me losing my neck.

Why do I have to risk my life every time I do something? I wish I had written a peaceful novel.

As I scorned my past decisions, I made my way to the training hall.

***

Honestly, I was worried. I havent been to the training grounds after the 5th floor incident. I was afraid the knights would make me uncomfortable. Too good with their eyes, they would be able to see everything and know what happen.

But you cant suspect a bright smiling Archduchess.

Welcome your Highness!

Huh? Contrary to my expectations, Vice-Captain Noxis welcomed me so warmly to the point of discouragement. The same could be said about all the knights around us. Dressed in neat uniform, they greeted me politely and politely.

Oh, Your Grace, its an honor to meet you!

I cant believe your Highness walks in person.

What is this? Their reactions are too much compare to before.

Unit 1 What are you all doing? Her Highness is here. Stay sharp.

At this loud shout, the knights nearby gathered like sheep, all looking my way. It would have been great if it ended there.

Your Highness was still alive after going to the 5th floor?

I hear you treated the Archdukes shoulder yourself.

They were all looking up to me with respect. They were whispering but I still could hear them. I could hear their admiration for me.

What an astounding miracle!

Its a miracle.

A miracle!

In the end, the praises just kept on adding. Its a shame that I dont feel like I deserve their praises.

Catching my eyes in the crowd, there was a noticeable person who was looking my way.

Is he a knight?

Staring at me from a long distance, standing alone. I could tell he was still young. Hes probably a new knight, no?

!

His face turned red the moment our eyes met.

Ja, Jarett, you little bastard. What the hell are you doing standing there. You cant look at her highness directly like that! Bow your head.

Noxis, who was belatedly grasping the situation, shouted as he turned. Jarett, shocked, ran toward Noxis in a fit of surprise. The atmosphere had become as desolate than the desert.

Im sorry, Your Highness. It hasnt been long since this kid became a knight, he doesnt know much about manners. Ill teach him better so that he doesnt behave rudely.

Noxis apologized together, pressing down on the back of Jarrets head. I thought it was an excessive apology, but I preferred to stay silent.

Hes only a knight who didnt say hello to the Archduchess. There was nothing to be angry at. Oh Thats why Noxis swore at Jarett on purpose.

Not unlike Sejan who was a strange knight, bad manners and rude to the nobles. This is a strategy to cover for him. This situation was more tiring by the second, so I alluded at Noxis.

Its all right, Noxis. Dont worry too much.

What?

Noxis looked dumbfounded. The other knights around, likewise, opened their mouths with the same expression.

Uh-huh. Whats that? They all look so surprised.

Probably because they all think Im a noble. And like all other nobles, I should be a docile person, but honestly, I meant it. Theres nothing to worry about. I was not even a proper noble in the first place.

It was kind cute that he looked at me with such big eyes full of surprise.

He was still smiling, mouth still open full of surprise.

I dont think Jarett is rude. It was rather that Jarett was looking at me with such wide eyes.

Oh, thats because your Highness is so beautiful.

Shut up you Thank you for your understanding, your Highness

Noxis pressed Jaretts head harder and bowed even more deeply this time.

Yeah, you crazy brat. Stop making trouble. Your heart is pounding! Thank you, your Highness!

I thank you for your kindness, your Highness. Jarett, please watch your language!

The next thing I knew, all the other knights gathered around to thanked me and scold Jarett.

He seems to be loved, probably because hes a good kid.

The flow was the same as before, but the air was getting more comfortable. That was a relief. After this moment of uproar, I walked in with Jarett inside the training grounds

[If you are looking for the leader of the second unit, Jarett will walk you there.]

The warm air froze when Sejans name came out. As expected, Sejans effect was great when you ask about him.

If you say Sejans name to a nobleman you dont want to deal with, theyll all run away.

Come to think of it, Sejan never came to see me since that day.

Are you waiting for me to come first?

Or maybe he just lost his interest in me.

But he seems to be attending his duties.

I talk to Jarett, humming next to me.

Jarett, hows Sejan doing these days?

The Captain? Hes a little busy these days. Hes got a new unit; a new system and hes currently teaching.

System, Order, and Rules These three things were the most inconsistent virtues for Sejan. I couldnt imagine what the 2nd unit he would lead would look like.

Captain Sejan is a good man.

Only

Jarett, who suddenly spoke out, continued.

People say hes crazy, but hes my benefactor. He saved me, an orphan who was starving to death, and put me in the Order.

It was the first time I ever heard someone openly say that Sejan was a crazy guy.

And yet I sense no fear coming from him.

Nevertheless, did Sejan feel different because of the lack of venom in Jaretts tone? Is Sejan a person who is unexpectedly normal?

Your Highness, did you finally come because you missed me?

The complacency of was dismissed as soon as I saw Sejan.