I intercepted Sejans words, knowing what others didnt know about his story. This is what happened.

The Garth Clan, who fell overnight, became sinners and hid themselves in the periphery of the Empire. Living in hiding while threatened by everyone.

That day.

The saddest day in Sejans life.

On December 24, 783 in the imperial calendar, on Christmas Eve, the Black Masked Troops attacked the Garth, slaughtering all clan members using their children as hostages.

I added that Sejan was able to survive because his father, who sensed danger, hid him in an old box.

No matter what you hear, never come out, Sejan. Sejan mimicked what his father told him long ago, never losing the grave expression that came to his face. I didnt say anything for a while, any gesture would have been seen as pitying by Sejan.

Curled up in a very small box, Sejan had to hear the dying cries from members of his clan. He could hear the eerie sound of clashing and constant screams.

Nevertheless, Sejan closed his eyes and covered his ears.

Even when he felt the pitch-black darkness creeping up on him, he kept the same position.

Because

He promised.

Im the proudest father in the world. Ill be here no matter what. Recalling his fathers words, Sejan gritted his teeth and endured the retailing of his story.

He had wondered how long it had been, hiding in that box? At one point, the disturbance that took control of the surrounding area faded into nothingness.

When Sejan finally heard nothing but silence, all the tension from his body was relieved at once, making his body shake uncontrollably. Struggling to get out of the box, his trembling body could barely move as if it had broken down.

Boom. Boom.

He tripped and fell over the box, he was terrified.

It was at that moment when he opened the creepy-sounding wooden door and went out of the house, that his heart fell into his stomach, leaving him overwhelmed.

-

Sejans hair became white. He neither understood nor wanted to comprehend.

The horrific scene unfolding in front of him Outside, the corpses of the shattered clan were rolling over. The clear blood from the bodies was soaking the bare ground red.

Death.

Yes. Death was just around the corner for little Sejan.

Oh, uh, uh

Sejan murmured like an animal in shock and desperately searched for his family.

Respected father.

Beloved mother.

My one and only sister.

The reality he encountered was despair.

Beyond the multiple bodies, his mothers and sisters corpses were already cold.

He saw his father gasping for breath beside him.

Father, father!

Sejan ran away in a heartbeat towards his father.

A doctor

His father shook his head hard at Sejan, who was covered in tears. He concluded there was no possible way to save himself, feeling the life running out of him.

Sejans father had a family heirloom coming down from generation to generation. In his last moment, Sejans father gave him with his last words. He died before being able to finish.

I entrust this sword to you with my life and honor.

After the annihilation of his clan overnight. Sejan held on to the bodies of his family and cried several times before exhaustion caught up to him.

Once he woke up, the rotten body beside him was poking at his nose. He buried their bodies with his tiny hands.

Sejans life became even worse after that.

With his thin, scrawny body, he lived as a wanderer with a sword twice as big as me. Until he was captured by a villainous merchant in the slums and became a war slave.

Although he was a combatant, Sejan grew up with little to nothing, leaving him weak. He learned nothing but murder for a long time, crushing out any emotion.

It was Kyle who saved Sejan.

Kyle recovered Sejans sword, as well as his life that had been stolen at the same time. Since then, Sejan could not let go of the original image of Kyle.

Even though the story was over, Sejan didnt react at all.

A deep silence came. I soon realized my mistake.

Oh, my God.

There was a cloud in front of me. I was embarrassed by the water that filled my eyes.

What, your Highness, are you sympathizing? Sejan broke the silence.

It was not a criticism nor a reproach, but a genuine question.

I opened my mouth while trying to shake my head.

Yes, thats right.

My voice came out a bit hoarse. I thought it would not be polite to lie about my current feelings.

And these tears are also a way to pay homage to your life.

This was also sincere.

Sejan was once again silent. I didnt know what kind of expression he was making at the moment; my view was still blurry.

Raven Granis.

I told him while letting the tears flow out as it was.

Raven Granis? Sejan asked back.

Its the name of the person youre looking for.

I could now see Sejans usual smile disappeared from his face. The silhouette of his raised eyebrows proved it.

Your Highness, I havent told you that I would sign a contract?

I thought it would be polite to tell you this much because youve been in pain.

Hmm. Raven Granis. Sejan calmly responded.

After a moment of silence, he tilted his head and muttered.

He didnt seem to have any doubts, didnt seem to be particularly suspicious of my words. Thanks to him, the explanation continued without any interruption.

He changes his appearance and his identity periodically, so its hard to locate him, but I can find him.

By using her Highnesss power?

Yes.

Raven was a character related to the original story.

So, theres a time when he will appear.

I could not always meet Sejan even being close in proximity while looking for Raven. It was a sure development that would cause tension between us.

I straightened my back and waited for the answer, staring calmly at him.

Sympathy is sympathy, and transactions are transactions. The dice were thrown, and my hand was shown.

So, youd better take this time to make a deal with me.

I took out the handkerchief in my arms, wiping away tears that disturbed my vision and looked up at Sejan again.

Sejans face, which had been cloudy, was now clearly visible. The expression on his face was now different, the corners of his mouth were slightly raised.

I felt the result, and Sejan opened his mouth just in time.

What do you want your Highness?

Done. Its working. His voice sounded agreeable to me.

Maintaining composure so as not to get drunk on victory, I raised a finger.

Theres only one thing I want. Act as my escort and look the other way when you need to.

Looking the other way?

Yes, literally. Pretend you dont know, look the other way. Whatever I do, cover your mouth and close your ears, you just need to escort me, so I dont risk my life and get killed.

Hearing what youre saying now, I guess youre going to commit a crime.

I grinned at his light tackle.

Of course, even if I commit a crime, you have to look the other way and pretend you do not know. I want an escort who knows to keep his mouth shut. Of course, if you do, Ill give you all the information I know about Raven and when he shows up.

Sejan tilted his head. It was a gesture filled with curiosity about what I was planning to do.

I understand what youre saying but is it possible her Highness could provide me with false information?

Its not difficult for you to twist my neck. Besides, are there any idiots in the Arnold Empire willing to risk their lives lying to you?

I mentioned it in a straightforward manner, but as for me, I was risking my life.

Soon, Sejan had a smile covering his face. His following words according to my answer were clear.

Its a life-threatening deal. Thats good.

Sejans eyes were turned into lions.

***

Sigh

After the deal with Sejan was made, I was left alone and dropped in my office chair sighting in relief.

Wow, Im so tired, Im going to pass out.

Throughout my time with him, I couldnt relax for a moment. He would be like that too.

It was because Sejan used ambiguous expressions and engaged in nervous warfare and provocations whenever he had a chance. Thanks to him, I felt like I was fighting a different kind of beast than the usual dragon.

Fortunately, he liked the life-threatening part of the contract.

Its worth it, he is the second male lead in the original story, he can help me.

Anyway, I took a breather and slowly recalled the contents of the transaction.

The transaction period will be 5 months, but it could be considered flexible. It could be faster than that.

That period was set to meet Kyles time limit. It was meaningless to extend the period beyond that.

Oh, also, I will be writing a redemption contract.

The contract I proposed to him was one of the magic contracts.

After writing the contract, a cute redemption spirit appears every 15th, 30th, 60th, and 90th days, and the reminder of how long it has passed.

This was a fairly normal range of magic contract.

Of course, Sejan didnt like it.