Chapter 92

“Did you come to see master?”

“And to see how you’re doing.”

“I’m always doing well.”

“Really?”

As I raised an eyebrow at the sprouting little villains starting to get up one by one, Palos, looking sheepish, changed the subject.

“Just now… was that you, sister? My back suddenly felt hot, it startled me.”

I chuckled and replied with a wink instead of words. There were too many ears listening to start talking about spirits recklessly.

Just then, one of the punks who had fallen earlier spat on the floor and muttered, “Hiding behind a woman’s skirt and grinning like an idiot.”

Well, well.

I always wonder what people like that think when they say such things. Don’t they have mothers or sisters? Why would they want to say something like that?

They were so pathetic, I couldn’t even be angry.

“She’s not a woman, she’s an adult. You kids probably have pasta instead of brains in your heads.”

Didn’t I say I wasn’t angry? I’m really not.

In fact, when I realized that those kids were the same ones I saw at the entrance banquet—let’s call them #1 and #2—any irritation I had completely vanished.

“Well. I suppose it’s not your fault. You’re just mimicking the adults around you. Isn’t that right?”

“What…?”

“You should think carefully about who’s behind Palos before running your mouth. I’m trying to be nice, but if you don’t listen…”

Smiling sweetly, I threw out a line they’d fear the most.

“I’ll call in the adults who taught you wrong… and make them pay.”

At some point in life, you come to realize just how rare a second chance is.

These kids threw theirs away.

And as a result, their lives from now on won’t be the same—more like walking barefoot through a thorn-covered salt field.

“W-wait a minute!”

As I grabbed Palos’ hand and firmly turned to leave, a few of them approached in protest, now using honorifics. Their faces looked rather wronged.

But as I said, once you throw away the second chance, that’s it.

“Take even one more step and I’ll burn you to ashes so quietly even the rats and birds won’t notice.”

I said it coldly, with genuine sincerity. Even those dull boys couldn’t miss the threat—footsteps behind us stopped completely.

As we walked in silence for a while, Palos asked,

“That was a joke, right, sister?”

“What was?”

Calling their parents? Burning them?

“I just thought… you seemed like you were going to expel them.”

“No matter how much influence I have, expelling students directly would be a bit much, don’t you think?”

It could stir sympathy for them. And the more uptight professors would say it’s unacceptable in an academic institution. Sure, it’d be fast—but it’d be a headache.

“That’s a relief.”

Palos sighed in relief and smiled.

“I don’t want people saying you’re a bad person because of me. You’re the best person I know…”

“Haha.”

I’d never thought of myself as a good person. I just didn’t want to be a villain. Still, hearing that from a kid didn’t feel too bad.

“And I know how amazing you are.”

“Hm?”

You already knew I was a direct descendant of the Grand Duke—why bring it up now?

Then Palos lowered his voice and whispered, “You stopped that big accident at the Magic Gate Administration, right? My master told me in secret.”

“Ah… haha. It just sort of happened.”

I only did it for my own convenience, because of tangled ties.

Getting this kind of starry-eyed admiration made my conscience sting a little.

‘I guess I can’t tell him my next plan.’

I’d planned to summon the parents of the brats who bullied Palos, step on them hard, and ruin their family names if needed. But now, I’d keep that to myself.

‘If they turn over a new leaf, they can get scholarships and become mages. If not, well… they’ll live a very different life.’

I tucked away the wicked thoughts and smiled more naturally.

“Other than those jerks, are you doing okay here?”

“Yes. The classes are fun… everything’s great. Actually, most people are too busy studying to cause trouble. Those guys are the weird ones.”

Seeing him blush as he defended the school, afraid I’d get a bad impression, I burst out laughing and ruffled his hair.

“That’s good. Really good.”

It really was a relief. He seemed to be adjusting well, and he didn’t look disappointed in anything.

So many kids go to higher schools full of hope, only to be let down.

As I was thinking that, Palos tugged my hand.

“I mean it.”

“I believe you. But… I still wish you’d contact me more.”

Maybe I’d been too distant, only offering financial support as a sponsor.

Palos, looking nervous like a meerkat, rushed to explain.

“I-I just didn’t want to bother you…”

The adult thing to say would’ve been, ‘You don’t need to worry about that.’

But I guess I wasn’t grown-up enough yet, because I felt mischievous.

“You sure you’re not just too busy with studying?”

“No way!”

“Didn’t you just say 24 hours a day wasn’t enough for all the things you had to do?”

“Time spent on those punks is what’s a waste. I’ll always make time for you, sister.”

Wow, what a line.

‘In a few years, the noble ladies of Roquate will be flooding him with love letters.’

Handsome, smart, heir to a great mage—he’s got the makings of a leading man.

Imagining the upright young man he’d become, I giggled.

“Thanks. Even when you grow up, don’t change that sentiment, okay?”

“Of course I won’t!”

“Then as a bribe, I’ll buy you something delicious today.”

I was about to ask what he wanted to eat when—

From a distance, someone shouted with full energy as they ran toward us.

“Milady!”

“Who’s that?”

Palos frowned slightly, sensing something. He tried not to show it, but he was clearly cautious.

“That’s my new bodyguard.”

“Oh…”

He relaxed his grip on my hand slightly—but only for a moment.

As the man drew closer, both Palos and the knight, Clidane, froze with surprise.

Like they’d just seen something they couldn’t believe.

‘What’s with them? Do they know each other?’

As I tilted my head in confusion, Palos quickly asked, “That knight… he looks a lot like the Third Prince, your fiancé. Is he a prince too?”

“No, no. Just someone who looks like him.”

“You said you broke off the engagement… and now your bodyguard looks exactly like him?”

Ugh. Smart kid. Right to the point. I rubbed my aching chest and muttered, “It wasn’t my choice… My sister picked him.”

Meanwhile, Clidane had reached us.

He was still staring at Palos, utterly stunned.

‘That’s not like him. He’s usually calm, no matter what.’

Even though I hadn’t known him long, Clidane always handled things without hesitation.

This reaction was strange.

“Um, Sir Olce? You’re scaring the child.”

Palos pouted slightly at being called a child, but Clidane finally came to his senses and apologized.

“Sorry. What’s your name?”

Palos looked up at me. I gave a small nod to say it was okay.

“…Palos.”

“He’s a child I’m sponsoring, Sir Olce. A disciple of the Grand Mage.”

In other words, don’t even think about treating him poorly because you assume he’s just a commoner.

Clidane got the message.

“My apologies. He looked just like someone I know. I wondered if they were related.”

Ah.

So Clidane assumed Palos had no last name because he was a commoner.

‘I’ll have to explain things more clearly later.’

But just then, Palos answered in a clear, unwavering voice.

“I grew up in an orphanage. I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else.”

“……!”

Looking at him, I let out a soft laugh.

When I was his age, I could never have said something like that so confidently.

Even if it was just adolescence, I had excuses.

But still—he was impressive.

Oddly, Clidane’s expression grew even more serious after hearing that.

***

As promised, I treated Palos to a nice meal, then returned home. As soon as Clidane and I were alone, I broached the subject.

“What’s going on, Sir Olce?”

“I’m not sure I understand, my lady. Have I done something inappropriate?”

Clidane, who had already returned to his usual composed demeanor, asked calmly.

“It’s about Palos. You mentioned he looked like someone… and it’s been bothering me. I don’t think you’re the kind of person to act like that over nothing.”

“…”

“Do they really look that much alike?”

Clidane hesitated for a moment, then nodded as if he’d made up his mind.

“Yes. It’s as if they were made from the same mold. But…”

That was when it happened. A knock at the door, followed by Ramande carefully opening it.

“Minuelle, do you have a moment?”

“Ah, right now…”

Truth be told, I’d already been thinking of having a conversation with Ramande after hearing what Gabbie had told me.

Still, it felt a bit off to interrupt Clidane when he was clearly about to talk about something personal.

Surprisingly though, Clidane welcomed Ramande without hesitation.

“It’s alright. It may be better to have the priest here to listen as well.”

Before I could even say anything, Ramande stepped inside with a gentle smile.

“Thank you, Sir Olce.”

“Not at all.”

And with that, he casually sat down beside me, showing none of the previous hesitance.

I was too dumbfounded to do anything but laugh. Ramande gently patted the back of my hand, and just as I was about to say something, he spoke first.

“Did something happen? The atmosphere seems serious.”

This guy—he definitely timed that after reading my expression.

Annoyed, I glared at him but still gave a straightforward answer.

“I visited the magic school today, and when Sir Olce saw Palos, he looked completely shocked. I was just asking him about that.”

“I see. Sorry for interrupting. Please, go ahead and speak freely.”

Ramande gave a small nod, his face shifting seamlessly into the calm, kind expression he usually wore when meeting with believers. His voice softened to match.

Knowing his true nature, I shivered a little at the sight—it always gave me chills.

But Clidane seemed encouraged by the atmosphere and began to speak right away.

“I… first met that person when I had just become a knight.”

Wait, you’re starting from there?

I had expected him to just explain who Palos looked like and how. I was a bit caught off guard.

But Ramande showed no sign of impatience or surprise, simply focusing intently on Clidane’s words.

Watching his calm profile, I couldn’t help but think to myself,

‘Being a priest really is his calling.’