Side Story Episode 10

The attendant in my memory had a more dignified and haughty air, but from the man bowing obsequiously to Xenon at the palace entrance, not a trace of that past impression remained.

Whether he had suffered much hardship in the time since I last saw him, his face was gaunt and his posture stooped.

It was hard to believe he was an attendant serving a Prince at his side. If not for his attire, one might not even recognize him as an attendant at all.

“…….”

Resting my chin on my hand, I began watching them in earnest. The two were completely unaware of my observation.

For whatever purpose he had come here, the attendant was practically clinging to Xenon, almost begging.

Yet Xenon was astonishingly unperturbed, not batting an eye. Considering how readily he smiles in front of me, the contrast was truly remarkable.

But the attendant was no pushover either.

Seeing that his opinion was getting nowhere, the attendant took something from his pocket and pressed it into Xenon's hand. I couldn't see what it was.

‘Is he bribing him?’

Xenon glanced at the item placed in his hand and readily accepted it. Seeing him take it so compliantly, it did seem like it might be a bribe.

At any rate, seeing Xenon's reaction, the attendant bowed his head again with a relieved expression. As if his mission was accomplished, his face had brightened considerably.

“…….”

Xenon, who had been staring intently at the attendant's retreating back, put the received item into his pocket and turned around.

What on earth was that? As I was wondering, he suddenly looked up.

Still leaning against the window looking outside, my eyes met Xenon's precisely. The smile that had been entirely absent from Xenon's face melted away like a gentle lamb's.

"Did you miss me already?"

This was the same Xenon who would use flight magic the moment our eyes met back in Veladia Castle. In an instant, he flew up to me, beaming brightly.

"That was Maxel's personal attendant just now."

At my words, Xenon's smile vanished. In its place was an awkward expression.

"How did you recognize him?"

"It would be strange if I didn't. Why did he come here all of a sudden?"

Glancing with displeasure in the direction the attendant had disappeared, he answered nonchalantly.

"He said he got lost."

Impossible. Anyone could see he came looking for me.

Narrowing my eyes, I stared at Xenon with a suspicious gaze. Xenon must have felt my stare but pretended not to notice.

"What did you receive?"

At my question, Xenon pressed his lips tightly shut. Averting his gaze and feigning ignorance, his whole body signaled he didn't want to tell me.

Just as I was about to question him again, guards who had sensed magic came running from various directions. Whether they were originally stationed nearby, their reaction was very swift.

"Using magic again!"

"Magic is forbidden within the imperial palace!"

"What are you doing? Get down here at once!"

I heard they had distributed magic-detecting items to the imperial palace guards because of Xenon; it seems it was true.

Looking down at the guards gathering below the window and making a racket, Xenon clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"Tch, really. They still haven't given up."

They are, after all, the ones guarding the imperial palace; they can't afford to give up. Thinking that, I also found myself looking down at the guards with feelings similar to Xenon's.

They probably know Xenon's status, yet seeing them attack so zealously... one has to admire their professional dedication...

"Since I've already used magic, shall I chase those people away with magic too?"

Seeing Xenon frown and grumble made me sigh. I spoke to him as if placating him.

"Consider yourself lucky you're not being dragged to a cell."

"Does it make sense to forbid a mage from using magic? Besides, flight magic like this just activates out of habit."

Xenon, his eyes wide, wore an expression of injustice instead.

Come to think of it, Xenon did use magic frequently in Veladia Castle as well, so it was plausible he might unconsciously channel magical power.

Rubbing my chin in brief contemplation, I glanced towards the main palace.

"Or, you could petition Sir Heinri for a permit allowing you exceptional use."

"Oh, can I get something like that?"

"Why wouldn't you be able to? The seal of the Crown Prince, who will soon ascend, can create any exception."

There hasn't been such a precedent yet, but since Xenon is soon to become the Tower Master, wouldn't he be able to get permission?

Judging by appearances, Xenon seemed to meet Heinri regularly regarding Magic Tower matters as well; even if I don't know the details, their relationship didn't seem like it would end in a year or two.

Since they'll be seeing each other anyway, issuing an exceptional pass would be more convenient for both.

Perhaps my words sounded quite plausible, as Xenon nodded and sank into thought. Then, his eyes soon lit up as he looked at me.

"I'll go right now!"

"Now?"

"The distance is close, after all."

Of course, the distance between the main palace where Heinri would be and here wasn't far. But the issue isn't the distance, it's the timing.

"Tomorrow is the coronation, so he must be extremely busy...?"

The moment I muttered this like a soliloquy, a soldier's booming shout came from below.

"I said get down here now!"

"Ugh, so noisy! I'm coming down, I'm coming down!"

Xenon, looking irritably at the guards huddled together and looking up, moved instantly to stand before them.

Startled by Xenon suddenly appearing right in front of them, the guards stepped back. Seizing the momentum, Xenon crossed his arms and raised his voice.

"Hey, since when are we on informal terms? I'm a guest of the imperial palace!"

"Hah, but you're a habitual offender...!"

"Huh? Me! I eat snacks with His Highness the Crown Prince, we do business, huh?"

"Kgh..."

Watching the guards falter, Xenon boldly raised his voice, then made as if to leave the palace but stopped and waved at me.

"I'll be right back!"

Looking at Xenon with astonished eyes, I finally let out a deflated laugh and waved back.

The main palace is close, so he'll be right back, I suppose.

The busy Heinri would naturally be appalled by Xenon's visit... but being annoyed, he might just issue the permit quickly to get rid of him, so perhaps visiting now is actually better?

* * *

Xenon stopped walking once he confirmed the palace where Anelli was staying was no longer visible in the distance.

Letting out a long sigh, he rummaged in his pocket. With a rustling sound, out came a piece of paper. Unfolding the small, folded paper revealed a rather meticulously written letter.

Xenon skimmed the contents with his eyes, then put it back in his pocket and resumed walking. His steps passed by the main palace, heading towards a somewhat more distant location.

It was a tower, located conspicuously far away from other places. With its windowless, cylindrical shape standing tall, its purpose was difficult to guess.

"O-over here!"

The attendant who had come to Anelli's palace earlier revealed himself near the tower entrance. Recognizing Xenon's face, his own lit up with joy as he looked around.

"The watchmen have left their posts. They were temporarily reassigned because of tomorrow's coronation. If not today, there would be no opportunity."

"Hmm."

Xenon listened to the attendant half-heartedly while looking up at the tower.

"As expected, magic is active."

"Is that so?"

"But it's not a problem for me."

"I, I see! That's fortunate. But..."

The attendant, who had been nodding with a smile, glanced furtively behind Xenon. Rolling his eyes busily as if searching for something, he asked in a cautious tone.

"Might I ask where the Resurrected One is...?"

Mocking his naivety for naturally assuming Xenon had come with Anelli, Xenon answered curtly.

"I came alone."

"Pardon?"

The attendant wore a bewildered expression. Xenon passed by him with an indifferent face and approached the tower.

Though the tower appeared to have nothing on the outside, to Xenon's eyes, the barrier surrounding it was visible. It was a barrier blocking intruders from both inside and out.

It was magic of a much higher level than the barrier protecting the imperial palace, but whether unfortunately or fortunately, with Xenon's skill, quietly entering was possible.

"Did the Resurrected One not read the letter?"

"I haven't given it to him yet."

"What do you...! You said you would deliver it!"

The attendant, his face flushed, blocked Xenon's path. Xenon, who hadn't even granted him a glance while examining the barrier, replied in an indifferent tone.

"I said I'd deliver it. I will deliver it. Later."

The attendant was the last servant attending the imprisoned deposed Crown Prince. Surprisingly, perhaps some shred of loyalty remained, as he had dared to come to Anelli to request a meeting with Maxel, and even brought along a shabby letter supposedly written by Maxel.

Its contents were so pitiful that it had taken immense effort to resist burning it on the spot.

Of course, it was true he had told the attendant he would deliver the letter. He really did intend to deliver it eventually.

But it didn't necessarily have to be today.

"No, I said it must be today or else..."

"That's why I'm here."

Having found a suitable point to slip through, Xenon finally looked back at the attendant. The golden eyes that were always brimming with laughter in front of Anelli now stared coldly at the attendant.

"Why on earth would I let you meet our master!"

"Because I am Master Anelli's lover."

Xenon traced a line in the air with his finger.

Following the downward slashing motion, a faint light sparkled, leaving particles behind. But they soon vanished as if they had never been.

Xenon took a bold step inside the tower. No magical force hindered his stride.

Walking unimpeded inside, Xenon muttered with a sneer.

"Who in their right mind would leave their lover alone with a clingy, pathetic ex-fiancé bastard?"