novelraw Chapter 154 : Chapter 154
Chapter 154 : Chapter 154
Chapter 154. For the Kingdom (6)
Evan drew a line.
His declaration that he wouldn’t take Jack as an attendant for the delegation was a massive shock to Jack.
“Why…?”
Jack’s voice noticeably shrank, his unease instantly conveyed to Evan.
That’s how much of a blow it was to him.
“Don’t misunderstand. It’s not because I dislike you. It’s the opposite. I’m saying this because I value you.”
“What does that mean? If you value me, you should take me with you. Is the Empire that dangerous?”
“The official delegation itself shouldn’t be an issue. But what I plan to do there is dangerous.”
Evan had no intention of merely acting as a delegate, lodging a formal protest, and returning.
From finding the Zakarin Tribe to uncovering the Empire’s deepest secrets, it was tantamount to confronting the Empire head-on.
“I plan to act independently, separate from the kingdom’s agenda. If you’re with me, you’ll be in danger too. You might even have to risk your life.”
“Then I should go with you all the more! Why are you leaving me out?”
Jack emphasized the trust they’d built, asserting himself strongly.
But Evan pointed out a crucial fact Jack was overlooking.
“Jack, you have a family.”
Unlike Evan, Jack had a mother to care for.
Startled, Jack quickly retorted with conviction.
“But to me, you’re family too.”
“…What?”
“We may not share blood, but I genuinely see you as more than family.”
“I’m grateful for that. But if you truly feel that way, that’s all the more reason you can’t come. Who would put their precious family in danger?”
“But, Young Master…!”
“No more stubbornness. This is serious.”
Determined to go to the Empire for his purpose, Evan resolved not to take Jack.
He knew better than anyone how dangerous his plans were.
“Jack, I’m not just telling you to rest here. I’m also asking you to stay and protect our family.”
“You’ve already eliminated all threats. What’s left to protect…?”
“You never know.”
In truth, this was just an excuse.
As Jack said, there were hardly any threats left to the Lafard Family.
But Evan used this flimsy pretext to keep Jack in a safe place.
“Please, I’m asking you.”
Evan gently raised his glass.
“…Alright.”
Jack reluctantly lowered his head, responding weakly.
“Thanks for understanding.”
“…”
Unlike Evan, who gave a faint smile, Jack kept his head down, lips pursed as if plotting something.
***
With a week left before the delegation’s departure for the Empire, preparations began in earnest.
Evan, deliberating over his attendants, was called by Princess Anna to discuss the matter.
“It’s time to hurry preparations. Have you decided on your attendants?”
“For now, I plan to take Mei, the head of the Viper Organization.”
“Will she agree easily?”
“Money’s enough.”
Indeed, money was Mei’s driving force.
Having infiltrated the palace without hesitation, she wouldn’t refuse a trip to the Empire.
“What about the others? There’s no limit, but three more should be fine. Are you taking Jack, as usual?”
“No, I’m not taking Jack this time.”
“Why not? He’s like a loyal friend.”
“That’s exactly why. Also, Jack has a family to protect. If he goes too far, there’ll be no one to care for them.”
Above all, considering what would happen in the Empire, Evan didn’t have the capacity to look after anyone.
From that perspective, though loyal, Jack still lacked the necessary skills.
“Instead, I plan to take Jaina Vaberin and Gaiard. Neither is tied to the kingdom or family.”
Both were skilled enough to protect themselves in the Empire’s dangerous situations.
“That leaves one more?”
“Yes. The last one…”
Evan hesitated.
“Who’s making you hesitate like that?”
“I’m not sure if you’ll approve, but I’d like to take Knight Anton.”
“What? Anton?”
Evan’s final choice was Anton, known as the Swift Sword Knight.
“Why Anton?”
At the Princess’s question, Evan explained slowly.
“From what I’ve seen, there’s no doubt about Sir Anton’s skills. I believe you’d agree, Princess.”
Swift Sword Knight Anton.
Evan had seen his swordsmanship only once, briefly, years ago during a test.
But that was enough.
Evan had the ability to gauge an opponent’s skill in a single glance.
“You’re right. Anton is my escort knight. But you’re not choosing him just for his skills, are you?”
“No, this time it’s purely for his skills.”
“Really?”
Evan’s criteria for selecting attendants were strictly based on ability.
This mission might require risking our lives.
Having been through countless trials, Evan rated the danger highly, so his attendants needed to be skilled enough to protect themselves.
Thus, he chose Anton, whose abilities he could trust.
“At the very least, this delegation needs someone of Sir Anton’s caliber. Though the kingdom would likely assign a knight of his level without my request.”
“Anton… Anton…”
Anna roughly guessed Evan’s true intentions in wanting her escort.
Needing Anton means this won’t end peacefully…
But on the flip side, what if she didn’t send Anton, and something happened to Evan?
Imagining that scenario, Anna’s frown deepened.
“Ugh…”
“If it’s burdensome since he’s your escort, I can choose someone else…”
“No. I’ll allow Anton. I’ll speak to him myself.”
Anna wanted to ensure Evan’s safety by sending her escort knight.
She also had another hidden motive but kept it from Evan.
“That settles it, right?”
“Yes. That’s enough. Thank you for the special consideration, Princess.”
“Evan, I’m sending Anton because I want you both to return safely.”
“I understand. And I intend to do just that. I still have much to enjoy.”
Evan’s words carried more sincerity than usual.
“When I return, I plan to live leisurely for the rest of my life.”
“Pfft!”
Anna burst out laughing at Evan’s overly serious remark.
“Who’s going to let you live like that?”
“What?”
“You’ll have to work for the kingdom. Don’t you know how capable you are?”
For a moment, memories of his past life—being overwhelmed with countless tasks—flashed through Evan’s mind.
That traumatic memory made him shake his head firmly.
“When I return, I’ll hide in some forest and live in seclusion.”
“Try it. You’d better start planning to serve the kingdom when you return.”
“I’d rather go into exile…”
“Haha!”
They exchanged light banter, wrapping up the conversation.
As Evan left, Anna immediately summoned Anton through a maid.
***
Shortly after, Anton arrived, and Anna relayed her conversation with Evan.
As expected, Anton’s eyebrows twitched subtly, revealing his unease.
“I’ll follow any command from you, Princess. But may I ask why I must accompany Duke Evan Lafard?”
“It’s nothing special. Just do as you always do. You’ve always excelled at escort duties.”
“…I’m asking about your true intentions, Princess. If it’s something you can’t share, I won’t press further.”
Anton had been by Anna’s side since she was three, close enough to read her true feelings from her actions and expressions alone.
“Princess?”
“Alright. I was going to tell you before we left, but I’ll say it now. This is more important.”
“Speak, and I’ll obey any command.”
“If Evan tries to do anything reckless, stop him at all costs.”
“…”
The real reason Anna was sending Anton was her strong desire to prevent Evan from taking dangerous actions.
“Evan will likely try something risky on his own after joining the delegation. I don’t know the details, but I’m certain of it.”
“So you want me to stop Duke Evan?”
“Yes. Whatever he’s planning could endanger his life. Anton, bring him back to the kingdom safely. Can you do it?”
Anna trusted Anton to fulfill this mission.
But Anton’s thoughts differed.
Stop Evan Lafard? Does she really believe that’s possible? Even Bakan couldn’t stop him.
Anton’s past encounter with Evan, testing him, was a secret even Anna didn’t know.
During that brief clash, Anton had confirmed Evan’s ability to easily counter his attacks.
Even years ago, I couldn’t predict the outcome against Evan. To stop him now… Is that even feasible?
If Evan was truly determined, Anton knew he couldn’t stop him.
Yet, as a knight of the royal family, refusal wasn’t an option.
Following the royal family’s orders was his purpose and duty.
“Understood. I’ll make it happen.”
“That’s my Anton! I knew you’d do it. Now I’m relieved.”
But Anna didn’t realize her worries had been passed onto Anton.
Burdened with this immense responsibility, Anton resolved to train harder until the delegation’s departure.
If I truly have to stop Evan… I need to get stronger, even if it’s futile!