Chapter 147: Dissonance (5)
What was it that Lian said back then?
Suddenly, Cecilia recalled the conversation she had with Lian a few days ago.
When her older sister asked about his denomination, he clearly answered like this:
― “My faith isn’t yet deep enough to choose a denomination. I plan to make that decision calmly once I’ve learned a bit more.”
Yes, he definitely said that.
But even then, it felt like he had vaguely mumbled something.
At the time, she didn’t think much of it and let it slide...
Thinking back, perhaps she should’ve asked more details.
‘…I’ll ask again next time.’
Still, Cecilia considered it nothing more than simple curiosity.
Yes, truly, this was just a question about his religious beliefs.
She nodded to herself as if reassured.
It was definitely not because she was wondering whether Lian was thinking about marriage or if he was already engaged to someone.
Definitely not.
“Um. I think I should be going now.”
Just then, Lancia’s voice broke through Cecilia’s thoughts, sounding a bit troubled.
As their eyes met, she gave a faint smile and lifted the stack of documents in her arms.
“Actually, I was in the middle of handling something urgent.”
“Something urgent?”
“Yes, um…”
Lancia trailed off, glancing quickly at Selendis.
Selendis gave a small smile and offered,
“If it’s inconvenient, should I give you two some privacy?”
“Oh…! I—I’m sorry. That wasn’t my intention…”
She hesitated for a moment, then shook her head.
Turning to Selendis, she cautiously spoke up.
“Um, if it’s not too rude, may I ask you something?”
“Yes, of course.”
“You’re Selendis Everglenn, right? The Vice-Commander of the Dragon Knights. Is that correct?”
At Lancia’s question, Selendis didn’t hide the pride that surfaced on her face as she answered.
“Yes, that’s right. Hehe… I’m honored you recognized me.”
“Mm, in that case, I suppose it’s okay to bring this up. Especially since Miss Cecilia is here too… Technically, you’re connected to this as well.”
As she spoke, Lancia took a step closer.
“Do you know anything about Miss Yuran?”
“No.”
Cecilia shook her head.
Like Lancia, she had no personal connection to Yuran.
In fact, she had even less of one than Lancia did.
The only instance she could recall speaking to her privately was that brief moment in the library when Yuran had been with Lian.
‘…She didn’t seem like a bad person.’
A bit awkward in speech, but calm and intellectual.
An exotic beauty with striking black hair.
And someone who had survived great danger alongside them.
That was the extent of Cecilia’s impression of Yuran.
Just like with Lancia, if not for their mutual link to Lian, they probably would never have crossed paths.
“Did something happen to her?”
“Mm, it’s a bit of a long story…”
Lancia began to explain briefly.
Yuran had gone through a lot when entering the country.
The guard captain who had persecuted her was now facing disciplinary action thanks to Professor Shagas and Sister Roberta’s strong requests.
But during the process—while he was under suspension and awaiting further disciplinary action—he was suddenly attacked by an unknown assailant.
The problem was, during his ramblings, he kept mumbling things like Garusol this, that woman that...
“Ah, so…”
“Yes… And because of that, the incident has become more complicated. Now, Professor Shagas, the sister, and even Miss Yuran are all under investigation. I heard the sister went in for questioning today.”
Lancia explained she was on her way to deliver the relevant documents just in case.
“As for Miss Yuran… honestly, I don’t really know. She’s already at a disadvantage being a foreigner... I heard Professor Shagas would be accompanying her, but beyond that, I don’t know any details.”
I just hope it doesn’t escalate into something serious…
Murmuring this, Lancia gave a polite bow to the two.
“Well then, I’ll be on my way.”
With worry written all over her face, Lancia gave her farewells and hurried off.
Selendis, watching her retreating back, scratched her head, looking troubled.
“Hmm…”
“What’s wrong, Sister?”
“No, I just can’t believe how tangled this all is.”
Selendis muttered with a complicated expression.
“Actually, the Dragon Knights also received a request for cooperation regarding this matter. The timing couldn’t be worse—tensions are high, and with Garusol involved, diplomatic relations are especially sensitive... They don’t want the issue blowing up.”
“…Even the Dragon Knights?”
“Technically, the request came from even higher up.”
“But why… to you, Sister? Surely there are others more suited for this…”
Cecilia asked, puzzled.
Selendis sighed and shook her head as if she’d drawn the short straw.
“I happened to be the closest one with a suitable rank to take responsibility. So they told me to go and assist.”
“Ah…”
“So I was actually planning to part ways with you midway and head to the guards… but I didn’t expect to hear all this in advance like this.”
She clicked her tongue softly.
She had hoped to spend some peaceful time with her younger sister, but things had taken an unfortunate turn.
“…”
Selendis glanced at her sister’s face.
Expressionless, but the slight tremble in her eyes revealed her internal turmoil. It was obvious that Cecilia was trying to figure out what to do next.
She’s probably thinking she’s becoming a burden again…
Though Selendis herself hadn’t even thought that once.
“Sister.”
Eventually, Cecilia spoke up.
“I think I’ll head back first today. Let’s look around again some other time.”
“Uh… no, Cecilia. We still have time—you can stay a bit longer if you want.”
“No, I’d rather not risk making things difficult for you.”
“Hmm…”
Selendis let out a quiet sigh of frustration.
She would’ve liked to at least escort her to the Academy, but judging by Cecilia’s demeanor, even that offer would likely be turned down.
Still… I don’t feel right about sending her back alone…
To her, Cecilia still looked like a little sister who needed protection.
As she was mulling it over—
“Cecilia?”
A familiar voice made both of them turn their heads at once.
To their surprise, there stood Lian Gwendil.
He too looked slightly surprised at spotting the two sisters.
“Ah, Gwendil! What perfect timing!”
Selendis beamed and waved him over.
Lian approached and greeted them politely.
“Pardon me, but are you in a hurry? Were you headed somewhere?”
“I was just on my way back to the Academy. I finished all my errands this morning.”
“That’s perfect!”
Selendis exclaimed in delight.
“Tell me, you don’t have any other stops to make on the way back, do you?”
“No, nothing at the moment.”
“Well, I’ve suddenly got urgent official business to attend to and must part ways with my sister. So, if it’s alright with you, would you mind accompanying Cecilia back?”
“S-Sister?”
“Yes. Of course.”
The two gave opposite reactions to her request.
Ignoring Cecilia’s flustered expression, Selendis nodded in great relief.
Then, she took something from her bosom and forcibly placed it in Cecilia’s hand.
“Sister, this is…?”
“Buy something tasty to eat on your way back.”
“Ah, no…”
“Well then, I’ll get going now. Gwendil, I’m counting on you. Thank you.”
With those parting words, Selendis turned and quickly walked away, almost fleeing.
“Ah…”
Cecilia could only stare blankly at the heavy pouch of coins in her hand.
“……”
“……”
A slightly awkward silence lingered between the two for a moment.
Maybe it was just her imagination, but it felt like the passersby were watching them.
Ah.
Just a few days ago, she wouldn’t have felt this way at all, but now that they were left alone, she had no idea what to say first.
Feeling awkward, Cecilia looked down at her feet for no reason.
That was when Lian suddenly said, as if something came to mind,
“Just a moment.”
He disappeared for a bit and soon returned holding two steaming chicken skewers.
A sweet and savory aroma tickled their noses, carried by the wind.
“I saw them selling these on the way here. Just standing around felt odd… so let’s at least have a bite while we take a short break.”
With a slightly sheepish smile, Lian handed one of the skewers to Cecilia.
Surprised by his unexpected gesture, Cecilia widened her eyes slightly.
“Ah, um… I should’ve been the one to buy it.”
She lifted the heavy coin pouch in fluster, but Lian let out a small laugh.
“It’s fine. It wasn’t expensive. And actually, I saw Professor Windy May this morning.”
“You met the professor?”
“Yes. My business today was related to her—my master, that is.”
“Ah… I see. Thank you.”
Cecilia cautiously accepted the skewer.
Lian then pulled out a few coins from his pocket with his now-free hand.
“And I was given some allowance too—for snacking on the way.”
“Ahaha.”
Cecilia couldn’t help but laugh along at the sight of his broad grin.
Then, following his lead, she took a bite of the chicken skewer.
As she gently chewed, the warm, savory flavor spread throughout her mouth.
The stiff, anxious feelings she had just moments ago seemed to ease a little.
“……”
Maybe now was the time to ask.
That thought crossed Cecilia’s mind.
Truthfully, there were many things she wanted to ask Lian.
Which denomination he would choose, whether he had a fiancée…
Not just questions that came to her recently, but many doubts she had held since they first met.
But she didn’t ask.
Because she knew that he kept a line not just from her, but from everyone.
If she tried to cross it, he would firmly reject her and distance himself even more.
What is it…
It wasn’t something that could be explained simply by calling him sensitive, or someone who valued privacy.
There was something about him that was different from others.
She was sure of it.
What could it be…
The Brand.
Yes, there was that too.
The Brand engraved on the back of her hand and on his collarbone.
But it didn’t feel like that was everything.
There was something else.
What in the world could it be…
“Ah.”
It happened just then.
Perhaps lost in thought, she was late to notice the drop of sticky sauce that fell from the skewer onto her clothes.
But before she could react, Lian swiftly reached out and caught it in midair.
A red, sticky smear spread on his palm.
“…!”
Cecilia momentarily forgot to breathe.
Lian was right in front of her.
His unexpected action and the sudden closeness made her heart pound loudly.
A mysterious scent wafted from his body.
It was strange—too peculiar to call it a fragrance.
And the red mark on his palm oddly seared itself into her vision.
Feeling her face burn, she quickly lowered her head.
She gripped the chicken skewer more tightly without realizing it.
“Are you okay?”
Lian asked casually—no, perhaps slightly startled—as he brushed off his palm.
“…Yes. Thank you.”
Cecilia shook her head without realizing.
Her voice trembled slightly.
Her heart was still pounding hard.
…Why?
She asked herself but couldn’t find an answer.
Only the sound of her racing heartbeat filled her ears.
Crunch.
Trying to mask the awkwardness, she took another bite of the skewer.
“…Good thing I sent Cecilia off first.”
Selendis murmured with a sigh.
She looked around the guard post, which was in utter disarray, with a heavy expression.
Guards lay sprawled on the cold floor.
Their necks and chests were soaked in dark red blood, and their lifeless eyes stared blankly at a single point in space.
They had long since died, their bodies cold and still.
Three of them.
Only three, but from the looks of it, they hadn’t been able to put up any real resistance before being taken down in an instant.
“……”
This was the post she had planned to visit to receive the necessary information handover.
But judging by the smashed document boxes and the broken safe, it was obvious that what she’d been looking for wouldn’t be there.
Whiiistle!
She let out a sharp, high whistle.
In the distance, the powerful flapping of wings could be heard approaching.
“…Who the hell were these bastards?”
To kill guards—in the middle of the capital, no less.
Her eyes turned cold.