“The Imperial Palace is that kind of place. Monsters capable of anything in the pursuit of power crawl everywhere. If you've decided to live here, you'd do well to harden your heart.”
Theoric patted his shoulder.
Still frozen from shock, Edrick slowly raised his head and looked at his superior.
“Does Lord Siorcan know as well?”
“Of course. The one who ordered all of this investigated was the Commander himself.”
“Then why...?”
Edrick trailed off, unable to understand.
The man looked down at him quietly before shrugging.
“Well... who knows? There's no way for people like us to know what's going on inside that man's head.”
“......”
“But whatever the reason, he must have something that compels him to accept a marriage with the Second Imperial Princess.”
Edrick frowned.
What could that reason possibly be?
A grave expression crossed his face as he recalled the inscrutable man whose thoughts no one could read. At that moment, a heavy blow landed on his back.
Startled, Edrick turned around.
Sir Hart, who had smacked him with his thick palm, spoke lightly, trying to dispel the mood.
“In any case, stop worrying about the Second Imperial Princess.”
Then, with greater seriousness, he added,
“She'll be leaving the Imperial Palace before long. Once that happens, you'll never cross paths again. So stop dwelling on it and focus on your own future.”
The last words were almost a rebuke.
Theoric shook his head.
“You managed to thoroughly offend the Crown Prince during the pilgrimage, didn't you? Your own situation is bad enough, so why are you worrying about someone else?”
Edrick's complexion darkened.
Having his greatest concern pointed out only made his shoulders feel heavier.
Seeing him slump, Theoric let out an incredulous laugh.
“Well, well. You always act without thinking ahead, so I thought ambition wasn't in your nature, but apparently that's not entirely true.”
“At the time... I believed I had to fulfill my duty as a guard knight. No matter what, I was her knight.”
Something complicated passed through Sir Hart's eyes at the rigid reply.
Staring intently at his subordinate's face, he let out a long breath.
“I'll say it again. That role is over. It's time for you to return to where you belong.”
Edrick silently looked at his resolute expression before turning his head toward the towering walls visible through the thick trees.
Beyond the dark green canopy, he could see the roof of the detached palace where the Second Imperial Princess resided.
He had only served her for two months.
Had he not witnessed her injuries with his own eyes, perhaps she would never have occupied his thoughts to this extent.
‘Sir Hart is right.’
His role as her guard was over.
Though the cruel environment surrounding her was regrettable, there was nothing he could do.
‘Perhaps... this is for the best.’
As Sir Hart had said, the Imperial Palace was filled with monsters blinded by power.
Moreover, she was hated through and through.
If she married Lord Siorcan and departed for the East, then at least she would be free from those hostile people surrounding her.
Releasing his vague guilt with a heavy sigh, Edrick finally nodded.
“I understand what you mean.”
Apparently pleased by his answer, Sir Hart smiled brightly.
“Good. Then let's get back to our work.”
Practically dragged away by him, Edrick glanced over his shoulder at the roof of the detached palace one last time.
Then he straightened his head and strode forward.
* * *
Talia lay upon the bed, watching dust drift through the air.
The glittering particles floated slowly along the currents before gently settling upon her body.