Chapter 144: Bond (3)

It was a coincidence.

At the same moment, the same question came from the lips of two different people.

That question, splitting into two branches, took on slightly different forms as it reached their respective listeners.

One person sighed, and another smiled faintly.

— What was that person like?

“He was lazy and soft. A good-for-nothing who caused trouble every single day.”

“He was easygoing and confident. Talented with the sword, but never fully committed.”

— Why was he like that?

“Exactly because he was a slacker. That bastard dodged all responsibility. A waste who dumped his burden on his brother.”

“He didn’t want to hurt others. And though he never admitted it, it was also for his brother’s sake.”

— His brother?

“His brother was outstanding in every way. That’s why he leaned on him. Abandoned even the duties he should’ve fulfilled and squandered his life.”

“He loved his brother deeply. Even though he had more talent with the sword, he didn’t train because he didn’t want to surpass him.”

— What did others think of him?

“An idiot who only caused trouble and was useless at everything. A criminal who ruined everything after falling for a trick. No excuses. Right to the end, he was selfish.”

“Everyone liked him. He joked a lot, but never with ill intent. Treated everyone the same, regardless of status or rank. In the end, they all followed him, and he led them.”

— The end?

“Yes. Because of him, the country fell. And even then, instead of taking responsibility, he begged for his life and ran. Everyone else died, and he alone survived like a coward. A disgusting end, really.”

“Because of my mistake, his country was destroyed. But he never blamed me—he just fought with everything he had. He never gave up. Everyone who faced him was deeply moved.”

— I don’t quite get it. You’re saying the country was destroyed?

“Ah, maybe I said too much. It was something that happened long ago. Anyway, it was his fault. You probably wouldn’t even recognize the name.”

“I don’t remember clearly myself. Just flashes—like blaming myself as his country burned in flames. I couldn’t even say sorry. At that moment…”

— Well, it’s fine. It’s just a story in the end. So what became of him?

“He got a second chance. The last chance to fix his mistake. So he gave everything to make it right.”

“If my guess is right, he went back to the past. It’s clear how desperately he’s trying.”

— Did he change much compared to before?

“Absolutely.”

“Not at all.”

— Really?

“He changed a lot. He doesn’t make the same mistakes and fights to correct them.”

“He’s the same as always. Hasn’t changed a bit. Not before, not now.”

— I see. So what are you trying to say with this story?

“Well, the thing is…”

“Well, the thing is…”

***

Yuri set down his cup of Helgrey and finished his story.

“That’s all.”

“Thank you for sharing it.”

Yuri looked at Graham’s worn, wrinkled face.

He knew what he’d just said wouldn’t redeem him. In fact, it might only have pushed him further toward the edge.

But he didn’t want to lie.

The knight Graham Hartfall was not someone to change his path over a single word. No matter what he heard, he would continue walking the road he had chosen.

That’s why this wasn’t persuasion—it was respect.

“I’m glad I saw you, Sir Graham. I hope I was of some help.”

“You were, truly.”

Graham smiled faintly as he looked at the third prince of Briol. Even now, he didn’t quite understand why he had come.

In his many years, he’d met countless people. Yet when he found himself against a wall, he thought of this third prince of Briol, whom he’d barely spoken to.

‘What answer would he give me?’

And he hadn’t been disappointed.

“I’m glad I came to see you, Your Highness.”

“Then I’m content.”

Graham remembered the first time he met the third prince.

His face still belonged to someone between adolescence and adulthood, but his bearing was that of a veteran hardened by war.

He had offered Graham a place in Briol without hesitation. It was unexpected.

Though they called him “the model knight,” that title was all for show. Monarchs didn’t want knights like him. They wanted obedient dogs.

But that young man had truly desired him. Since then, Graham hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him.

And it didn’t stop there. The more he interacted with the third prince of Briol, the more new sides of him he discovered.

The strength he showed in the Alliance was reminiscent of the king himself, and his conduct was so noble that even someone as seasoned as Graham felt respect.

He had never seen a prince eat the same food as the common soldiers, nor one who played cards with them.

Sometimes he wondered.

‘What if he had been born in the Empire?’

‘Or if I had been born in Briol?’

Would everything have turned out differently? But those were pointless thoughts.

“There’s no more place in this world for knights like me. Even the ground beneath my feet is vanishing.”

“That’s why I’m telling you to come to Briol.”

“Ha ha…”

Graham shook his head. It was time to go. He couldn’t stay any longer. He looked at the third prince directly, and suddenly extended his hand.

“Let’s shake hands, Your Highness.”

He’d seen the prince do it many times. And at least once, he wanted to be the one to offer his hand first.

The third prince looked slightly confused, but soon took his hand and shook it.

“Sir Graham, don’t say goodbye with such nostalgia. It’s like we’ll never see each other again.”

“Maybe we won’t. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?”

“Well, true…”

As they shook hands, Graham recalled the story the prince had told.

Though he’d said it was about someone else, it was clearly a story about himself.

It had left quite an impression. As he listened, it felt like a story he had personally lived.

But Graham knew that couldn’t be true. People don’t change.

Not even death can change them.

Even if, by some miracle, the man in the story returned after dying, he could never become someone like the third prince. He would only return to being that same useless fool the story described.

So Graham thought a story is just a story.

“Your Highness.”

“Yes?”

“If you ever go back to the past, please let me know first.”

Graham said it jokingly.

Yuri laughed out loud.

“When did I ever say it was me?”

“While you spoke, it really felt like you were talking about yourself.”

“How rude. Do I seem that pathetic?”

“No one knows what could happen.”

“Ha ha, true. Same goes for you. Though I hope it doesn’t happen, if you ever end up going back too, make sure to let me know.”

“I will.”

“Take care.”

“You too, Your Highness.”

Graham, escorted by the third prince, made his way to the palace exit.

“Heading to the Empire?”

“No.”

“Then where?”

“That’s a secret.”

“And here I thought I was the only one with secrets. But you’re not too far behind.”

Graham was actually headed straight to the Joachim border to meet up with Yalta. The Imperial army, quietly assembled, would be marching on the Joachim palace at any moment.

Graham had decided not to turn away from the coming tragedy. If he didn’t go, more lives would be lost.

He would try to stop it.

His hands would be stained with blood, inevitably, but it was a burden he had to bear.

“Then, I’ll be going.”

After imprinting the image of the third prince of Briol in his mind, Graham turned away.

It was strange.

He had given himself countless reasons to justify it, but in truth, he didn’t know why he felt so drawn to this man. They didn’t have a deep bond, and yet he’d come here.

Suddenly, the third prince caught up with him.

“Sir Graham.”

“Yes?”

“There’s one more thing I forgot to tell you.”

The prince approached and whispered something in his ear. Graham tilted his head, then burst into laughter.

It wasn’t what he’d expected to hear. Truly, the third prince had the makings of a master storyteller.

“Really?”

“Told you.”

“Then I think I made the right choice.”

“Thanks for that. Truly.”

With a smile full of amusement, Graham bowed slightly to the prince of Briol, though it wasn’t necessary.

“Truly, until next time.”

“Take care, Sir Graham.”

Graham left Briol.

If the world’s fate was to move forward, then he too had to go where he belonged.

***

Elaine remained seated in silence for a while after hearing what Yekaterina had said.

Going back to the past was hard to believe. But there was something unsettling about how everything fit together. Like mud stuck to the sole of your shoe. That feeling.

“That was an interesting story.”

“Wasn’t it?”

Elaine nodded.

She had fallen, at least partially, into Yekaterina’s story.

“All right. Let’s assume what Your Highness says is true.”

“Yes.”

“May I ask you a personal question?”

“Go ahead.”

“You seem to have had quite an intimate relationship…”

“We did.”

“Then I’m curious…”

It wasn’t a crucial question. But Elaine just couldn’t help being curious.

“Who made the first move…?”

Whether it was true or not, she had to know. Other people’s romantic stories were always the most fascinating.

Yekaterina answered without hesitation.

“I did.”

“Eh?”

“I was the one who seduced him.”

“Why?”

Elaine raised her voice unintentionally.

Yuri Briol, her business partner, was a good man, sure… but for this otherworldly beauty to have been the one to approach him first? It was hard to believe! There was no greater luxury in the world. She couldn’t even imagine it.

Yekaterina, with a slight smile, answered.

“I felt like I might lose him.”

“Lose him?”

“He was very popular. He didn’t notice it, but there was a swarm of people hovering around him…”

“Wow…”

“I don’t remember everything clearly because the memories come to me in fragments, but… I think I felt a real threat.”

“I see. And how did you approach him at first?”

“I just spoke to him.”

“Oh, right. If Your Highness spoke to him, he must’ve fallen instantly.”

“No.”

“Eh?”

“He showed no interest.”

“What the hell…?”

Elaine swore without thinking. No reaction? This divine woman spoke to him first and he didn’t respond? Unforgivable.

Yekaterina burst out laughing.

“Thanks for reacting like that. I guess now you believe me, right?”

“Ah…”

Elaine snapped out of it. She had gotten too caught up without realizing.

“I mean… well… hahaha…”

She had to admit, Yekaterina had convinced her.

Some details lined up with what she already suspected, and the story was laced with information that Yekaterina was unlikely to know otherwise.

And most importantly—with that otherworldly face right in front of her—Elaine wanted to believe her.

Beauty was, without a doubt, a terrifying weapon. Elaine let out a long sigh.

“All right, Your Highness. If we assume everything you’ve said is true, then let’s talk.”

“Ooh, you’ve gone back to being serious.”

“Ahem. In that case, what Your Highness wants from me…”

“Oh, I want to see the catalog first.”

“Eh?”

“The catalog.”

“You said you didn’t need it…”

“Since I’m here, might as well shop. I like new things.”

“Understood. I have just the thing that would suit Your Highness. Look, this accessory… if you wear it, it’ll be simply…”

“It’s gorgeous.”

“Isn’t it?”

“Isn’t it a bit too flashy?”

“Compared to your beauty, it’s very modest.”

“Jejeje…”

“And also…”

Elaine eagerly began picking out items for Yekaterina. The two of them started flipping through the catalog together, exchanging impressions.

They’d been chatting for a while in a pleasant atmosphere when a signal came from outside.

Elaine excused herself and slightly opened the door.

“What is it?”

“There’s a problem.”

“What kind of problem?”

“Well…”

As they spoke, the sound of commotion from outside slipped through the crack.

“You’d better see for yourself.”

Elaine looked out the corridor window. An angry crowd was marching through the streets of the imperial capital.

“What the hell is this?”

She strained her ears and could make out the protesters’ chants.

“For the love of God…”

Elaine placed a hand on her forehead.

“What’s happening now?”

The shouts echoing through the city were demanding that Joachim be punished for supposedly attempting to poison the emperor.

They wanted Joachim destroyed—and all Joachim citizens living in the capital hanged.