* * *
“Well, I was busy with something… but it wasn’t work inside the Tower. It was… an external matter. Of course, it’s not fully resolved yet. But…”
His eyes darted around in a suspiciously frantic way.
But it didn’t take long before he seemed to reach some conclusion, and a smile returned to his face as he continued.
“Since the two of you came all the way here yourselves, I suppose I should at least hear you out. This way, please…”
With an exaggerated gesture, he reached out his hand, intending to lead us into the Tower.
Just as I was about to follow that hand and take a step forward, Klen suddenly moved swiftly and blocked Elliot’s path.
“No need for that. My wife’s health is frail, and she came all this way. We might as well talk on the way to our destination.”
“…What?!”
“…?”
Leaving those words behind, Klen wrapped an arm around my shoulder.
And then, without waiting, he simply started walking.
He didn’t grab Elliot or drag him along, but it was clear that Elliot couldn’t just ignore us and walk away either.
Even without looking back, I could feel him following.
I called Klen’s name softly under my breath, making sure Elliot couldn’t hear.
“Klen.”
But he only smiled brightly.
His steps were light, almost cheerful.
Even knowing him, this side of him still felt unfamiliar.
How could someone switch their demeanor so easily?
Before long, we mounted horses and headed for the forest entrance.
Plenty of people already knew I could ride on my own. In fact, few didn’t know.
The stable hand certainly did—he naturally brought out three horses.
But Klen returned one, insisting on sharing a horse with me.
I didn’t have the energy to argue in this situation, so I quietly let him.
‘Clop, clop, clop—’
From atop the fast-moving horse, I gazed off at the distant mountains.
How did things end up like this?
I only meant to deliver a few words—part warning, part suggestion—and leave.
But suddenly, Klen’s usual laziness had turned into decisive action.
Where had that come from?
‘Is he… just too lazy to explain everything and decided to drag me along instead?’
It sounded ridiculous, but knowing him, not impossible.
Rather than explain the situation, just bring me there, investigate, and report immediately.
Efficient, sure—but wouldn’t that still require effort?
Klen’s laziness really worked in strange ways.
After a long ride, we finally arrived near the forest entrance and dismounted to survey the area.
“Check the surroundings thoroughly for any hidden spells or traps,” Klen ordered.
The moment those words fell, Elliot’s face visibly twisted in irritation.
“My apologies, Lord Klen, but… did you obtain permission from the Count for that? The Count already ordered an investigation and received my report. There’s no need to—”
“I’ll explain it to him myself. Don’t worry.”
“If you insist, I can bring other mages later—”
“You’re already here. Isn’t it easier if you just handle it now?”
“….”
A faint grinding sound echoed—the grinding of teeth.
It was clear nothing Elliot said would get through.
Talking to Klen in this mood must feel like talking to a brick wall.
I’d probably be swearing under my breath too, if I were in his shoes.
But as a bystander?
The only shame was the lack of snacks to enjoy the show properly.
This was a contest of laziness versus stubbornness.
Similar in nature, yet different in form.
Predictably, Klen won.
Though grumbling the entire time, Elliot reluctantly began circling the area.
Situations like this really showed the value of power.
“Look at this, Adrian. Isn’t it pretty?” Klen whispered, pulling me close by the shoulder.
I stumbled slightly, leaning in, and saw a light purple flower right in front of me.
“…Yeah. It’s pretty.”
It was pretty, but nothing special.
Just a common wildflower you’d see along the roadside.
Yet Klen’s face brightened as he gently brushed the petals, visibly amused.
He was obviously still putting on a show—and taking great joy in teasing Elliot.
We lingered near Elliot, strolling slowly, admiring the scenery, keeping pace with his sluggish inspection.
Klen tripped over stones, nearly falling, and got bitten poking at an insect with long pincers.
All the while, he threw out disgustingly sweet, affectionate words, as though flaunting our relationship.
“Oh, this plant is a key ingredient for antidotes.”
“You mean the one with the three-pronged leaves? I’ve heard of that too.”
At first, I only responded half-heartedly, but before I knew it, I was genuinely listening, bending down to examine the herbs.
Every time we spoke, Elliot glanced our way with an exaggerated sigh.
Turning away, he closed his eyes in concentration.
Soon, a soft glow bloomed from his hand, scattering over the area.
‘Huh… He does look like a mage, at least.’
Despite his unreliable appearance, the way he meticulously analyzed the falling light did seem professional.
I stole a glance at Klen beside me.
The playful façade was gone; his eyes were cold and sharp as they observed Elliot.
His face, too, was void of emotion—like stone.
Was he planning to drop the act entirely here and now?
I tugged lightly at his sleeve.
Only then did Klen seem to snap out of it, his expression shifting.
That cold mask was slowly replaced with a false gentleness, layered carefully over his face.
He pulled me into his arms again, smiling.
“Well, I’ll leave the inspection to you. We’ve got somewhere to be.”
“…?”
‘Where exactly?’
My questioning gaze was met only with a deeper, more knowing smile.
Klen waved his hand in a mock gesture of encouragement.
Elliot, his displeasure written plainly across his face, could only bow his head in frustration.
As we turned our backs, I caught a faint whisper carried by the breeze.
“Tch. No real skills… Just flaunting that title as the Count’s heir…”
‘…What?’
I immediately turned, but before I could even take a step, Klen’s hand seized my arm firmly, holding me in place.
His other hand pressed tightly over my mouth.
All I could see was the mage’s oblivious back, completely unaware of the killing intent radiating behind him.
If only I could lock eyes with him for a moment…
He’d understand the weight of what he just said.
But even glaring at his back with all my fury, I couldn’t move.
Klen’s grip was too strong, effortlessly dragging me away.
Causing a scene now would be pointless.
Still, my hand instinctively reached for my waist.
‘Damn it, Levatein!’
I clicked my tongue softly.
Thinking it’d be a simple visit, I’d left Levatein back in the room.
Had I brought it, I could’ve hurled it even with my arms pinned—he might not have died, but he’d sure regret running his mouth.
“No need to be angry,” Klen murmured, easing his grip as we gained distance.
Should I break free, go back, and slam that bastard’s head into the ground?
It wouldn’t erase the insult, but it might ease the foul taste in my mouth.
“But… throwing around insults without knowing the value of his own life…”
“It’s fine. That’s exactly the image I want them to have of me.”
“….”
Rage boiled just under the surface, threatening to spill over, but Klen remained utterly composed.
How could he not be pissed after hearing that?
The nerve.
The audacity.
“He probably didn’t think we’d hear,” Klen added, as if reading my thoughts.
“But didn’t you hear him?”
People talk behind the king’s back all the time.
That much, I know.
But that guy cursed him loud enough for everyone nearby to hear — that’s the real problem.
Whether he meant to or not.
And yet, Klen still smiled.
* * *
