* * *
Once I passed through the gate, I slowed down even more and let my posture loosen slightly.
‘Faking incompetence is harder than it looks.’
I looked up at the sky with a sudden wave of regret—why did I go through all this trouble pretending to be fragile?
The sky, indifferent to my feelings, was a vivid, striking blue as if mocking me with its clarity.
“You’ve returned!”
As I approached the stables, my attendant—who had clearly been nervously pacing in circles—rushed toward me like a bolt.
If he had kept walking, he might’ve carved a new path in the ground.
With his help, I dismounted and handed my cape over to the stablehand.
“Thanks. Thanks to you, I could ride without worrying about being seen.”
“I’m glad to hear it was enjoyable. The horse seems pleased, too.”
He gently patted the horse’s head, and the animal let out a soft whinny, as if to show just how happy it was.
“It’s probably best to head back before your health worsens.”
“…Yeah.”
“Take care on your way.”
Gently pushed by my attendant’s words, I left the stables behind.
Sometimes I wonder if it might be better to just let the attendants know I’m actually healthy.
Would they believe me if I did a handstand in front of them?
Or should I challenge them to a sparring match, with the condition that I don’t move a single step from where I stand?
Even blindfolded, I’m sure I could win.
“I didn’t expect to run into you here.”
“…?”
Lost in my own thoughts and walking absentmindedly, a long shadow suddenly fell across my path.
He looked at me, then glanced behind me before speaking in a low voice.
“Were you out admiring the horses? I heard your health is quite poor…”
‘Who is this?’
He seemed to know me, but I didn’t recognize him.
He probably assumed I’d know who he was, but no matter how hard I searched my memory, nothing came up.
I glanced at my attendant, who flapped his hand in a tiny gesture and mouthed something like a gasping fish.
Klen’s…?
But his lips moved too fast to read properly.
Was he… a knight from Klen?
I looked him over.
Mid-50s, maybe.
Brown hair swept back, streaked with visible gray.
His stern eyes suggested a man who didn’t easily back down from his convictions.
His crisp, perfectly fitted knight’s uniform left no doubt—he was indeed a knight.
It didn’t seem like he had come looking for me; perhaps he truly had just run into me by chance.
I subtly checked the direction he had come from, and my surroundings.
If he knew me, chances were he had attended the wedding.
Unfortunately, I hadn’t paid much attention to anyone else at the time, so I hadn’t memorized their faces.
His tone wasn’t hostile like Neser’s, just indifferent.
So, not someone antagonistic toward Klen.
His eyes, which had been scanning the surroundings, returned to me, and his shoulders gave a small jolt.
“Oh, forgive me—I haven’t introduced myself.”
At last, he seemed to realize that he hadn’t given me his name. He placed a hand over his chest and bowed.
“I am Willoy Berr, knight to Count Valuncio. I lead the Crimson Wolf Order.”
“Adrian.”
So, not a knight under Klen, but directly under the Count?
“I’ve heard you often collapse. Are you sure it’s alright for you to be out here like this?”
“Hmm. Not that often, actually. I’m in good condition today.”
Apparently, rumors about me had already spread throughout the castle.
He made a point of emphasizing how often I supposedly fainted, but if I really thought about it—it hadn’t been that often.
Just once during the wedding, and once in the training yard. Only twice. Just twice.
“I sincerely hope you don’t tarnish Lord Klen’s reputation.”
“…?!”
As if that was all he had come to say, he gave a polite nod and walked away.
I responded in kind, but my head was left full of questions.
Reputation?
Not the Count’s, but Klen’s reputation?
‘That guy… has a reputation?’
Even the servants didn’t seem to take him seriously.
I waited until the man disappeared from view, then quickly turned to my attendant.
Just what kind of relationship did he have with Klen to call him Klen’s…?
“He’s one of the few supporters Lord Klen has in this castle. It wouldn’t hurt to stay on his good side.”
“Supporter?”
The word sounded unfamiliar, like something I was hearing for the first time.
“Yes. He’s spoken highly of Lord Klen’s exceptional capabilities. He believes Lord Klen would govern the domain better than anyone, should he become Count.”
So Klen’s performance hadn’t fooled everyone.
Willoy had seen through him and placed his hopes in him.
And honestly, in the novel, Klen was forced into the position of Count and governed quite well.
So perhaps Willoy’s insight was impressive.
“He’s made great efforts to help Lord Klen earn recognition… but, well…”
My attendant trailed off, and I simply gave a slight nod.
In the end, it must have been Klen himself who repeatedly ruined those hard-won opportunities.
No doubt intentionally.
“There are rumors he still hasn’t given up.”
‘He should give up already.’
Isn’t it common knowledge that Fabian has already been chosen as the successor?
I stared silently at the spot where Willoy had stood.
Not even a shadow remained.
A supporter of Klen… that was something I’d never even considered.
‘But judging from how little interest he showed in me, maybe he’s already given up?’
My eyes narrowed slightly with a trace of hope.
Maybe my fragile act had shattered his expectations.
Or maybe he was still calculating how to best use his powerful backing.
It was probably best not to cross paths with that man again.
If we grew close, he could easily become the biggest obstacle to my plans.
“Let’s head back.”
“Yes, sir!”
I turned my gaze away from that place and headed to my room.
There was no need to stand around any longer.
Upon arriving, I leisurely sat on the edge of the bed, sorting through what had happened in the forest.
The knights guarding the entrance were well-prepared, and no distinctive signs had been found.
The forest’s atmosphere was calm, with no indication that anything unusual was about to occur.
If only there had been details on when the battle happened.
The lack of information was frustrating.
Bang—
“…!”
“You seem to be feeling better today.”
Without warning, the door burst open.
It was Klen—the other occupant of this room.
As he stepped inside, attendants followed and began arranging food from a trolley onto the table with practiced ease.
My eyes were immediately drawn to a large piece of meat placed in the center.
‘Gulp.’
The smell of roasted spices was so rich, it made my mouth water involuntarily.
‘Huh?’
Soon, a salad of beans, vegetables, and fruit appeared, followed by bacon-wrapped cheese, grilled herring seasoned with spices, and egg tarts—until the table was filled with food.
It suddenly struck me that the amount was excessive.
While I stared blankly at the spread, Klen took his seat, and only after two plates were laid out did I realize—it was a meal for two.
He usually eats at the dining hall.
What’s going on today?
“…”
I slowly got up and moved to sit across from him.
Then he patted the seat right next to him.
‘No way.’
The attentive attendants quickly moved my utensils to the spot he’d indicated.
Seriously, who eats sitting that close?
I grumbled internally but quietly took the seat beside him.
* * *
