The Regressed Son of a Duke is an Assassin

Humans are selfish yet intelligent animals by nature, inclined not to engage in matters that result in personal loss. The only thing that motivates such beings is power—be it military, wealth, or authority. In the relationship between benefit and loss, humans are always drawn to those significantly stronger than themselves. This was my belief, my conviction.

However, can I say the two individuals I encountered earlier are any different? They were not drawn by any specific power to come to my aid. It was not power, but heart. They came running here, driven solely by their concern for me, to assist me—a mere human.

If you ask me how I feel about it, I’m not sure. It’s just peculiar. Perhaps more time is needed to fully comprehend this emotion.

As I neared the city’s edge, the number of swords pointed at me gradually increased. Knights blocking the long road and at their center, a familiar face—Chancellor Kundel.

It was one thing for the chancellor, but the moment I saw his companion, my brow furrowed involuntarily. Unlike when I met Set and Luna, an unpleasant feeling washed over me.

Princess Arin…

I could understand the chancellor, but what was she thinking coming here? Did she not believe my identity and decided to see with her own eyes?

It was simply absurd.

When we were close enough, Chancellor Kundel, who had been standing still as a statue, began to move towards me. We stopped walking when we were close enough to hear each other’s voices, and I, too, halted, locking eyes with the chancellor.

-Hum

Without a word, Chancellor Kundel slightly moved his finger, creating a restricted barrier. Shortly after, clouds seemed to gather within the transparent barrier, and thunder accompanied by lightning began to strike its exterior.

I was the first to speak.

“What are you doing?”

“Creating a space for conversation. A space just for you and me…”

The chancellor’s voice was as firm and cold as ever.

“A follower of the Black Fog… There must have been a reason why your true nature remained concealed from me for the past two years. I never anticipated this.”

I responded with silence.

“How long have you been involved with that place?”

“Do I have a reason to tell you?”

“I ask in the hope of understanding the true nature of your being.”

I shook my head slightly.

“I have no intention of making you understand, nor do I desire to be understood. Everyone, including you, Chancellor, may continue to hate and despise me based on the trivial lies written in the wanted posters.”

“Is that what you wish for?”

I did not answer.

“The day you first came to my office. You asked me which I desired more: the prosperity of the empire or the well-being of my family.”

Chancellor Kundel answered that the Academy was more important when asked that question.

It suddenly struck me as quite ironic that someone who cherishes the Academy so much is having this conversation with me right now.

“Do you have the time for this? Shouldn’t you be rushing back to the Academy to erase all traces of our contact? If it’s for the Academy you cherish so much.”

As if such things were unimportant, the Chancellor didn’t even respond.

“Do you know what I gained by abandoning the path of nobility and choosing the life of an educator?”

“Should I know?”

“When someone joins any group or organization, it’s clear what future they will face within it, whether it’s a successful one or not. One can judge very thoroughly.”

I know.

That’s why, when I in my past life said I would follow the demon to the Knights of Light, they poured down curses, saying I wouldn’t see anything good there.

“It’s the same for your sister. Alice wanted to join the Knights of Light, but I wasn’t very keen on it. I didn’t think it was a good place for her. However, I didn’t actively dissuade her, and as a result, Alice experienced some unpleasant things. In a way, there might be some fault in me for overlooking her future despite knowing it.”

I have no intention of blaming him.

For anyone to say that they did something important in their life because someone else told them to is nothing but an excuse.

In the end, the results of one’s choices are entirely up to oneself.

I know this, and so does my sister, so neither of us blames anyone.

“Have you chosen to be in the fog rather than the light on your own volition?”

“No one forced me.”

“Then I suppose I have no right to stop you.”

Just when the thunder and lightning that had been raging wildly seemed to subside, the restrictive barrier surrounding us was also lifted.

The Chancellor had withdrawn his power himself.

“What are you standing around for? If you don’t want to be caught by the knights, you better go. No one will stop you.”

“…Are you serious?”

I asked, furrowing my brows unknowingly.

“I only questioned you to confirm the situation and wish my student a bright future. Though, it might be closer to a dark future than a bright one in your case, given your attribute.”

I didn’t know he was known for his jokes.

Contrary to my somewhat bewildered heart, there was no deceit or pretense in the Chancellor’s eyes.

“It might not be right by my standards, but if it’s the right place for you, that’s enough. Though I say this, the future you have in the Mist doesn’t seem so bad to me.”

I’m not usually one to believe in prophecies.

But his words were an exception.

Being in a place that receives everyone’s welcome and praise seems worse to me than being in a place that receives everyone’s criticism and scorn…

Although it wasn’t a particularly pleasant remark, it didn’t feel unpleasant.

“You might regret it later.”

“There would be nothing to regret if you just don’t do it…!”

Crack!

Suddenly, a brilliance flashed before my eyes, followed by a bolt of lightning striking down.

I hastily dodged, turning my gaze towards the direction from which the lightning fell.

“Ugh!”

The chancellor, unable to dodge in time, groaned as he clutched his shoulder.

Surely, no fool would drop lightning on their head to catch me.

This was not the chancellor’s doing.

“What are you all doing! Take up the sword of honor and strike down that abominable presence in the mist!”

There’s always a spoil-sport wherever you go.

The Empire’s First Prince, Luinel Severus.

I heard he’s the one in charge of the imperial forces sent to capture me,

and indeed, his decisive leadership must be acknowledged.

He did not hesitate to drop lightning on his own grandfather’s head.

“Luinel!”

The chancellor glared at Luinel with eyes mixed with fury and murderous intent.

I didn’t have any expectations.

I never thought I’d be able to leave quietly in the first place.

After all, such incidents are fitting for a person like me…

Sssss

A familiar yet awkward energy made my body freeze for a moment.

Something dark was slowly gathering before my wide-open eyes.

If someone were to stop me and ask what it might be…

“Why is there sudden fog?”

Without a doubt, they would say it’s fog.

Wooong

Naturally, this wasn’t my doing.

Nor was it the doing of the clan leader or other members of the Mist.

In fact, this wasn’t even the power of the fog that Aer possesses.

It was something entirely different, appearing like fog.

Closer to black magic than to the power of fog…

“Black magic?!”

I quickly turned my head, trying to sense any sign of Boris.

However, I couldn’t feel any presence distinctly identifiable as Boris. Instead, a much more hideous and disgusting energy began to tighten around my body.

So revolting that I felt nauseous.

There’s only one being in this land that could make me feel this way.

[What will you do, master?]

Kaeram appeared quietly along with the real fog, smiling contentedly.

[Our savior, who has just awakened from his slumber, seems to be quite angry…]

Thud

Suddenly, footsteps reached my ears amidst the confusion.

A familiar sensation, not recognized by my mind but by my body.

As clear to my ears as when the light of the holy sword pierced my heart.

The difference now is,

My face is filled with exhilaration, not despair.

I’m not sure what emotion is making me wear this expression,

But it’s definitely not based on a negative feeling.

Otherwise,

My body wouldn’t be so thrilled and filled with murderous intent like this!

* * *

“Prince! Why would you use magic there?”

“Why? That’s a question you should be asking them! Why would you engage in conversation when you have a criminal to catch?”

The safety of his grandfather was no longer of any importance to Luinel.

He paid no heed and ordered his knights to advance.

“I don’t care how many die! If we catch him, everything will be resolved, even my tarnished honor!”

As the knights, having no choice but to follow the order, were quickly forming ranks to advance,

-Sssss

A strange black mist began to flow in from somewhere.

The moment they tried to identify the mist,

It gradually coalesced into a shape, and soon transformed into a bizarre, humanoid form.

The knights hesitated at the sight of this unfamiliar and strange phenomenon.

Shortly after, when the numbers of the misty assailants and the knights were almost even,

-Whoosh!

The assailants from the mist charged at the knights with lightning speed.

The streets of the city turned into a battlefield in an instant, and though the knights quickly regained their composure and swung their swords,

-Swish!

The assailants were unharmed.

It was as if they were striking at intangible mist, not a living creature.

The knights were overwhelmed by fear beyond mere panic.

“What in the world?”

“The princess must be protected!”

Arin, who had been stunned, was quickly guarded by the academy’s knights.

“What? But! The chairman is still!”

Kundel, who had brought her, was still beside Cyan.

Although he was at the center, it didn’t seem as dangerous for them as for the others.

Cyan, in fact, appeared more like he was protecting the chairman.

Realizing this, Arin understood.

This situation was not Cyan’s doing.

She didn’t know the exact circumstances, but it seemed likely that Cyan might be wrongfully accused if things continued as they were.

“Princess!?”

With that, Arin shook off the knights guarding her and ran forward.

She knew as well.

Knowing full well the recklessness and folly of her actions, she proceeded anyway. Aware that Cyan would never leave her be if he witnessed what she was doing.

“……!”

As expected, Cyan’s face twisted noticeably upon spotting Arin. His gaze alone conveyed his astonishment and disdain for her foolish bravery.

Witnessing this, Arin thought to herself that Cyan would never just stand by. Without hesitation, he would rush over, grasp her hand, and bluntly criticize her recklessness, if he were the Cyan she knew.

Swish!

Suddenly, a giant beam of light, slashing diagonally like a sword, obscured everyone’s view. The fog-enshrouded foes were drained of their power and vanished, leaving behind a softly spreading glow of pure white light. The unexpected beauty of the scene left the onlookers spellbound.

“Craving light and fearing darkness are undeniable traits of humanity.”

Arin turned towards the sweet voice that suddenly filled the air.

“Those who deny these undeniable traits, we call ‘heretics’. Just like my brother standing before you.”

A tall man with sun-kissed golden hair, yet no one saw him as ordinary.

The Savior.

A being of light to end the chaos in an instant – no better description could fit.

“However, the light is equal to all. It does not scorn those who reject it. A true savior pursuing the light must embrace even these heretics.”

The man with the golden hair extended his hand to Arin, smiling gently.

“Will you join us?”

In his other hand, he held a divine artifact emitting a brilliant saving light.

(To be continued)