TOPWL 253

“I’m serious.”

“I’m serious.”

“When exactly did you…?”

“From the moment I resolved to become Your Highness’s confidant.”

“During the second competition, His Grace Duke Khalid gave me a hint. He also provided valuable information that aided my business, enabling me to reach this point.”

Yudit’s gaze deepened at the mention of Khalid. Should he tell them this story? But they were the ones who brought reinforcements and supplies. If he didn’t tell them, who else could he tell? Having made up his mind, Yudit spoke.

“I just received urgent news. Khalid has gone missing while scouting the imperial palace.”

“Ah, so that’s why….”

Selena’s eyes filled with sorrow. Yudit nodded.

“I intend to lead the cavalry and head to the imperial palace quickly. You may visit our siteblame me for acting somewhat irresponsibly.”

“I would never think that.”

“Have you forgotten? I am the one who pledged everything to His Highness when he saved my wife’s life.”

Yudit smiled faintly at the Marquis of Kinezia’s jest.

“Many of my reinforcements are cavalry as well. Take them if you need them.”

It was welcome news.

“Thank you. It seems I always end up relying on the Marquis’s assistance.”

“You say that, yet you never use my help properly. I’m always on edge wondering when I’ll finally exercise my privilege as a vassal.”

Marquis Kinezia said with playful banter. After a few more jokes, the stiff atmosphere gradually relaxed.

“What is the current mood in the capital?”

“Not very good. Since His Majesty’s condition is poor, the empress’s faction has seized control of the imperial court and the capital, claiming it is time for Her Majesty to step forward. Because of this, factions other than the empress’s are holding their stolen content breath, either fleeing to their own domains to avoid the bloodshed or, like me, retreating to the outskirts.”

“If it weren’t for you, Marquis Kinezia, our family would have been in danger too. After learning about the death of Prince Azil, you extended a lifeline to our family.”

“It was only natural, given our alliance.”

Marquis Kinezia sipped his tea as if it were no great matter. Only then did Yudit realize why Selena and Marquis Kinezia were here together. They had directly sided with him, which is why the empress’s faction had targeted them.

“I’m sorry. I should have come sooner.”

“Oh, it’s not your fault, Prince. Besides, I was already prepared for this.”

Selena waved her hands dismissively.

“I actually thought Your Highness knew we were here and came for that reason. I sent a messenger with the relevant information. We almost missed each other, but I’m glad we met like this.”

“Indeed. I’m delighted to see you again, Selena.”

Yudit flushed and smiled shyly at Selena’s words.

“Oh, do you remember Lyett?”

“Of course I remember.”

“Lyett was a great help in gathering supplies too. She said she wanted to help even if she couldn’t do it openly. And we received quite a few anonymous donations as well. I suspect they might have been from the ladies Your Highness saved during that fire. I’ve recorded everything in the ledger. I’ll organize it and deliver it to you later.”

“Thank you, Selena.”

“It’s only my duty as your aide.”

Selena said with a satisfied smile.

“And though it’s not confirmed… I heard there’s some movement from Herut’s side too. Lyett’s husband recently returned after crossing Herut, and he mentioned encountering Herut troops several times.”

“Herut troops?”

“So even Your Highness wasn’t aware. Since relations with the empress’s faction are strained, I suspect they might be acting on the emperor’s behalf.”

“That could be possible.”

The alliance with Herut had been forged by the emperor to bolster Azil’s power. Unexpectedly, Yudit’s faction unauthorized copy reaped the benefits. But since the emperor’s allies were effectively his own allies, Herut’s support would also be advantageous for Yudit.

“And the people are also on Your Highness’s side.”

“……?”

Selena smiled.

“As your aide, I kept wondering if there was more I could do. Then I thought, what if I wrote a story featuring His Highness and His Grace? But I’m hopeless at writing, so I commissioned other authors. Fortunately, I got Bonin… no, I mean, I got Yvonne and Rita.”

Those were names he missed. Yvonne, the master of romance novels, and Rita, the author of acclaimed works. He had been curious about their whereabouts, and it seemed they were doing well. Moreover, seeing “Yvonne” and “Rita” indicated Selena and Yvonne were still on good terms.

“So I even asked for permission back then. Do you remember?”

“Ah, I remember.”

He recalled how Selena had been so enthusiastic about it, even though he’d wondered if using real people as novel protagonists would be interesting.

“I thought both of them would write novels, but Rita said she wanted to write an essay. So only Yvonne wrote the novel. And that novel was a… huge hit.”

Selena wore an ecstatic expression, as if the mere thought sent shivers down her spine.

“I enjoyed it too.”

Marquise Kinezia chimed in from beside her. Yudit asked, looking confused.

“How… successful was it?”

“To the point where every household with women, regardless of commoner or noble, had a copy.”

“I doubt it’s quite that widespread…”

“It must be. Even households with only men would have it.”

The Marquis of Kinezia’s confident words made Yudit feel a little uneasy. What on earth could it possibly contain? As Yudit looked uneasy, Selena smiled happily and said.

“It’s still selling a thousand copies every week.”

“…A thousand copies every week?”

“I’m telling you! At least thirty percent of the funding comes from book sales. And then Author Rita wrote something, it was just a straightforward essay confessing what had happened up until now. About how Your Highness influenced Author Rita’s stolen content life. But when that met with Author Yvonne’s writing, it created such synergy… The Prince and the Duke became incredibly famous.”

Selena, clasping her hands and speaking earnestly, looked adorable, and Yudit let out a small chuckle.

“Didn’t you notice anything when you came here? There are far more people who want to see His Royal Highness than you might think.”

“……Ah.”

“So you have your suspicions?”

“I did think the employees seemed to be whispering about me.”

“That’s poor training. I’ll apologize on their behalf.”

Marquis Kinezia said, flustered. Yudit shook his head.

“It’s fine. It wasn’t rude enough to warrant that.”

“Anyway, Your Highness is more popular than you might think.”

“That’s surprising. I don’t recall doing anything particularly popular. I suppose they embellished me well.”

“Why wouldn’t you? You’ve done plenty to deserve it. You saved people from the fire, took in the poor, revived the village. They may have added drama, but nothing false.”

Selena stated firmly. Yudit, feeling slightly embarrassed, scratched the back of his neck. Just then, someone knocked on the door.

“Commander, everything is ready.”

The preparations were finished earlier than expected. Yudit nodded and rose from his seat.

“Alright, go now.”

“We’ll follow shortly.”

Selena said. It was a bit sad to meet again only to part so soon, but it couldn’t be helped.

“Let’s meet again soon. Don’t come out.”

Leaving the two waving goodbye behind, Yudit turned and began walking. His pace gradually quickened. Even in the dead of night, countless cavalrymen stood in orderly rows. As Yudit mounted his horse, he saw Selena and Marquis Kinezia emerge outside. They had insisted on coming despite his assurances it was fine. Meeting Selena’s worried gaze, Yudit smiled.

“Please stay safe.”

“I’ll pray for your success.”

Yudit nodded, spurred his horse, and began galloping forward. The soldiers vanished one by one into the darkness, and soon, all traces of them disappeared.