Kays Translations

Chapter 158: A Guardian Is Chosen

Several days passed after the second attempt on Tauro’s life and the attempted kidnapping of Aeris. The investigation gradually revealed what had happened.

One of the captured men was a House Van Dyne servant valued for his concealment-type ability. He had arranged the false invitation by using Count Ayanshi’s name without the count’s knowledge.

The group had included the false messenger, an Assassins’ Guild member who attacked Tauro with a paralytic needle, and several accomplices. A leader and the carriage waiting behind the mansion had escaped before the Royal Guard could secure them.

Tauro’s presence at the meeting had apparently been unexpected. The Van Dyne servant had originally been assigned only to conceal the operation, but the plan had fallen apart so quickly that he had been forced to seize Aeris himself.

The captured assassin testified that the Marchioness of Van Dyne had hired him. That admission proved that she had dealings with the underworld.

Despite its name, the Assassins’ Guild wasn’t an organization recognized by the kingdom. It existed in the shadows. Whether the authorities chose to treat it as a necessary evil or an absolute evil would influence how severely they pursued the Marchioness, but publicly associating with it was damaging in either case.

Tauro learned these details from a letter sent by Count Connoen, commander of the Royal Guard.

No claim of parental concern could justify using assassins to drag a daughter home. If the facts became known, the Marchioness would face severe condemnation throughout noble society.

The attack on Tauro was more difficult to pursue. He was a commoner, the assassin responsible had died at Soraki Tower, and no evidence directly connected that attempt to the Marchioness. The attempted kidnapping of Aeris, however, had left living witnesses and physical evidence.

That changed the political atmosphere. Few nobles could now deny that Aeris urgently needed a guardian capable of protecting her from House Van Dyne’s current leadership.

All that remained was to choose someone. The guardian of the sole daughter of a prestigious marquis house had to possess enough authority to silence the Marchioness and prevent further interference.

Tauro reread Count Connoen’s letter and organized the information in his mind.

Early that afternoon, Prince Fleue sent word that he could meet them. The invitation was unusually sudden, so Tauro and Aeris hurriedly prepared and traveled to the royal palace.

The moment they entered Fleue’s room, the prince turned his attention to Tauro.

“Tauro! I heard that assassins attacked you twice. Are you truly unharmed?”

“I’m fine, Your Highness. There was also an attempted kidnapping involving Aeris a few days ago.”

“What? Aeris, are you all right? Were you injured?”

“I’m unharmed thanks to Tauro, Fleue. Thank you for your concern.”

Aeris bowed deeply.

“There’s no need to be so formal when no one else is present. You’re my friend too.” Fleue paused, then smiled. “In fact, I called you here because of your guardianship.”

“My guardianship?”

Aeris had expected the meeting to concern Tauro and couldn’t imagine why the prince had summoned her personally.

“The matter became a subject of discussion within the royal family. I told them you were my friend, and my mother agreed to become your guardian. If the Queen stands behind you, no one will be able to object.”

Fleue lifted his chin proudly.

Tauro had never imagined that the royal family would directly intervene in the internal dispute of a noble house. Yet the Queen was an ideal choice. No noble could pressure her, and she had no need to exploit House Van Dyne for personal advancement.

Marquis Van Dyne had served the royal family loyally through his work in dungeon exploration. Under the Queen’s protection, Aeris would simply continue the loyal relationship her father had maintained.

“Would Her Majesty truly be willing to do this for me?” Aeris asked, barely managing to speak.

“Of course. My mother considers it a way for the royal family to repay Marquis Van Dyne’s loyalty. Once the guardianship is announced, this family dispute will be over.”

Pleased that he had been able to help his friends, Fleue placed a hand on each of their shoulders.

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