Kays Translations

Chapter 10- Get on the Guardian Knight [2]

Even as the night grew late, Ren continued reading a book. Not the one from earlier, but a different one.

After closing the book, Ren shifted his gaze outside the window.

This was the cabin prepared for Ren. It was smaller than the mansion where he usually resided, even smaller than the rooms in the Ashton family's estate in the village.

However, it was a cozy and comfortable space.

As a state-of-the-art magic train, the cabin had a modern feel even among the recent developments in Leomel. Rather than an antique style utilizing wood and stone, it had a simple yet fresh design, featuring monochromatic curtains, carpets, and other elements. The interior was rich in novelty, evoking a sense of changing times.

...I suppose it's time to go.

Ren, who had been leaning on the desk by the window, looking outside, stood up.

Passing through the magically operated door, he entered the corridor. From the corridor, he could see the passengers looking out through the windows spanning the entire length.

Just an hour ago, a party had been held, and Ulysses had seemed busy. However, in order for everyone to enjoy their journey on the surface to the fullest, Ulysses decided to end the party early and provide the venue as a place to relax.

Ren passed by them and headed towards Ulysses's room. He had been invited to talk during the night.

In the rear carriage, a little further ahead, Edgar was standing in front of the door.

"Good evening, Ren-dono."

"I thought I might be a little early, but here I am."

"No, you're right on time, so don't worry. However, I apologize... The master hasn't finished his greetings yet and hasn't returned."

Since Edgar had a message for Ren, he had come here ahead of time.

Upon hearing the remorseful words from the gentleman in a tailcoat, Ren hurriedly reassured him, saying that it was not a problem. He had known from the start that Ulysses would be busy on this journey.

"He should be returning soon. Would you like to wait inside?"

"Oh, yes, please."

Upon hearing Ren's response, Edgar opened the door and invited him inside.

The large room further inside was Ulysses's quarters, and it had a similar atmosphere to Ren's cabin.

"I apologize for the wait, but please wait here."

Following Edgar's lead, Ren sat down on the sofa inside and waited.

Enjoying the tea prepared by the elderly gentleman, he waited for about ten minutes.

Ulysses, who hurriedly arrived, straightened his collar and lightly bowed.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting."

"No, don't worry about it."

After exchanging greetings, Ulysses came over to Ren and took a seat next to him.

Unlike his usual self, Ulysses was dressed more elegantly for tonight's party.

While it was still a suit, the addition of accessories such as a pocket square and jewelry adorning the lapel added a touch of refinement to his appearance.

"Tonight, I wanted to take the time to talk with you about how you've been recently."

It was a soft voice that emanated from the strong-willed man.

"So, how have things been? Has anything changed recently?"

Before answering, Ren expresses his doubts.

"It's unusual, isn't it?"

"Did I say something strange?"

"Yes. It feels like you've come to ask me something ordinary, unlike your usual self."

Ulysses smiles and narrows his eyes.

He doesn't find Ren's response unpleasant.

"After the incident with Roses Caitas, we didn't have a chance to talk leisurely. That's why I wanted to set aside some time to talk like this."

When he delivered the invitation, there wasn't much time to relax.

"I was indeed worried during the incident with Roses Caitas. But more than that, I was angry about the state of affairs in the Elfen Church. You don't need to worry yourselves about it."

Ulysses shrugged, his words making sense.

Seeing Ren struggle to find words, Ulysses laughs again.

"I hope you enjoyed tonight's party."

The topic changes, and Ren quickly nods and replies, "Yes."

"Licia and Lessard-sama seemed to be enjoying themselves."

"That's good to hear. By the way... Hm."

"What's the matter?"

"I heard the rumors, but you really call her by her name?"

"Well... There were various circumstances..."

"Well, I guess there must have been various reasons. I understand."

Ulysses doesn't voice his expectations for his daughter's efforts, but he wasn't rude enough to utter insensitive words. He hoped that the distance between his daughter and Ren would also close, so he leans back against the sofa.

"Currently, our Fiona seems to be studying with the Clausel family's young lady. When I checked on them earlier, they seemed to be having a great time."

"Studying with Licia? Why specifically in this train car?"

"Technically, there's also the young lady from the Riohard family."

Upon hearing that, Ren understands.

It was about the conversation they had regarding the upcoming exams before November.

"Riohard mentioned that her grades on the previous exams were a bit mediocre."

"Oh, really? I thought the Riohard family was strict when it came to studies."

"Well, in a sense, it was mediocre according to the Riohard family's standards. By the way, she was happy that she did well in swordsmanship."

"Haha! That's nothing to worry about! Her skills are not to be underestimated!"

"But the exams in the special class are challenging, so she probably struggled with the written subjects."

"I understand. It can't be helped when the initial standards are high."

Then Ulysses happily says,

"...Fiona doesn't have many friends. It's good for her to have more social interactions like this."

He doesn't mention the significant issue of factions. By voicing it, it might become an unavoidable problem. Ren didn't want to spoil the fun for the girls. But Ulysses is not a fool. On the contrary, he is one of the wisest in Leomel. Surely, he's taking care of things behind the scenes. That's what Ren believed.

And then...

Judging by the timing that seemed suitable for a thorough conversation, Ulysses said, "It was a good time."

Looking back, it felt like they were just having casual small talk.

"Let's talk again. Without worrying about time."

"Me too. Definitely, let's take our time."

"Yeah, I'll look forward to that."

Ren stood up from the sofa, bowing his head as he left the room. On his way back to his room, he noticed Licia standing with her back against the wall in the corridor. She smiled cutely when she saw Ren.

"So, you went to Ignat-sama’s place?"

"And you girls were studying hard, right?"

"Yes, we were. I was teaching Sarah while having a conversation, and then she started wanting to be taught properly, so we were studying in my room until just now."

Just a few minutes ago, the three girls were in the same room studying. Licia moved away from the wall and approached Ren.

"Shall we go to the observation car?"

Ren accepted her suggestion and took a step forward. Licia hadn't been to the observation car that they had visited during the day.

"Now it's nighttime, and the night view is beautiful, so it's also convenient."

The observation car they entered was empty, unlike during the daytime when there were other passengers. It was just the two of them in the space.

"It's like we've reserved it."

"Everyone seems to be at the party venue. So we can take our time, right?"

"Did you perhaps do some research before inviting me?"

"...Is that bad?"

Licia said bluntly, trying to hide her embarrassment as she approached the large window.

The observation car had a glass ceiling as well, and there was no better car to have an unobstructed view of the night sky. The night sky around here felt clearer than the usual sky in Elendil or the Imperial Capital.

"It's so beautiful."

Licia, who couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, had a profile as beautiful as the starry sky.

After enjoying the night view for a while, she opened her mouth.

"There's something I want you to tell me."

"When you suddenly say it with a furrowed brow, I can't help but be on guard."

"Of course. I've been watching you to make it that way."

Licia looked up at Ren, who was standing next to her, and bent her waist in a curved shape.

She stretched out her fingertip and lightly poked Ren's nose.

"What were you doing with Prince Radius?"

"You mean me and Radius? When are you talking about?"

"This morning. And also recently, you've been acting suspiciously."

Ren couldn't come up with any excuses against her relentless questioning, so he didn't say anything that would make him look bad. He smiled wryly and admitted it “You found out”

"Are you talking about Sacred Magic, by any chance?"

"Yes."

"I understand... So, you were asking his highness the third prince for something. Is it related to the fact that you've been secretly studying sacred magic recently?"

“Hey, did you also know that I was studying sacred magic?"

Licia let out a sigh and nodded. Her finger, which had been pressed against Ren's nose, had been lowered without him noticing.

"Why were you trying to investigate without telling me?"

"Do I have to tell you?"

Laughing, Licia immediately responded, "Of course."

"Because I didn't want to worry you unnecessarily."

"You didn't want to see me getting anxious about sacred magic?"

"That's right. Besides discussing it with Klonoa, I wanted to do some research on my own... But I didn't plan on keeping it from you like this. Once I heard the whole story, I intended to tell you as well."

While touched by his kindness, Licia wasn't satisfied with just that.

"I appreciate that you worry about me, but from now on, please tell me from the beginning. So, what do you intend to do in Eupheim?"

"You had that figured out?"

"Fufu, otherwise you wouldn't have had an exchange with the Third Prince before departing, right? You used the knights as intermediaries, but I was watching too."

If there was room for composure, there was no need to rush. Licia's assessment was spot-on.

Having realized this, Ren didn't hide anything and spoke honestly.

"I was introduced to someone who used to be Radius' teacher. While I'm in Eupheim, I plan to meet them a few times and hear what they have to say."

"I-It's amazing that you were introduced to such a person."

"I was surprised when I heard too. So, Licia will be staying behind."

"Staying behind... What do you mean?"

"Exactly what it sounds like, please stay at the inn."

"From our previous conversation, how did it come to this? I want to go with you!"

"Well, it's more like a personal introduction, so it wouldn't be fair to suddenly bring you along."

Calm words were thrown at the excited Licia.

Emotion aside, it was an indisputably correct statement, leaving no room for argument.

"Now that you mention it..."

Despite her response, she pursed her lips slightly.

"Why do you seem dissatisfied even though you understand?"

"I guess it's because you hit me with a valid argument all of a sudden."

Even so, Licia sincerely apologized, saying, "I'm sorry. I got carried away."

She coughed and then looked at Ren again.

"If there's ever something that feels like you're keeping a secret from me, I'll have to keep a close watch on you."

She laughed lightly, as if joking.

Ren intended to respond with a joke as well.

"Even when we sleep?"

"That's right, even when we sleep."

Although it was a joke, they obviously wouldn't be sleeping together.

However, separate from that, Ren uttered a fatal statement. It was a statement that Licia couldn't argue with.

"I think you will fall asleep before me."

"............"

"Don’t you think so too, Licia?"

Licia also thought the same.

They exchanged a deep silence for several seconds.

Licia, with an expression that seemed like she had something to say, looked up at Ren while pouting.

In the end, she gave up on arguing and crossed her arms behind her back.

She lightly bumped her right shoulder against Ren's arm, intending to offer a small resistance.

"....Ren, you're mean."

Cutely sulking, she turned her head away.

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