Chapter 9

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 5-3

Chapter Title: Nacha's Gift

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As they entered the outskirts of the city, Kamin dismounted from Nacha.

Leading Nacha by the reins into the street, he drew stares from all directions.

Passersby gawked at Nacha's unusual appearance and massive size, unable to tear their eyes away from Kamin and the horse.

Kamin brushed off the attention with practiced ease and strolled leisurely through the city, taking in the sights.

He bought and sampled every distinctive street snack the capital had to offer, and picked up a big pile of fruit that Nacha liked.

He watched street musicians and acrobats perform their acts to the end.

Like a man with nothing better to do, he wandered carefree through the bustling streets.

True to its status as the empire's capital, the main avenues were impeccably maintained, and the people seemed to live in abundance.

The peaceful sight of children playing entered his indifferent eyes.

Suddenly, Kamin turned his head toward the Imperial Palace.

He could see it in the distance.

The palace walls loomed high and sturdy.

"...The empire, huh..."

Clicking his tongue briefly, he scowled and looked away.

A few steps later, Kamin realized Nacha's presence had vanished.

"Nacha?"

Turning around, he saw Nacha had stopped in front of a street vendor's stall.

Kamin called out to Nacha several times, but there was no response.

The vendor owner was frozen stiff at the sight of the enormous horse.

"What are you doing, you rascal."

Scratching his head, Kamin approached Nacha.

Nacha had its head close to the stall, wearing a deeply contemplative expression.

Curiosity piqued, Kamin peered at the stall's wares and ended up with a dumbfounded look.

"Nacha?"

Nacha was engrossed in browsing women's hair accessories, ignoring the owner entirely.

Even when Kamin tugged the reins, Nacha stubbornly refused to budge, then suddenly grabbed Kamin's clothes in its teeth and pulled.

Pointing its nose at a blue hairband among the various accessories on the stall.

"Huh... You're not seriously thinking of wearing that on your head, are you? It wouldn't even fit you."

At Kamin's protest, Nacha snorted in anger.

Grumbling with dissatisfied snorts, it abruptly shoved its nose into Kamin's bosom.

Kamin let out a hollow chuckle, realizing Nacha was eyeing the money pouch in his pocket.

"Why the sudden change? You really want me to buy that?"

Giving in to Nacha's stubbornness with hands raised in surrender, Kamin pulled out his money pouch.

Handing the money to the vendor, the owner hurriedly passed the selected hairband to Kamin.

Kamin's head spun for a moment.

Now that he had the hairband, he had no idea what to do with it.

As he pondered where on Nacha to put it, Nacha nodded toward the saddle on its back.

Kamin scratched the back of his head, unable to read Nacha's intention. He felt a twinge of doubt—had there ever been a time he couldn't understand Nacha?

Then, Nacha impatiently pointed its nose at Kamin's pouch, then back at its own saddle.

Only then did Kamin catch on.

"You want me to put it in the saddlebag?"

Nacha bobbed its head vigorously.

Kamin stared blankly at the hairband. Looking at the blue accessory suddenly brought to mind a certain maid's blue eyes.

"You don't mean... this is for Leona?"

As if telling him to cut the chatter, Nacha nudged him insistently. With a reluctant face, Kamin tucked the hairband into Nacha's saddlebag.

Watching Nacha repeatedly check if it was secure, Kamin broke into a cold sweat.

"Nacha... You're not mistaking that girl for a mare, are you?"

At Kamin's cautious question out of concern, Nacha flared up in fury.

"Fine... As long as it's not that. Good thing it's not."

Thrilled with its purchased gift, Nacha wagged its hindquarters happily.

Seeing this, Kamin tilted his head.

"For this guy to take such a liking to someone. Wonders never cease."

As the appointed time approached, Kamin led Nacha back toward the Imperial Palace.

"Your Highness!!!"

Casey, the captain of the Royal Guard, who had been pacing in front of the Imperial Palace's east gate, spotted Kamin and waved frantically as he ran over.

"Your Highness! How could you just vanish like that? You have no idea how startled I was this morning when you weren't there!"

Casey clung to Kamin, whining with a pitiful face.

"I left word with the innkeeper. Didn't you hear?"

"I did. That's why I was waiting here. But even if we get in the way, how could you leave us behind and go off alone? If something happened to you..."

"Quiet."

"Your Highness..."

Not seeing the other guards, Kamin asked Casey,

"Where'd everyone go?"

"Where else? They went looking for you, of course."

"Tch. I said I'd come back on my own."

"How could we just sit around waiting? We're your Royal Guard, after all..."

Casey grumbled in an aggrieved tone.

Not wanting to deal with him, Kamin headed into the east gate first.

"Where's Jahankun, anyway?"

Following behind, Casey glanced back in the direction the Crown Prince had come from.

The day before, Casey had trailed the Crown Prince on his incognito outing and spent the whole day in bliss.

But this morning at the inn, the Crown Prince was nowhere to be found.

Nor was Jahankun, who'd been with them.

Casey had panicked, thinking something happened to the Crown Prince. Thankfully, the innkeeper relayed the message, easing his mind.

But it stung that the Crown Prince had left with only Jahankun.

Already disliked as a foreigner, Casey now hated Jahankun even more after this.

"He had business and will return later."

"I see."

Casey pouted sullenly.

Beyond the east gate, Barts and the close attendants, alerted in advance, bowed to Kamin.

Kamin tried to pass them but paused, puzzled, and called out,

"Barts."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Where are Leona and Miranda?"

"Well... They're currently confined to quarters."

"Confined?"

Barts gave a brief report on the incident at the Chief Maid Supervisors' quarters the night before.

While listening, Kamin asked in detail how Leona had responded.

Barts relayed Leona's exact words from the time, not changing a single syllable.

Casey, eavesdropping while hovering near the Crown Prince, gaped in shock.

"...So the two have been confined until the investigation concludes."

Barts bowed his head, awaiting further orders.

But the Crown Prince remained silent for a long while.

Puzzled, Barts stole a glance.

"Y-Your Highness?"

The Crown Prince was clutching his stomach, convulsing.

Worried, Casey and Barts fretted until the Crown Prince burst into laughter.

"Kuhahaha!"

"You... Highness?"

"Hahaha... I knew she wasn't ordinary, but this is something else."

Kamin was genuinely impressed.

Her composure and brilliant handling were beyond what one would expect from a mere maid.

Gradually reining in his laughter, Kamin stroked his chin thoughtfully.

Was she really just a maid?

He reflected on Leona's behavior so far.

Whether her poise and capabilities were innate or trained was hard to judge now.

As the Crown Prince's expression hardened and his eyes darkened, the attendants grew uneasy.

As Kamin's thoughts deepened, Nacha nudged him insistently, interrupting.

Trying to ignore it, Kamin found Nacha persistently shoving his shoulder.

Finally shaking off his reverie,

"Alright, I get it. I'll take off the saddle right now."

Kamin approached to unburden Nacha as usual.

But Nacha backed away.

"What's wrong?"

Approaching again, Nacha refused once more.

Nacha, who usually hated the saddle's constriction, now rejecting its removal left Kamin baffled.

Nacha tapped the ground with its front hoof, demanding something.

Watching quietly, Kamin finally understood.

Astounded, he looked to the sky and lamented life's futility.

"Raising a horse is pointless after all."

Ignoring its master's epiphany, Nacha urged him to hurry.

"Fine. Got it."

Kamin called Barts over.

"By my order, lift the confinement on Leona and Miranda. Tell Leona to come to the rear garden."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Barts dashed off toward the Crown Prince Palace.

Kamin led Nacha leisurely to the rear garden of the Crown Prince Palace.

His attendants followed.

At the garden entrance, Kamin dismissed them and entered alone with Nacha.

While watering Nacha and feeding it the bought fruit, Leona came rushing in.

"Your Highness, you summoned me?"

"Mm. Yes."

"Do you have orders for me?"

"Nacha wants to give you a gift."

"Pardon?"

Nacha snorted happily and rubbed its head against Leona's cheek.

Kamin sighed deeply, then took the blue hairband from Nacha's saddle and handed it to her.

"Take it. It's from Nacha."

"Uh..."

Leona accepted it with both hands and stood there blankly.

Nacha nudged her hand with its nose, urging her to try it on.

Leona alternated glances between the blue hairband and Nacha, then awkwardly put it on.

"How does it look? Does it suit me?"

Her face slightly flushed, Leona fiddled with the band.

Nacha nodded enthusiastically, delighted.

"Thank you, Nacha. It's my first gift like this."

Overwhelmed, Leona hugged Nacha's neck tightly.

Nacha gently brushed Leona's forehead with its nose, making joyful sounds.

"Sorry to interrupt your cozy moment."

Kamin interjected abruptly, separating them.

"I need to take off this guy's saddle. Spend more good times after it's off."

While removing the saddle, a thought struck Kamin, and he told Leona,

"I know maids have strict dress codes. But I'll specially permit you to wear Nacha's gift regularly."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Leona bowed politely, then hesitantly asked in a small voice,

"Your Highness. May I bathe Nacha today?"

Kamin paused in his saddle-tending and turned to her.

Leona's cheeks were faintly pink, wearing an embarrassed smile.

For the first time, Kamin saw her as a girl her age.

"Mm... Do that."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Leona bowed, saying she'd fetch water for the bath, and left.

Nacha ignored its owner and chased after Leona.

Left alone, Kamin walked deeper into the garden, feeling lonely.

Reaching the ancient tree in the center, he lay down on the ground there.

Closing his eyes, he relaxed, inhaling the scent of tree and earth for the first time in a while. Then he sensed a presence.

Kamin's eyes snapped open.

Jahankun stood by his head, unnoticed until now.

"You're back. Any news?"

"The northwest border line has collapsed."

Kamin's face hardened.

"The Katago Tribe is advancing south at a terrifying speed."

"How? I thought a capable general was guarding it."

"Assassinated."

Kamin furrowed his brow and sat up.

"The Katago Tribe's doing?"

"No idea, but it's an inside job. Military intel leaked, major strongholds all fell. A messenger will reach the capital in days."

"...War it is."

"Your subordinates are waiting outside for your orders."

Kamin closed his eyes in thought.

Jahankun sat before him, waiting silently.

Moments later, opening his eyes, Kamin grinned mischievously like a rascal.

"Time to make a deal with the Emperor."

After Sonya and Heather were escorted to the Inspectorate, the Chief Maid Supervisors of the Crown Prince Palace all hunched low, tiptoed, minded their manners, and held their tongues.

Sonya’s close maids were summoned to the Inspectorate daily for intense interrogations.

Sonya’s assistant maid, Ellie, was called in the very next day after Sonya’s arrest.

While others were released one by one, she remained unheard from for five full days.

The Crown Prince Palace Chief Maid Supervisors' quarters grew eerily quiet, tension mounting like the calm before a storm.

Everyone treaded as if on thin ice.

Thus, even when Leona’s blue hairband caught eyes—knowing it was specially permitted by the Crown Prince—no one dared complain; they just kept quiet.

All in the supervisors' quarters were convinced Leona enjoyed the Crown Prince’s favor.

With Sonya and Ellie absent, Leona was undoubtedly the top power in the Crown Prince Palace Chief Maid Supervisors.

The palace maids all curried favor with Leona, watching her every move.

"Leona, want this? I got it specially from outside the palace. Rub it on your skin, and blemishes vanish clean."

A senior maid sidled up slyly, pushing cosmetics at Leona.

"No thank you."

"It really works wonders. Just three days and..."

"Thanks, but I'll pass."

"O-Oh... Okay..."

Rejected firmly, the senior maid slunk away dejectedly.

Leona memorized her face and name inwardly, then continued on.

The Emperor was unwell today, so the state council ended early.

Thus, the Crown Prince returned to his residence sooner and had lunch at the Crown Prince Palace.

During his brief rest after, Leona squeezed in time for her own meal—only for a strange-faced senior maid to block her path and shove a bribe-like gift.

Already in a hurry, the interruption irked Leona.

Such incidents had grown frequent lately.

She knew why.

She was aware she was seen as a key figure in the Crown Prince Palace.

But what others thought of her was none of her concern.

Nothing caught Leona's eye right now.

Today was the day.

Urgent news would arrive at the palace today.

She didn't want to leave the Crown Prince's side even for a moment today, but Miranda had nagged so much that Leona had no choice but to grab a quick bite.

Even then, anxiety ruined her meal; she barely tasted it.

Leona remembered the date clearly.

It was the day the Supreme Maid Chief hosted a banquet for all palace maids.

Once a year, on the anniversary of her ascension, Odel threw a feast for the maids at her own expense as thanks for their hard work—and today was that day.

Odel's banquet was in the evening at the Maid's Quarters in West Lake Court.

With food plentiful all night, even on duty, maids could rotate shifts to enjoy it briefly.

Thus, maids outside the Crown Prince Palace supervisors were buzzing with excitement all day.

But Leona knew the banquet would be canceled today.

Striding quickly down the corridor to the Crown Prince's office, Leona spotted Ellie coming from the opposite direction and halted.

Ellie also stopped upon seeing her but soon met her gaze and walked straight toward her.

Leona was mildly surprised.

Ellie, who always avoided eye contact out of others' scrutiny, now faced her boldly for the first time, back straight.

"Lady Ellie. You're out."

"Yeah. Just finished reporting to His Highness."

Seeing Ellie's healthy complexion eased Leona's worries.

"I was worried you'd suffer at the Inspectorate."

Ellie rubbed her shoulder reminiscently.

"I was fine. Once they saw my body, they all treated me gently, so I stayed comfy and left."

"Is it all over?"

Ellie beamed radiantly.

"Yep. All done."

Leona reached out and clasped Ellie's hand.

"Well done."

"Thanks, Leona. It's all thanks to you."

"No. It's because you found your courage."

Ellie teared up and nodded vigorously.

Leona stroked her hand, silently comforting her.

Ellie wiped her tears, put on a brave face, and turned back.

"I need to see the Supreme Maid Chief now. You hurry to His Highness too."

"Yes. Take care."

"Yeah."

Leona stood still, watching Ellie's confident stride for a long time.

As Ellie's figure vanished and Leona turned,

An attendant from Anu Palace came rushing into view.

Leona bolted toward the Crown Prince's office.

She arrived at the door a step ahead of the Anu Palace attendant.

The close attendant servants in the corridor looked startled at Leona.

"Lady Leona, is something urgent?"

"No... Nothing. Where's Miranda?"

"Lady Miranda went to fetch tea..."

Then the Anu Palace attendant arrived, panting and waving wildly at the close attendants.

As they hesitated uncomprehending, Leona knocked on the office door.

Barts, waiting inside, cracked it open to ask what was up.

"Message from Anu Palace."

Barts relayed to the Crown Prince.

Permission granted promptly, Barts opened the door wider to let the attendant in.

The door closed again; Leona waited outside.

Soon, the Crown Prince emerged with a grim face.

As he hurried off somewhere, attendants scurried after him.

In the tense air, one close attendant whispered to Barts,

"Barts, sir? What's going on?"

"His Majesty urgently summoned His Highness."

The attendant wanted to ask more but read Barts's serious face and shut up.

Leona tuned out the surroundings, eyes fixed solely on the Crown Prince's back.

The Katago Tribe had invaded Hamel Empire territory.

The fortress guarding the northwest border fell, and the tribe swiftly crossed south.

Border domains were plundered, nobles beheaded, and residents fled abandoning homes and land.

True to their mounted nomad ways, the Katago swiftly moved to the next domain.

Local guards fought desperately but couldn't hold long.

In a flash, two domains were seized.

The tribe killed lords, captured guards as prisoners, and pressed on.

Their relentless advance halted at the 'Valpa' region.

Valpa's stronghold, a natural fortress in the vast granary plain, was impregnable once gates shut—no enemy had breached it. While stalled there, urgent dispatches flooded the capital.

'Katago Tribe invasion.'

'Border Fortress and two domains fallen.'

Furious at the successive defeats, the Emperor rose after ages and called an emergency council.

The Prime Minister and Six Departments stayed late into the night debating countermeasures.

First, the Emperor issued military orders permitting nearby lords to mobilize private troops to reinforce Valpa.

The empire prepared to dispatch elite Imperial troops from the capital.

As they pondered the supreme commander, another messenger arrived.

Valpa had finally fallen.

The palace reeled in shock—the Katago had toppled even nature's fortress.

'Valpa Fortress' had never fallen since the empire's founding, its unbreakable shield and bastion.

Gloom blanketed the empire.

No one had anticipated the Katago's strength.

The Emperor broodingly secluded himself; the departments panicked like fire on their feet.

Officials hounded the Military Affairs Department minister; they held nonstop emergency meetings in the palace.

Palace maids and servants watched anxiously.

As all quaked fearing the barbarians' imminent assault on the capital, Leona calmly observed the Crown Prince.

Post-invasion news, his duties increased, but his routine and demeanor changed little.

Bad tidings piled up, yet he attended meetings calmly and handled non-war urgencies.

Influenced, the Crown Prince Palace supervisors gradually regained composure.

But other palaces drowned in fear and dread.

The Emperor skipped councils for three days; without leadership, talks devolved to empty debate.

Naturally, all eyes turned to the Crown Prince.

As crisis gripped the empire, the Emperor panicked while the Crown Prince stayed poised and unhurried.

This instilled trust in others.

The Prime Minister and departments hoped for his decision.

Finally, the Crown Prince requested a private audience with the Emperor.

On the day he entered the Emperor's chambers, the Emperor emerged to declare:

Appointing the Crown Prince as supreme commander and ordering his expedition.

The thunderbolt news threw the Crown Prince Palace into uproar.

Gerard rushed to the Crown Prince upon hearing.

The Crown Prince was discussing preparations with Glenn.

Gerard paced anxiously outside the office.

Glenn emerged soon; Gerard entered immediately.

Seizing the moment, Leona followed Gerard in.

Gerard noticed but assumed she was there for teacups, thinking nothing of it.

"Your Highness."

Gerard called worriedly.

Kamin looked up from his documents.

"You've heard? I'm heading out. Glenn's handling prep—support what he needs."

"Understood. How many attendants shall I prepare?"

"None needed."

"Pardon? But..."

"Servants are just baggage on the battlefield."

"That's why Your Highness can't go alone."

"I said no."

"It's our duty to serve you. Battlefield or hellfire, the supervisors will follow."

Kamin sighed deeply. Gerard wouldn't yield easily.

No choice, Kamin conceded a step.

"Fine. Three servants then."

Leona interjected suddenly.

"I'll go too."

Kamin and Gerard stared at her incredulously.

Leona declared resolutely again.

"I'll accompany Your Highness."

"Denied."

Kamin cut her off curtly.

"Your Highness..."

"No more talk. Denied."

Kamin returned to his documents, signaling end of discussion.

Gerard tried to lead Leona out, but she stood firm.

Despite repeated urgings, she remained rooted.

Kamin looked up again at their lingering.

Leona knelt before him.

"Your Highness, let me follow you."

Kamin scowled.

"Stubborn at the wrong time, Leona."

"Your Highness."

"Didn't you hear me? Denied."

"Your Highness..."

"Withdraw."

Kamin ordered coldly.

Feeling the unyielding wall, Leona admitted it was time to retreat.

"...Yes, Your Highness."

Leona rose, bowed, and followed Gerard out.

Outside, Gerard scolded her.

"I thought you had sense, but what nonsense was that? Demanding something so absurd!"

Leona bowed her head and listened meekly.

Mindful of eyes, Gerard left with a final glare.

Barts, who'd been hiding by the wall, sidled up to Leona.

"Lady Leona? What happened?"

"I said I'd go to the war."

"Pardon?"

Leona looked up calmly.

"I said I'd follow His Highness on expedition."

"Who? You?"

"Yes."

"Did His Highness... permit it?"

"No. But I'll go anyway."

Leaving Barts dumbfounded, Leona steeled her inner resolve.

No matter what the Crown Prince said, she wouldn't back down.

She would follow to that war, come what may.

She had business there.