The Knight Commander of the Second Male Lead [Novel] Chapter 39

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 39

Chapter Title: The Great Sage Randell

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Nina smiled.

“It turns out you’re the Great Sage.”

“The Great Sage? Just call me Randell.”

“Then I shall. Please feel free to call me Nina as well.”

As she said that, Nina stared intently at Randell.

Great Sage Randell.

Known as a genius, he held a profound interest in botany, but his prowess in magic was utterly unmatched.

Golden hair like sunlight blended with pure gold, and vibrant blue eyes reminiscent of the Antarctic sea.

Of course, right now it was all sealed behind those horn-rimmed glasses.

The funny part was that Randell’s appearance was stunningly beautiful, and he found it incredibly bothersome.

So he wore enchanted glasses wherever he went.

That’s right.

With the glasses on, he was ordinary; take them off, and he became a peerless beauty.

Randell was the male lead with that exact setup.

Moreover, did the glasses seal his personality too? When wearing them, he was affable and good-natured, but when he removed them to unleash his beauty, his true character emerged alongside it.

Because of this, the heroine Fiona believed that glasses-Randell and barefaced-Randell were two different people.

‘So if I yank off those glasses, he turns into an absolute stunner, huh?’

Nina’s hands itched with the urge to snatch them away, but she restrained herself.

She had no need for Randell without his glasses and personality.

She only needed the Randell who would work diligently to contribute to the ducal household’s coffers.

Nina glanced at the modest luggage he had brought and said.

“It’s so early in the morning, the kitchen fires probably haven’t been lit yet. I’ll tell them to hurry with breakfast, so please head to your room first.”

“Breakfast is fine. Rather, I’d like to discuss those samples you sent in more detail.”

Nina nodded at Randell’s words.

“Yes, then unpack in your room and come right over.”

“Thank you.”

Randell smiled brightly.

After escorting him to his room, Nina returned to Jin and told him to rest.

Jin whispered lowly.

“What’s that about? The Great Sage? You gonna leave yourself alone with him?”

Sages were beings who wielded an unknown, unheard-of power called magic.

A Great Sage was even more so.

It also meant they understood the world’s principles and possessed vast knowledge, but to Jin, it simply heightened the threat level.

“He’s not particularly dangerous.”

As long as he didn’t interfere with the research.

“And if he has magic, then I have spirits.”

Nina whispered back. Jin started to say more with a “But still,” prompting Nina to tilt her head, wondering, ‘Why has this man turned so overprotective?’

At that moment, the door flew open with vigorous energy.

“Alright! Let’s go!”

He was brimming with enthusiasm.

“Wow!”

Nina let out an involuntary exclamation.

A blue robe embroidered with gold thread, its long hood adorned with decorations.

“The sage’s symbol.”

Nina smiled, and Randell grinned back.

“I have to wear this when working outside.”

“I see. Then let’s head out.”

Jin stealthily trailed at the rear of the group, and Nina decided to let it slide.

No point nagging him for not resting when told to.

Nina first led him to the fields. Fruits that amplified fire power were growing there. Beside them, the medicinal herbs Kiril cultivated were planted in neat sections.

She also checked on the transplanted oil trees. His eyes sparkling, he peppered her with eager questions, and Nina answered as thoroughly as she knew.

But when they reached the greenhouse herbs, they clearly needed Kiril.

‘Should I wake Kiril at this hour?’

As Nina hesitated, Randell was already marveling at the herbs on his own.

“This is incredible! It’s similar to silver leaf, with an even richer scent. But it’s not silver leaf! Are there many like this in the Violet Forest? I always heard it was polluted, giving it this negative image, but to think it’s a treasure trove!”

“What’s different about it?”

Nina crouched beside him, tilting her head. Randell launched into an excited explanation.

“Normal silver leaf has dense white fuzz on the back like this, but look! This one’s truly silver, right? It’s sparkling! The leaves are thicker too, and this scent is completely different!”

Nina leaned in to examine the leaf he had gently flipped over, but the moment he turned, they collided.

“Ah.”

“Ow.”

In that instant, his personality—no, his glasses—fell to the ground.

‘Why do they come off so easily?’

“Ugh—damn it—hng?!”

As he swept back his hair and spat out a curse, Nina swiftly jammed the glasses back onto his face.

“Sorry! You okay? My forehead’s pretty sturdy.”

As Nina rattled off apologies, Randell stared at her blankly with wide eyes.

‘Wow.’

Nina was genuinely awestruck.

Those intensely blue eyes sparkled vividly.

How could they be so flawless?

Even behind glasses, their beauty was unmistakable.

The Antarctic sea shattering under the midday sun.

A smile bubbled up unbidden, and Nina grinned as she rose and asked again.

“You okay? Can you stand?”

She extended her hand, and Randell took it, rising while rubbing his forehead.

“I’m fine. Sorry for getting carried away. It happens sometimes with research materials.”

His cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Nina offered light reassurance.

“A researcher needs that kind of passion.”

“Lady Nina is kind.”

Randell smiled softly.

Jin, lurking behind, wore a faintly irritated expression and opened his mouth, but a beat earlier, Kiril spoke up.

“What’s all the commotion in my greenhouse this early!”

“Kiril?”

“Kiril, you’re up at this hour?”

Nina whirled around in surprise. Kiril waved the stick in her hand.

“Thought a thief had broken in.”

Jin muttered, “What’s there even to steal in this greenhouse?” only to get smacked with the stick.

“And from the getup, isn’t that the fool from the Isle of Sages?”

Kiril leaned crookedly, planting her stick in the ground.

Randell lightly crooked his right hand, bowing at the waist like a stage actor.

“Great Sage of the Isle of Sages, Randell, greets you, Senior.”

Kiril snorted derisively.

“Still packed with blockheads as stiff as those blue stones, huh?”

Randell, still beaming cheerfully, replied.

“Probably even stiffer now.”

Nina glanced bewilderedly from Kiril to Randell and back.

“Kiril’s from the Isle of Sages too?”

At Nina’s question, Kiril squinted, while Randell merely smiled—neither bothered to answer.

‘And that’s answer enough.’

Nina snapped to attention and said.

“Lord Randell has graciously come to collaborate on herb research. Herbalist Kiril, will you lend your aid? I ask as the Duke’s proxy.”

Kiril flashed a wry smile.

“Drop the formalities with me, kid.”

Nina chuckled lightly. Her twin pigtails swayed gently.

“Then, may I ask you, Kiril?”

“Sure. Why turn down a researcher who’s actually useful? Let’s chat. See how far the Great Sage of the Isle of Sages has come.”

“I’d be honored to hear it.”

As Nina said, “Then we’ll leave you to it,” and turned to go, Randell quickly stepped in front of her.

“Lady Nina.”

“Yes.”

“I was rude earlier.”

“No, it’s fine.”

“...”

“?”

Why’s he gone quiet? Nina tilted her head, and Randell cleared his throat before asking.

“By any chance, are you interested in herbs?”

“Yes.”

Of course—these plants would bring wealth to their territory. How could she not be?

They had to feed their Young Master those white breads.

Randell’s face lit up.

“Then, when you have time, could we discuss herbs sometime?”

“Of course.”

She needed to know all about their products, after all. Absolutely.

Nina agreed readily, and Randell said, “Thank you,” stepping aside. Nina exited the greenhouse.

Jin grumbled sullenly.

“I’ll hang back.”

Meaning it was too risky to leave the Great Sage of unclear origins alone with Kiril. Nina nodded understandingly, but Kiril waved them off dismissively.

“All of you, out. You’re in the way.”

“Kiril.”

Jin scowled, about to protest, but Kiril narrowed her eyes with a “Tch.” “Damn it, fine, whatever,” Jin grumbled, scratching his head as he stomped out of the greenhouse.