The Knight Commander of the Second Male Lead [Novel] Chapter 56

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

Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 56

Chapter Title: Picnic and Past

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

Nina went up to her room and changed into comfortable clothes. Wearing her uniform around would make her stand out too much.

"Kiril was right. Inviting someone over and then keeping them cooped up in the castle."

Of course, since he enjoyed research, he might actually be happy living in the lab...

"To stay healthy, he needs some fresh air and sunlight."

Thinking it was similar to bedding care, Nina grabbed a basket and headed down to the entrance.

Randell stood there, dressed in a light brown robe.

"Aren't you hot?"

Randell nodded at Nina's question.

"No, it's fine."

It's thin enough, Nina thought, then said briskly,

"Then let's go."

Right outside the castle was the lower town, encircled by walls.

Black Shield Castle was the main stronghold, so it was quite large. Being close to the Violet Forest, the residents enjoyed various benefits, keeping the population steadily maintained.

The last time Belak had invaded Black Shield Castle was a hundred years ago, so the people here were desensitized to the fact that Belak was right next door.

It was a peace forged from the blood of the Ebony Knight Order.

Randell gazed at the bustling crowds. Shops lined both sides of the alleys densely.

"It's so lively."

To Randell's words, Nina replied, "Feels like real life, doesn't it?"

Randell nodded.

The Isle of Sages had shops like these too, of course, but none with this kind of vibrancy.

"My master brought me to the lower town a few times."

They were all good memories.

But after his master's death, he hadn't gone again.

"Then I hope this becomes a good memory too. Let's buy some food here and eat outside the castle. How about picnicking on the nearby hill?"

That's why she'd brought the basket.

She showed him the wicker basket. Inside were utensils that clinked together.

Intrigued by Nina's plan, Randell nodded. Eating outdoors was a first for him.

They wandered the shops, buying cheap wine and carefully selecting cheese.

They picked bread that wasn't too hard and thinly sliced ham.

Everything was so enjoyable that Randell kept bursting into laughter.

Nina chattered quickly, explaining things, while Randell listened intently, examining the butter closely.

He was amazed by the story that carrot juice was added in winter to make the butter appear more yellow.

Finally, they bought potatoes too, packing everything neatly into a large cloth. Nina slung it over her shoulder and headed out of the castle.

This was the same path she'd taken on the donkey when arriving, but walking it with Nina felt entirely different.

They weren't even talking about research, yet conversation with her flowed easily.

He even wanted to learn how she came up with topics so smoothly.

They climbed the hill covered in rabbit grass and settled amid the blooming white flowers.

Nina cleared the grass for a spot, lit a small fire, and tossed in the potatoes.

She warmed the bread slightly over the flames and carefully opened the wax-sealed wine bottle.

They each took wooden cups and knives from the basket and began their meal.

Tasting the wine, Randell couldn't help but laugh.

"My goodness, it's watered down too much."

"Let me try... Wow, it really is."

Nina grumbled that she wouldn't let that tavern owner off easy. Randell chuckled and said,

"I thought we'd chosen well by the color..."

"Seriously. Isn't this too much?"

The taste was so absurd it was laughable. Still, since it wasn't sour from age or spoiled, it was drinkable as a beverage substitute.

Sipping the diluted wine and munching on bread topped with cheese and ham, Randell gazed at Black Shield Castle in the distance.

"Seeing it like this feels completely different."

Nina nodded in agreement.

"Where are you from, Nina?"

"A rural village. So rural it didn't even have a name."

At her answer, Randell fiddled with his glasses, then took them off.

This time, Nina watched him without surprise. She'd seen it once before, but it seemed his personality hadn't fully shifted to the glasses yet.

"My father was a thief."

Even without his glasses, Randell's tone was gentle.

His gaze, which had been on the glasses, turned to Nina. His blue eyes quickly scanned her expression.

Seeing her calm demeanor, he relaxed and continued.

"I grew up in the slums, so I had a rotten personality. Not a past I'm proud of."

If you didn't steal, you'd be stolen from. If you didn't fight, you'd be beaten.

Even as a child, he'd swung knives without flinching, spewing curses and violence.

"After I learned I had strange powers, they came from the Isle of Sages to fetch me."

He smiled faintly.

"My father sold me for a single silver coin, and that night I tried to smash the guy's head with a rock and run."

"Did you escape?"

Randell shook his head at Nina's question.

"He was a Sage; he wasn't going to lose to a kid. I ended up wrapped up tight and shipped off to the Isle of Sages without knowing what hit me."

Randell's eyes narrowed. He gently put his glasses back on.

"Things weren't great there either, but I met a good master. He gave me these glasses."

Randell said as he adjusted them.

"He said they'd calm my anger until I could control the rage inside me myself."

Nina looked at his face and raised a question.

"Is that all?"

"Pardon?"

"The glasses. But your impression changes every time you put them on or take them off."

Randell's cheeks flushed at her words. He sighed and said,

"Once my anger subsided, people approached me poorly because of my face. So he cast a spell to hide my real self."

"I see."

Nina nodded and fell into thought.

She only knew the latter part; the former was new to her.

Was his confession to the heroine Fiona not the whole story? Or was the original description incomplete? Or had she forgotten?

"Well, it's not wrong anyway."

There was just one more reason. Relieved, Nina asked another question.

"So it's a spell? Or suggestion? Or just psychological?"

"A spell."

At his answer, Nina peered seriously at his face and said,

"Then you should take them off."

Randell's expression hardened.

"Why?"

Nina recalled Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Trying to eradicate his evil side to become purely good—what happened?

He just became a split personality.

"Just my opinion, but relying on those glasses might make you forget how to control your anger yourself over time."

Randell's eyes widened, as if struck at a weak point.

"I'm not saying take them off all at once. But how about when you're with me? Even if Randell gets angry, I know the circumstances, so I'll forgive you. Lucky for you, that's my specialty."

Recalling the Ebony Knight Order's time in the Violet Forest, Nina giggled.

She added in a singsong voice,

"If Randell allows it, we could definitely be good friends."

Randell stared at Nina for a long time, observing her. Her golden eyes danced like sunlight making even dust sparkle like jewels.

Randell lowered his gaze, then removed his glasses and folded them away.

"Friends are a first for me."

Nina beamed at his words.

"What an honor."

Nina placed a hand over her heart and gave a light bow. Randell, caught off guard, bowed back awkwardly.

To celebrate their new friendship, they toasted and drank. Randell let out a rough curse, and Nina laughed, "Wow, even drinking it again, it's still so weird."