Chapter 34
The prince opened with that line.
Colm was already glancing nervously around as if he wanted to run away.
Rory yawned again. Only Fionechta and Maeve stood quietly, listening to the prince.
“Due to certain circumstances, Craig had to return ahead of us. The journey will continue with just us.”
Their reactions—especially Rory’s disinterested attitude—immediately caught Declan’s eye. No, truthfully, that man had been indifferent to him since the very first day of departure.
Even so, Declan tried not to show any sign of agitation.
“Our destination remains the same. We’ll continue heading west.”
He spoke calmly, his face expressionless, but his eyes lingered on Rory with faint displeasure.
From the start, Declan had never truly trusted any of them.
Every one of them had obscure origins, lacked proper manners, or both.
Expecting loyalty or fidelity from such people was impossible.
Even Craig, who had served him for over twenty years, had shown a face that left him shocked once revealed.
So he hadn’t expected anything from these people from the very beginning.
“You’ve already been paid quite generously, I assume.”
In the end, what moved these people was money.
“I heard that you were promised separate compensation once we return.”
Prince Declan knew exactly what effect Craig’s departure would have on the group.
That was likely why Craig had been so brazen right up until he was dragged out.
At the prince’s words, only one among them showed a notable change in expression as he looked around at everyone.
It was Colm.
“That’s correct.”
When Fionechta affirmed, the prince nodded.
“If we reach our destination safely and I successfully lift the curse upon my body, I promise to grant you riches and treasures beyond comparison. I am a prince bearing the most noble blood of Lutea.”
Prince Declan lifted the golden hair covering his left ear and revealed the dragon scales beneath it.
“This is proof of my lineage. I am the rightful and legitimate heir of Lutea—more than anyone else. Do you understand what I mean?”
For a fleeting moment, sorrow crossed his eyes, but fortunately, no one noticed.
No, they simply didn’t care enough to notice his circumstances. Declan knew that well.
That was all the more reason he needed to speak of what they actually cared about.
“What you all want is money and treasure, isn’t it? Once I’m cured, I’ll reward you with more than you could ever wish for. Understood?”
For persuasion, his tone lacked softness. It was little different from a threat.
“You don’t have to worry, Your Highness. We’ll stay with you until the end. As you said, our promised reward depends on returning safely with you.”
Fionechta replied calmly.
Then he continued,
“Perhaps anticipating this kind of situation, we were also warned that if we abandoned the mission midway and fled, we’d be branded as criminals throughout Lutea and hunted for life. The palace didn’t handle this matter carelessly, Your Highness.”
Declan had known about the payment terms, but this was the first time he’d heard such a thing.
To think that desertion would mean being exiled and hunted forever—it was new to him.
Rory seemed to be hearing it for the first time as well.
He darted his eyes around uneasily, while Colm—whose entire family lived in Lutea—grew visibly paler than anyone.
“What’s wrong, Colm? You look as if you were already considering running away.”
“N-no, no, not at all. Absolutely not.”
Declan had noticed it too.
When he pointed it out, Colm’s face turned blue as he shook his head too vehemently in denial.
Instead of pressing further, Declan sighed and nodded.
“…Very well. Then, let’s discuss our next course. We’ll need to change our plans. We must reach the west as soon as possible—within a day if we can. For a different reason this time. In any case, no matter how rough the path may be, we’ll press on.”
“I’ve been around this region before, so I know the area well. I’ll assist you.”
“…Good.”
While Declan and Fionechta exchanged their words smoothly, Rory and Maeve traded glances.
Colm stared at the ground, biting his nails as he muttered under his breath.
“…This isn’t fair. I haven’t even been paid yet. I’m the only one… the only one who hasn’t gotten anything…”
Rory let out a short snort of laughter when he heard Colm’s mumbling.
Maeve pretended not to notice and kept her eyes fixed ahead.
“By the way, Fionechta, is that true? Did my brother really make such an arrangement?”
“…I’m not certain. I only heard it came from ‘those above.’ Even if it wasn’t the ruler himself, it must have been someone of equally high standing who added that condition out of concern for Your Highness.”
“…Ah, I can guess a few likely names. It must be them. If that’s the case, then I’m relieved.”
The voices of Declan and Fionechta’s conversation grew distant.
By then, Colm was muttering something grim—words that bordered on a curse.
“Don’t look.”
Rory whispered the same warning as he had the first time they met.
Following his advice, Maeve kept her gaze straight ahead.
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