Chapter 91
What on earth is going on here? At least it’s a relief that the atmosphere doesn’t seem hostile.
Roel slipped out of Kyden’s embrace.
“I’ll go stay in my room. Please, continue your conversation.”
Kyden nodded, thinking she would be fine.
“Rest in the room. I’ll be there soon.”
Since they knew each other, nothing serious should happen. Roel gave Kyden a worried glance before bowing to the knights and stepping away.
Only after Roel had left did the middle-aged knight speak up. His gaze at Kyden was complicate.
“So, what’s your relationship with that young lady?”
“She’s my wife.”
“What…! You’re already married?”
“Not yet, but we will be soon.”
At Kyden’s response, the knight grasped the back of his neck. After a few deep breaths to calm himself, he said in a resigned tone:
“Let’s talk about this with the Count. He’ll be very pleased to hear you’re here.”
“Sir Dyson.”
“What?”
“…Can we not go right away?”
Dyson’s mouth twitched with frustration. What is this guy saying?! He should be rushing to the Count and begging for his position back!
“Give me a good reason. If it’s a trivial excuse, I’ll beat you right here.”
Although his words were harsh, they were meant for Kyden’s benefit. Dyson was sensitive to Kyden’s wandering because he had been a mentor and a father figure to him.
Kyden was a collateral descendant of the Count’s family. Though distantly related, the small and poorly managed lands meant his position was weak even among collateral branches. In a few generations, their status might decline to that of commoners.
Such collateral families worked tirelessly to gain favor with the direct line, and Kyden’s entry as a servant to the Count’s heir was a prime example of this effort.
Sold off at a young age, Kyden grew up as a companion to the heir and a fellow swordsman. By the age of thirteen, he began to show talent in swordsmanship and received professional training thanks to the heir’s support.
Whether driven by an inferiority complex or a genuine interest in swordsmanship, Kyden threw himself into training and rapidly improved, becoming a knight at a young age. Some knights were jealous and misunderstood his advancement as favoritism, but Dyson, who had directly trained him, knew his skill was genuine.
It wasn’t just his skill that was exceptional. He was also humble, calm, and discerning, able to assess his opponents accurately without losing his temper. He possessed all the virtues necessary for a swordsman.
Dyson had hoped to retire and pass on the position of knight commander to Kyden, watching his growth with satisfaction. However, due to the former Count’s senility, he was unceremoniously dismissed.
Of course, he wasn’t completely cast out. Once the aging Count passed away and a successor took the title, Kyden would have a good chance of being reinstated.
And with the upcoming founding day, when Count Serley Horman would pledge loyalty and officially receive the title of Count, it would be the perfect opportunity for his return.
“If you’re just going to babble, keep quiet and come with me. You can’t miss the Count’s investiture ceremony!”
It was, in a way, symbolic. Attending and standing by the Count during the ceremony would mean being recognized as a true loyalist to the lord.
Kyden could easily take the place of the knight who had fainted and be reinstated with dignity.
“……”
Kyden remained silent with a very displeased expression. He had his own plans. He intended to take Roel to a nice hotel, show her his abilities by providing delicious food and lavish gifts, and then spend a happy time together.
He planned to demonstrate that she wouldn’t have to struggle anymore and could rely on him completely…..
But meeting Dyson had ruined those plans. It seemed that his happy and enjoyable time was slipping away.
Serley, who was a fussy and demanding brat, would surely need constant attention. Kyden would need to participate in the ceremony and return to his hometown with him, naturally leaving no time to enjoy with Roel. It was incredibly frustrating.
“When is the investiture ceremony?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Then I’ll go meet Serley by tonight. Please give me some time.”
“It’s not Serley, it’s Count Serley.”
Dyson corrected Kyden’s language. Although they had been friends in the past, their relationship was now that of lord and vassal.
“Yes, I’ll go to see Count Serley.”
“…… Don’t be late.”
Though Dyson wanted to drag him there immediately, he didn’t want to start off on a bad note after such a long time.
He didn’t show it, but he felt like overturning everything when Kyden left the Count’s lands. How could a promising and talented knight be dismissed for such an absurd reason?
He barely managed to restrain himself from confronting his lord. At least the former Count’s passing was a small consolation.
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