Chapter 63: Reunion
“Me?” Rolof looked surprised. “General Kweil, that seems… inappropriate. Such an important matter…”
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to go. On the contrary, he had been looking for an opportunity to speak with the current “Bai.”
Delivering this letter was the perfect chance.
But he was wary.
This matter was too important. General Kweil or Prince Kruse, as Legendary Knights, should have delivered it themselves.
However, Rolof didn’t know that Kweil and Kruse were avoiding Leticia…
The recent beating still ached…
Of course, Kweil wouldn’t admit that.
“We have more important matters to attend to. You are the most suitable candidate,” Kweil said, his expression serious.
Prince Kruse nodded in agreement, patting Rolof’s shoulder. “This is a sign of our trust in you, Commander Rolof! Our utmost trust!”
Rolof grew even more uneasy. He felt as if the two Legendary Knights were testing him.
But he couldn’t refuse. He took the envelope, containing the crimson dagger, and stood up. “In that case, I will go?”
“There’s no time to waste. Go now,” General Kweil said, then looked at the young Crown Guard, who was still dazed. “Kruse… Prince Kruse, heal this young man.”
Prince Kruse rolled his eyes. Kweil always undermined him in front of his subordinates. Well, he was the least respected of the Legendary Knights anyway.
He looked at the young knight, his pupils glowing faintly as he activated [Illusion].
His Authority, which could create illusions and induce fear, could also be used to treat psychological trauma, with remarkable effect.
Rolof, seeing this, realized the two Legendary Knights weren’t suspicious of him, nor were they testing him. They genuinely wanted him to deliver the letter.
So, despite his misgivings, he took the letter and left.
It was time to meet the current Isabelle—”Bai.”
…
When Rolof arrived at Leticia’s shop, he was just as shocked as Kweil and Kruse had been.
Before him sat two identical black-haired little girls, and a familiar purple-haired one.
…So, which one was Isabelle?
“…” To be honest, Bai was also shocked.
Why was Rolof still running around? And he had come to a Legendary Knight’s home… wasn’t he afraid his demonic power would flare up, and Leticia would execute him on the spot?
“Commander Rolof, what brings you here?” Leticia asked, looking up from her sewing.
“I… I have something to deliver,” Rolof said, placing the envelope on the table. He felt a surge of pressure from the two impassive black-haired little girls, knowing one of them was likely Isabelle, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
Bai, oblivious to his misunderstanding, glared at him.
And Isabelle, though in her timid form, wasn’t a fool.
She had pieced together Rolof’s betrayal.
If it had been the crazed Isabelle, she would have attacked him already. This Isabelle simply watched him with cold disdain.
“What is this?” Leticia asked, sensing the ominous aura from the envelope.
“An invitation from the Abyssal Demon Realm. They wish to attend the Imperial Festival…” Rolof explained, his gaze darting between Bai and Isabelle, sweat dripping from his brow.
Bai’s expression hardened as she listened. She knew what this invitation meant.
Isabelle, hearing of Queen Shaya’s impending arrival, looked surprised, but said nothing.
After Rolof finished, Leticia pushed the envelope towards Bai.
“Bai, you decide.”
“…Huh?” Bai was stunned, and Rolof was also surprised.
But his attention was focused on the two black-haired little girls. Now that he had calmed down, he realized neither of them matched Isabelle’s personality.
The one Leticia called “Bai” felt just like the original Bai.
Isabelle had no ability to mimic personalities…
“Didn’t I say you were in charge?” Leticia said calmly. “I’m just an advisor. If you don’t understand something, if you need something, if you can’t solve something, then come to me.”
“I thought you were just saying that. That you would still be the one in charge,” Bai said, scratching her head. “I’ve never been responsible for such a large-scale defense operation. And now, I’m…”
“No one starts out with experience. I didn’t either,” Leticia said with a smile. “But you’re not opposed to it, are you?”
“Well, no…”
Bai’s original goal in coming to the capital had been to enter Vikarn, and now, the Imperial Festival was the only key. The more involved she was, the better.
But she still felt that Leticia was being too kind to her.
Or perhaps not kind, but… manipulative. As if Leticia wanted her to be more involved in the capital’s affairs, affairs that conveniently aligned with her own goals.
“Lady Leticia… this…” Rolof started, then he noticed the other black-haired little girl’s gaze shift towards him.
It was familiar…
“She’s Isabelle!”
A wave of terror washed over him. He saw her eyes, beneath the round glasses, turn into pitch-black voids, drawing him in, consuming his soul.
Bai patted Isabelle’s head, then looked at Rolof. “Commander Rolof, is something wrong?”
“N-no, nothing…” Rolof forced a smile, his breath ragged.
As Bai patted Isabelle’s head, Isabelle seemed to shrink back slightly, and Rolof was finally able to escape the abyss, his back drenched in cold sweat.
“Kweil and Kruse have already agreed to my request,” Leticia said, looking at Rolof. “Are there any other problems?”
