After Raven’s final words, none of us could say anything rashly. An uneasy silence ensued, akin to walking on a tightrope.

“I heard you don’t remember the murderer who killed your brother.”

Jaerim was the first to speak.

“Was that rumor false?”

“…I was told that it doesn’t matter why I came here,” Raven seemed unwilling to share much.

Like a wounded beast, Raven sharply rejected the questions and continued, “Isn’t it enough to prove that I’m not on the same side as those bastards?”

As if seeking approval, Raven glanced at the four of us.

Revampelle gestured Jaerim to step back and nodded, urging Raven to continue.

“After leaving Liraneph Manor, I’ve been searching for that man. After asking around, I heard a story that he once worked with those guys, and that’s why I came here.”

“Worked together?”

“Yes. They said we worked in the same mercenary group. Investigate my background, and you’ll find it’s not a lie.”

When Raven lightly clapped his hands, Jaerim opened the carriage door slightly and called the coachman.

“Regrettable. Not because I don’t believe you, but it’s better to confirm it thoroughly before moving on.”

“Understood.”

After a while, when the coachman arrived, Revampelle conveyed Raven’s words in full and ordered him to verify.

“I only asked them if they knew the Montage and showed it. Suddenly, they drew their swords.”

“No one is friendly when looking for someone who worked in the same criminal group.”

“…Yes. After that, it’s all I mentioned earlier. I was surprised by the sword, and I was attacked before I could defend myself.”

Jaerim muttered quietly, “Even if you defended yourself, you might have been attacked.”

“Raven, let’s carefully examine whether your words are true.”

“…Yes.”

“If it’s true, we’ll naturally release you. If not…”

Revampelle pointed in the direction the carriage was heading.

“We’ll take you to the palace like this.”

When the word “palace” was mentioned, Raven’s face crumpled like paper. He stood up abruptly to look outside, but he couldn’t confirm the situation outside because Jaerim and Clint were guarding the window.

“…Is this the road to the palace now?”

“….”

“I can’t go to the palace, Your Majesty.”

“Sit down.”

With a gesture, Revampelle ordered silently.

“I don’t want to meet my father. I can’t.”

I’ve noticed this recently, but Raven seemed to dislike his father immensely. He disliked even mentioning Liraneph’s name.

Perhaps leaving the manor was not only about finding the assassin who killed his brother but also about unresolved issues with his father.

“Sit down.”

Revampelle, with clenched fists, patiently ordered twice.

“I said I have nothing to do with them. So now, let me…”

Thud!

Clint clenched his fist and struck the carriage wall forcefully, creating a loud sound as if the carriage was breaking.
Raven was taken aback, biting his lips. He looked at Clint intently.

In a low voice, Clint warned Raven, “Her Majesty has instructed you to sit.”

“……Got it!”

“Don’t get too excited like a child. You should know it’s not a situation that can be resolved with just a few words.”

“……Got it!… Yes, I’m sorry.”

Raven calmed down and sat on the chair. Perhaps due to the sudden movement, his bandages showed traces of fresh blood.

Revampelle’s gaze shifted to Raven’s bandages. With a disapproving tongue click, he explained slowly, making sure Raven could understand.

“We need time to verify your words too.”

“…Yes.”

“We still have a long way to go before reaching the palace. If your story is true, we’ll release you immediately.”

“…Yes.”

“It’s not that I don’t believe your words. But we can’t just let you go, believing only your words that you’re not affiliated with those scoundrels. Understand?”

“…Yes.”

Every time Revampelle spoke, Raven’s shoulders slouched like a soaked cotton ball. There was no room for rebuttal as Revampelle’s words were accurate.

His eyes, downturned like he might cry at any moment, were pitiful. Not only I felt that way; apparently, Revampelle found it annoying and sighed irritably.

“Ha.”

Revampelle swept his hair back and asked Raven, “Can we just ask those scoundrels about that man’s whereabouts?”

“……!”

Raven’s eyes sparkled like stars as he raised his head abruptly.

“Can I ask them?!”

“If it’s just one question, I permit it.”

“Of course, just one!”

Since hearing about the childhood accident that still haunted Raven as trauma.

Revampelle strangely treated him with a gentle attitude. Of course, Raven might retort, ‘What’s gentle about it?’ if he heard it.

Usually, he would have threatened to kill or said all kinds of harsh words.

But not this time.

‘He’s composed.’

I looked at Revampelle with a pleased expression, then noticed Jaerim on the opposite side, sharing the same expression.

Jaerim was smiling like a parent seeing a well-grown son. Anyone might think he raised Revampelle.

‘Come to think of it, isn’t it natural not to threaten to kill someone?’

Well, whatever. Why am I having such thoughts?