‘What was that?’

After parting with Vancent, Delina pondered for days about what she had seen. If I didn’t misinterpret, the letters were definitely glowing red.

‘There must be a reason.’

For a brief moment, she realized anew from the word “villain” that had appeared. Who the people were that she was currently meeting. Delina recalled the conversation they had at that time.

‘It was when we talked about parents.’

The atmosphere suddenly changed, and the letters appeared and disappeared as she looked at Vancent. Delina sank into deeper thought.

‘As far as I know, everyone is living healthily.’

House of Baron Vernon. It was Vancent’s original family. However, Delina had never heard that Vancent had a bad relationship with his parents. Still, she decided not to overlook even the smallest details.

‘Come to think of it, the other children as well…’

Children aren’t born villains. Focused by this incident with Vancent, Delina decided to be more alert. The performance was important, but wasn’t her purpose to prevent children from becoming villains?

‘Noah was supposed to be the cousin of the Duke, I believe.’

Nothing else was known. The only other thing she knew was that his biological father had died. However, she did not know the whereabouts of his mother.

‘Callis, on the other hand, lost his mother…’

Of course, not much was known about Callis’ family history either. Only that Bellion, a distant relative, was raising him.

‘As for Ashud…’

After his father, the crown prince, left the palace, his aunt Grace was effectively Ashud’s guardian, as far as she knew.

‘Really, I hardly know anything.’

Despite being willing to die as she approached the Duke’s family and growing close to these children, she still knew almost nothing. In her not-so-great mood, Delina’s brow furrowed as she threw the dagger.

‘…Again, again.’

The issue wasn’t just that. Looking at the few daggers that had hit the round target and the numerous ones scattered on the floor, Delina sighed softly.

The daggers that did stick were not even at the center. Despite practicing for days, her skills had not improved.

‘Hee-hee-hee!’

‘…Don’t make fun of me. I’m already in a bad mood.’

As if mocking Delina’s skills, a monkey chuckled from above. Giving the monkey a glare, Delina was about to throw another dagger when—

‘If your wrist shakes like that, it won’t work either way.’

Noah, who had been standing near the training ground door, walked up to Delina. She looked at Noah while holding the dagger.

‘Keeping your wrist steady while throwing quickly is important. Don’t grip the dagger so tightly. Hold it lightly.’

Coming closer, Noah started offering one piece of advice after another. Delina looked at him with suspicion.

‘Why?’

‘Is this… free? No tuition fees or anything?’

Having received so much already, Delina naturally asked if this was free. Then Noah smiled, his eyes twinkling.

‘Yep, it’s free.’

‘Really?’

‘We’re known to be under the same patronage right now. If people see you throwing daggers and think I have similar skills, that would be a misunderstanding.’

‘…Well, that’s tear-jerkingly kind of you.’

Though she planned to perform in a mask, receiving help from Noah was good. She had tried to imitate him throwing a knife, but it wasn’t easy.

‘Are you planning to throw daggers at a target during the performance?’

‘Yes. Originally, I would tie someone up and throw, but with my skills, that’s hard.’

‘You can’t even hit the center now, and you’re going to the palace tomorrow, right?’

‘…Yes.’

Invited by Hyer to come to the palace the day before the royal birth celebration, Delina couldn’t possibly refuse.
“If so, why don’t you hire me for the performance?”

“…How much?”

“Well, it’s a bit expensive. But since we’ve trained together, I’ll only charge double.”

“Why is it more expensive?”

I almost fell for it. Delrina incredulously exclaimed at Noah’s smooth words. He was a person one should never underestimate.

While Delrina and Noah were talking, someone else opened the door to the training hall. It was Callis. Both of their gazes instantly focused on him.

“Ah, what’s this? Training today?”

“…”

When Delrina, who hadn’t expected him to come for her, asked, Callis opened his mouth.

“We’re going to the palace tomorrow.”

“Yes, that’s right…?”

“…I’m coming too. As an assistant.”

“You too?”

Delrina was surprised when Callis said he would go to the palace, but he said nothing more. However, his expression didn’t seem too pleased.

“It must be that His Highness wants you to go. He probably finds it unsettling to send just the jester.”

Reading Callis’ expression, Noah commented with a smile. Finally grasping the situation, Delrina questioned Callis again.

“Really? His Highness told you to go?”

“Yes.”

Oh.

Unexpectedly, she gained another performance assistant. Delrina looked at Callis, who stood before her, wondering how to use him.

Then, Noah, dagger in hand, nodded.

“So, then, stand over there by the target.”