“People who belong here should naturally return here, shouldn’t they?”

Although Lure didn’t think so at all, he lied without hesitation.

Since feeling the loss of his abilities, his lies had increased little by little. Due to poor health, due to stress. And when he decided to run away, his daily life became a lie. Because gambling was fun, because he liked drinking.

So, he could do well this time too. With a calm face, like a dignified knight, like a loyal subject, he looked straight at Carlos.

“Don’t let your eyes waver.”

Not a single hair should wobble. Lure faced the scrutinizing emerald eyes. If caught here, he’d likely have to part ways with his newly found parents.

Cold sweat trickled down from his nape. Did his pupils waver? It felt like they did. Did he notice that the curse he had cast was slightly loosened? Did he recognize the fake magic that Hayden had set up just for deception? Lure tried his best to hold on.

“…I’m scared.”

If he couldn’t hold on here, he had no right to retaliate. It’s true that he’s afraid of the entity that ruined his life, but he will hold on.

Forcing himself, Lure braced his heart by recalling the past four years that were more horrifying than death.

“You could also say you’d stay in Perseus. Especially if you’ve risen to the rank of commander?”

Carlos’s smooth robe brushed past Lure’s legs. Looking down at the much shorter Lure, he began to circle around her, never taking his gaze off her, moving slowly like a snake coiling around its prey.

“Where one is born and raised is unforgettable, Your Majesty.”

“That’s a fleeting emotion; humans value immediate wealth and glory.”

He had to think carefully. Carlos didn’t want to hear Lure give up on his parents. He had to continuously think to figure out what his veiled psychology was and what he wanted from her.

“Parents think they can’t beat their children.”

Without answering, he circled her one more half-turn.

“Of course, giving up what has been accomplished in Perseus won’t be easy… But I believe my parents will know what’s right and wrong.”

Excessively pledging loyalty or flattering could arouse Carlos’s suspicion. Lure just had to act like the Rustica Gennes he knew. Firm, believing in a just world, and therefore naive Rustica Gennes.

“Yes. I too hope for the day when I can live with my family again.”
The hem of Carlos’s long robe, which had grazed her leg, moved away again. Lu didn’t even let out a sigh of relief. Tension and fear had paralyzed her.

“Continue the report you were giving. I am curious about the situation of monster subjugation in the West.”

Feeling like she had passed a crisis, Lu began to elaborate on what she had seen in Perseta, mixing in suitable lies at Carlos’s gesture.

The ambitious young emperor was continually being tested on his qualifications by the nobles. He was struggling because there were so many monsters, although he was trying to prove his qualifications through this monster subjugation.

The few Western and Northern nobles had no interest in cooperating with the emperor; it was the Eastern nobles who actually ruled Perseta. And they had no interest in Kaletta.

“Although there is much speculation and rumor about Kaletta, it’s merely a means to attack the young emperor. The nobles are only interested in maintaining their own positions and expanding their territories; they have no other concerns.”

Carlos lifted the corner of his mouth, seemingly amused.

“They have been used to not having an emperor since birth, so that’s natural.”

“But the sages aren’t.”

As a familiar name was mentioned, his emerald eyes casually went back to Lu. Emperors usually didn’t show emotion, but Lu was certain that Carlos was focusing on her more than ever.

“I rushed over, thinking you would consider this news important.”

And so she spoke the lie that Hayden and Ophelia had concocted, with some skepticism.

“Your Majesty, the Emperor of Perseta has said, ‘A new sage has appeared in the South.'”

Those words visibly shook Carlos.

Lu sat in the room that the emperor had graciously given her for a brief rest. She had no home in Katat, and after telling Carlos that it would be safest for her to return to Perseta by the end of the day.

“Take a short break before going back. If you need anything, feel free to ask.”

Thanks to Carlos, she asked the royal servants for items that would please the officials in Kaletta.

Kaletta’s food, clothing, and books should suffice. She didn’t forget to ask for items that would take a bit of time to acquire. She had to divert people’s attention even slightly for now.

“His Majesty has ordered you to return to the palace in four hours.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Four hours. Carlos must be moving quickly, considering the bomb Lu had thrown.

She intended to make good use of these four hours. She showered naturally, changed into comfortable clothing that wouldn’t draw attention in Katat’s palace, and went out again.

“Where are you going?”