Although I deliberately slowed my steps, the time it took to reach the Empress’s palace was quicker than expected.

Strangely, I felt a sense of regret. Was it because I had taken a night walk after so long, or was it because my companion was Lebel?

‘It must be the moonlight making me feel strange.’

Nothing stirred people’s hearts quite like the moon hanging alone in the middle of the night. Its mysterious light that made one indulge in vain fantasies and harbor hope. Perhaps it would have been the same even if my companion wasn’t Lebel.

Ilarid let go of Lebel’s hand as if sliding away. The magic had ended. Now it was time to return to reality.

Before that, there was something she wanted to ask. An unresolved question kept nagging at Ilarid like a small knot in the corner of her mind.

“Lebel.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Have we met before?”

“On the first day of the festival in the capital, at the tavern…”

“No. Much earlier than that.”

The inexplicable unease stemmed from a sense of déjà vu. Perhaps she had encountered him long ago. It was time to start retracing the faded memories of her childhood one by one.

“No, we haven’t.”

Lebel’s low voice rang out firmly. His attitude seemed to cut off the sprouting suspicion like a knife, and Ilarid couldn’t probe any further.

“I always seem to have reasons to be grateful to Captain Lebel.”

“Please call for me whenever you need a walking companion. I’ll be at your service.”

Well, would that really be possible? Ilarid smiled awkwardly and avoided his gaze.

Now that the contract extension was settled, they would encounter each other more frequently. While it was a green light for Ilarid’s plans, she wondered how it would actually turn out.

He was clearly hiding something and approaching Ilarid with a purpose. Although it didn’t seem to be a malicious intent, what could it be? Ilarid imagined the worst-case scenario.

‘Surely not a remnant of the republican faction…’

He could be a mercenary secretly contacted to assassinate the royal family. Or perhaps an individual who supports republicanism out of personal conviction.

When she had investigated the Rikas Mercenary Group, there were no suspicious signs at all.

And the republican faction, unable to withstand Cledius’s oppression, was barely clinging to existence underground. They wouldn’t have enough strength left to hire mercenaries.

Perhaps sensing Ilarid’s hesitation, Lebel quickly added:

“I apologize. I didn’t mean to burden Your Majesty.”

It was a personal desire. Words that spilled out from an overflowing wish to see her more often and for longer. The true feelings that had already escaped now started to swirl around Lebel, tormenting him.

Immediately realizing his slip, he was about to kneel straight before Ilarid.

“I spoke out of turn, forgetting my place.”

“No, wait, Lebel. Stop.”

When flustered, one’s arms and hands move first. Ilarid hurriedly grabbed his arms and shoulders to stop him. Fortunately, this time the tragedy of her hand touching his chest did not occur.

It was a posture that could easily lead to misunderstandings if anyone had been watching, but luckily there was no one around. The two looked at each other in an awkward stance.

“So… it’s alright sometimes. If you give prior notice to the Empress’s palace…”

Was this what I originally intended to say? But how could she say ‘don’t come near me’ when seeing Lebel’s crestfallen face?

If she had outright refused, Ilarid would have been unable to sleep that night due to guilt.

After maintaining an awkward posture for a moment, Lebel promptly knelt on one knee. He took Ilarid’s left hand and pulled it towards his lips.

“It’s an honor, Your Majesty.”

Although she had said it was fine not to observe formalities, she couldn’t refuse. Soon, his lips softly touched the back of Ilarid’s hand.

For a brief moment, a warm sensation spread from where they touched.

A tingling warmth that crept up from her fingertips. Ilarid closed her eyes, forgetting both her purpose and her suspicions about Lebel.

And she realized that she had been secretly longing for this warmth.

Should he have confessed? Lebel gazed endlessly at Ilarid’s retreating figure as she headed into the Empress’s palace.

‘We must remain as acquaintances who have only recently met. Only then will you be able to use me as you wish.’

Whenever he couldn’t pour out the words he wanted to say, it always hurt so much that the pit of his stomach burned. Only a groan escaped from his stiffened throat.

He raised his hand to cover his eyes. But even in the darkness, Ilarid’s faint silhouette remained.

Lebel had noticed Ilarid’s purpose. She would strike down Cledius and overturn the Astrid royal family.

‘Since my life’s purpose aligns with Her Majesty’s intentions.’

That’s why he had resolved to willingly become a chess piece for Ilarid.

It was a luxury to harbor feelings for someone destined to be used as a tool. In chess, if you fear losing a pawn, you can’t even make a move forward.

If Ilarid were to feel sympathy or compassion, she might not be able to let go when the time comes to do so.

She was a warm person. Although coldness flowed from her now, Lebel still kept the warmth of Ilarid’s outstretched hand in his heart.

‘Lebel.’

How much had he longed for Ilarid to call this name? This alone was enough. A faint curve appeared below his covered eyes.

When Lebel slowly lowered his hand, only the bright moonlight remained. It was time to wake from the dream and face reality.

The gentle expression had disappeared without a trace. He glared at the direction of the banquet hall. Loud music and laughter still persisted there.

Those who trampled on happy times and drove innocent people to their deaths. And those who instigated the Emperor from behind and collaborated in the purge of the Melpiram family.

He had lived for the death of those people.

Lebel’s clenched fist tightened. The pawn on the chessboard began to rattle as it made its first advance.

“Ah, Captain! You’re back!”

“Did you eat something there? With all those high-ranking people, our captain must have had indigestion.”

A burst of laughter erupted from the camp. Although the laughter was similar, it was much more pleasant to hear than the fake smiles in the banquet hall filled with pretense.

Jokes were being exchanged among those who seemed to have loosened up appropriately, perhaps after a round of drinks. Lebel laughed naturally along with them.

“Good work, everyone. And we have a contract extension.”

He sat down heavily among the gathered mercenaries and relayed the Emperor’s message. Although it was under the influence of alcohol, it was still the Emperor’s promise. When they heard that their efforts would be recognized in the next contract with the promise of a title and territory, the members’ eyes widened.

“Is this… really possible?”

“The Emperor here is quite generous. A title for a mercenary? He didn’t even bat an eye when other big shots were making their moves.”

“Then what happens to us? If we get that territory, do we have to commute to the capital?”

“What commute? It’s settled living! Say goodbye to our wandering lifestyle!”

“Still, the Rikas Mercenary Group has its pride, we’re not dogs of the empire.”

“Where’s pride in the face of money?”

While the members were noisily expressing their opinions, there was one person who kept his mouth shut. Lailo was looking down at the ground with a deeply troubled face.

When they were stationed near the Rikas Mountains, his wife’s grave was nearby, so it was convenient to visit often.

But as the days spent in the imperial palace grew longer, and if Lebel really settled down in some territory, there would be no one left to tend to the grave.

The others, including Lebel, were not unaware of his concern.

“I won’t stop anyone who doesn’t want this. You’re free to leave.”

“Where would we go if we left here? We’ll just stick close to you, Captain.”

“But is this really okay? Former Captain Turgel had her intentions too. Even though she’s the former captain, isn’t it all thanks to her that we’ve come this far?”

Turgel couldn’t be left out of the history of the Rikas Mercenary Group.

She was the one who instilled a minimum of conscience and morality in those who only pursued money, and created internal order. The golden age of the Rikas Mercenary Group began when Turgel was the captain.

And there was something that had to be conveyed. Lebel looked at each member one by one.

“I plan to visit Turgel tomorrow.”

“You’re going in person, Captain? More importantly, do you know where she is?”

Lebel chuckled and held out his cup. The members weren’t the type to just look at an empty cup. Soon the cup was filled, and noisy sounds and laughter filled the camp.

It was around the time when the members were starting to stretch out their tired bodies on their beds. Luth’s ears caught the sound of someone rustling.

An unusual metallic sound. A faint clink was heard. It wasn’t the friction of a blade, but it felt quite suspicious.

When Luth quietly raised his body, an unexpected figure was seen.

“…Captain.”

“You’re not asleep yet. All the other members have passed out.”

He said he was going to visit Turgel tomorrow, but it looked like he might be packing his bags in advance. Even so, Lebel was always travelling light. Isn’t leaving a part of daily life?

But Luth’s eyes were drawn to Lebel’s bag, which showed an peculiar curve. A pointed yet round object. Did the captain have such an item?

Luth quietly raised his index finger to point at the bag.

“…That.”

“What?”

“…It looks suspicious.”

Lebel chuckled as if he couldn’t stand it, shaking his head.

Do quiet people recognize each other? Among the members, Luth, who moved particularly without making a sound, often managed to track Lebel’s footsteps amazingly well.

“I can’t handle you sometimes.”

Lebel slightly opened the bag to show the object inside. Luth’s eyes grew wider and wider. He looked alternately at the object and then at the captain.

If Lailo or Eddie had known, they might have slapped the captain’s back first, regardless of his position. And they might have made a huge fuss, stamping their feet.

Lebel made a quiet hand signal again. It meant not just a moment of muting, but perfect silence. Luth nodded, covering his mouth.

This would become the biggest secret in Luth’s life, one he’d have to carry to his grave. Would it be discovered? If so, his head might really roll.

But it was the captain, of all people. Thinking that it was Lebel who possessed that object, he felt not worry but anticipation.

Soon the rustling sounds stopped and everything became quiet. When Luth tossed and turned to look towards where Lebel had been, he had already disappeared.

**

Lebel was wandering around the middle of a low mountain. He was sure he had heard it was somewhere around here. Since it was a place Turgel had mentioned casually once, he had to rely solely on his intuition to find it.

He should have asked properly earlier. No, he should have visited a few times. He had put it off, being busy with various tasks, and now it had come to this.

The retirement of Turgel, the ‘former’ captain of the Rikas Mercenary Group, had been sudden.

The retirement announcement that had come down like a bolt of lightning was still vivid in Lebel’s memory. It was a peaceful mealtime, and as usual, everyone was gathered to eat together. Turgel suddenly blurted out:

‘Hey, kids.’

‘Yes, Captain.’

‘I’m retiring.’

Except for Lebel, all the members spat out the soup they were eating and the tea they were drinking.

‘Captain, why are you saying such things in the middle of breakfast!’

‘What’s the reason? Did you get into trouble? Or are you going to prison? Do we need to take care of you in jail?’

‘I’m just getting old and tired. I want to settle down a bit. So stop putting question marks at the end, it’s draining for those listening. Lebel, come see me for a moment.’

Usually, she wouldn’t even disturb someone eating, saying that even a dog shouldn’t be bothered during meals, so it must have been quite an urgent matter.

As Lebel followed Turgel and turned around after closing the door, a small dagger flew quickly.

Lebel stood still, not avoiding the attack. A small piece of paper was stuck under the dagger embedded in the wooden door.

‘You, what kind of person are you?’

On the paper pinned by the dagger was the image of a hawk.

It was the figure of an ash-colored hawk, different from the emblem of the Rikas Mercenary Group.