There was no way for the children to avoid the eyes of the Princess’s bodyguards in that small classroom.

So, acting as an excuse to inform the Information Guild that they were worried about the Princess calling for a private carriage, the bodyguard took on the role of secretly monitoring the children.

While the children were gathering excitedly on the carriage, Evan, who was feeling nauseated, couldn’t escape the laughter of the children who were thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Satisfied with that response, Sharl excitedly lifted her small shoulders. At that moment, Caesar asked, “Phew, surprised. But what’s the cloth covering your face?” “Ah, this? You guys can use it too.” Proud-faced Sharl distributed masks of various colors she had brought to the children: black, red, yellow, white, and gray. These were masks with three holes, made in the fur hats, each in the favorite color of the children. Then, while just holding it in my hands, Evan and Caesar were looking at it. Among them, Evan was even more perplexed. The only grandson of the Kilgis Kingdom had to, of all places, turn this upside down and wander around the Grand Palace where key figures from various countries were gathering for a banquet? Unlike the mischievous reputation of the Emperor’s golden child, as the grandson of the kingdom who received quite strict education, this was not fitting. “…Your Highness, this won’t work. No matter how you look at it, it’s more like thieves than an exploration team…” “That’s right. Your Highness, this doesn’t seem suitable for Evan-sama…”
“Argh! We shouldn’t reveal our identities!” Even Caesar sided with us, but Sharl, with her puffed-up cheeks, had a valid reason. “So, that means we’re like thieves…” “Ugh! You two. Is this how you want to play? Look over there!” The reason is, once again, that it isn’t entertaining. Sharl pointed to the children who were already holding hands and striking poses, each in black, red, and yellow. Among them, the three purest children were given colorful masks: “Scarlet Shade!” “Golden Shade!” “Hm, Ebony Shade…!” Rather than a thief vibe, it resembled a fun role-playing game. Seeing the white one, Caesar nodded approvingly, and Evan, who had no other choice, reluctantly put it on. ‘What will Grandpa say… Now that it’s come to this, I really can’t get caught. Absolutely not.’ Though it was unintentional, this action might have been the first rebellion in Evan’s life against his somewhat frightening grandfather.

The Grand Hall of the Imperial Palace, the balcony of the banquet hall.

This place, with a height of two floors, overlooked the Imperial Garden bathed in gentle moonlight. Kyle and Lucia, who hadn’t seen each other for over five years since the last war, found themselves leaving the silent banquet hall together and meeting here. “Same as ever, Lucia. Or should I say, you seem different for some reason.” “Lucia is the name only used by the Supreme Commander. Please be mindful.” “I said it back then too, but I don’t like it. We were quite close, weren’t we?” In response to his words, Lucia rolled her eyes as if contemplating. Perhaps they were quite close. Even though it was hazy after several decades, he still remembered the sparring sessions they shared. He was quite skilled with a sword for a royal. Considering the enjoyable memories left after the long war, it seemed true. However, delaying her answer, Lucia slowly leaned against the railing and sat down. Then, speaking a bit louder than before, she said, “Now, you’re a king. It seems you desire a comfortable life in someone else’s country.” The anxious heartbeat sound coming from just below the balcony where she sat. The familiar sound was undoubtedly the Emperor’s rising blood pressure. Lucia, the Grand Sword Master, couldn’t help but distinguish the precarious heartbeat sound of the Emperor, who resonated so intensely that it reached her neck, and the breath of a few knights following him. And with her bold actions, even Kyle couldn’t help but laugh coolly. “Haha, you’re still dreadfully popular.” Despite Lucia raising one eyebrow in denial, he continued to laugh more boisterously. Kyle, too, as a knight who had reached the rank of Sword Master, knew that there was someone nearby, and that person happened to be the Emperor, one of the few who could soften Lucia’s rigid expression. However, having come here personally, he couldn’t give up.