Chapter 20
Ragunberg’s Scheme
Click, click, click.
Each tap of her heels echoed sharply through the dim corridor, as if cutting into the darkness.
After sundown, only a few candles were lit here and there. The ladies-in-waiting had been stingy lately, and the unlit candleholders looked rather lonely.
“So dark… The other day, Belladora told me to go to bed right after sunset—was that sarcasm, I wonder? The world has grown so miserly.”
The wavering flame of the candle in her left hand cast flickering shadows, illuminating a woman in a red dress—Gretagara.
She had been entrusted with seizing Larnablood, but Perces was unreliable, and Lilith had turned out to be more capable than expected.
“Ugh, how frustrating! What should I do about this!”
“Aww, did you lose, Lady Gretaaah?”
“I did not!”
Greta choked on her words and stomped her feet furiously. Then she shot a glare at the small boy before her.
“It was not a loss! Do you understand? I merely withdrew out of pity for that outsider.
To harm someone from another world would violate our code. Heh heh heh… yes, that’s right. It was certainly not a defeat.”
Sweat trickled down her smiling face. The boy, Sibyl, tilted his head and nodded.
“Huh, so you’re kind? Didn’t know that.
Hehehe—hey, Lady Gretaaah, over hereee!”
“Wait a moment, Sibyl. Is my lipstick still perfect? No smudges in my makeup, right?”
The two locked eyes, staring each other down. Sibyl’s sleepy blue eyes examined her closely before he grinned.
“You’ve just got—looots of wrinkles.”
“Wha—!”
“Heheh… hehehehe…”
Greta’s face twitched, her fists trembling in fury. Sibyl, however, just smiled innocently.
“It was pointless asking you anything. Enough!”
“Then come on, this waaay. Lord Ragunberg’s waiting~”
“When asking a favor, it’s proper to add ‘quickly,’ you lazy Sibyl.”
“Ehehe, you’re praisin’ me~!”
“I am not.”
“Hey hey, can I sleep with you toniiight?”
“Fine, fine. Go on ahead.”
“Yaaay! I’m sooo happy! Ehehe~!”
With a joyful hop, Sibyl clung to Greta’s arm.
Soon they reached a large door guarded by a soldier. After being granted entry, a young attendant bowed and led them to an inner door.
Sibyl knocked three times—knock, knock, knock.
“Lord Ragunberg~ Lady Greta’s here~!”
“Enter.”
A deep male voice answered from within.
“Excuse me.”
Greta bowed deeply and stepped gracefully inside with her head lowered.
Just beyond the door hung a thin curtain; the candlelight shimmered faintly through it, obscuring the view.
The room beyond was spacious and calm.
As she closed the door behind her, a faint fragrance filled the air, and the soft creak of a bed could be heard.
This was his bedchamber.
“We cannot talk like this. Come closer.”
“As you wish.”
Keeping her head bowed, Greta stepped through the curtain, her heels sinking into a woven rug.
She placed the candlestick on a nearby table and knelt a short distance from the bed.
Lord Ragunberg sat casually on its edge, one leg crossed over the other. He leaned slightly toward her.
“Look. This boy here—they say he came from you. Is he from the other side?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm. I could keep him here as my page… but perhaps not. What do you suggest?”
“If it troubles Your Lordship, I shall take him back myself.”
“No, leave him for now. He sleeps under a herbal draught. Tomorrow, I’ll speak with him and learn what I can of the other side.
I’d like to see that place for myself someday.”
“My lord jests! It is a dreadful land—full of monstrous beasts and cursed humans! A savage hellscape!”
“Oh? All the more intriguing. Kukuku…”
Ragunberg let out a low chuckle, amused by Greta’s panic.
“Tell me—what of that red-haired mage traveling with Kianarusa?
A beautiful child by appearance, yet clearly quite skilled. I want that one.”
Greta stiffened. That request stirred something unpleasant in her.
If such a talented child joined this household, her own position might be threatened.
He might want that child, but she certainly didn’t want the competition.
“With respect, my lord… that child will surely risk their life in this matter—just as I shall.”
“So death is possible, you say?”
“Indeed. Without their magic, they are but a mere child.”
“I see…”
Ragunberg rose silently and approached her.
Thump… thump… thump.
The sound of Greta’s heartbeat filled the still air, loud enough he might hear it.
A pair of feet appeared before her bowed face. She squeezed her eyes shut—then felt his hand gently tilt her chin upward.
Her face grew hot, almost burning.
“You jest, my lord… Greta’s heart may stop at this rate.”
“Sweet woman, surely you understand my feelings.
Since losing my wife, my son and I have carried a gaping hollow in our hearts.
That is why I wish to do something for that poor boy—even if they call it treason.”
Still trembling, Greta turned her face toward him, eyes closed, lips quivering.
She almost forgot to breathe as she finally replied, her voice shaking:
“Of course, my lord.
I understand well your feelings toward your son, Lord Lacris.
Yet who would object if Larnablood passed from Lady Kianarusa’s hand into his?
The people already harbor doubts about her.
Even her challenge to the Dragon Master—most believe it will fail.
Would that truly be called rebellion?
Those who dissent will soon think better of it.”
“Greta Gara… open your eyes. Look at me.”
“Y-Yes, my lord.”
Slowly she lifted her gaze. Before her was a man of imposing stature—broad-shouldered, mane-like white hair framing a face both rugged and noble.
His deeply carved features and sharp, commanding eyes radiated power.
Beneath his white shirt, his chest and arms were thick with muscle—remarkably well maintained despite his age.
Ah… no matter how many times I see him, he’s such a magnificent man… she thought dreamily.
“In your eyes, do I seem mad? Am I mistaken?”
“Who can say what is ‘mistaken,’ my lord?
As long as the kingdom remains secure, the people will be content.
The one who holds Larnablood and commands the Dragons—that is the true king of this realm.
Soon, all will understand who the rightful heir is.
And that person is not necessarily the current king’s firstborn, Lady Kianarusa.”
“Fufufufu…”
Ragunberg chuckled, then stood and took a sword from the wall.
He drew it from its sheath and leveled the blade toward Greta.
She gasped, body stiffening.
“Greta Gara, if need be, act without hesitation or secrecy.
Even if I am captured, fulfill your mission with your life!
That will prove your true loyalty to me.”
“Yes! I, Greta Gara, pledge my life itself to meet your expectations!”
Greta pressed her forehead to the carpet.
She had a plan—a sure one.
Kianarusa was still just a child.
If Lilith could be removed from the prince’s side, the rest would be easy.
A wicked smile crept across her face, and she swallowed her laughter.
