Alliance(6)

“Kayden!”

A familiar sharpness in a familiar voice.

Grandma Liana, who came down from the carriage under the hands of the butler, Thein, approached me with rough steps as soon as she saw me.

“grandmother!”

I pretended to be bright and approached Grandma, but it didn’t work for her.

As soon as he approached me, he lifted up his academy uniform and checked my insides.

Without hiding, she sees some of my scars.

Liana’s grandmother’s face turned cold.

“….therefore. What am I missing?”

Grandma Liana would have heard all the circumstances through Asena’s letter. But I didn’t know what Asena was sending, so I had no choice but to turn away, as I didn’t want to escalate the problem.

Swallowing her saliva, she tells Grandma Liana.

“Grandma, you don’t even say hello to the kids…I feel sad.”

At that moment, Grandma Liana looked at the twins standing next to me with a bright expression on her face.

“…Look at my mind. Maybe it’s because I’m old, so only emotions take precedence.”

“…Gosh. What else?”

At that time, Grandma Liana approached Asena with her arms wide open.

Hug her, Grandma Liana says.

“You’ve worked hard, Asena.”

“no.”

“Did you get along well without fighting with your brother and Kirsi?”

“……….sure.”

Asena hesitated and answered.

Immediately, Grandma Liana releases her arms and looks at Kirsi.

“grandmother!”

Kirsi is hugged by Liana Grandma first with her characteristic bright voice.

“…Fufu…how are you, Kirsi?”

“Yep.”

“Are your older brothers and sisters inside?”

“…that…oppa did a lot of wrong things.”

When Kirsi answered frankly, I added words so that Grandma wouldn’t worry any more.

“it’s okay. Everything is settled.”

“…hmm…so.”

After a brief greeting with Grandma Liana, I exchanged greetings with the rest of the Fryster family who had escorted her.

Maid Chief Helen.

Butler Thein.

Butler helping Helen, Max.

Even Lawrence, who taught me swordsmanship.

After a friendly greeting, we headed inside, following the words of Grandma Liana.

More stories seemed to have to be done sitting down.

****

Fortunately, the story ended well.

After I and Asena said that they solved it on their own, I decided not to touch any more issues related to the Payne family, although Grandma Liana was uncomfortable.

It is rumored that Shalon did not return to the family. I couldn’t tell if she had run away from somewhere or if she had been in an accident… but it seemed that she would never be able to see her as a nobleman any more.

The Payne family also noticed what had happened to me, so they didn’t seem to want to go out to find Shalon.

In any case, I didn’t have much sympathy for her because she committed crimes against children or was a negligent woman.

“Kayden. You need to think about your position.”

Grandma Liana, who was holding back her anger and decided not to touch the Paine family, said to me, putting down the teacup with subtly strong force.

“yes?”

“What kind of duke’s eldest son risked his life to save the children of commoners?”

“…Okay, Grandma. Why don’t you tell me-“

“no? You still don’t seem to know You’re my bastard, Kayden. Are you trying to make this grandmother experience the experience of burying my child in the ground again?”

“……”

Having said that, I had nothing to say. I scratched my head, went to my grandmother’s side and knelt down on one knee.

I said in a soft voice, carefully clasping her wrinkled hands with both hands.

“I’m sorry, Grandma. But the body moved first. I’ll be more careful next time and be more careful, so let go of your anger.”

“……”

Frowning, she turned her head and took the teacup again with her remaining hand. Yet he did not remove the hand I was holding.

Occasionally, it may be the power of the blood line, but there are times when Asena’s personality can be seen in her grandmother.

Even if you talk harshly, you like the love you send.

When I saw that, I laughed.

At my smile, Grandma finally sighed and looked as if forgiving me.

“okay. But… if you think about it apart from the fact that you almost died… well done, Kayden. This will win the favor of many ordinary people.”

“I didn’t mean to do this, but I guess.”

“Listen, you’re getting an award tomorrow for this case?”

“yes. Personally, it seems like a show for the common people.”

“In the end, everything is a show.”

A case in which the son of the duke family was lost in death while fighting for the children of commoners. There is no better content than this to promote.

So, to spread this story, I have decided to give you a prize.

It wasn’t that I hated receiving the award, but I couldn’t get rid of the regret that the academy was using me politically.

It is to convey the message that ‘we work so hard for you’ through me.

Personally, I was thinking a lot.

Either way, I’m in a position to raise my reputation. Only then will you be able to easily enter other families.

So, instead of just being swayed by tomorrow, I thought it would be good to make good use of the opportunity given to me.

To raise my reputation.

Even if they pretend not to, the nobles look at the commoners, and the nobles they love are of high value.

Liana said as she put down her teacup.

“…well, the urgent story is over, so I can say hello to the heads of 20 thousand other families-”

As Grandma was about to get up, a group of people approached the table where we were sitting proudly.

At that sound, Grandma, the twins, and I looked in that direction.

A large, reliable man was leading them. A crest pattern of bear paws on the shoulder. On either side were a young man and two women who appeared to be the same age.

And one of those two women was Judy.

The Ice Duke was walking towards us.

When his family reached a certain distance, they stopped and kept their seats.

Only the Duke of Ice, his eldest son, daughter, and Judy come to the end and stand in front of Liana.

I got up on my knees and stood behind my grandmother.

“…Edgar.”

Liana Grandma says

The Ice Duke, who began to grow pale hair, answered with a soft voice.

“When are you going to call me Ice Duke? Mrs. Liana.”

“…It’s been a long time.”

Their conversation seemed peaceful, but the underlying tension was considerable. Even if I didn’t say it, it was a fact that everyone knew that we were hostile families.

Only Grandmother Liana, Duke of Ice, and Asena were able to keep their stiff face in this position.

The rest were reading the situation, rolling their eyes, even if they didn’t want to show it.

“Wasn’t it uncomfortable for you to come to the academy?”

“No problem, Edgar. You are very old.”

“10 years…no…was it the first time in 12 years? It’s the first time I’ve seen him since James left.”

James was the father of twins. Former Priest Duke. It is said that he had a rivalry with Edgar Ice.

Grandma Liana was not shaken by his words. Just like Asena.

“It has already happened.”

“I’m just here to say hello.”

“…okay. Thank you for coming first.”

They threaten each other and throw their blades at each other when they can’t measure the strength of the other, but they know that as long as they know what each other’s strength is, there’s no need to fight and build up fatigue.

Also, the Duke of Ice seemed to have some respect for Liana’s grandmother, in one way or another.

In any case, the Ice family was a family of good actors in the novel, so I thought that they would protect their manners and face to some extent.

“…Mrs. Liana. James Il…still saddened me.”

“…..”

Grandma Liana didn’t have to say anything, but she could tell without telling her that her son’s work was still a bitter wound for her.

“…I’ll just go.”

Duke Edgar Ice lowered himself while maintaining his torso until the end. But everyone in this place felt his charisma.

In the end, even if we talk like this, when it really opens up, they growl like they’re going to tear each other apart. Only recently, though, the conflict with the Ice House has calmed down.

I looked at Judy, who was standing behind me. It was obvious that she was very nervous as usual.

His entire body was stiff, and he didn’t even roll his eyes.

For no reason, those images made my heart ache even more. I know how proud I can be, but I felt sorry for her that she couldn’t spread her wings from her standpoint.

Am I also looking at Judy’s eyes like that? So, have you been paying more attention to me?

As I was looking at Judy like that, I felt a gaze on me.

It was an ice duke.

He was looking at me as I was about to leave with a kiss on the back of Liana’s grandmother’s hand.

It didn’t affect me. To be honest, I felt quite a bit of pressure. Still, perhaps because he was the head of a family comparable to Priest, there was depth in his eyes.

But I didn’t avoid those eyes. He blinked slowly once, and then stared at him, without having to open his eyes or even shake his eyes.

I know that if I get pushed back here, I can’t become Asena’s strength. If I can face the Duke of Ice confidently, Asena will also be able to build strength.

After exchanging glances like that, the Ice Duke nodded slightly,

“…it’s fine.”

He said and turned his back.

I watched them leave.

But for some reason, my eyes were not on the Ice Duke who just looked at me, but on Judy’s shrugged shoulders.

****

A crazy day passed and the next day came, but it was the same.

Because today was the day of the award.

As much as it has a meaning for propaganda, the podium where I received the award was erected in front of many commoners.

It was the first time I saw so many people at once.

Without feeling nervous, the headmaster of the academy, who was on the podium, called out to me.

“Kaden Pryster!”

At his call, I also went up to the podium.

Behind them are many high-ranking nobles. A large number of commoners lined up in front.

At that moment, an explosive reaction erupted. As much as I’m confused

‘Kaden! Kayden! Kayden!’

‘Thank you for saving the children!’

‘Is it true that he is from commoners?’

Hearing their shouts, it was obvious that he knew immediately why the academy wanted to reward me.

Then the principal raised his hand, and everyone became silent as if dead.

He shrugged his neck and began to announce my ball in this quiet plaza.

Among the crowd, there were adults who thanked me, children who looked at me with bright eyes, and people who looked nauseous.

“…he saved the children who were there! In recognition of his work, the Academy awards Kaden Pryster a prize, two years’ worth of food!”

Just as everyone was about to start applauding as my prize was presented, I raised my hand high and stopped them.

The principal, the aristocrats seated in the back, and the commoners in front also looked at me curiously.

Originally there was one plan, but after hearing my reward, one more idea came to mind.

“……”

I looked around for a while, and started spitting out unfinished stories.

“I just did what I had to do as a person. Noble or not, children should not be swayed by the circumstances of adults. So, for this award I am receiving… I am grateful, but at the same time, it is true that I am sad. I’ve only saved a few children, two years’ worth of food, doesn’t it make sense?”

‘That’s right!’

Someone in the crowd agreed with me.

“Neither I nor the residents of Pryster are hungry. That means there’s no reason to get food. Instead… the Hectors.”

As I speak, I look back for a moment.

Daisy and Earl Hexter next to him were looking at me in amazement.

He seemed to have expected what I was going to say.

“I have heard that plagues and famines are circulating in the Hectors. They are the ones who need food. I want to send this food for them.”

First of all, an action to raise my reputation. Also, an act to help Daisy.

As soon as my words were finished, thunderous shouts poured out.

Although it had no effect on the commoners in front of me, many commoners were moved by my humanitarian action and started to applaud.

and two. If I did this, it seemed that I could use this place neatly.

Something I’ve been stuck with since yesterday. I raise my hand again, and everyone is quiet again.

“…but there is one thing you guys are mistaken about. I didn’t save the children alone. I have a friend who helped me. My conscience is pierced to claim this honor alone. So, I want you to send the applause you gave me to my close friends.”

I looked back slowly.

Ice duke sitting next to Liana’s grandmother. And then his eyes meet with Judy, who was still withdrawn.

I smiled and nodded at her.

“…Come up, Judy Ice.”

She always helped me, so this time it was my turn to help her.

Knights, after all, live on their honor.

****

From the moment Asena said that Kayden wasn’t the only one who saved the children, her heart was pounding.

The male voice spread not only among the common people, but also among the aristocrats.

Of course, because of the clan.

Judy, whom Kaden calls her close friend, is from the Ice family.

Fryster and the Ice family have been fighting for hundreds of years, so it’s not uncommon for the two to be friends.

The whispers of the nobles grew bigger and began to enter Asena’s ears.

‘I don’t care about the situation of the illegitimate daughter and the adopted Ara family.’

‘Pryster and Ice?’

‘Are you even making friends? We’ve been getting along fine lately.’

And so on, a lot of opinions emerged.

But that wasn’t what made Asena uncomfortable.

As the crippled Judy went up to the podium, a child

‘It’s the older sister who saved me!’

‘ He shouted loudly, and Caden’s reliable hand grabbed Judy’s rough but small hand and lifted it up.

Shouts and congratulations poured out like another storm.

But Asena’s eyes were fixed on Cayden’s hand holding Judy.

Judy blushed next to him. It wasn’t clear whether it was because of the support of so many people or because of Kayden’s touch, but it was enough to turn Asena’s insides upside down.

Even this was something I had to endure, Asena whispered to herself.

After he got hurt, didn’t he decide to change? In the end, it’s up to him to come back to him. This would be nothing.

Cayden received the congratulations from the commoners for a while, then slightly turned her head.

Asena wondered if he would care for her, but Cayden’s eyes found the Ice Duke.

As if trying to convey something, he looked at the Ice Duke and whispered something into Judy’s ear. Judy listened to him and looked up blankly at Kaden.

Each and every action of the two was fueling Asena’s jealousy.

Asena finally closed her eyes. She didn’t avoid any obstacles, but it seemed like she had to close her eyes for this.

But closing your eyes wasn’t something you could avoid.

As the history is so long, the commoners who knew the relationship between the Fryster and the Ice family began to shout what they wanted to say when they saw them.

It may have come from a heart for peace, but they began to bless them both.

‘it suits you!!’

‘Make peace through marriage!’

‘Peace on Fryster and Ice!’

– Dude.

Asena clenched her fists.

At their words, it was as if a cold wind had passed through my heart. It was just the nonsense of commoners, but that assumption alone shook Asena. He couldn’t stand the horses who dared to separate Caden from him.

Asena didn’t need peace. If that’s what Kaden had to disappear in return.

Asena, who was holding back her anger, asks Liana, who was sitting next to her.

“…Did you say Judy Ice?”

Asena responded with a feeling of unexplained anxiety.

“….yes.”

“How did you become friends with your brother?”

“…it’s because it’s the same knight department.”

“Hmm…Isra…”

Contrary to her anxiety, Grandma Liana tapped her knee and had doubts about Cayden, who became friends with the Ice family.

At that moment, a man’s voice rings out.

“…People like it.”

Asena shed the man who had said that. It was an ice duke.

Sid Ice, the eldest son of the Ice family, who was sitting next to him, answered his father.

“Because no one hates peace.”

“Do you agree with them too? Do you want to make peace with the Frysters?”

Perhaps because the distance was too close, their personal conversation resonated even though I didn’t want to overhear them.

“I’ve never thought deeply about it, but… it certainly doesn’t feel comfortable when I think of the common people involved in our fight.”

“……”

“Didn’t my father always tell us to put peace first? Doesn’t your father think of Judy and lift him up?”

“…well, it’s good to see you gaining honor.”

“I think it’s because of that fryer next to everyone.”

“…as Judy said, he’s a good guy.”

After thinking for a while, the Ice Duke said quietly.

“Should I marry Judy…?”

– Druck!

Asena could not stand it in the end and jumped up from her seat.

Cayden’s marriage.

The thought of him leaving him and holding another woman in his arms was unbearable.

Standing up, she pressed her emotions down, hardened her expression, and slowly looked at the Ice duke.

“Ice duke. It doesn’t matter if you have a plan, but I hope you don’t let it get into the ears of me and Liana. Marriage… ‘to make’. Do you know that my brother is also a stallion? Just because you order it doesn’t mean my brother will accept it.”

“…Did you hear me? I didn’t know Duke Pryster was listening.”

Liana’s grandmother also helped Asena.

“…Edgar. don’t be sarcastic It definitely bothered my ears. I don’t want the eldest son of our family to be taken lightly. As an adopted child, the feeling of being underestimated is transmitted strongly.”

The Duke of Ice looked tiredly at Liana’s grandmother, and said quietly.

“sorry. You must have been offended.”

Although he apologized, his expression remained unmoved.

“By the way, Mrs. Liana. The duchess would agree with you, right?”

“……”

Asena did not respond to his words. The body seemed to stiffen. She forced her to slowly roll her eyes, observing Liana’s grandmother’s reaction.

An unpleasant uneasiness prevailed.

A streak of smiles began to spread across Liana’s hard face. That smile that she always gave her while looking at Kayden.

she says

“…and it looks like that.”

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