The Forest Race Clonne

Chapter 97

“…It’s too late.”

Surely, he wasn’t caught… was he?

The worst-case scenario crept into my thoughts, riding on a wave of anxiety.

It had been a fair amount of time since Semeion had infiltrated the inner city in my place, as I couldn’t move freely. By now, he should have already returned, but he was overdue. Even factoring in some margin of error, he shouldn’t have been this late. Something about this felt wrong.

“I can’t just wait here indefinitely. I need to figure out what’s happening.”

And if he really had been caught, I needed to find a way to rescue him.

Considering his obvious fairy form, they likely wouldn’t kill him out of sheer curiosity, but knowing that there was precedent with the Demonic Beasts, I couldn’t completely relax. At the very least, he’d almost certainly be sent to a lab.

“Prince Sei.”

“…!”

Just as I was about to turn around, I heard a familiar voice. I quickly held out my hands, and a small figure flitted toward me, landing gently in my palm. It was indeed Semeion.

Though he looked a bit worn out, he was safe and unharmed. Only after confirming he was injury-free did I let out a breath of relief.

“What happened?”

“I’m sorry. I’m very late, aren’t I? There were… a few complications.”

“It’s all right. We can talk about it later. For now, I’m just glad you made it back safely.”

I decided it would be best to change locations and had him slip into my inner pocket. This area was generally deserted, but we couldn’t be too careful. Yet, Semeion hesitated, unable to bring himself to move easily. Curious, I looked at him, only to see him hesitantly confess with a troubled expression.

“Uh, Prince Sei, there’s something I need to tell you. The truth is… I was seen.”

“Ah.”

So he had been spotted. Still, he managed to get back without getting caught. While the situation was now a bit more complicated, I nodded, relieved it hadn’t turned out worse.

“Who saw you? A palace servant? A soldier?”

I didn’t ask with any particular meaning; I just wanted to understand the potential consequences depending on who had seen him. However, his response was hesitant again.

“Um, well…”

I soon found out why.

“…!”

Suddenly, a strong hand grabbed my wrist.

The force turned me around, revealing the person standing before me.

An all-too-familiar face, panting heavily. Through his disheveled silver hair, eyes as bright as the budding leaves of spring stared intensely at me.

It was Camille.

* * *

「You and I live in different worlds.

I am a lacking person who has, shamelessly, received far more than I deserved.

As I can no longer bear it, I ask that you refrain from concerning yourself with me.

Thank you for everything up until now.

Although we may never meet again, I wish you success.

From afar, I will pray for your good fortune.

Your unworthy brother and longtime friend,

Sei.」

Why did I write such a letter?

Again, the day I left the capital, I was definitely emotional. Emotional enough to leave a final, uncharacteristic goodbye.

Probably because I was reminded of those who had disappeared without a word. Was it an attempt to claim at least I left a letter this time? In retrospect, it was a pointless thing to do. One should live as they usually do.

At the very least, I should not have written that there would be no future meetings. If I hadn’t, this reunion wouldn’t have been so awkward.

‘Of all the many people in the palace, it had to be Camille?’

I must have accidentally given Semeion a reproachful look. He, who had been restless since the moment Camille appeared, awkwardly smiled.

“I’m really sorry.”

“…What exactly happened?”

Looking at him with the implied question of whether he had intentionally revealed himself because of a familiar face, Semeion quickly shook his head, understanding my implication.

“It’s a misunderstanding. It was just the result of many coincidences.”

“How do coincidences pile up to this…”

“Is that really important right now?”

Camille, who had only just caught his breath, ground his teeth. My wrist was still firmly in his grasp. Sensing he wouldn’t let go no matter how hard I struggled, I gave up resisting. As I looked at him quietly, the incredulous look in his eyes turned into a sigh of frustration.

“You damn fool. Vanishing like that, and then showing up this way—what were you thinking? And if you’ve returned to the capital, you should have contacted me right away!”

“…I had no intention of being arrested.”

“What? Arrested?”

“I am, after all, an unauthorized deserter.”

Camille blinked as if he didn’t understand what I meant, then his face contorted once again.

“Do I look like someone who would arrest you?”

“Nepotism, cronyism, and school ties are words public officials must avoid. It’s not right to break principles due to personal relations. Not that I’m one to talk.”

“Seirakia, you really are…!”

Hmmm, I might actually get arrested at this rate.

To show I wouldn’t argue anymore, I raised my hands in surrender. Camille pinched the bridge of his nose, frustrated, as if dealing with a troublesome child.

“…Sometimes, I can’t tell if you’re smart or just plain stupid.”

“Is that an insult?”

“Do you at least realize you did something stupid?”

He glared at me intently for a moment, then sighed as he scanned our surroundings.

“Just follow me.”

The place he led me to was a modest tea shop nearby. It was an old establishment, having been in business for several generations, and one I knew well.

Though small inside, the quality of its refreshments was excellent, ensuring a steady stream of regulars. The owner’s kindness and skillful management also earned it high praise from patrons.

‘In reality, it’s a building operated by the Security Department.’

The main office within the inner city was inconvenient to access, so this place was established for convenience. That was the official reason for its existence.

Though it appeared to be an ordinary tea shop, the building had several additional facilities unknown to outsiders. For instance, it housed soundproof rooms in the basement, a hidden armory unknown even to the Imperial Guards, and a passageway connected to the inner city.

Usually, even within the Security Department, it was a place frequented by high-ranking officials. I had only heard about it, never actually visited.

Upon entering, the shop owner recognized the badge Camille wore and silently pointed to a back door. The door was securely locked, but when Camille placed his badge into a small slot above the doorknob, it opened silently.

Through the gap of the open door, a staircase leading underground was visible. Thanks to the lighting, it wasn’t too dark, but the idea of descending beneath the surface was disconcerting in itself.

‘…I really don’t want to go in.’

But saying that wouldn’t help. With Camille watching my every move, escape was impossible. He seemed determined not to take a single step until I moved first.

Resigned, I reluctantly descended the stairs. After a bit, I heard the door closing behind me. Given the nature of this place, it probably couldn’t be opened from the inside without a Security Department badge. My escape route was completely cut off.

Below, a long corridor lined with rooms stretched before me. Unsure where to go, Camille opened one of the doors. Contrary to the bleak exterior, the room was brightly decorated. The furniture suggested it was a reception room. Camille then glared at me suddenly.

“What’s with that look?”

“What do you mean?”

“You just felt relieved, didn’t you?”

“I did not.”

“Don’t lie. I know you. That was definitely a relieved expression.”

I wasn’t even aware of my expression. I shrugged, and his eyes narrowed further.

“Don’t tell me you thought I was taking you to a torture room or something?”

Hmm, caught.

“…No way.”

“Your late response says otherwise!”

He is unnecessarily perceptive in such matters. I averted my eyes from his gaze, which now shimmered with a sense of betrayal.

But could you blame me? The Security Department has multiple uses for the ‘tea shop.’ Secret locations that are perfect for concealment with soundproof rooms not easily accessible to anyone. Usually, such environments, regardless of their well-intentioned purposes, end up being used for more nefarious activities.

Especially when marked by the state, many who vanished without a trace were often taken to this tea shop. Camille looked at me with an even more incredulous expression.

“This place is mostly used for confidential discussions! What do you think of me? I’m not your enemy; I’m your cousin!”

“I know.”

“And you act like this knowing?”

“You are also the heir to the Rouster family. I just thought the Duke might have given some orders in advance.”

“…”

Camille flinched and pressed his lips together. Judging by his uneasy expression, it seemed he had indeed received some sort of indication. After looking at me with a complex gaze for a while, he sighed softly.

“Considering you thought that, why did you come along so quietly? If you thought I’d harm you, you should have run away.”

“Please tell me how that would be possible. Unfortunately, I’m not strong enough to break free from your grip.”

“…Right, I was holding you so you couldn’t escape. That’s all my fault.”

“Yes, please be more mindful in the future.”

“…”

He rubbed his face wearily in silence. To avoid provoking him further, I quietly sat down on the sofa.