Chapter 28 (1/2)

-Click, Clack-

The sound of shoes echoed in the wide corridor.

Walking along the corner of the corridor that surrounded the courtyard, was Jin who was clad in fine clothes that were distinguishable from afar. His white attire, which served as a background that highlighted his navy blue hair and eyes, featured an embroidery of Rulan Kingdom’s crest on his chest. His stride was straight and reliable even as he read through the stack of papers in his hand.

Freely using the long compass as he walked, Jin abruptly looked up and fixed his gaze up ahead.

The front of the corridor.

A group occupied the hallway as if they were preventing Jin from advancing to the direction he was headed to.

At the head of the group stood a man, who, like Jin, also wore clothes that had Rulan Kingdom’s crest embroidered on his breast.

“What do we have here? It’s unusual for you to be in the palace, my dear younger (step*)brother.”

“Why, it’s been a long time, (foolish**) elder brother!”

Jin bowed to the approaching man who was accompanied by an entourage. While his head was bowed, Jin smugly smiled at the man who did not understand the meaning behind his passing words.

The man in front of him was called Riol Rulanbaldt.

The First Prince of Rulan Kingdom.

Although he is Jin’s older brother by name, he had no blood connection to them.

While the other prince and princesses shared the same father, as far as Jin was concerned, his relation to the Rulanbaldt Royal Family was no doubt of a complete stranger.

“It is said that Royals never roam without companions. I cannot say for certain that the inside of the palace is as safe as it claims to be. Even I don’t know when or where my life could be taken.”

“So, for example…”

Jin, whose smile did not reach his eyes at Riol’s mockery, directs his gaze to the inner courtyard, “On top of that tree or,”

Moving his gaze behind his back next, “Are you like one of those people who are aiming for me from the shadows? Or,”

His gaze returned to the front and reflected Riol, whose face had slightly stiffened.

“Is it one of your escorts who are likely to draw their swords, or is it the woman whose atmosphere is clearly not that of a female attendant?”

“Wha–!?”

Jin’s eyes dangerously sparkle at the heavily trembling Prince.

Ahh, so stupid.

“Pfft.”

“What’s so funny!?”

“There is no need for worry, (foolish) elder brother.”

“Ha?”

“My companions are completely reliable.”

The loud snap of his fingers reverberated throughout the loud hallway.

“……”

“? What are you…….”

Echoing, just like that. Or so it seemed.

Nothing changed before and after Jin snapped his fingers.

At least, nothing happened in the surrounding areas that were visible.

However……

“At ease, (foolish) elder brother. The scoundrels who are sneakily aiming for our lives have just been erased from existence.”

“Wha—”

“Find their employer and return them to that person.”

“W-wait!”

“There is nothing to be worried about. I shall do my best so that the same thing will never happen again. No matter who hired them.”

Jin laughed quite enjoyably as Riol’s face visibly reddened in an instant.

“L-let’s go!!”

Stuttering, Riol’s departing words were similar to that of a child throwing a tantrum.

“Fuhaha. He’s stupid in all respects. If so, then those accompanying him might be somewhat better. Only after I suggested it were they aware of your presence. What do you think?”

When asked by Jin, who started walking again after a quick glance at the retreating group, a man appeared soundlessly behind him.