LRHWB 13

Episode 13 

A Servant’s Patience

“Now then, we’ll soon arrive at the village.
Let’s go together, Lady Lilith.
You may not think much of me, but no matter what happens, I will always be on your side, my prince.”

“How kind of you… as expected of Lady Lilith.”

Yoko sighed dreamily.

“Uuugh… I just want to go home… back to the castle…”

Sniffling and blowing his nose, the prince was a far cry from his regal image.
Completely disillusioned, the outsiders trudged behind him while he and Lilith walked side by side, hand in hand.

“When you feel lonely, please look at the ring given to you by Her Majesty, the Queen.
Your mother is both beautiful and kind. I envy you, my prince.”

Lilith’s voice was soft and soothing, like that of an older brother.
The prince gazed down at his ring, wiped his tears with his sleeve, and finally stopped crying.

“Sniff… I-I wasn’t crying, okay? I wasn’t lonely either! Don’t get the wrong idea!”

“Yes, of course, I understand.”

“Hehe, nice ring, isn’t it? It’s gold!
See? The royal crest is engraved here—very valuable.
A foundling like you could never own something like this.
Since you’re my servant, I’ll let you look at it as a special favor.”

This brat… his mouth is poison!
Behind them, Yoko raised a clenched fist.

“Yes, it truly is a wonderful piece.
I too received this fine garment and a beautiful ring from my master of the other world.
It would be wasteful to boast, but I treasure them greatly.”

On Lilith’s slender, roughened finger gleamed a thin silver ring.
His expression softened with genuine joy.

“Huh, silver, huh? That weird outfit doesn’t suit you at all, but the ring’s small and cheap—just right for you.
Your master’s pretty thoughtful, though.
Listen up—when you travel, it’s smart to carry gold or silver. You can sell it if anything happens.
You’re ignorant, so I’ll teach you all sorts of things.”

Now he sounded full of himself again.

“Yes, I would be most grateful to hear them.
Please tell me about the teachings of the sages of the castle.”

“Well, I guess I can’t help it. For poor you, I’ll share a bit.”

“Thank you very much.”

Still holding hands, the prince seemed to regain some of his spirit and began speaking pompously.

“Seriously, he was bawling just a moment ago! Who’s he calling unfashionable? Lilith looks awesome.”

“Well, if he keeps crying, it’s a problem too. Maybe it’s better if he acts bossy—it’s more like him.”

“Still, Lilith’s amazing. Must be tough dealing with that.”

By “that,” of course, they meant the prince. Everyone nodded in agreement.

But honestly, it was hard for everyone.
Their legs were sore and heavy from walking all day.
Ai was limping, barely keeping up.
At this point, it was pure grit and determination.

Listening to the prince’s boring “lectures,” they trudged closer and closer to the mountains.
By the time the sun dipped low, they finally reached the village.

Lilith seemed familiar with the place, confidently guiding the prince by the hand.
The village was lined with small wooden houses, each with a pointy roof and charming windows with fluttering curtains.

“This looks like something out of Heidi! Don’t you think?”

“Yeah! I wonder what kind of place it is. Feels like we’re on a foreign trip—so exciting!”

Their exhaustion and complaints vanished as they looked around with wide-eyed wonder.

“You guys are way too cheerful… I’m jealous,” muttered Yoshii, starting to regret ever getting dragged into this world.

The village was bustling, filled with more people than expected for its size—likely travelers and pilgrims.

“Wow, there’s so many people for such a small place!”

“Yes. This village is a resting point for those on pilgrimage to the Water Temple.”

“The Water Temple, huh…”

It turned out the only available inn was a noisy tavern with a dining hall on the first floor.
At the entrance stood Zarel, looking every bit the intimidating gatekeeper.
Guests scurried past him, trying not to make eye contact.

Just before the inn, Lilith suddenly stopped.
Head lowered, glancing about nervously—an uncharacteristic unease for him.

“What’s wrong? Something worrying you?”

“No…”

He brushed back his hair, then smiled reassuringly at the prince.

“I may show you something unpleasant soon, but please don’t worry, my prince.
And Lady Ai, everyone—please try not to draw attention.
This is… unavoidable.
Also, to avoid trouble, I’ll stop addressing you as ‘Prince’ and call you Lord Kian from now on.”

“…Got it.”

The prince—Kianalusa, now shortened to Kian—nodded, puzzled.
Ai and the others exchanged glances, then nodded back in agreement.