Chapter 15

“I swear.”

“…On your workshop?”

“On it.”

“And the unfinished swords you were making? If you’re lying, you’ll never be able to finish them in your whole life?”

“…Huh? Do I really have to go that far? Okay, fine. I swear on that too…”

Now it was real.

If Dad was putting up even his half-finished swords in the workshop, then this had to be serious.

Because when Dad lies, he never puts his workshop on the line.

…But now what should I do?

[Why would the Duke of Ferdinand be wandering around this rundown street in the first place?]

Yeah, seriously.

That’s exactly what I was thinking.

All the nobles I’d seen so far always rode in these enormous carriages with dozens of knights guarding them as they paraded down the street.

When that happened, peasants like me had to press ourselves flat against the ground and wait quietly for the noble to pass…

‘So why did the Duke of Ferdinand… bump into me in the middle of this street?’

Why had Dad kept it a secret until now that Mom was a noble?

My head was a mess from the sudden turn of events. I couldn’t think straight.

Then, the Duke of Ferdinand carefully held out his hand to me.

“Eve.”

“…Y-Yes?”

“Would it be alright if I patted you… if you’re okay with it?”

[Does he think you’re a puppy or something?]

“Yes! Of course!”

Ignoring the ever-critical voice of X—again—I quickly stepped closer to the Duke of Ferdinand… no, to my grandfather.

If this really was the Duke of Ferdinand, then I needed to set aside my feelings for now and bow down respectfully…!

“L-let me introduce myself again, Your Grace!”

I clasped my hands politely, wiped my eyes again just in case any tears remained, and spoke clearly in a bright voice.

“My name is Eve Royce, and I’m eight years old this year!”

This was strange.

I only meant to introduce myself and leave…

Clatter clatter.

So why was I sitting in this carriage?

I stared out the window at the trees whipping by and muttered quietly to myself.

The carriage was going so fast that the wind stung my face if the window was left open.

And this wasn’t the carriage that the Prince had given us.

“Eve, is the ride uncomfortable?”

It was far bigger and grander—clearly very expensive and fancy!

I instinctively turned to look at my ‘grandfather’.

And replied in the most polite voice I could manage.

“Not uncomfortable at all! Thank you for your concern…!”

“But it seems a bit uncomfortable for you. I’m sorry—I don’t usually transport children, so I didn’t think to prepare cushions.”

“…Cushions? I’m really fine without them! Honestly! This carriage is so smooth and comfortable. In fact, I’m totally fine riding in ox-pulled wagons! Hahaha, so you really don’t need to worry about me!”

And I meant it.

Back in the countryside, forget carriages—even riding in an ox cart meant you were lucky that day.

Every time the village chief went into town, he’d let me ride in the back of the supply cart.

‘That was really fun too.’

The cart was bumpier and harder than a carriage, but it still remains a fond memory for me.

But something I said must have upset the Duke?

“…An ox cart?”

Grandfather muttered like he couldn’t believe it, then shot a sharp glare at Dad.

Flinch.

I could feel Dad’s body trembling in fear beside me.

…Why was he reacting like that?

I didn’t know why, but to comfort Dad, I grabbed his hand tightly.

Then I began to explain the “village chief’s ox cart.”

“Um, Duke, Your Grace? Ox carts aren’t necessarily bad, you know. It was really big and sturdy and a good cart. The ox’s name was Wilson. Wilson was super strong, so…”

But the more I spoke, the worse Grandfather’s expression became.

Why?

As I was fumbling around trying to figure it out, X, who was tied up behind me, spoke.

[Idiot. The Guardian is upset because you were riding around in an ox cart.]

‘Why? It was a really good cart…’

[Because you’re his granddaughter! What do you think people would say if they found out the Duke of Ferdinand’s bloodline was riding around in an ox cart in some rural village?!]

Ah! So that’s the issue!

I smiled brightly at Grandfather and explained quickly.

“Don’t worry! I don’t talk about this stuff carelessly…!”

[That’s not the point… Never mind. Look, now the Guardian’s expression is even worse.]

Huh? You’re right.

Grandfather was glaring at Dad even more fiercely than before.

I hated how awkward and uncomfortable the atmosphere had gotten, so I finally gave up and turned my head quietly to look out the window.

Whatever. He’ll get over it eventually.

Then suddenly—

‘By the way, why do you keep calling the Duke a “Guardian”?’

[Because he is a Guardian.]

‘What kind of Guardian?’

[Hey, brat! Do you even know anything? Go bring your dad over here! I need to have a serious talk with him!]

‘Dad’s right next to you, dummy. Just tell me what kind of Guardian he is.’

[He’s obviously…!]

While X and I were bickering, the carriage arrived at the Duke of Ferdinand’s estate.

The massive gates opened slowly, and the escorting knights riding alongside us split to either side.

As they did, a monumental statue in the center of the estate came into view.

[…The Guardian of the Dragon.]

The statue depicted an enormous, majestic dragon—it was awe-inspiring at first glance.

The Guardian of the Callixt Empire.

The only ducal house in Callixt.

A legendary swordsmanship family that had produced sword masters for generations.

And now…

‘Guardian of the Dragon…?’

[You seriously didn’t know this? How can you live in the Callixt Empire and not know this?]

I could not know…

He’s so annoying about everything…

I subtly glared at X.

[What’re you glaring at, dummy!]

Oh. I guess it wasn’t subtle.

Anyway, this is what X told me about the Duke of Ferdinand.

A long time ago, when the Callixt Empire was first founded, a transcendent being formed a pact with the empire’s first emperor.

That being was a dragon…!

‘I do know that part.’

[Sure you do.]

‘I really do.’

[Fine.]

Anyway, the dragon made a pact with the first emperor.

That as long as its power endured, it would protect the Callixt Empire and bring peace.

Dragons are immortal beings.

If a dragon protected the empire, then Callixt would flourish under its glory and blessing.

But the blessing and pact came with a condition.

[The dragon requested one knight to communicate with it, protect the empire, and also serve as the dragon’s guardian.]

In response, the first emperor offered up the head of the house he trusted most—the head of House Ferdinand.

[And the dragon formed a guardian pact with him.]

That’s how House Ferdinand came to be known as the Guardians of the Dragon.

‘But that’s just some ancient legend.’

Whether the legend is true or not, the dragon that protects this Callixt Empire does exist.

Since I know this world is part of a novel, I know the dragon is still alive.

And that the heroes will one day defeat the dragon and save the empire from chaos.

But… can you really call that “protecting” the dragon?