AME 35

CH:35

Completely Unknowable

From early dawn, the snow had started to fall, and by noon, it had completely covered Ferdinand in a blanket of white.

Kaon, who had left the training ground earlier than anyone else, was the first to step into the softly piled snow. The entrances of the castles were neatly cleared, but the gardens were entirely white.

Kaon walked slowly, unbothered. The sensation of sinking into the snow with each step was enough to make the cold feel worth enduring.

“Koda! Stop right there!”

Suddenly, a frantic voice echoed from afar. It sounded breathless, as if someone was running. The voice shouted “Koda!” again, and right then, something came charging toward Kaon with great speed.

“Koda.”

“Woof woof!”

Kaon recognized it and crouched down with a smile. The tiny puppy, Koda, was bouncing through the fluffy snow as if it didn’t feel the cold, leaping onto Kaon’s knees. His once-clean pants were instantly covered in snow and dirt, but Kaon didn’t care.

“I would’ve held you even if you didn’t run like that.”

He chuckled and picked Koda up. Big snowflakes clung to the puppy’s ears, which had been flopped backward from the sprint. As Kaon brushed them off, Koda stuck out his tongue happily, licking Kaon’s cheek with a familiar wet touch.

“Young master!”

“Were you looking for this one?”

“Yes. I was just about to tie him up, but this rascal suddenly dashed off. Sheesh, for such a small thing, he’s quick!”

A soldier, who arrived moments later, explained the situation while catching his breath.

Koda used to roam freely around the castle, but ever since they found out Alessia was afraid of dogs, his range had been limited. Since she usually came outside around lunchtime, they tried to have him leashed by then.

“You really have a lot on your plate.”

Because of that fraud. Kaon left the rest of his thought unsaid as he gently patted Koda’s chubby pink belly.

Since their argument a few weeks ago, Kaon had been completely ignoring Alessia. To be fair, she hadn’t acknowledged him either, so technically, they were mutually ignoring each other—but Kaon was firmly convinced that he had the upper hand.

If she apologized even now, he might forgive her just to be magnanimous, but Alessia showed no signs of wanting to apologize. On the contrary, she looked more at peace than ever, as if this was how things should’ve always been.

“You’re a year older now too, huh, Koda.”

“Woof!”

Koda barked back as if he understood, making Kaon laugh again.

He wished he could bring Koda indoors, but the puppy seemed to enjoy the outdoors, and with Alessia afraid of dogs, it just wasn’t possible.

‘…That wasn’t a lie too, was it?’

The thought suddenly darkened Kaon’s expression. He could still clearly picture Alessia gasping for breath in fear at the sight of Koda. If even that had been a lie, Kaon wasn’t sure he could ever trust her—or anyone—again.

“Woof!”

Just then, Koda, who had been quietly nestled in Kaon’s arms, suddenly started wagging his tail furiously and squirming as if he wanted to be let down.

“Koda, what’s gotten into you, you little cutie—?”

“Lady Alessia! Good day to you!”

Kaon froze mid-wave, still holding the squirming Koda, at the sound of the soldier’s voice.

“Bill, the snow has piled up a lot. The ones clearing the back gate must be having a tough time.”

He had hoped it wasn’t her, but the gentle, bright voice rang clearly from behind. Apparently, Alessia had finished her training and come down while he lingered.

“It’s our duty, my lady! Your concern is a great encouragement!”

“That’s good to hear. Oh, Kaon, you’re here too.”

It would’ve been best if she had ignored him as usual, but since the soldier was standing there, Alessia initiated a greeting she usually never made.

“Ah, yeah. Just finished?”

“Yeah. Have you eaten? If not, shall we head to the dining hall together?”

What’s with the sudden niceness just because there’s someone else around?

Kaon inwardly grumbled and subtly turned his back so Koda wouldn’t be seen. It might be a lie, but if it wasn’t, she’d be startled. Just in case, he made sure to shield her from the sight.

As much as Alessia Ingelos annoyed him and he had no intention of ever trusting her again, he never wanted to see that frightened expression on her face again.

“I’ve got something to take care of right now.”

He half expected a barrage of nagging, asking if they were fighting again or whatnot, but Kaon quickly left the scene. Meanwhile, oblivious Koda’s tail continued wagging happily.

“Moris, are you sure it’s okay for me to come? I feel like I’d just make everyone uncomfortable.”

“Come now, my lady. What nonsense. I assure you, they’ll be thrilled. It would be the greatest honor to have you at such a sacred occasion welcoming the new year.”

On their way back to the castle after an inspection, Moris, as usual, chattered on. It seemed he was trying to invite Alessia to the knights’ annual New Year gathering.

Great honor, my foot.

Kaon, trailing behind and overhearing the conversation, quietly pouted.

Why invite a magician—especially a fake magician—to a knightly gathering meant for bonding? Of course, Moris had no idea, but still.

“If you say so… then I’ll stop by for a bit. You said it’s at the knight quarters, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct. I assure you, you won’t be disappointed. I’m quite close with the head chef, you see. You’d be amazed at how much effort he puts into the New Year’s feast.”

The lavish feast at the knights’ gathering happened because Ferdinand opened the storehouses to the public for the new year. During this season, even the poorer residents could eat well and enjoy the city’s festivities.

Naturally, the castle put extra effort into their own preparations, which Moris shamelessly embellished as something grander. That was his gift.

“That sounds worth looking forward to. Moris, you really know how to charm people.”

Charm? What is he, a ghost?

By now, Kaon was habitually sarcastic about everything. The same girl who once called his head ornamental now handed out compliments like candy to others.

My head’s just for show, but Moris’ chatter is charming? Why not just say he’s got a gifted mouth?

It was ridiculous. She barely even talked to him, yet acted like she knew everything. When they were alone, she’d call him “Kaon Ferdinand” or just “hey,” with icy disdain—but in front of others, she reverted to the warm “Kaon” from the past. It was irritating.

Even though Alessia knew his secrets—and those of House Ingelos—she treated him carelessly. She should be treading carefully, but she acted however she pleased.

“Ah, my. Lord Kaon will be jealous if he hears this. Handsome men sure are sinful. Please don’t make me a criminal.”

“Kaon? Oh, I don’t think he’d care.”

“A man knows a man’s heart best. Oh dear, is Lord Kaon glaring at me? I sense a strange energy…”

Does he have eyes on the back of his head?

Indeed, Kaon was glaring at Moris. Man’s heart, his foot. If that was the kind of heart he had, he’d rather cut it out entirely.

And Alessia’s confident “He won’t care” was just as annoying. Not because he was jealous—he would never be jealous over someone like Moris. And certainly not because of Alessia.

What bothered him was how she always acted so cold with him in private, then pretended nothing had happened in front of others. It was maddening.

Kaon sighed deeply, swallowing down all the irritation piling up for so many reasons.

How did it end up like this?

He’d only aged a year, yet his worries had multiplied like years’ worth. The obvious cause was Alessia. That damn fraud made his head spin.

It wasn’t even about whether to expose her identity. He’d abandoned that dilemma long ago. Once the truth was out, the fallout would hurt Ferdinand more than anyone else—so burying it was the best option.

No, the real issue tormenting him for weeks now was their relationship.

Though their bond was already a mess, they were still fated to live together—at least until they came of age.

At this point, fighting would be easier.

There were still two years left until adulthood. Ignoring each other sounded easy, but it was far more exhausting than outright arguing.

But asking for reconciliation? That felt wrong when he hadn’t done anything wrong. The whole situation gave him a headache.

Cough.

Just as he sank back into that endless pit of thought, a small cough pierced his ears.

“Huh? My lady, are you not feeling well?”

“No, Moris. I think I just got a little cold. I’ll be fine once I warm up inside.”

Alessia smiled, shaking her head as if it was nothing, but she looked a little pale and tired.

…Why should I care?

Even her slightly flushed cheeks lingered in his mind, but Kaon forced himself to ignore it.

She’ll manage. Mind your own business. He repeated it like a spell.