A Background Character’s Path to Power

He hadn't spoken at all till now, and that sign language mastery indicated that he was mute.

But more importantly, is he a false resonator? I didn't expect to see one who is experiencing a false awakening so soon.

But he probably doesn't realize it himself. And there's no knowledge about such info in most books. I heard it from the master after all.

And that Firm Will and Silent Combat must be the fruits of the false awakening. He's probably good at close-quarters combat.

Or even with weapons, given the fact that he is the princess's personal knight.

Hmm...

A princess and her knight, in love with each other...

Another cliche.

Given the tragic nature of their story and that ominous title, I could already guess how it would play out. Vance, the loyal knight, would probably sacrifice himself to save his beloved princess during some political crisis or final battle.

And she, devastated by his loss, would either die of grief or transform into a cold, emotionless ruler. Maybe even a ruthless queen who would burn everything to ash in her conquest for revenge or justice.

The 'Ghost Princess' title already hinted at someone who had lost everything dear to them or was ignored by everyone.

Classic tragic romance. The kind that makes readers cry and curse the author for destroying their hearts. Well, if they are written well, that is.

{Amaniel.}

I blinked, the mental image of a heartbroken princess and a dying knight dissolving.

{What is it?}

I replied, focusing back on reality.

{Did you remember anything?} Cassandra asked. {You were in a trance just now.}

Oh, gotta find a believable reason. Or...

{No, I was just using my skill.}

Just tell the truth.

{...I see.} She replied after a pause. Must be thinking what kind of skill it is.

"I-Is that really true?"

I watched as Auera(Aurelia) translated Vance's sign language.

And it seems like the Linguist's Key worked on sign language, too. I was getting a familiar feeling from looking at his gestures. Or maybe I already knew sign language before, so that might be the reason too.

"...Unfortunately, yes." I didn't forget to reply.

"...How did he die?" Auera translated again.

"They said he died in an explosion during a monster attack," I replied.

Vance gestured again, but to only Auera this time.

{Do you understand the sign language?} I asked Cassandra just in case.

{No.} She replied.

After talking with each other, the princess turned to us and asked again.

"When can we meet his parents then?"

So she was listening.

"You can meet Lady Selvienne tomorrow."

"Thank you. Then can we..."

"I understand. I will ask Sir Veylan to prepare rooms for you." I quickly understood what she wanted to say.

Since we were 'strangers' to them and had no connection, they probably thought it was better to talk with the baron or baroness about that matter.

Honestly, I was happy they did it. If they had talked to us, I would have thought that they were naive teenagers.

"Thank you." Both nodded gratefully.

"No need." I waved my hand dismissively. "You three may wait here or switch to another room."

"...We would like to take a rest," Auera said, standing up with Vance.

"Alright, then follow me. I'll take you to Sir Veylan."

With that, I led the way with Vance on my right side while the girls followed behind.

I was using Pulse of The Unseen to search for the old butler while listening to the conversation between Cassandra and the princess.

Cassandra, being a socialist, quickly became close to the princess. They talked about easy topics. Cassandra asked about who that Carmine girl was and if they were friends with her, too. Auera firmly denied saying she wasn't close with her.

Suddenly conversation took an awkward turn...

"Were you close with Amaniel?" Cassandra asked curiously.

"Yes." Auera nodded. "But I only met him through Vance, so he was my second friend. Right, is it ok if I ask something?"

Cassandra must have agreed.

"...Do you travel together with your husband?" Auera suddenly 'attacked'.

"Unfortunately, no," Cassandra sighed in disappointment. "My husband... He rarely takes me with him. Besides, I'm a merchant, so I'm usually tied to my business too."

"I see, you must miss him a lot." Auera continued her 'offense'.

"Oh, I do," Cassandra replied like a true 'wife'. "But when you love someone, you learn to cherish the moments you have together, no matter how brief."

Auera nodded sympathetically, completely absorbed in the conversation.

Meanwhile, I was trying to process how we'd gone from delivering tragic news about a dead friend to discussing marital dynamics.

But I guessed it was Cassandra trying to lighten up the atmosphere. And here I was, doubting whether she was enjoying it.

...She's not, right?

Then, it was only awkward for me, I guess.

"You seem pretty close with that friend of yours yourself," Cassandra said, smoothly turning the tables as she glanced meaningfully between Auera and Vance.

The effect was immediate. Auera's cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and she stammered. "Y-You think so?"

I nearly sighed out loud at how obvious she was being. For a princess, she had absolutely zero poker face when it came to matters of the heart.

{...What's a poker face, friend?}

Seren, who was describing their expressions, suddenly asked.

{Well,} I mentally replied, {it's when someone keeps their face completely blank to hide their emotions, especially when you're lying or bluffing. It's used in a game called poker, but the term can be used in any situation.}

Seren hummed in understanding. {I understand it now, thank you, friend. And...}

{I know.}

I glanced at Vance, who had been glancing at me throughout the way. The moment our eyes met, he quickly averted his gaze, looking ahead at the path in front of us.

I frowned inwardly.

Did he sense something?

He was deliberately looking at me, as if to check something. Or...

Can he see Seren?

That would make sense, but not at the same time. The Character Insight didn't tell about such an ability after all. Or is it his eyes that are special?

I need to test-

"You two really look like a couple," Cassandra continued, a mischievous glint in her eye, clearly enjoying Auera's flustered reactions.

The princess's blush deepened even further, and she nearly stumbled over her own feet. "W-we're just... childhood friends and..."