A Background Character’s Path to Power

Unfortunately, it was hard to gauge Vance's reaction under that mask. His eyes gave nothing away, and his stride remained steady and controlled.

Unlike Auera's obvious embarrassment and the typical joy one might expect from someone whose feelings were being acknowledged, there was something different about his posture.

If I had to guess, he was feeling conflicted about something. Probably their status, or 'the fact' that they can't be together, that he's just her guard and 'friend', nothing more.

I would love to give him some advice, but we weren't close now, and I didn't know that much about them.

Besides, we had already arrived at our destination.

"You three, please wait in this room." I stopped in front of a guest room we have been using to receive guests till now.

They wanted to say something, but Cassandra quickly led the princess in. But Vance stayed behind; he probably didn't want to stay with them and listen to their 'nonsense'.

"Alright, let's go together then," I said and led him to the lower floor, where butler Veylan was coming out from the kitchen.

"Oh, sir Lumin, what-!" He stopped mid-sentence as his eyes landed on the Vance behind me. "Little V-Vance? Is that you?"

I watched as Vance stepped past me while gesturing with his hands.

Old man Veylan's eyes immediately welled up with tears as he rushed forward with open arms. "Little Vance, my boy!"

But Vance dodged swiftly to the side, avoiding the emotional embrace with practised ease.

"Haha," Veylan laughed through his tears, wiping his eyes with the back of his sleeve. "You are still the same, avoiding hugs."

I chuckled inwardly, noting Vance's quirk.

"Did you... hear the news?" Veylan asked in a somber tone.

Vance nodded subtly, his fists clenching at his sides.

A few more tears escaped from the old butler. "I... still can't believe... young master is gone..." He stammered while wiping them away.

I watched their reunion quietly from the side. It was clear they knew each other well. Vance must have visited the Keep frequently during his friendship with the past Amaniel. Familiarity between them spoke of years of interaction.

"You've already grown up now, huh?"

After a moment, Veylan recovered his composure and started asking questions.

"How have you been? How is life at the academy? Are you taking care of yourself?"

His expression grew more concerned.

"What about young master and lady... Are they doing ok? You've been looking after them after Young Master Aman left, right?"

...Is he talking about my younger siblings?

Vance reassured him with a firm nod, though I could see the subtle tension in his shoulders remaining.

"I see, then I can be at ease." Veylan sighed. "I hope they don't hear of this anytime soon... After all..."

He didn't finish his sentence. But Vance must have gotten it.

"Anyway, what brings you here?" Veylan asked and turned toward me. "I'm sorry for showing such behaviour, Sir Lumin."

I waved my hand and responded in Vance's stead. "It seems like young master Amaniel's friends came to visit him before the new semester started. I delivered them the news, and they wanted to talk with the lady and the baron. So I was searching for you to prepare rooms for them to spend the night."

Veylan nodded. "Alright, I will do it immediately. But friends? You didn't come alone?"

Vance nodded.

"There's also a girl who called herself Auera," I answered in his stead.

"Oo..." Veylan nodded, staring at Vance with a knowing smile. "Is it... her?"

Vance didn't react and averted his gaze, earning a chuckle from the old man.

"Please, send a few meals to that guest room too." I added. "I'm sure they are tired and hungry from the long journey."

"Oh, yes. Will do." The old man nodded and hurried back to the kitchen.

"Let's go back." I gestured for Vance to follow after me.

_____ __ _

"Haa... Finally, we're alone now."

Cassandra collapsed onto the sofa.

We just finished eating and bid farewell to Princess and Vance as the maids took them to their rooms.

"Thank you for your help." I nodded, sitting back on the opposite sofa.

"Don't mention it. It was better than sitting alone in my room, at least."

{And we got to learn about your past.} She added mentally.

{That's right. Thanks for that too.} I chuckled. It was she who initiated the conversation about the past me after all.

Thankfully, I had no relationship with Carmine or any other person aside from these two at all. Although some might have found it sad, I was relaxed instead. Because more relationships meant more complications due to my amnesia. I also got to confirm the fact that I wasn't familiar with Lady Nisha or her daughter at that time.

...That leaves the other two options...

According to their words, I wasn't that different in the past. I didn't stand out that much, even though I had the highest grades and physical prowess. Yep, according to Vance, since I was the strongest, they wouldn't dare to bully me or them and just ignore us.

But I was average when I 'woke up'. That meant I probably stopped working out at some point.

Alas, we couldn't ask deeper questions.

{So, who was that woman?} Cassandra asked again.

{...She's the one who talked about the engagement.} I replied. Then gave a brief explanation about Lady Nisha and the past me knowing each other somehow. And I had 'agreed' to the marriage.

But I didn't tell her that it was the reason they were after my life. It was a personal problem after all.

{What are you gonna do then? Are you gonna... accept it?} Cassandra asked in a curious tone.

I smiled at her. {No. We talked about it too. And until I can recover my memories, I don't want to make any commitments like that. Besides, I don't even know her daughter. And even if I recover my memories, I doubt I will be the same.}

{...I see.} Cassandra nodded thoughtfully. {That's probably for the best. Arranged marriages... Well... You know what I think about them.}

I nodded.

{Speaking of which,} her tone grew more serious, {your friends... it doesn't feel like they just came for a social visit...}

{Probably. I have a feeling their visit is connected to whatever conspiracy is brewing in the kingdom.}

{You... suspect the crown prince too?}

{Yes. And...}

{I suspect there's someone else behind him.} There'll always be someone controlling the strings behind the scenes. {And when they make their move...}

{...This kingdom will fall into chaos.}