The Regressed Son of a Duke is an Assassin

Located at the boundary of three countries, Luwen, where the Academy is situated, immediately borders another country once you leave the city.

This means I am currently at the entrance to the Kingdom of Spania.

I’m not sure if it’s just my imagination, but it feels like the sun has already become scorching hot.

You know that feeling, right?

Not exactly tired, but just this irritating sensation bubbling up.

That’s exactly how I feel right now.

Of course, that doesn’t mean I plan to cross this barren land barefoot.

The , a unique artifact and mode of transportation from the Kingdom of Spania, obtained by Set.

With this, we should be able to easily reach Nodeli.

-Whoooosh-

Under the blazing sun, a harsh sandstorm grazes my skin.

I naturally lift the scarf wrapped around my neck higher as I turn my head.

“Ha ha! The air of my homeland is always refreshing!”

On the other hand, that foolish prince has every possible opening wide open, sitting there taking in all the dust.

No wonder he dies without living out his full life, succumbing to a cold.

Thanks to that fool, my already rising heat feels even more intense.

“Is it hot, senior?”

Luna, who had been watching, asked.

“Just… what are you doing?”

I tried to act fine, but the moment I saw her face, I tilted my head in curiosity.

In the midst of this yellow, almost red-hot environment, something that looked like a blue droplet of water was swirling around her face, out of place.

As if it were raining just around her.

“It’s a ‘cooling magic’ that combines wind and water attributes. It creates a whirlwind around and then generates water molecules to swirl around in it.”

In both my lives, this was magic I had never heard or seen before.

“Did your society invent this magic?”

“Of course not. If we submitted such trivial magic, my grandfather would be furious. This is just something I came up with on the spot.”

This was like modifying magic into her personal toy?

Every time I saw it, I couldn’t help but be amazed.

“But wait, how did you manage to come here without the academy members watching you?”

“Don’t worry. I left a decoy artifact behind for such occasions.”

“A decoy artifact?”

She pulled out a small doll resembling herself from her pocket.

“It works similarly to a marionette. I inject my mana into a doll imbued with magic to give it form, then reconfigure it for summoning and operation. So, right now, there should be a duplicate doll resembling me at the academy, acting in my stead. My fellow academy members won’t have a clue, even if they were to rise from the dead.”

I had a lot to say, but the sensation vanished rapidly.

Such a perfect response was possible only because it was her.

A monster isn’t necessarily ugly and gigantic.

If one feels an immense dissonance to the point of being unable to consider them as a fellow human, that’s what truly defines a monster.

Even I, for that matter, have been called a monster by quite a few people over time.

The thought of what might have happened if this prodigious girl hadn’t died in her previous life and had stayed in the Kingdom of Garam was mildly intriguing.

“Should I do the same for you?”

“No need. I can still manage.”

“Suit yourself then.”

She responded somewhat petulantly.

“Are you okay, though?”

“Hm?”

“I mean, you’re not even in a normal state to begin with. Isn’t it a strain to use mana like that?”

Removing the Heart curve might have introduced unforeseen side effects.

Just because the curve that was consuming her body was gone, it didn’t mean her weakened body would recover instantly.

“Are you worried about me?”

“If you suddenly scream and drop dead out of nowhere, that would be troublesome for me.”

Her lips, which had been straight, suddenly burst into laughter.

“Don’t worry. Nothing that should concern you will happen.”

“I really hope so.”

That was said with genuine sincerity.

On the carpet, flying smoothly without any obstacles, her intense gaze lingering on the back of my head was uncomfortably burdensome.

* * *

After flying on the carpet for a whole day, we finally arrived at our destination, Nodeli.

It was perhaps thanks to Set’s adept guidance that we managed to arrive safely without any major issues.

As soon as we set foot on the rough sandy ground, a cool breeze that seemed to alleviate the heat brushed against our skin.

This place was definitely cooler than the areas we had passed before.

“The ruins are located beyond the center of the village, towards the outskirts. I’m not sure if the village chief will allow us in, but if not, we’ll just sneak in!”

Set, seemingly excited about the impending reunion with the beast, chuckled continuously as he led the way into the village.

I had heard that it was a quiet village, but this silence surpassed quietness; there was a somewhat eerie atmosphere.

Only three houses were immediately visible, and oddly, there seemed to be no sign of life inside them.

“Doesn’t it seem unnaturally quiet? Is it always like this here?”

“No! It’s a secluded place, but you can usually sense the presence of people! Maybe they’ve all gone on a group outing?”

Feeling something was amiss, we continued to look around, but not a soul could be seen, not even an ant.

“Hello! Is nobody here? I’ve come back after a long time to at least say hi…”

“Quick, hide!”

Luna, who had been silent until then, suddenly grabbed Set by the collar and shouted.

I too quickly hid myself, sensing an unfamiliar presence ahead.

“What’s going on…!”

After hurriedly silencing his bewildered protests, I cautiously peeked out.

Two unfamiliar men turned the corner, instantly recognizable by their blue magic robes as not being villagers.

Those robes were worn by…

“People from the Garam Academy.”

Luna whispered in a panicked voice.

Following the first two, three more academy members appeared, looking around as if searching for something.

“Grandfather must have made his decision faster than we thought.”

She bit her lip, clearly displeased.

“What do you mean?”

“I told you. Our academy also knows about the beast and the ruins. They must have come to verify the information for themselves.”

This situation seemed to be twisting into something far from ideal.

While Set alone might have been overlooked, Luna and I being discovered by them wouldn’t end well.

It seemed best to watch the situation unfold from a distance…

Suddenly, something heavy whisked by me at a great speed, rushing forward.

Moments later, with a thud, one of the men was launched into the air.

“It seems like this field trip won’t be peaceful.”

What Luna and I faced at that moment was the Prince of Sand, his body seething with anger, releasing magical power in all directions.

There was a fierce murderous intent swirling around in his eyes.

One of the things one should never see in this world is the anger of a fool.

Once enraged, they are incapable of any rational distinction, unpredictable in their actions.

That fool of a prince was in just such a state now.

“In the name of Set Shaharkan, the Prince of Spania, I command you. You have three seconds to explain who you are, what your purpose here is, and what you’ve done to the villagers!”

Caught off guard by the unexpected situation, the academy members were unable to even respond.

“Three…”

Regardless, Set began the count.

“Two…”

The mouths of the academy members remained closed.

“One…!”

Just as Set was about to explode and launch another punch,

-Thud!

A transparent barrier suddenly appeared, blocking Set’s fist.

“…!”

Regaining some sense, he withdrew his fist and stepped back.

Soon, academy members who heard the commotion rushed over and surrounded him.

Watching from behind, Luna frowned and said, “This is troublesome. I didn’t expect him to show up.”

Among the academy members wearing the same robes, one stood out prominently.

A middle-aged man with long white hair and slight wrinkles around his mouth, the magical power emanating from him was far from ordinary.

“Who is he?”

“The person I dislike the most.”

“What?”

“Just kidding. He’s named Caron Rains, he’s the second most influential person in the Garam Academy after my grandfather. Seems like he’s the chief in charge of this investigation.”

It felt familiar, and the moment I heard his name, it clicked.

In my previous life, he was an eight-star mage who betrayed the Garam Academy and surrendered to the empire. In some circles, he was called the main culprit behind the ruin of the Garam Kingdom.

Though not directly related to me, he’s not someone I’d look upon favorably.

After all, he committed what I despise the most: betrayal.

“Looks like the situation will only worsen if we just watch. I’ll step in. Just stay put, senior.”

“What? Hey! Wait a minute…”

Before I could stop her, she had already dashed towards the crowd.

* * *

The imposing magic power and intent to kill emanated from the giant’s physique.

At a glance, it was clear he was no ordinary person.

In the tense standoff that seemed ready to explode with the slightest touch, a woman’s voice echoed.

“Please stop.”

The scholars began to open their mouths one by one upon spotting Luna.

Caron, too, was unable to hide his astonishment upon seeing her.

“Luna?”

Set’s eyes widened in surprise as well.

“Why is Lady Luna here?”

“I came here with Prince Set for a field trip. We’re here to explore an unnamed ruin in this village.”

“An exploration of ruins! What nonsense is this…?”

“Isn’t it the same reason you came, Caron?”

With that single statement, Caron was rendered speechless.

Taking control of the conversation, Luna continued to question.

“First, let’s address what Prince Set is most curious about. Where are the villagers?”

After a moment of hesitation, Caron answered in a restrained voice.

“The residents of Nodeli are currently gathered at the village chief’s house. We are collecting information with the villagers’ understanding to ensure a safe exploration of the ruins. I assure you, in the name of the Garam Academy, that we have engaged in no malevolent acts.”

“Is that so?”

Set turned to Luna and asked,

“Do you know these people?”

“They are from the magic academy I belong to. It seems that they’ve come to explore the ruins just like us.”

Despite Set’s suspicious gaze, Luna remained calm.

“I’ll see and decide for myself…”

Eventually, he indicated a willingness to see for herself, to which she nodded.

“Please lead us to where the people are. Prince Set wants to see for himself before making a judgment.”

Caron, with a skeptical look, asked.

“…Is this man Set your only companion?”

“Yes.”

Luna answered without a moment’s hesitation.

“Then who is that behind you?”

Startled by the sudden presence, Luna quickly turned around.

“I’m her companion as well.”

“Se- Senior Cyan?”

Cyan, who had been told to hide, had suddenly appeared behind her.

“Are you Cyan Vert?”

As a high-ranking official of the Garam Academy, Caron could not be unaware of his name.

Despite the negative looks from the academy members around, Cyan stood with his arms crossed, nonchalantly.

“I will lead you to where the villagers are. Let’s go.”

Caron seemed to have more questions but chose not to ask them right now and began to guide them.

Set moved forward to follow.

It seemed the immediate situation was temporarily put aside.

“What are you thinking, senior?”

“Why?”

“Weren’t you supposed to keep your presence here a secret?”

“Isn’t it the same for you?”

“Well, yes, but…”

Cyan casually responded.

“The moment Set intervened, things were bound to go awry anyway. It’s better to be upfront and together.”

“Is that so?”

Though she didn’t say it, Luna was inwardly shaking with anxiety.

Cyan’s nonchalant reassurance brought a faint smile back to her face.

…

Caron observed this from a distance, aware of Cyan’s consciousness of his gaze.

(To be continued)