6
A knight named Gilian Endymion visited the Bariel baronry.
With a fearless face and a valiant gaze, he was a very handsome man. His golden hair sparkled in the sunlight, and his slender yet muscular frame held an elegance quite different from Al’s bulky body. His well-made knight’s clothing brought out his charms, and the jewelry on the sword hanging from his belt was not just for show. Even an amateur could see that clearly.
From head to toe, he was a true and elite knight—this was the impression the young Gilian gave.
“He’s the third-eldest son of the House of Endymion. While his two elder brothers help their father run the family lands, he departed on a quest to make a name for himself as a swordsman. And he’s asked the master of the house today if he may sojourn here.”
Introducing the handsome man was none other than Lyp Bariel. And it need not be stated that the old man did not introduce the knight to Al, Schult, or any of his other servants. Gazing uninhibitedly at the knight was the baron’s wife, Priscilla.
“I understood your simple speech, but I don’t see the meaning in introducing such a person to me,” she said. “Unless—understanding your old life is coming to an end—you’re trying to get me interested in some other man. Surely, you haven’t lost your mind.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Lyp answered. “What kind of man would give up a beautiful wife like you? Consider our welcoming him today to be a small kindness on my part, making his wish come true.”
“A small kindness? That doesn’t sound like you,” Priscilla scoffed. She showed no sign whatsoever of believing Lyp. While on the surface, the baron maintained a certain level of peace and calm, he was visibly angry inside.
“My lord and lady, I apologize most humbly for my sudden intrusion and my insolent request.” Gilian bowed elegantly, his smooth, deep voice sounding almost feminine. He dropped to one knee before Priscilla and said, “However, ever since I heard rumors of Lady Priscilla on the Bariel baronry, I have longed for the day that I should meet you. And now I am basking in the manifestation of celestial beauty.”
“Well, well…at least you’ve got good manners. Yes, my beauty is indeed not of this world. It is an anomaly, descended from eternity. What a sinful maiden I am.”
As Gilian sung her praises, Priscilla cheerfully glanced at Al. Standing behind her carrying out his duties, he shrugged in place of a cynical smile.
“Very well. Out of the goodness of my heart, I shall let you pay homage to me, sir knight. Consider it a blessing,” Priscilla said curtly, quietly extending her hand.
“I shall. I am blessed and grateful.” Gilian handled her white fingertips like glass, then kissed her hand. That sight alone was more than enough to make it seem like the final scene of some fairy tale.
“Now, geezer, this man you’ve brought home received my preliminary approval, but what do you want from his visit? You mentioned showing kindness earlier…”
“It’s quite simple. I’ve been very busy with work as of late, so I can’t accompany you when you tour our lands. I’ve been worried all that time that wandering about alone would irritate you.”
“Though he looks like a clown, I do have Al—and you would only get in the way if you came along anyway. I am in no mood to babysit you. No thank you very much.”
Where Lyp carefully chose his words, Priscilla let the insults fly with reckless abandon. Veins began to pop on Lyp’s balding forehead. But the old man didn’t let his smile fade. “Now, don’t say that. What I meant to say was that to keep you company during the day while I can’t, I’ve brought this nice young man for you. He is a true gentleman. Very kind with women. I’m sure you’ll like him.”
“If I may be so bold, Lady Priscilla, I shall make every endeavor to live up to my reputation. I would be honored to serve you, if I may.”
Just as Lyp was about to lose his self-control, Gilian stepped up to cover for him. Unlike Lyp, there was nothing forced about Gilian’s sincerity. Priscilla tilted her head left and right in thought. Then with a glance at Al, she said, “Very well. If nothing else, I suppose it’s not a bad thing to have a better-looking man than this walking helmet to look at. Your proposal is well received.”
“…You’ve made a good choice. Sir Gilian, take good care of my wife.”
“Yes, my lord! On my life.”
It was a rather exaggerated and theatrical way of putting it, but this resonated surprisingly well with Priscilla. Gilian had brought his land dragon with him—a beautiful dragon with blue scales. This fine dragon, which looked like it came with a lengthy pedigree, was an utter delight to Priscilla’s eye for beauty.
Handling the creature elegantly, he straddled it with Priscilla at her coaxing. With his white teeth gleaming, Gilian dashingly steered the dragon past the mansion and into the distance.
“Good, they’re finally gone. That hateful hag always says things that makes me grind my teeth.”
When the two were finally gone, Lyp sighed, letting all the tension drain from his shoulders. Al chuckled softly at his fast change of tune. Then he looked in the direction where Priscilla and Gilian had disappeared and said, “Gilian Endymion… Is he one of your pawns, too, Master?”
“Of course he is. But unlike my other pawns, Gilian needed a different kind of finesse. I went out of my way to ask the distant House of Endymion for help. It took a lot of time to work out this plan. Unlike that tournament of hers, where she didn’t care where a man was from so long as he was a strong fighter, it required a special kind of effort to erase any ties he and I have.”
“You are thorough in all ways with your schemes, I see. I respect you for that, Master, truly.”
“Humph. And in helping with my scheme, you’re no different. Now come. I must speak with you about why I had Gilian meet with that girl, and what the next phase of the plan is.”
Lyp nodded, the hem of his robe swishing as he returned into the mansion. Following behind him, Al paused and turned to look into the direction Priscilla had flown.
And though this should have been obvious, he couldn’t see a trace of her.
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