Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 57

57.

"Someone is deliberately spreading rumors in the capital—stirring anxiety about the northern barbarians possibly invading. We've arrested several instigators, but they claim not to know who hired them."

"If Intelligence couldn't get it out of them, they truly don't know."

It was said that those taken by Intelligence never returned alive—and that wasn't far from the truth. Whether they talked or not, survival was unlikely.

"But I have a suspect."

Martin rarely used such words—but in this situation, one person stood out.

"I know who you mean—Duke Barkel, right?"

"Yes—it's most likely him."

"Then his intention is obvious—to separate my uncle from me."

How tiresome. Leonhardt didn't lack affection for his mother—even if she'd neglected and harshly taught him, she'd given birth to him. There was a time he'd loved her, thinking she alone was his true family. But after her death, meeting Kite shattered his narrow world. There were many people in the world—some who truly loved him.

After that, he abandoned his unrequited affection. Instead, he sought healthy relationships of mutual care.

In that process, he'd turned from his maternal family—because what they wanted wasn't familial love, but power. Yet they wouldn't let go, demanding a great price simply for being blood.

He hated it—he refused to be their puppet.

"What shall we do?"

Martin asked.

"Yes—it's time to clean house."

He couldn't arbitrarily arrest ducal retainers, so he'd use this chance to expose their ambitions and trap them in guilt.

"Send Archduke Gracias north."

"Your Majesty?"

"And the Intelligence Department needs to act."

"We follow Your Majesty's orders."

"Then convey my words to the Archduke—and prepare for what follows."

Leonhardt intended to inform Kite of his plan. When Kite left, Draven would make a move—and they'd seize that chance to expose House Barkel's crimes, ending the long-standing grudge.

"What about the North? If he goes, the barbarians will react."

"I'll leave that to him."

"Completely?"

"Yes—he'll manage. He always has."

That was how much Leonhardt trusted Kite—enough to set this dangerous plan.

---

Martin sent word to Kite immediately. Leonhardt's intent was conveyed faithfully.

"I worry about Leonhardt."

Still, Kite would follow his wishes. Though concerned, Leonhardt had been trained for the throne since childhood—he must have a plan. And even if something went wrong, Kite could fix it.

"Tell His Majesty I'll do as he wishes."

Kite told the Intelligence messenger, who nodded and vanished into shadow. There were many with strange abilities in Intelligence—but there was one such person here too.

Ibelin.

Though she saw the future irregularly, it was still a great help.

And she's lovely too.

Lately, Ibelin had been flustered by his changed attitude—and it was endearing. He wanted to enjoy it longer, but when he went north, he'd leave her behind. No matter how different she was, he didn't want to take her somewhere dangerous. He planned to tell her directly.

Even if she had visions, they could communicate via messenger—that could be romantic in its own way. He'd have her send him daily accounts, even when she wasn't prophesying.

The old Kite would have dragged her along—he'd changed too.

---

The Imperial Council decided to send troops north. Kite was chosen to lead—strongly recommended by Draven. Leonhardt voiced opposition several times, but more nobles favored it. He could have overruled them, but this was planned—so he approved.

The news naturally reached Ibelin.

"Lord Kite is going north?"

"Yes—the Council decided."

Alex's words made her incredulous.

"Are there no other nobles who can fight?"

"No—there are plenty of military officers. It's easier to advance than in civil service, so it's a preferred career."

"Then why Lord Kite?"

"He has extensive experience in the harsh North."

She was displeased.

"That's unfair—sending him again!"

"I agree."

Alex chimed in, and the complaints grew.

"Let them gain experience—do they think they can stay safely in the capital forever? Didn't they become knights knowing this? How awful!"

She wanted to curse, but held back.

"Absolutely—they're terrible!"

"Now's not the time—I need to prepare immediately."

She rose and opened the wardrobe.

"Excuse me?"

"You said he's going north—so I'll go too."

"How did that follow?"

Alex asked in confusion.

"He'll obviously take me—I'll be useful!"

"But the North is harsh—unsuitable for a noble lady. And Lord Kite hasn't said he'll take you!"

"Excuse me?"

She turned in surprise.

"He's not taking me?"

"Yes—you'll stay at the residence."

"What?"

She'd never imagined Kite would leave her behind. Ibelin clutched her half-packed bag and stared blankly at Alex.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Truly?"

"I swear on my knight's honor."

Then it wasn't a lie. She dropped the bag and dashed to his study—where he'd be at this hour.

Knock, knock!

She knocked harder than usual.

"Come in."

She opened the door immediately.

"Lord Kite!"

"What treats did you bring today?"

Lately, she'd taken to baking—he'd eaten her first batch so well she'd brought something daily. But that wasn't today's business.

"I have something to say."

Calming herself, she closed the door—luckily, Seren wasn't there.

"I heard you're going north."

"Yes."

He rested his chin on his hand lazily.

"The weaklings insisted no one else could protect the North, so I'm going."

"...You're taking me, right?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Didn't Alex tell you?"

That he'd leave her because it's dangerous? Since when did he care that much! She bit her lip.

"Ibelin?"

"I heard—but I'm going anyway."

At her firm words, Kite blinked slowly.

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