Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 71

71.

"Yes."

Someone spoke beside her.

"This is my past."

Unknown—he'd appeared beside her.

"I have much to say, but little time—so I'll be brief."

Look into Baron Frillie's past. And beware Vallak.

The world spun and blurred.

"Must—"

He dissolved into the scenery.

Ibelin slowly opened her eyes. Seeing the future was hard enough—now she saw the past.

That's the second time.

Look into Frillie's past? That meant investigating her grandfather. Why? To her, he'd been a kind, ordinary man—not the type for bad deeds. Yet she was told to dig into his past?

If she must, where to start?

She sighed, gripping the blanket. Soon, she decided.

Deal with what's urgent first.

Unknown had warned her about Vallak—the chieftain opposing Kahn's ideology.

---

At dawn, Ibelin rose and told Kite what she'd seen—Unknown's words about her grandfather, and the warning about Vallak.

After hearing it all, Kite let out a small groan.

"I have a theory—how much do you know about the Empire's Intelligence Department?"

"The one headed by Martin?"

"Yes."

"I met her, but I don't know much—I've heard about their work, but it's vague."

"Understandable—it's not a public-facing office. But you know your grandfather was with Intelligence?"

"...Yes."

With what she'd seen and heard, she couldn't deny it. He'd worked at the palace's Intelligence Department in his youth—but she didn't know what he'd done.

"When he was active, there was a man called 'Wolf'—no one knew his identity, but his achievements were remarkable. Many guessed he'd be the next head."

"But the current head is Martin."

"The Wolf disappeared—he left Intelligence and the palace. But records of his work remain. When we return, we'll search them."

"Is that allowed?"

"I can."

His calm answer eased her anxiety—having someone to help was a blessing.

"Thank you."

"Then repay me."

"Anything!"

"Then put that in writing."

He produced paper and pen and wrote down their exchange—even had her stamp it.

"Good—one thing settled. Now, to Kahn."

Is this settled? She gave him an incredulous look, but he was unfazed.

---

"Welcome."

Kahn rubbed his forehead—he'd drunk the most yesterday and was clearly hungover.

"Want some hangover cure?"

He offered fermented mare's milk.

"It's sweet with honey."

"Can I refuse?"

She shook her head in alarm—Kite drank her share.

"Not bad."

He shrugged.

"Glad you like it. So—what brings you here so early?"

"Vallak—what do you know about him?"

"A bit—we met several times as children."

"What's his temperament?"

"Fiery—he must have everything his way."

"And he became chieftain?"

"His family has held the position for generations. Despite his temperament, he's a great warrior—gifted in battle. That makes him the hardest chieftain to persuade."

"Could we exclude him?"

"He'd attack us—call us traitors and kill us."

"He holds deep resentment toward the Empire."

"That's part of it—but he can't stand being subordinate or appearing weak. To protect his pride, he disregards others. He wasn't always like that—but since he became chieftain, his tribe has changed. They raid instead of raising livestock, killing Imperials for food and slaves."

"Foolish. He alone ignores the times—but many tribes support him. If there were fewer, I'd have cast them off, but some are forced to follow due to his intimidation."

"So you plan to talk with him?"

"First, yes—if not, it'll be a sacred duel."

"Do you trust him?"

"I'd like to believe he hasn't abandoned our ancestors' spirit."

"Then can we accompany you to meet him?"

"Yes."

Kahn readily agreed.

"The tribe owes you—I can at least do that."

"What if we cause trouble?"

"Will you?"

Kite shrugged.

"Let's have a meal before we go."

Kahn didn't question further.

Again, piles of meat were served—roughly roasted mutton, but tasty. They had a heavy breakfast and mingled with the tribe.

Iranna took Ibelin to the women's gathering.

"Oh—welcome!"

Women spinning wool welcomed her. They worked tirelessly, chattering about love, pregnancies—occasionally asking about the Empire.

"You two suit each other so well!"

"Have you had your wedding?"

"No—not yet."

She answered awkwardly—they giggled.

"How do you wed in the Empire? Do you give sheep as gifts?"

"No—gifts are usually items."

"But your partner is so strong—that means nights—"

Iranna shook her head, and someone covered her mouth.

"Not to an unmarried woman!"

"Ah, they'll marry soon!"

She looked at Ibelin.

"I'm not sure."

Ibelin wound thread onto a spool.

"Why not? Aren't you in love?"

"Sometimes people marry without love."

"Ah—like Maria in the neighboring tribe. But she's happy after marriage?"

"Lucky for her—but my case is different."

Before she knew it, she began talking about her situation.

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