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93.

Taysh watched Kailun melt into the darkness and spoke.

"Is it alright to let him go?"

Martin clicked her tongue.

"He should meet his granddaughter's intended."

"He'll probably oppose it."

"He's not the one marrying him."

"I suppose."

How unpredictable life was—the notorious Kite had found true love.

"I'd like to meet him too."

Taysh turned back to work—with Kailun gone, there was much to do.

"For the Empire."

Martin smiled at her nephew's dedication.

---

The capital has forbidden places—the palace and Archduke Gracias's mansion. No thief or assassin dares trespass—it would cost their lives.

Tonight, an intruder slipped in—Kailun. Ibelin's grandfather moved with practiced silence, fury fueling his steps.

He seeped into the mansion like a shadow—but someone awaited him.

"...Lord Kite."

"Long time, Baron Frillie."

Kite stood unarmed, arms crossed—no hostile intent.

"...Did you know I was alive?"

"Only recently."

Before Kailun could ask if Ibelin knew, Kite bowed deeply—startling him.

"Baron Frillie—I ask for your granddaughter's hand. I swear to make her happy."

It was supposed to be fake! He'd rushed here hoping otherwise—but it was true.

Ibelin had always been adorable, drawing everyone in—even this scoundrel.

His fond memories faded. Kite was now a thief stealing his granddaughter.

"No!"

He shouted despite himself.

"Why not? I'm not a bad match—wealth, power, and I love her more than anyone."

"What about your personality!"

He'd had some charm as a child, but Kite had none now.

"What's wrong with my personality?"

"You make enemies!"

"They provoke me."

"Agh!"

He gasped.

"Absolutely not! Ibelin deserves a proper man and a peaceful life!"

Kite's expression shifted—if he wanted peace, he shouldn't have raised her to fight bears at ten and kidnap a Swordmaster.

Just then, someone bumped into Kailun's back—Ibelin.

"Grandfather."

Her appearance made him freeze.

"I-Ibelin!"

Her eyes welled up; tears fell.

"Why did you hide from me?"

Unable to be angry, seeing her weep, he fell silent. He'd wanted to protect her—but she already knew everything.

"Was it because of Unknown?"

He closed his eyes.

She knows.

He'd hoped she wouldn't, but fate had brought her to Kite—and she'd learned it all.

"Let's move."

"Already prepared."

A trap, then.

They moved to Kite's study, where tea and snacks were ready.

"Wine would've been better."

"No."

She sat—then they followed.

"Where to begin..."

He spoke, regretting the past—a long story.

"I want to help Unknown—and I wronged you."

He'd taught her everything so she could survive alone. His relatives were greedy; he'd already stained his hands too much.

"It's my selfishness."

He bowed.

"I'm sorry."

She sighed. Just those words eased her sorrow—she'd never hated him, only felt hurt.

"Let me help too."

"No—it's too dangerous!"

She wouldn't back down.

"I can help."

He looked to Kite—who smiled enigmatically.

"You don't need this burden."

"But we're family—and I'm strong."

She understood now: no one else had done what she did as a child. Traps, explosives, shooting—people didn't know those.

She raised her chin.

"I caught a bear at ten."

"Impressive."

"I fought the Nordin in the North."

"Many warriors fell to her gun."

Kite's interjections annoyed him—but he didn't waver, calmly eating snacks.

"So don't try to handle everything alone!"

"Huh."

"Don't disappear from sight!"

He opened and closed his mouth—when had his granddaughter grown so strong?

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