Chapter 11: Paleman Trading Company (1)
Most people believed that King Laskan’s cold treatment of Raion was nothing more than his outward indifference.
However, any true loyalist knew well the king’s real feelings toward Raion.
“If what you say is true, His Majesty would certainly be pleased to hear this. But… there are those who will not stay quiet.”
“Could it be… that’s why until now…”
Trine recalled the sight of Raion training earlier. It was a complete contrast to the timid and withdrawn young man he had always known.
A person couldn’t change so suddenly.
Trine realized that Raion must have been hiding his true self all along.
“I have no intention of throwing my life away carelessly. So if you, Sir Trine, can understand my intentions, I would like to ask a favor.”
Raion’s earnest request made Trine nod before he even realized it.
That was how sincere it felt.
Moreover, for the sake of the royal succession that King Laskan desired, it was indeed best to keep Raion’s current state hidden for now.
“Understood, Your Highness. I will do as you say.”
“Thank you for understanding. Then, from now on, I would prefer that you not come here again.”
“Why is that, Your Highness?”
Startled by the unexpected request, Trine asked again, and Raion calmly explained.
“Because the Black Deer Knights are closely connected to Duke Alito. I’m sure your visit has already been reported to him.”
Duke Alito, Chancellor of the Canel Kingdom, was notorious for his greed. He currently held nearly half of the royal court’s power.
If what Raion said was true, there was indeed reason to be cautious.
“I understand. However, His Majesty will surely send me again in the same manner.”
“If His Majesty personally calls upon you for something, please tell him you visited as usual. Otherwise, if he gives a formal order through the main court, there’s nothing to be done.”
Raion wished, as much as possible, for his movements to remain unknown.
Of course, today’s visit from Trine, the Commander of the Royal Knights, was unavoidable.
And because he was both King Laskan’s closest aide and his most loyal retainer, Raion had been honest with him—so he could understand everything clearly.
“That should be acceptable. However, you must still keep me informed. Otherwise, I would have no excuse before His Majesty.”
Trine, too, could not simply continue lying.
A true loyalist would never conceal important matters from his sovereign.
“I’ll report to His Majesty through Patrick. That way, you won’t have to visit frequently.”
With that, the two ended their meal.
---
News of Trine Diego’s visit to Taron’s Palace reached Duke Alito through several channels, starting with the Black Deer Knights.
The Knight Order operated solely under the authority of its Commander.
If such an order were to act under another power, it would be considered a direct challenge to royal authority—an act punishable by death.
Alito was well aware of that, so he took great care to ensure that information reached him without leaving any trace of evidence.
The person who ultimately delivered that information was his only son, William Kright.
After reporting, William cautiously spoke up when his father gave no response.
“Father… if Trine Diego went there, it must have been under His Majesty’s command. In that case, shouldn’t we take some sort of action?”
William was aware of the previous incident involving Prince Raion.
Naturally, what he meant now was—another attempt on Raion’s life.
Alito, who had fallen silent in thought, softly called his son’s name.
“...William.”
“Yes, Father.”
“I do admire how calm and cleanly you handle matters.”
“You flatter me, Father.”
“But still—!”
The sudden chill in the air made William fall silent.
Alito spoke again, his expression cold and sharp.
“You’re too hasty. Every matter has its time and place. If you carelessly provoke the Third Prince while he’s lying low, you might be the one to bleed.”
“M-my apologies. I acted rashly.”
William quickly bowed his head.
The heavy atmosphere lingered, and a faint smile formed on Alito’s lips.
“Do you think the Third Prince wouldn’t know who caused his downfall? He must have at least some idea. That’s why he fled to Taron’s Palace.”
“Ah—! So that’s why he took only his butler and maid with him, leaving everyone else behind.”
Alito nodded slightly.
“Indeed. He must trust no one else around him.”
“But… is it fine that a knight has entered under the pretext of sword training? It may be difficult to use his condition later as an excuse if we ever need to act again.”
Until now, every incident involving Raion had been blamed on that very pretext.
They had even manipulated a priest to deceive King Laskan, so if that excuse lost credibility, it would be troublesome.
“What could a prince do, hiding in a secluded palace? If he stays there for the rest of his life, he might at least live long without trouble.”
Those who resided in Taron’s Palace were very limited.
That made it impossible for Alito to plant spies and informants around Raion as before.
Still, at present, the Black Deer Knights alone were enough to monitor him.
“So, all that’s left is to wait.”
“Indeed. But do not let your guard down. His Majesty’s attention remains fixed on the Third Prince.”
The problem was the late Queen, Sierra.
Sierra had been the only woman to truly capture King Laskan’s heart.
Naturally, though he never showed it outwardly, he cherished Raion—the son born between them—more than anyone.
“I’ll make sure to receive thorough reports about everyone entering or leaving through the Black Deer Knights.”
“Be sure to do so.”
With that, William quietly left the room.
---
After his visit to Taron’s Palace, Trine Diego, Commander of the Royal Knights, went straight to King Laskan’s office.
The King, reviewing documents alone, lifted his gaze toward Trine and got straight to the point.
“How was he? Is Raion doing well?”
His tone showed that he cared more about his son’s health than his training.
Trine bowed his head and replied,
“He seemed much better than before.”
“Hm… that’s good to hear. And his sword training? Even if his health has improved, it must still be difficult for someone who’s never held a sword before.”
At that, Trine hesitated and fell silent for a moment.
He was torn between his loyalty to the King and his promise to Raion.
Then King Laskan frowned in puzzlement.
“Is there some problem with Raion?”
“No, Your Majesty. It’s just… he still has many areas to improve, and his training seems to be a challenge for him.”
In the end, Trine chose Raion.
He couldn’t forget the strange aura he had felt when facing Raion in Taron’s Palace.
It was heavier, yet calmer—even more than when he stood before King Laskan himself.
Trine came to believe that Raion had hidden the temperament of a true conqueror king ever since childhood.
‘Perhaps His Majesty didn’t simply care for Prince Raion out of affection alone.’
Until now, most of the ministers under the King had thought the same as Trine.
They believed King Laskan cherished Prince Raion merely because he was the son born of Queen Sierra—the woman the King had truly loved.
However, the Raion, Trine had met anew seemed more fitting for the throne than anyone else.
If he continued to grow as he was now, he might one day surpass both the First Prince, Ashuran, and the Second Prince, Valet, in ability.
Of course, whether King Laskan knew this or not, his expression showed faint relief.
“It must not be easy for him since it’s his first time. But what of that knight named Jade? I recall Sir Trine never mentioned him.”
The Wind Wolves Knight Order was the lowest-ranked among the knight orders stationed in the royal palace.
King Laskan was slightly concerned whether such a man was suitable as the Prince’s sword instructor.
Naturally, Trine caught on to his meaning.
“I hadn’t yet reported this at the main hall, but—Sir Jade is a man I personally favor.”
“Oh-ho! So you mean he’s a knight of considerable skill? Could he be your disciple, Sir Trine?”
Trine Diego, a Sword Master, had trained many knights as his disciples, but few among them could be called exceptional.
It was especially strange that one of such promise would belong to the fifth-ranked Wind Wolves.
“He’s not my disciple.”
At the unexpected reply, King Laskan asked again.
“Then why do you speak so confidently of his skill?”
“Because Sir Jade possesses innate talent. However, his lazy nature worries me—it might cause him to waste his gift.”
“A lazy genius, is it? Quite a peculiar man indeed. And you believe such a person can properly teach Prince Raion?”
As the King continued, Trine bowed his head deeply.
“I do have concerns, Your Majesty. But when I visited this time, he seemed to have regained his passion for the sword and even showed fiery determination.”
“That’s truly good to hear. Continue to visit Taron’s Palace from time to time and report to me. Now, go and rest.”
King Laskan’s expression was filled with satisfaction.
Bowing respectfully, Trine withdrew from the royal office.
---
One day, Patrick set out carrying a large bag.
He left Taron’s Palace and boarded a public carriage bound for the city.
Once there, he glanced around before following a familiar street.
Before long, he arrived at a place called “Sailden Trading Company.”
When he entered, the shop was bustling with people browsing various goods.
“Welcome to Sailden Trading Company! There’s nothing you can’t find here!”
Inside, a young female clerk named Mer greeted Patrick brightly.
However, Patrick responded in a calm, composed tone.
“I’d like to meet with the owner of Sailden Trading Company. Would it be possible to see him now?”
The weight in Patrick’s courteous voice made Mer falter slightly.
“Th-the owner?”
His neatly groomed grey hair slicked back, and the well-trimmed beard under his nose and chin made him look rather intimidating to the young clerk.
“P-please wait just a moment!”
Mer quickly hurried toward a room tucked away in the corner of the shop.
Moments later, she returned accompanied by a stout, middle-aged man with a round belly—the owner of Sailden Trading Company.
“This gentleman asked to see you, sir.”
Still nervous, Mer hid slightly behind him as she introduced Patrick.
“That’ll be all, go on and tend to the other customers.”
“Y-yes, sir.”
As she left to serve someone else, the man turned toward Patrick and introduced himself.
“I’m Paleman, the owner of Sailden Trading Company. What brings you here?”
“I came to sell something. I’d like you to take a look at it.”
“To me, you say? You wish to sell me something?”