The King, accompanied by the Queen, exited through their private door.
Following them in order were the First Prince, the Lady of the Grand Duke’s House, and the members of the semi-royal Grand Duke’s family. The high-ranking noble families, including their heads, their daughters who were set to marry into these houses, and their relatives, also left through a different exit. That fellow, too, quietly joined the procession.
I imagine he must be feeling an overwhelming pressure, enough to make him feel sick, as he glimpsed his own future in the royal decree just issued. His fiancée, who was suddenly brought into this setting, likely never imagined that her fate would be decided in such a manner. This will surely cause some disputes… no, there is no doubt it will. However, knowing him, even as he plays the fool, he will somehow manage to turn things in a favorable direction.
And so, in the wake of the storm, I alone remained.
Considering the gravity of the matter, even though I had been invited as an involved party, as a mere third son of a low-ranking knightly house, it was inevitable that I would be left behind. There was no reason for me to be offended. The only person visibly flustered was the Chief Lady-in-Waiting of the Royal Court. Now that the key figures had departed and only the attendants remained, how much longer was I expected to stay here?
I directed a questioning gaze at the Chief Lady-in-Waiting.
“I-I will make inquiries at once! I shall inform them about your presence!”
“Please, do not trouble yourself, Lady Chief. There are surely matters that require urgent attention. I believe it would be best if I took my leave now. Ah, before that, may I entrust this to you? I do not know who lent me this guard sword. Please convey my deepest gratitude to whoever provided it, as it granted me the honor of fulfilling the duty of a knight’s protector, even if only temporarily.”
“T-To me?”
“Given your position, I believe it is appropriate. I do not see any royal attendants or palace knights present. In this case, you, the highest-ranking individual in this room, are the most suitable to safeguard it.”
“…I understand. I will ensure it reaches the appropriate hands.”
“I am grateful. There is one more favor I must ask.”
“Yes?”
“I would prefer not to return to the grand hall where I have been branded the villain who abandoned his fiancée. Could you kindly show me a discreet route out of this palace?”
“…Very well. I shall arrange it.”
Taking the situation into consideration, the Chief Lady-in-Waiting nodded. I had no intention of returning to that place, where I was seen as the scoundrel who left his fiancée behind. Let them gossip all they want. My priority was to leave the royal palace and return to my dormitory as soon as possible.
Understanding my intent, the Chief Lady-in-Waiting went to great lengths to guide me along a path where I would not be seen by the other new adults. I deeply appreciated her consideration.
Handing over the sword, I turned on my heel. The Chief Lady-in-Waiting seemed to have something more to say, but I had no further business with her. Given her high position, she must have been granted a considerable noble rank, and it was not my place to speak with her as an equal. Though, under the circumstances, we had exchanged words, it was best to leave it at that.
Following the route given to me by the Chief Lady-in-Waiting, I made my way quickly.
At one point, I passed near the royal kitchen. Oh? This… It seemed they were bringing back lightly eaten or untouched food from the grand hall—items that had been left for too long or were in reduced portions. A large amount of still-edible food was gathered in one place.
I approached one of the kitchen staff, who, upon seeing my formal attire, must have mistaken me for a palace official and responded with proper courtesy.
“What happens to all of this?”
“Normally, it would be discarded. However, since the food tonight was prepared by the palace’s top chefs, the waitstaff and maids may take it for their own reference.”
“I see. So they take it to learn for the future.”
“Of course, others are welcome to take some as well.”
“In that case, may I take some as well?”
“Please do. We have prepared paper boxes for this very purpose.”
“Then I shall take a few. Thank you.”
“It is our pleasure.”
This was useful information. I had not eaten anything since morning, and more importantly, I was about to leave for my homeland. Having some provisions for the journey would be most convenient. I took a few of the paper boxes and packed some of the light meals into them.
Yes, this was quite ideal.
Then, my eyes caught sight of bottles of alcohol. There were bottles of sparkling wine that had gone flat and opened bottles of wine that had been left untouched. Given that corks were nearby, these too seemed to be available for taking.
In that case, I would take a few bottles back as souvenirs for my father and family. Royal palace wine would make a fine gift.
Deciding this, I quickly gathered the bottles. With a large cloth I always carried, I bundled them up and tied it securely, turning it into a makeshift travel sack. This was… a trick from my previous life. Since I had no servants, a simple wrapping cloth was incredibly useful. That was why I always carried a large piece of cloth with me.
With my bundle in hand, I followed the path provided. The palace servants’ corridors, as expected, allowed me to avoid any nobles. Given that this event was attended by counts and above, as well as their families, they would not have any reason to use these passages. The Chief Lady-in-Waiting had thought this through well.
Thanks to this, I successfully evaded the attendees and exited the palace. I then walked swiftly along the road I had originally traveled.
The guards at the palace gates did not stop me. They were strict with those entering but not as much with those leaving—something I had heard before but now confirmed as true.
As I passed by, one of the guards glanced at my cloth bundle with interest. With a heavy heart, I sacrificed a bottle of wine.
“I deeply appreciate your service in protecting the royal palace. Here, I offer you a token of gratitude—one of the wines served at the banquet.”
Upon hearing this, the stern-faced men’s expressions immediately softened.
I couldn’t help but recall my father and brothers.
Passing through the towering walls of the royal palace, I headed straight for the dormitory of the magic academy. In the noble district, few traveled on foot—only the occasional maid running errands. The sun had already set, and the streets were now sparsely populated. Though I was still wearing my formal attire, no one paid me much mind. They likely assumed I had my own circumstances and did not bother to remember me.
Upon arriving at my dormitory, I quickly changed clothes. Having already returned the academy-issued uniform, I donned the hand-me-downs from my older brother.
Since I had grown, my brother’s clothes now fit me perfectly, making them ideal for traveling.
I had already sent my notes, transcriptions, and bulky belongings ahead with a merchant’s wagon bound for the frontier. Now, all I carried were a high-quality leather garment bag, a small travel bag, and my wrapped bundle.
The dormitory room was now empty.
After tidying the bed one last time, I quietly thanked it for providing me with comfort for the past four years.
The sun had fully set, and the evening sky was adorned with the twinkling of stars.
If I hurried, I could catch the night carriage for the long journey home. I had food. I had saved enough money for the trip.
At the dormitory’s front desk, I returned my room key to the caretaker.
“May you live a blessed life,” she said.
“Your work was always flawless. I offer you my deepest respect for your dedication. May your life be filled with light.”
With these parting words, I stepped out of the dormitory.
The stars shimmered in the night sky, and with a clear heart, I made my way to the long-distance carriage station.
Would there be a seat available?
With a grand vow in my heart, with the pride of a warrior of the frontier—
I strode forward on the road home.