“Hey there, it’s been a while.”
Wein smiled at Strang, who’d been waiting for him in town.
“Why don’t we catch up, Wein?”
Wein, Ninym, Strang, Glen, and Lowellmina.
The five were inseparable back in their academy days, but it wasn’t like that at first. Wein and Ninym were always together, but Glen belonged to a different group. Lowellmina kept others at a distance to hide her true identity. And Strang—to be perfectly frank—was bullied by noble children.
A child of the conquered provinces versus the elite kids of the conquering Empire. This stark difference in social standing was more than enough fodder to foster discrimination among immature youngsters.
However, Strang’s miserable luck turned around when his main tormentor suddenly dropped out of the military academy.
The reason was widely disputed, but Strang was sure the lack of a clear answer was meant to hide the truth, and thus he launched his own investigation. He felt thankful to be free of his oppressor and curious about the person who’d vanquished the foe when he couldn’t. What kind of person could calmly and mercilessly eliminate a single target?
Finally, Strang learned of an incident from several days before his bully disappeared. Before his tormentor dropped out, he tried to violate a certain girl. Apparently, another boy had been present during the incident.
Feeling oddly uplifted, Strang asked that boy if he’d been the one to help him.
The boy, Wein, answered with a smile.
“Don’t be stupid. The real fun starts once his family gets involved. You want in?”
This guy was definitely the worst kind of trouble.
Strang nodded with a shudder.
In the present, that troublesome guy and Ninym…
“Man, this tastes amazing.”
“Yes, I must agree.”
…were enjoying the fried snacks Strang brought as a souvenir.
“They fry wheat dough and butter, then drizzle it with lemon syrup, right?”
“It has a perfect blend of flavors.”
“This kind of thing was a delicacy back in our academy days.”
“Yes, I never imagined it would become commonly available.”
Strang took the opportunity to speak as Wein and Ninym admired the treats.
“The Empire’s spice cultivation has improved recently. Snacks like these are now sold at an affordable price.”
Wein, Ninym, and Strang were in one of the rooms Wein’s group had booked in advance. The three had arranged this meetup after Strang said there was something he wished to discuss.
“This nation’s technological advances never cease to amaze,” Ninym remarked.
“No kidding.” Wein nodded, then he turned his attention to Strang. “Honestly, I’m surprised you came out here to meet us, Strang.”
Strang was Wein and Ninym’s old classmate, but currently, he was a member of Manfred’s faction. Wein and Ninym were Lowellmina’s allies, making them Strang’s enemies.
“Shocking you is quite an accomplishment.”
“Really? I’m always being thrown for a loop.”
“He fell out of his chair after hearing about Lowa’s assassination.”
“Yeah, I never saw that one comin’.”
“I can understand why. I would have gone wide-eyed, too, if other people hadn’t been around.”
Strang offered a wry grin. Although Manfred’s faction had failed to find any definitive evidence despite multiple inquiries, they had concluded the assassination debacle was Lowellmina’s own handiwork. The princess had openly announced her claim to the throne, but who could have guessed she’d go so far?
“Compared to what Lowa’s been up to, I admit this little get-together doesn’t seem too far-fetched. But I gather you haven’t come merely to see our lovely faces, have you?” Wein gave a provocative grin, and Strang confirmed the prince’s suspicions.
“Naturally. You might say the revelation I have for you will rival the recent excitement with Lowa.” Strang offered a single letter.
Wein accepted it and noticed the signature belonged to Manfred himself.
“Inside is a proposal of cooperation from Prince Manfred,” Strang explained. “Wein, will you cut ties with Lowa and join us?”
The room instantaneously tensed. Wein and Ninym studied Strang.
✦ ✦ ✦
