Chapter 58: The Wind Today is Quite Boisterous
“It’s been a long time, Captain Alman. What brings you here today? What wind has blown you in?”
As Alman stepped into the Saint Floris Church, he was greeted by one of the church’s adjutants, an earl in terms of rank. Since he managed this Saint Floris Church, it was natural that he belonged to the Second Prince’s faction. Alman did not like this arrogant fellow, and his tone was deliberately sarcastic.
“Northerly wind, I suppose. The temperature has dropped today.”
In response was Alman’s cold joke, sounding rather indifferent.
“Oh, no wonder you’re dressed so warmly. From afar, you look like a dark wall.”
“Is that so? But I’m not even wearing that much today. Maybe it’s just that I’m taller than you, which is why you think that.”
As Alman said this, he gestured briefly to indicate his height compared to the earl’s. After a quick glance, he realized this guy was even shorter than Evelia, the little maid from his household.
He really didn’t know what mindset this short man had to speak such stubborn words while standing in the shadow cast by Alman against the light.
“…” The earl’s expression darkened immediately, losing the earlier smugness. For a noble who valued his pride, his height was a sore spot. Being called ‘adorable’ for his short stature as a child had transformed into jokes as he grew up. Every time someone mentioned his height, it made him itch with anger. Because of his short stature, even in the socialite circles, he was looked down upon. It was only after using money to secure a position as an adjutant that he could barely escape open ridicule.
“Then, Captain Alman, what brings you here today?”
Seeing Alman’s disdainful attitude, the earl decided to drop the pleasantries. Although Alman was the captain of the Royal Knight Order, in the eyes of those stubborn nobles, anyone without a title was merely a commoner. Even the knights were just hired hands. Even though the First Prince valued Alman enough to grant him a territory and title, until that paperwork was processed, they would continue to look down on him.
“Did you not receive a notification?”
Standing next to the small earl, Alman was like a wall, with the tall Carly beside him. The two of them boxed the earl in, forming a “凹” shape.
“Uh, yes, I received it.”
Ultimately, the earl couldn’t withstand the pressure from the two. He stepped back, creating some distance to escape the oppressive feeling.
“Since you received it, then do your job and give me the flat map of this place.”
Alman was always about efficiency when working. He did what needed to be done without unnecessary chatter or actions. He would arrive, do the work, and leave—there was no need to waste time with others.
However, he often found himself vacillating when dealing with Evelia, which troubled him greatly.
“The flat map… such complete drawings are confidential—”
“Whether it’s confidential is up to you; we are only responsible for arranging our knights’ guards based on your flat map. Hand it over.”
Alman couldn’t be bothered to say more. Both he and Carly felt that any longer in this Saint Floris Church, the gazes around them prickled their backs, so he simply reached out, intending to take it directly.
“B-but—”
“There’s no but; I’m just doing my usual work. Is there something wrong with this Saint Floris that requires you to be secretive?”
“This—”
“Alright, Captain Alman, please don’t make it difficult for Earl Tilino. He’s just an adjutant of the church; how can he compare with knights like you?”
As the earl stammered and couldn’t find words, a familiar voice came from behind them. Just hearing the first word made Alman roll his eyes in disgust, and together with Carly, he turned to see the Second Prince, a person they both disliked.
“It seems the wind really is strong today if it’s brought you here.”
Alman smirked slightly, making a sarcastic remark.
“Of course, if the wind blew in a big fellow like you, it must be quite strong.”
The Second Prince responded with a cheerful smile, both of them smiling yet with eyes that were increasingly fierce, their dislike barely concealed beneath polite smiles.
“So has the strong wind calmed down now?”
“Who knows? The spring winds are very erratic; who can figure them out? Who knows where this wind blows?”
“Ah, Your Highness, you must be careful then. My brothers and I are big, so we won’t be blown all over the place, but you are rather delicate, so don’t go out misjudging the wind; otherwise, even if you stay steady, you might find yourself with a mouthful of sand.”
“Thank you for the reminder, Captain. With your words, I will surely be doubly cautious.”
Alman raised an eyebrow and chuckled at the Second Prince’s insincere smile, feeling a cold sneer inside. What he initially planned to wrap up quickly now that the Second Prince was here would turn into a prolonged back-and-forth; just thinking about it made him want to vomit.
“I heard you need a flat map?”
Seeing that Alman had stopped engaging, the Second Prince continued the topic.
“Yes, if you have one, please hand a copy to me; it is needed by the First Prince.”
When facing the Second Prince, it was necessary to invoke his royal brother.
“Oh, I actually do have the map. I also heard that my royal brother plans to arrange guards at Saint Floris, so I took it to study. Wasn’t there a major renovation here recently? The one the earl has is old; I participated fully in the renovation, so I have the most accurate version, but unfortunately, I left it in my own bedroom.”
“I see.” Alman didn’t wish to prolong this conversation. “Then I will take a quick look around here, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course, I don’t mind. Let me show you around.”
Although Alman preferred to split up with Carly to explore, the Second Prince, being the head administrator of Saint Floris, had opened the door for them, and they had to go along with him. With the First Prince’s backing in the royal palace, a little lenience wouldn’t be a problem, but here, under the Second Prince’s jurisdiction, they decided it was better to avoid trouble.
However, the Second Prince had always detested them. This time, he surprisingly volunteered to show them around the entire Saint Floris, which likely meant there was something unsightly hidden inside.
Alman and Carly exchanged glances and followed the Second Prince’s lead.
