"Adviser, young Lord Veralis is ready to see you."
"Very well."
Seeing the Veridian hair in front of his writing table, Akan didn't know what to say.
There was only a massive headache and an ache in his heart as he grasped the little ends of Ett's cut hair. He could imagine that her glorious hair, which had cascaded down to the middle of her knees, now reached only the middle of her shoulders.
Was it worth it?
Indeed it…
Was not.
But it was a clever choice.
After all, someone seems to know the princess's secret yet chose not to disclose it. What big ambition might it be?
Still.
Women cutting their hair, especially Adiand women who kept it long, was a ritual that symbolized beauty and status, whether unmarried or not. Well, for married women who had borne a child, it was acceptable to shorten hair, as it was considered more convenient for many things. However, while it is true that Her Ladyship had borne His Majesty, her appearance was that of a child.
Though before, her hair reached her knees, now it might be just above her waist. It should… grow over the next few months.
Akan carefully placed it inside an expensive pouch and looked at the person who dared to wear it.
"Please, sit."
Veralis Garth.
This young man, a noble who had another profession as an assassin, had now become Her Ladyship's dog.
He didn't have a good impression of this young man, just as he didn't have a good impression of the little boy who also lived in the palace and kept following Her Ladyship like a puppy.
These past months had been rather tiresome without the sight of Her Ladyship. Akan wished he could at least tend to all the necessary housekeeping and carry out all of Her Ladyship's orders, so everything would be set to rights before she returned to the palace. Alas, too much nuisance.
"What a pain."
Akan uttered, gesturing for the already well-rested Veralis to sit on a chair.
"I suppose she gave you a letter."
He had no time for pleasantries when they both served the same master.
"Yes."
Veralis handed him Ett's letter.
I'm bored.
"…"
Akan looked at the back of the paper, then at its four corners, repeating the process three times before silently throwing it into the hearth.
He then looked at Veralis.
"Do you have any plans while you're here?"
Veralis thought for a moment.
"Infiltrate the Ostenian Duchy while I assist you with the Iron Bridge as a veil."
Truthfully, he didn't know what, specifically, to do. The princess hadn't given him a direct command. Either she was testing him or letting him know on his own, and if he failed.
If he failed, would it even matter?
Akan shook his head. Although Veralis Garth had a point, and he could have believed it if he hadn't seen the contents of the letter. Her Ladyship wanted to throw this child at him to divide the work, rather than personally train and order him.
"Investigate the Love Behind the Curtain Veil first."
Veralis frowned.
"Aren't you a member of that association?"
"Oh my, how admirable. You seem quite knowledgeable about me."
Akan teased, reminiscing about a young boy he had seen before with the same eyes and gait.
"You are horrible at acting."
Veralis sneered.
"And you still want me to go there, oh, good sir? I've only attended once!"
And Veralis never went back, as he thought it wasn't necessary. Let the collateral family handle it. Besides, it wouldn't affect the main family's influence.
Akan laughed as he pulled a small ring box from one of his pieces of luggage.
"Don't be in such a haste. Here."
"???"
The moment Veralis opened the box, his eyes widened.
"To think you are one of those in the Seats!"
It must be stated that this insignia represented the level of benefit and rank one held in the association. Either the imperial or noble faction would squabble to obtain a sign like this.
"It's just for the benefits."
There wasn't much to it for Akan. Just intel and more gossip. That's all.
"I've been inactive for a year now."
Akan patted his shoulder.
"No one knew my true identity, nor what I looked like, nor my voice, since I rarely spoke. Rest assured, you'll be able to mingle well with your ability."
"What's the main objective?"
Veralis wouldn't believe it for intel alone. If that were the case, Akan would have others do it for him.
The princess wouldn't throw him into his lair without some proper or confidential reason that required strict action. If he failed, wouldn't he become a discarded pawn? Then what would happen to his sister?
Now this seemed more like the real test.
Veralis's creative mind pieced together all the omissions he had received, forming an idea completely different from Akan's, yet still feasible in his view.
"You'll investigate the merchants behind the head of the association. Their origins, their routes, and their influences."
Merchants.
These people were good at making and could form connections with nobles, yet had no chance of gaining a title unless they married someone with noble lineage, which was possible in most countries outside the empires. In Adiand, it was difficult unless the Emperor granted you a title, which was quite…rare.
Meanwhile, Adiand still adhered to its conservative marriage customs, carefully choosing spouses for its sons and daughters by matching them with other noble families. The blood of a noble must be preserved.
Marrying someone who wasn't noble was rare, as most Adiand aristocrats viewed everything through a political lens and with self-interest. Besides, unlike other empires, the nobles didn't marry their own sons to their sisters or brothers' daughters; incest was not permitted. It could only be allowed from the fourth degree of the family line onward.
If you wanted your prestige and your family's bloodline to become even more noble, find another noble household. None? The Emperor did not prohibit his people from looking outside the empire, whether of equal, lower, or higher status. As long as they stayed here, and you could control your spouse, then marry. And if something went wrong, well…you and your family died!
Yes, make sure they know the rules Adiand and keep them close to heart. Then we can all sleep well and make babies!
Seeing Veralis in a daze for a moment, Akan scowled.
"What's the matter?"
"I don't understand. Do you think the merchants have more control over what is happening in the Curtain Veil than the nobles?"
Akan merely shrugged.
"The main point is proving your usefulness. That is all that matters."
In short, if you're too finicky, choose another assignment.
"…"
"It's just a recommendation from your senior, anyway. Don't take it to heart."
"Such consideration. Do you think the princess restricted me to doing only one duty? Why am I even thrown here?"
Boredom.
Akan wanted to say that as he chuckled.
Right now, Her Ladyship didn't want you by her side.
"Why? Are you adamant about proving yourself after making our princess wait for many months?"
Veralis sneered.
"It was not my intention to make the princess wait that long."
Look at that sour face. No wonder Her Ladyship doesn't want to look at you. The feeling is mutual.
"I care not for your reasons. You can explore the surroundings. Meet me tomorrow, and I'll tell you more about the Curtain Veil. Go rest first, young sire—or should I call you Veralis, dear fellow factionist?"
Veralis pursed his lips.
"Veralis would do."
"You can call me Akan. A pleasure to formally meet you, young lord."
"I am uncertain whether I would be able to articulate the same sentiment."
Akan smiled.
"I'm glad you feel the same way. Then please, rest."
"…"
Completely ignored.
As the door closed, Akan's smile faded, and he took back Ett's hair.
It was smooth and still carried the faint lingering scent of Her Ladyship, mixed with mud and blood. Akan scowled.
"That boy doesn't know how to take care of such a priceless treasure."
Akan gently walked into his adjoining room and personally washed away every trace of dirt and the unpleasant scent from Ett's hair.
He smiled, kissing the damp strands and chuckling softly.
"At least he was naive enough to give this to me."