[IHTTMBW] Chapter 54

In this world, there was such a thing as the crime of defaming a noble.  

Especially if one dared to pickpocket a marquis, the consequences could be dire, even leading to execution.  

And now, I had just told him to pickpocket a marquis. It was enough to make anyone feel bewildered.  

But I didn’t avert my gaze. I had read about it in a novel. Under ordinary circumstances, Mikhail gained Marquis Capille’s favour after helping him when the marquis, dressed as a commoner, got into trouble at a tavern.  

Of course, helping someone and pickpocketing couldn’t be more different. But the novel stated that what truly caught Capille’s attention was Mikhail’s unique martial arts.  

Marquis Capille was a true swordsman.  

One who, like Gelbart, was eager to find a remarkable successor. If he were to witness the potential in even a child caught pickpocketing, he would be more inclined to capture and observe that talent rather than punish it.  

“Defaming a noble is punishable by death.”  

Mikhail hesitated, speaking in a cold tone.  

I nodded. He was right. At this moment, being Etiel was more effective than being a ten-year-old Myrthi.  

I stated firmly,  

“I know. But you won’t die. Do you want to keep living like this? You will gain the marquis’s patronage.”  

“...How do you know that?”  

Mikhail’s eyes reflected his confusion. It was only natural. Claiming he would be sponsored after committing defamation against a noble was unbelievable.  

“He is looking for a successor. And as far as I know, there is no one more suitable for that than you.”  

“...Why? Why are you doing this for me, helping me and making me do strange things?”  

He seemed to be referring to the help I had given him earlier. Mikhail, the boy, mumbled to himself, saying no one had ever recognized his martial arts before. I responded with a bright smile, as luminous and gentle as the moonlight. My confident voice flowed from my youthful lips.  

“Because I know I will meet you again someday.”  

Mikhail stared at me in a daze. I continued,  

“Help me when that time comes.”  

I would need his help, especially in a future where my life might be at risk. Although the future could change, Mikhail was the only one who would try to save me then. I couldn’t afford to lose that card.  

Human emotions could change easily. That was why I proposed a deal. Then, I smiled playfully.  

“I said I was Etiel, right? You’re supposed to listen to a fairy’s words.”  

Allenan, beside me, stifled a laugh. Mikhail stared at me blankly before speaking in an even voice.  

“When you steal bread for a day, you barely eat one meal. When you gather bits of bread, you can feed others. If even this fake gold coin is taken, I’ll lose my life.”  

His eyes glimmered with cold determination.  

“This is my life. But, my lady. If what you say is true and I see you again.”  

Mikhail frowned momentarily. The moonlight shone on his pretty face, blending into his pale skin as he stepped forward and looked at me.  

His gaze held unyielding resolve.  

“I’ll offer you anything.”  

Then he turned and started running.  

It was clear that there wasn’t much time left to meet Marquis Capile. The truth was, I knew where the marquis was because Gelbart had described his location.  

And the reason Mikhail knew where the marquis was was obvious. The book mentioned that he had admired Marquis Capile since he was very young. Allenan, now standing beside me, gently placed an arm around my shoulders. His tone was muttered.  

“My rivals just keep growing.”  

“Hm?”  

“No, Myrthi. You did well.”  

“Yeah.”  

“But why did you tell him to go to the marquis?”  

I curled the tip of my hair around my finger.  

Well. I couldn’t exactly tell him Mikhail would become a successor in the future. But I wasn’t without an explanation.  

“Hmm. Grandpa Gelbart told me. That he’s looking for a successor.”  

“Do you think he’ll be chosen?”  

“Yep. He was strong, wasn’t he?”  

I narrowed my eyes and smiled.  

The conversation ended there as Allenan couldn’t look away from my smile. I gently held his hand and smiled again.  

“I want to enjoy the festival now!”  

“Oh, right!”  

Allenan hurriedly glanced around, looking for the way out. I watched him, deep in thought. I wondered just how helpful Mikhail could be when I turned nineteen.  

I couldn’t trust anything but certainty. Even if Euphil liked me, danger still lingered. In fact, Euphil would learn about his lineage from the king when I was nineteen.  

Yet the real problem emerged from elsewhere. Rumours that Myrthi had an informant among the maids implied others would also hear information through them.  

I never imagined I’d be separated from Euphil so soon.