[IYFILWATIP] Chapter 51

William Bryce, who could easily block the objects his mother was throwing at him, simply stood there taking the hits, while his mother, even more enraged by his nonchalant attitude, grew increasingly furious. The wizards glared daggers at the imperial representatives. 

Any agenda items were forgotten after just an hour of discussion, and the meetings inevitably devolved into unproductive mudslinging. By that time, Kirona and her sisters would usually start sneaking out of the meeting room, giving Pine a supportive pat on the back as she had no choice but to stay. 

To be honest, it was more of a brawl than a meeting... 

Sonia didn’t lose her smile despite Kirona’s lukewarm response. "There will be those who help you along your path, even if it means risking their lives. Whether they’re wizards or mercenaries who arrogantly defy their fate... it won’t make much difference." 

Sonia’s gaze shifted to Jade, who was sleeping soundly even on the cold floor. 

Kirona quietly smiled. In the end, it was just another vague prophecy. Sonia didn’t even bother to offer the empty reassurance, "You won’t die, Your Highness."  

But even the simple words about finding a way gave Kirona some comfort. 

* * * 

"Where are you going?" 

After having breakfast prepared by Sonia, Kirona was packing her things when Jade woke up silently and stepped out of the hut. Kirona hurried to stop him. He didn’t bother hiding his annoyance but explained nonetheless. 

"I’m going to check if all the exits are really blocked." 

"Why are you going alone? Take me with you. Wait until I finish packing. We should go together." 

"No need. You should stay here, Your Highness. I’ll be back in two or three days. If I find a way out, I’ll come back to escort you, so just stay here and keep the old wizard company." 

Kirona frowned at him, bothered by the way his expression stayed cocky while his tone had changed. 

"Stop with the formalities. It’s creepy how you suddenly changed overnight." 

"I can’t help it if the words won’t come out. As an uneducated mercenary, Your Highness, you’ll have to filter what you hear." 

"You’re really stubborn. I told you not to call me 'Your Highness.'" 

"Who’s going to hear us in this cursed forest?" 

Kirona tried to follow him but stumbled. She had stepped on a rock that had lodged in her boot while dragging Jade here, and since she couldn’t get it out, it had been causing her trouble. Before she knew it, Jade had quickly moved to her side and caught her as she nearly fell. 

Jade grabbed his head and shouted, "I told you to stay here!" 

"No." 

"This is driving me crazy! Why are you so insistent? Just stay put. I said I’d come back for you." 

"How do I know you won’t abandon me and run off? What if you die and don’t come back? I don’t even know the way out. My guide ran off, remember?" 

"You have the old wizard." 

"Sonia’s too old to get me out of here." 

"I can’t abandon you. Maybe you don’t realise this, but if I leave you, I’ll be as good as dead. Unlike you, I don’t have anyone who’d look for me if I were buried alive." 

"So am I. That’s why I’m coming with you. I can take care of myself." 

Where do you think you’re sneaking off to alone? Kirona stubbornly grabbed the sword at her waist and continued walking. Jade let out a deep sigh and then sat Kirona on a flat stone. He knelt and began to fix her boots. 

"I’m taking you because if I leave you, you’ll just follow me. But let me be clear: just follow me and don’t get distracted. If you do, you’ll really die." 

Of course, Jade didn’t stop grumbling. 

"I don’t know what happened, and I don’t care to know, but who in their right mind sends a royal into a place like this alone? They must be insane." 

"I didn’t come alone. There was a convict unit..." 

"Is that even a proper force? More like baggage." 

"I survived for a year." 

"You must’ve prayed a lot. It means you were lucky for a year." 

"Stop insulting the royal family." 

"I’m just pointing out how well the country’s being run. Not that it’s any of my business." 

Kirona quickly realised that this mercenary only had a cocky expression. Despite his lack of faith, he was still treating Kirona with a certain level of respect. His attitude was significantly different from the previous night. 

Kirona suddenly felt like testing him. She reached out and ruffled his hair like she was petting a dog. Jade frowned slightly and looked at her but then quickly returned to what he was doing. 

"You really believe I’m a princess, don’t you?" 

"What else would I believe? How could I not?" 

Jade pointed to her eyes with his finger. 

"You’re even letting me treat you like a dog, despite having such a nasty personality."