Darian was just beginning to relax, the exhaustion of the day—the duel, the dinner table confrontation, and the sheer effort of performing—finally claiming him. Then came the soft but insistent tapping at the door.
"Is anyone there?" he called out, sitting up on the lumpy mattress.
The door creaked open slightly, and Reina, the young maid, slipped inside, her short blue hair slightly askew and her eyes wide with nervous apprehension.
"Master, it's… It's the Princess," she whispered, indicating the hallway with a frightened glance.
Darian raised an eyebrow. Rinella Valenhardt.
"What do you want, Rinella?" Darian asked, cutting straight to the point.
"You have a short memory, Darian," she retorted, crossing her arms tightly across her chest. "I think you should maintain a respectful distance in the halls, or… or whatever."
"Whatever. It's fine," Darian replied, offering a dismissive hand gesture. "Well, what are you here for, sister?"
Rinella's serious facade hardened. "The duel. The victory. Your exchange with Kayle at dinner. Are you seriously planning to build an army for yourself, Darian?"
"And how do you know that?" Darian asked, genuinely impressed.
"I think we are all fools not to have noticed you having that wit when confronting Kayle," she admitted, the compliment grudging and weighted. "Your focus on archery and dismissing the sword is a perfect strategic move. You are signaling that you intend to build a specialized, loyal force rather than challenge the existing knightly structure."
"Oh, I see. So you noticed, huh?" Darian leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Well, yeah, I am kind of making an army. But not for anything you are thinking."
"What? What do you mean? Don't tell me you think Kayle will actually make a decent Emperor?"
"In short, I am not interested in the Crown," Darian stated plainly. "I am doing it for my own private, logistical reasons. The throne is too much paperwork and terrible plot writing. I'm content to let you and Kayle squabble over it."
Rinella visibly relaxed, a small, genuine sigh escaping her. "I see. That… is a relief." She paused, then looked at him with a strange mix of shrewdness and caution. "Very well. Also, sister, will you help me find someone?"
Darian nodded. "Who is it? Another woman for harassment?"
The question visibly embarrassed her. "No! It's a man!" she stammered, then immediately grew suspicious. "Are you into men now?"
Darian laughed, a rare, genuine sound. "No, it's not that kind of reason, and I am into women. It's for something else entirely. Will you help me?"
"Well, what will I get instead?" Rinella demanded, her opportunistic nature surfacing immediately.
"Well, that's a surprise. Let's just say, something that can give you a little edge for your Empress title."
Rinella's eyes narrowed, weighing the risk of trusting the volatile Darian against the promise of an unknown advantage. "Sure, I will look for him."
"Okay, here is his name and details I know about him." Darian produced a small, folded envelope he'd prepared earlier and handed it to her.
She tucked it away instantly, her expression firm. "I see. Well, I hope you keep your word."
"Yes, Empress Rinella," Darian drawled, testing the limits of her newfound cooperation.
Her face flushed, and her 'tsundere' temper immediately flared. "Don't call me that, idiot! I don't want to hear the name Empress from a lowlife like you!"
"Anyway, see you around," Darian said, dismissing her with a satisfied grin.
Rinella turned abruptly and strode out, the heavy door clicking shut behind her.
Darian lay back on the mattress, a triumphant smile spreading across his face as he stared at the ceiling. 'Well, now what will you do, cardboard Kayle? Rinella will now have one of your key achievements. He thought of the novel's author, Lady Lyra. My plans have only begun.