Kanai and the Eight-Colored Jewels 22

At daybreak, ten members of the Order of Knights arrived at the village entrance. They had the Captain, Chin, and Ele riding in a black-painted carriage.

Kanai and the others watched them from a short distance away.

"They say Brother Castor sent a bird to the capital before entering the ruins."

"That man didn't seem surprised at all, even when I transformed right in front of him. It was so disappointing."

Siska laughed at the shrugging Orc.

"That can't be helped. We have seven-colored jewels here, just like you Orcs do."

"They were all left behind by travelers, weren't they?"

The wind ruffled Siska's hair as she nodded. This morning, she wore her golden hair down. Dressed in a light blue dress, she looked like a perfectly demure young lady. Thanks to this, Tende, whose neck had turned bright red, kept his eyes averted from Siska. Apparently, he was embarrassed.

Lulu, who was clinging to Siska's arm, was also wearing a light blue vest that matched Siska's today. Siska cast her gaze down at the bracelet Lulu was stroking.

"I was surprised to learn that the traveler might be a relative of Shuri's. And that Shuri is actually a real prince, too."

Shuri, wearing a bitter smile, had returned to the light clothing similar to what the villagers wore. It was hot, and the village chief and his wife had been crying, so it seemed it had been quite a night for him even after returning home.

"On the contrary, I was surprised that Siska is the younger sister of a knight squad captain."

"I suppose we're even, then."

Siska, who smiled, was the daughter of a knight family, with both her father and brothers belonging to the Order. Castor was her biological brother, and it seemed he served as a captain leading a squad.

The trio captured this time were habitual grave robbers. They had traveled from place to place, posing as traveling performers and frequently swapping out their meal staff and others. The King, troubled by this, had set his sights on Castor.

Knowing the trio would visit the capital, Castor had infiltrated the circus troupe along with Siska. It was Castor's plan that the King would call for the circus after hearing rumors of the traveling performers, and that they would perform juggling. Since the King was pleased with the juggling and gave the trio a large sum of money as a reward, they had completely trusted Castor.

Involving Kanai and the others had been a miscalculation. Having said that last night, Castor had removed his mask and bowed his head to Kanai and the others, saying, "I am sorry." His true face was so gallant and well-featured that the mice had rejoiced, saying, "This is a real prince."

"Siska, were you here?"

Castor, having stepped away from the knights' work, walked toward Kanai and the others. With his golden hair playing in the wind, he wore black clothes from top to bottom, with three medals pinned to his chest. It was one of the formal uniforms of the Order of Knights.

Tende stared intently at Castor, while Ark and Orc clapped their hands in delight.

"He really is cool. He's a far cry from that idiot prince who only chases mice."

"Why don't you switch to the knight, Blue Bird?"

"Don't say such stupid things. Shuri has his own charm."

Chichi, perched on Kanai's shoulder, glared at the mice sitting on Shuri's shoulder. Seeing Chichi's reaction, Shuri tilted his head. Both the mice and Chichi were speaking in bird language, and Shuri didn't understand what they were saying.

"I'm glad Shuri can't understand animal language."

Kanai and Siska looked at each other and laughed, while Shuri stared at them blankly.

Castor stood next to Shuri. Castor was a head and a half taller than Shuri. Kanai compared the two and whispered to Chichi.

"Indeed, Shuri has his own charm."

"Right? As expected, Kanai understands."

Siska poked Chichi's head lightly with her finger as the bird's eyes sparkled.

"Oh my. Brother Castor has his own charm, too, you know."

Siska spun around to stand in front of Kanai and took both of Kanai's hands. The warmth of Siska's hands spread to the back of Kanai's hands. Siska was smiling, but her eyes were moist.

"I will definitely write you a letter when I return to the capital."

"Then I'll study hard so I can read Siska's letters."

"You really are a straightforward person."

Castor, who had praised the nodding Kanai, stood behind Siska and sighed.

"Siska, you should take this opportunity to learn to write characters that can serve as a model for Kanai. Your handwriting has too many quirks."

Castor's hand was gently placed on Siska's head as she stuck out her tongue.

"I know it's hard to part, but it's time."

Castor released Siska's head as she nodded. Then, Siska released Kanai's hands. The warmth left, and the wind hit Kanai's hands. Her eyes welled up immediately, but Kanai desperately forced a smile.

"Well then, Kanai. Everyone, too. Let's meet again."

"Yeah. See you again, Siska."

Led by Castor, Siska's figure gradually grew smaller. Every time Siska turned back and waved, Kanai and the others waved back vigorously.

After joining the Order of Knights, Castor mounted a chestnut horse and pulled Siska up. With the horse carrying the two in the lead and the carriage placed in the center, the Order of Knights began to move. Dust swirled behind the knights.

"They're gone."

When the dust settled, Tende turned his back to the village entrance and started walking. Shuri gently stroked Kanai's trembling head. Kanai wiped away the large tears that spilled one after another with both hands.

Chichi pressed its head against Kanai's ear as if to comfort her.

"I'll carry letters or anything else for you."

Not to be outdone by Chichi, the two mice jumped on Shuri's shoulder.

"I'm worried about just the blue bird, so I'll go along too."

"And it sounds like fun, too."

Kanai looked up and forced a smile despite the tears flowing down her face. She poured her heartfelt feelings into her still-trembling voice.

"Everyone, thank you."

A gentle breeze softly stroked Kanai's black hair.

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