BMD 554

Rather than a cliché oath to bury his bones, Theodore questioned the essence.

Leonardo wondered how Nomon would have answered in this situation. Would he have bowed low and sworn that he could do so immediately? But it seemed the answer Theodore wanted was not that.

Contrary to his hesitation, his words came out surprisingly easily.

“Your Highness said that you and I seem different, but in my opinion, we are not that different even now. Are we not still saying the same things?”

Theodore did not even blink. He simply wore an expression that indicated he would listen to what was being said.

“Explain in detail.”

“Most of the monarchs I have seen in my life believe there is only one justice under the heavens.”

Leonardo recalled the dozens of flags that had fluttered above his head, from his days in the military to his time as a wandering mercenary. He had seen many leaders—as many as the number of passing flags—and every single one of them claimed to be justice. Or, that the one who wins is justice.

That was why everyone fought for victory. But Theodore was different.

“Your Highness said that the enemy also [unauthorized copy]had another justice. That means you already know that believing in [unauthorized copy]one’s [Read on Read BL Novels]own conviction is not everything.”

Usually, an enemy is just an enemy. The reason numerous strategists considered the convictions of the opposing side was merely to present a proper pretext or to win the fight.

However, Theodore weighed the opposing justice even in the moment of making a cold decision. Within that, Leonardo glimpsed a side of him that resembled himself.

“You said you realized it when a young scrap of flesh clung to your feet. That my blood-stained appearance—”

“Could be seen as evil.”

The single sentence he spoke, cutting in, sounded like a calm confession. Leonardo nodded cautiously.

“I have never seen a monarch speak such words. At least, not until yesterday.”

The cool dawn air leaked through the gaps of the tent. A breeze carrying the scent of grass and dew swept between the two men sitting opposite each other.

Leonardo had always doubted the path he was taking. But today, at the very least, he could believe that it was not the wrong path.

In a world where one cannot simply pursue peace, if the desire to protect does not lose its light—if one can protect more people even by staining their hands with blood—he considered that to be a choice that was not so bad.

And it wasn’t just a commoner’s worry that found direction. The wise monarch’s answer comforted even the anguish of [unauthorized copy]Leonardo Blaine, who had unauthorized copylived as a [visit our site]war hero in the past. For he, too, had not looked particularly glorious in the reflection of a puddle within nightmares submerged in blood.

When he suffered so much from pain and emptiness, what would it have been like if the monarch he served had been Theodore? No, if he had heard even a single word similar to this from his monarch, in whose hands would his life be now?

“Ultimately, from doubting oneself and acknowledging another justice, to finally believing in and moving forward on the path one has chosen… I felt that Your Highness and I are very much alike. Therefore, even if the order Your Highness gives is not the justice I desire, I will gladly follow you.”

Theodore tilted his head, narrowing his brow.

“Simply because we are alike?”

“Because I know it is a judgment made after endless contemplation.”

It was different in tone from the answer of a knight who supports and is loyal to his monarch unconditionally. However, for Leonardo, who had once experienced blind faith, this was the best way.

“I believe that you have seen worlds that my short-sightedness could not reach. That there must be a better future at the end of it. This is the reason I can sincerely respect Your Highness.”

When sketching out the world as someone’s subordinate, any intelligent person believes that the path their monarch walks is valuable, whether the goal is wealth and honor or world domination. Leonardo could not specify the value he pursued in a single word. However, he hoped at least for a world where freedom and warmth, and the greatness based upon them, lived and breathed.

In the world blooming from Theodore’s fingertips, it felt as though all of that would exist.

The time spent waiting for the sentence in the ensuing silence was quite long. With his lips [Read on Read BL Novels]firmly [Read on Read BL Novels]shut and [Read on Read BL Novels]eyes cast down, Theodore seemed lost in thought.

To a man who wanted loyalty to the point of committing suicide upon a single command, this was likely not a very satisfying answer.

Pip-pi?

Meanwhile, Canaria, who had been watching the entire situation, chirped softly toward Theodore. It looked as if she were asking what he intended to do.

Around then, the lips that had seemed frozen slightly opened. What leaked from that gap was a voice more solemn than ever.

“My knights were dubbed as the King’s knights after enduring bone-breaking effort and times of patience.”

The introduction began with the arduous journey they had endured.

“In that process, many were injured, fell away, or gave up on the trial. Those who were selected and rose to their current positions are all generals who have proven their bravery. This means it is not a position that can be easily coveted just because a soldier who suddenly appears wants it.”

He had already expected it; it was a fact he knew well. But being given a confirmation of it made a prickle of annoyance bloom inside Leonardo.

‘Then why did you even bring up the knights?’

“If I were to take you under my command right now just to listen to lullabies, unauthorized copyI would remain an unprecedented incompetent monarch. Unless your tone stolen contentwas a heavenly sound that could heal the spirit, it’s not quite at that level.”

“…If it’s not possible, please just tell me it’s not possible.”

“When did I say it wasn’t possible?”

He was inwardly irritated because Theodore kept bringing up the singing. During his military service, he had heard that he was quite good… As he urged for a conclusion with a grumpy face, Theodore added with a twist of his lips.

“Impatient, aren’t you. What is your name?”

“…? I told you it is Nomon.”

“Nomon. I shall keep an eye on you.”

Leonardo’s eyelids fluttered. He thought he would be rejected flatly, but instead, he saw an open possibility. Had he not said ‘I will remember’ before? Now, this body had finally caught the eye of the King, who had only looked at the wide sky.

“You’ll keep an eye on me?”

“Yes. Whether the answer you gave was sincere, whether your qualities are sufficient—I will examine everything in detail while we fight together on this land. Not only I, but my confidants will also watch and evaluate you. Thus, when I return…”

“Thank you. Thank you, Your Highness!”

Before the sentence could even finish, Leonardo bowed low, pressing his head to the ground. It was an action born of sincere emotion. Although he had only taken one step, he had grasped the opportunity to enter the man’s heart.

Theodore, looking down at the crown of his head, twitched his lips and dismissed him with a sigh.

“Hasty as always…”

Even after saying it, he seemed dissatisfied. Perhaps ‘hasty’ referred to his own decision. Nevertheless, he did not bother to mention the rudeness of this body for daring to interrupt the King’s words.

“Raise your head.”

Following the irresistible command, Leonardo looked up at him once more. A smile naturally bloomed on the corners of his mouth. It was only natural that a chuckle escaped from between Theodore’s teeth as he faced that face. Truly a strange fellow.

Around then, Theodore removed the bracelet that had been on his left wrist. Then, he casually tossed that precious object toward this body.

“Take it.”

Hastily catching the bracelet, Leonardo looked down carefully at the object in his hand.

‘As I thought, it’s correct.’

It was identical to the bracelet the child had returned to him before he leaped back into the past. The size, and even the delicate patterns, were all the same.

“This is a token that I will take responsibility for the words I have spoken. Keep it. And you, too, shall swear to this bracelet every day. That you will give me your full loyalty.”

He wondered what effect swearing to a token—rather than the person—would have, but he understood it as a meaning to always steady his heart. In his excited state, he answered without much thought.

“I will swear it.”

“It must be shown not only with words, but with heart and action. When sincerity accumulates day by day and the day comes when you return to me, that bracelet will become a bridge connecting our consciousness.”

Hearing this, Leonardo’s eyes shook for a moment.

‘Uh, no way?’

He had been wondering why his consciousness and Nomon’s could occasionally intersect through this body. While he was pondering the rising doubt, Theodore added further.

“And… to be a recognized knight in name, one must have outstanding talent or background. You said you were merely a conscript, so your martial arts skills must be mediocre, and you likely aren’t from a long-established Clan.”

“…Is that a problem?”

“Did you not dare proclaim that you wish to become my knight? I cannot tolerate you being ignored by those outside.”

He said he would keep an eye on him, yet he was already treating him as if he had been appointed as a knight. However, that wasn’t a bad thing. Just as he was trying to hide his joy, Theodore spoke.

“Is there a common name passed down from your ancestors?”

In short, he seemed to be referring to a family name. In this era, the majority of people had no surnames, and while Nomon had a family, their status was humble, so there was no way there was a name passed down through generations. Nomon didn’t mention one either.

“I have none.”

“That works out well. I shall bestow a name upon you.”

Theodore declared it as soon as he was told. In an instant, Leonardo’s eyes widened. A name personally bestowed by the King—was this not the greatest benefit one could enjoy as his subordinate?

“A name…? Am I allowed to receive such a thing?”

“Of course it is beyond your station, but occasionally, it wouldn’t be so bad.”

Only then did Leonardo realize that his visit our siteanswer [stolen content]to Theodore’s final [visit our site]question had pleased him thoroughly.

He is still as dishonest as ever.

“What name is it? I will gratefully accept anything.”

“Hmm…”

Theodore lifted his chin and rubbed his lower lip. His Gold Eyes scanned the objects inside the tent here and there.

It felt a bit like he was looking for a name for a puppy or a kitten, which was slightly awkward, but what did it matter? The King was personally bestowing it. He only hoped it wouldn’t be something like the stubby-grass on the side table or the shoes rolling around his feet. Just then—

“Yes, Blaine.”

For a moment, Leonardo doubted his ears.

“Pardon?”

“It is one of my childhood names. It is not called often now… but since you said we are quite alike, bestowing a name that is like my doppelganger will carve that meaning in its own way. Consider it an honor.”

A gentle wave rose from his fingertips to his forearms and down his spine, and an indescribable thrill flowed through him. unauthorized copy[stolen content]His eyes slowly widened. Leonardo could not bring himself to continue speaking.

“Well, do you like it?”

Hot and stinging sensations alternately washed over his shoulders.

Unable to readily accept what he had just heard, Leonardo asked once more.

“What… did you say?”

Theodore gave a puzzled look at the unfamiliar reaction of the fellow who had been so arrogant. Then, with a faint smile, he delivered it clearly.

“Blaine.”

He could hardly breathe.

“From today, that is your name.”