The Regressed Son of a Duke is an Assassin

“What are you talking about, Set?”

Startled by the unexpected visit, Instructor Silica momentarily lost her composure and immediately asked for clarification, unable to comprehend what she had just heard.

“As I said, ma’am! I want to go on a field trip with Cyan here!”

The application for the field trip that was supposedly prepared was laughably inadequate.

Overwhelmed by a sudden headache, she clutched her head and said,

“Set, do you understand what a field trip is? It’s learning through experience at an external site. What exactly do you hope to learn from this field trip you’re so eager about?”

“Exploring something new that we have never known before! That is the true essence of learning! Venturing into this mysterious relic of an ancient era is the perfect learning experience that embodies the true meaning of education!”

Despite giving him the benefit of the doubt, she was at a loss for words at his nonsensical argument.

Whether such an application would be approved was questionable, but one thing became clear.

I’m going to be killed by the clan leader later.

“Well, since you’ve applied, I’ll process it. But you know, right? It’s not certain whether it will be approved or not. My approval alone doesn’t finalize anything.”

With Chancellor Kundel away, Instructor Silica, among other instructors, would have to grant provisional approval before the application could be officially sanctioned.

“I hope to hear good news. Thank you, ma’am!”

“Well, I suggest you not get your hopes up too high…”

After finishing his business, Set stood up with a triumphant look as if he had accomplished his mission.

As I too rose to leave,

“Cyan?”

The clan leader stopped me with a voice tight from clenching her teeth.

“Could you stay back for a moment to talk, Cyan?”

The sharpness in her eyes conveyed a clear message: ‘You’re not going anywhere.’

After sending Set off first, I sat back down.

“Explain.”

The clan leader demanded an explanation in a short and firm tone.

As expected, I hesitated not and recounted the entire story to her.

“So, you’re saying there’s a ruin in a village in the southeast of the kingdom called Nodeli, and according to Set, there might be a creature living there named Lemiharam? And that name matches the name of a magical beast? And you want to check it out under the guise of a field trip?”

I nodded indifferently.

“How did you convince Set?”

“He agreed immediately when I promised to be his sparring partner if he accompanied me.”

Upon hearing my answer, the clan leader seemed on the verge of cursing but managed to hold back, her face a mixture of restraint and inquiry.

“Let me ask you just one thing. Where did you hear that the magical beast’s name was Lemiharam?”

“Kaeram told me.”

She sighed before continuing.

“Judging by your expression, you seem unaware, so I’ll tell you. Unlike the scripture of Hiskrea, the names of magical beasts are not commonly known.”

Hmm? What’s this now?

“I can assure you, there are very few humans on this continent who know the name of a magical beast. Even I only learned from you just now that a magical beast’s name could be Lemiharam.”

“Didn’t you hear it from Aer either?”

“The magic sword was created by Lord Aer, but not the magical beasts. They were born from the power of another god unknown to us, so there was no particular reason for Lord Aer to mention it.”

‘One must never disclose what they intend to do to any being other than a god.’

Given the rule among the gods that Aer mentioned, it made sense that he couldn’t talk about it.

Wait, does this mean I shouldn’t have been talking about it?

And how did Luna know about it in the first place?

“It’s good that you wish to follow Lord Aer’s words. But are you aware of how dangerous a time this is for you?”

I responded with silence.

“You’ve received a marriage proposal from Princess Arin, haven’t you? This means you’ll attract a lot more scrutiny! Not just from the royal family, but other noble families from the empire will be watching you closely! Can you handle all that?”

“If I must, then I must.”

Honestly, I can’t guarantee that I can handle it completely.

“No more needs to be said. I don’t want to send you to some uncertain place to look for something. It doesn’t matter if it’s the word of Lord Aer. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I can’t bear to see you in danger.”

Her resolve was unyielding.

It wasn’t just lip service; I could feel her genuine concern for me.

But as I’ve said before, I don’t care if I put myself in danger.

The ultimate reason I’m seeking the magical beast is for the sake of those who will be put in danger because of me.

I understand the clan leader’s wishes, but I cannot comply with them right now.

“So, you’re saying I should stay at the academy for the time being.”

“Yes, try to do as little as possible.”

Her decision was firm until the end.

“Then, I’ll think of a way to compensate for that.”

“You really won’t give up until the very end, will you?”

As if she had expected my response, she sighed once more and shook her head.

“I’ll kill you if you even mention giving up in front of me…”

“…?”

“That’s what the clan leader from my past life said to me.”

Leaving her with a rare puzzled look on her face, I smiled and left the room.

* * *

Set seemed completely sure that there would be no problem.

Well, that fool would think so, and I never cared much from the start, but the real issue seems to be on my side.

The opposition from the clan leader was much fiercer than expected.

I’m aware of the situation.

Having the watchers increase and leaving my post would blatantly signal something suspicious.

If I really want to, I should aim for the vacation period, but I don’t think there’s time to wait until then.

With Boris possibly stirring up trouble again at any time, just sitting back and wasting time doesn’t make sense.

If there’s anything that can be done, it must be done.

Though that’s what I said, honestly, I don’t know what to do.

In the end, the essence is that I need to leave something that could replace me at the academy,

But the limit for using illusion magic is at best a day or two.

Since it’s not like a summoned beast with a physical form, if left unattended for a long time, there’s a high chance it will be discovered.

It’s like I need to find a double who looks exactly like me…

“Huh? Young master! When did you get here?”

Emily, coming out of the kitchen, asked me, sitting on the sofa.

“I’ve been here for a while.”

“Eh? That can’t be! You were just eating in the kitchen until a moment ago!”

How could that be?

Even if I were hungry, there’s no way I would look for her food first.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that I’m the only one in this world who would enjoy Emily’s cooking.

With a puzzled expression, Emily rubbed her eyes and then hurried back to the kitchen.

“Eeeek!?”

A sound like a monster being strangled came from a human mouth.

Wondering what happened, I also rushed to the kitchen,

“……?”

I blinked about five times, doubting what I saw.

Emily looked more than shocked; her expression was close to a cry of despair.

A boy with black hair was sitting at the dining table, eagerly eating the food she had prepared.

That was unmistakably… me.

“Two young masters?!”

No.

While he resembled me enough to be considered a clone, that was not me.

Given the familiar aura emanating from this unfamiliar boy, it was clear that this kid was definitely…

“Haha! Got you both good, didn’t I?”

Then, with a puff of smoke, the unfamiliar boy revealed his true form.

“It was a huge success scaring Papa and Sister Emily!”

The only person in the world who would enjoy Emily’s cooking as much as I would, was Nana.

“What in the world is this?”

Unlike the bewildered Emily, I immediately understood the situation.

Polymorph.

The dragon’s unique magic to transform into humans.

It’s known as a high-level magic that only fully matured dragons can perform, but this kid, who is nothing but a half-sized version, can use this magic?

It was an unbelievable sight for me.

“How did you do it, Nana?”

“I don’t know! I was dreaming about Papa and when I woke up, I had transformed into Papa! And it’s not just Papa; I can transform into other people too!”

“……!”

With another ‘puff’, Nana’s form changed into Brian’s this time.

“Look! It’s identical, right?”

Not just the appearance, but the voice was exactly the same too.

I spent a moment in silence, intently staring at her transformed figure.

“Why aren’t you saying anything, young master?”

Why am I not saying anything?

Because I’m having a crazy idea right now, wondering if it’s the right thing to do.

Even though I know it shouldn’t be done, two thoughts are clashing violently in my head: there’s no other way but this, is there?

* * *

In the Great Chamber on the 4th floor of the royal palace, the room of the Third Prince, Fabian, was situated.

Seated with his chin propped on his hands, Fabian was silently being observed by his brother, Nerobian, who stood with his arms crossed.

“The emperor is really something, isn’t he? Despite suffering from fits, he still insists on welcoming guests.”

Fabian remained silent.

“It’s a visit after 10 years, they say? What could he possibly want to discuss with our uncle, whom he hasn’t seen in such a long time?”

“Be quiet, Nerobian! Can’t you see I’m trying to think?”

Despite his brother’s irritation, Nerobian was unfazed.

“What’s there to think about, brother? The chancellor, who’s never shown any interest in worldly affairs besides the academy, is now in the imperial city! It’s clear he’s beginning to establish his position now that the emperor’s health is declining!”

“Don’t jump to conclusions. Nothing is certain yet.”

Fabian firmly dismissed the speculation.

“The state of the imperial court is really something. Out of nowhere, the chancellor visits, and that empty shell Arin is engaged to Duke Vert’s family, making us feel utterly sidelined.”

Fabian didn’t have much to counter this point.

“Wake up, brother! At this rate, we’ll be the only ones left out. While others are expanding their influence, we’re just maintaining our position!”

“So, what do you suggest we do?”

Fabian challenged, raising an eyebrow as if to say, go ahead and speak.

“What do we do? We have to adjust our position ourselves.”

A sly smile crept onto Nerobian’s lips, hinting at some underlying scheme.

“Are you suggesting we meddle with the Quisel family? You’re still harboring such thoughts…”

“Who said anything about meddling with the Quisel family?”

Fabian paused, furrowing his brows at Nerobian’s sudden interjection.

Leaning closer, Nerobian whispered into his ear.

“That youngest son of Duke Vert… Let’s kill him!”

Fabian shouted, outraged.

“Have you lost your mind, Nerobian!”

“Why? In the end, he’s just a base-born son from a concubine, of no real consequence if he dies!”

Nerobian was serious.

“Remember the plan Mother once had? About involving the assassins called the Mists with Princess Arin? Now’s the perfect time to proceed with it!”

Fabian’s pupils began to tremble.

“I’ve already found some mercenaries we can use! Let’s have them assassinate that Cyan guy and frame it on the Mist! Then we can link it to the Quisel family! It’s not hard! I’ve even prepared a way out in case of failure, perfectly!”

The plan was already detailed, awaiting only Fabian’s decision.

“It’s not about becoming emperor. This is us struggling for survival! If we just sit idly by, we’ll lose everything! Not just the throne and the country, but our lives as well…”

Unable to control his trembling pupils, Fabian closed his eyes.

As his brother said, sitting idly would yield nothing.

If he didn’t want to spill his own blood, he’d have to spill others.

Convincing himself that this was a natural struggle for survival, Fabian tried to soothe his conscience.

“Tell me more, Nerobian.”

With a gleeful smile, Nerobian whispered all the details of the plan to Fabian.

(E/n: there’s easier ways of committing suicide yk)

(To be continued)