Circumstances of a Fallen Lord - Chapter 123

Chapter 123

‘Can two completely different people feel so similar that they overlap?’

It felt a little too unsettling to dismiss it as mere coincidence. Luisen stared at Carlton intently; he didn’t have any new realizations since he didn’t know the one-armed pilgrim’s face well. But, somehow, Carlton seemed different from usual. His eye movements and facial expressions were subtly slower and, at times, he furrowed his eyebrows.

When their eyes met, Carlton would offer a faint smile, but it had a strangely subdued quality. It was as if he was trying to suppress his normally blazing personality.

‘Carlton…are you tired right now?’

For some reason, Luisen felt like he innately understood the mercenary: Carlton was pretending to be alright even though he was exhausted and about to collapse. Understandably, the mercenary was bluffing to hide his weakness; no wonder, the man had been talkative lately.

‘Do I need to force him to rest?’

Luisen looked back at the rest of the people present, but only he seemed to pick up on these subtle differences. 

Carlton continued to talk. “With that strange power, Count Doubless controlled the first prince and took control of the royal palace. I even saw a few demon worshippers. They seemed to be up to something…”

“What did you see?”

“A mountain beast that resembled a goat. It was wielding a suspicious-looking knife…That’s all I saw.”

“…They’re probably preparing for some ritual. Not only did these heretics lay their hands on the heirs that will hopefully bring the kingdom into a brighter future, but they dare brew some evil in the middle of the royal palace.” Morrison closed his eyes tight and drew the sign of the cross. He was completely shocked. 

The priests residing in the capital were all experienced elites, yet no one had noticed what was happening in the capital. However, the inquisitor couldn’t blame them. Morrison himself had felt nothing in the capital. Even when he had seen Count Doubless up close.

“They must have their own schemes.”

“Of course…” Morrison muttered gloomily.

“The more we learn, the more vicious they seem. Anything those people plan must be dangerous. I think it would be best if we were thoroughly prepared from now on.”

“Of course.”

“I will report this matter to my superiors. This story should change the church’s attitude.”

The church official denied the existence of heretical religions; that’s why they wanted everything to be handled secretly through an inquisitor. However, if the situation had progressed this far…the church should also think differently.

Morrison said, “To strengthen our power…”

“It would be best to exterminate the cult all at once…”

Morrison and Carlton’s discussion showed no signs of ending, and Carlton’s arm had already been treated.

Luisen intervened to cut the conversation short, “Could we take a break before continuing to talk? I’m a little tired.”

Morrison looked apologetic at those words. The busiest person today had been Luisen; the inquisitor should have been considerate and done everything in moderation… But his manners had evaporated in the face of the cult’s audacity. “I apologize. I was too impatient–we’d better rest for today. I’m going to do a little more research on this possible ritual.”

Morrison tidied up his medical tools and rose from his seat. Ennis and Carlton’s lieutenant followed suit, and they left the room. Even though no words were exchanged, Luisen felt slightly embarrassed by the two’s quick wit, leaving him alone with the mercenary.

‘It’s a little unpleasant if the people around you are too quick-witted and perceptive.’

Luisen dragged Carlton by the hand. Carlton, following obediently, hugged the young lord’s waist with a subtle smile on his face as Luisen put him to bed. He chuckled, “You’ve been looking at me so passionately for a while now…So unexpectedly greedy. But, if my Duke wishes…”

“Don’t joke around. Honestly, you’re about to collapse, aren’t you?”

“…You can tell?” Carlton frowned.

Luisen pressed his finger into the middle of Carlton’s brows, “I can–I don’t think anyone else noticed, though. If I hadn’t stepped in, you would have continued to discuss all night.”

“Morrison would have had more to say even after all that.”

“If you’re tired, just say it. Tsk, show-off.” Though Luisen spoke roughly and a bit sternly, his heart still felt incredible pity. Hiding any difficulties or weaknesses… must be a product of trying to survive in the mercenary’s environment. Only then could he live.

Luisen bent his torso and embraced Carlton’s large body, slowly sweeping his hands down the mercenary’s back. He hoped to bring as much comfort to the mercenary in his touch, as the mercenary’s touch did for him.

Perhaps the young lord’s emotions reached him, Carlton no longer joked around and leaned his head gently on Luisen. The quiet sounds of a slow inhale and long exhale could be heard; Carlton rubbed his head against Luisen’s. Even though he was all grown up, the mercenary acted childishly, like a puppy, despite his size.

Luisen gently stroked down Carlton’s hair and asked, “Was it difficult?”

Carlton hesitated before nodding. And, after a long silence, he confessed his true feelings, “…I understand now what it means to go crazy because of anxiety.”

Earlier, he acted so casual, as if he hadn’t had a hard time at all… but that was far from the truth.

He was in enemy territory, and everyone was on high alert, looking for him. Fortunately, he had discovered the secret passage and hid there, but even so, it was not easy to survive. The secret passage could only hide him; to find food and treat his wounds, he had to move out on his own.

During the day, he leaned against the narrow, dark passage to take catnaps, while at night, he wandered through the secret passage like a mouse. He lived in constant tension, not knowing when he might be able to leave or who might come to help; at every moment, he was nervous at any sign of movement, worrying about the possibility that someone might discover the secret passage.

Even more distressing, he was unable to act upon the information he had learned. Count Doubless’s hostility was directed at Luisen–that noble must be trying to harm Luisen in Carlton’s absence. Since the man had the first prince at his back, who could stop him?

Luisen needed Carlton. Carlton needed to run to Luisen right away to inform the young lord and prepare for any attacks.

However, Carlton could hardly take care of himself. He couldn’t even escape this passage right away. Carlton had always been fearless in the face of danger, but in this situation, where everything was beyond his control, he couldn’t help but feel helpless. He worried that Luisen might be in danger right at this moment. Lost in the labyrinthian secret passage, these dark thoughts followed him incessantly, and he couldn’t shake them off. He felt like he was on the verge of losing his sanity.

As his steel spirit faltered, his physical condition quickly deteriorated.

“It’s true–I was able to investigate as I roamed around the palace. I just wasn’t….so leisurely about it.”

If he had only been concerned about his own safety, he would have been better off hiding in one place instead of wandering around. However, he couldn’t bear the anxiety and chose to investigate in order to feel useful. That way, he felt like he had something to hold onto–a mission that could help him endure.

Then, at some point, he heard Luisen’s voice. He had fallen asleep, exhausted, so at first he thought he was hearing voices. He got up and followed the sound. Even if it was an auditory hallucination, he couldn’t help but follow the sound of his lover’s voice.

At the end…there stood Luisen. Luisen’s figure seemed bright, as if there was light coming from within.

“At first I thought I was dreaming, so I couldn’t even speak.”

But, it was real. This already timid person had ventured into enemy territory, passing through the dark passage, all for the sake of rescuing him.

How could he express his feelings at that moment? From the bottom of his heart, enthusiastic joy overflowed, as if all his anxiety had melted away. He felt as if he could do anything.

“I’m glad I endured–I’m glad that I was there to see my Duke come to save me himself.”

He instinctively knew that this memory would stay with him for a long time. The joy and the profound impact of that moment would serve as nourishment within him, allowing him to face future challenges with greater ease no matter how difficult they may be.

Carlton raised his head and reached out to touch Luisen’s face. Luisen’s face, slightly raised, was more beautiful than ever. As their gazes met, their lips entangled naturally as if drawn together.

They kissed, clumsily bumped their bodies closer, and felt each other’s heartbeat. Carlton swept down the other’s slim back with his hands and smelled the young lord’s scent. With his whole body and being, he slowly and deeply took in Luisen’s presence. Then, his hands brushed against Luisen’s pants.

“Ah, this wasn’t what I had in mind,” Luisen jolted to his senses. He had almost gotten swept away, but Carlton was a patient who needed immediate rest. Any wrong movements could re-injure the mercenary’s hastily treated arm.

“What’s the harm?” Carlton chuckled and dragged Luisen’s waist back into his embrace. Carlton’s seductive ‘Hm?’ made Luisen want to give into temptation, but Carlton’s arm was more precious than his lust.

“No.”

“Why?”

“You probably haven’t slept well–do you still have strength left for this?”

“I’m already lying in my Duke’s bed; shouldn’t I squeeze out whatever strength I don’t have?” The mercenary was ready to perform should the need arise.

Luisen fanned his heated face before making a bet, “Then, let’s do it like this.” He pushed Carlton’s body to lay him flat on the bed. And then, laying by the mercenary’s side, he placed his hands atop Carlton’s eyes. “If you can stay awake, like this, for five minutes, then we do it. Or, you’ll continue to sleep. How about it?”

“Fine. It’s just five minutes.” Carlton snorted and accepted the bet. ‘Does he think I’ll fall asleep in five minutes? I’m able to control my sleep as I please. This wasn’t even a fair bet.’ 

Carlton was so confident, but he fell asleep within one minute, let alone five.

‘How can he be so stubborn when he’s sleeping so well.’ Luisen lay beside Carlton as he watched Carlton’s sleeping face.

It was rare to see the mercenary sleeping, as he usually woke up early and went to bed late. Even in his sleep, he seemed to be furrowing his brow seriously, which amused the young lord.

Carlton’s breathing echoed regularly in the quiet bedroom. Seeing Carlton in his room, Luisen felt a sense of security…as if everything had now fallen into its proper place. It occurred to him that Carlton should stay by his side–that was where the mercenary should be.

As Luisen laid still, sleep washed over him. There was no reason to stay awake, so Luisen closed his eyes and clung closer to his lover.

When Carlton wakes up, later, he’ll tell the man everything: how much he missed Carlton when Carlton was away.

Luisen fell asleep to those thoughts.

—-

TL: I swear, Carlton is so gap moe here.

Also, I’m back from my break! I wasn’t able to TL much, sadly, due to work + sickness. But hey, hopefully I’ll be able to do more of it during November!