C | Extra 2.1 | Crack in the Noon

There were 15 minutes left until lunchtime.
The Revenant glanced at the clock and swiftly gathered the paper documents scattered across the desk in his office. There were plenty of reasons why paper records still existed in the 21st century, but in the case of Hebaulis, it was mostly due to its national identity. Despite running three private servers simultaneously, Eduard didn’t trust the security of any network. If even one of Eduard’s private servers were to be compromised, it could cause catastrophic problems on an international scale.

Eduard’s paranoia about security and his obsessive cleanliness could be considered pathological, but they weren’t completely incomprehensible.
Lately, though, the Revenant didn’t feel like understanding any of it.

As the Grand Duke’s Chief Knight of Hebaulis, he sometimes handled more paperwork than a rookie CIA agent. And with the current chaos in small West African nations embroiled in civil war, the workload was ridiculous.

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Normally, it wouldn’t have annoyed him to this extent. But today was different. It was the first time Ian had woken up on his own around the time the Revenant left for work.
That meant he could afford to ditch the rest of his shift and ignore Eduard’s mining operations for the day.
The Revenant muttered to himself as he buttoned up the uniform jacket he’d briefly loosened around his neck.

“Otherwise, I might just explode.”

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The Revenant pushed back his chair to stand, but right at that moment, the door to his private office burst open with loud footsteps.
What god-awful timing.

Scowling, the Revenant looked at the man who strutted confidently through the open door.

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“That bastard. How did he know?”

For some reason, he had a feeling Eduard would show up today. It was obvious Eduard would use lunch as an excuse, so the Revenant had been planning to leave the office 15 minutes early to avoid him.

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Eduard strolled leisurely into the room and sat on the chair across from the desk, crossing his legs with an air of entitlement.

“Busy? Even so, you have to eat. Let’s grab lunch together. How about Fouquet?”

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Choosing a restaurant in Paris wasn’t just because Eduard had money to burn. Though, to be fair, he literally had money to burn.

“With a gesture like that, even Sleeping Beauty wouldn’t refuse, don’t you think?”

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“Gesture?”

The Revenant didn’t bother responding to his nonsense. Eduard had a knack for latching onto even the smallest reaction and chewing on it like a rabid dog.

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“I’m skipping lunch. If that’s all you came for, get out.”

“You don’t like Fouquet? Then how about a royal banquet? There’s not much time before lunch, but I can make it happen.”

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“Don’t make me say it twice. Get out.”

When faced with the Revenant’s unyielding response, Eduard decided to lean on his status.

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“Hey, Sir Josef. Why hasn’t the report on Burkina Faso been submitted yet? It’s been over two weeks since operations halted at my diamond mine there! Protecting the royal family’s overseas assets is your duty as the Chief Knight—”

Thud!

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The Revenant slammed the stack of papers he’d just gathered onto the desk in front of Eduard.

“They’re right here. Take them.”

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“Are you joking with me? The format’s wrong from the first page. And half of it is blank! You call this a report—”

“If you don’t like it, fire me. Or put me under disciplinary review.”

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“……”

Eduard’s lips twitched.

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The Revenant was dead serious. He’d even been considering quitting as Chief Knight and pursuing another career. He’d already shortlisted a few jobs, including the Grand Duke’s stable keeper. Considering that Hebaulis’ terrain wasn’t suited for horse breeding and Eduard’s horses were all outsourced to farms in Germany, being the stable keeper at the Grand Duke’s estate could very well be the most laid-back job in Hebaulis.

Most importantly, he could spend most of the day with Ian.

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“Well then, I’m busy.”

The Revenant deliberately shoved the desk with a loud thud as he stood up. The edge of the desk smacked into Eduard’s thigh, prompting him to let out an exaggerated groan.

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“Ouch! Wait, wait, give me a chance to apologize! My bad, okay?”

“……Apologize?”

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The Revenant, who had been walking past Eduard to leave the office, suddenly stopped and turned back around.

“Gah!”

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Eduard’s collar was grabbed in an instant. Gasping for air, his face turned red as the Revenant glared down at him and spoke coldly.

“Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten why I killed my own father.”

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**Eduard’s collar was grabbed, and his face turned red as he struggled to breathe. Looking down at him with a cold gaze, the Revenant growled.**

“Surely you haven’t forgotten why I killed my own father.”

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“No way! Are you comparing me to that kind of man—”

“Why not? Your actions are identical.”

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“I swear, I always ask for permission before—”

“There won’t be a next time, *Your Highness*.”

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The low, menacing voice wasn’t a shout, but it was far more chilling.

The Revenant meant every word. While Eduard was unnervingly perceptive, even someone less sharp could tell he wasn’t joking.

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“Fine, fine. I swear I won’t mess around like that again.”

“Don’t ever joke or talk nonsense about Ian again.”

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“…Woof, woof.”

Eduard mimicked a dog’s bark and zipped his lips as if to show compliance. The Revenant let him go with a dismissive shove.

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“Where are you going?” Eduard asked hastily as the Revenant left the office.

“Don’t ask.”

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“Where are you having lunch? At the Count’s estate? Is the chef there any good? The Grand Duke’s chef seems to have hit a rut lately—all the dishes taste the same. It’s unbearable. Maybe I could—”

“Shut up.”

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If Eduard was spouting this much nonsense, it meant he had a reason to stall. The Revenant quickened his pace.

“Man, you’re ruthless,” Eduard muttered, pouting slightly. But he wasn’t too worried—he had a card up his sleeve.

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Recently, because of the Revenant’s erratic hours (thanks to Ian’s narcolepsy), reports meant for the Chief Knight’s office often ended up on Eduard’s desk. That’s how Eduard had gained knowledge the Revenant didn’t yet have.

“Sir Josef!”

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Just then, as if perfectly timed, the Revenant was stopped in the hallway by his aide. The aide was exceptionally competent—a hire that even the Revenant begrudgingly respected.

“Have you been briefed? I’ve received word that preparations are complete. If you leave now, you can head straight to the hangar.”

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“…What?”

The Revenant paused, his shoulders stiffening. The hem of his long coat swirled dramatically.

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Though his personality left much to be desired, he was undeniably a sight to behold. No Chief Knight had ever worn the uniform as well as he did. The money and effort it had taken to recruit him felt worth it.

More than that, Eduard saw him as his one true peer—someone who understood him and could put up with him like no one else could.

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“Burkina Faso. The rebels have taken over Tayafa village.”

It was a complicated situation. Half the village’s population worked in Eduard’s diamond mines. The rebels might use them as hostages for negotiation—or worse, force them to work under duress.

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Either way, it was the Revenant’s problem now.

“Surely you’ve been informed? His Highness Eduard said he would personally ensure you were notified—”

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Before the aide could finish, the Revenant snapped his head toward the hallway’s end.

There stood Eduard, emerging from the Chief Knight’s office, waving with a cheeky grin.

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“Safe travels, Sir Josef. Wishing you a swift return.”

“….”

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The Revenant bared his teeth in a grimace—a clear warning for Eduard not to approach Ian in his absence.

—

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**Meanwhile, in another part of the estate:**

“It’s a pleasure to finally greet you with a ‘Good morning.’ Here, take the call.”

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Ian had managed to wake up at a somewhat reasonable hour, washed up, and was now standing in front of his wardrobe, trying to pick something other than pajamas to wear. Georg approached him, holding a phone.

“Ah, good morning. A call? Is it Leo?”

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“No. But please answer it.”

Georg handed over the phone with his usual polite but firm demeanor. He was far more formal here than he had been in America—likely because he now served as the butler of the Count’s estate.

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“Well… okay then.”

Ian hesitantly took the phone.

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“Hello?”

[How does it feel to greet your first morning in Hebaulis? I’d love to hear it in your own words. If possible, I’d prefer compliments. The scenery here may be modest, but it’s not without its charms.]

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The voice on the other end was unmistakable—Prince Eduard, with his refined yet smug tone. Ian frowned instinctively.

“What’s the reason for your call? I don’t think we’re close enough for casual chats.”

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[Ah, the coldness of a beauty—it truly wounds the heart. On a morning as lovely as this, I thought perhaps you might forgive me.]

“I don’t think I’ll ever forgive *that*. I’m hanging up now.”

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[I’m not trying to make excuses, but you were the one who first—]

The rest of his sentence sounded like nonsense Ian had no interest in hearing.

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“I’m hanging up.”

[Wait! Didn’t Leo tell you?]

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Eduard quickly interrupted, keeping Ian from ending the call. Ian hesitated, lowering the phone slightly.

Eduard was undeniably annoying, but he was also royalty—and more importantly, he was Revenant’s employer. Living here meant Ian had to adapt to the rigid hierarchies of this strange land.

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“What are you talking about?”

[There’s a banquet at the Grand Duke’s estate tonight in your honor. Even starting now might be cutting it close.]

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“…What?”

Of course, Ian hadn’t heard about it. He’d never even considered the possibility. He turned to Georg, covering the receiver with his hand.

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“There’s apparently a banquet at the Grand Duke’s estate tonight? Did you know about this?”

“…What?”

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Georg, uncharacteristically flustered, shook his head.

“Not at all.”

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“Do banquets normally get arranged this suddenly?”

“They… might.”

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Georg’s hesitation suggested otherwise, but he was clearly weighing the social dynamics of the situation. Unfortunately, Eduard’s royal status tipped the scale.

“…It’s possible, considering His Highness Eduard’s impulsive nature.”

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“Is there any way to refuse? This is too last minute.”

“This is a principality where the class system is very much alive, Mr. Winchell. I trust I don’t need to explain further.”

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“Ah… I thought as much.”

Ian frowned slightly and returned to the call.

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“Did Leo… I mean, the Revenant approve this?”

The Revenant had once joked that the next time he saw Eduard, he’d shoot him. That seemed like reason enough to assume the Revenant wouldn’t be thrilled about a banquet.

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[Leo will be there. After his shift.]

“Ah…”

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So he thought it’d be fine since he’d be there too.

Ian nodded reluctantly.
“Alright… I understand. Where and by what time should I go?”

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[The location is Lanihardt Grand Duke’s estate. I’m sending a car now.]

“Wait, hold on. For a banquet, is there a dress code? If I need to wear something like a tuxedo…”

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Ian’s memory faltered as he tried to recall if there had been any tuxedo-like outfits among the haul when Revenant half-cleared out a department store.

Eduard chuckled softly over the phone.
[That’s a splendid idea.]

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“…Excuse me?”

[In that case, I’ll send an outfit along with the car. Just wear it when it arrives. Hand the phone to the Count’s butler—I need to ask for your measurements. In great detail.]

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“…?”

Feeling bewildered, Ian handed the phone to Georg. The whole concept of a class-based society was so foreign to Ian that he had no idea how much of Eduard’s requests he needed to comply with.

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Georg conversed briefly in a language Ian didn’t understand. Afterward, he handed the phone back, bowing politely.

“His Highness Eduard says he greatly looks forward to tonight’s banquet and extends his gratitude to Mr. Winchell for accepting the invitation.”

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“Should I prepare something? A gift, maybe, since I’ve been invited…?”

“That’s an excellent idea.”

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“…?”

Georg echoed Eduard’s earlier sentiment.
“For now, go ahead and freshen up. When the outfit arrives, I’ll assist you in putting it on. As for the gift, I’ll prepare something suitable.”

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Ian debated internally before nodding. He wasn’t particularly excited about the banquet, but at least Georg seemed prepared.

“Oh, one more thing.”

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“Yes?”

“If you have a weapon for self-defense, I’d like to borrow one. But nothing like a gun.”

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Georg’s expression grew complicated, but he eventually nodded.
“…That’s also a wise idea. It’s regrettable that such precautions are necessary, but I’ll arrange it.”

“We’ve arrived. Please step out.”

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Come to think of it, this was Ian’s first time venturing out since arriving in Hebaulis.

Revenant’s estate, known as Count Josef’s manor, had reminded Ian of a Parisian museum. But the journey to the Grand Duke’s estate felt like a time warp to two centuries ago. If it weren’t for the occasional supercars on the streets, Ian’s sense of reality might have unraveled.

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After about 20 minutes by car, they arrived at the Grand Duke’s estate. The sight of it was overwhelming—like stepping onto the set of The King of XX for a behind-the-scenes tour.

Still stunned by the grandeur, Ian sat frozen until the chauffeur opened the limousine door for him.

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“Ah… Yes.”

Ian stepped out and onto the red carpet that stretched across the marble steps leading to the estate’s grand entrance. Descending toward him with open arms was Eduard.

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“Welcome, Ian. With all my heart, I welcome you to Lanihardt.”

Eduard approached, arms outstretched as if expecting a hug. Alarmed, Ian quickly whispered to the chauffeur.

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“What do I do when he does that? Is there a royal protocol for this?”

“…Ah, well… I’m not sure,” the chauffeur replied hesitantly.

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The chauffeur wore a uniform similar to Revenant’s Knight Commander attire, though the decorations were slightly different.
“I haven’t seen His Highness behave like this before.”

“Then I guess I don’t have to do it.”

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Eduard, now close enough, spread his arms wider, clearly waiting for Ian to step into them.

“Come on, Ian. Surely you won’t leave my arms hanging in embarrassment?”

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Oh, but he would.

“Thank you for the warm welcome, Your Highness.”

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Ian remained standing still, offering only a slight nod. Eduard glanced sharply at the chauffeur, who averted his gaze awkwardly. Eduard was indeed perceptive.

“Don’t adapt too quickly, Ian. If you do, my welcome will lose its sparkle.”

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“I’ve only just started adjusting. There’s still a lot I find unfamiliar.”

“Exactly, so stay unfamiliar for a bit longer. Let me show you the Lanihardt way of greeting—a proper welcome involves a heartfelt embrace.”

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Eduard’s charm offensive had already fizzled out. Ian took a step back.

“I’ve heard there’s no such custom. I’ll pass. I don’t like people touching me.”

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“How cold.”

Eduard shot another glare at the chauffeur, who began to back away.

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“Let’s head inside, then. The banquet preparations have been rushed, but I hope your noble understanding will forgive us.”

Eduard’s rhetoric was so grating that Ian already felt like leaving before stepping foot into the banquet hall.

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“That outfit suits you magnificently. When we enter the hall, let’s raise a toast to my exquisite taste.”

“…”

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Ian awkwardly adjusted the scarf-like tie around his neck. It was secured with an ostentatious jeweled pin—so flashy that Ian doubted it was a diamond simply because of its enormous size.

Everything Eduard had sent screamed extravagance, enough to make Ian, who usually paid no attention to fashion, feel uneasy about wearing it. From the tie pin to the cufflinks, pocket watch, and ivory buttons, the outfit seemed designed to answer the question, How can we make this more expensive? Even the socks felt so different from his usual ones that Ian had asked Georg if they were wearable.

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“Feels like I’ll get in big trouble if I spill anything on this.”

Ian had seriously considered whether royal attire had to be dry-cleaned before being returned. Georg assured him he’d handle that and told him not to worry.

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“Oh, that’s a splendid idea,” Eduard said, his eyes lighting up mischievously.
“If that happens, just change into a fresh set. I already have your measurements, so preparing extra outfits is no trouble at all. Pick whatever you like.”

“…Thank you, I suppose.”

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Ian expressed gratitude but resolved not to spill anything. Those gleaming eyes were suspicious.

“When will Leo be here?” Ian asked, trying to steer the conversation.

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Somewhere in the estate’s garden, a statue looked oddly familiar, though Ian couldn’t place where he’d seen it before.

“Don’t worry. He’ll come after his shift ends.”

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“Doesn’t he have a set work schedule?”

“Well… it’s flexible. This is a ridiculously small country, so when there’s no work, it’s pretty relaxed.”

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“And when there’s a lot of work?”

Eduard winked.
“Then it’s Sir Josef’s job to handle it. But if he knows you’re waiting, I’m sure he’ll speed things up.”

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“So he’s busy today, then.”

“Ha ha. That’s right. Sir Josef has been away for a while, so his duties as Knight Commander have piled up. But don’t worry.”

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Eduard’s polite smile was oddly unsettling, as though its surface charm hid endless layers of scheming.

“He’ll definitely show up after his shift.”

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Ian assumed Revenant’s shift would end around 6 p.m. Of course, Ian had no idea about the political situation in Burkina Faso or what the Knight Commander’s work entailed. He couldn’t have guessed that it often involved skirmishes with armed factions wielding everything from outdated grenades to cutting-edge anti-aircraft weapons. Nor did Ian know there was no such thing as a fixed quitting time in such scenarios.

“This way, Ian.”

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Eduard led Ian through a corridor adorned with dazzling chandeliers and paintings that looked oddly familiar. Ian couldn’t shake the feeling he’d seen them somewhere before.

When Eduard stopped in front of a large door, servants opened it wide as if on cue.

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“Step inside.”