World's Best Protagonist [BL]

Now, I’ve seen many things in my life—talking tree, sentient mist, Claude’s very punchable calm face—but nothing prepared me for this particular parade of absurdity: Etienne in a flowy royal blue gown, frayed at the edges like someone had dragged him across a garden hedge. I almost wanted to applaud.

"You look...stunning," I managed, mouth wide open like I was auditioning for a fly-catching contest.

The poor guy’s face turned pink so fast it could’ve been mistaken for an allergy flare-up. He yanked his cloak over his head in a desperate attempt to hide, but unfortunately for him, he had the height of a well-fed deer and the cloak of a small curtain. It did nothing.

Meanwhile, Terrius, who squeezed himself beside me to peek at the beauty, was in fact staring intently at someone else. He was stunned, mouth slightly agape. His usually icy, stoic face cracked, and admiration flashed in his normally inexpressive eyes.

If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was simply amazed at how gorgeous Noir was. But that look on his face gave it away—the feelings he was trying to hide and suppress. Following his gaze, mine landed on Noir.

Noir, whose presence now changed befitting that of a prince, was wearing a dress that could stop time. It was deep violet, fitted at the waist, and flowing like liquid night. His posture was perfect, his gaze lowered and blank, and the delicate pearl clasps on his sleeves glinted like tiny stars.

He looked like someone who could destroy a kingdom with a glance—and then host an afterparty.

But why does he look like the world crumbled at his feet?

Noir, unfazed, turned slightly toward Eugene. "I didn’t expect to be sent here. Is this where you intend to hide me?"

His tone was dull, almost lacking vitality. My brows furrowed. Noir was acting strange. It makes sense that he was acting like a princess in front of these knights, but he gave off this grieving vibe...

Duke Eugene, still keeping a protective hand lightly on Noir’s back, answered without flinching. "For now, this is the safest place. No one dares enter the mountain known as the monsters’ lair."

I caught the way Claude’s expression tightened slightly, just for a second. I can’t tell what he’s thinking, but whatever it is, it isn’t good, judging from the sharpness of his eyes and the slight frown on his face.

His gaze flicked to me. I’ve been waiting, but it was brief. I haven’t seen him for three days, and he barely looked at me? What the hell.

Allen stepped forward to stand next to me. I was still recovering from my shock, so when his warm arm brushed mine, I startled like a cat in water.

"Did you succeed?" Allen asked, glancing at Noir, then Etienne, then back at Noir again. "Were you able to find your mother?"

It was as if someone had sucked all the air from the clearing. The fire popped quietly. The cold wind blew inconsiderately. No one spoke.

Then, after letting the wind pass, Claude, dependable and brutally honest as always, dropped the bomb. "She was already dead."

Allen and I both froze. Terrius flinched next to me. It seemed like he was about to run to Noir and comfort him.

However, Noir did not move or speak at all. His eyes just stared into the fire, unmoved by the weight of the words.

"...What happened?" I barely let the words out. It was truly a shock. Then, would it mean that everything we did was...for nothing?

Claude went on, "We found her remains in the East Tower. It was clear she hadn’t been living there for a long time."

I glanced at Etienne. He was no longer hiding behind his cloak, but his eyes were glued to the dirt. I could see the sadness flickering across his face like a candle about to go out.

Terrius was the first to speak. "Noir...are you alright?" he stepped forward, but stopped just a few feet away from the prince.

From staring at the flames, Noir’s dead eyes flicked to Terrius. "What kind of question is that? My mother’s dead. Of course, I’m alright," he answered sarcastically.

He was too harsh.

Terrius’s eyes shook. He lowered his head. "I’m sorry. That was inconsiderate of me."

Guilt flashed in Noir’s eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but there were no words that came out. Terrius moved away, shoulder drooping slightly. When he finally expressed something to the person he liked, he was shot down brutally.

That exchange between him and Noir was like a shadow creeping over my head. What if I...experience the same? What should I do?

I glanced at the captain again. He was giving Etienne a pair of clothes and telling him to change into them. Something heavy pressed on my chest. I looked away and told Noir, "You should get changed into something...comfortable as well."

I haven’t even asked if he brought clothes to change into when a hand holding neatly folded shirt and pants appeared before me.

"If he doesn’t have anything to change into, he can use it. Give it to him."

The owner of the clothes disappeared again. I shook my head as I watched the poor guy walk away. This must be his spare clothes from his spatial suitcase. I waved it at Noir.

"I’ll...borrow it. Thank you."

He answered a bit louder. I know someone’s mood will be lifted by that. I gave the clothes and pointed at the tent.

Noir finally moved, shrugging off the outer layer of his elegant attire. He headed toward one of the tents, Etienne following without a word.

It didn’t take long before they both returned, dressed in simple tunics and pants, though Noir somehow still looked like he belonged on a throne because everywhere he went, his footmen followed.

We gathered around the fire, while the duke’s knights guarded the place and watched over the ice wall. The firelight crackled and painted us all in hues of gold and shadow.

Allen, sitting beside me with one knee up, leaned forward and asked the question hanging on everyone’s lips. "So... what now? What do you plan to do?"

Noir didn’t speak. Eugene did. He sat like a man who knew exactly what he was worth and didn’t need to flaunt it.

"We will raise a rebellion," he said plainly. "The king is a tyrant. We’ll gather supporters, strengthen our forces. Win the sympathy of the people. And in time, we will return to the capital, reveal His Highness’ identity... and take back the throne."

The duke roamed his gaze over us. "We will need your help a little longer."

Claude, seated opposite the fire from Eugene, lifted his chin slightly. The same displeasure I saw from him earlier played on his face. "That’s your fight. Not ours."

Was he annoyed because he knew this would happen? The captain didn’t raise his voice, but somehow it sliced cleaner than any blade.

"We’ve done more than enough," Claude said. "We’ve risked our lives smuggling you out of a fortified palace. That’s not our burden to carry."

Noir, who had been quiet, finally looked up. His voice was sharp. "Then I suppose none of this was ever for me."

Claude frowned, but before he could answer, Noir turned to me. Oh, no. I knew what was coming just by the way he resentfully looked at me.

He didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t glare. That would’ve been easier. Instead, he just looked at me with this odd mix of disappointment and tiredness, the kind that made my ribs ache.

"You should’ve told me she was already dead," he said.

Heaviness filled my heart because of his tone. It was too sad. I knew the pain of losing a mother. But mine...died in my arms, while Noir...his mother died alone, locked up in that tower, and was left alone to rot.

How painful that must have been for the son who had endured everything for her?

"If I had known," he continued, "I wouldn’t have hoped." His lips twitched slightly. "Why, Jade?"

I opened my mouth, but no words came. Something was blocking my throat. I swallowed.

Lexie quietly spoke, "I’m sure if Jade knew, he would have told you. Why would he let us go all through this...for nothing?"

I slowly nodded. "I didn’t know," I said, voice lower than I wanted it to be. "I didn’t read anything about her. But now, I understand why the book didn’t mention your mother. She was already dead."

Noir stared at me for a moment, like he wanted to say more. Then he looked away.

We all fell quiet after that. Claude stood, declaring an order as a captain, "Rest for tonight. At the break of dawn, we kill the monster." He walked away after that.

Lexie mentioned that their escape relied heavily on Claude’s power, yet he didn’t ask for counseling. So, I didn’t follow him.

Some of the knights resumed patrols, while others tucked in to get some rest. Claude took first watch, though I knew he didn’t need to. He just didn’t want to sleep. I don’t know what’s keeping him awake. I wanted to ask, but it felt like he drew a line between us tonight.

I wondered what happened to him. And that wonder kept me all night as well.

The next morning, it was done. The weakened monster finally fell. Claude, Allen, and Terrius handled it with the kind of teamwork that made me wish I’d brought popcorn.

An hour after its body died, the vortex shimmered open at the same spot it spewed us out. We had made it.

I stood near the edge, watching the vortex swirl. Claude and Allen were already preparing to leave, while Lexie dragged the reluctant, saddened Etienne. Terrius gave one last look over his shoulder.

Behind us, Noir and Eugene stood side by side, watching. The duke seems unfazed by the vortex’s appearance. I assumed Noir briefed him about it already.

I gave a short, awkward wave after everyone began entering the vortex. "Try not to get assassinated or anything."

Noir raised a brow. "I’ll do my best."

The last thing I saw before stepping through the portal was Eugene whispering something into Noir’s ear, and Noir smiling faintly. He waved back, mouthing something I couldn’t read.

We were greeted by heavy rain. But no one complained. We’re finally back.