Once inside the maze, it turned out to be a surprisingly spacious place; more so than one could imagine from the outside, and modern wizards have yet to understand how the ancient lost magical techniques work.
“I thought it would be like a cave, but it looks more like a temple,” said the skilled maid accompanying Lano.
As she mentioned, the maze of the royal family of Akor clearly mimics the structure of a building made by human hands.
“Well, at least it’s easy to walk in. Lano-sama, we should move forward,” said the gardener accompanying Lano as he gave disapproving looks to Nox.
“Yes… Well, Nox, see you later.”
“Yes, take care.”
After that exchange, Lano was pulled forward by his entourage and disappeared from view.
When the voices faded, Nox sighed and crossed his arms.
“Right, now…”
“…You’re going to let Lano-sama keep the core, aren’t you?” Nana said quietly.
“Of course. I don’t want to inherit such responsibility.”
Nox lacked the determination to ascend even by bringing down his popular and beloved brother, whom no one expected or wanted to see lose.
“I won’t allow you to step back. Even Lano-sama would be angry with you.”
“I see, so that’s why you’re here.”
Nana no longer hid her intentions; more than wanting to support her master, she was concerned that he would not stray onto a dangerous path.
“I understand. Anyway, there won’t be any monsters on the first level. So let’s enjoy a pleasant stroll.”
“How do you know that?” Nana asked as she followed Nox, walking nonchalantly.
“Usually, mazes are like that, right? As you descend, the strength and density of monsters increase.”
“No, it’s not that… How does Nox-sama know so much about the maze?”
“Um, I read it somewhere…” Nox averted his gaze, trying to come up with an excuse, but that didn’t help to divert Nana’s piercing stare away from him.
From an early age, Lano had been diligently educated in arts and letters, even recently attending a noble school, but Nox had not been given a proper education. The reason was that no one wanted to get close to the cursed child, and tutors had refused to educate him.
Nevertheless, perhaps due to their twin condition, Nox had a good memory like Lano. Additionally, his curiosity was more pronounced than his younger brother’s, who was sometimes a bit fearful.
At times, Nox would teach Lano what he learned, and even sneak him into his room to listen to lessons together.
Once he learned to read and write, he locked himself in the library to read books, bombarded Pascal with questions during meals, and continued learning on his own.
“I filled myself with knowledge in case they ever decided to exile me from home.”
“Sometimes I wondered where you went when you escaped from the mansion, but I never imagined this.”
“I just went to look around a bit. It’s good for future lessons.”
Nox had already anticipated escaping and becoming an adventurer if his father or any aristocrat turned against him due to the possibility of him being next in line for succession.
“Now I understand what Lano-sama meant by ‘Nox doesn’t need strong companions’.”
“Did he really say that? That boy…”
The clever brother seemed to vaguely sense what his older brother was planning. Although he didn’t mention it or stop him.
“Even with his angelic appearance, Lano’s swordsmanship skill is remarkable. He can reach the highest level solely using his abilities.”
Many soldiers have underestimated Lano because of his adorable appearance.
“Well, for now, instead of monsters…”
Suddenly, Nox took Nana’s arm.
“Perhaps we should be mindful of humans.” said Nox.
The moment he held her, there was a slight sound, and a thin line of light ran to where Nana had been standing a moment before.
“Ah!”
Even Nana, surprised, let out a cry.
On the ground was a simple trap, commonly used by gardeners to eliminate pests and vermin. Anyone with magical knowledge could immediately see the careless craftsmanship.
“To treat a member of the royalty like a pest, what bravery. How far is that individual willing to go? It’s a shame he doesn’t trust in his lord’s abilities and has to resort to such pathetic tricks.” Nox scoffed.
“Perhaps he wants to stand out for his contributions to the promotion.” suggested Nana.
“Any unnecessary obstruction only diminishes value.” Nox retorted.
“You’re right. I’ll take care of reporting this.”
The reason both brothers were allowed to select three assistants for this competition was not only with the intention of receiving extra help.
It was also to monitor and ensure that neither of them engaged in dishonest activities.
Reports from Nana, faithful and highly credible, would resonate significantly.
“Although traps won’t harm us much, they are numerous. It would be tedious to release them all, so try to follow in my steps. I don’t want you to get hurt because of me.”
“Understood.”
Nox released her shoulder and moved forward.
As she followed him, Nana watched him intently from behind.
