"I spoke to the Queen and she told me more about the relationship between you two." Ark spoke slowly. He was choosing his words carefully. He didn't want to make a mistake.
Surprisingly Raven didn't interrupt and just remained quiet. Despite his silence, Ark knew the man was listening.
"When I first learned about it, I was very against it and when I realized you had been drugging her I was furious with you. But, I didn't think of any other possibilities."
"Of course you wouldn't. There would be no logical explanation for drugging the Queen, other than taking advantage of her."
Ark shakes his head. "Originally I thought that. But, I always had my doubts. You have always cared for the Queen, you would never do anything that would harm her. I have seen with my own eyes what sacrifices you have made for her sake."
He was part of the rescue party five years ago. After the war ended with the tyrant Queen, he accompanied Queen Lyn who had been a Princess at the time to the dungeons to rescue the remaining nobles. It was his first time seeing such a dedicated subordinate.
"You even made that drug so it would ease her loneliness."
"At her request." Raven was trying to imply that he only did it because she asked.
But Ark knew that wasn't the case. Even if she didn't say so, he would have done it because he couldn't stand by and watch her in pain like that.
"You're very stubborn aren't you. Just admit that you like her, and your jerk act was only for show already." Ark said frustrated.
Raven is quiet for a moment before sighing. "It wasn't just for her you know." He trails off. "Back then, you were gaining a lot of attention as a skilled swordmaster and mage. But, there were many people who were not happy with your background. I overheard several people plotting to take you down, and how many assassins did I have to fend of?"
Ark blinked surprised. He wasn't expecting this type of revelation. He simply assumed that Raven did everything for Lyn's sake. But, it turns out that isn't the case.
"Assassins?" Ark replied puzzled.
Raven looked at him frustrated. "I knew you didn't notice. You truly are stupid. How can you be the head knight?"
"H-hey-, why would I have such thoughts? I was still new to the court then and the only assassins I have had to deal with are the ones who chased after Shaaraya."
Raven kept shaking his head. "There has never been assassins sent after the third Princess. The third Princess always made her stance on the throne clear, so even when Princess Lethia was alive. That woman never bothered with her."
"But I definitely fought-"
"They have always been after you, because your bloodline is special. Because you contain a large tank of mana that normal people don't have. Naturally there will be those who see that as a threat. Rather than have the royal family have it, they may as well dispose of it. So, when you actually joined the court as Lyn's knight. Those hostile towards you increased their attempts."
Ark didn't know what to say. Raven's explanation seemed like a fairytale to him. But, Raven is not the type of person to lie. He wouldn't lie over a serious issue like this.
"Did the Queen know?"
"Of course she did, that's why she put that seal on you."
"No, did she know what you did to keep me safe?" Ark changed his question.
Raven sighs. "She did, why do you think she promoted me to her personal knights? It was so I could watch over you better. But, then you started acting distant. So, It was a bit hard for me to protect you."
"Why?"
"Because you called me your friend. Was that reason not enough?"
Ark's eyes widened hearing those words.
"I think both of us are similar, we never had anybody close. My entire family was assassinated and I was left on my own. I didn't have anybody, and even when I gained somebody precious they ended up dead. When you told me your story about how the third Princess took you under her wing after the death of your parents. It reminded me of my situation. But the girl who did that for me, ended up dying too. I entered the castle, and met Lyn. I realized that even members of nobility experience hardship, and I kept watching over her. Before I knew it, I had already developed feelings for her."
So, he was right all along. Those feelings of respect Raven mentioned that he had for Lyn was love all along. The two of them are similar huh? Indeed, it was after hearing that story from Raven did he start to trust the man and treat him like his friend. If it is this person, he should understand him. Even if their status are different. But in the end, Raven betrayed his trust. At least that is what it looked like at the time, to think he has misunderstood all this time.
"What are you going to do about the Queen? Did she tell you that she wants you to stay?" Ark asked.
"Yeah, she mentioned it to me and I said to her that I intend to keep my promise. I won't leave her alone."
"But that means you-"
Raven shakes his head. "You don't have to worry about me."
Ark felt very embarrassed. It seems like even Raven knew he was concerned. Is he that transparent and easy to read?
"I already understand that this love won't ever be fulfilled. But, I do not mind. I am content just staying by her side. It will be hard for me to watch her and sir Rhys together, but as long as she is happy I am fine with that. If she ever feels isolated and needs comfort, I will be here."
Ark looks at him suspiciously. "I don't think she will be needing that type of comfort from you anymore."
Raven laughs. "That's true. Why don't we go out for drinks? You don't have any work for the rest of the day do you?"
"If I am going drinking, why do I have to go with you?"
"Didn't you come here to console my broken heart, friend?"
Ark sighs hearing those words but his lips curved to a smile. "After you let me punch you."
He has suppressed his emotions this entire time, and while he misunderstood Raven. Raven shares the blame too for not explaining it to him and just going along with everything.
Raven suddenly disappeared and appeared in front of the doors. "Hm, maybe if you catch me?"
*Unedited*