Re:Crafting in Another World
Chapter 117: Who are you?

Chapter 117: Who are you?

Juno’s boots echoed softly against the polished stone floor of the Imperial Academy.

He glanced around the familiar halls, noting the many small changes—new banners, rearranged statues, polished murals that had grown brighter since his time as a student here.

"Has it really been that long...?" he muttered.

Despite the memories, he rarely visited. The Academy reminded him of things he didn’t want to recall.

His steps faltered for a moment.

A sharp flash of memory cut through his thoughts—soft laughter, silver hair, the scent of lilies.

He winced.

"Tch... Don’t think about that now." He rubbed his temples and let out a slow breath.

Students peeked from doorways and windows, whispering among themselves. Their curious eyes followed the tall figure of the war hero, Sir Juno of House Agreste, as he strode through the corridor.

"Is that really him?"

"Wow, he’s taller than I imagined..."

"He fought in the siege of Blackwall Fortress, didn’t he?"

He ignored the attention.

As he turned the next corner, the first familiar faces appeared—Daniel and his younger sister, Amelia.

Daniel stood with a composed, almost stoic posture. Gone was the energetic, overly eager boy Juno remembered. The academy had clearly changed him because if they had met in the household his personality would have been completely different.

Juno almost smiled.

But Young Lady Amelia had none of that composure.

"Uncle Juno!!" she beamed, skipping over and tugging at his coat. "You’re finally here! How was the dungeon? Did you find something crazy again?!"

Juno chuckled softly and placed a gentle hand on her head.

"Yes, the exploration was a success. Everything’s fine."

Daniel stepped forward and gave a respectful nod. "Welcome back, Sir Juno. Was it... dangerous?"

"Always," Juno replied with a smirk. "But we managed. I’ll be giving a full report soon."

Daniel’s eyes lit up despite himself. "Did you find anything... unusual?"

"That," Juno said, lifting a finger, "is a secret for now. You’ll hear about it soon enough."

Before either of them could press further, Juno’s eyes shifted toward the courtyard.

Princess Maria was walking along the outer path, her long black hair swaying gently under the sunlight with her uniform that stood out as it was completly different from ordinary Sturgon uniform. But it wasn’t her that caught his attention.

Beside her, walking just half a step behind, was a girl with jet-black hair and striking famillar looking eyes—Christina Percival.

Juno’s eyes narrowed slightly, but a warm smile touched his lips.

"Ah... there you are..."

Daniel followed his gaze and quickly stepped back. He nudged Amelia, who caught on quickly. The siblings understood this wasn’t their conversation anymore.

As Juno walked forward, Princess Maria noticed him first.

"Sir Juno, Commander of Order One." she greeted with a bright smile, her voice as elegant as ever. "What a pleasant surprise to see you here."

"Your Highness." Juno bowed slightly and took her hand, pressing a polite kiss to her knuckles. "How are you doing? I trust Sturgon has been treating you well."

Maria nodded gracefully. "Yes, I’ve been quite happy here. The people are kind. I’m grateful the Empire and Sturgon remain close allies."

Those nearby—students, professors, attendants—smiled at the words. The bond between the Empire and the Sturgon Kingdom was politically vital.

Christina stood silently behind Maria, her eyes briefly meeting Juno’s.

There was a tension in her expression—hesitant, maybe even nervous.

But Juno didn’t shift his focus, instead he started talking about politics and how Maria’s education had been going before suddenly shifiting her attention almost naturaly.

Juno’s gaze softened. "Lady Christina. It’s good to see you."

She stepped forward with a small bow. "Sir Juno. It’s... been a while."

Maria tilted her head. "You two know each other?"

Juno answered smoothly. "Of course. Lady Christina is the daughter of Baron Percival. Her family’s lands are located near the dungeon we recently uncovered. Also her father is a friend of mine."

Christina stiffened.

Maria looked between the two. "You never mentioned that, Christina."

"I—well... I haven’t been back home in a long time," Christina said quietly. "And I just found out about the dungeon myself. It only appeared a few days ago."

"That’s why I’m here," Juno said. "To pick her up. Her presence will be important in the coming discussions. I already received permission from Archmage Mandira."

Maria blinked. "You’re taking her... now?"

Juno nodded. "I must report to the crown soon. And Christina’s insight will be valuable, even if she hasn’t been to her lands recently. She still holds the right of stewardship in her father’s absence."

Christina stepped back, almost instinctively. "Is this... urgent?"

"It is," Juno said gently. "I’ll explain more on the way."

Maria frowned slightly but said nothing. Her eyes turned to Christina, who was clearly uncomfortable.

Juno caught that as well.

He glanced over his shoulder and scanned the courtyard. "Strange... no sign of him."

Christina followed his gaze and swallowed nervously.

She knew Shennong had done something, but she was confused. Beside his illegal relationship with her mother was one of the most dangerous thing that she never wanted anyone to find out.

Maria didn’t miss it. "Looking for someone, Sir Juno?"

He smiled, slightly tight-lipped. "Just thought I’d see another familiar face. No matter."

The air between them grew slightly awkward.

Christina felt it most. Her hands were clenched in the folds of her dress. Maria, standing beside her, gently took her hand.

"I’ll walk you out," she offered.

"No need, Your Highness," Juno said. "We’ll be leaving immediately. The crown is waiting."

Christina hesitated. "May I... bring my things?"

"Of course. And any servants you wish to bring along." Juno’s tone was courteous, but firm. "This will be an exhausting journey."

With that, he turned and began walking back toward the gate.

Maria squeezed Christina’s hand. "You’ll be alright?"

Christina nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes... I think so."

Maria leaned in and whispered, "If anything happens, write to me. I’ll make sure you’re safe."

Christina’s eyes widened, but she nodded again, this time more sincerely. "Thank you, Princess Maria."

***

Christina stood near the carriage, fidgeting slightly in her new clothes.

The dress she wore was beautiful—rich satin with delicate embroidery along the hem, the color of soft rose petals. It shimmered slightly under the sun, clearly expensive and clearly... not hers.

Princess Maria had insisted she wear it.

"You’ll look like a proper noble," Maria had said with a bright smile, practically shoving the dress into her arms. "You’re going to the throne, after all. You can’t wear a uniform!"

It was a bit too big, the sleeves brushing just over her wrists and the bodice a little loose around the waist, but it fit well enough. Still, Christina couldn’t help but feel out of place in it. She wasn’t used to this kind of treatment—or attention.

A few feet away, Sir Juno stood with his knights, speaking with them in low tones. When he noticed Christina approaching, he turned, his eyes scanning her from head to toe.

He gave a small, approving nod.

"You look the part, Lady Christina" he said simply.

Christina blinked, unsure whether to say thank you or not. Before she could speak, Juno’s eyes moved to the person standing beside her.

A tall young man with striking emerald eyes, a calm expression, and a regal air. He wore a butler’s uniform that looked far too refined for any common servant—tailored, pressed, and adorned with subtle gold thread. His posture was perfect, hands clasped behind his back like a painting come to life.

Juno raised an eyebrow.

"And who might this be?" he asked, glancing at Christina.

"Uh..." Christina scratched her cheek awkwardly. "He’s... um, my servant."

"Your servant?" Juno repeated, tone curious.

She nodded, avoiding eye contact. "Yeah. Something like that."

The knight chuckled softly. "Well, well. What a handsome young man."

He stepped forward and looked directly at the young man.

"What’s your name?"

The young man gave a respectful bow, his voice calm and steady. "Shennong, Sir."

"Shennong, huh?" Juno gave a slight grin. "Polite too. I like that."

Then he gestured toward the large, ornate carriage behind him. The crest of the Order One was emblazoned on the side.

"We’ll be going to the castle in this," Juno said. "Since you’re with me, there’s always a chance of an attack. Best you stick close."

Christina blinked. "Wait, I thought I had my own carriage...?"

Juno waved a hand. "You do, but this one’s better guarded. Trust me."

She hesitated. Something felt off, but it wasn’t enough to protest.

"...Okay," she said with a small nod.

Shennong, on the other hand, didn’t say a word. He simply followed Christina into the carriage, a faint smile playing at the corner of his lips. It didn’t reach his eyes.

The carriage rolled forward.

At first, the ride was smooth. The streets of the capital passed by outside, though the blinds were closed for some reason, letting in only slivers of light. Christina sat on one side of the carriage, hands on her lap, while Shennong sat beside her with his usual composed expression.

Across from them, Sir Juno reclined casually, legs crossed, eyes trained on Shennong.

He didn’t even try to hide it.

His gaze was intense—piercing. Almost like he was studying a specimen. Or prey.

Christina shifted uncomfortably. She noticed it too.

Why was Juno looking at Shennong like that?

Minutes passed.

Then an hour.

Christina frowned. "...Shouldn’t we be at the castle by now? It’s not that far from the academy, right?"

No answer.

She turned to look at Juno. "Sir Juno?"

Juno didn’t respond immediately. His eyes remained fixed on Shennong, as if he were waiting. Measuring.

Something cold slithered down Christina’s spine.

"...My Lord," she said again, more firmly. "What’s going on?"

Finally, Juno broke the silence.

His voice was calm. Too calm.

"You know," he said, still looking at Shennong, "I’ve been thinking."

"About what, Sir Juno?" Christina asked, her fingers curling into her dress.

Juno ignored her. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he stared directly at Shennong.

"...Who are you?"

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.