Chapter 81 –
“So it’s not that you’re angry because…”
Leonhart ran a hand through his hair in frustration.
“Sorry for raising my voice earlier.”
“It’s fine.”
“I understand.”
“…Pardon?”
“I don’t dislike you as much as before. I think I told you that already.”
“Ah, right… you did.”
“Yes.”
Apparently, Leonhart still didn’t realize.
How even when the mere word engagement is mentioned, my face stiffens.
It’s not even like I’m saying I’m engaged to him, but he still freezes up. That must mean I’m that repulsive to him.
And yet he just claims he doesn’t dislike me anymore. Like I’d believe that.
After that, only the sound of teacups clinking filled the reception room.
Unable to endure the awkward atmosphere, I opened my mouth.
“Since His Majesty is watching, just put up with it for a few days. I’ll try to hire mercenaries as soon as possible.”
“There’s no need. I intend to do my duty properly.”
So, even if he hates me, he won’t ignore me when my life is in danger?
Hmph. Truly knightly of him.
I couldn’t help but smile faintly, warmed by the thought.
“It’s fine. I have the Spirit Sword, after all. It’ll protect me.”
“Do you sleep while wearing the sword on your hip?”
“…No.”
“Whether you have the Spirit Sword or not, the fact remains—I will be the one protecting you. Do you understand?”
Overwhelmed by Leonhart’s forcefulness, I meekly answered:
“Yes…”
“From now on, for smooth protection, I’ll tell you some precautions.”
“Precautions?”
“First, you are forbidden from going out alone.”
“Even with attendants?”
“Still not allowed. Whenever you leave, you must be with me. Even inside the mansion, we move together. Think of it as being with me at all times except when you’re sleeping.”
“…Are you telling me to live like I’m in prison?”
“His Majesty has ordered the eradication of the entire assassin guild. It won’t take long. Just endure until then.”
As he stood up, Leonhart asked,
“Where’s your bedroom?”
“My… bedroom? On the third floor, but… why do you ask?”
“I need the room closest to yours. That way, I can respond quickly if something happens.”
“…Y-you don’t mean you’ll be living in my house, do you?”
“Yesterday, I noticed there was a big tree by your window. What happened to it?”
“The butler said he’d have it cut down… Wait, that’s not the point! Answer my question first! Are you really going to sleep in my house?”
“I’ll have to check how close it is to your bedroom. Let’s go upstairs.”
Without caring about my protests, he strode off toward the stairs.
“What are you doing? We’re busy. Hurry up.”
Hey! Are you your father’s son or what? Please, just listen to me for once!
Leonhart’s room was decided to be right next to mine.
It was a decision made entirely between Leonhart and the butler—my opinion was completely ignored.
The butler looked so delighted by the news that Leonhart would be staying at the estate he seemed ready to dance. Usually so stern, today he was smiling far too much.
Meanwhile, I’m the one burning up inside…
I stood before the carriage and gave the butler a long look.
“Butler, have you announced the search for a fiancé yet?”
“Ah… my apologies. I’ve been so busy I haven’t gotten to it.”
“You’ve been making a lot of excuses lately. Just my imagination, right?”
“…I’ll take care of it right away.”
Pulling himself together, the butler bowed politely with his usual stiff face.
“Then, safe travels, my lady.”
“…Right.”
Leonhart and I got into the carriage, which set off toward the Academy.
It wasn’t the best time to be going out, but it was the first day of lectures—I couldn’t miss it.
The carriage interior was painfully silent.
Leonhart pressed himself against the window, staring outside the whole way.
What, afraid he might accidentally touch me? Yet he insists he doesn’t dislike me…
I turned my gaze away from him and out the other window instead.
Let’s review for a moment.
- Leonhart → Escort duty = stuck with me day and night.
- Luspel → Experiments + lectures = at least twice a week.
The more I thought about it, the bleaker it looked.
Strange. How did it come to this? I swear I’ve been trying my best to avoid them…
At least I wouldn’t be seeing Owen, so that was some relief.
Not that it made me feel much better. A sigh almost escaped when—
“I must be making you uncomfortable. I’ll be on horseback starting tomorrow, so please endure it just for today.”
“…What do you mean?”
“You sighed because it’s cramped in here, didn’t you?”
“No, Your Highness. I wasn’t thinking that at all.”
“…Good.”
“Wait—were you sticking to the window like that because you thought I might feel uncomfortable?”
“…”
Leonhart pulled back slightly from the window.
His expression didn’t change, but I knew—he was embarrassed.
Cute.
At first, he seemed like a completely different person, but seeing glimpses of the old Leonhart again—it made me happy.
That gentle nature of his hadn’t disappeared entirely.
While I was smiling inwardly, the carriage rolled into the Academy’s parking area.
Leonhart stepped out first and offered me his hand.
“Please, step down.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
As I accepted his escort, a familiar figure appeared by the main building.
That looks like… Owen?
[Wait, it IS Owen!]
[And beside him—that’s Lord Luspel.]
[And that old man too, the headmaster.]
What?
I narrowed my eyes, and the blurry figures came into focus.
Oh no. It really IS them. What’s Owen doing here?
For some reason, I had a bad feeling. That I shouldn’t run into him now.
While I hesitated, Oswald noticed us first and waved energetically.
“Well, well! If it isn’t our distinguished Duke and the Third Prince!”
Owen and Luspel turned to look at us as well.
Forcing my unwilling legs forward, I approached them.
“Duke, did you come together with His Highness?”
“His Highness is in charge of my protection for the time being.”
“Ah, because of the assassination attempt?”
“Yes.”
“That’s good. If His Highness is guarding you, you’ll be safe.”
Owen and Oswald looked grim, but not surprised—they must’ve already known.
“Cleric Owen, how’s your hand?”
“Thank you for your concern. It’s almost fully healed now.”
“Good to hear.”
“I’ve also heard the bad news—that someone is targeting you, Duke. Don’t worry. I’ll protect you as well.”
No, please don’t. Leonhart and Luspel are already a headache—if you add yourself too, I really will explode.
“I’m fin—”
Before I could answer, Oswald snapped his fingers.
“Ah-ha! That must be why you accepted the temporary professor position! So you can stay close and guard the Duke!”
Owen smiled faintly and nodded.
A bad premonition dried out my mouth.
I licked my lips and asked urgently,
“H-headmaster, what do you mean? Temporary professor?”
“Lord Owen has agreed to help until we can hire a new one. As a history professor.”
“…A cleric teaching history?”
Owen answered with a gentle smile instead of Oswald.
“I used to teach history to children at the temple. I have experience, so please don’t worry.”
His newly mild demeanor made both Leonhart and Luspel’s expressions turn strange.
But I couldn’t see anything anymore.
Wait… hold on. Let me organize this.
- Leonhart → Escort = stuck with me day and night.
- Luspel → Experiments + lectures = at least twice a week.
- Owen → Same.
“With all the construction in the plaza, aren’t you overburdened, Headmaster? Wasn’t this too much to ask?”
“What could I do? We have no one else. I did ask for patience, but the Duke insisted on immediate dismissal…”
Wait… this is my fault?
“Oh my, time’s flying. Your Highness, Duke, I’ll see you in the auditorium.”
Oswald hurried off.
“If we walk slowly, we’ll get there right on time. Let’s go, Duke.”
“Duke, may I sit in on the lecture? I’ve always been interested in architecture.”
“An auditorium? How troublesome. Duke, from now on, don’t leave my sight for even a second.”
“…”
“Duke, why are you just standing there?”
“Duke, are you alright?”
“Duke, are you ill?”
For a long moment, I couldn’t even gather my wits.
[Uh-oh. It feels like the time you’ll be spending with them is only increasing. Just my imagination?]
[No, Undine, it’s not. And sadly, most of it is because of Lady Rian herself… It’s too late to undo it now.]
[So basically, we’re screwed, right? Isn’t that so, Gnome?]
[…]
I desperately wanted to be left alone.
