𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟔
After coming up with a plan, Strauss and his group, excluding Travis who had betrayed the kingdom, were heading towards the Eakes Kingdom’s palace.
The security around the palace was tighter than usual, creating a tense atmosphere. It seemed that entry was prohibited for anyone other than those involved in the ceremony.
When the leading soldier informed the Eakes Kingdom’s gatekeeper of their arrival, he hurriedly ran into the castle. As Mabel observed the situation intently, the gatekeeper quickly returned and answered Strauss.
“The king wishes to express his gratitude. Please come this way.”
Walking through the familiar hallway, Mabel felt the heaviest footsteps she had ever taken.
What should I do? Does Father believe the lies?
The largest door in the palace. It was the room where audiences with the king and national events took place.
The gatekeeper who guided Mabel opened the grand door. The spacious room was adorned with luxurious decorations, and the nobles of the Eakes Kingdom stood in a row along the walls. At the far end sat Licht, the king of the Eakes Kingdom and Mabel’s father.
And next to him were Gertrude, the eldest daughter, Claire, the second daughter, and Fergie, the fourth daughter, each dressed formally. On the opposite side was Kathleen, wearing a delicate white dress. And―
‘Eugene!’
Next to Kathleen sat a slender man.
His messy bangs were neatly arranged now, and his refined appearance was no different from that of a noble youth.
As usual, his forehead all the way to his nose was covered by a black mask, but his attire in a frock coat was completely different from when he secluded himself in his own castle.
“It’s been a while, Prince Strauss.”
“Greetings, King Licht.”
Licht, sitting in the center, spoke familiarly.
In response, Strauss politely bowed in a conspicuous manner. Mabel inwardly gazed at him with bitterness.
“Today is the day of my daughter Kathleen’s engagement. I apologize for the grand reception.”
“No, Your Majesty. It is an honor to be present at the celebration.”
Mabel’s teeth gnashed at the fact that he had come with ulterior motives, but her frustration went unnoticed. Moreover, Licht continued speaking with a delighted expression.
“By the way, I heard that you have safely found my daughter Mabel.”
“There was a thieving gang causing trouble in Wiski. When we recently cracked down on them, I rescued Mabel-sama, who was held hostage.”
“Really. . .Mabel, I’m glad you’re safe.”
Seeing her father’s face filled with relief, Mabel wanted to shout the truth right away.
But if she were to shout here and lose her life, it would only cause panic in this place.
She had to wait for the right moment to disrupt Strauss’s plans, and Mabel bit her lip forcefully.
“…”
“Prince Strauss, I express my heartfelt gratitude. I must thank you.”
He asked if there was anything he desired.
In response, Strauss lowered his well-groomed eyebrows and smiled happily.
“I appreciate your consideration. In that case, there is one thing I would like.”
“Oh, really? What is it?”
“I would like―Miss Kathleen over there.”
Before Strauss finished speaking, the soldiers standing behind him suddenly pointed their swords toward the surroundings. A moment later, there were screams from the ladies and murmurs from the men.
Observing the scene from a high position, Licht’s expression immediately turned stern, and he shouted at Strauss.
“Prince Strauss, what is the meaning of this?”
“Go ahead, but don’t harm her.”
In an instant, Mabel was forcefully pushed from behind. She fell to the floor, and the soldiers ran towards the stage, leaping over her body.
Amidst the sound of tearing silk, Mabel noticed her sisters standing up from their chairs.
Kathleen, the primary target, naturally tried to escape, but the soldiers reached out to grab her first.
However, at that moment, a tornado-like wind rose from beneath their feet, causing the soldiers to stop in surprise.
“―Excuse me.”
There stood Eugene, shielding Kathleen from behind.
The soldiers, bewildered by the extraordinary presence of the masked man, regained their fighting spirit and aimed their swords at Eugene.
While watching that scene, Mabel was struck by a sense of relief that her sister was safe, but at the same time, her heart tightened with a feeling of unease.
(Eugene is protecting Onee-sama. . .)
Has his heart truly drifted away?
Unaware of Mabel’s inner turmoil, Eugene skillfully dodged the attacking soldiers, protecting Kathleen.
Soon, Eugene wrapped the wind around his arm, turning it into a blade-like form. The soldiers who faced him instinctively flinched. As the commotion reached the ears of the Eakes Kingdom’s soldiers, they began to gather. Perhaps feeling flustered, Strauss raised his voice.
“What are you all doing? Hurry up, or else―.”
The last words were completely drowned out by a thunderous roar as if a cannon had exploded at close range.
“What’s happening!”
Licht shouted to the captain of the royal guards.
Ignoring the startled captain, a gatekeeper who had been guarding the entrance rushed in.
“Excuse me! We’re under attack, Wiski is attacking!”
Immediately after, another loud explosion resounded, causing the room where Mabel and the others were to shake violently.
The guests panicked and scrambled, crowding around the entrances and exits.
“That Travis, attacking earlier than planned!”
Damn it, Strauss muttered and looked at the stage in frustration.
Amidst the chaos, Kathleen was still protected by Eugene, and the soldiers seemed unable to lay a hand on them.
Before they knew it, the soldiers of the Eakes Kingdom were being pushed back. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Strauss grabbed Mabel’s arm as she sat down. A sword was pressed against her throat.
“―!”
“We’re changing the plan. You will become a hostage once again.”
Mabel desperately tried to brush his hand away, but due to the difference in size, she couldn’t resist. With her feet tripping over, she was dragged out of the room.
[insert page=’4633′ display=’content’]
[insert page=’4587′ display=’content’]
Translator’s Blog
Blog
- How to Deal with Your Cringey Otaku Classmate (Without Turning into a Weeaboo Yourself)
- If I Got Isekai’ed 101: Your Guide to Surviving Another World (And Maybe Even Becoming a Harem Protagonist)
- Light Novel Addiction: How One Hour of Sleep Loss Can Ruin Your Day (and Your Life)
- Study Guide: Lofi or Punk Emo? The Soundtrack to Smashing Your Next Exam (Like a Boss)
- Unlocking Your Inner Naruto Fox: Finding Your Sasuke and Mastering the Sharingan
Leave a Reply