Chapter 130: 130

“How about it?”

The morning classroom was sparsely populated.

I was in the middle of suggesting a boxing-style duel to Prince Atol, who was reclining back on his chair.

Why don’t we compete in a fair and honest duel, in the spirit of sportsmanship?

“I don’t mind, because it is the duty of a royal family member to listen to the voices of the people.”

What are you talking about, you stupid prince?

Are you forgetting that you wanted to fight without even asking our opinion?

“Yes, it’s very nice to have clear rules. Even if this muscle prince is reckless, the rules will stop him.”

Kayone, who was standing next to the prince and listening to me quietly, smiled a little and nodded.

It was nice to have someone who understood what I was saying.

“Is that so, I was afraid you’d say no. I don’t want to do anything too dangerous, you know?”

A little relieved, I sat down in the seat next to Prince Atol.

Whose seat was this?

Well, no matter.

“Normally we would never set up conditions on a request made by the Sage, who is related to the Dragons. And yet, this idiot Highness. I wonder what your older brothers would say if they heard about this.”

Kayone stared at Prince Atol with a chilling gaze.

When the stupid prince noticed her gaze, a sad expression appeared on his face.

“… Kayone, you can’t be thinking of informing my older brothers…”

“Why would I do that? All the members of the family have taken this to heart. It will only make the position of His Highness Atol’s vassals even worse.”

I’m starting to get left behind, aren’t I?

“Hmph! That’s why I said I don’t want anyone other than Grandma Iris serving at my side. I don’t want a vassalage. I can do most things myself, and in fact I did when I was back home.”

“Are you still talking like that? Please don’t trouble the young apprentice maids by saying so. This morning, they asked for help to stop you from standing in the kitchen.”

“I’m just saying that I’ll make my own food. I don’t know if it’s an old tradition or what, but I don’t think we need a poison tester for food in this day and age. If I cooked my own food, that would be enough.”

Oh, you can cook?

I was imagining you to be another selfish, leave it to others kind of fool.

Is this prince unexpectedly family-oriented?

“Serving in the kitchen and being a food taster are both noble royal duties. The head of the kitchen and the taster are also serving His Highness at the risk of their own family name. To deprive them of their resolve and pride is not something that one who stands above should do.”

With her temples twitching, Kayone turned her body toward the prince.

Well, it feels like it’s just begun.

“Hahaha! Family name! Stop it, stop it! I can see the whole house falling because of me! If you like, I can send you all to Setol. Oh, I’m sure you’ll be happier to stay with brother Tetol. It’s not the first time I’ve behaved strangely, you know. Older brother will be angry at first, but…”

“Your Highness.”

Woah.

Oh, no. I felt a shiver run down my spine.

Kayone interrupted Prince Atol with a short call, and time stopped for the prince and me.

No, it felt so tense that I thought it had stopped.

A cold look that had a different meaning than before.

Her gaze, quiet and sharp with anger, stretched straight towards Prince Atol.

Her voice was so heavy that I thought it was a curse, and I felt as if I had been grasped by the heart, even though I had nothing to do with it.

“Do you really mean what you just said?”

“… Ah, if you continue to follow me, Inteira and the other houses will fall as well.”

Caught by the icy glare of her eyes, the prince turned away and looked at me.

Stop, don’t look at me. I don’t want to get involved.

I’m having a really hard time staying here right now because I missed my chance to leave.

“It’s true. My brother Tetol in Tokyo is busy day and night trying to establish connections with high government officials. I’m sure he’d like to have at least one capable attendant. He also thinks highly of you and Utai. There is no one else at your age who can fully handle medium-grade healing magic, and Utai’s skills as a bodyguard are no different from those of a royal bodyguard. The Inteira family would also be more happy to have a connection with older brother for the future, ya know?”

“Tetol-sama is already engaged and to be married with three women. All of them are from venerable families, and all of them are excellent. There is no room for me or Utai.”

Kayone’s expression was as icy as ever.

She vaguely resembles Mikuma when she’s so scary.

I am not confident that I can stand a chance against a woman in this state.

“Yes, there is. If it’s just you, it’s a sure thing, and I’m sure he’ll be happy to take in the other vassals too. He is a kind gentleman. Your beloved and dear brother is…”

“—–!”

“Oh, Kayone? Hey!”

Kayone suddenly stood up and quickly started heading out of the classroom.

I cried out in surprise because of her momentum, but she didn’t turn around.

She ran down the steps in the classroom and opened the door.

“Kayo-san? Are you going to the bathroom?”

Utai, who was chatting with a girl from the next class in the hallway, was surprised to see Kayone.

“Kayo-san! Your Highness! What did you say to Kayo-san!”

She saw Kayone run off and called out to the prince with an angry voice.

“Shut up! If you’re an escort, just silently stand there like one.”

The prince brushed Utai aside with a curt attitude and gently leaned his chair back.

Frowning and crossing his arms, Prince Atol looked out the window in a bad mood.

“Oh, come on, Prince. I don’t know much, but I think you’ve said too much.”

“Hmph, I’m only speaking of the truth. Although Kayone is now forced to suffer the hardships of being married to me by her family, she was originally supposed to be married to Tetol. I don’t know what made her come to me, though. She should have liked him too, she didn’t have to force herself to stay here for anything.”

What?

No, that’s definitely wrong.

No matter how you look at it, she’s in high spirits to get married to you.

Even I can see that.

“Kazamachi-kun, psst~”

“Oh?

Utai called out to me in a quiet voice.

When I turned around, she was beckoning me from the classroom door.

So she could speak in such a quiet volume?

“Uh, well, you should probably apologize to her, because I’m pretty sure that was definitely your fault.”

For the time being, I suggested that to Prince Atol, and I got up from my seat and headed for the front entrance of the classroom.

“It’s none of your business. That’s impolite, commoner.”

The words that were thrown at my back contained a hint of irritation.

I reached the door and stepped out into the hallway, somewhat feeling uncertain by the voice.

The class start bell would be ringing in a few minutes, and more and more students were starting to show up.

“Where did Kayone go?”

“She headed towards the stairs. It’s unusual for Kayo-san to leave His Highness’ side. What’s going on? What did His Highness say to her?”

What’s wrong is with that brother of his, I guess, but it’s not something I should be talking about so easily.

I don’t know what to say.

“Uh, well…”

I’m at a loss.

I don’t know how to explain it.

“Is it hard to talk about? Hmm, I can’t leave His Highness’ side even if I wanted to chase after her. Kazamachi-kun, can you go check on her for me?”

“What, me?”

What do you want me to do, go after her?

I have no idea what to say to Kayone.

I’m pretty sure it’s going to involve love…

That’s outside my area of expertise.

“Kayo-san tends to take things on herself. I’m worried about her and I don’t think His Highness is going to apologize.”

“Okay, I’ll at least try to find out where she is. Morning homeroom will be starting soon, so until then, okay?”

“Yeah! Thanks!”

Hey!

Stop yelling all of a sudden!

It’s bad for the heart!

“Uh, I think Makio will be coming to school soon, so can you tell him what’s going on? I might be late.”

“Okay!”

I walked down the corridor toward the stairs, feeling like it was going to become an unexpected hassle, as I was sent off with Utai’s loud voice.