The Princess herself was not sure how to react for even she was now aware that it was a lie. However, since the handsome man was willing to let it go, she would too.

Princess ???: I-I see. That certainly does make sense. That aside, I had you come here in order to show mgratitude for your actions. Thank you.

Shen: I don't having done a feat worthy of your gratitude, My Princess?

Princess ???: He was my fiancée. The one you beheaded.

'Shen: Oh, well, now that could be troublesome'

As Shen was starting to worry that this was a trap made out of vengeful thoughts, the following words from the Princess made him relax.

Princess ???: If not for you, I would have ended up married to this lecherous man who spend his time in brothels. You did not intend to help nor were you asked to yet you did. As such, you have this Princess's gratitude.

Shen: I see? As you said, My Princess, I did it without this knowledge and a such do not deserve any thanks. It had, after all, no relations to you.

Princess ???: Yes. But the fact remains. And now, I am back to searching for a fiancée~ I wonder~ Maybe, Sir Shen, would know of someone who could qualify?

'Shen: Nope, nope, nope, nope....'

Shen: I arrived at the capital not that long ago and haven't met many people, My Princess. I am unable to give you asuitable answer however...

The trailing of the last word was deliberate from Shen. It was to make the Princess hopeful as her intentions were rather explicit in context. While the Princess herself meant nothing, there was a possibility that he could attract the King through her and meet him. Without having to bloody his hands for once. And, as expected, the princess bit the bait.

Princess ???: However?!

Shen: We are having a party to celebrate today's success. The best of the best will be present as a way to mingle with each other and make connections. I believe that if you are searching for a satisfying suitor, he would not doubt be attending tonight.

'Princess ???: Of course he would~ Since he's the organizer~ Why are you so clueless?~'

Princess ???: That does sound very convincing. However, I did not receive an invitation~ What to do, I wonder~

'Shen: She really is a novice at mind games...It does make things easier but it's just...not fun'

Shen: It happens that I can get you in. Of course, your entourage is welcome as well.

'Princess ???: Hmpf, Men are all the same. Obviously you would invite me!'

Princess ???: My~! I would be honored to accompany you then.

Shen: Your presence at our humble party would be an honor, My Princess.

It was at this moment that the maid interfered.

Maid ???: Pardon, My Princess. However, forgive my impudence, but this is not a good idea. You have a curfew to respect and your father His Majesty, may he forever lives, only allowed for you to spectate the examination.

Princess ???: Is he now?

The harsh tone of the Princess made it very clear to all around that she was very displeased about her maid. It was likely that she wouldn't keep that position much longer. If the armor matter hadn't been intervened in by Shen, she would have lost her head too.While the Princess has no power, lying to royalty is a sin legally punishable by death.

Maid ???: Yes, My princess.

'Princess ???: Tch. She's right. I can't do anything in my own life!'

Shen sensing that this would not go in the way he needed it to decided to intervene.

Shen: Oh, indeed, I am sure His Majesty, may he lives forever, would truly be angry that his daughter went to the banquet organized by A rank delvers with for guests all the strongest and most influential people of the Kingdom. A place where she could not only build connections but also socialize and maybe even find a new fiancée.

Princess ???: Sir Shen is right. Father would no doubt be in favor of me going. Maid, you will go and report to him about it. I will be attending the Sir Shen's banquet and bringing my entourage. Now, make haste and go.

The maid's face turned green. It was her responsibility to manage the Princess but she remained a servant who had to obey. Now that she was ordered to report to the King, she had no choice. She left the café. However, she was not planning to go to the palace.

If she managed to get an audience with the King only for her to tell him that his last unmarried daughter, who is underaged, went to a mere adventurer's banquet... That she ignored his orders to come back after the exmination. And, if she, who was supposed to prevent such events, was to be the one to say it... Basically, the princess was sending her to the scaffold.

She had been a young and naive princess but she seemed to also be very revengeful.

In the end, the maid decided to go get the cash she had hidden along the years for her retirement and leave the country asap.

Meanwhile, leaving the café was Shen with a young princess linked to his right arm and two dozen royal knights surrounding them. They were heading to his Mansion where the party would take place.

'Shen: With me kidnapping the princess like this, there is a very high probability that the King will make a move. Not only am I forcing him to move but he won't be able to do anything as the princess is coming of her own will. She is the one going against him and I will be getting the fruits of her behavior. ... Now, I just need to find a way to get her aside once I reach the house. Should I give her to Adeline? They are closer in age so they might enjoy the company of each other? Or Atem? If she is looking for a fiancée, better him than me. There's no way I will wed anyone and even less an underaged kid'

'Princess ???: So dreamy~ I am linking arms with my prince in broad daylight~ We're already lovers at this point~'