The Protagonists of the Novel Escaped

In less than two days, more than half of the suitors had dropped out.

After that, the Red Dragon stormed in, fuming with rage.

The arrogant Villainous Princess swept away the suitors, and her amazing exploits naturally reached the ears of Ludmilla, who was eagerly awaiting the outcome.

“Liza!! How could you cause such a disaster and not think about the consequences!”

BAM!

Her thunderous shout filled the quiet reception room.

It was as if a fire-breathing evil dragon was roaring.

The maids reacted with surprise.

Even the soldiers on guard broke out in cold sweat upon hearing Ludmilla’s shout.

How could they not be tense?

The Empire’s Red Dragon was genuinely furious.

“You’re just as guilty! I entrusted Liza to you to prevent her from doing anything foolish!”

“…I’m sorry.”

FWOOSH! Those blazing crimson eyes turned to Elizaveta before starting to blame me.

I couldn’t deny that I had my faults.

I secretly found it exhilarating every time Elizaveta chased the suitors away.

Seeing the ambitious men wanting to become the husband of the Platinum Princess retreat in dismay was quite amusing. I enjoyed watching with Rue while munching on popcorn. Thus, it was only natural for me to receive a scolding from my sister, who was eagerly hoping for her happiness.

“I’m about to leave the Imperial City for a while…!”

To protect the Pug Kingdom from the evil Meiros, Ludmilla had planned to leave the Imperial City.

She showed signs of impatience.

This was all because of her sister, who still seemed to hold onto hope.

“Brother-in-law, isn’t it too much? How can you expect to support your husband when you don’t even understand your sister’s wounded heart? You’ve always been stubborn since forever.”

“Eh, brother-in-law! Cough! Don’t brush it off like that!!”

Elizaveta whispered loudly with a teasing voice.

Seeing Ludmilla’s face turn crimson, her voice rose again.

It was a sisterly quarrel.

As I glanced between the Red Dragon and the Platinum Princess, I began to think of a way to escape.

“Please take the suitors seriously starting tomorrow. The emperor has high expectations.”

“Got it, got it. I’ll just do as I’m told.”

Ludmilla’s serious request made her sister eventually back down.

Pouting while looking displeased, she promised to take the matchmaking seriously.

Thank goodness it ended like this.

I was worried about how intense an argument might become.

“Please stay for a moment.”

“Huh?”

Just as I was about to follow Elizaveta out of the reception room, Ludmilla caught me.

Surely she wasn’t going to hold me accountable for Palto’s actions? If she blamed me for my laziness, I’d have no grounds for rebuttal.

Was there any way to evade responsibility?

I genuinely considered fully shifting the blame onto the squat little fairy who had watched the matchmaking scene with us.

“While I’m gone… please protect Liza. Above all, I worry about Liza. How can I not when she behaves so impulsively?”

“Of course. Leave it to me.”

Ludmilla held onto me to once again ask for my help with sister Elizaveta. A worried expression crossed her face as she trembled slightly.

It was a complete departure from her usual graceful and dignified demeanor.

She felt almost fragile.

While declaring she would head north, she still seemed anxious about Elizaveta. Perhaps she instinctively sensed the looming fate of death hanging over her sister. It was likely why Ludmilla showed this vulnerable side only to me, whom she trusts.

“On behalf of the Hohenberc Family’s honor, I will definitely protect Princess Elizaveta.”

“…Thank you.”

I raised my hand.

Then, I gently stroked her snow-white cheek.

It was soft and warm.

I could almost feel her worried heart through her delicate skin.

Though the sudden intimacy was unexpected, Ludmilla didn’t resist. With a serene smile at the corners of her mouth, she clasped my hand that caressed her cheek.

Where did this courage come from?

To dare stroke the Imperial Princess without hesitation.

I sincerely wanted to comfort Ludmilla, who genuinely worried for her sister. That eager feeling must have unconsciously manifested in this gesture.

“Ah, anyway, I’ll be on my way… Please take good care of Elizaveta!”

“Of course.”

We locked eyes, as if time had momentarily stopped.

Then,

Finally regaining her senses, Ludmilla stepped back in a hurry.

The sight of the princess’s face turning bright red as if about to EXPLODE was impressive. Where had her usual perfect composure gone? She looked so flustered.

I felt my heart racing as I took in Ludmilla’s bewildered appearance.

*

In lieu of Ludmilla’s departure, the Seven Champions of Valtaria were dispatched for the defense.

The seven knights representing the Empire.

With the end of the Racial War, the Dragon Knights scattered throughout the Empire had gathered once more.

As news spread that the princess and protector of the Imperial Palace, Ludmilla, would be leaving, anxiety and unease descended. However, when the Seven Champions of Valtaria entered the Imperial City, the creeping fear that had been spreading was completely extinguished.

“Lady Cecilia, I have been ordered by the Emperor to serve as an escort for Princess Elizaveta.”

A lady knight with flowing blue hair resembling Lobelia saluted as she stood guard over Elizaveta.

Was she planning to do that even at the matchmaking scene?

Surely the suitors would run away upon seeing a woman clad in full armor….

Being one of Ludmilla’s direct subordinates, there wasn’t a hint of flexibility in her. While I wanted to acknowledge her valor and loyalty, her stubbornness overshadowed those advantages.

“I get it, so just wait in the back.”

“I cannot! His Majesty commanded us to take every precaution.”

“I need to change into a dress soon! So please, don’t follow me!”

“Your Highness…!”

Who would’ve thought that even the Villainous Princess Elizaveta would take offense?

I watched the argument between the princess and the lady knight for a bit.

“Valtarian Empire’s reputation is nothing to scoff at. It’s just a report of some Meiros appearing, yet you’ve summoned the Seven Champions from the front lines. It must be something terrifying.”

A girl who was leisurely sipping Darjeeling put down her teacup and muttered.

Fear began to spread.

The dread was increasingly SPREADING.

However, the girl dressed in pure white vestments remained unaffected, enjoying her elegant tea time as if she were in a different space altogether.

Having tea while ignoring the shivering crowd in fear.

Truly, what a mischievous Saintess she was.

I wanted to report the mischievous attitude of the First Saintess to the Holy Kingdom right away.

“Would you like to join me for a cup, Prince Edanant?”

“I appreciate the Saintess’s kindness, but I’m fine.”

“Hmmm. It’s precisely in times like these that one should indulge in culture… It seems the people of the Empire have no sensitivity.”

“……”

Absolutely a peculiar Saintess, far detached from the realm of normalcy.

Suddenly, the expression of Zebeline, who had been drinking Darjeeling one after another, began to change.

The signal had arrived.

Having consumed several cups of Darjeeling, it makes sense.

Especially Darjeeling, which stimulates the urge to urinate.

With an EHEM of a chuckle, I turned my gaze toward Zebeline.

“The restroom is outside to the right.”

“Wh-What are you saying? Saintesses don’t need to go to the restroom…!”

What are you talking about?

Stop being stubborn and go use the restroom already.

If she keeps holding it in, an incident of the Holy Water the First Saintess created pouring out will occur.

“Go quickly.”

“HOOF…! HOOF…! I can’t go in front of Prince Edanant!”

I wrapped my hands around Zebeline’s slender waist.

I had to take the mischievous Saintess to the restroom, even if by force.

I don’t know why.

Is this how all women are?

I never thought I would deal with a Saintess who caused more headaches than Beatrice. Zebeline still hesitated to go to the restroom, very likely already at her limit.

“Rue…! Where did that little brat go?!”

While forcibly picking up the resisting Saintess, I anxiously searched for Rue.

She was just here,

Where on earth did that little one wander off to?

I hoped she would come and persuade the mischievous Saintess with her bright eyes. The absence of that squat little fairy felt painfully conspicuous, as if it proved the saying that you can’t find a drop of rain when you need it.

*

PLOP.

PLOP. PLOP.

The fairy I was desperately searching for was trotting toward the kitchen.

Whenever she peeked into the kitchen, the generous cooks would hand out various snacks.

Wouldn’t she be getting a lot today too?

Running through the hallway hoping for sweet chocolate and cookies.

“Hehe, I want to eat with Edan!”

Rue wanted Edanant to enjoy the desserts.

So she scarcely suppressed her greedy craving and took the bundles of snacks she received from the kitchen.

“Ugh!”

Turning the corner with quick strides, Rue collided with someone coming from the opposite direction.

“Sorry, I didn’t see you coming from the other side… Are you okay?”

“My butt hurts a little, but I’m fine!”

The one who bumped into her was a handsome young man. Given his luxurious clothing, he seemed to be the offspring of a prestigious family.

One would naturally feel displeased after being suddenly bumped into by a little kid. But the young man was instead concerned for Rue.

Through him, it was easy to tell the young man had a gentle disposition.

“Huff, I’m fine!”

Rue hurriedly felt for her snack bundle.

Fortunately, the wrapped snacks were intact, not squished at all.

Was she pleased by that? Rue shook her hair with delight and gave a bright smile.

“I’m glad you’re okay. Then let’s see each other next time.”

“Okay!”

The young man reached out his hand.

Rue, too, extended her dainty hand and returned the handshake.

As she held onto his hand for the handshake, Rue suddenly caught a whiff of a horrible stench.

A rotten earthy smell.

The scent of long-corroded metal.

Being a member of the sensitive Luinong race, Rue instantly recognized the faint smell.

‘Can’t you wash up a bit… Well, Edan smells, too, even after washing up every day. Everyone smells really bad.’

Rue tilted her head at the mysterious odor while turning on her heel, clutching the snack bundle.

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