Chapter 52: The Result of Pretending to Sleep When I Almost Got Caught Waiting Up
We reported to Prince Lucas about the events that transpired after we followed Duke Lecherie out of the ball. The prince remained silent, placing his thumbs under his chin with both hands clasped in front of his face, listening intently until we finished our explanation.
Once we concluded, he let out a quiet sigh.
“I understand the situation. It seems this incident is far darker than I had anticipated.”
Prince Lucas leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head as if to signal defeat.
“I suspected there would be foreign interference. If people were to be abducted and sold, it was highly likely to happen outside our borders. However, the monster attacks and the mysterious liquid that transforms people into monsters—such bizarre phenomena are beyond even my imagination.”
He shrugged, acknowledging that his Skill couldn’t foresee the future.
“…What did the monsters that attacked the ball look like to you?”
Prince Lucas had mentioned that his Skill allowed him to see things that others might not. Perhaps his eyes captured something different from what we had witnessed.
I held onto that hope, but—
“That’s a difficult question, Hugh. The scenery my Skill reveals isn’t necessarily the same as what you all see. However, it’s certain that the monsters that attacked the venue did not appear human.”
“I see…”
“That said, I also believe there’s a high possibility that the monsters were transformed humans, just like Duke Lecherie. In fact, I’ve received reports that the mansion’s servants and the supposed guards are nowhere to be found.”
“…!”
Lily turned pale, covering her mouth as she recalled the stains that spread across the venue. I had considered the possibility, but it was almost certain now…
“The mysterious liquid that transforms people into monsters. For now, let’s keep this matter a secret between us and the Royal Knights Order investigating it. If it were to come out that it was mixed into the food served at the ball, the nobles would be thrown into a panic.”
A chill ran down my spine at Prince Lucas’s words. I had been lured by the novelty and ended up eating the food too…
From Duke Lecherie’s demeanor, it was evident that the effects were immediate. So far, I felt no abnormalities, so I thought I was safe… for now.
“Well then, I should be heading back. You two should return and rest for the day. You have classes tomorrow, right?”
“Eh? Oh, yes… Is that alright?”
I asked as Prince Lucas stood up from the sofa. I had assumed he would involve us in the investigation of the mysterious liquid that turned people into monsters or the person who gave it to Duke Lecherie. Switching Skills could easily allow him to track their footsteps, after all…
As he turned to leave, Prince Lucas smiled back at me.
“I’ve heard everything I needed to. I considered having you assist with the scene investigation, but I’d rather not keep you here any longer. It would be troublesome if Prince Slay took notice of you.”
He seemed intent on keeping my identity hidden. I felt I had drawn enough attention at the ball, but perhaps I had managed to avoid being in the spotlight more than Lily or Prince Lucas…
“And…”
“And?”
“Never mind, it’s nothing.”
Prince Lucas shook his head as if to dismiss whatever he was about to say. It seemed like there was something else on his mind… but pressing him wouldn’t yield any results. If he was letting me go, I should take the opportunity. I was exhausted from today.
“We’ll arrange another meeting to discuss future matters. We can talk about House Puridi then, if that’s alright with you, Lady Lily?”
“Yes, Your Highness. Thank you very much for your efforts this time.”
“Not at all. I acted for my own sake. If you wish to express gratitude, direct it towards Hugh, who got me involved. …Oh, and please keep an eye on my sister? She can be a bit jealous, so it might be a challenge.”
“Hehe, yes, I understand.”
Lily accepted Prince Lucas’s words with a smile, as if she had been privy to everything.
“Then I can rest easy. I’m counting on you to look after my sister and my brother-in-law.”
Prince Lucas returned her smile and left the reception room.
“How wonderful that you’ve been acknowledged by your kind brother-in-law.”
“I can’t tell how serious he is about that.”
It seems wise to remain cautious in my dealings with Prince Lucas. After all, my agreement with Rouge was merely verbal. Until I see how Prince Lucas handles being king, I won’t know what to expect.
We decided to wait a bit before returning to the ball venue. On our way, we passed several knights from the Royal Knights Order. Among the knights who had stormed the ball, there were unfamiliar faces. They must have come as reinforcements.
“Lily!”
As we approached the grand hall, Marquis Puridi rushed toward us, immediately embracing Lily.
“Father!?”
“I’m so glad you’re safe, Lily! Are you hurt anywhere!?”
“Yes, Hugh protected me.”
Lily, initially surprised, relaxed her expression and wrapped her arms around her father’s back.
“I’m just glad you’re safe, Father.”
“Believe it or not, I once aspired to be a swordsman. I fought back by taking weapons from the monsters. I think I managed to take down three of them.”
Marquis Puridi spoke proudly, while we exchanged glances, knowing the truth behind the situation.
“Regardless, I’m just relieved you’re both safe. Thank you, Hugh, for saving my daughter. I’ve arranged for a carriage, so let’s head back to the mansion. We shouldn’t linger here too long.”
Glancing around, Marquis Puridi urged Lily and me toward the carriage.
Even though Duke Lecherie’s great sin had been exposed, Lily’s engagement annulment was still a significant act of betrayal against the faction. While there might not be open criticism, we could certainly attract some resentment.
Prince Lucas had mentioned that he would arrange a meeting to discuss the future of House Puridi. Knowing him, he would have communicated this to Marquis Puridi without fail. If that’s the case, there’s no reason for us to stay here.
As we left the venue and boarded the carriage, it departed promptly. There were many other carriages leaving the mansion, likely carrying the nobles who had attended the ball.
After that, nothing noteworthy happened, and we arrived safely at the Puridi estate. I changed out of the borrowed tailcoat into my Royal Academy uniform and decided to head back to the academy early.
“Oh, I thought you’d be staying over.”
“I can’t keep Rouge waiting any longer.”
I had been worrying Rouge for quite some time now. Although I had explained some of the circumstances, it was unreasonable to expect her not to feel anxious, so I wanted to return as soon as possible to reassure her.
More than anything, I wanted to see Rouge.
“I was hoping we could sleep together tonight, but what a shame.”
“I can’t afford to let my guard down…”
While I did want to spend time with Lily today, I feared that it might lead to crossing a line. It was too dangerous to be dragged further into Lily’s pace.
“That’s fine. It’s the role of the second wife to support the first.”
“Hey, are you really planning to stick with that stance…?”
“Of course. You’ll eventually have to greet my father, so keep that in mind, dear husband?”
“I feel like I’m going to throw up from the pressure…”
With Lily smiling mischievously as she saw me off, I boarded the carriage prepared by Marquis Puridi to return to the academy. By the way, Lily would be staying at the mansion for the night and returning to the Royal Academy early tomorrow morning.
The carriage arrived at the academy in about thirty minutes. Although it was late, I had obtained formal permission to be out, so the guard greeted me warmly as he opened the gate.
As I looked at my room from outside the dormitory, I noticed light seeping through the curtains. It seemed Rouge was still awake. My steps quickened naturally. I hurried into the dormitory, skipping stairs as I ascended. I dashed down the hallway and reached for the doorknob of my room.
The door was securely locked. Good, she’s being cautious!
Inserting the key, I finally turned the doorknob and stepped inside.
“I’m home!”
I expected a cheerful “Welcome back, Hugh!” but there was no response. Huh…?
Peering into the room, I found Rouge asleep, clutching Nokoko, with the light still on. …In my bed.
“…Ehehe, I can’t eat anymore…”
It seems I’m having a rather cliché dream. With a blissful expression on her sleeping face, drool is trickling from her half-open mouth.
…So, she’s back.
Seeing Rouge’s carefree sleeping face, I couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief. I felt the tension that had been coiled tightly within me begin to unwind. Suddenly, standing felt exhausting, and I sank down beside the bed.
My gaze fell level with Rouge, who was still asleep. As I reached out to touch her hair, she stirred slightly, a contented sigh escaping her lips.
“I’m home, Rouge.”
“Uuuh, welcome back, Hugh~”
Her response was a sleepy, drowsy murmur that made me chuckle.
“Ah… I love you, Lucretia.”
I must have been thinking of Lily. Before I knew it, my feelings slipped out naturally. It seemed I was quite worn out.
…I should just take a quick shower and get some rest.
With that thought in mind, I steeled myself to stand up and headed toward the changing area when I heard a rustling sound behind me.
“~~~~~~~”
It was the sound of Rouge squirming around, but… yeah, I think I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.