The atmosphere inside the carriage on the way back was heavy.
Unlike when we came, Lily and I were sitting facing each other, each with our cheeks propped up on our hands, gazing out of separate windows at the passing scenery.
“…I expected this would happen eventually,” Lily said, as if speaking to herself.
“The moment we found out that she had the ‘Holy Maiden’ Skill, I knew it was inevitable that she’d get caught up in the Succession War.”
“You did have a difficult look on your face back then.”
If I remember correctly, that was when I was in the bathroom, using the Brainwashing Skill for the first time to switch Skills. When I came back, it was revealed that Lecty had the Holy Maiden Skill, and it became a big commotion. Amidst that commotion, Lily seemed to be worried about Lecty’s future.
“It’s scary how coincidences work. I tried to help a girl who was being harassed by an Idiot, and I ended up meeting you, and the girl I helped had the Holy Maiden Skill.”
“Looking back, that was quite the scene…”
If Lily hadn’t been there, I probably would have ignored Lecty, who was being harassed by the Idiot, and moved on.
Then I wouldn’t have had the chance to hear about the information regarding the Skill appraisal crystal from Lily, and my Brainwashing Skill might have been exposed, sending me straight to the guillotine.
“I only decided to help Lecty on a whim.”
“You were saying things like ‘Diamond in the Rough’ and all that. You were quite proactive in approaching Lecty, but how serious were you about that?”
“Well… maybe about 40%?”
“That’s quite serious…”
I thought she was just acting to protect Lecty. After all, she seemed to have feelings for me, so she couldn’t be a lesbian…
“Even as a woman, I found Lecty attractive. I can’t say I didn’t have some ulterior motives. Well, I gave up quickly when I realized Lecty wasn’t interested.”
“I, I see…”
If Lecty had been interested, how far would she have gone? …No, I should stop thinking about it. I feel like my current position would become precarious.
“Putting aside the 40%, the other 60% was to put Lecty under your protection, right?”
“Yes, well… The moment I saw Lecty, I thought she would be popular with the nobles. She has a fragile beauty, and she seems to have a reserved and quiet personality. I thought nobles who see their wives as just another part of their collection would want her so badly they’d reach out with both hands.”
“Ah… I kind of get that…”
“So, putting aside my ulterior motives, I thought that if rumors spread that we were lovers, it would protect her a little. The Idiot ruined that plan quickly, but you were there to help, so I’m grateful.”
“So, that’s why you told me to pretend to be Lecty’s boyfriend.”
“It’s too late now, but I should have consulted you. I’m sorry.”
“I don’t think you need to apologize. Besides, that day was hectic, wasn’t it?”
That was the day Lechely barged in while we were having lunch at the cafe and took Lily away. Since then, things have been chaotic, so it’s understandable that we couldn’t talk.
“Thank you, it helps to hear you say that.”
“…Even so, heaven has given Lecty two incredible gifts.”
“Even without the Holy Maiden Skill, Lecty would have been targeted by nobles. But with her having the Holy Maiden Skill, Lecty’s value has skyrocketed. Now, it wouldn’t be surprising if even royalty tried to marry her.”
“Is it possible for royalty to marry a commoner?”
“It would be a forceful method, but it’s not impossible. They could adopt her into a noble family. Then she would go from commoner to noble in an instant.”
“That’s really forceful…”
“Well, that might be a bit of a leap in logic. …Honestly, the current situation is worse than I expected. Lecty’s value has risen too much.”
“If Lecty’s Holy Maiden Skill had the same power as in fairy tales, she might be able to cure His Majesty’s illness…”
Lecty’s value, already high due to her beauty and rare Skill, has now been further enhanced by the possibility of curing His Majesty the King’s illness. At this point, it’s not just about nobles and royalty. Everyone will want to get their hands on Lecty.
“As Prince Lucas said, we have to bring Lecty into our camp before the other princes make their move. As soon as the carriage arrives at the academy, let’s start persuading Lecty.”
“Yeah…”
Prince Lucas also told me to tell Alissa-san the results by tomorrow morning. If possible, he wants us to bring Lecty to the castle by tomorrow afternoon. His Majesty the King’s condition seems to be that urgent.
I was planning to go out with Rouge tomorrow, but… this can’t be helped.
As soon as the carriage arrived at the academy, Lily and I headed to the girls’ dormitory. The girls’ dormitory, located a little away from the boys’ dormitory, was a three-story building with the same appearance as the boys’ dormitory. The internal structure was probably the same as well.
As I was looking up at the building in front of the girls’ dormitory, Lily pushed my back from behind.
“What are you doing? Let’s go quickly.”
“Wait, going… Am I going into the girls’ dormitory too?”
“Of course? It’s okay, if we get caught, I’ll say I brought you in.”
“No, that sounds like you’re protecting me, but you’re not protecting me at all?”
Rather, it would only confirm that Rouge hates me, and I’d become Marquis Puridi’s sword’s rust, right?
…That being said, it wouldn’t be good to leave all the persuasion to Lily.
“Couldn’t we at least lure Lecty outside, or is there another way…?”
“It’s not impossible if we tried… But even I’m barely managing to sneak out by using my Skills frequently. I’m not confident that I could bring Lecty out with me. On that note, you’re good at sneaking in, right?”
“Don’t make me sound like a habitual trespasser…”
If I had to say whether I was good at it or not, I’d say I was good at it…
“It’s quicker to have you come than to bring Lecty out. Could you do it for me?”
“…Well, it’s certainly less risky that way. But is it okay to let me into your room?”
“There’s nothing I’d be particularly embarrassed to have you see. If anything, maybe my laundry that’s hanging out to dry.”
“That’s a lot…”
“It’s not like seeing it will make it disappear, and we’re going to get married anyway, so it’s not a problem, right?”
Lily said it so nonchalantly. No, you might be okay with it, but Lecty’s laundry is also hanging there, right?
And… wait? Come to think of it, how does Rouge do her laundry…? I’ve never seen her underwear hanging out to dry…
…Yeah, I should stop thinking about it.
Thank you for reading this far (‘ω’)ノ
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I would be happy if you found it even a little bit interesting m(__)m