Episode 82: “Scars are a Man’s Badge of Honor” “Ah, yes.”
It was the morning of the day a week after Lecty and the Holy Maiden Rosalie had treated His Majesty the King. At the usual sword practice, I was defeated again without landing a single blow. Alissa-san handed me four invitations.
“What are these…?”
“These are invitations to a Night Soiree to celebrate His Majesty the King’s recovery.”
“A Night Soiree, huh…”
I recalled the incident at Duke Lecherie’s Mansion about a month ago. It was when a large number of people transformed into monsters during a Night Soiree.
I wonder if we’ll be attacked like that again…?
The cause of the mansion’s servants turning into monsters, and the source of the drug that turned Duke Lecherie into a monster, are still unknown. After that, Prince Lucas never asked for my cooperation in the investigation.
It’s a relief that I don’t have to use my Skills recklessly, but I can’t help but feel uneasy about whether it’s really okay.
“Don’t worry, the Night Soiree will be heavily guarded by the Royal Knights Order and the national army, so it’ll be fine. His Majesty the King has recovered, and the atmosphere of a civil war has subsided for now, so it’s a joint operation.”
“That’s reassuring, but why four?”
Of course, Lecty would receive an invitation, and Lily and I would each get one as escorts. I guess the remaining one is for Rouge, but is it okay to bring her…?
“Prince Lucas was also troubled, but it seems His Majesty the King really wants to meet her. By the way, His Majesty is aware of the situation, so you don’t have to worry about that.”
“I see… Well, if that’s the case.”
If Prince Lucas is accepting the risk, then I have no reason to refuse. Of course, it depends on Rouge’s will.
The Night Soiree is the night after tomorrow. For now, let’s talk to Lily and the others.
I returned to my room, took a shower, and headed to the School Cafeteria with Rouge. Before that, I told Rouge about the invitation, and she immediately replied, “I’m going!” Well, yeah, as expected.
Since it was a holiday today, the School Cafeteria was sparsely populated with students. I was worried if I could meet Lily and Lecty, but luckily, I found them sitting at a table, having breakfast.
Rouge and I also got our breakfast and headed to the table where they were sitting. After exchanging morning greetings, I sat next to Lecty, and Rouge sat next to Lily.
“Hugh-san, can I see your wounds so I can treat them?”
“Ah… I’m fine today. Thanks, Lecty. I appreciate the thought.”
“Eh? Oh, is that so…”
Lecty looked dejected. She’s been treating me every day, so she might have been really looking forward to treating me today.
“Fufu. Lecty, you’re reacting as if you’re disappointed that Hugh isn’t injured.”
“Fueh!? N-No, that’s not it! It’s not like that, Hugh-san!?”
“Ah, yeah, it’s okay. I understand.”
I calmed Lecty, who was flustered and approaching me. I glared at Lily, telling her not to tease her, and she stuck out her tongue.
…Seriously. Lately, she’s been more childish than before, or rather, she’s finally showing her age. She must have been on edge during the engagement turmoil.
“I’m sorry, Lecty. It was just a little joke.”
“Moo! Lily-chan!”
Lily smiled happily while being scolded by Lecty. Next to her, Rouge, who was tearing apart her bread, looked at me with a worried expression.
“Hugh, are you pushing yourself? It’s not like you’re completely uninjured, right?”
“Well, yeah. But if I rely on Lecty for every little thing, there’s no end to it. There’s also the saying that scars are a man’s badge of honor.”
“Eh, what’s that…?”
Rouge tilted her head, looking a bit taken aback. Well, whether the scars I got from being beaten up by Alissa-san are badges of honor is debatable, but somehow, I feel like the pain that remains is making me stronger.
“Hugh, you like pain…”
“Hey, don’t twist my words.”
“Hee, that’s good to know.”
“Stop licking your lips over there.”
“O-Oh, I see. I’m learning a lot…!”
“Don’t learn weird things!”
After finishing breakfast while talking like that, we left the School Cafeteria and headed to the gazebo in the garden. It’s a popular spot where noble ladies usually enjoy tea parties, but in the morning, it’s deserted and perfect for private conversations.
“W-Wow, this is my first tea party, I’m so nervous…!”
Lecty’s eyes were sparkling with anticipation, misunderstanding something.
“No, sorry. I didn’t bring you here for a tea party.”
“Oh, is that so…”
“I received invitations from Alissa-san for the Night Soiree held to celebrate His Majesty the King’s recovery. I wanted to give them to you.”
I could have given them at the School Cafeteria, but it’s cramped to talk while being aware of our surroundings. It wouldn’t be good to attract attention like last time either, so I moved us to a different location.
Lily, who received the invitation from me, let out a heavy sigh.
“I expected this would happen, but it’s finally here.”
For the past week, the Royal Castle had only announced that His Majesty the King’s condition had recovered, and no information about the two Holy Maidens who saved His Majesty’s life had been released.
Ideally, it would be best if it was just forgotten. If His Majesty the King’s recovery was considered natural, everything would be settled, and the Church would have no reason to want Lecty…
“Prince Slay won’t be satisfied, so the heroic tale of the two Holy Maidens will be loudly announced at the Night Soiree. Lecty, I’m sorry to scare you, but please be prepared…?”
“Y-Yes…”
“Um… I’m sorry for getting you involved in our family’s mess, Lecty.”
Rouge apologized to Lecty, perhaps feeling sorry for getting her involved in the family’s troubles. Lecty tilted her head, looking puzzled at the sudden apology.
“Um, I’ve been wondering this for a while, but Rouge-san is…?”
“Ah, no, that’s not it!? I’m from a Viscount family, and I’m not royalty or a princess, okay!?”
“Ah, yes…”
Lecty blinked and nodded. She’s saying everything, this princess…
“(Um, Hugh-san. Should we pretend we didn’t hear that…?)”
Lecty asked me in a whisper, and I gave up and shook my head.
“…No, just watch over her gently.”