Chapter 9: The Engagement Broken Amidst the Soirée
The day of the ball.
Lilly and I had left class early and were riding in a carriage toward the Puridy family’s mansion in the capital. Lilly needed to change into a dress for tonight’s ball, and I was her escort.
“You didn’t have to come along…”
“There’s always a ‘what if.’ For today, think of me as your personal knight.”
“Personal knight, huh…”
Lilly, resting her chin on her hand and gazing out the window, murmured softly before glancing at me sidelong.
“You’re not going to become one? A personal knight, I mean.”
I didn’t need to ask whose. Leaning my chin on the opposite window frame, I looked outside and answered.
“I turned it down. I want to stay by her side as a best friend, not a personal knight.”
“Not a lover?”
“For now, a friend is enough.”
I have feelings for the future, sure. But for now, at least until the succession dispute is settled, I want to keep things as they are.
When I said as much, Lilly replied with a short “I see” and we fell silent, the time passing quietly.
The carriage arrived at the Puridy mansion after about thirty minutes. Roughly thirty servants lined up to greet Lilly, casting curious ‘Who’s this guy…?’ glances my way.
Yeah, I get why they’d react like that.
“Lilly!”
At the mansion’s entrance, a middle-aged man greeted us. His face and build faintly matched a memory from childhood. This must be Lilly’s father, Marquis Puridy.
“I’m home, Father.”
“Welcome back, Lilly! Everything alright at the academy? You haven’t lost weight, have you? Oh, I never knew being apart from you would be so nerve-wracking…!”
“You’re exaggerating, Father…”
Marquis Puridy patted Lilly’s cheeks and shoulders as if checking her health. Lilly’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she let him until she glanced at me, then gently pushed him away.
When we reunited with Lilly after she got lost in the forest as kids, I vaguely recall Marquis Puridy acting like this…
Could such an overprotective father really marry his beloved daughter to a lecherous old man, even for the sake of his faction…? At the very least, he must have resisted as much as he could. Prince Lucas’s guess was probably spot-on.
But there was one thing that didn’t align with the prince’s calculations.
“Please save that for when it’s just family. It’s embarrassing in front of the servants and my friend.”
“S-Sorry, Lilly.”
“Honestly… heh.”
Did Lilly already know her father’s true intentions, even without Prince Lucas pointing it out…? Back then, she acted like she only realized it because of the prince’s words. It made her seem like someone he could easily use…
Prince Lucas might have seen through that with his skill, but… ugh, I don’t know. Thinking about these mind games is exhausting.
“…By the way, who’s this young man? Depending on your answer, I might have to make you rust for my sword.”
Marquis Puridy’s doting demeanor shifted as he fixed me with a cold stare. His half-turned stance, hand on the sword at his waist, suggested he knew his way around a blade… and he didn’t seem entirely joking.
I placed a hand on my chest, gave a noble’s bow, and introduced myself.
“It’s been a while, Marquis Puridy-dono. I am Hugh, son of Mike Pnocis, lord of the Pnocis Domain.”
“Pnocis Domain… You’re that boy from back then!”
“You remember me?”
“Of course! How could I forget a pest buzzing around my daughter… I mean, my daughter’s friend?”
I’m pretty sure he just said something outrageous, but I’ll let it slide.
I’m grateful he remembers me, whatever the reason. It saves me from explaining my connection to Lilly from scratch… or so I thought.
“…Don’t tell me you’re here because you took that promise seriously?”
Marquis Puridy’s voice lowered as he questioned me. He must mean the promise Lilly and I made as kids when we parted. I can’t believe he remembers that. Just how much does this guy love his daughter…?
“Uh, what promise…? Sorry, it was over a decade ago, so my memory’s fuzzy. Honestly, I thought Lilly was a stranger at first. She’s grown so beautiful, after all.”
“Oh, I see, I see! Yes, that makes sense. Lilly’s grown into a beauty like her mother, hasn’t she? You’ve got a good eye, young man! How are your parents? I’ve always meant to repay the favor from back then.”
“They’re doing well, thank you. My father and mother often say they’d love to meet you again, Marquis Puridy-dono. Please visit the Pnocis Domain sometime. The entire estate would welcome you.”
“Yes, I’d love to take you up on that when the chance arises!”
…Maybe it’s my past life as a corporate drone, but this kind of smooth talk comes naturally. Lilly gave me a look like she wanted to say something, but for now, I prioritized the conversation with Marquis Puridy.
“So, why are you with my daughter?”
“I’ll explain,” Lilly interjected. “I reunited with Hugh at the Royal Academy. He’s a dear friend—my childhood friend, you could say. That’s why I wanted him by my side on this, the most important day of my life.”
“Hm? You mean you want to invite him to the ball? I don’t mind, but it’s awfully sudden. A letter in advance would’ve been nice.”
“I thought it’d be faster to introduce him in person. You’d worry if I told you I was bringing a man home, wouldn’t you?”
“Well… true.”
Marquis Puridy nodded, convinced.
“I’m going to change into my dress now. Hugh, can you wait with Father? I should be back in about two hours.”
“Sure, got it—wait, two hours!? It takes that long to change…?”
“Of course. Why do you think we left the academy so early?”
“Yeah, fair point…”
I’d wondered why we left with so much time to spare, but I didn’t expect getting ready to take that long…
With that, Lilly left the entrance with a maid in tow. Marquis Puridy and I were left staring at each other.
“Uh… care for some tea?”
“Y-Yes, thank you.”
What kind of conversation am I supposed to have with this guy for two hours…?
“Hmm…”
Marquis Puridy stared at me intently, his gaze fixed on my Royal Academy uniform. I’d made sure it was wrinkle-free and clean, but…
“Is something wrong?”
“No, I was just thinking the academy uniform might stand out too much at tonight’s ball. It’s fine as Lilly’s schoolmate, but you know who’s attending—His Highness Sley and many nobles. The uniform might draw too much attention.”
“I see… That’s true.”
That said, I don’t own anything suitable for a ball. I never imagined I’d enroll at the Royal Academy when I left the Pnocis Domain, let alone need formal attire.
…Honestly, I’m not even sure we have fancy clothes back home.
“Tonight, you can borrow my clothes. They should fit your build.”
“Really? Are you sure…?”
“You’re attending as Lilly’s friend, so you need to dress the part. I’ll have someone assist you.”
Marquis Puridy called over a nearby servant. I was led to a dressing room, changed into a tailcoat, and had my hair styled with scented oil.
I didn’t lift a finger. I’d heard upper-class nobles don’t dress themselves, and it seems true—servants did everything.
Once ready, I was escorted to a drawing room adorned with paintings and vases. In the center, Marquis Puridy sat on one of two large facing sofas.
A teacup was set in front of him and another on the opposite side. I have to sit across from him…?
“Please, take a seat opposite the master.”
The servant gestured. Seriously, right across from him…?
“E-Excuse me…”
I sat on the sofa, and a servant poured tea. The high-quality leaves filled the room with a pleasant aroma.
“Thank you for lending me the clothes, Marquis Puridy-dono.”
“They suit you well. Relax until Lilly’s ready.”
“Y-Yes…”
Relax, he says…
For a while, we sat in silence, sipping tea.
This is way too awkward…!
Should I bring up a topic, or just stay quiet? Noble heirs apparently learn social etiquette, but as a backwater country noble, I’ve never had that chance.
I don’t know how much time passed. After a few refills of tea, I was starting to need the bathroom when—
“Do you think I’m a heartless father?”
Marquis Puridy murmured abruptly, posing a heavy question.
That came out of nowhere. And it’s tough to answer…
“You must know. Tonight, my daughter’s engagement will be announced. To that Duke Letchery.”
“…I’ve heard less-than-favorable rumors about him.”
“His lineage is impeccable. But he’s my age, far older than Lilly. He’s already got six wives and children older than her. …And worst of all, he’s a shameless lecher who boasts about tormenting young girls.”
“A lecher…”
I didn’t expect him to call Duke Letchery that. Unsure how to respond, I hesitated, and Marquis Puridy gave a wry smile and apologized.
“Sorry. I just needed to vent.”
“Do you… regret it?”
“Wouldn’t you? What parent wants to marry their beloved daughter to a lecher like that? When His Highness Sley proposed this, I was furious.”
At some point, Marquis Puridy had clenched his fists on his knees. Glancing at the servant, I saw him gripping his fists with a frustrated expression.
“I wanted to refuse if I could. But His Highness Sley had already gone to Duke Letchery first. They decided my daughter’s engagement without me…! Those bastards, trying to take her from me!!”
With a shout, Marquis Puridy hurled his teacup, shattering it against the wall. He sank deep into the sofa, clutching his head, breathing heavily.
He’s been bottling up a lot… Being a backwater noble uninvolved in the succession dispute probably made me a safe outlet.
“I can’t defy the will of royalty and a duke. All I could do was buy a little time. Once Lilly graduates, she’ll marry that lecher. …You’re her friend, right? A childhood friend, even.”
“Yes. That’s how I see it.”
“…Then, would you risk your life for Lilly?”
“Of course.”
My immediate answer made Marquis Puridy look up, eyes wide. He stared at me, then gave a dry smile.
“Then let me help. Take Lilly and leave now. The Pnocis Domain should have plenty of places to hide her, right?”
Lilly made a similar suggestion once… As I thought about it, Marquis Puridy shook his head with a sigh, saying, “Just kidding.”
“Forget the ramblings of a powerless father.”
“No, Marquis Puridy-dono. I share your wish for Lilly’s happiness. She’s my precious childhood friend. I don’t want to hand her over to that… lecher. —So, please, take this.”
“A letter…?”
“Please read it, Marquis Puridy-dono.”
I handed him the letter from my tailcoat’s breast pocket, given to me by Prince Lucas. It detailed the entire plan, and I was entrusted with deciding whether to share it.
There’s no deceit in Marquis Puridy’s feelings for Lilly. My 〈Ninja〉 skill’s enhanced observation confirms it. If all this was an act, it’d be impressive.
“A wax seal with a flower crown… Who are you?”
Marquis Puridy eyed the letter suspiciously. A servant handed him a letter knife, and he carefully opened it.
As he read, his hands began to tremble.
“Is this true…? Does Lilly know!?”
“Yes. This letter was written in front of Lilly and me. She knows everything—tonight’s events and the hidden truth.”
“…Oh, what a thing.”
Marquis Puridy clutched the letter like a treasure.
“Please lend us your strength for Lilly’s sake. Prince Lucas said even just for tonight is enough.”
“Just tonight? Nonsense. If this plan succeeds, I’ll owe Prince Lucas a lifelong debt. I should be the one pledging loyalty.”
Marquis Puridy straightened and bowed deeply to me.
“Please, take care of Lilly.”
“I will, Marquis Puridy-dono. Rest assured, I’ll protect her.”
Everything is in place.
Duke Letchery, who hurt Lilly, will face his reckoning.
◇
Too much tea had me borrowing the bathroom. As I finished and stepped out, I ran into Lilly, fully prepared.
“Just to be clear, it’s not diarrhea, okay?”
“I didn’t say anything.”
I preemptively clarified, and Lilly put a hand to her forehead, exasperated.
Black floral lace long gloves. A deep red dress flowed along her graceful figure. Her hair gleamed more than usual, and her already beautiful face was enhanced by makeup.
A peerless beauty stood before me.
“…What, staring like that? Are you smitten?”
“Uh… Yeah, I’m smitten. Can’t deny it. I admit defeat.”
“It’s not a competition… But, smitten, huh? Hmm. Heh, winning doesn’t feel bad.”
Lilly’s cheeks flushed slightly as she smiled. Unlike her usual mature demeanor or her stunning appearance now, that smile held a youthful, girlish charm.
…That’s not fair!
I barely suppressed the urge to shout. To hide my racing heart, I exhaled slowly.
“Ready?”
“Yes, sorry to keep you waiting. Did you talk with Father?”
“More or less. I gave him the letter. He should be on our side now.”
“Of course. He adores me. His overprotectiveness can be a bit much, though.”
As expected, she trusted her father even without Prince Lucas’s words.
“…That’s why I couldn’t bear seeing him suffer over my engagement. He was ready to defy His Highness Sley and Duke Letchery to break it off. Can you believe it? That would’ve destroyed the Puridy family.”
“So you accepted the engagement?”
“…Yes, I thought it was the right choice back then. If I hadn’t met you at the academy, I probably still would.”
“I didn’t do anything. Prince Lucas showed us the way. Knowing him, he’d have intervened even if I weren’t at the academy.”
“Maybe. But that doesn’t mean I’d have been saved.”
Lilly extended a slender hand, clad in black floral lace gloves.
“Escort me, my knight?”
“As you wish, my lady.”
With an exaggerated bow, I took her hand.
We boarded a carriage with Marquis Puridy and headed to Duke Letchery’s estate.
The capital radiated outward from the royal castle. In the central district, noble mansions of various sizes lined the streets. Among them, Duke Letchery’s estate was so grand it could be called a palace.
The path through the sprawling garden was congested with carriages. Nobles attending the ball had arrived in droves. Our carriage was guided with priority, slipping past the traffic.
Lilly was one of the night’s main figures. VIP treatment was only natural.
The carriage came to a stop right in front of the mansion, and Lilly, escorted by Marquis Puridy, stepped down. The servants who came to greet them, along with the gathered young nobles, congratulated the pair with cries of “Congratulations!”
There wasn’t a single thing worth celebrating… but both Lilly and Marquis Puridy maintained flawless smiles, as expected of them. I followed a short distance behind the two. Thanks to Marquis Puridy pulling some strings, I managed to slip into the gala’s venue without any trouble.
It was already growing dim outside. The venue, however, was illuminated as brightly as daytime by dazzling magical devices. Numerous tables lined the spacious hall, laden with lavish meals.
As Lilly and Marquis Puridy entered the venue, a crowd of nobles immediately swarmed around them. In no time, a line formed, with nobles approaching one after another to offer their greetings. So this is noble socializing…
Both Lilly and Marquis Puridy must be used to this. Their faces hadn’t budged from those plastered-on smiles since we arrived.
However, my eyesight, enhanced by the 〈Ninja〉 skill, didn’t miss the subtle twitching at the corners of their eyes and mouths every time someone said, “Congratulations.”
That’s gotta be insanely stressful…
The two wouldn’t be able to move freely for a while. Standing around idly was boring, so I wandered through the venue, eyeing the arrayed dishes.
As expected of a ducal house, the food was extravagant and stylish, unlike anything I’d seen even in my previous life. I didn’t even know the names of most dishes. The best I could tell was whether something was a meat or fish dish…
While sampling the eye-catching dishes, I ran into a familiar face.
“Well, well, isn’t that Hugh? Fancy meeting you here.”
The one who called out casually was Idiot. Ever since the duel a few days ago, it felt like he’d been talking to me more often at the academy.
“You’re here too, Idiot? Does that mean the Hortness family is in Prince Sley’s camp?”
“Hm, it was Father’s decision. Honestly, I don’t care either way.”
The surrounding nobles shot us sharp glares. Come on, don’t say reckless things in a place like this… The man himself just shrugged, completely unbothered. Is he a big shot or just clueless…?
“And what about you? Why are you here? Has the Pnocis family joined Prince Sley’s camp?”
“Nah, I’m just here as Lilly’s escort, more or less.”
“Lilly Puridy’s escort, huh… Then you must know about her engagement to Duke Letchery.”
“Yeah… Please, just don’t say anything reckless, okay?”
I preemptively put my foot down, knowing he might let something outrageous slip.
Idiot nodded, saying, “I’ll be careful.”
“By the way, hasn’t Duke Letchery or Prince Sley shown up yet?”
“What are you talking about? The hosts always make their entrance at the start of the gala… Oh, speak of the devil.”
The magical lights illuminating the venue dimmed. Then, a section of the hall—set up as a stage—was lit up.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for yourtoilets. We now present the hosts of tonight’s gala, His Highness Prince Sley Lai Reese of the Reese Kingdom and His Excellency Greed Letchery, head of the Letchery family.”
At the emcee’s introduction, two men appeared on stage. The portly middle-aged man was Duke Letchery, whom I’d seen before. The other, a slender man wearing glasses, must be Prince Sley.
“At His Highness Prince Sley’s request, a few words.”
Prompted by the emcee, Prince Sley stepped forward.
“First, I extend my gratitude to all of you gathered here! Thanks to you, I was able to welcome this splendid day!”
Prince Sley thanked the nobles supporting him, passionately speaking of his vision for the kingdom and its future. The gathered nobles listened quietly to his speech.
…To put it bluntly, it was an average speech, for better or worse.
His desire to become king came through, and he wasn’t saying anything absurd.
But, well… it lacked the charisma to truly captivate.
“Now, allow me to introduce tonight’s star! As you all know, the one who connected us with Duke Letchery, Lil—”
The moment Prince Sley began to say Lilly’s name, the doors at the back of the venue burst open with a loud bang.
All eyes, focused on Prince Sley’s words, turned to the figure standing beyond the doors. A person with long golden hair strode confidently through the stunned nobles toward the stage.
A smile played on their lips, and despite their eyes being covered by a cloth, their steps showed no hesitation.
“W-Why are you here…!?”
“Good evening, Brother Sley. I had business nearby, so I thought I’d drop by.”
Lucas von Reese dominated the atmosphere in an instant.
“L-Lucas! Do you even know where you are!?”
“Of course. This is Duke Letchery’s mansion, in the middle of a gala for the camp trying to make you king. I didn’t wander in here blind, you know. Sorry for interrupting. Please, carry on with the gala and don’t mind me.”
“Wha— Grr…”
Prince Sley seemed to swallow his emotions, clenching his teeth.
Even if he ordered Lucas to be removed, Lucas was a prince of the kingdom, just like Sley. No one in Sley’s camp, no matter their loyalty, would dare treat Lucas roughly.
Prince Sley had no choice but to tolerate Lucas’s presence.
But this made it look like Lucas had outmaneuvered him. Disappointment flickered in the nobles’ eyes as they looked at Sley.
Prince Sley had exposed a weakness: his inability to adapt to unexpected situations. If the roles were reversed, Lucas would likely handle it better. Even I could see that, so the seasoned nobles must have noticed it immediately.
“Damn it… Quiet down! An unexpected guest has arrived, but it’s no issue. Allow me to introduce once more! The treasure of the Puridy family, who connected us with Duke Letchery, Lady Lilly!”
At Prince Sley’s introduction, a spotlight illuminated a single point in the venue.
There stood a stunning beauty in a deep crimson dress.
Lilly Puridy bowed with perfect grace and slowly walked toward the stage.
Several nobles gasped at her beauty. The atmosphere, disrupted by Prince Lucas, tightened with her every move, and now she commanded the room.
Supported by Prince Sley’s hand, Lilly ascended the stage and stood before the gathered nobles.
“I am Lilly Puridy, as introduced. I have something to announce to all of you here today.”
Lilly glanced at Duke Letchery. The duke, entranced by her beauty, flashed a vulgar smile, perhaps imagining bending her to his will.
Unaware that such a future would never come.
“I, Lilly Puridy, hereby annul my engagement to Duke Letchery.”
The bold declaration of annulment froze the venue’s atmosphere.
Everyone doubted their ears, then Lilly’s sanity. Yet she looked relieved, a smile even gracing her face.
“W-What are you saying!?”
Prince Sley was the first to raise his voice.
“Do you realize what you’re saying!?”
“Yes, Your Highness Sley. I am annulling my engagement to Duke Letchery. I have no intention of marrying into the Letchery family.”
“W-What…?”
Lilly’s blunt words left Prince Sley speechless. Instead, Duke Letchery roared.
“You dare mock me!?”
Duke Letchery, furious, stormed toward Lilly. She glanced at me.
“I’ve shown you nothing but favor! Annul the engagement!? Stop this nonsense! Do you understand the honor of becoming my wife!?”
“Honor? My worth isn’t determined by such things, Duke Letchery. No matter how fine the dress, how delicious the food, or how high the status of my partner, that’s far from the honor I seek. My honor is earned through my way of living!”
“Silence!”
Duke Letchery raised his right hand, as he had once before, to strike Lilly’s cheek. Knowing this, Lilly leaned back, as if throwing herself off the stage’s edge.
“Dangerous!” someone shouted. But Lilly didn’t flinch.
Because she trusted I would catch her below.
“Don’t be so reckless, my lady.”
“I believed my knight would catch me.”
Lilly wrapped her arms around my neck and smiled softly. That was pretty close, you know…?
“With that, Your Highness Sley, please continue the gala without concern for me.”
“Continue!? Marquis Puridy, what is the meaning of your daughter’s actions!?”
“Meaning?” Marquis Puridy, standing near the stage, shrugged. “My daughter is as beautiful and splendid as ever, no?”
“That’s not what I mean! This isn’t what we agreed!”
“Agreed? That’s odd. The engagement to Duke Letchery was pushed by the duke himself. Weren’t you troubled by it, Your Highness?”
“W-What are you talking about!?”
Prince Sley’s eyes widened as he questioned Marquis Puridy. This exchange wasn’t part of the plan. Both Lilly and I were unsure of Marquis Puridy’s intentions.
Amid this, only Prince Lucas responded to Marquis Puridy’s improvisation.
“That’s a relief. I was worried about you, Brother. You weren’t getting too close to Duke Letchery, were you?”
“Even you, Lucas…? What are you talking about!?”
“I came here today because I had business with Duke Letchery.”
“Business with me!?”
Still furious, Duke Letchery shouted at Prince Lucas. Unfazed, Lucas nodded confidently and produced a parchment from his pocket.
“Greed Letchery, head of the Letchery family, you are under arrest by order of His Majesty the King for suspicion of human trafficking. Please accompany me to the royal castle.”
“Arrest!? Don’t jest! That warrant is obviously fake!”
While Duke Letchery raged, Prince Sley stared intently at the warrant.
“Brother Sley, you wouldn’t mistake Father’s signature, would you?”
“That’s…”
Prince Sley clenched his fists and fell silent.
He was torn—whether to declare the warrant fake or accept it as real, and what stance to take if it was real.
“What are you doing, Sley!? Get this fool out of here!”
“Y-Yes, but…!”
“Sley! Don’t you need my power to become king!? Obey me!”
“…”
Prince Sley bit his lip and turned to Lucas.
“Lucas, if that warrant is real, show evidence of Duke Letchery’s involvement in human trafficking! Without proof, this is nothing but a plot to discredit my camp!”
“Then I’ll provide evidence.”
With a snap of his fingers, ten knights in white-and-blue armor appeared from the rear doors.
Leading them was a knight with messy brown hair and a scruffy beard. Behind him was Alyssa-san, waving at me with a smile.
“〈Sword Saint〉!?”
“It’s Roan Ashblade…!”
The nobles stirred at Roan’s appearance. As deputy commander of the Kingdom’s Knights, he commanded respect even among them.
“The Kingdom’s Knights!?”
“Impossible, why are they here…!?”
Prince Sley and Duke Letchery gaped at the knights’ arrival. The situation was spiraling beyond their expectations—Lucas’s intrusion, Lilly’s annulment, and now the knights.
The gala had already been hijacked by Prince Lucas, as planned.
“Hey, Roan. Did you bring what I asked for?”
“Here, Your Highness. Letters exchanged between Duke Letchery and a trafficking ring, along with records of large sums received from a foreign merchant. Both were found in the duke’s study.”
“W-What…”
Duke Letchery was speechless at the evidence Roan presented.
The nobles, who had been watching silently, grew restless. If the evidence was real, Duke Letchery was a criminal of the highest order. Accused before such a crowd, even his ducal power couldn’t erase this.
Prince Sley, allied with a criminal, wouldn’t escape unscathed. The throne, so close, would slip further away.
“But my engagement to Duke Letchery is annulled. So now, all responsibility can be pinned on the duke.”
Exactly. As Lilly said, that was the crux of her and Lucas’s plan.
“Explain yourself, Duke Letchery!”
Prince Sley turned his ire on the duke, not Lucas. He’d decided his course.
“Im-Impossible…! It’s nonsense! Those are fake!!”
Duke Letchery’s face was a mix of confusion and panic, not just anger, as he denied the evidence.
“Then let’s have someone with the 〈Appraisal〉 skill examine them. There’s one in the knights, and if anyone here has the skill, please assist. It’ll provide certainty, and Brother Sley will trust the results, yes?”
“…Fine. Those with the 〈Appraisal〉 skill, step forward!”
At Prince Sley’s call, two nobles from the gala approached the stage. Together with one knight, the three examined Roan’s evidence. Their eyes glowed pale blue, a sign of using the 〈Appraisal〉 skill.
Each wore a different expression upon finishing.
The knight’s face was resolute, while the two nobles paled, showing unease and confusion.
“What’s the result?”
“These were written by Duke Letchery’s hand, no mistake!”
The knight answered Lucas without hesitation.
“Don’t be absurd! I know nothing of this! Those can’t exist!”
“…Speak the results.”
Ignoring the duke’s protests, Prince Sley pressed the nobles for their findings. They exchanged glances and spoke hesitantly.
“No mistake.”
“Both are in Duke Letchery’s handwriting…!”
“L-Lies… It can’t be…”
Duke Letchery stumbled back, collapsing onto the floor. His face was pure confusion, shaking his head repeatedly.
He genuinely had no memory of the evidence. All three appraisers confirmed his handwriting, leaving him bewildered—like a fox had tricked him, as they’d say in my previous life.
But the evidence was indeed in his handwriting. And it’s no surprise he didn’t remember.
Because both pieces of evidence—
—were written by Duke Letchery under the influence of my 〈Brainwashing〉 skill.
◇
“Duke Letchery involved in human trafficking, huh?”
The scene shifts back four days to a secret meeting with Prince Lucas.
Lucas explained a legitimate reason for Lilly to annul her engagement to Duke Letchery. Human trafficking was a grave crime in the Reese Kingdom, punishable even for nobles under the king’s name.
“Is that true?”
I glanced at Roan, standing by the wall. Lucas tilted his head, wondering why I didn’t ask him, but I ignored it. Lucas might fabricate a crime, but I trusted my 〈Ninja〉 skill’s enhanced perception to catch any lies from Roan.
“Remember that trafficking ring you took down?”
“Yeah.”
“Wait, what? When did this happen?” Lilly looked at me, stunned.
I hadn’t mentioned the entrance exam incident. There was no reason to.
“He and my sister stumbled into a clothing store used for kidnappings. My sister was taken, and he saved her,” Lucas explained.
“So that’s why she’s so attached…” Lilly muttered, pressing a fist to her lips.
“Back to the point,” Roan continued. “We interrogated the traffickers and learned a noble was involved. They didn’t know who, but the lake transport route they used was secured through a noble’s influence. The knights followed that lead, and the name that came up was—”
“Duke Letchery,” Lucas finished. “He controls lake transport rights. But he’s no fool. All we have is circumstantial evidence. Without solid proof, Father would dismiss any warrant.”
“So, if we had definitive evidence of Duke Letchery’s involvement—”
“It would justify Lilly’s annulment,” I said.
“Exactly. The Puridy family could claim they discovered the duke’s crimes and broke the engagement to protect Brother Sley. His camp might resent it, but they wouldn’t attack recklessly. The problem is getting that evidence.”
Lucas smiled at me. I’d offered to help, so it was time to step up.
“Got it. I’ll—”
“I’ll get the evidence,” Lilly interrupted, her face set with grim determination.
“Uh, how?” Lucas asked, surprised by her boldness.
“…The evidence would be in his private quarters. If I play along with him, getting in shouldn’t be hard.”
“That’s a risky plan. There’s no guarantee you’d find evidence. It’s too dangerous.”
“Even so, if it means breaking the engagement…”
“You’d spend a night with him?” Lucas asked.
“…It’s like a mosquito bite.”
Her voice trembled, and her hand, still holding mine, shook.
Damn it. Why do you always try to bear everything alone…?
“You agree, Hugh?”
“Hell no…!”
“Hugh!?” Lilly gasped at my sharp tone. “That’s no way to speak to His Highness!”
“It’s fine, Lady Lilly,” Lucas said. “His anger is justified. You should learn to rely on others a bit more.”
“Eh…? Y-Yes…” Lilly nodded, flustered by the unexpected reprimand.
“Now, Hugh. Lady Lilly says she can get evidence by sacrificing herself, but could you get it more easily?”
“If you’re telling me to get it, I’ll do it right now.”
“That’s the spirit. But no need to rush. Aim for the afternoon three days from now. The mansion will be busy with gala preparations, and security will be lighter than at night.”
“Got it…”
Three days from now should be a holiday at the academy. Sneaking into Duke Letchery’s mansion during the day shouldn’t be an issue. I’m a bit worried about leaving Lugue alone, though…
“Hugh, you’re not seriously planning to infiltrate Duke Letchery’s mansion by yourself, are you…? It’s too dangerous! If anything happened to you, I…!”
“Let me make this clear—you’re not the only one who feels that way. I’d be heartbroken and furious if anything happened to you, Lilly. So I’m going. With my skills, I should be able to slip into the duke’s mansion without anyone noticing.”
“That may be true, but… at least take someone else with you…”
Lilly’s gaze wandered until it settled on Roan-san.
Roan-san, meeting her eyes, shrugged.
“No can do, kid. I’m good for a frontal assault, but I’m not cut out for stealth missions where I can’t be spotted. …Hey, don’t worry, Puridy’s little lady. I haven’t fought him myself, but Hugh’s strength is the real deal. He took down a trafficking ring single-handedly—without killing a single soul, mind you. Neutralizing them without bloodshed is way harder than wiping them out. Sneaking in to find evidence? Piece of cake for him, right, Hugh?”
“Well, yeah.”
Being praised like that by Roan-san makes me a bit sheepish. I know he’s laying it on thick to reassure Lilly, but…
Maybe getting the endorsement of the kingdom’s strongest knight finally put her at ease. Lilly loosened her grip on my hand just a fraction.
“You’re really going to be okay…?”
“Don’t you think it’s about time you trusted me?”
“Trusting you and not worrying are two different things. Don’t forget there are at least three girls who’d be heartbroken if anything happened to you…”
“Uh, yeah. Why does that make me sound like some kind of notorious playboy…?”
“It’s not just how it sounds—it’s the truth, isn’t it?”
“I’m trying to live a wholesome, honest life here…”
Lugue, Lilly, and Lecty too, huh? Yeah, if a friend suddenly got caught sneaking into a duke’s mansion and executed, that’d be shocking and heartbreaking. I get it.
“Is everything settled? Let’s discuss the plan moving forward,” Lucas said.
After that, Prince Lucas and Lilly led the discussion on our next steps. We considered various possibilities: whether we could bring Marquis Puridy into the fold, what to do if Prince Sley refused to believe the arrest warrant and resorted to force, and so on, hammering out a detailed plan.
It was past two in the morning when we finally wrapped up. For now, we called it a night, agreeing to hold a final meeting the evening before the gala. Lilly and I were sent off in a carriage by Alyssa-san, just as we’d arrived.
“Hey, Hugh, got a sec?”
Just before leaving the building, Prince Lucas called out to me. When I asked, “What’s up?” he slung an arm around my shoulder, leaned in close, and whispered.
“If there’s no evidence of Duke Letchery’s involvement in human trafficking in his mansion…”
“You’re not suggesting I forge it…?”
“I’m not saying you have to. But the duke’s a cunning man. It’s possible he’s left no trace of anything incriminating. If his involvement is certain but there’s no evidence to prove it… don’t you think we’d have no choice, my dear brother-in-law?”
“…You’re right, dear brother-in-law.”
At my reply, Prince Lucas’s mouth twisted into a slight grimace.
I’d rather not use the 〈Brainwashing〉 skill on anyone if I can help it. But this time, it seems I’ll have to rely on it.
If Duke Letchery is truly involved in human trafficking… I’ll steel myself.
◇
The day before the gala.
Using my 〈Ninja〉 skill, I dashed across the rooftops of the capital’s buildings. My destination was Duke Letchery’s mansion in the central district, the grandest and most palatial among the noble estates.
As I approached the central district, I stopped and hid in the shadow of a rooftop. Prince Lucas had warned me that this area was heavily guarded by sentries.
If there’s someone with detection skills, even my 〈Ninja〉 skill might get spotted. It’s probably safer to approach from the ground rather than the conspicuous rooftops.
I glanced back toward the Royal Academy.
I’d shared the bare minimum with Lugue, coordinated with Prince Lucas and Lilly beforehand. I told her we were seeking Prince Lucas’s help to save Lilly, but kept my role and skills under wraps.
I didn’t mention infiltrating Duke Letchery’s mansion today. I only told Lugue I was meeting an old acquaintance of her father’s to seek help for Lilly.
“I want to do something to help Lilly too…”
Lugue had started to say, shaking her head slowly.
“Do what you can to help Lilly, Hugh.”
When she sent me off, she had the air of a princess. This matter was tangled up in the succession dispute, and she likely considered the risks of her involvement.
As Prince Lucas’s sister, Princess Lucretia was both free-spirited and thoughtful. She was quite studious too—not slow-witted, just a bit clumsy. She might’ve even seen through my lie…
Right now, Lugue was probably holding a study session with Lilly for Lecty, who was falling behind in class. I told them I’d join them after finishing my errand. Better wrap this up quickly.
I scaled the wall separating the central district from the city and slipped inside. Duke Letchery’s mansion was easy to spot, with merchants’ carriages lined up, coming and going.
Just to be safe, I hid and switched my skill to 〈Clairvoyance〉 to scout the mansion’s interior.
As Prince Lucas predicted, security was lax due to the merchants’ comings and goings. They probably weren’t expecting someone to infiltrate in broad daylight.
And Duke Letchery… there he was. On the second floor, likely in his study, sitting on a sofa and talking with someone—probably a merchant—wearing a dark green robe with a hood obscuring their face. Suspicious, but the duke seemed to be conversing amiably.
Who is that…? The hood makes it hard to see their face.
Can’t see?
The moment the question crossed my mind, a pair of glowing red eyes glanced my way from beneath the hood.
“—!”
I cut off 〈Clairvoyance〉 and hid, pressing a hand to my mouth and taking deep breaths to calm my racing heart.
Was I seen…? Through 〈Clairvoyance〉? No way, but…
After thirty seconds of holding my breath, I used 〈Clairvoyance〉 again to check the mansion. The hooded figure was handing Duke Letchery a small vial and a large leather bag.
The vial contained a translucent, pale pink liquid. The bag held a large amount of gold coins…?
Duke Letchery checked the bag’s contents with a vulgar smile. Could this be payment from human trafficking? It’d make sense if he were paying, but receiving feels off.
The hooded figure shook hands with the duke and left the room. For a moment, it felt like they glanced my way again.
Just a coincidence, right…?
The figure walked off as if nothing happened and boarded a carriage outside the mansion.
I briefly considered chasing the carriage, but securing evidence of Duke Letchery’s trafficking was the priority.
Switching back to 〈Ninja〉, I infiltrated the mansion. I moved through the expansive garden, hiding among the foliage, and leaped onto the balcony of the second-floor study where the duke was.
He was still counting the gold coins from the bag, oblivious to the door’s sound as I entered from the balcony. No servants or others were in the room, and the corridor outside seemed empty.
Now’s my chance.
I slipped inside, took a hand mirror from my pocket, and released my own 〈Brainwashing〉.
“Hello, Duke Letchery.”
“Who’s there!?”
“Skill 〈Brainwashing〉.”
As the startled duke tried to stand, I activated 〈Brainwashing〉. The words 〈Brainwashing Active〉 appeared above his head.
“Sit.”
I sat on the sofa opposite him, instructing the half-standing duke to sit back down. No need to risk him noticing fatigue or back pain.
“I’ll be blunt. Are you involved in human trafficking?”
“Yes, I am.”
…Just as Prince Lucas suspected.
“Is that gold from human trafficking?”
“Yes.”
“Where are you selling the kidnapped people?”
“I don’t know.”
“Don’t know? What do you mean?”
“I was approached with an offer to buy Reese Kingdom citizens at a high price. I don’t know who they are or where the people are sold.”
“What the…?”
Selling off his own country’s people to some unknown buyer for a high price…?
“Don’t mess with me…! What do you think those kidnapped people are!?”
“Peasants? Who cares if a few go missing? They’ll just multiply again.”
“—!”
I clenched my fists so hard my nails dug in, suppressing the urge to punch him.
This scum was trying to take Lilly? She was supposed to marry this filth?
I wanted to order him to ‘die’ right then. He’d do it without hesitation. …But that’s not the way.
My goal isn’t assassination. If he died now, Lilly and the Puridy family would be the first suspects, and Lucas would come under scrutiny too.
Calm down… It’s not my place to judge him. His crimes need to be exposed at tomorrow’s gala.
“Is there evidence of your involvement in human trafficking?”
“No such thing exists.”
“Why not?”
“Leaving evidence is for fools.”
“…Then you’re about to become a fool.”
Following Prince Lucas’s instructions, I had the duke write two documents implicating his involvement in human trafficking. I placed them in a leather case to keep them pristine.
“Forget about me and keep counting your coins. 〈Brainwashing〉 will lift in ten seconds.”
I stepped onto the balcony, hid, and switched to 〈Ninja〉 as the 〈Brainwashing〉 ended. The duke continued counting coins without a hint of suspicion. Looks like it worked…
I secured the evidence. Now, we just wait for Duke Letchery’s judgment at tomorrow’s gala.
But…
“Who was that guy…?”
As I left the mansion, my thoughts returned to the hooded figure buying kidnapped people from the duke.
Was their face hidden by a magical hood…? And those red eyes that seemed to spot me through 〈Clairvoyance〉 twice are nagging at me.
“Oh…”
I forgot to check the contents of the vial the duke received. Should I go back…? No, getting caught now would ruin everything. I don’t want to risk it.
Knowing the duke, it’s probably just an aphrodisiac or stamina potion… Still, I should report it to Prince Lucas, just in case.
Hopefully, it’s nothing serious…
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