Chapter 5: Lily: "I can see the sparkles too"

“Mother... please...”

Early morning. It was that quiet hour when the pale light filtering through the gaps in the curtains only just began to illuminate the room. I felt myself drifting toward wakefulness at the sound of a girl’s voice coming from right against my chest.

When I looked down, I saw hair like spun gold, smooth as silk.

Lucretia was gripping my pajamas tight, her face buried deep against my sternum as she slept. But her small frame was trembling; she was clearly trapped in the throes of a nightmare.

I thought she stopped having bad dreams when she slept with me...

It was likely her mental state catching up with her.

The destination for our field training, which started today, was the Spen region—her mother’s birthplace. For Lucretia, who carried the heavy trauma of her mother’s death, it was only natural that she couldn't maintain her peace of mind.

...But as for this, there wasn't a damn thing I could do to help her.

“Tia...”

The least I could do was hold her. I wrapped my arms around her small body, hoping to give her some sense of security. After a while, her trembling subsided, replaced by the rhythmic, peaceful sound of her breathing.

I wanted to let her sleep a little longer, but...

Unfortunately, the assembly time was fast approaching.

Since our destination was further away than the other classes, Class 1-A had an early departure. We had to be out of the academy gates by the time I’d usually be starting my morning drills with Alyssa-san and Idiot.

Looking at the time, we were at the limit.

I stared at the clock, holding out until the very last possible second before gently shaking Lucretia’s shoulder.

“Tia, wake up. It’s morning.”

“Mmph... Hugh, five more minutes...”

“Talk about a cliché. Sorry, I overslept a bit too. If we don’t get up now, we’re gonna be in trouble. Come on, up you get.”

“Uuuugh...”

Lucretia groaned in protest but began to wriggle out from under the covers.

She was wearing an off-the-shoulder negligee, and the right strap had slipped down, dangling precariously. This was a bit much for first thing in the morning...!

“Morning, Hugh... Yawn.”

She stretched her arms high while letting out a sleepy sigh, causing the left strap to start sliding down as well and—aaaah!

I reflexively threw the duvet back over her. She was way too defenseless!

“Eek!? W-What was that for? Why’d you throw the blanket at me!?”

“Just hurry up and get changed! If we’re late today, it’s not gonna be funny!”

“Fine, fine.”

Lucretia climbed out of bed with a slight pout. It was only then that she realized her negligee was half-falling off. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she clutched the fabric to her chest before grabbing her clothes and scurrying into the changing area.

Good grief. I had a feeling this trip was going to be a long one...

During field training, we wouldn't have the luxury of private rooms like we did in the dorms. We’d likely be sharing rooms with other guys or sleeping in tents during the outdoor legs.

I had to be extra careful to make sure Lugue’s true identity—and her actual gender—didn't leak.

If push came to shove, I’d just have to handle it with my 《Brainwashing》 skill.

With that grim resolve, I changed into my uniform and did a final check of my gear.

The rucksack provided by the academy was packed with several days' worth of clothes, portable rations, and a sleeping bag for camping. In this field training, the dungeon exploration felt almost like an afterthought; the real goal seemed to be the long-distance march while carrying all this weight.

I tried hoisting the pack onto my shoulders. It wasn't particularly heavy.

Lugue and Lily should be able to handle this without much trouble.

I had some hazy memories of hearing that soldiers in my previous life fought while carrying dozens of kilograms of gear. Compared to that, this was a breeze. Probably because I wasn't carrying weapons or ammunition.

A short while later, Lugue returned to the room in her uniform. After one last double-check of our supplies, we stepped out of the dorm room.

We wouldn't be back for about a month. Thinking about that brought a small pang of loneliness.

“We’re off,” I muttered instinctively to the empty room.

Lugue gave me a soft smile. “We’re off,” she repeated, mirroring my words.

I locked the door, and we headed outside.

The midsummer sun was already beating down, but the morning air still held a lingering, crisp chill against my skin.

“Is it too heavy, Lugue?” I asked, looking at my companion as we walked toward the assembly point.

The weight might have been fine, but the rucksack looked massive against her back.

“Nope, I’m okay!”

“Tell me the second it gets tough. I can carry two or three of these if I have to.”

“Got it! If I get tired, I’ll just have you carry me and the bag, Hugh.”

“That’s a slightly different deal, don't you think?”

Well, I suppose if I swapped my skills to use 《Physical Enhancement》, it would be easy enough, but spoiling her too much was a bad idea. I’d probably get a lecture from Lily or Alyssa-san.

“I’m just kidding~,” Lugue laughed, sounding genuinely cheerful.

It didn't seem like forced energy... but since we were heading to the Spen region, she’d inevitably have to face her mother’s death and Drefon’s Curse. Her heart couldn't possibly be at ease.

Still, me worrying too much wouldn't help anything either.

As long as she was acting like her usual self, I’d do my best to do the same.

Most of our classmates were already gathered at the vacant lot near the school gates. Alyssa-san wasn't there yet, so everyone was huddled in their usual social circles, chatting away.

In the middle of all that…

“You! Get away from Lecty this instant!”

“Noooo waaaaay!”

Lily was currently engaged in a desperate struggle to peel Tina—who was clinging to Lecty from behind—off her friend.

What are they even doing?

Lecty looked troubled but wasn't actually putting up any resistance. It was Lily who was overreacting, huffing and puffing as she tried to pry Tina’s arms away.

“Hey, Hugh? Who’s that girl who looks like Lecty?” Lugue asked.

“That’s Tina. She’s an adventurer. Remember when I told you I met some people at the guild when I went with Idiot? She’s one of them.”

“Hmph. She’s cute, isn't she?”

“Let me stop you right there—nothing happened,” I said, shutting down that line of thought immediately.

My preemptive strike worked. Lugue simply nodded, accepting the answer. “I see.”

“But why is an adventurer clinging to Lecty like that?”

“Ah... a lot happened yesterday.”

Lugue knew I’d gone with Lecty to accompany Rosalie to see Malicious. I gave her a brief summary of how we bumped into Tina and the others on the way back, omitting the part about looking for a present.

“I see. So, because of her mother... They really do look alike. If that’s the case, I think I can understand her feelings a little.”

Lugue, having lost her own mother, probably felt a certain kinship with Tina’s situation.

Eventually, a defeated Lily came trudging toward us like a zombie, gasping for breath. She really had zero stamina.

“W-What is wrong with that girl!?” she wheezed. “Just showing up out of nowhere and glomming onto Lecty!”

“Calm down, Lily. She’s...”

I gave Lily the same explanation I’d just given Lugue.

When I finished, Lily crossed her arms and let out a disgruntled snort.

“Hmph. Regardless of the circumstances, it’s still incredibly rude.”

“I mean, you’re not wrong, but...”

Still, Lecty didn't seem to mind. In fact, she looked like she was enjoying herself. She was still being hugged from behind, but the two of them were chatting away happily.

Lily watched them, her cheeks puffed out slightly.

Is she...?

“You’re just lonely because Lecty’s being ‘stolen,’ aren't you, Lily?” Lugue teased, hiding a smirk behind her hand.

“Hah!? I-I am not lonely! I am simply... simply teaching her the proper etiquette of a lady!”

“Mmm-hmm. So, if that girl were a ‘lady’ by your standards, it would be fine?”

“T-That’s not... Oh, hush!”

Cornered, Lily turned her head away, her face flushing red. If I remembered correctly, those two were childhood friends. It was the first time I’d seen Lily—who was usually the one doing the teasing—get teased herself.

It was a fresh look for her, and honestly, pretty damn cute.

“...What are you looking at?”

“Nothing.”

If we were alone, I might have told her she was cute, but Lugue and the rest of the class were right there. It would just make things complicated—and more importantly, I was embarrassed too.

“Good morning, everyone!”

Idiot Hortness walked over to us, followed by a very awkward-looking Ryug. He’d probably seen the whole exchange with Lily, so I could guess what was going through his head.

“Morning, Idiot. And you too, Ryug.”

“Good morning, Hugh-san. Everyone. I... I can't apologize enough for my sister...” Ryug bowed deeply.

Lugue and Lily tilted their heads in unison. “Who’s this?”

I introduced him as an adventurer joining us for the training and Tina’s older brother. Lily gave a knowing nod.

“I’m Lily Puridy. It seems you have your hands full with your sister.”

“Yes, well... Ahaha...”

Ryug’s laughter was hollow, and he seemed incredibly tense. It didn't look like he was just nervous about Tina, though—it felt more like he was specifically intimidated by Lily. Or maybe I was just imagining it.

“I’ll make sure to give her a stern talking-to.”

“Please do.”

Lily didn't press him further. She just sighed and looked back toward the group. Tina was still stuck to Lecty like glue.

Lecty’s presence in Lily’s life might be even bigger than I’d realized.

“By the way, things seem a bit... intense. Have any of you heard anything?” Idiot asked.

“Intense?” I echoed, confused.

Idiot scanned the perimeter without a word. I followed his gaze and noticed a group of adults in traveling gear, swords at their waists, watching us from a distance.

They were standing in a way that made them blend in, so I hadn't noticed them until now. But once I started looking, there were a lot of them. I could see why Idiot called it "intense."

“Are they adventurers...?”

“No,” Ryug answered. “There are only supposed to be five adventurers assigned to this trip, including Tina and myself.”

“There’s definitely more than five people over there...” I muttered.

I counted about a dozen at a glance. There were probably more lurking in spots I couldn't see. Maybe I should have swapped to my 《Ninja》 skill...

They didn't look like they were about to attack, so they weren't enemies, but...

“Are they the Kingdom Knights?” Lugue whispered.

Ah, of course! I recognized a few of those faces. They were the ones I’d seen during the Letchery and Malicious incidents.

They must have realized we’d spotted them, because a few of them gave us a friendly wave. Apparently, they weren't trying to hide; they were just keeping their distance.

“Yeah, no doubt about it,” Idiot confirmed. “I’ve seen all those faces at the training grounds.”

“That’s right, you’ve been joining the Knights’ drills. Did you hear why they’re here?”

“No... That’s why I came to ask you. I thought you might have heard something from Lady Alyssa or Prince Lucas.”

“No, not a word...”

I looked at Lugue and Lily, who had been with Alyssa-san yesterday, but they both shook their heads. Apparently, they were in the dark too.

“I see... There aren't many of them, but those are the elites—the top-tier strength of the Knights. I wonder what business they have with the Royal Academy. It’s hard to believe they’re just here to escort us.”

“Yeah...”

I glanced at Lugue, thinking she might know something, but she gave a small shake of her head. Even if Alyssa-san or the Knights already undercover at the academy were on guard duty, adding ten more elites was far too conspicuous.

What for...?

Then, a memory of yesterday flashed through my mind. Roan-san, the Vice Commander, had said something to me at the hospital:

‘Oh right, I had a message from His Highness. Totally forgot. He said: “Looking forward to tomorrow.”’

...I was starting to get a really bad feeling about this.

“Line up, you runts!”

Alyssa-san’s voice boomed across the lot.

We cut our conversation short and gathered around her. Lecty, finally free from Tina, and Rosalie, who had arrived at the very last second, joined our group.

“Looks like everyone’s here. Alright, I’m gonna introduce the adventurers joining us for this field training.”

Alyssa-san introduced the five adventurers one by one.

Aside from Ryug and Tina, the other three were C-rank veterans. It seemed they took on the academy’s request every year, as their greetings were polished and professional.

When Ryug was introduced, a cheer went up from the girls in class. When Tina stepped forward, the boys did the same. They were close to our age, Ryug was quite handsome, and Tina was just as pretty as Lecty. I could see why they were popular.

Once the introductions were finished, Alyssa-san cleared her throat.

“Aaand, we have one more person. A very troublesome friend who insisted on taggin' along...”

If "looking like she’d swallowed a bitter bug" was an expression, it perfectly described Alyssa-san’s face right now. She slapped a hand to her forehead and let out an exaggerated sigh. Behind her, the door to a carriage opened, and a man stepped out.

His long, golden hair was as smooth as silk, fluttering in the breeze as he stepped up beside her. He wore a black blindfold. The moment they saw him, the entire class gasped and dropped to one knee in a synchronized bow.

My brain stalled for a second. I stood there frozen until Lily grabbed my hand—and Lugue’s—and yanked us down into the same posture as everyone else.

I’d suspected it. But he really came!?

“Hello, everyone. I am Lucas von Reese, the Third Prince of the Reese Kingdom. Due to various circumstances, I’ll be joining you for your field training. I know my presence might be a bit formal, but I hope we can get along.”

Prince Lucas offered a gentle smile, speaking with the casual tone of a friend.

“Yay, applause,” Alyssa-san deadpanned, her clapping so half-hearted it was almost impressive. The rest of the class followed suit with a scattered, nervous round of applause.

I wondered if even Alyssa-san hadn't known he was coming until the last minute.

Regardless, our field training was off to a chaotic start before we’d even left.

I had nothing but anxiety for what lay ahead…

◇

Despite the massive anomaly that was Prince Lucas joining us, the field training proceeded according to the schedule.

First, we boarded carriages that took us from the academy to the capital’s harbor district. Since the Spen region was on the opposite side of Lake Reese, the first three days would be spent traveling by boat.

“My, I was simply shocked! To think Prince Lucas would join us!”

Rosalie’s voice rang out inside the carriage.

The carriage held our usual group of six: myself, Lugue, Lily, Lecty, Idiot, and Rosalie. I was sandwiched between Lugue on my left and Idiot on my right. Across from us sat Lily, Lecty, and Rosalie. It was a perfect half-and-half split of boys and girls.

“Did none of you know either?”

“...No. Not a single word,” Lily replied, resting her right elbow on the window frame and leaning her cheek against her hand. Her left hand was squeezed tight around Lecty’s right. Lecty looked a bit confused but had a small, happy smile on her face.

“Hugh, you didn't hear anything?”

“Not a thing.”

Roan-san had dropped a hint, but who could have predicted this?

“Still, I wonder if this is wise,” Idiot mused. “With Prince Slay out of the running, the struggle for the throne is effectively a duel between Prince Lucas and Prince Brute. To leave the capital for an entire month at such a time seems... ill-advised.”

“It’s beyond ill-advised,” Lily muttered. “My father is still in the capital, and maybe Vice Commander Roan stayed behind since I don’t see him here... But even so, he’s definitely giving Prince Brute an opening.”

“True...”

It seemed unlike Prince Lucas to be so reckless. Was this part of some scheme?

Was he showing an opening on purpose to lure Prince Brute into a trap...?

“The biggest problem is that our destination is the Spen region,” Idiot continued. “He risks losing the support of the nobles he just worked so hard to win over.”

“Is there something special about the Spen region?” Rosalie asked.

“Prince Lucas’s mother was born into the Drefon family.”

“...!”

I felt Lugue, sitting next to me, catch her breath.

“The Drefon family... I see,” Rosalie whispered. She clearly knew about the family, the Black Dragon Drefon, and the associated curse.

“I hear there are still many nobles who refuse to support Prince Lucas because of Drefon’s Curse,” Idiot said. “If they all flock to Prince Brute, the balance of power could shift entirely. It would be perfect ammunition for Brute to use against him. I’d like to think Prince Lucas knows this, but...”

“We won't know his true intentions unless we ask him,” I said.

I doubted he’d give us a straight answer, and talking about it here wasn't going to get us anywhere. That was my point, but...

“You’re right. We’re counting on you, Hugh.”

“Huh? Me? I’m the one who has to ask?”

“Well, obviously. Who else is there?”

“Indeed,” Idiot agreed. “Prince Lucas might actually be willing to tell you his true aim.”

“I mean, fine, but... don’t get your hopes up.”

I was certainly the one most likely to get away with asking him. If I found the right timing, I’d give it a shot, though I didn't expect much.

As we talked, the carriage entered the harbor district.

Even this early in the morning, the area was bustling with life. Fishermen working the lake, merchants participating in the fish auctions, and logistics workers moving goods—it was a world away from the quiet atmosphere around the academy.

Eventually, the carriage stopped near a ship moored at the pier.

“That ship is huuuuge!”

Rosalie let out a cry of admiration the moment we stepped out.

Whoa, okay, yeah...

I could see why she was shouting. Moored before us was a massive sailing vessel, easily a hundred meters long. The hull was decorated in white and light blue, with gold accents throughout.

“Is that the 『Prince of Reese』? The royal family’s private ship...?”

“I’ve heard rumors of the royal vessel,” Idiot said, “but it’s my first time seeing it in person.”

“Are we actually traveling on that thing...?”

I looked around, but it was the only ship at the pier. In fact, this whole section of the harbor might have been reserved for this ship alone.

The other carriages arrived one after another, and my classmates were all standing there with their mouths agape. Even the adventurers were wearing similar expressions.

Finally, the last carriage arrived, and Prince Lucas and Alyssa-san stepped out.

“Is everyone here?” the Prince asked. “Since I’m joining you for this exercise, I took the liberty of providing the transport. By the name of the Reese Royal Family, I promise you a comfortable journey.”

“We were supposed to experience the ‘fun’ of a cramped transport ship,” Alyssa-san sighed, her shoulders slumping. “This isn't an exercise anymore, it’s a vacation.”

Ignoring their teacher’s lament, the students erupted into cheers. I mean, if you had to choose between a miserable transport ship and a royal luxury vessel, the choice was obvious.

With Prince Lucas in the lead, we boarded the 『Prince of Reese』.

First, we were shown to our cabins.

They were simple rooms with two sailor-style beds, but having a private room at all was a blessing. The rooms were assigned based on our dorm pairings, so Lugue and I naturally ended up together.

Did he come along specifically to make sure Lugue’s secret stayed safe?

No, that seemed like overkill...

Besides, using the royal ship meant Prince Lucas was leaving the capital with his head held high. He wasn't exactly trying to hide his movements from Prince Brute.

A short while after we’d dropped our gear in the room, the scenery outside the window began to move slowly.

An hour later.

I never would have guessed the ship would turn into a scene straight out of hell...

“Hurrrrk...”

Rosalie was currently leaning over the railing, emptying her stomach into the sea.

“Ugh... R-Rosalie-sama, hang in there...!”

Cicely-san was rubbing Rosalie’s back, though her own face was a ghostly shade of blue. Every now and then, she joined Rosalie in leaning over the edge.

Lake Reese was a massive body of water, and it had its own waves. The ship wasn't exactly tossing and turning, but apparently, even the slightest rhythmic swaying was enough to trigger motion sickness. It wasn't just Rosalie and Cicely; classmates were groaning in agony all over the deck.

“L-Lily-chan, are you okay...?”

“Hehe... The world is spinning. Oh look, there are three Hughs now. That means we can all play together, hehehe...”

“Lily-chaaaaaan!? 《Heal》! 《Cleanse》!”

Lily was curled up on the deck clutching a bucket, full-on hallucinating. Lecty was desperately trying to treat her, but I wondered if magic even worked on seasickness...

When we’d first set sail, everyone was on the deck enjoying the view and watching the harbor fade into the distance. Now, it was this.

Lugue and I were sitting in a shaded area of the deck, watching the carnage.

“Are you doing okay, Lugue?”

“Yeah! You seem fine too, Hugh.”

“Yeah, this level of swaying doesn't bother me. Back home, I used to take a boat out on the nearby lake and spend the whole day fishing. I guess I just got used to it.”

“Wow, that sounds like fun. I’d love to try fishing sometime.”

“Want to try it now?”

A royal ship was bound to have fishing gear somewhere.

I was about to stand up to ask one of the crew members when Lugue grabbed my sleeve.

“No, not right now. It’s just... I was thinking I’d like to go fishing with you in your hometown someday. Would... would that be okay?”

“Of course it would. We’ll do it. I promise.”

I didn't know when I’d be able to take her back to my home, but I was going to make sure that wish came true.

Floating in a small boat on the lake, just the two of us casting our lines... enjoying the slow crawl of time. Even if we didn't catch a single fish, I knew we’d end up laughing about it anyway.

I wanted to spend days like that—peaceful and quiet—with her forever.

Wait a second. Isn't that, like, the perfect line for a confession?

Is it now? Is the timing finally here!?

“Ah... I see it. I see the light, Lecty. It’s so sparkly... Tee-hee.”

“Lily-chan!? Pull yourself together! Lily-chaaaaaan!”

...Yeah, definitely not the time.

Lily sounded like she was genuinely crossing over to the other side. I couldn't just stand there and watch the show, so I hurried over to her with Lugue. I ended up giving Lily a princess-carry back to our cabins.

Once we got her settled into bed, Lecty began alternating between casting 《Heal》 and 《Cleanse》. Eventually, the sound of Lily’s peaceful snoring filled the room. It looked like she was finally stable.

“Ah, there you are. Got a second, Hugh-kiddo?”

Alyssa-san’s voice called out from the doorway, which we’d left ajar.

Leaving Lily in Lecty’s capable hands, Lugue and I stepped out into the hallway.

“Is something wrong?” I asked.

“His Highness is callin' for you. Said there’s somethin’ he wants to chat about while he’s got the chance.”

“Prince Lucas...? Understood.”

I wondered if he was going to explain his reasons for joining the trip himself. If so, that saved me the trouble of trying to corner him later.

“Um... excuse me. May I come along too?” Lugue asked, looking at Alyssa-san.

Alyssa-san crossed her arms and tilted her head. “How should I know...?”

After a moment of deliberation, she shrugged. “Well, he didn't say not to bring you, so I guess it’s fine.”

“Thank you, Alyssa-san!”

Prince Lucas likely expected Lugue to be by my side anyway. If it were a conversation Lugue wasn't meant to hear, he would have told Alyssa-san to bring me alone. The lack of such an order meant her presence was permitted.

Following Alyssa-san’s lead, we headed toward the stern of the ship. The corridor leading to the royal suite was heavily guarded by the Kingdom Knights I’d seen back at the academy. We passed through without issue, and Alyssa-san knocked on the ornate, luxurious door at the end of the hall.

“Your Highness, I’ve brought Hugh and Lugue.”

『Come in.』

Upon hearing the reply, Alyssa-san opened the door.

True to its royal status, the room was incomparably more spacious than our own cabins. The interior was lavish, with numerous paintings adorning the walls and a plush red carpet covering the floor. Through the large windows at the very rear of the ship, I could see the foaming wake trailing behind us as we sliced through the water.

Prince Lucas was sitting on a sofa, looking perfectly relaxed.

Beside him sat Merry, her cheeks stuffed full of cookies as she munched away.

She looks like a squirrel...

“Ah, you’ve arrived. Both of you, please, take a seat. There are... still a few cookies left, I believe.”

“These cookies are so sweet and crunchy! I highly recommend them!” Merry chirped through a mouthful.

“U-Uh, yeah. Thanks, Merry-chan,” Lugue replied with a strained smile.

The plate, which I assumed had started as a mountain of cookies, only had six left. Alyssa-san divided them onto small plates—three for each of us—and Lugue and I sat down across from the Prince.

Before getting to the main point, I took a sip of the tea Alyssa-san had poured and took a bite of a cookie.

Yeah, she wasn't lying. Sweet and crunchy.

“These are delicious, Merry-chan.”

“They’re Merry’s favorite!” She puffed out her chest with pride and popped the last of her own cookies into her mouth.

Lugue followed suit, nibbling on hers.

They really do look alike.

I could see why Lily had mistaken Merry for Lucretia when they first met. Even though Merry used a different hairstyle and makeup to mimic her, the fact that a childhood friend like Lily couldn't tell them apart said everything. Now that their hair colors were so similar—silver and ash-grey—they looked like sisters.

In terms of resemblance, they were probably on par with Lecty and Tina.

“Aww... they’re all gone.”

Merry’s shoulders slumped as she finished her last cookie.

She put a finger to her lip and let her gaze wander, eventually landing longingly on my plate. I still had two left.

“Er... you want them?”

“R-Really? Is it okay?”

“Yeah, go for it.”

The moment I pushed the plate toward her, Merry’s face lit up with a radiant smile.

“Thank you!”

She started munching away again, looking like the happiest person in the world.

...I actually really wanted those, but I couldn't say no to a face like that. I’d just have to consider her happiness a fair trade.

Suddenly, I felt a gaze on me and turned to find Lugue smiling softly.

“You know, Hugh, I think you’re going to be a total pushover when you have kids.”

“Y-You think so?”

“Yeah. I think you’ll be a great father.”

I wasn't sure what her intention was behind that comment.

I was curious, but I decided not to ask.

...Would someone please notice the extremely complicated expression on her "Big Brother’s" face right now?

“Ahem. Shall we get down to business?”

Prince Lucas gave a pointed cough to get our attention.

We straightened our posture, and the Prince gave a small nod before he began to speak.

“I imagine you’re wondering why I insisted on joining your field training. Let me start by saying the reason isn't particularly grand.”

He took a sip of his tea, pausing for effect.

“Hugh, are you aware that my mother was born in the Spen region?”

“...Yes, I am.”

Beside me, Lugue’s deep sapphire eyes widened.

I could have pretended not to know, and Lily hadn't explicitly confirmed it for me. But since I’d already figured it out, denying it would have been a lie. I didn't feel like playing games.

“I see. Well, it’s not as if it’s a state secret. It wouldn't be strange for you to hear it somewhere. Judging by your reaction, I assume you know a bit about Drefon’s Curse as well?”

“Yes. The gist of it.”

“That makes this easier, then,” Lucas said with a smile.

But beside me, Lugue was looking down, her hands clenched tight in her lap.

Is she mad at me for knowing and keeping quiet about it?

“While the plague known as Drefon’s Curse was ravaging the capital, our mother passed away from an entirely unrelated illness. This was confirmed by the records and testimony of the royal physicians at the time. However... people’s emotions are fickle things. My mother was never permitted burial in the royal tombs.”

He explained that his mother’s body had been taken from the capital and transported to the Spen region. Now, she rested in a grave built deep in the mountains of the Drefon territory.

“So, the reason you’re joining us is...”

“To put it simply, a visit to her grave. You might think it’s a strange time to leave, given the struggle for the throne, but look at it this way—once I become King, I won't be able to leave the capital so easily. I wanted to pay my respects to her while I still had the chance.”

I see...

Just as Idiot had feared, this move might weaken Lucas’s position and be exploited by Prince Brute. Even knowing that, Prince Lucas felt he had to visit his mother’s grave before the crown was placed on his head.

I couldn't fathom everything he was feeling, but I could understand the desire to see a loved one who had passed.

...But was that really all?

“Of course, I don’t plan on being away for long. Once I’ve visited the grave, I intend to head back ahead of you all.”

Which meant he’d be taking a transport ship back. It was probably going to be an even worse scene than the deck earlier today.

Prince Lucas planned to be away for about two weeks. According to him, that was a short enough window for Vice Commander Roan and the Marquis of Puridy to keep Prince Brute in check.

“You may share this with Lady Lily and Lord Idiot. I’m sure they’re curious as well.”

“Understood.”

“Is there anything else on your mind?”

“...No. Nothing.”

I hesitated for a second before shaking my head.

But in truth, one thing was bothering me.

If the goal was to visit their mother’s grave, why hadn't he told Lucretia?

The girl sitting next to me was looking down with a somber expression. Prince Lucas had to be able to see that. If he had just told her that the grave was the destination, and that was why he’d chosen the Great Drefon Labyrinth for our training, she wouldn't have had to suffer in silence.

...Either there was a reason he couldn't tell her, or there was another purpose for this trip entirely.

Regardless, my job remained the same.

I would stay by Lucretia’s side and protect her. That was it.

“That’s all for now. My apologies for calling you away.”

“Not at all. We’ll be going, then. Come on, Lugue.”

“U-Uh, yeah...”

Lugue nodded hesitantly and followed me as I stood up from the sofa.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of lunch and helping with shipboard duties as part of our training. By evening, the ship had moored at a port for the night.

A lavish buffet party, arranged by Prince Lucas, was held on the forward deck for dinner.

By that time, Lily, Rosalie, and the others had mostly recovered from their seasickness and were enjoying the food.

In the midst of the noise and celebration, Lugue was alone on the aft deck, away from the crowd. She stood by the railing, reaching her hands out toward the moon hanging in the night sky.

They say the souls of the dead go to the moon, don't they?

I’d come looking for her after noticing she’d slipped away, but I wasn't sure how to approach her.

Ever since the talk with Prince Lucas, Lugue had been keeping a bit of distance. During lunch and while we were working, she’d made sure not to be right next to me.

She was probably angry that I’d known about Drefon’s Curse and hadn't said anything. If that was the case, I wanted to apologize.

Well, there was no point in hesitating.

I made sure my footsteps were audible as I walked up to stand beside her.

Lugue pulled her hands back and looked at me, her eyes wide with surprise. Then, a self-deprecating smile touched her lips.

“You shouldn't get too close. You might get cursed, you know?”

She was trying to make a joke of it, but her voice was trembling, and her smile was brittle with pain. I wondered if those were words someone had actually said to her before. The thought of it made me lose control of my impulses.

I grabbed Lugue by the shoulders and pulled her into a tight hug.

“Eek!? H-Hugh...?”

She looked up at me, completely bewildered.

“Aren't you... afraid of the curse?”

“We sleep stuck together every night. It’s a bit late to start being afraid now, isn't it?”

“Ah... I guess you’re right.”

Lugue whispered, her body finally relaxing in my arms.

It seemed like a simple realization, but it was enough to pull her out of the tunnel vision her grief and anxiety had caused.

“I’m way more afraid of you avoiding me than I am of some curse,” I said softly. “I’m sorry about the curse thing. I knew, and I kept it from you.”

“No... I should be the one apologizing. I was so scared that if you found out about the Drefon family and the curse, you’d hate me.”

“As if I could ever hate you.”

“Hugh...”

Lugue wrapped her arms around my back.

We held each other tightly, as if trying to anchor one another in place. I could feel her warmth and the steady beat of her heart. The cool night breeze on my heated cheeks felt incredible.

After about a minute of clinging to each other, we pulled apart, both of us flushing with sheepish smiles.

“Hey, Hugh... will you come with me to visit my mother’s grave?”

“Of course.”

I’d have to find some incense... or whatever the equivalent was in this world. I wanted to pay my respects to her mother, too.

“Thank you, Hugh. And, um... listen. I want to introduce you to my mother on the moon, but I also want to introduce you to the mother resting in the grave. I want to tell her that you’re... someone very precious to me!”

“O-Oh. Right.”

“That’s why, Hugh, I really—”

“Stop right there!”

“Mmph!?”

I panicked and clamped a hand over Lugue’s mouth just as she was about to say something with a look of absolute resolve.

Crap, that was close. I was glad I’d swapped to the 《Ninja》 skill to find her.

Thanks to that, I’d noticed the group spying on us from the shadows.

“(I can't hear a word they’re saying from here!)”

“(Don't push, Lady Rosalie! If we go any further, Hugh will catch—)”

“—Kyaa!”

“Gwah!”

Rosalie and Idiot lost their balance and tumbled out onto the deck from their hiding spot.