Chapter 26: Troublesome Circumstances
The VIP room, naturally, is only for those of high status.
Or special guests connected to them.
This time, both princes are under house arrest and absent.
Their attendants and close aides are also confined.
As a result, the VIP room is emptier than usual.
Even with the King, Queen, and the rarely-seen princess attending, there is still space.
Amid this, the knights received a terrifying piece of news.
The beloved daughter of that “Demon Duke,” the Marshal and great noble, Duke Greil von Lattiche, would be attending.
Incidentally, Prince Lucas—who had previously mistreated that cherished young lady—had been utterly crushed along with his faction.
The aftermath even reached the Second Prince, Leold, and extended to the noble council and the elder council.
The duke is normally indifferent and efficiency-driven.
Exceptionally capable in work, yet equally inhuman.
Many nobles had been deceived by his beauty.
Even now, his allure inspires fear across nations.
If another failure occurs, everyone expects casualties on an entirely different scale.
Last time, thanks only to Lady Albertina herself intervening, deaths were limited.
But the duke shows no mercy.
Next time, he would crush everything far more thoroughly.
Lady Albertina, the duke’s daughter, is an unknown entity adored by that monster.
She has rarely left Lattiche territory.
The first time—at a royal tea party, where she was mistaken for a princess, kidnapped, and left with scars that would ruin a lady’s life.
The second—when she accompanied the duke to a resort in Domitorias territory.
The third—when she visited the academy, where Prince Lucas caused that incident.
Two out of three times, involvement with royalty brought her tragedy.
Naturally, her impression of the royal family is poor.
This fourth outing—she must be protected at all costs.
If they fail, the duke may declare, “Such useless knights are unnecessary.”
Rumors say even a young servant from the ducal house was punished over that incident.
If even servants faced that fate, the knights were likely spared only because of the young lady’s mercy.
At least, she herself is not as cruel as the duke.
Unaware of the knights’ resolve, I casually looked around the VIP room.
The terrace connected directly to the viewing seats—very luxurious.
Finally free from stares, I removed my bonnet.
“My, it’s very beautiful inside.”
“The VIP rooms are regularly renovated.
You can rest here if you get tired,” Jibril said.
Though slightly angular, the room was lavish.
Carpets underfoot, tapestries, framed paintings, sofas and tables—everything refined.
There was even a bed in the next room.
Apparently, it was for fainting ladies.
“Should we go see Michaelis?”
“No, he’ll come running the moment he hears you’re here.”
“Oh? I didn’t tell him… how unfortunate.”
“He’ll be thrilled regardless.
It’s a rare chance.”
“Did they have a fight?”
“In a sense, it’s constant warfare.”
“I hope they make up.”
“…That would be difficult.”
The conversation felt slightly off…
“Unless one defeats the duke, none of them can act.
It’s like comparing worms,” Jibril said.
Why is Father involved?
Jibril’s standards are absurdly high…
Then she began listing:
Kishtarial—too close to me.
Julius—dangerous and calculating.
Michaelis—too timid.
Jibril turned dark.
“Don’t bully Michaelis too much.”
“If he fails even after this setup, he’s hopeless.”
“Jibril!?”
“I might just steal you myself, Sister.”
“Oh my, how bold.”
…Why am I being fought over?
Then a knock came.
“Jibril! Open the door!”
Michaelis burst in, already in armor.
“Why is Albert here!?”
“I persuaded the duke.”
“That’s impossible!”
“I simply told him someone was trying to steal his daughter’s toy.”
“…What?”
“The duke’s carefully raised toy is being stolen.
He even assigned shadows.”
Ah.
The “toy”… is Michaelis.
Poor thing.
“Depending on how the royal family acts, the duke will decide future punishment.”
“…I see.”
Then I spoke.
“I heard everything. I will help.”
Michaelis froze.
“You’re really here…?”
“Yes.
I wanted to come.
Your swordsmanship was wonderful.”
“…It’s not a bother.”
He relaxed.
“I’m glad you came.
But it’s dangerous.”
“You worry too much.”
“…Then I will fight for you.”
He knelt, took my hand, and pressed his forehead to it.
His fingers lingered slightly when he let go.
“Brother?”
“…I know.”
Jibril’s cold voice stopped him.
“You helping or interfering?”
“I’m always on Sister’s side.”
“…Troublesome sister.”
Michaelis left.
Lord Carreras looked like he had much to say—
But remained silent.