Chapter 48

On a whole other level, the surprise visit left Kathia speechless.

Naturally, another person followed behind Deon.

It was Hughes, with his forehead covered.

“I’m sorry, your Highness. I truly apologize. Even if I had two mouths, I could not express my apologies enough. Just please, do not scream. I apologize…”

At least the second intruder had common sense in comparison to the first.

The problem was, there was a THIRD intruder as well.

“Hahaha! By trespassing into your room, I can’t say anything if I get my head chopped off!”

Confirming the face of the heartily laughing man, Kathia widened her eyes. With short navy hair and a scar running across his nose, she was able to tell his identity.

Jean Troy.

Sir Troy. The description to follow after him was colorful.

The young Commander of the Adolphe Knighthood, affiliated with the Brezina Imperial Palace. Presently holder of the record for youngest Swordmaster. A living legend, etc, etc.

‘In the original novel, he’s one of Deon’s precious, valuable, personal connections.’

That great Jean Troy promptly approached Kathia and kneeled on one knee before sitting down.

“Affiliated with the Brezina Imperial Palace, Commander of the Adolphe Knighthood, Jean Troy. With my utmost respect, I greet you, your Highness.”

“…N-Nice to meet you. Please rise now.”

Kathia had gaped and then replied a moment late. It was astonishing to see the Jean Troy himself, but he suddenly came into her room through the window.

It felt like watching a never-ending third-rate drama.

With a ready-to-demand and what-is-happening face, Kathia glanced towards Deon. He was already looking in her direction, so she met his gaze at that instant.

“My apologies for surprising you. Out of secrecy, I needed to avoid others’ eyes.”

“To avoid eyes?”

“With just one step, so many rumors emerge, following him around. Especially recently, His Highness’s presence stands out SOOOO clearly.”

To Kathia’s question, Hughes quickly chimed in, the tone of his voice filled somewhat with regret. Kathia tilted her head.

“Rumors…?”

“The rumors are so obvious.”

This time, Jean jumped to answer.

“The youngest Prince visited the Princess’s palace. Like, since when were the two so close? To be exact, they don’t even share a drop of blood. Then what were a grown man and woman doing together in a room all alone? That sure leads to dirty thoughts.”

His bright voice didn’t match the content of his words; Kathia shrunk back in astonishment. A man and woman in one room doing what now?

“W-Why are those kinds of…”

“Why are those kinds of rumors going around?”

Kathia vigorously nodded her head. It was because she couldn’t talk, shocked.

Even if they don’t share a drop of blood, they still officially share a sibling relationship.

Jean shrugged his shoulders and continued talking as if it wasn’t significant.

“That’s because His Highness Deon is an easy target, considering he’s from the imperial family, and Your Highness the Princess is very, VERY beautiful.

Just because of those reasons? Even before having a chance to ask, he continued to talk.

“And especially because… it’s fun too.”

Jean shoved his face close to Kathia’s and sneered. The scar across his nose twitched vigorously as he chortled.

“Jean.”

As Deon called his name for him to stop, Jean shrugged again and backed away. From that, Kathia learned two things.

Perhaps outside, there were rumors worse than the one she just heard roaming around.

Also, Jean Troy dislikes her.

‘No— rather than dislike, being vigilant is probably more accurate.’

Kathia glanced carefully towards Jean from the corner of her eyes. The man in his late 30’s, who would’ve experienced all the ups and downs in life, hid his true intentions and beamed widely.

A similar pressure like Deon. I guess it’s possible for a Swordmaster to ‘kill’ people just with his aura.

Swallowing an empty breath, for now, she called for Madam Murphy. She couldn’t just have her guests standing around.

“Is she trustworthy?”

Jean asked before Kathia pulled the bell to summon Madam Murphy. Kathia was a bit hesitant and nodded.

“…I will bring out the tea.”

Madam Murphy looked a little taken aback when she entered, but as soon as she understood, she quietly brought out a tea tray. It appeared she was also aware of the rumors floating around the imperial palace recently.

In Kathia’s cozy room, there were unfortunately only two chairs in the parlor. Kathia glanced at the two people behind Deon.

I don’t worry much about Jean, but Hughes is….

Creak. As Madam Murphy closed the door and left, Deon pulled out a chair for Kathia.

“Have a seat.”

“Ah, thanks.”

Hughes and Jean’s foreheads frowned as if they were looking at something strange. Ignoring them, Deon also sat down.

“Excuse our rudeness, but I assume you know the reason.”

In response to Deon, Kathia was about to nod her head but paused.

‘I’m not sure. I may understand the reason why he came through the window, but not quite sure about the reason he brought Jean Troy along.’

Picking up on her curiosity, Deon lowered his gaze slightly. That was exactly the look of a five-year-old who spilled his milk and then looked down.

“Truth of the matter is, I ordered Sir Troy to investigate the intentions of the Second Prince and the Arcane Tower. It wasn’t certain, so I let it be, but someone so stupidly expected who the source of the information was from and slipped. So I asked him to not pay attention, but he’s quite persistent.”

The tone of his voice was as if he was giving excuses, rather long and rushed.