CH 29

“The Royal Guard?”

Until the Exiled Duke’s Daughter,...

“Yeah. They’re directly under the Second Prince’s command.”

So, they’re people in a similar position to me?

In the room, there were three men and one woman. They were all people I had never met before, and I swallowed nervously as I felt the tension rise.

A well-built man with short hair smiled like the sun peeking out from behind clouds as he looked at His Highness.

“You were late, Your Highness. We’ve been waiting for a while.”

“Gardo, don’t be so familiar with His Highness,” a bespectacled man with an intellectual air scolded him.

“It’s not a big deal. Right, Your Highness?”

“That’s right. It’s fine for now. There’s no one else here but us.”

“See? I told you.”

“…As always, Your Highness is too kind,” the bespectacled man shook his head with a sigh.

Next to him, a small man popped his head out.

“More importantly! There’s something I’m curious about!”

“Hmm? Oh yeah.”

“Your Highness, who is this person?”

“Who’s that?! Who are you talking about?! What’s Your Highness talking about?”

The small man approached with a glint in his eye.

The only woman among the four of them grabbed him by the collar.

She had distinctive orange hair and wore a hat that looked like it belonged to a magician.

“Don’t just suddenly approach like that. It’s disrespectful to women.”

“H-hey, sis, my neck…you’re choking me.”

“You guys are quite lively.”

His Highness said with a smile as he watched them.

I was the only one who couldn’t keep up with the situation and felt left behind.

“So, Your Highness…”

“Oh, sorry. Let me properly introduce her. Everyone, listen up. This is Freya, a magic tool maker.”

“Oh, the one who played a role in the incident at the previous black market.”

“The magic tool maker who lifted His Highness’s curse!”

Wait, curse…?

I looked at His Highness with a sudden burst of energy.

He nodded in response.

“I’ve told them about my curse and how you helped me. They were also involved in investigating the black market with me.”

“I see…I didn’t realize others knew as well.”

I thought I was the only one who knew about it.

There were others who knew too.

“You’re quite secretive too, Your Highness. Keeping quiet about the curse for so long.”

“His Highness must have had thoughts on this matter too. There’s no need to bring up what has already been resolved.”

“Well, yeah. Lest, you must have had some thoughts on this too, right?”

“…That’s true, but…”

It seemed that even if he had talked about it, he kept the time he was cursed a secret.

He probably reported everything after it was all over. There was dissatisfaction with not being relied upon.

Their expressions seemed to plead for it.

“I’m sorry. I’m reflecting on it.”

“Your reflection only lasts for that moment——it hurts!”

“Stop saying everything that comes to your mind.”

“Hahaha…my ears hurt.”

His Highness laughed it off.

They were the Prince’s subordinates, but they seemed quite close.

I was a little envious of their friend-like atmosphere that they occasionally showed.

“Thanks for helping His Highness. I’m Gardo, the captain of the Royal Guard. Nice to meet you. This is our vice-captain, Lest. The small one is Dan, and the one pulling Dan’s ear is Iris.”

“Nice to meet you. I’ve heard about your accomplishments from His Highness. I sincerely appreciate you saving him.”

“Nice to meet you! Please don’t call me small!”

“It’s the truth, isn’t it? As fellow women, let’s get along.”

“Yes, of course! Nice to meet you all.”

I bowed deeply.

My first impression was that they were all individuals with strong personalities… Would I be able to become friends with them?

“They are in the same position as you, so there’s no strict hierarchy. You can feel free to interact with them,” His Highness said.

“Oh, so does that mean she’s joining the Royal Guard too?”

“Me?”

“Well, it could turn out that way… But it’s not mandatory. It’s up to Freya’s will.”

“Um…”

I was at a loss for words.

It’s not that I didn’t want to. Becoming a member of the people who supported His Highness was something I desired.

“What does the Royal Guard do?”

“I told you before about what I, as the Second Prince, am doing, right? The Royal Guard’s role is to assist me and work with me to investigate and resolve various issues.”

The incident with the black market.

His Highness was fighting against the evil lurking in the shadows of the kingdom.

I remembered being warned before to not get involved because it was dangerous.

“I was too naive at that time. Your power made me realize that… from now on, I don’t know what will happen. To prepare for unforeseen circumstances, we need your power. Part of me doesn’t want to put you in harm’s way. But…”

“Your Highness…”

It’s clear that he’s struggling.

His personal feelings versus what he should do as a prince.

He’s weighing both options and can’t decide which one to prioritize.

That’s why he’s asking me.

What do I want to do?

To determine what he should do based on my choice.

“Please let me help. That’s what I intended to do at that time too.”

“Freya…”

My mind is made up.

Working by His Highness’s side is my duty, and it’s my honor.

“Thank you. You really are dependable.”

He looks both happy and sad.

Understanding the complex feelings of His Highness, I make a decision in my heart.

To be of assistance to His Highness.

And to make an effort not to worry him.