4-01: Around Him Shall the Flags Be Raised (3/3)

4-01: Around Him Shall the Flags Be Raised (3/3)

He said that with such confidence it was as though it was something that had already been decided.

The princess screamed, w-what a terrible accusation to make! I was just curious! I might be ignorant of the ways of the world, but Im not so ignorant as to lay my hand on the taboo!

She rushed to defend herself against the completely unexpected statement, but since her desire for knowledge(true motive) had been laid bare, her words lacked persuasiveness, and Shinichi only continued to look at her with suspicion.

Its not very convincing hearing that from the girl who kidnapped a boy(Kite) from another world(Earth)

I told you I didnt kidnap Kite-sama! The magic formation I used had all sorts of conditions that needed to be fulfilled! For example, there being a threat to his life, him accepting, and him not having a lot of bonds with his original world!

I explained that to you, right?

I showed you the magic formation too, right?

You said there were no problems too, right?

You also agreed after asking the person in question, right?

The princess was so flustered, and the sight of that brough a smile to Shinichi.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Surely, there was no way that he said that just so he could get a reaction from her Right?

Umu, thats true.

Yes, exactly! Just why did you suddenly

In a sense, Shinichi was finding fault with her just like she wanted him to, but for some reason, his sharp words did not tug at her heart.

It was curious if her not reacting positively to every little thing he did was something to be happy about or not, and it was just as curious if Shinichi was actually testing the boundaries that set her off.

Ah, sheesh! A person like you is really

But Lilisha was intelligent by nature, and she was starting to get a grasp of Shinichis personality.

Indeed, she would have long puffed up her cheeks if he was merely doing this to get a reaction out of her, but she could tell that he was also being considerate of her since she had more problems now, and that brought a smile to her face.

At the same time, she thought he was really cunning, and a kind of warmth spread within her chest.

But then Lilisha asked him a question.

Shin. What do you think of homunculi?

That question came out way tenser than shed intended.

And for a moment, Shinichi made a blank face before answering with a curious expression.

Nothing in particular.

Lilisha-sama, excuse me.

The Head Maid entered the study at almost the exact time as she knocked, leading Shinichi and Lilisha to look at her in shock.

Though the head maid stood there with her usual getup and expression, it was unthinkable for her, who ever maintained perfect etiquette, to enter a room on her own without asking for permission despite there being no emergency.

Stella?

Lilisha called out to her with suspicion, but she just ignored that and casually said.

I apologize for intruding while youre in the middle of a conversation, but if we dont get started on your preparations soon, we wont be able to make it for the welcoming party tonight.

Huh? Oh, no. Its that time already?

Lilisha finally realized why she came when she checked the time, but she still didnt bother to hide her displeasure.

But its still fine, right?

Theres no point even if you make a face like that, Princess. Let us quickly go to your room. Even now, well only barely be able to make it.

But you maids could always get me ready in an instant.

I am confident that we wont have to keep you waiting for a long time once we have decided on what look you will go with, but we cant prepare for anything unless you decide on the direction of your outfit yourself.

Perhaps, Stella had already predicted that the princess would throw a tantrum like this, as she quickly and fluently shut down her argument.

Maids, or to be more precise, a ladys attendants, could advice their master on what to wear, but they were not allowed to make the decision on their own.

Uuu.

I will be looking forward to it as well Now then, I will have to go and dress up, so please excuse me.

Perhaps that was a good enough excuse, for Lilisha happily bid him goodbye in a lady-like manner, and Stella followed after.

However, before Stella could leave, Shinichi approached her in a way that the princess wouldnt notice.

He approached so quickly and so silently that it shocked her, and then he tiptoed to get up to her level and whispered by her ear

At that time, please teach me how to dance.

In a tone that was more timid and more sincere than ever.

Stella blinked for a moment before turning to him and asking, you made such a provocative face yet you actually cant dance? And Shinichi immediately nodded.

He was smiling as he looked up at her, but his eyes were clearly shaking from anxiety.

So much so that Stella felt like she could hear him screaming, what am I going to do!?

The boy before her was just that pathetic.

Very well.

Perhaps thats the reason why

She had an inexplicable urge to prepare and serve the best tea along with her favorite pastries, but she suppressed that urge before it could break free and just quietly responded before following after the princess.

She hadnt been delayed by that much, so Lilisha didnt even notice that such an exchange happened between the two of them.

Regardless, for some reason, both master and servant alike seemed so happy from behind, leaving Shinichi to tilt his head.

As he saw them off, he let out a sigh of relief and closed the door.

Suddenly, like a fire that had been extinguished, all of those emotions that one would expect from a boy his age vanished from his face.

With a grim expression, he looked at the book he and the princess sealed.

To think that your name would appear here, King Johan That ominous feeling is getting worse. Its when people lower down the priority mess up that things become problematic, you see What a pain, Shinichi muttered as he sat on the sofa.

As he sank into the soft cushion, he moved his eyes away from the forbidden book and glared at the supposedly empty air space.

Was it you? Did you lead me here?Isis.

He could see the illusion of a beautiful blonde nun sitting by the desk.

The way she looked down at him with an indignant face was so like her that it actually felt fake. It didnt feel at all as though hed reunited with her.

But then again, this was nothing but an illusion anyway.

Not funny. Even if its you, Im the one who will decide what I do.

The illusion smiled at that then vanished.

It was as if the illusion was satisfied by his answer. Or perhaps that was just him hoping that that was the case.

Either way, he let out a breath in exhaustion.

This illusion would appear before him from time to time, and it was never a good sign.

I hadnt seen it in awhile too Tonights going to be a long night.

He looked out the window and gazed into the sky of this quiet summer villa.

It was a clear and quiet sky with nary a cloud, but that was only the calm before the storm.

At the very least, thats how he felt.

But since he knew it was coming, he could just rest until then.

Thats why he erected 26 layers of barriers around him half the usual amount and closed his eyes.

He would sleep until Lilisha was done getting ready, but

Seeing that thing never ends well for me, does it?

As he said that feebly, he fell into a shallow slumber.