CH 2.09

Let’s backtrack a bit.

So, I was on my way to my husband’s office in the Royal Palace under Miss Michelle’s guidance after confirming the sound of the bell that my husband had mentioned.

Hm, the Royal Palace was vast.

Rumor has it that newcomers to the palace always get lost at least once and are rescued by their seniors in the same department, which is a tradition when newcomers are assigned to the palace.

Miss Michelle has been going in and out of the Royal Palace since she became an adult, so she knows her way around quite well.

I believed that because she’s been leading the way without hesitation.

“Remembering directions is my forte.”

“I can see that. I’m the opposite.”

I’m totally aware that I’m a road idiot.

However, I don’t need to memorize directions because a servant will usually remember them and show me the way.

The Royal Palace has its own servants, so there’s no need to memorize the paths, but Miss Michelle has been here so many times that she seems to have memorized them naturally.

Moreover, in her spare time, she often takes a knight with her to guide her around the Royal Palace, so that she would get accustomed to the way.

I wondered why she came to the palace so often, but she only told me that it was because of the Marquis of Andrette’s business.

“Oh?”

All of sudden, Miss Michelle stopped in her tracks.

There were two knight guards waiting ahead of us.

As Miss Michelle looked at them, one of the knights approached us.

“This area is restricted to the public.”

“This is the Duchess of Lindbeld. We’re on our way to the Oval Office down the road, so we’re not strangers.”

Miss Michelle quickly explained the situation.

According to Miss Michelle, my husband’s office is similar to the office of members of the royal family.

I was convinced that this was why there was such a tight security situation ahead. However, Miss Michelle begged to differ.

She asked the knight for an explanation.

“That’s strange. There are usually no knights guarding this place. Are you really part of the King’s Guards?”

“Lady, insulting us is the same as insulting the royal family. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. But since Miss sounds unconvinced ―― Let me explain a little more: a large tea party is being held today, and I’ve been assigned to provide security to prevent any lost guests from going beyond.”

I see.

The Royal Palace is large and easy to get lost in.

If anyone wanders in without knowing that the royal familys’ offices were just down the road, that would matter.

“I see. That being the case, could you please go check with the Duke? His Grace has summoned us.”

The two knights exchanged a few words with Miss Michelle, and then one of them left the scene.

He seemed to have gone to check on it.

Miss Michelle is doing what would normally be done by a servant for me.

It’s easier, but I felt apologetic.

The knight who had gone to check it out came right back and agreed to take us to where my husband was waiting for us.

“It feels a little special to be shown around by a knight guard, don’t you agree?”

Miss Michelle sounded like she was having fun.

The main job of a King’s Guard was to guard the royal family. Now that she asked me, I think she’s right.

After a short walk, the knight opened a door for me.

I was surprised at the sudden opening, but there was no one inside.

Huh? The knight who was opening the door said somewhat apologetically.

“I’m sorry, but you’ll have to wait here.”

The knight urged me and Miss Michelle to wait in place.

I knew it. I could tell that something was wrong. I went inside in bewilderment, and when I looked at Miss Michelle, she was staring at the knight’s face.

Or rather, Miss Michelle has been looking at the knight with an amused smile on her face the whole time.

Is she admiring him? Well, he’s handsome.

The King’s Guard knights are the dreams of the ladies.

I’ve heard that the King’s Guards are basically nobles, and they are selected based on their appearance and recommendations from noble families.

Of course, it takes a certain amount of skill to be a knight. If they’re good-looking, there is a reason why the King’s Guards standing by during official events look better.

I understand the logic, but was that what the Royal Family was after?

Well, there are other knights before the King’s Guard knights, so nothing too serious can happen.

But how can they choose a knight of the King’s Guard, who can be the final barrier, based on their appearances?

And it seems that Her Royal Highness is notorious for this.

It’s a mess.

“His Grace, the Duke, asked that you wait here.”

“I don’t think so, do you? Isn’t this the room that Sir Illegal likes to use?”

Uh-huh?

Who is Sir Illegal?

Not understanding who Miss Michelle was referring to, I inclined my head.

“I believe you’re mistaken.”

“No, I’m not. My father told me to stay away from this place.”

Miss Michelle maintained her smile as she countered the royal knight.

At that moment, I thought the knight had clicked his tongue as if he had changed his mind, and he suddenly extended his hand toward me.

As I was confused by the sudden turn of events, Miss Michelle struck the knight’s hand with her fan as hard as she could.

“You’re being rude. You should know better than to be a mere dog of Her Royal Highness.”

“You’re the ones who need to get a grip!”

Hep-hep-hep!

Do you two understand each other?!

Erm, let me see. Miss Michelle…Did you know who this knight was all along?

The knight tries to put his hand on his weapon to show his prowess.

No, wait!

This is the Royal Palace!

It is forbidden to draw your sword carelessly!

Plus, we’re unarmed! Well, even if I had a weapon, I wouldn’t be able to use it!

Miss Michelle glanced at the knight’s weapon and shrugged heedlessly.

“It can’t be helped…”

Miss Michelle said with a hint of resignation, and then walked quickly deeper into the room.

Uh, wai-what?

Isn’t it dangerous to enter?

“What are you doing there, Miss Risha? Let’s go.”

“Eehh?”

“Yes, if you stay quiet, I’ll give you a good time.”

“See, the villain here – No, a knight of the King’s Guard says so. Let’s wait and see.”

She pulled me into the room.

And then the door closed so fast I didn’t have time to look back, then came the sound of the lock outside.

The situation was so strange that I couldn’t say anything.

“Um――… What should I do?”

“Nothing, really. This is pretty interesting…No, it’s a rather troubling development.”

Miss Michelle, did you just say something about an interesting development?

You did, didn’t you?

Why do you all have such slightly weird sensibilities?

“Hahaha, I never thought she’d be stupid enough to set a trap when His Grace is in the Royal Palace, even after His Grace warned her. I’ve let my guard down.”

Guard down?

Did you say you’ve let your guard down?

Strange. 

Yet you’re letting me tag along with you with a huge grin.

“Well, what do you think they’re going to do? I think I’m starting to understand.”

But first, Miss Michelle, could you please explain what things to me?

I think you’ve changed too much since we first met, you know?