CH 2.10

“Take a seat, Miss Risha. I’m sure that knight will come back soon. I’m too tired to keep standing.”

You’re quite gutsy.

Rather, it looks like you’re having a lot of fun…

But first off, please explain everything to me.

“Hahaha, Miss Risha, you seem unfamiliar with the connections within the imperial court, or rather, the social circles. Let me explain a few things to you.”

“Please do.”

“First of all, the knight you just saw is the knight guard of Her Royal Highness. I recognized him immediately because Her Royal Highness often takes him around. She probably thinks that you don’t know him. There was no mistake, but she couldn’t have imagined that I would be with you.”

If it were just me, I’d be wary, but I’d certainly believe in the knight.

Nobody would think that a knight of the Royal Guards would do something like this, right?

He’s a knight, after all.

Honorable knight – there is no longer such a person in this world, is there?

I got it. 

Because knights are people, too.

But, Miss Michelle?

Did she know about it, yet still followed me?

I think she was already prepared to get involved!

Tell me! I’ll avoid you before you get dragged into this!

“This is a good opportunity, Miss Risha, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. All the same, even Their Majesties would not be able to protect Her Royal Highness after she lays a hand on the Duchess of Lindbeld. His Excellency, the Duke, would never let it go. Giggle, Miss Risha, you’re quite loved, you know?”

No, not at all.

Far from being loved, my husband is subjecting me to something underhanded.

What? So does everyone around me think I’m cherished?

Oh, but I see.

I wouldn’t be surprised if it looked that way at the tea party.

He defended me and warned people to keep their hands to themselves. 

“And Lord Illegal is the first of Her Royal Highness’ admirers. He is an imperialist, but also an extremist, a slightly delusional person who is drunk with himself and thinks that it is his duty to relieve Her Royal Highness of her sorrows.”

That’s harsh.

But thanks for the explanation.

Miss Michelle deliberately rode into the enemy’s territory and seemed to be enjoying herself. Since she did so on purpose, she must have a plan, right?

“Miss Michelle, are we just going to sit here and wait for someone to come?”

“To be honest, I’m a little disappointed. I thought that there were already a number of gentlemen in the room, and that they were planning to make a grab for us.”

Erm, I think you’ve been reading too many novels.

“There are other ways, too, like being knocked unconscious and transported somewhere, or being sold into slavery…”

That’s how popular novels develop nowadays…

I read some after my maids recommended them, so I’m aware of these. 

“And, um, all jokes aside, I hope the Duke arrives in time.”

…Eh? Could it be that my husband set this up?

Did he use me as bait?

That’s totally possible.

That husband of mine could be…

He said I didn’t have to fight the Princess, but he never said he wouldn’t use me as bait.

Miss Michelle, I believe you. But the possibility of you being my husband’s ally is getting higher…

I thought we could be friends.

Seriously, that man!

If that’s the case, a year’s worth of tea sweets isn’t worth it!

“Oh, look who’s back.”

It looks like the knight’s back, all right.

Why do you look like you’re having so much fun already?

Simultaneously, I heard the door unlock, and three men entered through it.

“Oh! I’m not far off the mark! Looks like I was right that they’ll come later rather than at the beginning!”

“Right…”

I don’t know where exactly she’s going with this…

“Well, well, well, just when I thought everything’s turning tragic, it gets more optimistic.”

The one at the very front ――…… is magnificent!

He’s dressed to the nines and is physically glowing.

What can I say? He’s just so magnificent, I was lost for words in amazement. Is this what it means to be truly speechless? Not really.

“Miss Risha! The one at the front over there is Lord Illegal. Isn’t he impressive?”

Miss Michelle whispered to me.

Yes, he’s impressive.

In the sense, where he stands out terribly. He should use his beauty to turn Her Royal Highness’s attention.

“What are you whispering about!”

Lord Illegal yelled at the top of his lungs.

I know that under the circumstances, it’s normal to feel scared, but why am I not scared at all?

Rather, I feel dumbfounded? No, do I find it ridiculous? Un…Anyhow, I have a big feeling that everything won’t be over soon.

“Look! I’m going to go out of my way to take care of lowly women like you, so you should feel honored!”

This time, I quickly asked Miss Michelle.

“What is this man’s identity?”

“He’s the third son of a Royal Court Count, just the kind of man you want to cut down.”

I see, I see.

But you know what, Miss Michelle?

We are powerless girls, after all.

If three men come at us, there’s no question that it will be unfavorable to us.

How do you feel about that?

“Hey, guys. Hold those women! Well, your looks are the only thing that make you worthy of my company, so I’ll put up with this.”

No, thank you.

I glanced at Miss Michelle, who suddenly stood up, still smiling.

She stood in front of me, as if to protect me from the approaching men.

“No thanks, Sirs. Men aren’t really my thing.”

What do you mean, Miss Michelle?

Did you just say that men are not your thing?

Looking up at her profile, she looks very dignified and brave.

“I’m genuinely interested in ―― women!”

Miss Michelle loudly announced her sexual proclivities and thrust the closed fan in her hand as hard as she could into the midriff of one of the approaching knights.

A knight and a lady, indeed.

Her attack is no big deal for a knight, who’s definitely gone through special training.

The difference in strength is obvious with a light attack like that ―――― As I was thinking this, the knight suddenly fell unconscious.

Hu-huh?