"Prank…"

While I was ruminating over that word, the woman clapped her hands and nodded.

"That's right. A simple prank. It will be only a little surprise for the Crown Prince. For that reason, his fiancée, Lady Lidiana will go through a slightly scary experience. That coincides with your desires, doesn't it? It's alright. There won't be any problem. Because… it's a prank."

"It's just like that."

The woman told me laughingly. And then Lord Andre. I wonder if I'm the only one who can't help but find him suspicious.

"We want your help with that. We cannot get close to Lady Lidiana. But it's simple for you. After all, you were invited to a tea party, right?"

"T… that was because I asked a friend… I'm not Lady Lidiana's direct acquaintance…"

Why does she know that?

That was just me asking Marianne for something unreasonable. I can't imagine it working twice.

That's why I told her it's impossible, but the woman didn't give up.

"It's alright as long as you can meet once. Yeah… Please get close to Lady Lidiana first. Let's see. Should you aim to become her friend? And afterwards, await our instructions?"

"P, please wait a moment. I still didn't…!"

Unable to bear her advancing the talk on her own, I shouted.

However, it seemed to have no meaning for the woman.

"You met Lord Andre and heard his story, do you seriously think you can refuse now? Don't you think it'd be a little too convenient?"

"T, that's…"

"You already share the lot with us. I'd be troubled if you forgot that."

"I, I didn't wish for…"

I appealed that it was different, but she wouldn't listen.

On the opposite, she burst into laughter.

"What are you saying? It was clearly your intention to wrap the turban around a branch at your mansion, right? If you hadn't done that, I wouldn't have come to meet you. This is the result you yourself wanted."

"…"

Told so, I could only sink into silence.

Certainly, I'm aware I tied the turban around the branch with somewhat cruel feelings like it'd be good if Lady Lidiana suffered a little.

I also decided to board the carriage when it came to pick me up.

I had many opportunities to turn back, yet in my foolishness I came here. This is what she's talking about.

While I sunk into silence, the woman smiled like she was delivering the final blow. Her th.o.r.n.y words hurt.

"I'm glad you seem to understand. It's alright. I said it before, right? This is just a prank to have them make up. Of course, it has nothing to do with the Crown Prince himself, so it will be truly easy for you. It's alright. Once it's all over, you should feel very much at peace. I can guarantee it. Right? Lord Andre?"

The woman who kept repeating that it's alright sent a meaningful sidelong glance to Lord Andre. Having received it, Lord Andre unwillingly nodded his head in agreement.

"Yeah… Woman. If you understand, will you cooperate with me?"

"…"

"Woman."

"Y… yes."

As he urged again in a bad mood, I agreed.

I shouldn't have, but the atmosphere wasn't one where I could say no. As I nodded while trembling, the woman exaggeratedly showed she was relieved.

"I'm glad we safely came to an agreement! If you hadn't accepted, I would have had to force you just a little to nod. Isn't it good we were saved trouble, Lord Andre?"

"Yes."

She said she'd force me just a little, but from her att.i.tude I guess she'd probably directly threaten or intimidate me.  After all I wasn't allowed to refuse.

No matter how much I'd say "Impossible" I'd surely have to nod in the end. Thinking about it, quickly resigning myself to it might have been the smart choice.

However, I again shuddered as the woman continued talking.

"Well then, let's move to the next phase. We can't have you betray us. We have to carve the proof of the promise. Lord Andre."

"That's right. Of course, it doesn't mean I don't believe you, but it's my rule to be extremely cautious. I couldn't stand being betrayed again."

"S, something like betraying…"

What will be done to me? At their words, my body froze.

What in the world is the proof of the promise? And the word carve, I drew back from it.

"Now, stand up. Lady Miriallia. We will finish right away."

"Hii."

The woman grabbed my trembling left arm. Her strength surprised me.

She rolled up my sleeve exposing my arm. Lord Andre stood up from the chair he was sitting on and put his index finger on my upper arm.

A distorted magic formation appeared at the tip of his finger.

"Ouch!"

I felt pain pierce my skin. At once I shook both of them off and clutched my left arm.

I grimaced from the throbbing pain.

"What, d… did you just do…?"

When I stared at Lord Andre with a face distorted with pain, with "Hah" he sneered at me.

"This magic formation is the proof of the contract. If you say a word about this matter, if you even use any method to leave behind a record…"

"…"

As Lord Andre unnaturally cut off his words, I looked up at him with fear.

Saying "You understand even if I don't say it, right?", Lord Andre showed an unpleasant smile.

"If you carry out your role, it'll disappear. It's only there to make sure you fulfill your promise. If you don't intend to deceive me, you don't need to worry about it, right?"

Surprised by Lord Andre's words, I turned my eyes to my upper arm that continued to be in pain.

There the magic formation that had appeared a while ago was clearly carved.

The creepy black formation pierced my skin, instilling throbbing pain.

"Hii…"

"It took root well. Look at it and remember what you need to do."

The woman rebuked Lord Andre, who seemed to have lost interest.

"My, Lord Andre. Isn't Lady Miriallia frightened? Hey, Lady Miriallia. It's alright. We only want to ask you for one thing. That's why, as the first step… Become friends with Lady Lidiana somehow? Of course, you won't say you can't, will you?"

Lord Andre for just a moment glared at me.

I can't say I can't. Overpowered by their pressure, I said.

"Yes――."

I said only the one word demanded of me.

Editor: Valeria