Chapter 37: Her and Escape

「Well then Lidi, I have to go now but you can lie down and rest slowly, alright?」

「……Good bye」

After our breakfast in bed ended, Freed finished dressing himself and dropped a kiss on my forehead.

‘Are we newly-weds??!!’ is what I would comment but I didn’t have any willpower left to do so.

I silently accepted his affections as it is.

As for me, I’m currently still covered only by a blanket.

I couldn’t move my body well enough which left me sitting upright as it is.

「Clara, I leave Lidi to you.」

「Kindly leave it to me, your Highness」

Freed called out to Clara that was in-waiting from the corner of the room. Hurry up and leave.

After continuously turning his head back towards me at his reluctance to part, Freed finally left the room.

The only ones left are the Head Court Lady and I.

「……」

「……」

……The silence hurts.

「Umm, Head Court Lady?」

「Clara would be fine, Princess」

When I couldn’t endure it and called her out, a lively response was returned.

I intended to give up already, but as expected, being called the ‘Princess’ is intense.

As long as I’m here, I have a hunch that it’s almost certain that that namesake would continue.

That wasn’t a prediction, it’s conviction.

「Clara, umm if it’s possible, I would like something to wear to be prepared……」¹

「That way of talking towards me is not necessary. Please feel free to give an order」

Clara said before bowing her head.

After having her see the exchanges I had with Freed, I couldn’t say anything.

The crown prince speaks casually so him talking to the head court lady in a polite speech was certainly not possible.

As I become convinced, I reluctantly returned to my usual way of talking.

「……Then, anything is fine so a change of clothes please. I want to wear clothes already.」²

「Certainly. I will prepare them immediately. Please wait for a while.」

When I complained that I don’t want to be naked, Clara bowed her head once again and left the room.

I saw her off and gave a sigh of relief. Surprisingly, my demands were easily answered. I was relieved at the fact.

――――――Alright.

At last, everyone left.

Just in case, I looked around the room.

After making sure that no one was around, my body that was in pain got off the bed.

「……Ow……ow ow ow……」

My whole body was grating in pain. It was particularly painful in my hips and in that area.

It was extremely intense if my body wasn’t bent. I can’t stand up straight.

Although I do want to rest on the bed, I have no such time for that right now. No matter what, I want to go home.

I walked several steps and picked up the seemingly wrecked dress that Freed tore off.

The beautiful line was ruined by creases.

Although I felt disappointed at that, I continued to search for something. I put my hand in the dress’ hidden pocket on its left side.

My fingers felt a hard texture and so I took it out.

It was a thin folded paper.

I returned to the bed after taking only that out.

Afterwards, I picked up the pitcher of water by the bed and filled a cup with water. I then poured the contents of the paper on the cup.

After confirming that everything was dissolved, I drank it in one

go.

「……!! Nnn」

As soon as I gulped the contents down, the lukewarm feeling spread throughout my body. I felt the sluggishness fade.

Even my lost energy was filled to the brim.

For the effectiveness to come out this promptly, my only thoughts left were fascination. There were still muscular pains, but my strength was restored and made me able to move my body.

「Deliris-san!! Thank you」

I felt grat.i.tude to her that gave me this medicine.

I absolutely must visit her again to give my thanks.

After I am able to safely return home, I should visit immediately.

Just in case, I jokingly hid one dose of the medicine but for it to be convenient is almost detestable.

After I confirmed that my body can move freely, I returned to the bed. ³

While sporting an innocent look, I waited for Clara to return.

A short time later, Clara returned along with other court ladies.

One pair of clothes would be fine but they brought along several pieces of dresses.

「I apologize for the wait, Princess. Please pick anything you like.」

「Anything would be fine but, I’d like the most easiest dress to move in please.」

The court ladies then began talking at how I did not even look over the designs of the dress. When Clara gave one glare towards them however, they instantly silenced.

That intensity was applause-worthy. As expected of the head court lady. Her strong gaze is impressive.

「Then, how about this one I wonder?」

A simple dress with an A line was showed to me. I nodded my head to agree. It wasn’t a design I usually wear but it doesn’t matter.

As long as it was a dress I can wear outside then I won’t complain.

Since I gave an affirmation, the head court ladies started moving.

Clara instructed them to support me while they changed my clothes.

The efficient court ladies even prepared underwear along with the set of clothes.

How did they learn my size though? I did not even want to ask.

And then, the castle’s court ladies finished up my appearance with all their power. I was dressed equally wonderful as I was yesterday. It was splendid workmans.h.i.+p. To be able to do this much in just a short time, as expected of the people working in the castle.

They are professionals.

I looked into the full-length mirror.  I was in a thin pink dress with long-sleeves. For some reason, I believed it to be my mother’s type of design.

Everyone was pulled back and the only one left was the head court lady. I had her take me to the sofa. My praise-worthy act of being unable to move was continued.

When I sat down, the tea was prepared. It was too outstanding that there’s nothing I could say.

「Clara」

「Yes, princess.」

「Clara is busy as well, right? I’m alright by myself so, you can return to work.」

Clara would not leave my side, prompting me to tell her that.

I’m almost certain that Freed told Clara to not let me get away.

Even I know for sure that he wants to make me stay in this place.

I’m almost suspicious enough to think that it was for that purpose that he slept with me that intensely yesterday. It was frightening to think that I could not definitively think that it wasn’t the case.

……But, don’t think it will go

go that smoothly.

I hardened my resolve and displayed a smile befitting a lady.

However, my opponent is a formidable person as well.

She returns an answer saying that even if she returns to her station, her utmost priority is a.s.sisting (me) the Princess.

Hmmm, like I would yield in!!

「……That might be true. However, as you see I could not move well enough on my own. I’ve thought to lie down and rest for a bit so it would be sufficient enough if you would come and see me sometime during noon instead.」

「Nonetheless」

「……Please, Clara. I want to be alone for a while……would you sympathize with me?」

「Certainly!!  Then, I will come back and check up on you around noon.」

「Thank you」

When I pretended to show sorrow for her to sympathize with me, it seemed that Clara misunderstood something and immediately showed an understanding.

Alright, since I’m at it, I should correct her.

I tried asking her what she thought she sympathized with me about but ……

Somehow, Clara dashed out the room. I was finally alone in the room.

I also lost my interest in taking a bath at the castle’s bathroom that Freed was talking about earlier.

If I try using that now I would lose my chance at escaping.

A previous big-wig also said『Army Values Great Speed』. One must conduct oneself with swiftness.­‏‏   ⁴

I walked while trying to not make a sound as much as possible. When I reached the entryways, I cautiously opened the door.

I peeked out my face by the door and surveyed the surroundings to make sure that no stand-by was around.

The imperial guard was facing the opposite direction towards me at the moment without noticing my way.

I sneaked out at that exact moment.

If I was found by a guard, surely Clara or Freed would come in an instant.

I cannot afford to be found.

Without ruining my pace, I went and skillfully slipped out until I reached the royalty’s residential-looking area.

If I went this far of a place, there certainly won’t be anyone that would recognize my face.

I have confidence at that fact that my face is unrecognizable.

I put on airs as a shut-in for a long time after all.

I instead brazenly walked out in the open.

And so, I arrived at the general area.⁵ However problems began arising in my thoughts so I stayed put.

The best method for me take right now is to most probably talk and meet with my father to use the duke household’s carriage to go home.

However, father’s location would likely be in either the audience room or in the King’s office.

If I dare go to either of those places, I wouldn’t be able to fight my way out of returning to the room.

In this case, my father is completely my enemy.

I am not going to silently be pushed in front of Freed.

「Hummumm……」

Well, what should I do now? While I worried by myself, I hear a voice call out to me behind my back.

「Lidi? As I thought it’s you. Just what are you doing in this place……」

「Will?」

When I heard a familiar voice, I turned my head back and saw the appearance of my childhood friend.

Clad in a dark blue robe and a monocle, it was the magic division commander, Will.

My instant thought was why he was in this

in this place however I suddenly remembered that I was inside the castle.

The magic division commander being in this location is not strange at all.

Rather, the strange one here is me.

When he saw me as I turned my head back, his eyes widened in surprise for a moment.

‘What’s the matter?’ he said. There isn’t anyone that wouldn’t use this coincidence.

「It’s been two days, Will. I’m sorry for saying this even though we just met but, I want to immediately return home. If it’s possible, can you take me home?」

Meeting Will in this place is a lucky thing.

I feel bad thinking this but, if it’s him, I’m sure he wouldn’t say no.

「To your mansion?I don’t mind but……」

In accordance to my thoughts, he nodded while sporting an inquisitive face. With this I can finally go home. The inside of my heart danced wildly.

Take that, Freed.

I became thoroughly glad so I showed Will a full smile.

「Thank you!! That saved me. I honestly thought I wouldn’t be able to go home.」

Will knitted his eyebrows when I said that semi-seriously.

「You won’t go home?……Why?」

Because I was embraced⁶ too much that it made me unable to move and then, as a combo, will certainly prompt eternal s.e.x with my fiancé.

I thought in reply which made me laugh ambiguously.

It was amusing to see his expression become a bit stiff.

I do not wish for that to happen.

「Nnn, I can only say that my father is an idiot. In any case, I want to quickly go home. Will, please.」

「……I understand. I’ll call for my carriage.」

When I pestered him to hurry, Will grasped my hand and started walking towards the castle’s gateways.

The magic division commander that was him pa.s.sed by, invoking looks of admiration from the men and heated gazes from the women.

Walking beside such a person was a rather pleasant feeling.

「O-oh, That’s awesome Will. You’re popular.」

「……Not particularly」

Will is as expected, a curt person.

「You think nothing of it? When I was walking beside you earlier, the looks of every women were glaring, you know?」

I said while giggling. Will glanced at my way at that.

I’m already used to it so I know. My eyes were probably astonished.

「……Why are you happy about that」

「Iyaaa, I was envied and got looks of jealousy that’s why. Since it was already like that, I thought to enjoy myself anyway.」

Haha, isn’t it envious!!

Despite the annoyed looks I receive, I laughed in return instead.

「Which reminds me, the crown prince’s surrounding circles were amazing. The piercing gazes that painted me as an enemy were out in the open and poured on me.」

「……When?」

When I remembered and told him, Will stared at my way.

「It was when my engagement ceremony ended yesterday you see. I encountered them accidentally. It was certainly a bloodshed.」

If I did the same thing I did today towards them (Freed’s fangirls), I would probably be pierced in a literal sense.

If they’re going to do it then let them go and try, is what I would like to say but, the ladies surrounding Freed have a more vicious nature.

A reflection of a yandere-type lady so to speak.

Yup. I should collect more information before picking up a fight with them.

「……Were you alright」

My thoughts were interrupted by Will’s vacant mutter.

「I’m alright. They got on my nerves so I thought of

I thought of talking back to them but His Highness cleared them away before I could」

「Is that……so. His Highness did」

Looking relieved, he then led me by the hand again and started walking.

But still, his grip on my hand was stronger than it was a while ago. Was it just my imagination?

Suddenly, I remembered seeing Will on my engagement ceremony yesterday.

「Aa, which reminds me, Will attended yesterday’s engagement ceremony didn’t you?」

Will was facing the other way as he nodded his head. I couldn’t see his expression.

「…Yeah, all the ministers couldn’t help but to all partic.i.p.ate.」

「That’s why there was a lot of people……」

「After that, you……」

「Mm?」

「……No, never mind」

Although he looked as if he wanted to say something, Will shook his head and said ‘forget it’ instead.

Being led by Will, we arrived outside the castle walls. The carriage of the Pejegreeni House was already coming alongside.

Time likes these make me think that magic is pretty convenient.

「……Get in」

「Thank you, Will」

Thanking him, I boarded the carriage.

I had thought that he will come with me, but contrary to my expectations, Will stayed standing on the ground.

「Will?」

「……Sorry, I still have work to do.」

Meeting gazes with Will, I understood.

The magic division commander wouldn’t be free. That much should have been obvious.

「I’m sorry for taking your time」

「……No, it’s fine」

After instructing the coachman to take me to Duke Vivouare’s residence, Will then took a step backwards.

「Lidi」

「Mm?」

I inclined my head at Will that was looking at me.

「It’s nothing……It would be better for you to not step outside for today」

「?That was my intention. You’re being strange. Thank you Will!! See you」

When I waved my hand through the window, Will returned the gesture awkwardly.

The carriage then started moving so I sat down.

The carriage wheels made a rattling sound as it moved.

I looked out the window once again and saw the appearance of the castle gradually becoming distant.

I couldn’t help but take a breath.

My strength left me at the same time.

Since no one was around with me inside the carriage, I slovenly leaned my head against the coach’s wall.

Just for a while……Just for a while before arriving home, I want to stay like this longer.

「……Aaah, that was tiresome」

An incredibly worn out voice came out.

The carriage rhythmically moved, heading towards my residence.

As soon as I arrive home, first I want to take a bath.

Afterwards, leisurely sleep in my room, and then after――――

When I thought of things to do upon arriving home, my exhaustion increased.

Aaa, but the most important thing is――――

My lips loosened in a satisfied smile. I muttered towards a certain someone somewhere.

「Escape mission ――――Clear」

Sorry to disappoint.

……I won’t go along your intentions.

End~