Chapter 40 – The Childhood Friends 3

「……You didn’t hold back at all huh……」

When I thought he’d go for my face, he went for the pit of my stomach instead .

The impact of it made me have trouble breathing for a moment . Groaning, I looked over at Alex . He was holding the hand he used to hit me with while he glared my way .

「I restrained myself in hitting your face……In any case, your abdomen’s pretty solid . The one in pain here is my hand . 」

「Well, thank you . Even though it may not appear obvious, I’m still the Supreme Commander of the Knight’s Order . 」

‘Now that you say it’ Alex said as he nodded in agreement .

「So you finally had the official inauguration . 」

「That’s because I secured The『King’s Flower』」

Our country’s army mainly consists of the five following orders: three Knight’s Orders, Knight’s Order of the Imperial Guards, and the Magician’s* Division .

(T/N: 魔術師団 = majutsu s.h.i.+dan = magical arts division . Different from 魔法 = mahou = magic and 秘術 = hijutsu = secret arts that was explained in previous chapters . So this division mainly focuses on magical arts . )

The Knight’s Order of the Imperial Guards was shortened to the so called Knight’s Order . This unit, which I previously was a member of as a Sub-Leader, is under the direct control of Father and is particularly in charge of the defense of the Royal Capital . This is also the unit wherein Glenn is the leader of .

The remaining three Knight’s Orders: Primera, Segunda, and Tercera have respective duties as well . However, in our country, the position of the Supreme Commander for these three orders has been the Crown Prince for over generations .  (T/N: Spanish numeros dios mio por favor)

Since I was able to secure The King’s Flower, I was officially recognized as the heir . Simultaneously, this would mean that the a.s.sumption of my role as the Supreme Commander have been regarded as official as well .

However, the matter of the King’s Flower is only known by a handful of people and is hidden information* .  (T/N: It said 隠された事実 = ‘hidden truth’ originally but it sounded weird, so I changed it to information instead lol)

Although to the nation’s people and the numerous chief va.s.sals that is not aware of the truth, they believe that I was already standing in the position of the Supreme Commander .

At the period where the King’s Flower has not been secured, though it was not known, the Official Supreme Commander was the King .

Until someone was deemed as the rightful heir, I was no more than the representation of the ‘Crown Prince’ .

「With this, I would no longer need to constantly request for Father’s approval . Twice the labor would be gone as well . I’m honestly relieved . 」

The differences of duties from the mere change of acting as agent to the official a.s.sumption of the role are heaven and earth .

When I said my honest opinion, Alex nodded his head in agreement .

「Is that so, the timing was just right then . 」

「Alex?」

I called out to Alex that folded his arms as he pondered over something .

He opened his eyes and curved his lips challengingly .  (T/N: He sneered, probably, but the raws said, ‘he curved his lips’ so I translated it as it is lol)

「You know too, right? Did you honestly think I returned to the Royal Capital for my sister’s sake alone? 」

「I did consider it to be not the case……」

This guy, who did not even appear in the engagement ceremony, went out of his way to go here would mean that there is

some reason behind it .

Is what thought .

From the challenging look he gave, the realization dawned on me .

Though I doubted it, Alex narrowed his eyes as affirmation and slowly announced .

「Before long the “North” will set out, you know?」

From Alex’s words, even Glenn, who remained as a spectator, straightened himself up .

「Is it already that time soon . 」

「Margrave Shallum has already finished with preparations . It is likely that a report requesting for reinforcement and a departure to the front will arrive within a few days . 」

If he says that Margrave Shallum, who protects the border from the North have started their move, then it must be truth .

Glenn frowned at Alex’s words .

「Year after year, they just never learn……」

「Their side must be desperate as well……The winters there are too severe . 」

While listening to their conversation, I a.n.a.lyzed the development of the situation hereafter .

Just north of our country situated the nomadic horseback-riding tribe [Tarim] .

Every year during winter, this nation would start their advance towards South . Their aim is, naturally, the dominion over our country . To distance themselves away from the harsh northern lands for at least a short while, they attack the country that is blessed in climate .

Once they withdraw however, then we would give up that year as well . As long as it was not prolonged, it wasn’t too much of a burden but, this year, their advance was considerably early .

The number of soldiers that can be deployed and plans on how to minimize the damage we would receive, formed in my mind .

My facial expression naturally became tense .

「Have you reported to Father already?」

As I said so, Alex, who was conversing with Glenn, turned my way and lightly nodded .

「Of course . It would be best for you to prepare as well……you’ll take part, right?」

「If the commander isn’t present, it would never commence . Of course I will . 」

When I gave an affirmation, Alex broadly grinned .

「Show that face to Lidi . Weirdly enough, that girl has a weak side over that part of a guy . Perhaps that might make her roll over* you unexpectedly」

(T/N: “案外ころっといくかもしれないぜ? ” < probably="" means="" turn="" her="" on="" lol="" .="" broken="" jinsei="" said="" that="" it="" might="" be,="" “make="" her="" climax="" easily”="" but="" like,="" i="" just="" couldn’t="" make="" alex="" say="" that="" (cuz="" incest)="" so="" i="" left="" it="" like="" that="" lol="" forgive="">

「……」

I then remembered the sight of her getting surprisingly roused up over my uniform just yesterday .

Although from the look of her befuddled silliness that was her upturned eyes and her demands for more, I was considerably riled up as well .

Looking at my state, Alex disappointedly murmured ‘what a letdown’ .

「From the way you look, it seems you already know . I had thought it was a great chance to make you feel grateful towards me though . Well, it doesn’t matter . Then, I will leave now . While I’m at it, I’ll convey this information to Will too . 」

「Aaa, alright . 」

As the Head of the Magic Division, it seems necessary to inform Will of the matter as well .

Rather, it’s of no use if he was not notified . In order to head towards Margrave Shallum’s region and restrain the North, opening the Transfer Gate which is under the control of the magician’s division is necessary .

「See ya, Freed, Glenn . Keep it together . 」

I called out to Alex who was leaving the office as he waved his hand .

「Right back at you, return to the capital quickly . 」

Without Alex, various things are delayed .

「Just a

a little while more, alright . Ah, Freed . Don’t you make Lidi cry too much . 」

With the door kept open, Alex turned around and laughingly responded .

「Except on the bed, I don’t plan on making her cry . 」

「……You* . How dare you shamelessly say those things in front of me . 」

(T/N: Again, back to temee =てめえ)

「Although I’ll say it many times over, it’s because I’m serious . I have no intention of specifically glossing over it . 」

As I said so with a serious look, Alex shrugged his shoulders as if drained . He raised his hand and said ‘I’ve intruded’ then finally left .

When the acc.u.mulated official duties were finally put in order, the night sky was up .

In the end, I could not go and see Lidi, let alone invite her out to eat together .

I wonder how she pa.s.sed time .

While I thought of whether she is able to move steadily enough, I returned to my room in a fast pace .

I want to see her quickly . See her, then hold her close and thoroughly savor her soft body once again .

I reprimanded my body that became hot involuntarily as I remembered last night’s coquetries . Just a little more patience .

As I arrived whilst holding back my straying feelings, the one who greeted me wasn’t my beloved lady, but the head court lady alone .  (T/N: dun dun dun)

「……Where’s Lidi?」

Seeing the tidied bed, I asked Clara a question .

Clara lowered her gaze apologetically .

What I expected to see was her (Lidi) and her resentment-filled eyes that looked up at me .

I would then calm her, whisper my love to her, and then eventually sink into the bed together . That was what I thought .

But the room was vacant, like how it usually is . I imagined there was an entire story behind this situation, yet I still could not accept it

From my concise question, Clara deeply bowed her head .

「I am terribly sorry . The princess have returned to her residence . 」

「……Returned?」

The unbelievable answer spun out of Clara’s mouth . Not believing such, I shook my head .

「Even though I slept with her that intensely? Yet, she is still able enough to move, is that what it is? 」

「That is……」

When I was reported of what occurred from since the moment I left the room, I became at a loss for words .

She escaped when we took our eyes away from her for a short while, is that it?

From that improbable words, when I noticed it I was already laughing .

「Fufufu……Fufufufufu」

「Your Highness?」

She must have never thought that I would laugh .

Although Clara looked my way in confusion, it didn’t matter to me .

……Really . She escaped me again .

From the unexpected development of the situation, I was in admiration . At the same time, I whole-heartedly laughed once again .

Aaa, you really can never be careless around Lidi .

「Yes, as expected of my Lidi . Although once was inevitable, to think that she would run away from me* again for the second time . It didn’t even cross my mind……I was done in . 」

(T/N: Freed said, ‘kono watas.h.i.+ ga’ in this line, which is like saying, ‘Lidi escaped someone like me’ and regarded himself highly . )

It was unbearably amusing .

I was escaped from again . Although such was the case, instead of taking offense, laughing was all that escaped me .

She, who kept on surprising me in succession, deeply grasped my heart again .

Aaaa, as I thought, I want her body, her heart, and her everything .

I never

I never would have imagined that I could have such an attachment to one lone girl .

I just wonder how far is she, who is unaware of the bottomless pit that she drops me into, going to entrap me further .

「I deeply apologize . Because of my negligence, the Princess ……」

I shook my head to Clara, who looked to be shrinking as she apologized earnestly . I did not have the intention to harshly blame her .

「It’s not Clara’s fault . Although I haven’t explained it, Lidi is that kind of lady . You wouldn’t know what she’ll do the moment you let your eyes off of her . The one at fault is me who knew of this yet thought it would be okay and left her side . 」

「……Your Highness」

I a.s.sured Clara, who was sporting a doubtful face, and told her that I don’t mind . I then remembered last night .

「Hmm . Then, in short, Lidi wasn’t satisfied is what it means, right . I was relatively serious when I slept with her though ……I see, it was not enough huh……Hmm」

She immediately bolted out of the room after that, so she seemingly had sufficient strength left .

Just before however, she was uttering her complaints about the pains on her hips and her inability to move . It didn’t feel like a lie as I saw her state, but perhaps she can recover extremely fast……

If she went home full of energy, then I should have slept with her more .

Even though I held myself back, since she cried and pleaded . In other words, that kindness was not necessary .

……I’ve decided . The next time I sleep with her, I will not stop until I’m utterly satisfied .

I wouldn’t yield even if she cried and cling to me .

I would have her take responsibility and accompany me to the end . When I thought so, the ends of my lips lifted .

In continuation, I then urged Clara to report .

How did she (Lidi) return home after leaving the room? I was curious at the means she used .

However, when the name of Will and his cooperation in Lidi’s escape fell from Clara’s lips, I did not believe my ears .

「Will? Do you mean to say, Will sent Lidi home? 」

「Yes . Will-sama himself has reported the matter . Thereafter, from Duke Vivouare Household as well, I received letter from Madam, stating that the Princess Consort have returned to their residence . It was an apology in behalf of the Princess Consort, who went home without saying a thing . 」

「I see……」

「I have thought to report the matter immediately however, it appeared that you were busy . 」

「I understand . Thank you for your report . 」

Since the matter with the “North” have occurred, we were in disorder, so it couldn’t be helped that I couldn’t be contacted .  (T/N: I a.s.sume this means, couldn’t be reached magic telepathy-wise in Clara’s case, cause she didn’t even go to Freed’s office lol)

If she (Lidi) went home safely, then it’s fine .

I could just meet her tomorrow .

But……

「Why did Will arrive at such timing……」

I grabbed my forelocks in frustration .   Instinctively, my real opinion leaked out .

I want it to stop .

Just this noon, I heard such unpleasant news from Alex .

Merely imagining the unfamiliar exchange between the two of them (Will and Lidi) drives me mad with jealousy .

Will’s feelings were unreached and she (Lidi) became my Princess Consort . That was it . I know .

But it* wasn’t something logical .  (T/N: Freed’s anger)

I trust Will . We have known each other

known each other since childhood as well . In contrast with Alex, he’s courteous and is top-notch as a magician .

Although he has a sharp-tongue, I don’t think of him as someone that will do something to my fiancée .

Yes, in my head, I already understand .

Nevertheless, I didn’t have the confidence that I could stay composed when I see Will’s face .

「……As I thought, I don’t want to see Will’s face for a while . 」

If I did, I might vent my anger unto him .

I want more time to cool down my temper .

As I took a deep breath, I then told Clara to fall back . She quietly did as told .

Aaa, I should sleep for today .

I crawled unto the cold bed alone .

The neatly arranged bedding has no remnants left of Lidi’s scent . The only fragrance in the air is fabric softener .

「Lidi……」

Even though she was in my arms just this morning .

Even though our tongues were entwined and I was enjoying myself in her deepest insides many times over .

Although it was supposed to be the same as usual, I felt an indescribable feeling of emptiness from the s.p.a.cious bed .

It’s lacking her . I could no longer settle down and sleep by myself .

In actuality, I should be earnestly holding my beloved her and should already be immersed in our sweet s.p.a.ce around this time .

Even though I thought to melt her innermost parts and have her cling unto me .

I wonder if she, who ran away undauntedly, is laughing in satisfaction right about this time .

Or is she at least thinking that she’s lonely even for a short while .

Despite not sleeping a wink last night, the drowsiness did not even appear .

I just want to sleep as soon as possible yet I couldn’t help but be fully-awake .

I want the morning to come quickly . I want to see her immediately .

Just what should I do to stop her from running away .

Should I lock her up? Or should I whisper my whole-hearted love to her?

As someone that have already tried such, I couldn’t think of an alternate plan .

I even considered shamelessly clinging to her in tears and begging her to say .

If that would make her remain here, then I would happily practice it .

I continued to toss and turn as I thought of such things .

Since I couldn’t sleep, I gave up at last and sat up .

It couldn’t be helped . If it’s like this, I should just come up with the budget revision plan for the proposed amendment until morning instead .

As I thought so, I put on my dressing gown and stood up .

Then at that moment .

An ear-piercing siren-like sound resounded inside the castle .

It was a familiar signal informing of an emergency and from that, the feeling of tension was raised .

I stood still and quietly strained my ears to hear every bit of contents they report .

As the lengthy siren stopped echoing, several seconds of silence permeated . Afterwards, the feared words were announced .

『Tarim’s advance confirmed!! Urgent reinforcements are to dispatch!! All Superiors are to gather in the reception hall at once!!』

Brought about by magic, the wafting voice that expanded the sense of urgency made my expression stiffen .

Although I heard it from Alex already, as I thought, this year is too early .

As the notice for the departure to the front was released, my thought process swiftly changed .

When Clara, who was in waiting outside, has arranged the preparations, I left the room in haste .