Chapter 130 - Reason For Fighting (3) (1/2)

“How about it?”

The morning classroom was sparsely populated.

I was in the middle of suggesting a boxing-style duel to Prince Atol, who was reclining back on his chair.

Why don’t we compete in a fair and honest duel, in the spirit of sportsmanship?

“I don’t mind, because it is the duty of a royal family member to listen to the voices of the people.”

What are you talking about, you stupid prince?

Are you forgetting that you wanted to fight without even asking our opinion?

“Yes, it’s very nice to have clear rules. Even if this muscle prince is reckless, the rules will stop him.”

Kayone, who was standing next to the prince and listening to me quietly, smiled a little and nodded.

It was nice to have someone who understood what I was saying.

“Is that so, I was afraid you’d say no. I don’t want to do anything too dangerous, you know?”

A little relieved, I sat down in the seat next to Prince Atol.

Whose seat was this?

Well, no matter.

“Normally we would never set up conditions on a request made by the Sage, who is related to the Dragons. And yet, this idiot Highness. I wonder what your older brothers would say if they heard about this.”

Kayone stared at Prince Atol with a chilling gaze.

When the stupid prince noticed her gaze, a sad expression appeared on his face.

“… Kayone, you can’t be thinking of informing my older brothers…”

“Why would I do that? All the members of the family have taken this to heart. It will only make the position of His Highness Atol’s vassals even worse.”

I’m starting to get left behind, aren’t I?

“Hmph! That’s why I said I don’t want anyone other than Grandma Iris serving at my side. I don’t want a vassalage. I can do most things myself, and in fact I did when I was back home.”

“Are you still talking like that? Please don’t trouble the young apprentice maids by saying so. This morning, they asked for help to stop you from standing in the kitchen.”

“I’m just saying that I’ll make my own food. I don’t know if it’s an old tradition or what, but I don’t think we need a poison tester for food in this day and age. If I cooked my own food, that would be enough.”

Oh, you can cook?

I was imagining you to be another selfish, leave it to others kind of fool.

Is this prince unexpectedly family-oriented?

“Serving in the kitchen and being a food taster are both noble royal duties. The head of the kitchen and the taster are also serving His Highness at the risk of their own family name. To deprive them of their resolve and pride is not something that one who stands above should do.”

With her temples twitching, Kayone turned her body toward the prince.

Well, it feels like it’s just begun.

“Hahaha! Family name! Stop it, stop it! I can see the whole house falling because of me! If you like, I can send you all to Setol. Oh, I’m sure you’ll be happier to stay with brother Tetol. It’s not the first time I’ve behaved strangely, you know. Older brother will be angry at first, but…”

“Your Highness.”

Woah.

Oh, no. I felt a shiver run down my spine.

Kayone interrupted Prince Atol with a short call, and time stopped for the prince and me.

No, it felt so tense that I thought it had stopped.

A cold look that had a different meaning than before.

Her gaze, quiet and sharp with anger, stretched straight towards Prince Atol.

Her voice was so heavy that I thought it was a curse, and I felt as if I had been grasped by the heart, even though I had nothing to do with it.

“Do you really mean what you just said?”

“… Ah, if you continue to follow me, Inteira and the other houses will fall as well.”

Caught by the icy glare of her eyes, the prince turned away and looked at me.

Stop, don’t look at me. I don’t want to get involved.

I’m having a really hard time staying here right now because I missed my chance to leave.

“It’s true. My brother Tetol in Tokyo is busy day and night trying to establish connections with high government officials. I’m sure he’d like to have at least one capable attendant. He also thinks highly of you and Utai. There is no one else at your age who can fully handle medium-grade healing magic, and Utai’s skills as a bodyguard are no different from those of a royal bodyguard. The Inteira family would also be more happy to have a connection with older brother for the future, ya know?”

“Tetol-sama is already engaged and to be married with three women. All of them are from venerable families, and all of them are excellent. There is no room for me or Utai.”

Kayone’s expression was as icy as ever.

She vaguely resembles Mikuma when she’s so scary.

I am not confident that I can stand a chance against a woman in this state.

“Yes, there is. If it’s just you, it’s a sure thing, and I’m sure he’ll be happy to take in the other vassals too. He is a kind gentleman. Your beloved and dear brother is…”

“—–!”