Chapter 14 (1/2)

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Kebrilio managed to force out.

His announcement brought silence to the room. Realization dropped upon the heads of Flania, Charle, and Hamon.

Hughesin!

All three of them knew the name—they knew all about the Karthian duke and pillar of the hardliners. His name and skill on the battlefield and with the women were legendary. So one could imagine their surprise that a crossdressing Elric was what managed to captivate such an outstanding figure.

Someone broke the silence with laughter, and like a dam, everyone began to laugh. Charle most especially. He was pleased; pleased that their little punishment prank for Elric was already quick on its returns! Elric must've outdone himself as a woman. Gold was certainly struck after finding this talent of Elric. Surely the kingdom had to keep him now. To not be doing so would be a waste.

Not even Kite and Jerry could resist a chuckle from building in their throats. Their friends.h.i.+p to Elric was all that was keeping them from vocalizing their laughter, it'd certainly be rude to laugh at their friend!

But when they saw their fellow apprentice and companion, Belladonna, giggle enthusiastically at the news, their restraints fell apart as did their sleep deprivation. All that laughter had simply siphoned it away.

The only not laughing was the prince. He was staring at everyone, incredulous. Having not been a part of the fun yesterday, the young prince was left in the dark about Elric's crossdressing. The only way he found out was due to his constant questions.

It was Hamon that told him, amidst chuckles and laughter. The backstory of Elric's fate was explained to the prince, much to his delight and part-resentment. He wanted to join in on something as entertaining as this! It absolutely teared at the prince that he didn't get to see what happened himself.

Flania was equally as surprised as her brother. The look in her eyes was recognizable by everyone. She was busy plotting away at something.

Kite and Jerry glanced away at the sight. They bent their heads in silent prayer for their missing companion. Life wouldn't be getting easier for Elric in the future.

This diplomatic mission to Karth meant everything to the princess. Elric was already a lost-cause to be sacrificed for the sake of the mission. Kite and Jerry were both confident that if it were up to their princess, then Elric would be tied up in a nice golden ribbon to be wed to Duke Hughesin in a heartbeat if it would serve Sovereign.

The smile on their faces froze as a horrible thought occurred to them both. What if the princess got addicted to this? What if Elric wasn't enough, that she decided it was time to move onto them next?

Charle's expression was a rather hard one to read. The smile most certainly reached his eyes, but the one on his lips seemed to hide something else more mischievous behind it.

“Our dear Elric,” he cleared his throat. “Has done it again. He's caught a big one this time. But has he got any clue who duke Hughesin is?”

Puzzled expressions were shared among the group. There was no way Elric would know who Hughesin was.

Officially, Elric was just a hired hand within the group. His role was limited to one of minor responsibilities. Unable to join any sensitive meetings, Elric was left with little to do until after his feat at Melkruth. His time learning under the princess also left him with absolutely no time to familiarize himself with the Karthian court. He wasn't a woman like Belladonna was either, so he lacked their knowledge of Karthian social customs and practices. Such knowledge was taught to all women prior to their departure given how abnormally romantic Karth was. It was necessary knowledge so they could avoid embarra.s.sing Sovereign or divulge secrets by accident.

But of course, Elric didn't know that. So of course he wouldn't know that Hughesin was a dangerous playboy and a famous pervert.

“I'm sure being a woman is harsh, Yer Highness. Surely there's problems to be resolved.”

Spoke Charle. He raised his right hand when Flania nodded him on. “Clothes, comb, and makeup, those three are vital.” He listed.

Flania frowned, was it truly that simple to be a woman? To have those three things? She waited to see if Charle would explain.