Chapter 14 (2/2)

“Elric knows not of those three, yeah?”

“I don't see what you're getting at. But I do believe Elric's guidance will need to be tightened. We must ensure his complete mastery over masquerading as a woman.”

Truth be told, Flania was looking forward to what that guidance entailed.

s.h.i.+vers ran up Kite and Jerry's spines. Just hearing the word 'guidance' slip out from the princess' lips was enough to plunge them into terror.

And it seemed like her brother, the prince, was a new convert? His expression seemed rather determined, as if unwilling to miss out a second time.

The one to dampen the mood was Charle. His explanation was how unlikely it was that Hughesin would return Elric to them. Therefore, two maids should instead be sent over to Elric so they could help him with those issues.

It was a decent idea, the princess admitted. But it had several problems. She felt uneasy, allowing Elric to roam about so freely. Punis.h.i.+ng him and his two other male companions was becoming a favored pastime of hers. And finding a good maid on such short notice was too difficult! Hughesin's estate was dangerous to be in, especially given his reputation to every member of the female gender. What maid would willingly throw themselves into danger?

Flania stared at the people around her. Everyone but Charle and Kebrilio felt a wave of uneasiness wash over them.

There was a loud bang as the door out from the room was swung aside. Someone, everyone realized, was gone. It was Belladonna.

She realized things were going down a slope she didn't like the moment Charle began to give his suggestions. While everyone else was busy with the discussion and their laughter, she began to inch toward the door and then made a run for it when she realized it was time.

Her departure filled Kite and Jerry with despair. Why didn't they think of that first? The princess would surely pick on them two if Belladonna wasn't here. Backing themselves into a corner, the two began to silently pray to their respective G.o.ds in hopes that they'd be able to escape the princess' attention.

Their prayers were left unanswered. Perhaps their faith was lacking, or that the G.o.ds were perhaps busy. But the princess turned to give a close stare at the two youths.

Backing themselves into the corner was a mistake. They were like rats being stared down by a giant snake with nowhere to run. s.h.i.+vering where they stood, the two could only wait with bated breaths and desperate emotions.

It was a funny sight, but no one was laughing. Everyone else was too busy focusing on themselves.

Even the prince's bravado was nowhere to be seen. Over the course of the past few days, he saw how his sister was progressively becoming more like their insane aunt, Crazy. He wasn't even confident if he'd be spared from potentially playing the part of a maid if his sister wanted.

Even Hamon was starting to grow concerned. Before, he felt safe with his beard and stocky build, but he didn't feel as invincible as before. He touched the beard on his face, hopefully the princess would see his face and realize there was no way to have him crossdress as a woman.

The only one willing to undertake such a task was Charle. He was shameless enough to not care what others might say about him, and pretending to be a maid would allow him to watch the entertainment from up close. What better way was there to enjoy such a delight than being a part of it?

But there was no way he'd be able to disguise himself as a maid. Not with his regal self and presence. Anyone would be able to see through his disguise in the blink of an eye. What a tragedy it was that he lacked such the talent for crossdressing like Elric.

The princess had already reached a decision while Charle was busy lamenting to himself.

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