Chapter 92
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 92
Chapter Title: Princess's Temptation (5)
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Someone in a brown robe was watching me from the mouth of the alley. As if keeping surveillance on us.
He matched the man I'd seen in front of the doll shop in many ways. Not just his outfit, but his height and build too. High chance it was the same guy.
And that meant his presence here wasn't a coincidence. Sure, paths might cross by rare chance, but there'd be no reason to watch us like he was stalking prey.
'What the hell is his goal...?'
Two possibilities came to mind. Either someone connected to the heretics, or some guy trying to make a move on Elena.
Either way, it pissed me off, but I hoped for the latter. I hated anything to do with the heretics, and it was only natural for men to fall for Elena's looks.
Why doesn't that natural reaction apply to me, you ask?
Where in the world does a servant fall for their master? Besides, preparing for my old age mattered more than romance. I didn't want to get fired from my attendant job over something stupid.
Anyway, if there's a problem, best to report it.
I shoved all those thoughts to the back of my mind and approached Elena.
"Milady, it looks like someone's tailing us."
"Tailing us...?"
"Someone in a robe was watching us."
"No chance it was just coincidence?"
"I doubt it."
"I see..."
Elena looked pretty shocked. She'd only heard the word "tailing" before; this was her first time experiencing it for real.
She furrowed her brow in thought, then nodded.
"I'll follow your lead. What should we do?"
"Best bet is to grab him and ask."
"...You're confident, right?"
I nodded without a word.
The guy in the brown robe wasn't that big. His silhouette even looked somewhat feminine. Even head-on, I didn't think he'd beat me.
Of course, size and skill don't always match, but that's the exception, not the rule.
After that, Elena and I set out to catch the brown-robed figure.
Nothing fancy about it. Just like in the movies, we waited at the alley corner for him to pop out.
It didn't take long to realize that was the right call.
"Don't move."
I grabbed the guy emerging from the shadowy alley corner and slammed him against the wall. One arm twisted behind his back, just like a cop subduing a perp.
That's when I realized something was off.
A faint floral scent tickled my nose. Sweet and alluring, and all too familiar.
For good reason...
"Is that... Your Highness the Princess...?"
As far as I knew, only one person carried this scent: Erje.
I desperately hoped my ominous hunch was wrong. If I'd just manhandled the princess against a wall, that was high treason.
But hunches like that never miss.
"Now that you know, can you let go...? This really hurts. Feels like my arm's gonna pop off."
Her voice confirmed it beyond doubt. The hooded figure in the brown robe was Erje.
'Why the hell...? What the...?'
A flood of questions hit my mind, but this wasn't the time.
I released her immediately. Erje turned, leaning against the wall, and let out a long sigh.
"Never expected you'd go this aggressive..."
"I've committed a mortal sin."
I bowed without hesitation. Even if she'd started it, that didn't excuse me. One huff from her could end my life.
I wasn't the only one; Elena was bowing beside me too.
Probably best to apologize to Elena later. She'd just followed my word.
"Eh, don't sweat it. This is on me. You two did nothing wrong."
"Even so, touching Your Highness's person is..."
"If you're that sorry, wipe my face? Got all dusty from the wall."
"Yes, Your Highness."
I shot upright and pulled a handkerchief from my pocket, gently wiping Erje's face.
Alley walls must be filthy; the cloth came away smudged black.
Then Elena spoke up.
"Your Highness, if I may be so bold, one question?"
"Go ahead."
"Why the robe and the stalking?"
"Well... I was bored stuck in the palace, so I snuck out. Saw you two—heading to tomorrow's ball—and followed."
Elena tilted her head, baffled.
"If that's the reason, you could've just approached normally. We could've spent time together."
"Where's the fun in that?"
"Pardon...?"
"I wanted to surprise you. Didn't work out."
Erje flashed a mischievous grin.
Elena's face twisted in horror at the sight.
We'd been genuinely scared, even if it was just a prank to her. I got Elena's feelings completely.
At the same time, I worried. If she was cursing Erje inwardly, it'd show even unspoken.
Time to wrap this up.
I pocketed the handkerchief.
"Any plans after this, Your Highness?"
"Nope. Just lounging in the palace all day."
Not bragging, clearly. Her expression screamed boredom.
Why did that make me want to cry? So jealous.
"If it's alright with you two, I'd love to hang out..."
Erje looked between us, asking permission.
Honestly, she could've forced it. Made me realize what a good person she was.
"I'll defer to milady."
"Well..."
Elena trailed off, pondered, then nodded slowly.
"It would be an honor, Your Highness."
"Thanks, Elena."
The tension eased into a warm vibe. Felt like we'd glossed over something, but no harm done.
We followed Erje's lead and soon reached a restaurant.
"How do you even know about a place like this...?"
"I get around. Sitting still is torture."
The place looked rundown. No one would believe a princess recommended it.
But local gems are always like that. Never disappointed by Erje's picks, so no worries.
While eating there...
Erje spoke up.
"Long trip to the capital. Any issues on the way?"
Her tone said she knew. Probably read Elena's mind about the heretic attack.
Elena pulled a small vial from her belt pouch in response.
"We were ambushed by what I suspect was a heretic."
"Heretic, huh... Details?"
"He wasn't a mage or knight. But way stronger than a normal human. Even recovered after I cut him apart."
"Fascinating."
"My guess: this bug in the vial is the source."
Like it knew it was the star, the bug writhed wildly inside. Creepy as hell.
"Your Highness, I'd like to entrust this to you. The imperial mages can figure it out."
"...Can't promise results."
"That's fine. I just want the empire safe."
"Then I'll take it."
The gravity of it made both serious. Wish they'd stay like this always.
But it was brief. Elena's face filled with horror again.
"Wh-where did you put it?!"
"No other spot?"
"Even so, not there...!"
"What? Nowhere else fits."
Erje yanked down her collar, revealing cleavage, and stuck out her tongue cutely.
I just kept eating.
Damn, this place is a real hidden gem...