Chapter 20
Chapter 20
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: Summer Break (3)
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"Elena came with me, but she's resting now due to fatigue from the carriage ride."
"Ah, I see..."
Lucia didn't hide her disappointment at the news that Elena wasn't there, even in front of me, a prince.
"We might cross paths later if the chance arises. Anyway, are you working right now, Miss Lucia?"
"Yes! The academy introduced me to a job here during summer break, so I've been working!"
The 'part-time job' Elena mentioned must mean temporary labor. It felt a bit different from the usual meaning, but the intent came across.
She's an academy student, so she's probably working as a clerk. People who can read and do math aren't that common among adventurers.
"That's tough work. Short on money?"
"Tuition's fine, but I needed some living expenses."
"You could've asked Elena for help. Something like paying it back after graduating from the academy."
"H-How could I? I'd rather sleep rough and starve than owe Lady Elena anything!"
She'd cultivated quite the loyal follower. Regardless of gender, such fervent devotion was enough to make even me a little envious.
"And..."
"There's more?"
"It's not just about not wanting to owe Lady Elena. I also want to graduate from the academy on my own strength, no matter what."
"......"
"I know I'm getting special treatment from the headmaster because I'm a commoner, so at least for living expenses, I want to earn them myself! Like Lady Elena said, I need to be able to fend for myself with my own power!"
"...Hmm."
She was certainly spirited for a girl. If I'd met her before Elena, I might have taken an interest.
Especially if we'd 'happened' to meet in a coastal village like this, far from the academy or palace. It might have felt like fate.
'But since Elena told me I'd meet her, there's no particular thrill.'
In any case, bringing Lucia into the student council had been a solid choice. Experience in the academy student council made it easier to appoint her to a royal position later.
With her mindset and fervent loyalty to Elena, she wouldn't cause issues even if promoted.
"By the way, have you heard about the recent string of disappearances in this village?"
"I've heard rumors. Count Marstern told me to be careful too."
"You've met the count?"
"Yes. They said he's the noble managing the port. He kindly explained how to do the job himself and even arranged for me to stay at his mansion while working!"
"...Did you sense anything suspicious from the count?"
"Suspicious...?"
Lucia tilted her head, peeking at me as if unsure what I meant.
"Sorry, I don't really know... He seems like a good person to me..."
"...I see. Thanks for cooperating."
"Ah, yes! Have a great time with Lady Elena, Your Highness!"
"Sure."
If even Lucia sensed nothing suspicious, it probably wasn't Count Marstern after all.
Leaving behind Lucia's voice waving us off as if Elena and I were on summer vacation, Hadi soon reported to me moments later.
"A message from Eri. Lady Elena has left the mansion."
"...As expected."
Her excuse of being tired and lying in bed had seemed off from the start.
Convinced she was up to something in earnest, I moved locations.
The place Hadi and I moved to was the central park in Delrona Village.
It was called a park, but it was really just an empty lot with a few benches, surrounded by shops lining the area.
Just in case, I'd changed clothes again. Sharp Elena might spot me and Hadi, and I didn't want to tip her off.
As I waited for Elena per Eri's report, I spotted her approaching from the direction of the mansion at a fork in the road.
...Holding hands tightly with her personal maid, Eri.
"Eri sis, it's so nice to be out like this, right?"
"Yes, Elle... Ahem, y-yeah, Elena. Uh-huh..."
"......"
"......"
I could tell exactly what they were up to just from their voices over the listening stone.
Probably disguising themselves as commoners to wander the village. Gathering info or preparing something in advance.
"Sis, sis! Buy me a crepe! Strawberry crepe!"
"Shall I? That strawberry crepe there, how much..."
...Or maybe they just got bored cooped up in the mansion and came out.
It was the first time I'd seen Elena acting cute, and even Eri was melting openly.
She's one of the most capable maids, assigned to Elena on purpose, yet she couldn't even manage her expression.
I could understand. If I were in Eri's position, I'd probably loosen up in front of that Elena too.
"Looks like she just came out for a stroll because the mansion felt lonely. Didn't want to wander alone looking odd, so she made Eri act like an older sister."
"Hoo, I see."
"...Your expression doesn't look good, Your Highness."
"......Nothing."
Yeah, not a man, but jealous of a woman. Jealous of Elena's maid, no less. What was I supposed to do about it?
Forcing myself to compose, I watched Elena and Eri sharing a crepe when a group of rough-looking men approached slyly.
None had pleasant faces. The port town vibe gave them a rugged edge.
"Haven't seen pretty girls like you around here. On a trip with your sis?"
"Yes. Thanks for speaking to us, but this trip is just me and sis, nice and cozy. If we're your target, sorry, but could you go elsewhere?"
"...Cheeky little miss."
"If you understood, you'd step aside now, right? You old guys blocking the sun in front of me are ruining my mood."
She showed no mercy to those approaching with impure intentions.
The smile she'd used cutely on Eri vanished, replaced by a cold expression and voice chasing the men away.
Eri seemed to sense the danger too, gripping a weapon hidden in her clothes.
"Hey, insolent girl. If you're picking a fight, pick your targets right. Do you know who we are to act so bold..."
-Slash!
"......Huh?"
A man's wrist sliced clean by an ice blade that appeared without incantation.
Frozen solid the moment it cut, no blood seeped out. He seemed stunned for a moment, but soon his scream echoed through the park.
"Aaaargh! Wh-what the hell?!"
"I told you to move nicely when I said it nicely. I finally get out of town, and you ruined my good mood."
"M-Magic...? A mage...?"
"Still thinking of fighting? If you grovel on the ground and beg, I might let this rudeness slide..."
"Uwaaagh! R-Run..."
"...Not even listening."
-Thud!
"Gaaaargh!!"
Spotting Elena as a mage, one bolted, but an ice shard from Elena pierced his ankle.
The quick one was already flat on the ground. Resisting or fleeing would just end like the other two.
"S-Sorry! Spare our lives!"
"Yes, that's better. Admitting wrong and begging forgiveness. Right, Eri?"
"...Yes, it is."
"I was gonna pretend to be commoner and gather some info, but now it's ruined. No choice, we'll just walk normally even if it stands out."
Her tone didn't sound disappointed at all.
Getting found out didn't matter. Maybe wandering as a commoner was just her amusement from the start.
"And you there."
"Y-Yes!"
"Hand over everything you have."
"......Pardon?"
"You said spare your life, right? Then give everything except your life. I'm not asking for the clothes you're wearing, so money, jewels, anything valuable."
"Th-That... even so..."
"Last warning. I don't want to waste words on you."
-Whiiiir...
"I-I'll give it all!!"
I hadn't worried about Elena from the start, but I didn't expect this level of ruthlessness.
Of course, she shows no mercy even to noble ladies. Against commoner thugs like these? Even more so.
Strictly speaking, she was merciful. Someone of Elena's status could behead all three and toss them in the sea without crime.
Sure, it might ding her future queen evaluation, but Elena didn't seem hung up on that.
"I saw you hiding something in your back pocket. Wanna die for real? Should I cut off a wrist or two like him to make you listen?"
"Sorry!! I'll give it!!"
...Ruthless, indeed.
After dealing with the thugs, Elena walked openly, no longer hiding her noble status.
She even had Eri, whom she'd called 'sis' moments ago, hold a parasol over her head as if it were natural. Eri instantly reverted to maid duties.
The clothes were still commoner sisters' attire, but Elena exuded innate elegance.
With plenty of witnesses to the recent scene, pretending to be commoner now wouldn't fool anyone.
"Changing plans. Since it's like this, let's head to the guild first and gather info, Eri."
"Understood, Lady Elena."
'I can see Eri's disappointed her little sister act is over.'
She's trying to stay expressionless, but her eyes and voice betray regret.
Chances to see Elena's cuteness are rare. For a servant like Eri, being called 'sis' was probably a first.
If I were in Eri's shoes, I'd feel the same, so I get the disappointment.
"Your expression has improved, Your Highness."
"...Has it?"
It wasn't jealousy.
...Really.