Chapter 39
Chapter 39
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 39
Chapter Title: Time for Settlement - 2
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Princess Rosmel's brazen courtship had left me flustered when Maribel barged in.
She had dropped the teacup on the floor, wearing an enigmatic smile that betrayed no emotions.
Meanwhile, Princess Rosmel, who had been perched on my lap, wiped the smile from her face and stared at Maribel.
The atmosphere shifted dramatically from the carriage ride earlier.
She could tolerate some show of affection, but marriage was a line she wouldn't cross?
"My apologies. My hand slipped, and I dropped the teacup."
"That's a mistake you would never make under normal circumstances."
"Even I am human and slip up from time to time. If this startled you, I truly am sorry, Your Highness."
Thorns laced every word they exchanged.
Maribel, having interrupted the princess's decisive words, strode toward us purposefully.
She set the luggage on the table and pulled out two new teacups from inside.
One she placed in front of me, the other in front of the seat opposite.
"I had no idea Your Highness would visit while I was away. Allow me to prepare some tea belatedly!"
"It's fine. I didn't come here to drink tea."
"How could we offer such poor hospitality to Your Highness? It would tarnish Lord Heinz's reputation, so I'll brew some right away."
A silent pressure urging the princess to get off my lap obediently and sit across from me.
But the princess showed no such intention. Instead, she turned her body sideways, delicately resting her legs on the armrest.
And then she wrapped both arms around my neck.
She had been icy when interrupted, but now she exuded leisure, confronting Maribel head-on.
"Well, then, I'll have to trouble you. If possible, please steep it long enough for the tea leaves' aroma to fully infuse."
Don't interrupt our alone time—why don't you scram?
"I've had boiling water ready since before I stepped out, so it won't take long at all!"
Do you think I'd leave you two alone? I'm crazy?
I'll be watching closely, so don't try anything funny.
A chilling undercurrent ran through their polite words and tones.
Far more overt than their carriage conversation.
And their battle of wills showed no signs of ending.
"That said, Your Highness, even in a private room, shouldn't you maintain the dignity befitting an imperial princess?"
"Is there a problem?"
"I believe it's improper for the empire's princess to sit atop a man like that."
"It's something we both agreed to, so no need to worry."
That's strange. Did I ever say it was okay for her to climb on?
"Right?"
Princess Rosmel looked up at me with a beaming smile, making it impossible to say no.
Unable to withstand the pressure, I nodded.
Forgive this pathetic master who can't defy Princess Rosmel.
"For the record, this is the reward she demanded in exchange for helping the young master in his time of peril?"
Princess Rosmel had intended to demand marriage as her reward.
But Maribel's intrusion derailed that, so she pivoted entirely.
Or perhaps she thought marriage was still premature?
Either way, Maribel seemed to judge that letting her act shamelessly was preferable to outright demanding marriage, offering no retort.
Just when the women's war of nerves seemed over, Princess Rosmel spoke up.
"While we're on the topic, Maribel, there's something I've been wanting to say to you."
"Please, say as much as you'd like."
"Don't you feel inadequate as his bodyguard?"
"Ugh…!"
The fight entered a new phase.
The difference this time was the absence of petty jealousy.
Princess Rosmel was purely questioning Maribel's capabilities.
"I think very highly of your decisiveness and competence. If you'd served in the imperial palace, you could have been head maid regardless of experience. But you're not a valet—you're a bodyguard."
"I-I could have fought him too…!"
"I'm not saying you're weak. Given that Lord Heinz keeps you by his side, you must have some skill. But I can't help thinking you're not at a level to overwhelm even the strong."
It was the plain truth.
Though she inherited an assassin's blood, Kizen hadn't wanted Maribel to become one.
Her training had only gone far enough to protect herself, leaving her combat prowess inevitably lacking.
She couldn't dominate elites like the cult's knight.
Aware of this, Maribel bit her lip hard and clenched her fist.
She gripped it so tightly that her nails pierced her skin, drawing blood.
"I can understand serving as his exclusive valet and assisting him at his side. But as a bodyguard, you should seriously consider handing the role to someone else."
"……."
Maribel hung her head low.
Unable to refute the princess's advice, she looked dejected.
A urge to comfort her welled up, but I held back.
What Maribel needed wasn't half-hearted consolation.
I once had a friend who was talented but eccentric.
He leveraged his specialty to enter a world championship but took second by a hair's breadth.
I patted his slumped back and comforted him.
Told him there'd be another chance, that he could win next time.
Instead, he snapped at me in a fit of anger.
Later, after composing himself, he sincerely apologized and said this:
'People pitied me for losing by a hair, but I sensed defeat from the start. I knew better than anyone how lacking I was. Hearing comfort in that moment just felt like pity from everyone.'
I'd nodded along, thinking it made sense.
But he clamped my mouth shut and told me what he wished he'd heard in his moment of despair.
We were young and foolish then, but I still agreed with him—and this felt like exactly that moment.
"Maribel."
"Lord Heinz, Her Highness is right. I…!"
"Let's find a way together."
"Pardon?"
"You're feeling inadequate, right? Once we're back in Altesia, we'll look for ways to make you stronger—together."
I acted nonchalant, as if it were no big deal, proposing we tackle the issue jointly.
Maribel lifted her head, her eyes wide in surprise.
I wasn't consoling or criticizing—I was declaring my intent to do what I could for her.
It might seem cold, but with our bond already so tight, no need to worry.
"If you still end up weak after we find those methods, I won't use you as a bodyguard. Got it?"
"Yes…! I'll work hard to live up to your expectations, Lord Heinz!"
Thankfully, it landed well. Before tears could well up, Maribel flashed a radiant smile.
Brighter and more innocent than ever.
Being a good boss was truly arduous.
"I'm envious. I can feel the deep trust between you two…."
Meanwhile, Princess Rosmel's brows were furrowed.
Having had her fun, she slid off my lap.
Then, without a hint of lingering attachment, she headed slowly for the door.
"Oh, right—the matter with Viscount Beld's house is progressing smoothly. That's everything I wanted to tell you, young master."
"Your Highness."
"Is there more you wish to ask me?"
"It's early for this, but I've thought it through seriously on my end. I'll give you an answer someday soon. So please, wait just a bit longer."
I hadn't specified the subject, but Princess Rosmel would know what I meant.
She didn't bother turning back as she faced the door.
But her flushed ears spoke volumes for her feelings.
Even without seeing her face, it was safe to assume she was delighted?
"Don't make me wait too long. Otherwise, I might just devour you first."
With those savage words, Princess Rosmel opened the door and left.
Through the narrowing gap, I caught a glimpse of her profile, hand cradling her cheek.
"Haa…!"
And so, I found myself on the execution block.
Having strung along two women who fancied me, refusing to let either go.
One misstep, and their fathers would sever my body from my head.
Becoming the empire's most sinful man was terrifying—yet thrilling.
Nothing would pump more dopamine than this.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Back in Altesia after wrapping up everything.
Flowers were scattered everywhere on the streets, and all the territory's residents were rejoicing.
I'd expected a festive mood upon hearing we'd repelled the monster wave.
But they weren't cheering for the peace they'd earned by blocking the wave.
"Make way, everyone! Lord Heinz Altesia is passing through!"
"Kyaa! Young master! Wave to us over here!"
"Altesia's hope! Altesia's hero! Altesia's pride!"
Just days ago, these same residents who fled in terror at the sight of me now swarmed my carriage.
They showered it with flowers symbolizing victory, chanting my name in praise.
What in the world was going on?
Having spent my time only in the capital, I couldn't comprehend the scene.
Amid the crowd, one very familiar face stood out.
"Lena?"
I locked eyes with Lena visible through the window.
I wanted to leap out and demand an explanation, but that would only draw the mob to me.
For now, all I could do was watch her. She stuck out her tongue slightly and lightly smacked her own head.
Are you insane? Sigh… No, an elf?