Like a Prince from a Fairy Tale
"Wh-what are you talking about all of a sudden...?"
I wiped the tea from my lips with my hand. Yurina covered her mouth with hers, flustered beyond words.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I actually wanted to say it back at the restaurant..."
"...Ah, then."
I glanced down at the uniform I was wearing. Was it really because of this? Was that why I was suddenly exploding in popularity with the ladies?
"When you saved me and the children..."
Suddenly, Yurina's eyes glazed over. Her wistful gaze burned with the same intensity as my past-life friend fangirling over an idol.
"You have no idea how cool you were! Just like the prince from a fairy tale, like that child said!"
"Ah, uh-huh. Yeah."
I briefly recalled the original story. That's why her behavior felt so familiar.
Right, it was just like...
It was exactly like watching Yurina fall for the male lead, the crown prince.
The two first met at the imperial ball six years from now. But they didn't fall in love at first sight.
That's right. In fact, Yurina and the crown prince started off as bitter enemies of sorts. Yurina saw through the prince's fake nice-guy act and kept her guard up, while he couldn't stand the saintess everyone idolized.
Then, during the demonic beast outbreak, when they went north together, that's when the sparks flew. When Yurina rushed into the thick of battle to save villagers caught in the crossfire, the prince swooped in to rescue her—and that's when she first developed feelings for him.
Yurina, who had never been in love before, couldn't hide her emotions and often acted adorably clingy. And that's exactly what she was doing right now.
Did I just steal the male lead's flag?
"Yu-Yurina!"
"...Yes?"
Yurina, who had been staring off dreamily, turned her head at my call.
"I'm flattered, really, but calling a woman like me 'prince' is a bit..."
"Oh!"
Yurina jumped up from her seat in shock and bowed repeatedly to me.
"I'm so, so sorry. Lady Abigail, that's not what I meant..."
"Ha, haha. It's fine. No need to apologize like that."
I had to work hard to get her to sit back down. She was so stubbornly proper that she kept apologizing until I left the room.
"......"
But nah, no way.
I couldn't have stolen the male lead's spot just from that.
If I see Yurina again, maybe I should show her me in a dress. Abigail rocks a dress like no one else.
"Sigh."
Back in my room, I let out a long breath.
* * *
A few days later, I paused the marquis's training and sat across from him in the drawing room.
The marquis kept stealing glances at me, his face tense as he sipped his tea. I set my teacup down with a sharp clink in front of him.
"Marquis, it's about..."
"Yes, ma'am!"
"......"
The marquis's voice boomed through the drawing room. The usually composed servants widened their eyes and stared at us.
What's with yelling like we're on the training grounds?
I gave him an awkward look.
"Tone it down a bit?"
"Ah, yes, ma'am."
The marquis scratched his freckled cheek, looking embarrassed. He was kinda cute, so I couldn't help but chuckle.
Looks like the training over the past few days had paid off.
"Anyway, I was thinking it's about time I headed back."
"Al-already?"
"......"
Why's he looking at me like an abandoned puppy?
I could almost hear the pitiful whimpers in my head. Clearing my throat, I continued.
"Ahem. I need to report to Father, you know. He'll chew me out if I'm too late getting home anyway."
"Ah... yes..."
The marquis looked openly disappointed. For a second, I nearly patted his head like I did with Ren.
Guess I'm weak to this type.
"Before I go, though, I have a favor to ask."
"A f-favor from me?"
"Yeah, something only you can do."
I placed a sheet of paper in front of him.
"Read this carefully and sign it."
"...?"
The marquis blinked at me, then at the paper, utterly confused.
What I'd given him was the outpost establishment permit Xavier had prepared. Based on Viscount Volta's report, it detailed the purpose, significance, direction, and more. The explanations were thorough.
But honestly, I doubted the marquis would actually read and sign it.
Yet he did something completely unexpected.
"Signed!"
"What? Without reading it?"
Without a moment's hesitation, he grabbed the pen and scrawled his name. I stared at him in bewilderment.
He tilted his head innocently, meeting my gaze.
"...But you told me to."
"You still need to read it first."
"Ah, yes, yes."
He frantically skimmed the paper. Moments later, he looked up with a bright smile.
"All read!"
"...And you'll sign it?"
"Yes!"
"......"
Not even a second of doubt. What was going on? Signing contracts willy-nilly like this...
Is the margraviate's future safe? He won't lose the whole territory later, will he?
I was seriously worried.
"Hey, contracts need to be handled carefully."
"Yes, I know!"
"Then why...?"
"Well..."
He rolled his eyes playfully, then shyly met my gaze.
"Because Lady Abigail told me to."
"Whoa..."
The training worked too well.
I seemed to be gaining more blind followers.
"R-right. Then just listen to me. Don't trust anyone else. Got it?"
"Yes, Lady Abigail!"
"Ahem."
I felt like a shady adult luring a kid with candy. Kept coughing awkwardly.
"Anyway, thanks."
"Happy to help."
"Well then..."
I smiled as I set down my empty teacup. Everything I needed to do here was done. Time to prepare to head back.
But first...
"Shall we resume training?"
"Y-yes?"
"Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on you responsibly until I leave."
"Uh, ugh."
"You should be thrilled. Smile."
"Ha, haha."
I dragged the reluctantly grinning marquis back to the training grounds.
* * *
Yurina walked the corridor with a troubled expression. It was almost time to leave the north.
Thanks to the young duchess's help, the holy pilgrimage had gone smoothly, and all that was left was to return to the temple triumphantly.
Yet she couldn't understand why she felt such regret.
"...Sigh."
No, she knew deep down. She didn't want her time with the children to end.
And...
Yurina stopped dead, spotting someone.
"Lady Yurina?"
"......"
Illein called from behind, puzzled, but she couldn't tear her eyes away.
Obsidian-black eyes turned toward her. The unmistakable emotion in those still, deep pools was clear: hostility.
It was the first time the saintess had ever felt it directed at her.
...Ian Servbo.
He was Abigail Carpoem's guardian. Abigail seemed to trust him more than her own knights. As her guardian, Ian never left her side—like Illein and herself. Their bond looked unbreakable.
So why was someone like that displeased with her? Yurina couldn't fathom it.
She glanced at where he stood—guarding the drawing room door. Abigail must be inside.
Yurina approached him with a composed face.
"Hello."
"......"
She greeted him with a smile first, but as expected, Ian just stared at her with a blank expression.
Just as Illein bristled at the rudeness, Yurina spoke again.
"Is Lady Abigail inside?"
"......"
Ian ignored her question entirely this time, even turning his gaze away. Perfect dismissal.
But since she'd anticipated it, it didn't bother her. Illein, however, looked ready to explode.
"Take care, then."
"......"
After a steadfast farewell, Yurina walked on. As they headed to the garden where the children played, Illein finally couldn't hold back.
"Are you really letting that rude bastard get away with it?"
"And what then?"
Ian Servbo was the young duchess's guardian. Punishing him for ignoring a greeting wouldn't fly.
At least, that's how Yurina saw it.
"He's not even a noble."
"...Not a noble?"
"No."
Yurina halted in surprise. Not anger at being snubbed by a commoner, but shock that the young duchess's guardian was one.
"That's right. And yet he struts around like that because the young duchess backs him."
Illein's refined face twisted in disgust.
"Judging people by status is wrong."
"But..."
Illein wasn't entirely wrong. In this noble-centric society, Ian's behavior was no small offense. If it had been anyone but Yurina, it would warrant a reprimand—even with the young duchess's protection.
"Thanks for worrying, but I'm really fine."
Yurina didn't want to punish him and risk friction with Abigail. No matter the reason, she didn't want to sour things with her.
That said...
"Sir Illein, could you look into the Servbo family for me?"
"That man's family?"
"Yes."
Yurina wanted answers about the unease churning in her chest. It wasn't just anger at his dismissal and hostility. It was something deeper, more primal—a instinctive revulsion, like she didn't want to mix with that thing.
Those feelings were unsettling her.
If my suspicions are right...
She glanced back at where she'd met Ian. He'd already rounded the corner, out of sight.
Yurina didn't judge by appearances alone. But she trusted her instincts and senses. Priests with vast holy power could pierce through the wicked.
So Ian Servbo was undoubtedly evil.
I can't let someone like that stay by Lady Abigail's side.
Yurina bit her lip, thinking to herself. If the day came when she was certain...
"Let's go. The children are waiting."
"Understood."
Yurina walked ahead, and Illein followed silently behind.