Insects, Lumberjacks, and Pirates [Part 1]

Your Highness, can you get up alright?

After several minutes had passed, Edward lifted his head from Emmas knees.

Emma, too, are you alright? The insects that caused the disturbance at the academy must have looked very frightening for a young lady. Did you sleep well last night? Have you had a hard time?

The Prince asked Emma with a worried face.

Theres nothing to worry about, Your Highness. I slept soundly. I didnt sustain any injuries either. Im feeling fine.

Emma answered the Prince with a bright smile, but she was secretly panicking inside because the Prince sounded like he knew what kind of insects they were. If he found out that those insects were currently in the mansion, he would most likely forcibly take them all away from her.

I see that Your Highness is the one who had it hard. Arthur-sama said that you didnt get any sleep. Did anything happen last night?

Emma tried to change the subject from the insects, although she did intend to ask that because she was also concerned about the Princes pale complexion.

I caught the culprit of the commotion last night.

The Prince hesitated for a moment, then eventually gave a vague answer so that the victim, Emma, could feel assured.

Oh my, so you have caught Robert-sama and Bryan-sama?

So you knew? That they are the culprit

Emma covered her mouth with both of her hands when she realized she had a slip of the tongue, but the Prince didnt miss what she said.

I have been silent about it all this while because if Robert and Bryan divulge the information about the tailless whip scorpions, I may be forced to return them. Though my effort to be tightlipped has been short-lived Emma groaned internally.

On the opposite sofa, George also had an exasperated face that yelled, Are you stupid? to Emma.

Please forgive me. I also thought that I had to let you know, but

No, thats very much like Emma, always so kind. Even if its Robert, you will feel sorry for him if hes put in prison.

The Prince gently relaxed his eyebrows and laughed. Emma is so full of compassion that she is even called a Saint. She will even forgive the foolish Robert and his crony even though she has had such a hard time because of them

Emma is drooping her head, trembling with both hands clasped together on her knees. She was probably reminded of the horror she felt because of yesterdays uproar, thought the Prince.

Robert-sama and Bryan-sama are now in prison? Emma seemed to find it very hard to ask that question.

I caught them returning to the academy to search for the insects last night. They are subjected to that treatment because they have caused a disturbance of that scale at the academy, a place under the royal castles protection. Thats why until their punishment is decided, they will remain imprisoned. Moreover, those insects are precious to the Kingdom.

Imprisoned? Precious insects to the Kingdom?

George started sweating in trickles. He couldnt see Emmas expression well because she was looking down, but he was sure that she was currently panicking as much as him.

T-They ended up in prison j-just because they threw insects? Emma looked at the Prince as she said that in a panicked, quivering voice.

Emma, you dont have to push yourself like that. You dont need to pass it off as just throwing insects. Im sure that the horror Emma experienced at that time was not an insignificant one. Emma is the biggest victim, even among all the young ladies harmed. I was so, so worried about Emma that I just couldnt help myself.