By the way, I heard you were instructing the knights to increase security.

!

She was startled when he abruptly changed the subject.

I am talking about the device in which strings are attached to various parts of the corridor and bells are tied to the strings. If there is an intruder, it will be caught and the bell will ring. For someone who was so frightened, you acted calmly.

Uhhhh

Arnold said it right. Rishe bore her fright in silence.

To be more specific, she was frightened while asking the knights for a favor. Thinking about it very calmly, there was a high possibility that what the maids saw was a living person.

But, still.

Cough, please dont tell me the results.

Dont you want to know?

Because if we set a trap and the bells dont ring, it raises the possibility that its a ghost!!

Arnold narrowed his eyes and looked at Rishe curiously.

You could at least take a separate report when a human gets caught.

But then Ill spend the rest of my life thinking its a ghost until I get a report that its a human

If that were the case, it was better that no matter what the outcome, Rishe would not be contacted.

Besides, if the person they saw wasnt a ghost or a normal human being, the bells wouldnt ring anyway

Arnold looked dubious, but eventually let out a sigh.

Fine. As for contingencies, Ill just handle it.

His Highness doesnt even believe in ghosts

His words and actions made this clear.

Still, he listens to me and doesnt ignore my fears.

How reassuring his behavior was.

Thank you, Your Highness.

I hope I can do something, anything. I wish I could be of some help to you

She spoke, recalling Harriets words.

[If Im not useful to my country, not only is there no meaning to life, there is no meaning to being born]

However, Arnolds voice was gentle and kind as he replied to Rishe.

Dont mind it. Now get some sleep before the moon hides behind the clouds and it gets dark.

Okay.

Arent you afraid of the sound of the waves?

Your Highness is with me

Gentle drowsiness caressed Rishes back as she answered.

His Highness Arnold here now is completely different from the future Emperor Arnold Hein. And Harriet now

While her thoughts slowly simmered, Rishe fell asleep.

***

The next day, after Rishe and Arnold had each prepared themselves, they met with Curtis again.

After breakfast, Arnold escorted her to the guest room, where they met Curtis as he got up from his chair.

Good morning. Thank you for your gracious welcome last night, despite my late arrival.

Were glad to see you have arrived safely. Although the castle is small, I will make arrangements for you to have an uneventful stay until your departure.

Thank you very much for your concern. You have my heartfelt gratitude, Arnold-dono.

He greeted us in a straightforward manner, his short blond hair brushed with a little hair conditioner.

He possessed a straight spine and a calm demeanor. When he smiled, he resembled the real Curtis, even down to the way he smiled, which gave off quite an annoying impression.

However, the color of his eyes couldnt fool Rishe.

Im sure Harriet-sama is also aware of it

Rishe glanced over at Harriet and saw that she was still deeply downcast today.

By the way, from what Ive heard, weve caused a great deal of trouble to the future Crown Princess.

Raul, pretending to be Curtis, looked down at Rishe and smiled wryly.

I have brought female knights from my country, so there is no need for any further escort. Thank you for protecting my sister, Lady Rishe.

No thanks. It was a pleasure to spend time with Harriet-sama.

But theres no doubt youve taken on a dangerous role. I hope that nothing dangerous has happened to you.

Yes, there was danger. And that too, by none other than the man in front of her, Raul.

Raul was well aware of it and pretended ignorance about it. Rishe smiled generously and spoke.

There was no problem, Your Highness, Curtis.

Then, he looked at her with interest.

The expression on his face was calm, yet clearly curious. He looked just like the real Curtis, and Rishe was inwardly surprised.

Nevertheless, Im impressed. Even though you are a dukes daughter, you have a good grasp of swordsmanship.

Dont mention it. Im still a novice in training.

I beg your pardon, but may I show my respect by kneeling down to greet you?

Rishe guessed what Raul had in mind when he made that request.

A kneel greeting was a form of pretending to kiss the back of the hand.

Kyle had done so not long ago, but that was in the culture of Koyor. In Sigwell, they didnt do that kind of greeting on a daily basis.

Youre trying to touch my hand to observe my proficiency with the sword.

Perhaps, like Leo the other day, he suspected her of being a body double of the Crown Princess.

To be honest, she really didnt want to divulge too much information to Raul. However, Rishe couldnt refuse an offer from a Prince with her status.

Rishe was about to nod when something happened.

Gasp.

A hand slid around her waist, tickling her so badly that she almost screamed.

Rishe covered her mouth with her hands and looked up at Arnold, standing beside her

Your Highness Arnold.

Arnold drew Rishe closer, revealing somewhat cold eyes.

He regarded Raul with that expression and spoke.

TL:

Arnold: You looking for death? (_)