The Apprehension of the Reincarnated Princess

The Apprehension of the Reincarnated Princess

Klaus had been furious with Lutz for patting my head, but fortunately, I’d managed to soothe his anger. Afterwards, I’d steered the conversation back on track, and when I’d heard all that Lutz and Teo had to say, we’d parted.

I now doubted that there was much chance of Lutz and Hilde growing closer, but that didn’t mean that I’d broken Lutz’s abduction flag just yet. After all, our enemies had ties with an entire hostile nation, so I couldn’t see them giving up so easily. Hilde’s failure would only force our opposition to devise another scheme.

I’d been feeling an urgent need to smoke out the conspirator behind Hilde’s treachery. Lucky for me, I barely had to do any seeking—valuable information soon found its way into my ear, courtesy of Teo.

Lutz and Teo possessed an acute eye for people’s malice, due to their innate powers and the way magic had affected their relationships during childhood. They had a knack for discerning lies and ulterior motives from facial expressions, gestures, and mannerisms. That’s how they’d seen through Hilde’s act.

Of course, they hadn’t figured out what she’d been scheming, but they’d reported that her friendly demeanor seemed to be part of some ploy. Because of this, they’d kept their distance from her.

Hilde’s proactive approaches were directed entirely at Lutz, which left Teo free to observe her actions unnoticed. Just once, Teo had witnessed Hilde sneaking about, attempting to remain unseen. When Teo followed her, he’d seen Hilde and a man skulking in the shadows for a clandestine meeting.

They’d appeared to be arguing. Hilde had been desperately trying to cling to the man, and he’d shaken her off.

A shadowy guy meeting with Hilde in secret? Looks to me like we have our mastermind. I’d like to put this guy down as my final answer—he has to be the culprit who enticed Hilde into helping abduct Lutz.

Perhaps the reason Hilde had taken part in this evil scheme hadn’t been for money, or wealth, or honor, but for the affection of the man she loved, and that alone.

If that was the case, then I could form a hypothesis—the reason why Hilde had been abducted at the same time as Lutz during Hidden World was because this man had tricked and betrayed her. From the beginning, he’d intended to sell her out at the same time as Lutz, using her as a hostage to guarantee the sorcerer’s obedience. Hilde had eventually rejected Lutz, but only after learning that the man she’d loved had deceived her and cast her aside.

What a guy.

While Hilde’s cruel attempt to manipulate Lutz was beyond forgiveness, this man was the true monster. Toying with a young girl’s heart for his own ends? Despicable.

At this stage, all the information I had was based on unsubstantiated conjecture, but I was nonetheless beset by rage. Delusions ballooned in my mind. My mental image of Hilde began to change from an uncaring manipulator into that of a determined young girl who’d nurtured her first crush in secret.

Rosemary von Velfalt, age ten. Hobbies: daydreaming.

Well, regardless of whether my speculations about Hilde are true or not, I’d better investigate that man first of all. The only real information I have right now is Teo’s witness testimony. He said that the man wears the uniform of the royal guard, so my plan is to yank at that string until everything unravels.

I’d wanted to conduct my investigation as covertly as possible, since it was a delicate matter, but I was working at a disadvantage with such scarce information, so I didn’t have many options.

Regardless, I need to do everything that I can.

“So he’s slender, left-handed, and has long hair in a bright color? Hmm.”

Sir Leonhart von Orsein confirmed what I’d told him of the man’s features, then paused in thought.

“That’s right,” I stated. “Do you know him?”

“I believe so.” He nodded at my question without much delay.

Pressed for time, I’d decided that the quickest route to information was through Sir Leonhart.

I could’ve asked Klaus, who was also enlisted in the royal guard, but he couldn’t match Sir Leonhart’s breadth of connections. While Klaus seemed like he could get along with anyone, in reality, his relations showed a clear bias. He was thorough about this; he paid zero attention to those who didn’t interest him.

My choice to ask Sir Leonhart was guided by my conviction that he’d present me with a richer supply of information. And most certainly not any personal feelings. Probably.

Sir Leonhart seemed to immediately realize the identity of the man, though for some reason, he didn’t tell me right away.

After a moment’s silence, he turned his gaze towards me. I grew unsettled; when he looked at me with his clear, obsidian eyes, it felt like even my innermost thoughts were laid bare.

“I’d ask you one thing before I tell you,” said Sir Leonhart. “Could you let me know why you’re searching for him?”

“I, uhh...”

I didn’t know what to say. I couldn’t actually tell him the real reason. Without a shred of evidence, I couldn’t state that I suspected this knight of a serious crime.

At the same time though, I didn’t want to lie to Sir Leonhart.

What should I do?

Unable to come up with a clever excuse, I fell silent.

“Is it something that you’d rather I didn’t hear?” Sir Leonhart pinned me with his gaze, as though trying to discern the true intentions behind my suspicious behavior.

“N-No, that’s not quite...” I stammered.

Not good, I’m starting to sweat.

My thoughts were in overdrive, but I couldn’t conjure any good plans. All I could do was stand frozen in front of Sir Leonhart and endure the cruel passage of time.

“Women tend to be quite fond of him, so could it be—” Sir Leonhart started.

I’d been facing down, fidgeting, but somehow his guess at an interpretation had sent the conversation spiraling in an absurd direction.

“That’s not it!!!” I denied reflexively. My face bounced straight back up as I shouted. Sir Leonhart shot me a look of surprise.

He probably hadn’t meant what he’d said just now. He’d just been trying to make a kind of joke to mollify my obstinate attitude, or use a bit of banter to help us ease into the real conversation. But I couldn’t let his implication pass unchallenged.

“...That’s not it,” I repeated in a quieter tone.

He was the last person I wanted to hear that insinuation from. I fought back the tears before they could fall and pressed my lips together.

Sir Leonhart bowed his head with a meek expression. “My apologies. My poor joke has upset you.”

I shook my head, saying nothing, and his expression grew ever more concerned. Times like these reminded me that I was still a child, much to my displeasure. I should’ve played along earlier if I’d wanted to make the conversation go smoothly.

No matter what I did, I was still just a ten-year-old child. I’d have to wait another five or six years, at least, before I could hope for Sir Leonhart to think of me as a romantic prospect.

I should’ve just said that I’d heard the man was charming—then I could’ve matched my story to Sir Leonhart’s and learned any information he might’ve had. I’d have profited much more that way, rather than by demonstrating my devotion to Sir Leonhart.

I knew all of this logically, but to my annoyance, all I could manage to do emotionally was shut my mouth.

God, I’m so inflexible.

As I hung my head in silence, a pair of boots stepped into my field of vision. A shadow spread across the floor, and I felt someone’s presence right next to me.

“Nicholas von Buro.” A hushed whisper reached my ears.

I instinctively flung my head back up. Sir Leonhart slowly stood up straight from his hunched position. Our eyes met.

“...Huh?” A confused murmur slipped through my lips.

“That’s the name of the man that you’re looking for,” Sir Leonhart explained, smiling faintly at me as I stood in a stricken silence.

When he told me, I was more baffled than happy.

Why’d he tell me all of a sudden? He was so unwilling just a moment ago.

Seeing my distress, Sir Leonhart bowed his head once more. “I beg your forgiveness for being so disrespectful. For saying something to test you.”

“Not at all,” I replied after a brief pause, even as shock gripped my heart.

He was testing me.

When a princess asks for the name of a royal knight, does that carry some special connotation? Does it affect who gets assigned to be her guard?

If that’s the case, then hold on for a moment—aside from the question of whether I’m comfortable with Klaus, the last thing I want is for Sir Leonhart to think that I’m a vulgar woman who gets pleasure from having hot guys wait on me hand, foot, and finger.

I struggled to think of a proper denial, but when I saw Sir Leonhart’s face, I gasped. My ridiculous and carefree inner conflict evaporated in an instant.

Sir Leonhart, his head now raised, wore an extremely severe expression. His almond eyes were narrowed to slits, his brow furrowed, and he pursed his lips tightly.

“However, Your Highness, I would caution you: do not stray any closer to that man than is strictly necessary,” he advised, enunciating each word carefully in a low, firm voice.

Exposed to his piercing gaze, my body started to tremble. I knew that he meant me no harm, but I broke out in goosebumps all the same. His eyes were so intense that I couldn’t move an inch.

I was overawed; this was the first time that I’d seen Sir Leonhart looking so serious.

“Your Highness?” Sir Leonhart inquired. He peered at my expression suspiciously as I stood frozen, eyes like wide saucers, holding my breath.

“Y-Y-Yes!” My reply came out as an awful shriek.

I instantly backed away, and tears welled in my eyes.

When Sir Leonhart saw my reaction, his eyes grew large and his eyebrows dropped in concern.

I’m really, really sorry! I didn’t mean to cause that look on your face!

Sir Leonhart wore a troubled expression and took a step away from me. I felt like kneeling down and begging for his forgiveness.

“Klaus!”

Sir Leonhart took care not to say anything that would startle me more, perhaps afraid that I’d start crying. Instead, he called out to Klaus, who was waiting a little distance away. They conversed about something, but their voices were too quiet for me to make out what they were saying.

Still though, why is he treating that Nicholas guy with such caution? Sir Leonhart wouldn’t make such a scary face over nothing. To him, me being around Nicholas must’ve carried some grave implication.

However, even if I’m right and Nicholas is in cahoots with a foreign country, I’m positive that the plot went unnoticed in the game. After all, there’s no way that he could’ve slipped past the palace’s security and abducted Lutz if he’d been under suspicion.

It feels as though there’s now an underlying discrepancy that separates this current reality from the plot of Hidden World.

“Understood?” asked Sir Leonhart.

“Understood, Captain,” responded Klaus.

There too. That’s another difference from the game. Sir Leonhart assumed the post of royal guard captain at the beginning of this year; he was the royal guard captain in Hidden World too, but his promotion shouldn’t have occurred this early in the time line.

The text in the beginning of the game said that he’d been recently awarded the title, so I would’ve thought that his appointment would take place later, only a little before the shrine maiden is summoned, around when I should turn fourteen or fifteen.

Somehow, I get the feeling that I was involved in causing this discrepancy.

When I’d been five, I’d asked Chris to fire all of Johan’s teachers. It was Sir Leonhart who had replaced his old sword-fighting instructor.

One of the dismissed teachers had also apparently served as a knight. Despite the royal guard’s meritocratic nature, this knight had made a big deal of his social class and thus bore an enmity towards Sir Leonhart. He’d been quite the piece of work, or so I’d heard.

I’d had nothing more in mind than wanting Johan to grow up to be a normal person, but my plan had also resulted in Sir Leonhart, who’d been unjustly held back, receiving praise commensurate with his abilities.

Hmm? Could this be why?

Now that Sir Leonhart was at the helm, maybe the royal guard had managed to pick up on irregularities that they’d missed in the game.

“Your Highness, whenever you go out, please ensure that you take Klaus with you,” Sir Leonhart said. He’d wrapped up his conversation with Klaus and had turned to face me.

“Sir Leonhart...” I said, trailing off.

I’ve really made him worry about me, haven’t I?

Seeing the concern in his expression, and hearing it in his voice, I felt ashamed.

I have to admit that I’ve not been the easiest to handle; I’ve rummaged around, stuck my nose into other people’s business, and then I had the audacity to shut up the moment it suited me, just because someone pointed out my behavior.

“Okay.” I nodded. Sir Leonhart breathed a sigh of relief.

There were still a few things that I’d wanted to look into, but having no way to protect myself, I knew that I’d only be stumbling around and getting in the way of Sir Leonhart and the royal guard.

I’ll just have to leave the rest to them.

I’m sure that the knights will protect Lutz and Teo, I thought, and yet I couldn’t shake off my anxiety.

I did trust the knights, but I couldn’t help but think—my knowledge of the abduction plan from Hidden World gave me the intel to act in a way that nobody else could.

I couldn’t escape the worry that, after everything was over, I’d be left with regret for not doing enough.

I shook my head slightly from side to side in order to chase away the negative thoughts.

“Thank you for taking the time to see me.”

I said my farewells, preparing to leave, and forced myself to feel more optimistic. When I did, Sir Leonhart stopped me for some reason.

“One moment, Your Highness.”

“Yes?” I asked.

He crouched down to whisper into my ear, “If there’s anything worrying you, please come to me before taking action. I’ll do whatever I can to assist you.” As he spoke, I thought that the look on his face couldn’t have been more serious.

I didn’t know the correct reply to give, so all I could do was act dumbfounded.

***

“Princess.”

Somebody grabbed my hand and snapped me out of my daydream.

“Huh?” I looked up to find Teo standing by my side, looking down at me with concern.

“I think you’ve watered that one a bit too much,” he remarked.

“Oops!” After he’d pointed it out, I remembered where I was.

That’s right, I was watering the medicinal herbs in the greenhouse.

The round leaves of the potted herb glistened with drops of water; the soil was more than damp enough. Watering the herb any more might cause its roots to rot.

Good thing Teo was here to grab my hand and stop me.

“Thank you, Teo.”

“You’re welcome,” he smiled, letting go of my hand, but his overall expression didn’t look cheerful. I saw myself reflected in his questioning eyes.

“Princess, do you have something on your mind?” Teo asked after hesitating a little. He’d turned his head downward in thought, as though he were picking his words carefully.

While Teo had the appearance and mannerisms of someone who didn’t sweat the small things, in truth he was a very considerate person. He’d noticed that something was worrying me, but was unsure whether it would be acceptable to probe.

“He’s right, you’re acting weird,” Lutz said. Beyond my notice, he’d walked behind me all of a sudden, and was staring.

“Lutz,” I said by way of greeting.

“You’ve been down in the dumps all day,” Lutz continued. “We try to talk to you, but your head’s in the clouds, and you only give half-hearted answers. You’re not your normal self at all.”

In stark contrast to Teo, Lutz didn’t beat about the bush.

They didn’t just look completely different—their personalities were also opposites in a number of ways. However, they were united in their shared feelings of concern for me.

“I’m sorry, both of you,” I said.

“Don’t apologize! That’s not what I want. I—uhh...” Lutz sputtered.

Guilt had compelled me to apologize, but Lutz had stopped me at once. He shook his head in frustration, irritated that he couldn’t find the right words to express himself.

“Lutz and I are just concerned because you don’t look happy,” Teo piped up, helping out Lutz, who was struggling to tone down his harshness, despite not actually being angry.

“Right?” Teo looked to Lutz for his agreement, and Lutz nodded several times in answer.

These guys make a great team.

“If you’re worried about something, then tell us,” said Lutz. “There’s not much we can do, but we might be of some help, at least.”

“Thank you,” I said sincerely, and I really meant it.

What great kids, really.

I felt a warm sensation spread through my chest. I was so grateful to have these two boys looking out for me. For my whole life, my status as a princess had prevented me from having many friends my own age.

Even so, I couldn’t actually tell them what was worrying me. I had no idea who was watching and who was listening, so I couldn’t say very much in front of Lutz, their target. It would simply be too dangerous. That risk was more pressing than any concerns I might’ve had about explaining my uncanny knowledge of the future.

“I’m fine though,” I said, reassuring. “It was a little too humid last night, so I didn’t sleep very well, that’s all.”

This was half-true. I couldn’t switch my brain off last night. I’d lain there thinking too much about all sorts of things, so I didn’t get much sleep.

I think that’s the reason why my head feels a little fuzzy.

“Then you shouldn’t be in a hot place like this!” Lutz exclaimed. “Come on, rest up for a while over there.”

“Huh?”

Lutz removed me from the greenhouse with a few forceful shoves to my back. He escorted me to the adjoining break room, where the ventilation was better.

“L-Lutz?” I stuttered, confused.

“Just stay put here,” he asserted. “You’re banned from the greenhouse for the rest of the day, got it?”

“But—”

“We’ll water the plants,” said Teo. “You just take it easy, Princess.”

The two of them spoke to me as though they were calming down a small child, then returned to the greenhouse, leaving me alone except for Klaus beside me. I stood there in mute amazement.

“I think that you should accept their considerate suggestion and rest for a little while.” In a rare sight, even Klaus remonstrated me.

Lately, it feels like everyone’s getting angry at me for the same thing. Maybe I’ve been running myself ragged and just haven’t realized it.

“I will.”

“Very well,” Klaus said. His expression softened when I sat down and relaxed. “I’ll fetch you a drink.”

Just a minute later, he returned. As I sipped the tea he’d brought, I looked over to the greenhouse. Beyond the glass, I could see the two boys diligently watering the herbs. Teo handled his task with adroitness, whereas Lutz compensated for his lack of skill with carefulness.

The more I came to know the two boys, bit by bit, the more I resolved that I must never let anyone turn such good children into weapons of war.

While I was taking a break, I decided to organize the information that I’d collected so far.

We have Nicholas von Buro, who might be a traitor.

I had only caught glimpses of him from afar, due to Sir Leonhart’s warning to stay away, but I’d seen that Nicholas was a slender man with a sword hanging from his belt. He had light chestnut-colored hair, which would’ve fallen halfway down his back had he not tied it up just below his neckline.

He checks every box from Teo’s testimony.

There didn’t seem to be many complaints about his service as a knight either; he took his work seriously, and while his looks were unremarkable, I could see why his calm demeanor made him popular with women.

However, the real Nicholas might be an entirely different beast than his outward manner would suggest. His underlying nature could vary significantly from the facade that he presents to the world.

He belonged to the ancient and venerable family of Count Buro, whose financial circumstances were allegedly in a state of complete disrepair. I’d heard a rumor that the Buro family had only narrowly escaped ruin—the Count and Countess Buro from a few generations ago had nearly run the family fortune dry with their exceptionally extravagant lifestyles.

While the family had managed to retain their comital title, they were in debt to half the kingdom.

Sounds like Nicholas’s motive is simple: money.

However, even if he succeeds in pulling off the abduction and lands himself a fortune, he’ll be in too much danger to stay inside Nevel. All the money in the world is worth nothing when you’re in some dungeon because your plan has failed.

Could the other country have promised him a title as well? It wouldn’t be worth his while to gamble all of his chips without a payout at least that big.

The stakes are his own life and the fate of his family, so he can’t afford to tolerate even the slightest chance of failure.

When my thoughts reached that point, something struck me.

Not only that, but if failure isn’t an option, then it’s too late for him to turn back now. If that’s how dire his situation is, then what will happen to Hilde now that she’s outlived her usefulness?