CH 64

“Dee-sama! I saw the royal city wall!”

We finally returned to the capital eight days after leaving Rhinesbrook.

The horses and even the knights who escorted us appeared tired from the long march.

Of course, Liz and Nora appear tired as well.

Hanna is an excellent intelligence agent who shows no signs of exhaustion.

But… She is the one who has put in the most effort.

She should rest after this matter is resolved…

“Stop! huh?! This is… Your Highness Dietrich!”

“We have an urgent matter—allow us to proceed now!”

“”Ha!””

The carriage was about to pass through the gate when the guards stopped it, but when they saw it was me, they saluted and let me through right away.

Umu… I would have commended the guards for stopping and checking first, regardless of his status, but now is not the time.

The carriage is now speeding through the royal city on its way to the Royal Academy.

If the initials do not refer to Lady Collete, there is no need to be concerned. However, if they do, Princess Roxanne’s safety is jeopardized.

Please keep her safe until we get there…!

I jumped out of the carriage at full speed when we arrived at the Royal Academy.

They should still be having classes in the classrooms at this time of day.

At this point, Liz and I dashed into the classroom.

Hanna and Gustav were standing next to me.

And then…

“Your Highness Roxanne!”

I slammed the classroom door open and yelled her name loudly.

As it was, I turned to see her face… The Imperial Princess Roxanne was looking over here, surprised.

…It appears I’ve arrived just in time.”

“W-Wait, what’s going on? Besides, I thought you were on official business for ten days.”

“We’ll discuss it later. Let’s go somewhere else because I need to check on a few things…”

I ask Suzan-sensei for permission before leaving the classroom with Princess Roxanne.

Then…

“I’m coming too.”

Similarly, Lady Collete rushed out of the classroom.

What should we do now?

If Lady Collete stays with us, I won’t be able to discuss the initials with Princess Roxanne.

On the other hand, I’d like to ensure that Lady Collette is also kept under surveillance.

“… I understand. Then please bring Lady Collete along.”

“Yes!”

We moved through the academy’s corridors.

“The room is ready, Dee-sama.”

“Thank you very much, Liz.”

Liz, who was standing at the end of the corridor, looked at me and bowed.

Haha… Liz, as expected.

We enter the prepared room with Liz’s help.

“W-What the hell happened?”

“Yes… actually, we caught an assassin in Rhinesbrook, which is the border between the Kingdom of Estline and the Carolin Empire.

“”An assassin?!””

My words elicited reactions from Princess Roxanne and Lady Collete.

Princess Roxanne is probably sensitive because she is constantly targeted by assassins.

But Lady Collete… didn’t she react in a different way?

“The assassin is a bit unique. He described himself as the son of a Carolin nobleman, according to Marquess Metzelder, who ruled the city of Rhinesbrook.”

“W-Wait, what does this mean?”

“I’m not sure… Now I don’t know the man’s identity, purpose, or anything else about him…”

Princess Roxanne inquired, and she raised her eyebrows, and I shook my head.

“But, if we question the man claiming to be the nobleman’s son, will we find out…?”

“Unfortunately…”

I told them flatly that the assassin had been killed.

Then…

“Ah…”

“Your Highness, Roxanne?!”

Princess Roxanne pressed her forehead and leaned weakly against the back of her chair. Her face turned blue.

And Lady Collete rushed to her aid.

“… In any case, the kingdom will do everything possible to find out who the man is. Please be aware that there is a chance we will need your assistance with the man’s identity.”

Y-Yes…”

So… I guess that’s all I have to tell her.

We must now be on high alert to ensure that Her Highness Roxanne is not harmed.

“Then, Your Highness Roxanne—I reasoned that it would be better to skip today’s class.”

“Yes… I will…”

“Please be careful, your highness Roxanne.”

Lady Collete supports Roxanne as she staggers out of the room.

Then I noticed it.

Lady Collete’s mouth lifted slightly.

Then, two people disappeared from the room.

“Hanna… Please have Yennie keep an eye on Lady Collete. In some cases, you may be allowed to subdue her right away.”

“Yes, your Highness.”

Hannah bowed politely and left the room.