Chapter 91

The next day.

Just like yesterday, we gathered in the square of the knight's hall early in the morning.

"…That's today's schedule. Also, during the recent royal tour, there were several instances of ominous presence. We don't know what might happen, so everyone must be extra vigilant."

"Hai!"

After Alyssia conveyed today's schedule again, she also mentioned the ominous presence I felt the other day, reminding everyone to remain vigilant.

Well, everyone is already on guard, but just saying it out loud can help reinforce their awareness. Since nothing particularly notable happened yesterday, it's a good way to stay focused.

"Then, let's start moving!"

So, today, as usual, I'm guarding the prince and princess. I'm still waiting in the carriage, though. I can't exactly complain about it in front of everyone. We started moving quietly in response to Alyssia's command.

"Please take care of us today."

"Hai. Leave it to us."

Just like yesterday, we welcomed the beautiful and regal Princess Salakia and Prince Glen at the palace entrance and guided them to the carriage.

Yesterday, we moved from the North District to the Central District and then to the West District, but today we're only touring the Central District. We plan to visit a few different stores, have lunch, and then watch a play in the afternoon.

I think I'm getting used to it, being the second day. I feel a bit more relaxed compared to yesterday.

Of course, I can't ignore the ominous presence I felt, and it's not a situation to be complacent about, but since nothing has happened, there's no point in being overly cautious. As I said the first day, things will happen as they will.

"Again, just me… Well, it's fine, I guess."

Then, I got into the carriage prepared just for me, as I did yesterday. It's inevitable that my true feelings slipped out, but that's just how it is.

"Hehe, Teacher~. Should I get in with you~?"

"Rose, you need to guard properly."

"Hai~"

Did she hear my muttering? Rose was saying something strange with her usual smile.

Alyssia's glare was intense. Did you hear that too? It's better not to mutter in the first place.

But, I think it's good to be able to joke around a bit. It helps reduce unnecessary tension. If we're too stiff, we might not be able to move when something happens. I can only hope nothing happens.

"Then, let's go."

At the driver's urging, the carriage started moving.

The bustle of the city was the same as yesterday. It's not quite a festival, but the whole city is more vibrant than usual, which is clear even from inside the carriage.

There were even more people than yesterday. Probably because it's the second day, and the news has spread. It's not to the point where the carriage can't move, and the knights are managing the crowd, but it's still a huge crowd.

"Are they all just curious…?"

I don't feel anything special when the royal family comes, but maybe that's because I've always lived in a small town. Their status is so different that I don't really feel any special reverence.

Well, they do have a very strong aura of authority, and meeting them is certainly an experience.

They still feel like people from another world. That's probably why everyone reveres them, but it might also be a result of my time in the countryside.

While I was thinking about this, the carriage stopped.

Oh, it seems we've reached the first destination of the day. I got out of the carriage and saw the prince and princess being led out by their attendants.

"Yes, it's truly wonderful."

"Hehe, isn't it?"

The two of them were looking around a jewelry store. The accessory shop where the prince found the hair ornament the other day is also in Baltrain, which has many stores dealing in such art pieces.

While the country is known for its agriculture, it also has a wide variety of such items. The dazzling decorations, though not magical, are still impressive.

Of course, there were no such stores in the countryside, so I found it interesting to observe.

The friendly shop owner was visibly nervous, which left a strong impression. Even if they were informed in advance, anyone would be nervous with the top officials visiting.

"…!"

While watching the affectionate couple, my body suddenly tensed.

There it was again. The same gaze from yesterday, but stronger this time.

"…Alyssia"

"Yes? …Teacher, could it be…"

"Yes. We need to be careful."

I subtly shared the information with Alyssia, who was on guard at the entrance of the store.

I scanned the crowd. The people were still bustling, but there was no one who looked like they were about to attack. There was a faint, sharp, and intense hostile presence.

However, just like yesterday, the presence disappeared after a few seconds.

Hmm, unsettling. I hope nothing happens.

"…There are multiple people."

"Can you sense them too, Alyssia?"

Yes.

It was a bit clearer this time, so I could tell that the gaze wasn't from a single person. There were several hostile presences.

"Then, let's move on."

I wondered if I should inform Gatoga and Rose. By the time I decided, the prince and princess were already getting back into the carriage.

Well, as I've said, just because there are hostile gazes doesn't mean something is wrong. There are bound to be citizens who don't like the royal family. In a crowded place, it's possible that someone is venting their dissatisfaction without being noticed.

"…"

As long as the royal tour continues without incident, I can't stop it on a whim.

For now, I'll get back into the carriage. There's no point in just thinking about it.

"---Today, they will be watching a performance at this theater."

Some time had passed since I sensed the ominous presence again.

It was around lunchtime, and the sun was just starting to tilt westward. We had moved to the theater, the final destination of the day.

By the way, the food was delicious as always. The top-tier chefs really do make a difference. It was truly delicious.

"I'm looking forward to it."

"Yes. Please enjoy it."

The prince and princess got out of the carriage and were having a pleasant conversation with their usual smiles.

Riding alone in the carriage can be tiring, but standing together as a pair must also be exhausting. Do they have topics to talk about?

"---!!!"

"…Huh?"

Well, let's go into the theater.

Something seemed to be happening outside.

Honestly, we are allowed to carry real swords, so if we draw them, we can easily subdue the attackers. We won't attack civilians, of course, but if they pose any danger, it's a different story.

It seems the source of those gazes has finally appeared, and a bit of tension ran through me.

"You! Stop!!"

"---!"

It looks like my guess was right. A group of troublemakers appeared, trying to approach us, breaking through the knights' attempts to stop them. They were several men in black.

"Prince Glen, please step back."

Gatoga and Rose quickly secured the perimeter.

Despite the sudden situation, no one panicked.

Gatoga and Rose were by the prince, and Alyssia and Hembritz were by the princess. I was a bit away from them, closer to the carriage.

No one said a word, but everyone had already drawn their swords.

The men in black—probably three of them—were trying to approach us while skillfully evading the knights. They didn't seem to have weapons, but they could be mages. I'll use my body to block their line of sight for now.

But, it's strange.

They're rushing in here. They could have clear intentions to kill, but I don't sense that kind of presence.

I couldn't detect the hostility I felt yesterday and today from these men in black.

It's so weak that I even wondered if they were just dressed in black for fun and rushing in to cause a commotion.

"---!"

Well, if they're coming, I have to stop them, right?

Just as I shifted my body to protect the prince and princess, I finally sensed the intense emotion that should have been there.

"---! Alyssia! Rose!! Above!!"

—The men rushing in are a decoy!

Right after I shouted.

I saw a group of men in black jumping down from the roof.

Eric! Ueda!