Chapter 13

We've returned to Alvis's perspective!

Alvis, reintroduced to Brau by Grays, realized the situation he was in. It was still hard to believe that Garibas was there. In Alvis's mind, the events from last year's National Foundation Day still lingered.

"Of course, it's understandable that Prince Alvis can't believe it. Many of us also suspect that he's up to something. Unfortunately, at this stage, there are almost no people, even among his former subordinates, who are willing to follow the royal family. In that sense, the Crown Prince is isolated and without support."

"…I see."

In this situation, Garibas, who had lost even his position, what did he want? His intentions were completely unclear. It was hard to believe that he had helped Alvis out of pure kindness.

"A while ago, a man who seemed to be a subordinate named An returned and said that Prince Alvis's guards and friends are safe."

"!? ……I see."

Din, Rex, and Rihito were apparently safe. He felt relieved about that. If anything had happened to them, there would be no time to be at ease. However, they must be suspicious about Alvis not returning. He didn't know how they were being misled, but this situation wouldn't last more than half a day. Given that the other party was the Chancellor, it was indeed difficult to move.

"By the way, what about the young lady who is staying with Lord Grays?"

Grays also didn't know her whereabouts. That meant the young lady left behind must be worried. Thinking this, Alvis asked Grays, who shrugged.

"She'll be fine even if we leave her alone. Rather, I'm more worried that she might cause a ruckus and break the furniture."

"……"

"……"

Brau and Alvis exchanged glances. Causing a ruckus and breaking furniture. It was hard to imagine. The young lady was a noble, though not of high rank. The word "ruckus" seemed entirely unsuitable for her.

"Lord Grays, that's a bit much, isn't it?"

"That girl is capable of it. She's far from being ladylike."

"……Well, maybe it's okay for her to let loose a little. After all, the castle's furniture isn't anything special."

Brau's words were either a defense of the young lady or a genuine thought. It was a delicate line to judge. The castle's furniture wasn't disposable, and the managers would be perplexed if they received a report. While thinking about this, Alvis shook his head. This wasn't Rubelia, so it wasn't his concern.

"In any case, you don't need to worry about her. Even if something happens, she'll be fine. She has divine protection."

"……I see."

A person with divine protection. While it wasn't absolute, Grays seemed confident in its benefits. If he said so, Alvis had nothing more to say.

"Then, what should we do next? Moving around recklessly is dangerous, and Prince Alvis's hair color is quite noticeable."

"Indeed. In the Kingdom of Marana, Prince Alvis's hair color is quite rare…"

Alvis's hair was golden, a sign of the Rubelian royal blood. For some reason, male descendants of the Rubelian royal family were always born with golden hair. The shade varied, and some had hair close to silver. Even female descendants could have golden hair, so it wasn't limited to males. This was simply accepted as a fact, and no one knew the reason. No one was discussing it anymore, so Alvis didn't know more. In any case, this was only true in Rubelia.

In other countries, there was no such special significance, and some people dyed their hair intentionally. However, in Marana, such people were rare. If he went out like this, he would be recognized immediately.

"How do you go to the town, Prince Alvis?"

"I haven't done anything special."

"Then, won't you be recognized?"

In the capital and the city of the Belphias Dukedom, he had never hidden his face. He rarely went out alone, and he had a presence that kept people at a distance. Even if recognized, no one dared to approach him. If he were a noble, it might have been different, but nobles rarely walked around the town. He had hardly ever felt inconvenienced.

"I haven't felt it as a problem… but I forgot that it would be different in other countries."

If he were to go out, he couldn't do so as he was. However, dyeing his hair would require tools. The only option was to wear a hood.

"Lord Brau, do you have a cloak or something I could borrow…?"

"Well, if you don't mind using the guild's supplies…"

"Guild, as in the Royal Guard?"

"Yeah, sure."

The Royal Guard. Although it had been disbanded, Brau still had former members around him. He had met Anna at their gathering place. Alvis had an idea.

"Then, please lend me one. And one for Lord Grays as well."

"Me too?"

"Yes. We'll go as your subordinates. That way, we might get more information."

Since the guild had been disbanded, there were no uniforms, so their current attire would be fine. Alvis and Grays couldn't act as royalty, so this was the quickest way to blend in.

"I don't mind, but treating the Crown Prince as a subordinate is a bit… Are you sure it's okay?"

"Yes, you can use the same form of address as with other subordinates."

"If Prince Alvis is okay with it, I'll go along with it. It sounds like it could be a fun experience."

Grays, who said it would be fun, had a broad smile on his face. It wasn't something you'd ask of an imperial prince, but Grays didn't seem to mind at all. His expression clearly showed that he was looking forward to it.

"Well… if that's what you prefer…"

"Lord Brau…"

"…Alright, I get it. So, what should I call you? We can't use your real names, right?"

Scratching his head in resignation, Brau asked for their aliases. Indeed, Alvis and Grays wouldn't do.

"Then, I'll be Ray. What about you, Prince Alvis?"

"If it's a nickname, I'll be Al."

"Al and Ray… similar names, but since no one will think we're with you, it should be fine. I'll go get the cloaks. Please wait a moment."