Chapter 38

Thank you for your review of this work.

To Shonagashi Kari-sama and Kohē Kohē-sama, thank you very much! I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude.

---

Elina worked as a maid while under the custody of the knights. She told Elina about Lilian's current situation. However, it seemed that Elina was not entirely convinced, and she looked down as if in deep thought.

"Elina?"

"...Was what Lilian did such a grave sin?"

"Why do you think so?"

"It just seems like the treatment of the gentlemen involved in last year's incident was very different. It feels like only Lilian is being treated so harshly."

"Harsh, you think?"

Elina nodded. If you only consider that incident, it is true. In fact, Lilian's punishment was to become a nun. That changed because of the incident where Alvis was attacked. Elina has not been informed of the circumstances surrounding that incident. It's understandable that she feels the punishment is harsh. A maid refers to a female servant who is paid a salary. In Lilian's case, since she is under the custody of the knights, she does not receive her salary. It is all held by the knight in charge, which also serves as proof of her lack of trust. The treatment of those who have become commoners or those like Girard, who are confined in the tower, is relatively better.

Of course, there is a reason for this. What Lilian was involved in could be considered a crime of high treason. Unfortunately, the severity of the crime increased because the victim was Alvis. Regardless of the circumstances or reasons, the fact remains that the crown prince of this country was attacked. Lilian had more than enough reasons to be considered a serious criminal.

If Alvis were to keep this information from Elina, she would likely accept it without question, as she has been educated to do so as a young lady. However, even if she accepts it as a young lady, she herself may not be convinced.

"Do you want to know?"

Alvis asks Elina if she is prepared to know. Elina is no longer the daughter of the Lithard Duke. Her position is that of the crown princess. In that role, she will inevitably encounter some darkness. If she does not want to know, he does not have to tell her. But if Elina wishes to know...

"I want to know. I am the crown princess, and I am prepared to accept whatever the reason may be."

"Even if it hurts you?"

"...If it involves me, I must know."

By confirming this, Alvis made Elina realize that she is involved. And that is correct. At the time, he judged that it was not good to tell Elina, who was trembling with fear. He still believes that judgment was correct. However, if Elina wants to know, he should tell her.

Alvis sighed and looked up at the sky.

"It happened during my birthday celebration."

"Alvis-sama's...?"

Elina's voice trembled slightly as she recalled that day. Alvis placed his hand over hers, which was gently resting on the sheet. Even if it's not a trauma, the memory of seeing Alvis collapse must be painful for her.

"She... was involved in the reason I was injured."

"Y-You mean, Lilian-sama was involved in such a thing?"

"She didn't know it would lead to this. She was used. She probably didn't realize what would happen."

She didn't know. But that doesn't make the situation any better. It's a fact that Lilian's involvement led to Alvis being on the brink of death. It was a legitimate attempt to assassinate the crown prince. All those involved in the merchant guild who were deemed guilty were executed. Of course, Lilian was also a target.

"I thought it was fine to kill her too."

"..."

Elina was surprised by the word "kill" coming from Alvis's mouth. Although Alvis is not entirely innocent, it seems to be a shock to Elina. Alvis chuckled wryly.

During his time with the knights, he fought not only monsters but also humans. Fighting humans, who are more cunning than the simple-minded monsters, was more troublesome.

Alvis removed his hand from Elina's. He has taken lives with these hands before. He felt he shouldn't touch her. Feeling a bit of guilt, Alvis averted his gaze from Elina.

"But now, there is a reason to keep her alive. That's why she is working as a maid. That's the situation."

"..."

"I'm sorry for telling you such a scary story. I'll call Sarah, so please wait here."

As Alvis tried to stand up, Elina firmly grabbed his arm. Losing his balance, Alvis fell backward onto the ground. When he opened his eyes, Elina was looking down at him with tears in her eyes.

"Elina—"

"I'm not afraid. These hands... they are very gentle to me."

Lifting Alvis's right hand, which he had just touched, Elina placed it on her cheek. Alvis could have pulled his hand away, but for some reason, he couldn't.

"Thank you. For telling me. ...Thank you for protecting me."

There is a fact that Alvis has not told Elina. The arrow that injured Alvis was actually aimed at Elina. Alvis was injured while protecting her. But Elina, who should not know this, expresses her gratitude. Elina did not mean it in that way. Alvis could only look back at her.