Chapter 39

Fanning lightly, she maintained her composure with the soft flutter of the feathers.

Father, too, has met that young man?

In other words――

The one I am facing, Rust.

If I believe his words, there is at least one other person besides Rust who actually exists?

――A person with this appearance.

"Yes. That's it."

Looking back at me, Rust pulled his chin.

"What do you mean by 'that'?"

"Princess Octavia. Do you know where a person would first look when they first see my face?"

Rust touched the distinctive birthmark on the left side of his forehead, which then disappeared.

It was the mark I used to distinguish the real 'Rust Barne' from the fake.

"Most people are taken by this birthmark more than anything else. It's a birthmark I was born with, but people's reactions vary greatly. Some see it as a gift from the gods, while others see it as a symbol of misfortune. What they have in common is that their gaze goes to this birthmark first, and it shows in their attitude. Of course, there are those who act as if they didn't see it at all. However――"

His hand, which had been covering the birthmark, moved away.

"Neither His Majesty the King nor Princess Octavia paid any attention to this birthmark. It could be due to their royal upbringing. ...But, it wasn't just that. They focused on me, no, on my appearance, more than on the birthmark."

"Is it because your features are so well-defined?"

"That's a flattering remark. But, it's even more peculiar. Both of them showed a disturbance as if they had encountered a ghost that shouldn't exist. It didn't feel like a friendly reaction."

As if they had encountered a ghost that shouldn't exist.

If it were just me, I could understand. I think my emotions were all over my face.

...But, Father too?

Father, who doesn't show his emotions easily, even to me. As a king, that's part of it. For such a father to show disturbance just by meeting a viscount's son—commit a blunder.

"Wouldn't you think it's human nature to be curious when people in the heart of the country, who are in key positions, show unnatural reactions to your face?"

This tone. Is Rust really unrelated to that young man? Just a coincidence that he was born with a similar face?

"Is that all?"

Is there another deep reason? I still can't let go of my doubts.

Rust answered without hesitation.

"Yes. That's all."

Very naturally.

"Who do you think you resemble? I'd like to hear it."

"Would you change my situation if I mention someone you have a hunch about?"

Perhaps it was a strategic move, but it was a great gain for me.

Rust has a hunch about who he resembles.

...There is another person.

Esphera, or perhaps from another country? And since he calls it a person, it's not a fictional character.

I really want to know who the 'person you have a hunch about' is. After all, besides that young man, I have no idea at all. I was about to nod "yes"―but at the last moment, a stop signal went off in my head. I closed my mouth.

What does Rust mean by 'situation'? What am I expected to do?

Both are unclear. My intuition warns me against making a hasty promise!

"I can't guarantee that any changes will be made."

"That's only natural. To be honest, if you had agreed, I would have left the conversation halfway."

"..."

Phew...! I was about to agree...

"A person who readily accepts something they can't guarantee is not trustworthy. They are also unsuitable as a negotiating partner."

Even if Rust isn't that young man, he doesn't seem to be an easy opponent.

"Rust Barne. Why are you willing to meet me?"

"My family, the Barne viscounts, unlike the Wynfel viscounts, have no connection that would benefit you. However, for you to personally contact someone who is not the head of such a viscount family, it would be more frightening to ignore it, wouldn't it? Especially since you showed a reaction similar to His Majesty the King when you saw my face."

Rust continued.

"What do you need from me, Your Highness?"

My eyes almost darted around at his question. I raised the fan meaninglessly.

The original reason I wanted to meet Rust was to ask him to "pretend to be my lover."

But, I'm much less inclined to propose this to Rust now.

Even if he agreed and it went well, the idea of a fake lover who looks exactly like that young man makes my stomach churn... I would probably doubt every word and action of Rust.

Hmm? On the other hand, maybe it would be better to have such a person close as a lover?

Hmm...

Should I stick to my original plan and ask Rust? Or should I give up and look for someone else?

"―You are taming a dangerous creature, Your Highness."

As I was deep in thought, Rust suddenly said. I followed his gaze.

There was only Clifford in front of him.

A dangerous creature? The expression 'tamed' doesn't sound positive.

Clifford was looking not at us but in the direction of the east of the garden. He immediately turned to us and bowed his head.

East―the side without security?

Rust looked straight at me.

"Many high-ranking nobles, and sometimes even the royal family, use the 'Paradise in the Sky' for entertaining guests, but isn't the garden's security unusually lax? Is it a mistake?"

I noticed it too. It seems Rust was suspicious as well.

"...There must be a reason. Their work has no mistakes. We are safe."

I said this confidently, as if to reassure myself.

"Moreover, is the knight who guards you also by your side?"

"Clifford being by my side is a given."

After all, as Rust said, he is my personal guard.

Clifford is as dedicated to his job as the people working at the venue.

I thought it was strange that there was no security in a place where there should be, but as someone who had been taken care of by the servants for touch-ups, I was certain it wasn't a mistake!

After all, the security and the people working here have the same sense of duty. I don't think they would leave their posts or slack off without reason!

So, the lack of security in the garden must be due to some positive reason on the part of the venue... I just can't think of what it might be.

"―Indeed, the rat seems to be caught in the trap as planned."

...Huh?

My head was full of question marks. I don't think we are on the same page!

"Ah, it seems to have started."

Rust turned to the east side of the garden.

Despite his calm tone, a shout of anger came from the direction Clifford had been looking at. The sound of swords clashing and fighting could also be heard.

Clifford touched his sword and changed his position, probably in case of an emergency.

The view of the garden from the pavilion remained unchanged. White, red, yellow, blue... the flowers in full bloom were illuminated by the lanterns, still beautiful.

But the sounds conveyed that something was happening in the east of the garden.

―What started?

"―I was worried about what would happen when Your Highness started walking in the garden, but this pavilion is in a perfect position. It might be a bit unsatisfying for the spectators, though."

Rust seemed to know the details of what was happening in the east of the garden, but I was still clueless. The sound of a real battle, different from the training at the castle, continued.

I was trying to steel myself, ironically because of Rust's presence. I didn't want to show any weakness in front of Rust, who looked exactly like that young man.

And the best person to ask about the situation is Rust, who seems to know what's going on.

"What do you mean?"

"It's about exposing the rebels who oppose the royal family. The mastermind is Kangina. The Earl of Redington provided the venue, and the Duke of Knightfellow is leading the crackdown. The problem was when the rebels would move. ...The key is you, Your Highness. The First Princess Octavia is a prime target for the rebels. If you attend the pre-ball, the enemy will surely move. Therefore, the security at the venue is intentionally lax in some areas. The rebels are lured by the sweet honey of you. The invited guests who are in league with the rebels will also be caught in the net. ...Are you serving as bait, Your Highness?"

Rust's mouth twisted in amusement.

"Moreover, with Sir Sil Barcks."

"...I only accepted the invitation from the Earl of Redington."

Completely off the mark!

"Of course. By performing the opening dance, the Earl has gained more than he imagined and is very pleased. Allowing the rebels to infiltrate would be a major blunder, but this time, the net was set, and the rebels were caught. If the full extent of the situation becomes known, the Earl of Redington will receive praise."

Father must have known... It seems to be a large-scale plan. He could have told me when I accepted the invitation...

Wait, what if? To deceive the enemy, you must first deceive your allies? Well, if I had known, I'm not sure if I could have acted convincingly!

Ah! Does Rust think Father told me?

―Wait a moment. Why does Rust know so much about the plan?

Let's think about Rust Barne as a person, apart from the young man.

Opposing the royal family. An enemy to my brother and Sir Sil.

"―You mentioned the rebels. Rust Barne, which side are you on?"

"This is a grievance."

Rust placed his hand on his chest.

"I am on the side that contributed to the crackdown. I could have revealed the Earl of Redington's plan to the rebels, but... I was an informant for the Earl's side."

"Then, the Kangina people you were talking to in the banquet hall?"

After hearing this, they seem suspicious too.

"Potential rebels, I suppose. People who learned of the plan from the rebel side and wanted to join. ...Your sudden attendance could serve as a litmus test. Especially those who received an invitation from the Earl of Redington, declined it, and then inquired about participation. The timing is also good, with many regional nobles entering the capital for the council meeting."

But, despite all this, it's not as if we are in a panic due to a sudden attack?

The ominous sounds coming from the east are a sign that Uncle and Lady Rosa's plan is working.

"But rebels are good at thinking of evil plans. Even if the anti-royalists are caught as planned, what about those with other... different intentions?"

That is―

"Stop them! Capture them all alive!"

A particularly loud shout, as if cutting through the air, came from within the same garden.

Several bushes in the distance rustled.

It was evidence that multiple people were advancing, ignoring the paths in the garden.

Men appeared from the bushes, looking back, one after another. There were three of them, all with drawn swords. Seeing the pavilion―us, more specifically, me―they headed straight for me without hesitation. The figures of the venue's security, who were chasing the men, were not yet in sight.

Stupid me! I shouldn't have come to the pavilion! If I had known about the plan in advance... But it's too late now!

I don't actually have... any combat skills. Rust, who could match my brother, was sitting calmly with his legs crossed, looking like he was watching a show. He can't be relied on as a fighting force...!

In other words, three against one?

W-What should I do! Even if someone is strong, they could get injured in a fight with multiple opponents? How can I reduce the burden on Clifford? Would it be bad if I moved recklessly?

"―Your Highness. Would it be better to capture them alive?"

Asked by Clifford in his usual tone.

...R-Right! I shouldn't panic in situations like this... Clifford's question is about capturing them alive...?

Capture them all alive! That was probably said by the people chasing the rebels.

―Stay calm. Stay composed.

"Yes. If it doesn't put a burden on you."

"Understood. Please stay there."

Clifford, who had been touching the hilt of his sword, drew it from its scabbard.

The three men were getting closer.

Was it because I said to capture them alive? Even though he had his sword in its scabbard, the rebels mocked him for not drawing it.

"Clifford! Draw your sword―"

My words were cut off.

Outnumbered. The men with drawn swords and Clifford with his sword still in its scabbard.

Despite the situation, it was like a scene from a movie. Clifford easily and surely incapacitated the three men one by one, preventing them from advancing any further. He used his sword like a staff, combining it with martial arts.

It was a human-like, efficient movement that made me think of the 'Servant' described as a warrior race.

In no time, the three rebels fell to the ground, their faces contorted in pain. They were still breathing and not bleeding, but they couldn't move, each holding a painful spot. The owners and their weapons were completely separated during the short battle.

It should be safe now, right? The crisis should be over.

I ran to Clifford.

"Your Highness. Still―"

"Are you injured?"

I had seen the battle. Although his movements were too fast to follow, I could tell it was a decisive victory. Still, not drawing his sword against opponents with drawn swords was too dangerous!

"No."

In his white outfit, any injury that bled would be immediately noticeable. Yes, he doesn't seem to be injured!

"Even though I said to capture them alive, that's not a reason for you not to draw your sword."

"...I apologize. There was a possibility that I couldn't control my strength properly."

"I understand your concern for your personal guard, but isn't his judgment correct?"

Rust's voice, still sitting in his chair, cut in.

"If he had drawn his sword, it would be questionable whether he could have captured the rebels alive. The difference in skill cannot be underestimated. If the difference is too great, even if you try to hold back, you might still deal a fatal blow to the opponent."

"Should I thank you for praising my personal guard?"

"Yes. No matter how you tamed him, he is indeed―"

The rest of the sentence was a monologue, fading into the back of Rust's throat.

But I caught part of it.

...Shisha.

Shisha? A proper noun, or part of it?

If it makes sense on its own, it could be a messenger or a dead person?

Neither seems to fit...

"―Princess Octavia?"

One of the security guards, who had been chasing the rebels, arrived and called out loudly.