Chapter 11

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"Hmm, really? That's not acceptable at all."

Zahha, as usual, casually joined us for tea after our training. Lately, it has become the norm for the three of us to be together. After training, he always asks how it went, so when I told him about what happened at the palace, he gave the above response.

"Exactly! I even got angry at the people around me!"

(Tytte, pouting, is somehow cute.)

"Well, thanks to you, we managed to escape from the palace... but that's one thing, and this is another. We have to properly thank the culprit♪"

I smiled, but an evil aura emanated from me.

Noticing this, the two of them slightly pulled back.

"But, that's strange..."

At that, Zahha became thoughtful.

(Oh, is he using his rarely used wisdom?)

"What's strange?"

"I heard from Father that the palace is surrounded by a barrier. If attack magic is used, the location is reported to the knights' station, and they immediately rush to the scene..."

"There was no report of the culprit being caught at that time."

"No, that wasn't attack magic, but daily magic. That's why it didn't trigger the barrier."

"Huh! That was daily magic? But the amount of water was more than a first-class spell..."

"That's why I think they enhanced daily magic to a second-class level."

"Hmm... Indeed, daily magic, which is essential for life, doesn't trigger the barrier in the palace, but for someone to do such a petty prank, it's not something an adult would do, is it?"

"True. If it's someone around our age, from a family or environment well-versed in magic, maybe... but no, there's no way such a person exists."

I sighed and sipped my tea.

Zahha, as if something clicked in his mind, slapped his hand on the table.

"Ah, I know one person who fits that description, someone I know."

"Really? No way, seriously?"

"Yes, I think her name is Magilka Futurika, and she's our age."

When I was confused by the lack of information, Tytte whispered to me from the side.

"The Futurika family has produced elite mages, including a great-grandfather who was called a sage. They currently serve the royal family as court mages."

"My family, the Elecyl, specializes in martial arts, and the Futurika in magic. We've had a friendly relationship with them for a long time, and we met recently."

"You remember that girl well, don't you? Maybe you... Mufu♪"

(For this musclehead to remember a girl, this might be...)

"Yeah, she seemed strong, so I remembered her."

(Ah, that's it.)

"Indeed, if it's that young lady, it wouldn't be strange for her to be in the palace, and it wouldn't be unnatural for her to be more skilled in magic than us."

"But why would the young lady of the Futurika family do such a thing to you, Miss?"

"It's not decided yet, Tytte."

"You're right... I'm sorry."

"Okay, okay, let's forget about it! I don't think they'll invite us so easily again after this incident."

Tytte, looking relieved, moved away from me and noticed the head maid calling her urgently. She bowed to me and went over to her.

I could see Tytte's face turning pale as she listened to the conversation.

(Something's up? I have a bad feeling...)

I was internally anxious but tried to remain calm.

When the conversation ended, the head maid hurriedly left, and Tytte rushed over to us.

"Um... Miss..."

"No, you don't have to say it. From the look on your face, another letter must have arrived, right? When should we go next?"

I steeled myself and spoke the reality I didn't want to acknowledge.

"No, it's not that. The... the prince is coming here, and he's on his way now..."

The unexpected turn of events left both Zahha and me speechless, frozen with our cups in hand.

After a few minutes,

"Well, I'll take my leave then, thanks for the tea!"

Zahha was the first to move, saying his thanks and standing up. I grabbed his shoulder firmly and forced him to sit down.

"Wait, what are you trying to escape? You have to welcome the prince here too."

"Ow, ow, ow, I'm not involved, ow, what's with your strength?"

(In an emergency, if I can drag you along, I won't hesitate to reveal my strength.)

My slender fingers dug into Zahha's muscular shoulder.

"Miss Mary, I get it, I get it, let go of meeee."

Zahha gave up. I let go, relieved, and looked at Tytte.

"I'll change quickly. How soon will the prince arrive?"

"It's... already... nearby," Tytte said, looking like she was about to cry.

Zahha and I looked at each other in disbelief.

(Damn it! Normally, they send a letter in advance and then come! That prince skipped all the formalities!)

Still, I decided to at least make myself presentable and announced I would return to my room. I also instructed the other maids to get Zahha into better clothes, partly to prevent him from escaping.

The commotion in the house was intense, as the Legaria family had to prepare the best welcome to avoid being ridiculed by the royal family.

Finally, a luxurious carriage stopped in front of the bustling house.

(That prince really came...)

I dressed as beautifully as I could, had the maids check me, and headed to the entrance. On the way, I was surprised by how well Zahha was accompanying me, fidgeting with his collar. Feeling grateful for having a good friend, I nodded at him and, with the servants, went outside.

Thank you for reading this far.