Chapter 42

Thank you for the favorites, ratings, and more!

"Really, I'm utterly exasperated with Father!"

After the king and queen hastily left before Edward and Eugenia's anger exploded, Edward scratched his head vigorously. Eugenia, too, bit her nails in frustration. From the way their partners tried to stop them, saying things like "Your hair will get messy" and "Your nails will hurt," it seemed to be a common habit for both Edward and Eugenia.

(Still, this... what a strange turn of events.)

I understand Wilson's desire to keep the search for the Selection Sword confidential to protect the king's dignity. However, there was a greater, inexplicable sense of unease. As far as Olivia knew, Wilson had a calm personality, but was he really that carefree? Since his son and daughter didn't seem to feel the same unease, perhaps he was always like that.

(But, why did he tell us, Silas and me, about this issue, saying it was a matter of the king's dignity? We're not treated as family, after all.)

If it were a matter of dignity, it should be kept secret from outsiders. It's puzzling.

"Anyway, if we're going to have a Selection Ceremony, Eugenia and I need to form our own teams. We need to make it look like we're competing."

"That seems to be the case. However, if we act separately, we won't know how far each has progressed. We need someone to share information."

"About that..."

Edward's gaze turned to Olivia and Silas, and both of them shrugged. Neither Olivia nor Silas was surprised, as they had expected to be involved.

"Prince Silas, your return is scheduled for ten days from now, right?"

"Yes, well..."

He had planned to enjoy a leisurely trip, so the schedule was flexible. Thus, his return was set for ten days later.

"Ten days should be enough to search thoroughly."

"Agreed."

The conversation between Edward and Eugenia was proceeding on its own.

(... Prince Edward has a debt to me from the gold smuggling incident... I have no choice but to comply.)

The gold smuggling incident spanning the three countries of Briolette, Filarus, and Lebonor. Edward, who first noticed it, entrusted the investigation to Briolette. Since the center of the incident was in Briolette, it was faster for them to act. Thanks to this, Briolette was able to resolve the issue peacefully without causing significant rifts with Filarus and Lebonor. Due to this, Edward had a significant debt to Olivia, and if he asked for help, she couldn't refuse.

(Well, if this clears the debt, it might be a good deal...)

Edward was quick-witted and very troublesome. If you let your guard down, he would quickly take advantage of you. She decided to comply and waited for Edward's conclusion. When the discussion ended, Edward looked up.

"Prince Silas will be on my team, and Olivia will be on Eugenia's team. Since you two are engaged, it won't seem strange for you to talk. We'll rely on you two for information sharing."

"Well... that seems reasonable."

Silas agreed with a wry smile.

"We don't mind working together, but can I ask one thing? When I move, at least my guards, Colin and Ritzberg, will also move. Olivia will need a guard as well... and probably her maid, Taylor, will be involved to some extent. How much of the situation should we disclose?"

"Let's say we're helping with the 'Selection Ceremony.' It's best not to say we're searching for something the king lost."

"Of course, that makes sense."

"Also, it's fine for Prince Silas' guards, but can we arrange for Olivia's guard? We want to use our own personnel as much as possible."

"Is that because of the 'Selection Ceremony' facade?"

"Yes. The 'Selection Ceremony' is supposed to involve our own close aides. If most of the participants are from Briolette, it would look bad."

"Understood. Olivia, is that okay?"

"Of course."

This is inside the castle of Filarus. While it might be different during travel, with many patrolling soldiers and tight security, it's unlikely that a disaster requiring a guard would occur.

"In that case, since Lady Olivia is on our side, we'll arrange it. Enoch, what do you think?"

"Sure. ... How about Hogarth?"

Enoch thought for a moment and suggested a name, which surprisingly caught Silas' attention.

"Lord Enoch, is Hogarth a man, based on the name?"

"Yes, but why?"

"I would prefer a female guard for Olivia."

Silas smiled and said this, causing Olivia to widen her eyes. She didn't care whether the guard was male or female, so what was going on?

As she blinked, Edward chuckled.

"Ah, I understand, Prince Silas. But Hogarth is married, and his wife, Fogg, has been Eugenia's guard since she was a child. They've been married for ten years and are still annoyingly close. There won't be any issues."

"Alright, if that's the case, it's fine."

Silas nodded with a smile, even though he was being laughed at by Edward. Not understanding the conversation, Olivia tilted her head, and Eugenia whispered in her ear with a giggle.

"Prince Silas is actually quite jealous, despite his appearance. Hehehe."

"Eh?"

(Jealous... what!?)

So that's what it meant.

As Olivia blushed, Eugenia widened her eyes, and Silas laughed.

"Olivia is so cute, I can't help but worry."

"Indeed, I didn't know Olivia was this shy."

Olivia covered her face with both hands as Edward teased her.

While Olivia was blushing, the teams were decided.

Edward's team: Elizaveta, Silas, Colin, Ritzberg, and three of Edward's aides.

Eugenia's team: Enoch, Olivia, Fogg, Hogarth, a marquis and a count who are Enoch's friends, and Olivia's maid, Taylor.

Information sharing about the areas investigated would be handled by Olivia and Silas.

"Then, after Father announces the start of the 'Selection Ceremony'... we'll start searching tomorrow. We'll start from the west side of the castle."

"We'll start from the east side."

"Since we're at it, why don't we make it a competition?"

"Really? Is it okay to say that? The one who loses will be you, not your brother."

"Has Eugenia ever beaten me?"

"This time it's a team competition. I have Enoch and Lady Olivia on my side."

"We have Elizaveta and Prince Silas. Interesting. If we lose, the winner can ask for one favor. What do you think?"

"Alright, I'm in."

Edward and Eugenia started a competition on their own.

Elizaveta and Enoch watched with smiles.

Olivia sighed quietly.

(Sigh... This feels like it's going to be very troublesome.)

Olivia prayed silently that her premonition wouldn't come true.

Thank you for reading!

The manga adaptation of this work is being released on a per-chapter basis on BookLive! The second volume of the novel is scheduled for release on July 1st. Thank you very much for your support!