Chapter 9

"Hurry! The ones who came to their senses are coming!"

The guard took Sylvie, the duke's daughter, by the hand and ran towards the main gate of the academy with all his might.

"Even if you say that, I can't go any faster in these shoes."

"Ah—damn it! Why are you wearing such shoes? You knew we had to run!"

Alan effortlessly scooped Sylvie up and started running at almost the same speed as before.

"Hehe, Alan is so strong. Ah, this is so comfortable."

She laughed happily, swinging her legs while being carried sideways.

"Hmph, you're lighter than a feather. Anyone could carry you easily."

"O-Oh, you two, hurry! Hurry!!"

The maid was frantically waving from the carriage. Alan smoothly slid into the carriage while still holding Sylvie.

"Let's go!!"

The carriage jolted as it moved away from the academy, and the maid, Natalie, relaxed as the pursuers disappeared from sight. She then spoke to Sylvie.

"Miss Sylvie, how was the event?"

"Hehe, it was exactly as expected, which made me laugh. But thinking that today is the end, it feels a bit anticlimactic and a bit sad."

"Hah! I think we could have left this country much earlier."

The arrogant guard, the giggling young lady, and the flustered maid.

"Well, I would have liked to see more reactions since I prepared so much for it..."

"What are you talking about? That was the limit. If we had stayed, we might never have been allowed out of the palace."

Natalie, who couldn't join them, asked with interest.

"How much did you check the answers?"

"Hmm, a little. But, do you think anyone has the courage to read the rest of that booklet?"

"Probably not. With the crown prince being like that. Hehe."

The guard laughed, holding his stomach.

"There will be things they can't understand on their own. They will have to look at the booklet, surely."

Thinking of the hesitant faces of those who would have to look, a smile appeared on the young lady's lips.

"They probably think we'll return to the mansion first. But, shall we go to the neighboring country as planned?"

"Yes, of course. But, Alan aside, is Natalie okay with going to the neighboring country with me?"

"What do you mean, 'Alan aside'!? Of course I'm coming with you!! Did you think you'd leave me behind? No way, I won't let you. I'll cling to you and stay by your side no matter what. Even if you try to leave me behind."

Being left out... She pouted and sulked.

"Hehe, I was just saying. Let's have a party for the three of us tonight. The sense of liberation will keep us awake all night."