Chapter 82

Thank you for the bookmark evaluation m(_ _)m

The thing that connects me and Princess Parfait is Lily.

"Did you hide Lily?"

As expected, Princess Parfait asked me about it.

I can feel cold sweat trickling down my cheek.

"Where is Lily now...?"

Even though I’m pretty sure Lily is already with the demon race, I can’t help but ask.

"Of course, we have her in our custody."

"..."

Princess Parfait’s response, as I had half-expected, leaves me speechless.

"Did you know that we were looking for Lily...?"

Princess Parfait glares at me and asks.

"..."

Of course, I knew they were looking for Lily, and despite that, I had been desperately trying to keep her hidden because I wanted to be with her.

So, what Princess Parfait said is not just correct but exactly right.

All I could do, having been caught red-handed, was to remain silent.

"Also, you apparently dressed Lily in that ugly coat, didn’t you?"

"..."

I thought, ‘Is that what you’re going to say now?’ but the atmosphere didn’t allow me to interject, so I just kept quiet.

"Also—"

For a while after that, Princess Parfait said many things to me.

Throughout, I didn’t open my mouth once.

"Well, that’s about it, I suppose."

"..."

I was relieved, though I didn’t show it, thinking I was finally free.

"By the way, I heard you are the master of Aura and True. Is that true?"

Just when I thought it was over, Princess Parfait suddenly asked me.

"Y-Yes, that’s true, but—"

Upon hearing my answer, Princess Parfait’s face clearly showed disappointment.

"…Huh, why must such elegant beings serve someone like you?"

"S-Sorry…"

I don’t know what to do, so I just apologize to Princess Parfait, who sighs.

At that moment, I wondered why Lily’s whereabouts were revealed this time.

"By the way, it wasn’t Aura and the others who told us about Lily."

"…Huh…?"

I was surprised by Princess Parfait’s unexpected words.

I had assumed Aura couldn’t hold it in any longer, but then who could have spilled the beans?

"It was—Lily herself."

"…Huh?"

What does it mean that Lily herself revealed her own whereabouts…?

"Lily herself told the maid serving here about her true identity."

"Why would she do that…?"

I thought I was doing it for Lily’s sake…

"Perhaps you didn’t listen to Lily’s feelings, did you?"

Princess Parfait says this as if mocking me.

"Lily’s feelings…?"

What is she talking about?

I thought I had already heard Lily’s feelings long ago—no, I hadn’t…?

"Eh, I, I…"

Have I ever really listened to Lily’s own feelings…?

I just wanted to be with Lily.

Of course, I thought Lily felt the same way as I did.

But, who said that, and when…?

Was everything just my own assumption…?

No, the fact that Lily returned to the demon race on her own must mean something, right…?

"…"

I finally realize this and just stand there in a daze.

"Hah, it seems I hit the nail on the head."

"…"

Princess Parfait, seeing my silence, understands that what she said is true and starts mocking me again.

But, it is true, and I can’t even think of an excuse, so I just keep looking at my feet.

"Huh, someone like you isn’t even worth meeting Father."

Princess Parfait sighs in a disappointed voice, perhaps tired of my silence.

"If you hadn’t come as a formal envoy, there would have been no need to return Aura and the others."

Just as Princess Parfait said this with a truly regretful tone, the door opened, and a maid entered the room with my belongings.

"Here are all your things. Leave the castle immediately. I’ll inform Father that the audience has been canceled. And I’ve already told Aura and the others to wait for you outside the castle."

After quickly saying all this, Princess Parfait left the room with the maid.

Silence fills the room.

"…Damn it…"

I punch the sturdy floor in frustration.

Even though I shouldn’t feel any pain, the spot where I hit feels like it’s burning, and I can’t help but feel a warmth behind my eyes.