Chapter 71

Noah was somewhat surprised but did not show it on his face.

First, he asked his teacher, who had authority as an adult, about this visit to the Kingdom of Klingate.

"Lord Karlheinz"

Karlheinz, still holding his hand to his chest in a gesture of respect, replied calmly.

"Since it is a direct request from Prince Lewis himself—"

"Thank you. ...Is it alright, Noah?"

With Karlheinz's approval, Noah had only one choice to make next.

"In that case, I will go and seek the Princess's permission."

Lewis's eyes widened slightly, then he smiled softly.

"Princess Claudia is sleeping, right? When I said sparring, I didn't mean anything grand. I just wanted a little bit of your time..."

"No, Prince Lewis."

Noah, returning the towel to Karlheinz, replied clearly.

"---My soul and body are entirely the Princess's property."

"!"

It was impossible for Noah to decide his own freedom.

"Without the Princess's permission, I cannot use 'the Princess's property' as I please. ...If you desire me, Prince Lewis, please—"

With that, he bowed, and Lewis exhaled as if in understanding.

"...I see."

If a mere servant had said such a thing, it would have been acceptable for a royal to be offended.

But Lewis, as if apologizing for his rudeness, stated his apology.

"I'm sorry. I spoke without knowing the arrangement between you and Claudia."

"That's not something that warrants such words from you, Prince Lewis."

"It's not right to ask you to move, Noah, when it's a request from me. I will go and get Claudia's permission for the sparring match with you."

It seemed that Lewis, far from being angry at Noah's words, was willing to accept and follow them.

"Should we change the time so as not to wake Claudia from her nap?"

"..."

What came to Noah's mind was Claudia, pouting with her lips pursed after enjoying a long nap, pretending to be upset.

"Noah! Not waking me up when something interesting is happening is very naughty. If I'm left alone, all the stories go to Noah. Perhaps from now on, when I take a nap, I should pull Noah into the bed to sleep with me?"

(......)

This was just Noah's imagination, but he could vividly picture Claudia's voice.

Noah sighed softly, almost to himself.

"In such situations, I am always instructed to inform the Princess immediately, even if it means disturbing her sleep."

"?"

Then, Noah, Lewis, and Karlheinz headed to the guest room where Claudia was sleeping.

***

After letting Lewis and Karlheinz wait in the corridor, Claudia, who had been gently awakened, rubbed her eyes and listened to Noah's report.

After finishing his report, he observed his lord. Claudia's eyes, which sparkled like all the gems in the world crushed and scattered, were shining brightly.

"Oh, how wonderful!"

(......)

Her delighted face was so dazzling that Noah secretly frowned.

Claudia, smiling, held the tea Noah had prepared for her after waking up and said,

"It's always just sparring with me, Karlheinz, and sometimes with the others. I've been wanting Noah to gain more varied experiences, so please do it."

"...Thank you."

"I need to prepare a big hat for the audience! Should I bring snacks too? Karlheinz will surely enjoy watching his beloved disciple's sparring match."

"Princess"

Noah glanced back and looked at the closed door. On the other side, Lewis should be waiting with Karlheinz.

"I intend to lose properly. It might not be very interesting to watch."

However, he suddenly realized something.

(...No, Lewis is the Princess's potential suitor. The Princess surely wants to see Lewis's magic to evaluate him as a potential fiancé.)

A murky feeling welled up in his chest, but he kept a cool face.

As a servant, Noah knew his place. He had no right to advise on what Claudia wanted to see or hear.

But to such a Noah, Claudia, parting her lips from the teacup, said,

"Oh, why?"

"!"

Her clear eyes turned towards Noah.

"...Your opponent is the Prince, a candidate for the Princess's fiancé. It would be disrespectful for a servant like me to spar with him."

"That's boring. When you do it, there's no need for such formality, right? As the second princess of Abinoia, Claudia Natalia Brightkreutz's servant, do your best."

Claudia made the teacup disappear with magic and smiled beautifully.

"I allow you to win. ---My Noah."

"......!!"

A force that made him shiver welled up, and Noah clenched his fist tightly.

Claudia's words always pushed Noah forward. He took a short breath and bowed to Claudia.

"I gratefully accept your permission, Princess."

Kneeling on the carpet, he pledged to Claudia.

"Please look forward to my victory, which I will offer to you."

"Hehe. ...What a good boy."