Chapter 91

Finally, with unanimous approval, the arrest operation began.

Kiri continued to handle Samiel. Barry and the maids were to support her. I couldn't bear to look at Barry's enthusiastic appearance. He was being rolled around in Kiri's palm, and Barry was smiling, even though he was being used. He must be so happy...

Kiri also reported that she had successfully received the aphrodisiac from Samiel. As Prince Rolf said, there were two types of aphrodisiacs. One was a strong type for me, and the other was a milder one, which I was instructed to give to Jin.

Additionally, the maids who were taking care of Lana reported that she was enthusiastically selecting provocative nightgowns. Hmm, I wonder why she's choosing them. Given Lana's stunning beauty, I bet the nightgowns will suit her perfectly.

I was so angry that when I took it out on Jin, he was incredibly pleased. Why is he happy when I'm angry? Recently, Jin seems to have developed a strange taste for being scolded.

By the way, I was wondering what excuse they would use to drug the royal family's food.

"They're afraid that we might be hindered when taking Shina away. As a precaution, we'll put Prince Jinclet to sleep," they said. Seriously.

When I heard that, I was beyond frustrated and angry. Drugging the royal family is a capital offense if discovered. Treason against the royal family means the entire family is executed. Yet, they plan to drug someone just as a precaution. How careless. Do they really think Kiri would drug Jin for such a reason?

Samiel, that guy, probably thinks, "I have Kiri wrapped around my finger. She'll do anything for me." My Kiri isn't that stupid.

However, now I know all their cards. Jin and I are the targets for drugging, so I asked Prince Lute to be my guard and witness, and Prince Alan to be Jin's. Prince Said will be the overall supervisor as usual. Prince Said's leadership is perfect. The evidence is solid, and the Colts family has no way to escape. I'm amazed at how well he complemented my hole-ridden plan. I'm watching the prey fall into the trap with elegance. I really don't want to make enemies of these people.

Still, I was worried that everyone would defy the king's order to avoid contact with the Naris Kingdom. But the supervisor was smiling with a sly grin.

"Even if it's the king's order, I can't follow what I don't agree with," he said. The four brothers were angry with the Naris Kingdom and Prince Rolf, but they knew about Prince Kanan's efforts. If diplomatic relations were to break down, Prince Kanan would be in a difficult position, and it would not be beneficial for the Marita Kingdom in the long run.

"This is just capturing those who are trying to cause trouble in our country. I can handle such trivial matters with my authority," said Prince Said, looking both reliable and cool. He was also excited about the opportunity to curry favor with the next king of Naris. What a power-hungry man.

"The king's policy is that if you think there's a problem with what I do, try to stop me. But if you don't have the proper materials, expect to be crushed," seems to be the king's approach. He's not a tyrant, but he is a stubborn old man. Right now, his sons are desperately gathering materials to refute him.

"Miss Shina, is there anything I can do? For the sake of the Naris Kingdom and Kanan, I'm willing to dedicate my life to you."

"Stop it. You're just being ridiculous and getting in the way."

The neighboring kingdom's prince, who keeps coming to apologize and look for work, was incredibly annoying. No matter how coldly I treated him, he kept coming back with his thick skin. I'm not a job center. When he gets involved, Jin and Kiri's moods get worse, and I wish he would just leave us alone. Maybe I should tell him to pretend to be dead and lie around somewhere.

"But I feel bad for burdening you with my mistakes. Is there anything I can do?"

Because of my mistakes? What is he talking about?

"Listen, we're all doing this for Prince Kanan. Prince Rolf has nothing to do with it!"

Prince Kanan and I. We've been through the special medicinal bath made by Grandpa Sand, which doubles in strength if left overnight. We drank it every day, encouraging each other through the foul taste. We've suffered together, and that's how we've overcome it. Prince Kanan is my dear friend and source of comfort. I'm working hard for Prince Kanan, not for Prince Rolf or anyone else!

"You... are so kind."

When I argued, Prince Rolf made a strange face, like a woman who has just washed off her perfect makeup, revealing a simple, childlike expression.

"Being called kind by Prince Rolf, who gets turned on by insults, is not a compliment."

"I don't have such a fetish! What do you think of me...? No, you don't have to say it. It's probably not a good one."

Prince Rolf covered his face with one hand and sighed, then started to chuckle for some reason.

"You really are... such a good person."

The charmless Prince Rolf seemed approachable. The tense atmosphere, which had been taut like a string, gradually relaxed into a calm one.

"So... you really care about Kanan, don't you?"

Uncontrollable laughter. No, he's laughing too much. It's making me angry.

"...Thank you."

I was thanked by Prince Rolf, who was slightly teary-eyed from laughing. Well, thanks is fine, but...

"You're acting like I've forgiven you, but I haven't forgiven you at all."

I don't have the capacity to accept a narcissist who breaks in illegally.

"Oh, you're so cold to me, Shina?"

"Hey! Stop calling me 'Shina-chan.' Jin will get jealous?"

At my heartfelt cry, Prince Rolf laughed happily.

"Hmm, you're not really bothered, are you? Then it's fine. Jinclet will come to your rescue."

"I am really bothered!"

He kept pushing, and Kiri and Jin, who were genuinely angry, chased him away. No matter how many times they chased him away, he would find a gap and come back. His persistence was like gum stuck to your shoe. Neither Jin's icy prince mode, Kiri's warning, Maria's smile, nor Vanessa's serious face could stop Prince Rolf. Who could stop him?

Since it was troublesome, I decided to leave Prince Rolf to Prince Lute. Prince Lute, despite his gentle appearance, is incredibly strong (he's a ripped, muscle-bound guy under his clothes) and wouldn't hesitate to punch Prince Rolf, so it should be fine.

According to Prince Lute's report, Prince Rolf's loyal subordinates were hiding all over the capital, gathering information. "Their initial goal was to gather evidence if the Colts family harmed Shina and to disrupt information in the capital, tarnishing the reputation of the Colts family and the holy maiden," Prince Lute said with a cheerful smile, but I couldn't laugh. The royal family is scary.

◇◇◇

On the day of the arrest operation, I was surprisingly relaxed.

After all, I was receiving real-time updates on Samiel's movements through the ear cuffs from the maids. The excellent maids, who could rival any intelligence agency, were meticulously recording Samiel's every move. I didn't really need to know about their bathroom breaks, though.

When the drugged dishes were placed in front of me, the identification magic gave me the maximum warning (in my head) and a series of pop-ups appeared: "This is an aphrodisiac," "The strong kind," "The taste is a sweet pancake sauce with a perfect touch of acidity from the aphrodisiac," "It's delicious, but don't eat it! Absolutely not!" It was very thorough.

I was reminded of watching two-hour suspense dramas with my mother, Yoneko, in my past life. Yoneko was a master of two-hour suspense dramas. She could identify the culprit and even deduce the motive just by looking at the actors. Within 10 to 15 minutes of the start, she would say things like, "This person is the culprit!" "The motive is revenge! They're actually long-lost relatives!" And she was usually right.

Despite predicting the story so early, she would always sympathize with the culprit during the standard confession scene on the cliff and cry her heart out. My father, who was drinking next to her, would be charmed by her cuteness. I snapped back to reality, realizing I was pretending to faint and be kidnapped.

I was once again impressed by Kiri's acting skills. I knew the maids praised her, but seeing her in action with Samiel was amazing. I could only watch with half-closed eyes, but she looked so genuinely in love with Samiel. She perfectly portrayed a woman torn between her love and her sense of betrayal. It was breathtaking.

I thought to myself, Kiri is a young, beautiful girl. Even if Samiel is out of the question, if Kiri falls in love with someone, I hope she puts her own happiness first and doesn't worry about me. If she decides to leave her job as my maid, I would genuinely be happy for her, even though it would make me very sad. I'm confident I would cry my eyes out.

If Kiri's partner was Barry, she might continue as my maid, but I don't want her to choose a marriage partner just to stay by my side. Kiri is very popular, and I hope she finds someone she truly loves. When that happens, I'll have to review the candidate and send her off with tears. My standards will be incredibly high. Don't think you can easily get my Kiri. Be prepared.

While I was mentally sparring with a hypothetical rival asking for Kiri, Samiel approached, saying creepy things and breathing heavily. After a series of events, I used magic to whisk him away, and the arrest operation was a success. Good job.

I can't tell Jin and Kiri, who were worried sick, that I was mostly thinking about other things and not concentrating during the operation. I'm sorry.