Chapter 10

As the cherry blossoms danced in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

Prince Eric Elscheid’s bodyguard for a month already.

At first, due to my shy personality, I was as quiet as a borrowed cat, but gradually I began to open up and talk to the bodyguards.

By the way, Eric’s bodyguard team consists of only ten people, including me. It seems that the number of people he deemed trustworthy was so few that it became a small but elite group.

The servants who take care of his daily needs are actually part of the bodyguard team. I often chat with Johan, a tall man with brown hair and a gentle demeanor, and Linsha, a woman with black twin-tails and a unique accent, in the office.

“Lady Reia, could you tell Prince Eric that his new sword will arrive tomorrow? I have to leave for another matter right now.”

Johan, a tall man with brown hair and a gentle demeanor, is the successor to the dojo where Eric learned swordsmanship. They are like brothers in arms, and Eric seems to trust him the most, keeping him close.

When talking to Johan, Eric shows a boyish expression, so perhaps he sees Johan as a brother in his heart.

“Reia, I’ll make some more tea. Bring me your cup.”

Linsha, a woman with black twin-tails and a unique accent, was apparently the twelfth princess of the large country of Ren in the far west of the continent. She was forced to flee to this country after being caught up in a succession dispute. Eric, out of a sense of justice, took her in, and since she is a master of martial arts, she volunteered to be his bodyguard. Despite her accent, the tea she brews is exquisite, and I have made a promise to learn how to make it from her.

With the number of people I can talk to freely increasing, I no longer felt suffocated by life in the palace. One day, I finally met this person...

“Hey, Reia. It’s been a while. I was surprised to hear that you became my brother’s bodyguard. I thought you were going to marry into the Gilbert family.”

“This is Prince Dale. It’s been a while. I apologize. Due to my inadequacies, the engagement was broken off—”

On my way to Eric’s office, I happened to run into the second prince, Dale. Although this was the first time I spoke with Eric, I had spoken with Dale at a party before.

Eric would attend parties but would only make a brief appearance before hiding somewhere. Now, I realize it was for assassination prevention.

In contrast, Dale was friendly to everyone, always smiling, and could be described as harmless. His long silver hair, slender build, and androgynous features made him so beautiful that he was popular not only among the nobles but also among the common people.

The desire for Dale to inherit the throne was supported by his popularity.

“No, having a wonderful saint like you protect my brother is the best news. My brother is an essential presence in this country. Please, take good care of him.”

“Yes, I am determined to protect Prince Eric with my life.”

“With your life... ——Then, let’s have a proper talk next time.”

Dale, who had been smiling all along, slightly clouded his face when he heard the words “with my life.” However, he quickly returned to his usual smile and walked past me.

He was as refreshing as ever, but that expression is concerning.

I’ll ask him about it the next time we speak. For now, I need to get to Eric—

“Wow, you met Dale. How was it? Did he say anything?”

“No, just that he hopes you’ll take good care of Prince Eric.”

“I see...”

When I answered Eric’s question, he gave a short reply and took a sip of tea. I learned when I became his bodyguard that those who plot to assassinate Eric want Dale to be the next king. That’s why his feelings for his brother are complicated.

If I die, my younger brother Dale will automatically become the next king... Even if I want to see Dale as a harmless man, I can’t help but feel frustrated that I can’t fully believe it.

“Prince Eric and Lady Reia, your faces are so gloomy! In my homeland, the Empire of Ren, we used to punch everyone we met to determine friend or foe! Compared to that, this place is like heaven in peace.”

“Linsha...?”

“Linsha, what are you saying all of a sudden?”

With a serious face, Linsha said that Eric’s situation, where he is targeted by assassins and even his own brother is suspect, is like heaven.

She must have overcome some incredible battles...

“Prince Eric, Lady Linsha’s words may be a bit extreme, but you have us. You have Linsha. And you have Lady Reia—”

“Johan, don’t say any more. I can’t maintain my peace of mind if I doubt everything. I am grateful to you all. To me, the most valuable asset is ‘trust.’ Compared to that, the title of ‘Prince’ is nothing more than a stone by the roadside—”

Suddenly, Eric expressed his gratitude to us.

“Trust” is an asset.

Yes, that’s right. On the day my engagement was broken off... I wanted Philip to believe in me.

Feeling proud to be among the people Eric trusts, I decided to cherish his asset.