Chapter 100

#100 Bullseye (1)

For the next five days, the palace was very peaceful. In fact, it was mostly like that around me.

Unless I was suddenly caught up in something involving Princess Kristel or Prince Sedric, my daily routine of eating, sleeping, studying, and confessing was always similar.

The addition of playing with the spirits and observing the protagonist's classes made my schedule quite tight.

And today, for the first time in a while, the front of Juliette Palace and Romero Palace was bustling.

Benzamen, Ganael, David, and the servants were loading luggage into the carriage.

Mainly picnic baskets and simple items.

The sun was bright and the garden was beautiful, which naturally lifted my spirits.

"Prince, Mother came to the duchy yesterday! She said she had a lot to think about after reading my letter."

"Really?"

Duchess Eva, who was accompanying Duke Dume to a polo match, grabbed my arm and shook it, her dress fluttering.

I opened my eyes wide and looked down at the young lady.

Kristel and Sir Elizabeth also seemed to be hearing this for the first time, focusing their attention on the child.

A few days ago, the young duke of Blanquer returned to his fief, and Eva had left the Muthe mansion to stay at her own duchy.

But I didn't expect such a quick response.

"Is your mother positive about Eva becoming a duchess?"

"I don't know. Mother is a great lord, but... I haven't talked to her much. I've only managed to greet her."

Eva's curly hair drooped.

It seemed her mother was a stern and basic caretaker.

She didn't show much affection to her children, which was true.

"Still, the fact that she came in person means she's willing to talk. She wants to understand the situation."

At my words, the child's head perked up.

Kristel affectionately stroked Eva's hair.

"Prince is right. It will turn out well, so don't worry too much."

"Yes!"

Her quick recovery and joyful demeanor reminded me of a young poodle.

It overlapped with the face of someone waiting for my praise after finishing two weeks of temple cleaning.

I smiled and approached the garden.

Demi, Lea, and Feri, who had been tormenting Sant, ran over and clung to me.

"Can't go today. Sorry."

-Quack, quack

"The horses are sensitive, so there's nothing we can do. But let's go somewhere better next time."

I petted the disappointed lesser pandas and tried to console them.

I wanted to bring them if possible, but I was told it would be difficult because the horses at the stadium were tense.

I hugged Demi tightly one last time before standing up.

Sant bowed politely to me.

"Please take care of the kids, Brother. You don't need to give them much ether. They're troublemakers."

"Yes, Prince. I understand."

The young man smiled innocently in response.

Sant was kind and sensitive but shy, so he was distant with Sir Elizabeth and Eva.

He also found it difficult to be in crowded places, so he didn't join the polo viewing.

I gently stroked Tukshim, who had flown onto my shoulder, and turned around.

Sir Haines was smiling at me.

"You have many precious friends, Prince."

"Uh... That's how it turned out."

I awkwardly smiled.

His words reminded me of my first day's resolution, making me feel a bit embarrassed.

I had loudly declared that I wouldn't get involved with the protagonists or interact with the nobility.

Today, because I said I wanted to watch polo, everyone gathered.

"The Sarnes duchy in the west, the Muthe barony in the north, the Dume marquisate in the south, and the Blanquer duchy in the east. They are the four major noble families of the empire, famous even in the Holy Kingdom."

What is he talking about? That I've been collecting pieces of the soul gem? Author, you...

"Prince, you are close to all of them, and even to the royal family. That's impressive."

Sir Haines was praising me, but it sounded sarcastic.

Maybe because I was criticizing myself.

It's only been four months since I possessed the body. I've managed to get involved with the major families, Jeong Ye-seo.

"We're running late."

I met his orange eyes. The prince complained briefly.

I didn't know when he had been leaning against the carriage, posing.

He was a perfect main character, looking good no matter what. Does he not get back pain?

"It's because there are many people and a lot of luggage."

I answered as I approached him.

After confirming that Sir Haines was moving away, I lowered my voice.

"Have you heard the test results?"

He nodded with a displeased look.

The high-ranking mage and healing priest conducted several experiments with the blood they drew from me, but there was no sign of poison.

It was strange that he looked displeased, even though it was good news that I was healthy.

You made me take the test, so what's your complaint?

His sharp gaze turned to Sir Haines, who was talking to Kristel.

"Where are you planning to go next?"

The prince asked.

He must have heard my promise to the lesser pandas. His hearing is good.

"I don't know. Can I go out again?"

"Depends on the destination."

His sharp, deep voice came back. I chuckled.

I would never lead myself into danger.

I said I wanted to watch polo because I knew I would end up there anyway.

If I had stayed silent, I would have been dragged into the existing plot somehow.

So this time, I decided to take the initiative and do what I could.

Others might think I'm working hard to avoid a kiss, but I was serious.

In a world with almost no knowledge, taking the initiative is a big adventure for me.

"Prince."

At that moment, Cardinal Boutier's voice rang in my ear. I turned in surprise.

The imperial palace was quite far from Juliette Palace, so her carriage was supposed to join us at the palace gate.

But the cardinal had changed direction and come here.

The prince escorted her, holding her hand.

Kristel and the others, who had been chatting, also approached, sensing the seriousness of the situation.

"Prince, this is something you need to know first. I just received the news."

The cardinal extended a hand and stroked my cheek.

Her calm, beige eyes looked into mine.

"The princess of the Holy Kingdom, Elissa, is coming to the empire. As a cardinal to review the knighthood of Sedric and Kristel. Is that okay?"

...What?

*

The cardinal couldn't leave the palace. They had to discuss the princess's protocol.

I don't remember how I got to the Dume marquisate in the outskirts of the capital.

I was dazed as I got out of the carriage and followed the marquisate's servants to the green-filled polo field.

I snapped out of it thanks to a familiar voice.

"Prince Yeseo! Thank you for coming."

"Hello, Marquis."

"I heard you gathered the main audience and even arranged the seating. I didn't know you loved polo so much. Francois Dume, I am deeply moved by Prince's grace and consideration!"

The marquis bowed dramatically, waving his arm.

He was wearing a brimmed player's hat on the other arm. I was secretly glad he was there to snap me out of my thoughts.

His pink vest, long-tailed coat, white pants, and black boots suited him well.

He was always overdressed, but seeing him in a more restrained outfit felt refreshing.

Only then did I notice the field.

The short-cut grass field was where the horses and players were getting acclimated.

On the opposite side, a low white wooden fence was set up, likely to allow servants and commoners to watch comfortably.

On this side, there were seats for about fifty people.

Made of blue marble and zinc, they were ornate but surprisingly modest in scale.

The marquis elegantly escorted us.

"Your face is dark. Was the journey uncomfortable?"

"Are you talking to me?"

The line was so cheesy that I almost scolded the marquis.

When I frowned, he took a step back and said boldly,

"I'm glad you're fine. Since everyone is watching over you, I just added a light comment. This way."

He gestured towards the central seat. I then looked at the group standing beside me.

The prince was expressionless, but everyone, including Kristel and Sir Elizabeth, was looking at me.

They had been watching my expression since hearing about the princess's arrival.

I felt bad for not paying attention to my surroundings. I smiled bitterly and said,

"I'm fine. I was just surprised. Shall we all sit down?"

"Yes, Prince. We'll sit as you instructed yesterday!"

Ganael answered politely. Eva quickly took a seat next to Sir Elizabeth.

"I brought a specialty tea from the Holy Kingdom. Would anyone like to share?"

"Me!"

At Sir Haines' offer, Kristel raised her hand enthusiastically.

It was good to see the atmosphere lighten up.

*

"Prince, look. The tea is glowing!"

"Isn't it pretty?"

"You can drink it now."

Ganael and Benzamen, sitting to my left, commented on Sir Haines' specialty tea.

I took a cup from Sir Haines, who was sitting to my right.

Since it wasn't from the royal kitchen, Benzamen checked it with a silver utensil, tasted it first, and waited 30 minutes before I could savor it.

The tea had a sweet and pleasant aroma.

It was transparent,