Chapter 15: WAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

“Nice to meet you, Lady Rishali! I am Rouga Spio, pleased to muscle—I mean, meet you!”

“V-Very pleased to meet you as well~”

Today was the day of the monthly royal court social party.

It was the day when noble ladies dressed in extravagant gowns gathered at the royal palace.

“I-It’s been a while, hasn’t it, Rouga Spio? Have you been doing well?”

“Ooh, Lady Lululu! It’s been far too long! As you can see, Rouga is bursting with energy, ma’am!”

The grand hall was decorated with colorful flowers, and the tables were lined with dainty hors d'oeuvres.

From the windows of the venue, one could see the palace’s pride and joy—the lavish garden—in full view.

“I-I see. I’m glad to hear that, Rouga. Sorry I haven’t been able to see you lately…”

“Please, think nothing of it! I heard you’ve not been feeling well recently, Lady Lululu!”

At this social party, right in front of us sisters, a burly man was laughing cheerfully.

He was Rouga Spio (25), Lululu’s fiancé.

“Nothing’s more important than staying healthy! That’s what I say!”

It was my first time meeting Rouga too, but...

He had deeply chiseled features and the body of a muscle-bound gorilla-man.

“My, my! Lady Lululu, you look stunning today as always!”

“……”

“Your beauty is like a water lily floating gracefully on a serene lake!”

Lululu had disliked Rouga Spio for quite some time now.

Apparently, his whole vibe—or rather, his energy level—was just too different from hers, and it exhausted her.

Still, this man was none other than the heir to Marshal Spio, the supreme commander of the military.

He had a serious personality and was admired by his subordinates—a real stand-up guy.

And more than anything, he was completely and utterly smitten with Lululu.

“U-Uuuu…”

“W-What’s wrong, Rouga? Why are you suddenly crying?”

“I’ve been waiting for this day—this moment—to see Lady Lululu again for half a year. Now that it's come true, I’m just… so happy.”

Apparently, Lululu tried to get Father to swap her fiancé with Juugi instead…

But he shot her a frosty look and curtly said, “Start by speaking to your current fiancé.”

…This engagement was meant to strengthen the bond between the state and the military. It wasn’t something that could be broken off just because she didn’t like the guy.

And from Rouga’s perspective, getting stood up three times and then dumped would be unbearable.

No one would accept that lightly.

"I-I'm sorry we didn’t meet for so long. You don’t hate me now, do you?"

"They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. I, Rouga, harbor not a single complaint!"

"Th-thank you."

“Now that I’ve seen Lady Lululu looking so healthy, I’m fully satisfied—muscle-satisfied!”

Whether it was fortunate or not, Rouga still seemed eager to stay engaged to Lululu.

Even though she’d stood him up three times, he looked overjoyed just to see her again, wearing a radiant smile.

…Telling this man, “You’re just not my type,” and trying to end the engagement would be incredibly difficult.

“You’ve certainly got… a distinctive way of speaking, Sir Rouga.”

“Indeed! ‘Muscle’ is the motto of our army!”

“A motto?”

“On the battlefield, muscle is justice! Those with muscle survive! So as a commander, I make it a point to spread the word!”

Princesses weren’t really in a position to marry for love anyway.

Unless the partner was clearly unfit, breaking off an engagement with a decent man wasn’t easy.

“The strength of our soldiers is the strength of the army. To protect my beloved Lady Lululu, this Rouga spares no effort!”

“Th-Thank you?”

“Please rest assured, Lady Lululu. I will protect you with my life!”

If Rouga were the one saying something like “I just can’t deal with Lady Lululu anymore!” then they might be able to break off the engagement…

But when someone expresses this much affection, how could she even begin to bring up breaking it off?

“If you’d like, Lady Lululu, would you care to do a bit of training with our army? You’ll be muscled up in no time!”

“……Haha~”

—If there was one thing that really stood out as a problem, it was the fact that he was a member of Marshal Spio’s family.

If the legends of Takeru’s “Foolish Clown of Folly” are to be believed, then the original Lord Spio may have been a liar.

There’s no way to verify that now, but even the current Marshal Spio—his grandson—might not be entirely trustworthy... possibly.

“Exercise is good for your health! I want Lady Lululu to always stay strong and live a long, healthy life!”

“R-Right…”

“In our future estate, I plan to fully equip it with training machines just for you, Lady Lululu!”

That said, from what I’d seen of Rouga so far, he didn’t seem like a bad person.

He was just a little eccentric—with a brain full of muscle.

“…Rishali.”

I looked over and saw my sister, eyes brimming with tears, trying to signal me.

Help me. Spare me. That’s what her pleading gaze seemed to scream.

Rouga really was the complete opposite of everything my sister liked.

“Well then, I suppose I’ve intruded enough for now. Sir Rouga, Sister Lululu—I’ll leave you to it.”

“Oh! My apologies, Lady Rishali, I didn’t mean to make you feel unwelcome!”

“Wai—!”

Ignoring my sister’s silent cries, I smiled sweetly and took my leave.

And as I passed by her,

“You understand what you have to do, right, Sister?”

“────!”

Yes—I made sure to firmly drive the point home.

Rouga really was overbearing, intense, and definitely not her type.

But bailing on him three times just because she didn’t like him wasn’t right.

She needed to face him herself.

“Now then, shall we talk a bit? Just the other day, I came across a rather interesting soldier…”

“R-Really…?”

It’s fair if Rouga makes her uncomfortable on a visceral level—but she still needs to handle things the right way.

Lululu can’t keep running away just because she doesn’t like how things are going.

---

“Takeru, would you mind staying close by? I’ll be making the rounds, so please accompany me as my escort.”

“Understood, Lady Rishali!”

And so, after playing the part of matchmaker for Sister and Rouga...

I called Takeru over and began making my rounds to greet the nobles who had gathered at the venue.

“Lady Rishali! May I have a moment of your time?”

“Of course.”

“What an honor. My, Lady Rishali, you look absolutely delightful today.”

“Thank you very much~”

At social parties, it’s essential to keep a guard nearby at all times when meeting people.

If anyone were to attempt a royal kidnapping, this party would be the perfect opportunity.

Royalty rarely ventures into town—they’re usually cooped up in the palace.

For outsiders, this social party is practically the only chance they get to meet members of the royal family.

“It has been some time, Lady Rishali.”

“Oh my, it has indeed.”

“I envy the man lucky enough to marry you. If only I were a bit younger…”

“You’re too kind, Marquis.”

Furthermore, since it would be dangerous to let too many outsiders wander too far into the palace, the party venue is located near the entrance.

There’s even a special entryway set up so guests can come directly from outside the palace.

In other words, this hall is the most accessible structure within the royal palace.

That’s why King Papa had sternly warned me, “Treat the social venue as if it were outside the palace—stay alert at all times.”

“Princess Rishali, you look radiant as always today.”

“Thank you kindly~”

…Well, even if some intruder did sneak in, I doubt anyone would target me.

I’m last in line for the throne and hold no political influence. Out of the four royal siblings, I’m probably the most expendable.

Maybe I’d catch the eye of some foolish noble with a weird fascination, like in that Princess Rasilia kidnapping incident.

“Lady Rishali, may I offer you this single rose?”

“Oh, how lovely~”

That said, this social party is important work, so attendance is mandatory.

For the nobility, this event is a place to search for marriage partners or make formal introductions.

Being able to negotiate or arrange engagements in the presence of royalty adds a great deal of prestige.

“My son caused you trouble the other day. I’ve given him a firm scolding.”

“Oh no, not at all. I’m the one who dragged him into bug-catching.”

And sometimes, there are people who come here just to stir up trouble.

I once saw a noble kid publicly declare, “I’m breaking off our engagement!”

Apparently it was just a lovers’ quarrel, but little me was thrilled—“That really happens!? How exciting!”

“I hear my son is in your debt.”

“Well, well, Marquis Wett! I have high hopes for young Juugi~”

Because of all that, strict rules are in place to keep the social party running smoothly.

For instance, guests aren’t allowed to approach anyone indiscriminately.

Saying hello is fine, but if you’re going to court a young lady, you must inform her family in advance.

Also, if the status gap is too wide, it’s considered improper to flirt. The one of lower status might find it hard to refuse.

“Juugi spoke so highly of you, Lady Rishali—he said you were a true celestial maiden.”

“He flatters me too much~”

Additionally, it’s generally expected that ladies don’t initiate conversation; they’re supposed to wait to be spoken to.

There’s a cultural belief that if a young lady is truly attractive, men will naturally come speak to her.

If a noble lady aggressively goes around initiating conversations with men, people start thinking, “What’s with her...?”

Conversely, if a lady looks unoccupied, it’s considered polite for men to approach and strike up conversation.

“Well then, until we meet again.”

“I shall look forward to it, Marquis Wett~”

So yes, this party does come with its fair share of restrictions.

I can understand why Sister finds it suffocating and tries to avoid it.

“My, my! Lady Rishali, you are as charming as ever today!”

“Oh my, thank you~”

Still, luckily for me, today’s party is relatively peaceful.

I respond politely to the nobles who approach me, laugh with a gentle ohohoho, and excuse myself at the right moment.

Everyone seems to know how to read the mood, which makes things fairly relaxed.

---

"...Lady Rishali. Over there."

"Oh?"

The banquet was in full swing, and I'd just finished making the rounds of greetings.

Just as things seemed to be winding down, Takeru pointed toward the corner of the room.

"Hey, mind if I slip away for a moment?"

"I'm sorry, but this is getting uncomfortable."

Over in the far corner of the grand hall, a young noblewoman was being harassed in a clearly unwelcome way.

A shallow-looking young man had her pinned with a kabedon, trying to pressure her.

"That young lady seems to be in trouble."
"Indeed. Shall we go assist her?"

This social gathering was hosted by the royal family.

Which meant that if anything unpleasant happened here, the responsibility would fall on the royals.

Handling trouble between guests was also an important part of my duty.

"You’re not seeing anyone right now, right? How about a little fun with me?"
"Please stop. I’m not that kind of cheap woman."

The lady's voice was sharp, her refusal unmistakable.

Flirting itself wasn’t banned, but the guy was clearly crossing the line.

"Just for a bit, come on, just a bit?"

"...!"

She was keeping it together, but it was obvious she was nearing her limit.

I gave Takeru a glance, silently asking him to step in.

"Takeru, would you mind intervening?"

"Understood."

That young lady had gone to the trouble of doing her makeup and coming all the way to the palace.

I couldn’t let her evening be ruined.

As a member of the royal family, I had to go help────

"I won’t make you feel uncomfortable. Just trust me, okay?"

"Cut it out already! What makes you think I’d ever—!"

Thinking that, I sent Takeru ahead and calmly prepared to step in myself.

…And then, taking a better look at her, I realized I’d seen that girl before.

---

"That's far enough."

While I tilted my head, still trying to place her face, Takeru grabbed the flirtatious nobleman’s arm and forcefully shoved him aside.

"The hell's your problem?"

"I couldn’t stand by and watch any longer. Please excuse the interruption."

The nobleman stared at Takeru in confusion as his arm was restrained.

The young noblewoman also stood there, dumbfounded, staring at Takeru in a daze.

"The lady clearly doesn’t welcome your attention, does she? Don’t you think it’s time to stop pestering her?"

"Hey now, don’t get in the way, you’re just a damn bodyguard."

"And as a bodyguard, ensuring the safety of guests is part of my duty."

The noblewoman’s lips were trembling, struggling to form words.

And seeing that change in her expression, I finally remembered who she was.

She wasn’t wearing her usual knight’s uniform today, so I hadn’t recognized her from a distance…

"N-N-N-N-N…"

"Don’t worry, my lady. I won’t let him behave so rudely any longer."

"T-T-T-Takeru, why are you—"

Wait. That girl’s the tsundere lady knight Polie—the one totally in love with Takeru.

…Right. As the daughter of Paulik, there’s nothing strange about her attending a formal gathering as a noblewoman.

"Wh-Wh-Why are you the one saving me—!?"

"…? My lady, please leave the rest to me."

Does Takeru realize that young lady is Polie?

…Nope, he definitely doesn’t. That’s his customer-service smile.

"I won’t allow a single scratch to touch your skin."

"Hyahh!?"

Hearing Takeru’s gallant line, the tsundere noble lady turned bright red, her whole face flushed like a tomato.

…Is he doing this on purpose?

"Hoh? You sure talk big for a bodyguard."

"……"

"Maybe you need to be taught a little lesson, huh?"

Polie stood there opening and closing her mouth like a fish, her face still beet red.

The young man who had his fun ruined glared at Takeru with growing irritation.

Looks like this could turn into a fight. Maybe it’s time I stepped in to calm things down—

"—You fool!!"

"Gwah?!"

Just as I took a step forward, a massive wall of muscle barreled through and slammed the man into the floor.

"Hey! What do you think you’re doing, charging in like that all of a sudden!?"

"I am Rouga Spio! I cannot ignore uncouth men! MUSCLE JUSTICE!"

"Oh, for crying out loud!"

Right behind him, Sister Lulul charged in too, joining Rouga.

…So she came to break it up as well, huh?

"Lady Lulul, please leave this matter to me. That man is under my command! I sincerely apologize for his poor conduct!"

"Ugh—Sir Rouga?!"

"You bastard! Pestering a lady who’s clearly not interested—how disgraceful! Your heart lacks muscle!!"

Apparently, the flirt was someone Rouga knew.

And now he had thoroughly angered that mountain of muscle, who was glaring him down with an intensity that made the air tremble.

"……"

Well, if they know Rouga-san, I guess I’ll leave it to them.

If my sister is stepping in to mediate, she’ll probably settle things just fine.

Besides…

“Milady, are you hurt?”

“Ah, uh, n-no, I’m not.”

…Honestly, I don’t want to interrupt those two lovebirding over there.

“I see. That’s a relief.”

“Ahh, uuh…”

They’ve finally got this really nice vibe going.

If I jump in now, there’s a good chance Polie-san might go off the rails again.

Better to read the room and leave them alone for a bit.

With that in mind, I walked away from the scene, grinning to myself.

Without a bodyguard.

“I am…the spider who dwells in the shadows.”

“Huh?”

Just as I made my cool exit, I heard someone’s voice.

“Sorry about this.”

A wave of dizziness washed over me, and I blacked out.

---

“—Ugh…ah.”

“Ah, finally awake, Princess?”

I jerked awake—under a clear blue sky.

I was being carried by some unknown man, through a place I didn’t recognize.

“That guard of yours was pretty skilled. Barely left an opening.”

“Lucky for us the princess here wandered off.”

There was a gag in my mouth.

My hands and feet were tied, stuffed in some weird sack, being carried off.

“Ah…ahh…huh?”

“Sorry, but we’re gonna need you to come along for a bit.”

…These guys are definitely not from the national army.

I was being taken—by people I’d never seen—through a place I’d never seen.

In other words—

“HOGYAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

I’m being kidnapped!!!