Guiding the Male Lead out of His Trauma - Chapter 31.2
Meanwhile, Prince Isadore, having laughed his fill, turned back to the count, who had been left out of the conversation.
“My apologies, Count, for having such a good time without you.”
“…Not at all. I wouldn’t dare interrupt without Your Highness’s permission.”
“You’re always excessively considerate toward me. In any case, I once helped Cadet Liliope regarding the case of the abuse of an Unawakened by Count Lorraine. As a member of the royal family, I sought leniency for the unfortunate incident, offered compensation, and delivered a personal apology as well.”
Prince Isadore smoothly cleaned up after his earlier joke.
“So, even if I was just teasing a little, I hope no one will try to tie my scandals to hers.”
Even so, Count Eshire didn’t seem fully convinced.
Isadore didn’t miss even this small hesitation.
“Does it bother you that someone of royal blood would get involved personally?”
At that pointed question, the count barely managed to deny it.
“No, of course not. How could I…”
“You, of all people, must know why I dealt with Count Lorraine.”
Dealt with?
That was the first I’d heard of it, but I didn’t let it show.
But Count Eshire seemed to quickly realize something.
“……”
After gauging my reaction, Count Eshire answered slowly, as if suspecting I had already made some sort of deal with Prince Isadore.
“…I see. I will gladly accept the gift.”
“I knew you’d understand. Then, I’ll personally escort them to the palace.”
“I’ll inform His Highness Sibellin right away.”
After some unspoken agreement, Count Eshire gave his respects to Prince Isadore and withdrew.
Blair followed after the count, trying to say something, but the count simply disappeared, looking annoyed as if swatting away a fly.
‘This went over so well, it’s almost suspicious.’
Summoning Prince Isadore had been my plan from before we even came to the capital, meant to get under the crown prince’s skin.
But now I was left with nothing but uneasy doubts.
“What are you thinking about?”
Did I accidentally say my suspicions out loud?
Hiding my surprise, I turned toward the voice and saw Acteon, his expression icy.
“I was just thinking how nice it was to see you both again. Even if you kept getting into trouble and calling me out.”
“Hyacine Ortis is Senior’s only remaining family. Your Highness, I hope you won’t treat him carelessly.”
His words caught me off guard. Was Acteon really saying that?
I was witnessing a flow of events that had already diverged greatly from the original, just as much as I had survived instead of dying.
‘Originally, Hyacine would have hated Acteon and tried to kill him, and Acteon, though feeling guilty about my death, would have become Hyacine’s enemy to protect Millia.’
It was uncanny, seeing relationships that were never meant to be reconciled change so dramatically.
And Prince Isadore tilted his head, as if noticing something more.
“Something’s changed since I last saw you, Cadet Acteon.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Even if I had goals in life, it was hard to shake off my pessimism and helplessness.”
“Are you asking for a compliment?”
“If you’re willing, I wouldn’t refuse. But first, I hope you’ll answer whatever Senior wants to ask.”
Despite his stiff expression, Acteon spoke with a gentle tone, making it hard to dismiss his words.
It didn’t seem like Prince Isadore meant to provoke him, but I still tried to rein Acteon in.
“Be careful, Acteon. If you’re accused of insulting the royal family, it’ll only go badly for you,” I warned him.
“True, if I felt like it, I could have you punished.”
“Don’t worry. His Highness has plenty of secret plans and can’t afford to punish me. He’ll need to use me for something important.”
“Ah, yes, I can’t deny I want something from you both.”
I glared at the prince, who kept nodding to himself, switching sides as he pleased.
He just looked back at me with wide, innocent eyes, then shrugged.
Seeing that, all my suspicions deflated instantly.
“…Enough, please get us out of here.”
“You haven’t forgotten that I’m a prince, have you?”
“Of course not. That’s exactly why I coaxed you like this.”
“You’re unbelievable…”
Grumbling, the prince nevertheless gave the order to have the upper management at the Bureau release me and Acteon.
Once released, we stepped outside to board Prince Isadore’s carriage.
Having seen off Count Eshire, Blair returned and was shocked to see us.
“Y-Your Highness Isadore, why are you with these people…?”
“Well, aren’t they my brother’s guests? I’ll escort them to the palace, so don’t worry too much.”
Face wrinkled in confusion, Blair began scolding Acteon, demanding to know what had happened.
Even after being dismissed by Acteon’s cold, arrogant stare, he couldn’t back down.
Unable to hide his irritation, he soon turned to blame me instead.
“What happened here? If you’re committing lèse-majesté against His Highness, you’d best confess now. The Duchy cannot tolerate further disgrace.”
“Lèse-majesté…? I’m not that much of a troublemaker.”
If I’m going to cause trouble, I’ll make sure I don’t get myself killed.
Besides, the duke won’t give up on me easily anyway.
Of course, this little incident will only be a minor annoyance for him…
‘The most important part is still to come.’
The gift for the duke was something I planned to prepare after leaving the palace.
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