The Hero’s Party Members Treat Me Well for Some Reason

The Struggle for the Throne (6)

After sobbing for what felt like an eternity, the Princess finally showed signs of calming.

Her shoulders still trembled, but at least the sounds of her weeping had lessened.

Seeing this, I subtly distanced myself from her. Since I was cursed anyway, clinging to me would only worsen her condition, or so it seemed.

…And, to be frank, I was feeling slightly awkward. If I were to mention it, she was still clad in a negligee. A negligee, moreover, that had been slightly torn by the hands of those ruffians.

“Hic, hics…”

Even after I pulled away, she continued to sniffle. Though diminished, the tears flowed just the same.

It was clear at a glance her psyche had taken quite a beating.

Though I might’ve liked to leave her like that for a bit longer, time was pressing on. The distance between the Imperial Palace and this dockside was considerable.

A slip-up, and I might not even get any sleep.

Therefore, to help her recover her composure, I delivered some good news.

“Reilly is alive.”

*Plop.*

The moment those words left my lips, her crying ceased as if her earlier state had been nothing but a fabrication.

With reddened eyes, she gazed up at me and asked:

“…Is that truly so?”

“Yes, he’ll be left with some scars, but his life isn’t in danger. Bellita discovered him quickly and saved him.”

“……”

Hearing those words, Della was silent for a long while. Then, after a moment, she buried her face in her knees once more and wept.

“It’s a relief. Truly, such a relief…!”

Tears, tinged with a certain relief. Reilly, too, must be a precious thing to her.

In a situation where all others had turned their backs, he was the only loyal vassal who remained. His skill mattered little; affection was bound to blossom.

She wept for some time thus, before finally rising, having regained some measure of her strength.

Her eyelids, now swollen and crimson, pulsed with determination. *Good,* I thought, *that expression means I no longer need worry.*

Presently, she steadied her breathing and spoke to me.

“Let us go.”

“Yes.”

It was time to return.

*

“Hoo, when will Her Highness arrive, I wonder…”

“Wasn’t today the day we were to meet?”

Time passed, and at last, it was the morning of the Grand Celebration.

The informant who had sold information to the First Prince surveyed the rendezvous point, eyes darting.

It was a crucial day, and as such, the rebel officers were punctual, arriving with clockwork precision.

The only ones absent were the Princess and the mysterious masked man she had brought.

To be honest, even the informant wished he could have remained absent… but that would have aroused suspicion, leaving him no choice but to attend.

And from the atmosphere radiating from the officers he surveyed, things were not looking auspicious.

The leader of the plot was absent, and those gathered were beginning to voice their doubts.

If she continued to delay, they would surely vent their frustration and return to their respective homes.

Of course, the informant was certain the Princess would never return. The First Prince had dispatched an assassination squad. Most likely, she was now quietly buried in some place unknown.

And perhaps, the fate of this resistance here would be no different.

The First Prince would have no need to leave those who dared defy him.

Most likely, everyone here would be purged. Except for him, the one who sold them out.

No matter their skill, no matter their beliefs, ultimately, the one who chooses the right side is the victor. The one who survives to the end is the strong one.

The informant smugly congratulated himself on his shrewdness.

“To be late on such a crucial day… what in the world is Her Highness thinking…”

“Could something have happened?”

“Whatever the case, we can’t simply keep waiting like this. Shouldn’t we be seeking another way?”

Complaints were beginning to bubble up amongst the resistance fighters when…

*Creak-*

The door to the hideout opened, and two figures entered.

It was the Princess, whom they had been waiting for, and a mysterious man wearing a mask.

Looking more dishevelled and weary than usual, they walked toward the centre of the hideout.

Though their appearance was less impressive than usual, a cold determination, not seen before, burned in their expressions.

‘H-how is this possible?!’

Seeing this, the informant inwardly screamed in astonishment. His face was like he’d seen a ghost.

*

…It was so very far.

I tried to run as fast as I could to arrive quickly, but in the end, I couldn’t help being a little late.

In the end, I had no choice but to carry the Princess and run, and even so, it was already the dawn of the third day when we arrived.

Considering the wash and preparation, there was scarcely time even to sleep.

Still, she managed a scant three hours, body needing, as it did, to recuperate. Hence this tardiness.

Frankly, it was woefully inadequate for replenishing her strength. Three sleepless nights, traded for a paltry three hours of slumber.

Those who’ve braved a workday after pulling an all-nighter understand: rising feels so dreadful, one wonders if suicide wouldn’t be the swifter path. The will itself crumbles under the weight of physical distress.

Yet, despite the evident fatigue, the Princess’s gaze was unyielding, hard as stone.

This abduction, it seemed, had stirred something within her.

“…Forgive my lateness. I am… delayed.”

“Your… Your Highness?!”

Naturally, her dishevelled state elicited expressions of shock from all present. It was plain as day she had endured some ordeal.

Scanning the Resistance members’ faces, each etched with alarm, I mused.

‘A traitor walks among them, no doubt.’

It was the only explanation. There was no other reason she could have been seized.

I longed to impose a mass mind-wipe, to unearth the informant.

But such a violation would shatter what little trust remained among the innocent.

For the Puppet Master’s power, once tasted, was a deeply unsettling thing. A misstep, and the members’ faith in each other could crumble, driving them to abandon this place altogether.

Yet, to leave it unaddressed felt equally untenable…

Therefore, I quietly queried Deila.

‘What do you advise? I could find them if you wish. Unmask the one who betrayed you?’

‘…No, let it lie for now. We shall discover him naturally when Ian is taken. And…there is another avenue we might explore.’

Yes, she had certainly hardened. To leave the one who sold her out untouched, for the moment, even knowing they are here…

She was a woman who knew how to plan for the future.

“Princess. What in the… What on earth happened to you?”

As that conversation concluded, one of the cadres inquired.

She responded with a detached air.

“Nothing of consequence. Just know that I’ve acquired a useful card, for now.”

The kidnapping of a member of the Imperial Family was a grave matter indeed. Even a failed attempt constituted a treasonous offense.

Even if the perpetrator were another member of the same family, public condemnation would be unavoidable were it to be revealed.

Thus, linking the attempted abduction of the Third Princess with the assassination of the First Princess would deal him a devastating blow.

Perhaps, just perhaps, his succession to the throne could be truly thwarted.

“…Well then, now that the Princess has arrived, shall we commence the plan?”

“No, just a moment. Before that…”

Della stopped the noble who was rushing to implement the plan.

Her deep, sunken violet eyes scanned the room.

“I want to make some changes to the personnel.”

“Pardon?”

One of the cadres, hearing that, questioned her.

With the plan already established and the participating members all selected, to suddenly change the members?

From his perspective, it made no sense.

“That won’t do, Princess. Everything has already been decided. To change it now? It is sure to create confusion amongst everyone.”

“Don’t worry. I can control everything. And besides…“

She trailed off, gaze settling on me. I could roughly guess the words she held back.

In any case, my force alone was enough. All that remained was to find someone to lend their voice.

Rescuing the Second Prince, though significant in itself, was also a cornerstone for publicizing her faction, the Third Princess’s.

Undeniably, such a grand undertaking would draw attention.

In other words, the members participating in this venture would, essentially, become the figureheads of the Third Princess’s faction. Their faces would be known throughout society.

As such, the selection of members had been a meticulously considered affair.

And yet, to change it… I wracked my brain, trying to decipher her intentions.

Whether I did or not, the members *were* changed.

Originally, the participating members had simply been chosen from volunteers, but this time, it was entirely at her discretion.

There was no right of refusal. Who, after all, could refuse a selection made by the Princess herself?

The chosen members were, first, myself, then our darling Belita, newly added, Albert, the head of the Brenin Marquisate, Lowell, the third son of the Kehelen Viscountcy, and finally, Primo, the equally third son of the Coward Viscountcy.

“…Hmm.”

Hearing the revised list, I let out a small, contemplative sound. Most were names I recognized.

Except for this Primo fellow. Who in the world *was* he?

Being a hastily assembled party, the members’ reactions were less than enthusiastic.

Belita and I, being already aligned with her, were fine, I supposed.

But Albert and Primo were openly displaying their discomfort.

“Ahem, ahem. To include this old man in the membership… I do worry if I will be of any help… Ahem, ahem…!”

“M-me, here? Ha, haha, Your Highness, your jest goes too far. I would certainly be of no assistance…”

Unable to refuse outright, their circumlocutions were just as one would expect from nobles.

“Me, the vanguard! Krhh, I applied to join last time, but wasn’t chosen despite my best efforts, leaving me utterly crestfallen. But to have this opportunity arise! I, Lowell, stake the name of the Kehellen viscountcy on this, and shall complete this mission to the very end!”

If I had to pick a favorite from those three members, it would be that Lowell fellow.

Yes, even if his mind was… pristine, at least his eagerness was a saving grace.