Volume 7 Chapter 24 Hello, Princess Hostage
When I returned home with Roman, waiting for us was Cecilia, who had a composed and confident attitude.
"Hahahahaha! This is interesting! You 2 are quite something! This pre-wedding celebration for this one was truly fitting!"
Cecilia Princi Akasia, the Elf Princess. Despite looking like a girl slightly older than Ridge, she was laughing explosively with an air of superiority.
Her restraints were minimal, with only a simple handcuff on one arm. She was tied to the iron grate at the back of the interrogation room, sitting in a chair with her legs crossed.
"...Is she really a hostage?"
"If I weren't being deceived by a trick, it's probably the real Princess Cecilia herself."
Windy nodded in confirmation, looking somewhat uncertain. Since Windy was quite capable in combat, it was likely the real deal.
The 3 of us, including me, Windy, and Roman, were in the interrogation room. We were the ones who carried out the kidnapping operation. By the way, Lord Birk was exhausted, so we let him rest in a separate room.
Cecilia said with a cheerful tone.
"Really, humans are full of surprises. So, how will this one be treated from now on? If you're a rebel against the Roman Emperor, will I be treated harshly?"
"Well, that's not going to happen."
"That's reassuring. Kuku, who knows when I might become useful? Please treat me kindly and with respect. Then, this one will behave obediently."
As Cecilia spoke in a carefree manner, I sensed an unusual atmosphere around her. Despite her youthful appearance, she was difficult to handle.
Just then, someone appeared in the interrogation room.
"Ah, welcome back~desuwa! Wade-sama, Roman-sama!"
"Ah! Welcome back, Papa!"
"Oh, Moruru and Ridge!"
Moruru clung to me, and I picked her up as Ridge approached and patted her. "Wow!" Moruru exclaimed excitedly.
"Listen, Papa, listen! Moruru! Dragon!"
"Whoa, stop it!"
The dragon breath is probably a bit of dangerous information, so I'm keeping her mouth shut. "Hm?" Moruru says, tilting her head while her mouth closed.
"Oh? What's going on? I thought the interrogation was about to start, but it looks like you're having a family meeting instead."
Cecilia looks surprised, and I can tell she didn't expect this. I pat Moruru on the back and say, "We'll talk about that later, okay? Let's focus on this for now," while putting my finger to my lips, and then I glance at Ridge.
"Did you come to say welcome? You could've done that later."
"No, the interrogation room was too noisy. I have some things to discuss with Princess Cecilia and the others."
"Ridge, you're really something... going all the way to the interrogation..."
Ridge is terrifying. What kind of noble is she trying to become? She's already like a dark noble...
But then she says, "No, no, it's not like that! This is just a casual conversation, I swear!"
"If that's the case, then let's make this a meeting with the council members. Sorry, but Windy-kun, Moruru-chan, you 2 can leave."
"I'm grateful, Romantini-sama."
"Bye, Papa! Listen to my story later, definitely!"
The 2 of them react differently and leave. "Now then," Romantini says, bringing over 3 chairs and sitting down in one.
"Princess Cecilia, let's talk about what's going to happen from now on."
"Ah, good. You 2 can sit down as well."
Cecilia chuckles, and I can sense that she's taking charge, probably because of her royal upbringing.
We all sit down, with me in the center and Romantini and Ridge on either side.
Cecilia smiles.
"Then, let me reintroduce myself. I am Cecilia Princi Akasia, the princess of the Elf race, Akasia family. You don't need to introduce yourselves. 'Slow' and 'Narcissistic Bard', and... ah, you're from the Karditsa noble family, I see. You've been the talk of the town for decades."
Cecilia raises an eyebrow and says it with a hint of sarcasm. Ridge responds with a cool face, saying, "It's a grudge from before I was born, I suppose." It's really a noble-like exchange.
However, Cecilia doesn't seem to be interested in getting involved with Ridge either. She turned to me and asked,
"What kind of conversation are we going to have? Is it about the location of 'Oath's' base or some secret about the Akasia clan?"
"I'll ask directly."
Roman lowered his voice and asked,
"Whose side are you on? 'Oath's' or the Roman Emperor's?"
Cecilia's answer was straightforward.
"I am on the side of the Elves. As a princess, I don't have loyalty or anything like that. All I have is my own self-interest and the duty to protect my people as a ruler."
Cecilia maintained her calm demeanor as she spoke. The 3 of us silently observed her.
―――There was no lie.
"I didn't sense any lies. How about you 2?"
"I'm the same~desuwa. How about you, Wade-sama?"
"I didn't sense any lies with my Ajna Chakra either. So, it's not a lie."
We all agreed that there was no lie and nodded in unison.
"So, Cecilia, the Elf princess, you're a completely neutral force that just happens to be with 'Oath's' camp, right?"
"Kuku. This one is grateful that you understand my position so well, 'Slow'. I don't want to be misunderstood and get involved in unnecessary trouble."
Cecilia said so. She's really good at handling situations. Elves are long-lived, but I wonder how old this Cecilia is.
I said,
"So, if the information is related to 'Oath', we don't have to doubt its authenticity, right? On the other hand, if it's related to the Elves, there might be some lies mixed in because of their connection."
"That's right. But do you guys have any interest in the Elves anyway? Or do you want to make me your sl*ve and keep me as a pet?"
"No way, that's not my thing. Why do I need 3 cute wives anyway if I'll do that?"
"Kuku, don't get upset. So, yeah. I'm getting tired of this hard chair, and to improve my treatment, let's sell some information about 'Oath'."
Tension ran between us. "Even if I say so," Cecilia said.
"I've been repeatedly warning them that 'if anything happens, I'll betray them' so they must have started making their escape by nightfall. My information has a short expiration date, after all?"
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