Volume 1 Chapter 13 The Great Villain Of The World, Returns Home
"...Huh?"
When I opened my eyes, I saw a familiar ceiling.
It was my room at home.
I wonder when I got back.
I remember fighting Ryuu Gen and the martial artists in the alley... I couldn't win, and in the end, I was saved by Raikou-sensei and her disciple.
Did those people carry me home?
"...I don't feel any pain..."
The wound from the dagger is fine now.
Just as the boy――Sui Kaou said, it seems like it was a minor injury.
But, my right hand won't move. It's wrapped in something soft.
When I turn my face that way... I see silver hair.
Seirei is lying face down on the bed, quietly sleeping.
"...Big brother."
"Seirei..."
Seirei was holding my hand while still lying on the bed.
I wonder how long she has been like this. Has she been taking care of me the whole time?
When I touched my forehead, I felt a wet cloth placed there.
It seems I had a fever while I was sleeping.
I guess that's understandable. It was my first time dealing with life and death.
Honestly... I'm surprised I survived.
"Excuse me...!? H-Hou-sama, you're awake!?"
"Shh────."
I put my finger to my lips and pointed at sleeping Seirei.
Hakuyou nodded eagerly.
It seems she was taking care of me too.
"Are you feeling okay now?"
"I'm fine. How about you, Hakuyou?"
"I'm perfectly fine. But, Hou-sama, you've been sleeping for 3 days straight!"
"Three days?"
"The first night, you had a fever. With everything that happened, it's no surprise."
"...Right."
"Yes, yes. Your leg injury is already fine. The doctor checked it, so there's no mistake. It seems the quick treatment was effective."
Hakuyou looked relieved.
"I heard someone who was there applied healing ointment. We should go thank them later."
It turned out that it was Raikou-sensei who provided the treatment.
I really need to express my gratitude.
"Is Seirei staying here the whole time?"
"Yes. She said, 'I'll take care of my brother.'"
Hakuyou smiled gently.
"It was the first time I heard Seirei speak so strongly."
"...I see."
I patted Seirei's head with my free hand.
"So... what happened with the incident?"
"Ryuu Gen and his little accomplice were captured and sent to prison."
After confirming that Seirei was asleep, Hakuyou began to explain.
The main culprit of this incident was Seirei's uncle, Ryuu Gen.
After being disowned by the Ryuu Family, he got involved with the underworld.
Ryuu Gen learned that the people of the Ryuu Family had been killed and set his sights on Seirei.
He had been kind to Seirei when he was part of the Ryuu Family.
However, that kindness wasn't like family; it was more like someone cherishing a rare creature.
He was planning to treat Seirei as a 'valuable rare specimen' and turn her into money.
So, Ryuu Gen approached a small man who makes a living as a sl*ve trader――Ren――and brought him into the group.
Ren brought along a dagger user named Enki.
Enki had heard of the Kou family and apparently wanted to join them.
It was also Enki who suggested bringing Seirei into the palace.
He said, "If you're going to aim for something, aim for the big fish," and convinced Ryuu Gen and the others.
And so, Ryuu Gen came to Seirei.
──After that, it went as I know.
"Ryuu Gen and Ren will likely face punishment. But the man in black..."
"He managed to escape, right?"
"The general thinks he has already left Hokurin. Those kinds of people are quick. He might have hidden in a carriage and slipped through the town gate."
"I see..."
"Anyway, I'm just glad that Hou-sama and Seirei-sama are safe."
Saying that, Hakuyou knelt on the floor.
She then hit her head against the ground.
This is called 'Kowtow,' the most respectful bow in this world.
"It's my fault that Seirei-sama was kidnapped. I should have been more cautious of Ryuu Gen. I apologize, Hou-sama."
"Please stop. It's not your fault, Hakuyou."
"But..."
"Actually, it's the opposite. Because Hakuyou warned me of the danger, I was able to save Seirei. I will tell my father the same. Hakuyou is not to blame."
"......Hou-sama."
"I'm glad that both Seirei and I are okay. Isn't that enough?"
I gently patted Seirei's head again.
"But, it seems like Seirei went through something tough."
"I think Seirei-sama will be fine."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, Seirei-sama has become strong. It was Seirei-sama who explained to the general what happened."
"...Seirei did?"
"Yes, it was impressive. Seirei-sama said she wants to serve the Kou family from now on."
Hakuyou said this and smiled.
"When Seirei-sama wakes up, please praise her. I think that will be the best reward for Seirei-sama."
"I will. But... there's something I need to do first."
I looked up and asked Hakuyou.
"Is my father in his room right now?"
"Yes, he is. Is it something urgent?"
"Yes. It's about His Royal Highness the King's younger brother."
I said.
"I borrowed His Royal Highness the King's younger brother's help to rescue Seirei. At that time, I promised to 'definitely repay you.' I need to tell my father about this."
With that, I quietly headed to my father's room, trying not to wake Seirei.
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