Volume 3 Chapter 13 As Expected, This Person Is Scheming
In the end, Aine didn't say anything more that day.
I've heard that ninjas are fiercely loyal, and they won't easily betray their master.
Aine continues to stay at my house, and while it's partly due to the concern of other assassins potentially showing up, I had my own reasons for keeping her here.
So, for those reasons, I brought the two of them along to visit Lord Reichner's residence, which is how we ended up in this reception room.
By the way, Lene is busy working in the workshop.
"You know Lord Reichner, huh? Wow, to get in without an introduction is impressive!"
"Well, there are various circumstances at play. Also, could you lower your voice a bit? It's rather noisy."
"Got it!"
This scholar seems to not understand at all.
While Aine and I were having that exchange, she kept glancing around anxiously, as if she was waiting for something to jump out at her.
...And honestly, that prediction wasn't entirely off the mark.
"Thank you for waiting, Mr. Ryuuji. ...Oh? It seems we have 2 newcomers."
As the door opened, it was not Lord Reichner, but rather the enchanting Princess Cecilie and her bodyguard knight, Mr. Dietrich, who stepped inside.
I was relieved to see that they were still around.
"Lady Cecilie, thank you for giving us your time. There's something urgent I need to discuss."
"Oh, is it something related to these two?"
"That's right. This is Aine, a scholar who escaped from the Goldmont Kingdom. And this is Ai, the assassin who came after her."
Hearing "assassin," Mr. Dietrich's face hardened and he reached for his sword hilt, but I stopped him with my hand.
"Don't worry. Suzu's magic has neutralized any ill intent she might have, and she can't leave my side."
"...I trust Ms. Suzu's magic, but if she makes any suspicious moves, I'll have no qualms about slashing her down. Please understand."
Mr. Dietrich drove that point home without trying to hide his murderous intent.
Well, it's not like I can blame him, being the princess's Bodyguard and all.
"That's right, Ai. Just stay put."
"Okay, but...this lady, she's not the lord, right?"
Ai, her voice trembling, saw through it.
As expected, she figured it out.
Aine is taken aback, yelling, "What!? You were wrong!?"
Let me just say, that's a good sign.
"My apologies for the belated introduction. I'm Cecilie Liefeisen von Beistein. The First Princess of this country~."
In stark contrast to Her Highness's smile, Ai's face contorted.
* * *
"So, the Goldmont Kingdom, fearing the leak of technology, sent an assassin. Then, Ai? If you don't honestly tell me about what's going on behind you, I'll have to summon an Inquisition officer from the Capital City. Which would you prefer?"
"........."
Under the relentless threat of His Highness, Ai is bowing her head, sweat glistening on her brow.
It was unexpected for her to be interrogated in such a situation where she couldn't even commit suicide.
"... The princess... has nothing to do with this, right? I'm just here to chase a scholar who escaped from Goldmont."
Ai replied back defiantly, glaring fiercely at Her Highness, who was eyeing her with disdain.
... That logic doesn't hold, though.
Look, Her Highness is shaking his head.
"That won't do. You are in Beistein Kingdom, not Goldmont Kingdom. Since you targeted Ms. Aine's life within our territory, you will face justifiable punishment. Moreover, it is utterly unacceptable that you would harm an unrelated Mr. Ryuuji."
"Ugh..."
Ai found herself at a loss for words as she was skillfully cornered with sound logic by His Highness.
It's a bit unfortunate for her, but given what she has done, it's only natural.
"...However, I am not a devil. If you speak what you need to say, I will ensure your protection. Mr. Ryuuji will..."
"...Huh?"
This princess is just casually dumping the responsibility onto me.
She's smiling brightly as usual, but there's something sinister in her heart...
I figured I'd just get wrapped around a lot of persuasive arguments anyway, so I didn't even feel like retorting.
Besides, due to the magic constraint, I can't leave her side, so I practically have no choice but to protect her.
"...Really, will you protect me?"
"Huh, has your mood changed?"
With a worried expression, Ai looked up at me, prompting me to ask her without thinking.
Surprisingly enough, it seemed she was in the mood to talk without waiting for the interrogator.
I thought ninjas were supposed to possess a high sense of loyalty.
The little kunoichi's change of heart made Her Highness nod in satisfaction, saying, "Of course."
No, but I'm the one who's supposed to be protecting she...
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