Extra S*ave Saves the Crown Prince Chapter 40

 

That evening, a sumptuous meal was laid out with the care packages brought by Cesaria.

 

Special tables were set up in the plaza so everyone could enjoy it together. A stew bubbled vigorously over the bonfire, and the tables were filled with all sorts of foods from the capital.

 

“Tsk tsk. Anyone would think we’ve been starving them.“

 

Baslo stood off to the side with his arms crossed, not joining the gathering. Watching the knights eat so heartily wasn’t unpleasant, but thinking about who had brought the food made him sigh deeply.

 

“It’s the young lady!“

 

And the star of the evening appeared from behind. Even in the darkness, her elegance shone brightly. Arnic and a maid flanked her on either side.

 

“Please, help yourselves.“

 

She gestured for those awkwardly rising to sit back down.

 

Arnic recognized Baslo, who stood with arms crossed, and mouthed something to him. It seemed to be a curse about why he had to be here.

 

“But I don’t see any alcohol?“

 

“Ah, yes. Today, since everyone is on special guard duty, alcohol is prohibited.“

 

Arnic answered Cesaria in a mechanical tone.

 

“Wouldn’t a little be all right?“

 

“We can’t risk annihilation. As much as we appreciate the gesture, I must ask for your understanding.“

 

“All right.“

 

The young lady smiled slightly, as if she’d heard an amusing story.

 

She seemed to think “so we don’t get annihilated” was just a figure of speech, even though he meant it completely seriously. Some knights, who hadn’t heard the full exchange, simply marveled, “She’s truly beautiful.”

 

“I should pray to the heavens. May tonight pass safely.“

 

In this place, where monsters could appear at any time, there was a noble to protect. Baslo clicked his tongue again.

 

Meanwhile, Cesaria was looking around the table, searching for someone. When she glanced back, Sally shook her head.

 

She’d thought “that slave” would be here since everyone was gathered. It was bothering her greatly, not knowing where he was.

 

.*. *. *. *. *. *.

 

Anyone would think I was spying out of jealousy.

 

I was secretly watching Cesaria as she went to the plaza to encourage everyone. I’d heard she was leaving after spending just one night. But hearing she’d be back soon only made me more anxious.

 

What if she did something to Sihien in the meantime? What if she’d come with other intentions? I was so preoccupied that I couldn’t focus on anything else. It seemed I’d have to stay up all night watching her.

 

“Moving the tent again?“

 

“Guess she’s not satisfied.“

 

“There’s nowhere here she’d really like.“

 

“If we have to move again, we won’t even get dinner, tsk.“

 

Hearing voices, I quickly hid myself in the darkness. There was nothing good to be gained from being caught spying on her.

 

So she doesn’t like the tent.

 

If she saw the crown prince’s tent, she wouldn’t say that. Even the royals only had slightly larger spaces than the knights. There really wasn’t much difference. I doubted there was any tent here that would satisfy her.

 

Ah.

 

There is one bed with a canopy, though.

 

It might be a bit small, but perhaps it’s the best space for her to use.

 

Come to think of it, if she used that tent, it’d be easier for me to keep an eye on her. I wasn’t planning to sleep anyway.

 

Yes. First, I should talk to the person who provided the space. I watched Cesaria’s back for a moment, then, seeing Arnic was with her, decided it’d be fine for a while and turned in the opposite direction.

 

.*. *. *. *. *. *.

 

“Did you have dinner.“

 

But Sihien reacted as if he hadn’t heard anything.

 

In fact, I’d come to the crown prince’s tent and was just hovering outside, unable to go in.

 

『He said to come in.』

 

 A servant led me inside. Apparently, they’d reported that I was loitering outside.

 

“I just wanted to show you, in case you liked it.“

 

“You don’t have to worry about that.“

 

I can’t help but worry. She might have come here intending to kill you. If you’re in this tent, it’ll be easier for me to keep watch over you.

 

…is what I couldn’t say.

 

The Original Story was diverging little by little. I was now the first person to call him “Sihien,” not her. That meant I couldn’t be sure of the future anymore.

 

If, by chance, things diverged completely from the original and she actually tried to harm him? The thought alone was terrifying. I had to stop it, no matter what.

 

“Still, I thought it might be the most suitable place for the lady to stay.“

 

And honestly, it’s the easiest place for me to keep an eye on you.

 

“Sez.“

 

“…Yes.“

 

“Is that place uncomfortable for you.“

 

“Pardon? No! It’s a wonderful place!“

 

Worried he’d misunderstand, my words came out strange again. Is there any place better for me than that? It’s definitely not that I dislike it or find it uncomfortable. Really, it’s not.

 

“Then don’t worry about it.“

 

Yes, sir, I should say. Maybe he’d ask if I’d be okay with it for just one night. But no such luck.

 

There was no helping it. I’d have to find out which tent she was staying in and look for a place to hide nearby.

 

“Dinner.“

 

Ah, did I not answer that? I’d only grabbed a few pieces of fruit in the back. I wasn’t in the mood to eat a proper meal. Still, I was about to answer that I’d eaten.

 

Knock, knock.

 

“Your Highness. The young lady has arrived.“

 

My shoulders stiffened. I hadn’t expected to run into her here. Sihien’s eyes narrowed.

 

“Your Highness. May I come in for a moment?“

 

Before Sihien could answer, the door opened. Standing outside was the person I’d been watching all day—Cesaria Lechegno.

 

I turned around without thinking and met her eyes directly. It was the first time in a while I’d seen those blue eyes.

 

＊ ＊ ＊ 

 

Cesaria, realizing the person she was looking for wasn’t in the plaza, pretended to look around Enapok. It wounded her pride to ask openly about that slave. She figured she’d run into her while looking around anyway.

 

‘Even if that slave is dangerous, she’s here.’

 

They’d told her to go back right away because it was dangerous, that monsters could appear at any moment. She knew it wasn’t because they cared more about her than that slave. He simply wanted her out of here. That was all.

 

“This is where we manage the herbs.“

 

Knight Arnic seemed polite but also indifferent. He showed her around Enapok, but Cesaria wasn’t really interested.

 

She only cared about where that slave was, and where the crown prince was staying. Nothing else caught her eye.

 

Then, she heard someone running up behind her. When she turned, it was someone from House Lechegno. He bowed to Cesaria and whispered something to the maid Sally. Sally’s face stiffened.

 

“They say that slave just entered His Highness’s tent.“

 

Sally soon came to whisper the message in Cesaria’s ear.

 

“Really?“

 

It was as if someone had pushed her from behind, and she felt faint. Still, she struggled to keep her expression calm. She hadn’t even been shown where his tent was yet.

 

“Um, may I excuse myself for a moment?“

 

“Yes, of course.“

 

“Thank you.“

 

The messenger was still waiting. When Sally signaled to him, he bowed and walked ahead to lead the way.

 

Cesaria used all her strength to keep her expression from breaking as she walked. Her palms were soon slick with sweat.

 

“M-My lady.“

 

When they reached the crown prince’s tent, the knight looked flustered. Cesaria paused, then passed by them as if it were only natural. They couldn’t lay a hand on a noblewoman, so they simply followed behind.

 

Just imagining the two of them alone inside made her blood run cold. She couldn’t let this happen. Not after coming all this way. Not with everything she felt.

 

Before permission was even granted from inside, Cesaria ended up opening the door. The face she’d been searching for was looking at her in surprise.

 

＊ ＊ ＊

 

“What’s the matter.“

 

His tone was completely different from when he’d just asked me if I’d eaten dinner. I hadn’t realized how heavy a voice could sound when it was devoid of emotion. It made me feel fidgety for no reason.

 

“I thought, since I’m here, maybe we could have dinner together.“

 

“That’s all?“

 

“Pardon…?“

 

“Is that the only reason you opened the door.“

 

If I could quietly disappear, that would be best. This must be what it means to sit on a bed of thorns. I clutched my pouch tightly, racking my brain for what to do.

 

“Your Highness.“

 

Cesaria bit her lower lip, then let it go.

 

“There’s something I urgently need to discuss with you.“

 

She looked uncharacteristically desperate. I’d tried to hold out, but it seemed I couldn’t stay any longer.

 

“I’ll take my leave, then.“

 

“Sez.“

 

I really think I should go. The idea of a slave sitting in the middle while they discussed important matters…

 

Fortunately, he seemed to read my mind. He sighed but didn’t stop me. Maybe he was being considerate, worried I’d feel uncomfortable.

 

As I left, I bowed deeply to the young lady as well. I didn’t look at her face, but I saw her hands clenched tightly. Her white hands had gone even paler. It didn’t matter to me, but please, don’t take your anger out on him. Please.

 

I was so anxious I thought I’d better look for a place to eavesdrop. Even if I had to use my teleportation ability.

 

“How dare a slave.“

 

At the door, a familiar maid glared at me. She spoke in a whisper, but I heard every word clearly. Of course, it didn’t bother me at all.

 

I just greeted her and tried to pass by. I was in a hurry.

 

“Ugh!“

 

But a sudden pain made me gasp. I squatted down, holding my breath to endure the pain.

 

“Why aren’t you getting up?“

 

A flustered voice snapped down at me. The maid jabbed me with her elbow as I passed. It wasn’t a strong blow. Normally, I wouldn’t even have made a sound and would have just been pushed aside.

 

But she’d hit me squarely in the side. The exact spot where the monster had grabbed me.

 

Bang!

 

Just then, I heard the wooden door slam and felt warmth envelop me. It was a familiar body heat.

 

“I’m fine.

 

I whispered, holding my breath. If it hadn’t been for my side, I could have slipped away quietly. But she’d hit me right there. Honestly, I wasn’t fine. It hurt a lot.

 

“Call for the physician.“

 

“Yes!“

 

Above my head, he ordered in a low voice. Oh no, this is getting out of hand. I just wanted the pain to go away quickly, but it lingered, heavy and unmoving.

 

A strong arm supported me so I could stand. It hurt so much I nearly cried, so I just let myself be led along without thinking. I couldn’t straighten my back at all. I wished I could just faint and wake up later.

 

“Your Highness.“

 

Cesaria’s voice sounded distant.