Chapter 66

Chloe von Selvius. She was a totally ordinary member of the royal family. You might wonder how “ordinary” and “royalty” go together, but trust me, she was quite average by royal standards. She studied imperial studies like a typical royal, got tangled in political affairs over the throne like your average royal would, and fostered friendships with nobles in the most mundane way possible.

She was ready to bet around a million golds that she was just plain average. Of course, her wealth, which she had also invested in quite routinely, was well into the hundreds of millions when it came down to personal assets. Even having that much, a million gold is still a hefty amount, right? The quintessential “average” Chloe thought so, at least. Although, to be fair, in terms of looks, average was a stretch, especially compared to handsome scholars like Meyer or the dazzling Jeron.

Being that average, Chloe was determined to make use of everything she had at her disposal. First on her list? Information. She wasn’t as eloquent as Crown Prince Meyer Selvius nor did she have the charming appeal of Crown Prince Jeron Selvius. Therefore, she aimed to hold the reins on information. Right now, she was focused on the Academy, but in the future, she dreamed of building a massive network of information spanning the entire Empire.

The cohesion of the Animal Party was undeniably strong, making it no easy task for Princess Chloe to gather information. In fact, she missed out on the last uprising entirely. However, this time, since Karim was personally out and about to pull in external forces, she somehow managed to scoop up some info.

It was a bit touch-and-go, but after getting a rough idea of Karim’s plans, Princess Chloe immediately ‘protected’ Elia. Being completely clueless, Elia found herself under Chloe’s protection, leading the events to unfold as they did.

Karim was baffled, utterly bewildered. Where on earth had the plan leaked? Was there a traitor in the Animal Party? Or could it possibly be that crazy Lilian spilled the beans? Countless thoughts swirled in Karim’s mind.

“Where did it get out?”

“Are you asking me?”

“It wasn’t a coincidence, you knew from the start… Ah, Lilian. Did she let something slip?”

Lilian? Was she aware of this whole debacle? After all, the trustworthy maid Catherine wouldn’t have stirred this much trouble without her consent. Could it be that Lilian had joined the Animal Party? No, if that were the case, Catherine wouldn’t have gone through the hassle of summoning Princess Chloe this way. She could’ve just knocked her out and locked her up until everything was sorted.

There had to be a reason behind it. Maybe it was to protect the Princess during the chaos or something of that sort. It really didn’t matter at the Academy, where titles meant little. Besides, the House of Portus had enough clout to brush off kidnapping a princess as a minor offense.

Lilian wasn’t involved. With that resolution, Princess Chloe sighed in relief.

‘Relief?’

Why on earth was she relieved? She hardly had any real bond with Lilian. Confused by her own feelings, Princess Chloe slowly lifted her head. Karim watched her deliberation, contemplating whether to knock her out. She seemed to lack any guards, just as well. Like the House of Portus, the Elpeltain family was also one that could afford to put a princess to sleep without much fuss.

Though it was irritating that his impeccable plan showed cracks, he still had time to amend things. Just as he was opening his mouth to speak, the voice he least wanted to hear drifted over.

“There you are, Your Highness.”

It was a voice so devoid of inflection it was almost eerie. A woman stood there in maid attire, with crimson eyes and black hair that seemed to darken the very night.

“Catherine.”

“Your Highness, this place is dangerous.”

Karim gulped at those words. If Catherine decided to take care of any threats, they’d be left with virtually no defenses. After all, those present were just noble offspring who had never so much as held a weapon.

“…You.”

“Please step aside.”

Was the heavens looking out for Karim? Catherine made to take Princess Chloe away. Chloe frowned slightly at that, and Karim silently cheered. At least they were trying to help us. With that thought, he watched the unfolding scene.

“Are you implying I should step away in this situation?”

Princess Chloe didn’t seem thrilled about being told to back off, so she verified Catherine’s intentions.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because it is my duty as a maid to execute my master’s orders without question.”

With that said, Catherine approached slowly. Princess Chloe tried to back away, but having never trained in martial arts, there was no way she could outrun Catherine. Eventually, Chloe was gently grasped by Catherine who began to wrestle with her.

“Pardon my intrusion upon your royal form.”

“Let go of me.”

“I’m sorry, but the only person who can give me orders is one, and only one.”

“…Tch.”

Catherine effortlessly scooped Princess Chloe into a princess carry and strode off. That delicate figure was unexpectedly reassuring. Karim smiled broadly and reignited the flames of his disrupted plan, only wishing he could have seen Elia Bronwey’s face.

#

After walking for a while with the Princess in my arms, Chloe suddenly looked at me, as if she had been holding something back.

“What on earth are you thinking?”

“You might do better to ask Miss Lilian that.”

“Do you not have your own thoughts?”

“I’m not a doll, so of course I do.”

Chloe pouted, thumping her chest in exasperation. I couldn’t help but notice her ample bosom swaying. I hastily redirected my gaze, then glanced at her face. Instead of the frustrated expression I just saw, her face was now sporting a mischievous smile.

“Hmm, do you like it as well?”

“…What are you talking about?”

“The bosom.”

“…”

“It’s just flesh, yet you’re so crazy about it.”

“…”

In situations like this, it’s usually best to keep one’s mouth shut. Ignoring Chloe, now poking my cheeks playfully with a cheeky look, I quickened my pace while still holding her.

“Being like this feels strangely different.”

“Is it?”

“Well, it’s not every day you get to be held like this.”

“That’s a bit odd.”

“Why’s that?”

After all, the position has a name: ‘princess carry.’ And she is a princess, right? As soon as I voiced my question, Chloe burst into laughter.

“Hahaha! Well, that’s true, but I prefer to think of myself as a duchess rather than a princess.”

“Is that really any different?”

“Hmm, it is. You’d know if you ever became a duchess.”

“Genetically impossible.”

“Yeah, I know. What a shame.”

Slowly lifting her gaze to meet mine, she smiled without shifting her eyes away.

“So, why are you helping Karim?”

“Because Miss Lilian wanted me to.”

“Are Lilian’s wishes your priority, or your own?”

“Of course, Miss’s wishes come first. I’m a maid, after all.”

“Is that damned maidhood what we’re talking about?”

“…”

As I clammed up again, Chloe pinched my cheek lightly. It didn’t hurt much, but it felt a bit off. Of course, I couldn’t show that displeasure, so I let Princess Chloe have her way. It seemed she wasn’t satisfied with that, as she continued pinching me here and there, and eventually let out a small sigh.

“Put me down.”

“…You’re not going to run away, are you?”

At my question, the princess smiled brightly as she stepped down from my arms. As I carefully set her down, she lightly grabbed my sleeve and spoke.

“Well then, let’s have that date we didn’t finish.”

“I thought that was off the table after you stood me up.”

“You pushed your luck, so now you must indulge my whims too.”

“…Alright then.”

Not being a noble, I couldn’t kiss her hand, but I did my best to show her respect as I gently took her hand. She looked at me, chuckling softly.

“As for Elia… I’ll think about it after our date. Ah, if only my lovely maid hadn’t gotten in the way.”

Still teasing me about my actions, the princess laughed heartily and pulled me along. I meekly followed wherever she led.