The Protagonists of Romance Fantasy Novels Have Escaped

24 – Those Tainted with Malice (1)

Not even two days had passed before over half of the engaged couples had scattered.

After that,

A crimson dragon rushed onto the scene with great fanfare.

The villainess, who swept away the engaged couples with her arrogant charisma, had her remarkable actions naturally reach Rudmila’s ears as she awaited the outcome.

“Liza!! How do you intend to handle the aftermath of this catastrophe!”

A thunderous shout filled the previously quiet reception room.

It was as if a fiery dragon was roaring.

The maids showed a significant reaction of surprise.

Even the Southern soldiers on guard, upon hearing Rudmila’s shout, couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat.

How could one not be tense?

Especially when the Imperial Crimson Dragon was genuinely furious.

“You’re no different! You stuck by Liza to make sure she didn’t do anything foolish!”

“…I apologize.”

The flaming red eyes, gleaming like fire, started scolding me following Elizabeth.

In truth, I was also at fault.

I secretly enjoyed it every time Elizaveta chased away the engaged couples.

It was delightful to see ambitious suitors who aspired to become the husband of the Platinum Empress give up their pursuit, showing their true colors. I watched happily with Rue while eating popcorn. Therefore, it was only natural for my elder sister, who naturally expected her younger sister’s happiness, to scold me thoroughly.

“Even though we’re leaving Huangdo temporarily…!”

I sighed impatiently.

All because of my younger sister, who still couldn’t let go of lingering regrets.

“Brother-in-law, isn’t my sister going too far? How can she properly be a husband while not understanding her younger sister’s wounded feelings? She’s always been stubborn since the old days.”

“Brother-in-law! Ahem! Don’t slyly overlook that!!”

Elizabeth whispered with a mischievous tone.

Then, Rudmila blushed and raised her voice.

It was a sibling fight.

Caught between the Crimson Dragon and the Platinum Empress, she tried to figure out how to escape while alternating her gaze between the two.

“Please, from tomorrow on, be serious with the suitors. The Duke has high expectations.”

“Got it, got it. Just tell me what to do.”

At her sister’s earnest request, the younger sibling eventually relented.

Though she pursed her lips, seeming displeased, she promised to approach the suitors seriously.

Thank goodness it’s settled like this.

I was worried it might escalate into an argument.

“May I have a moment?”

“Yes?”

As I was about to follow Elizabeth out of the parlor, Rudmila grabbed my arm.

Surely she wouldn’t ask about the altercation? Blame me because of the commotion? If she uses my absence as an excuse for blame, there’s no room for argument.

Is there a good way to evade responsibility?

I seriously contemplated shifting all responsibility onto the impish fairy who was present during the confrontation. But genuinely, I wondered if that would work.

“While I’m away… please, take care of Eliza. Above all, I worry about her. Acting so recklessly every time, how could one not worry?”

“Of course. Trust me.”

Rudmila held onto me to once again ask for protection for her younger sister, Elizabeth. Her usually composed and dignified demeanor was completely opposite now, a hint of anxiety trembled through her shoulders.

It was a stark contrast to her usual gracefulness and dignity.

Almost felt like a fragile lady, didn’t she?

Despite boasting she’d head north on her own, it seemed Elizabeth’s safety continued to weigh on Rudmila. Probably an instinctive anticipation of her sister’s fate, destined for a death Rudmila trusted only me enough to reveal her vulnerability.

“I will protect Lady Elizabeth with the honor of the Hohenberg lineage.”

“…Thank you.”

I raised her hand.

And caressed her fair cheek.

Smooth and warm.

It felt like I could sense her anxious heart beneath that delicate skin.

It was an unexpected display of intimacy, yet Rudmila never resisted. Instead, she took my hand that was stroking her cheek, holding it gently while a faint smile graced her lips.

Where did this courage come from?

To dare to caress the Empire’s princess without hesitation.

I wanted to comfort Rudmila, who genuinely worried about her younger sister. It must have been such a sincere sentiment that it inadvertently manifested in physical contact.

“Ah, anyway… I should go now. Please take care of Elizabeth!”

“Yes.”

Time seemed to freeze as they gazed at each other.

And then,

Abruptly, as if snapping out of a trance, Rudmila took a hurried step back.

The princess’s face, now flushed and seemingly on the verge of exploding, was striking. Her usual flawless demeanor had vanished, replaced by a visibly agitated response.

Witnessing Rudmila in such a state, a fluttering sensation began to stir in the chest.

* * *

In lieu of the scheduled departure of Rudmila, the seven commanders of Valtaria were deployed to the defense.

Seven knights representing the empire.

Dragons, who had scattered across the empire after the end of the racial war, gathered once again.

When it was revealed that Rudmila, the guardian of the imperial family, was heading out, apprehension and unease swept through. However, following the entry of the Valtarian commanders into the imperial city, the fear that had been creeping like a plague was cleanly eradicated.

“Commander Cecilia, you have been entrusted with the sacred duty of guarding Queen Elizaveta with the clear mandate of upholding the imperial decree.”

A female knight with flowing blue hair, like Robelia, saluted while guarding Elizaveta.

Is that what they’re thinking on the battlefield?

Seeing a woman clad in full armor, one might expect suitors to be surprised and flee…

As Rudmila’s direct subordinate, flexibility was hard to find. Despite acknowledging her noble courage and loyalty, her naive nature seemed to consume those merits.

“Alright, just wait behind for now.”

“No! Her Majesty insisted that you be on full alert.”

“Now, it’s time to change into a dress! So, don’t follow me!”

“Princess, please!”

Even the villainous Elizaveta was disgusted by someone in the world.

I observed the antics between the princess and the female knight for a moment.

“The reputation of the Valtarian Empire is not to be taken lightly. To summon the commanders who were stationed on the front lines only because news of a mere mine appearing has spread. It must be something fearsome.”

The girl, sipping her Darjeeling casually, commented, putting down her teacup.

Fear began to circulate.

The dread was gradually spreading.

However, the girl dressed in pristine white robes showed a calm demeanor, enjoying an elegant tea time as if existing in a different space.

A tea time, oblivious to the shivering crowd consumed by fear.

Truly, she couldn’t be anything but a wayward saint.

I wanted to report the misconduct of the First Saint’s attitude to the Sacred Kingdom immediately.

“How about a cup of Darjeeling, Lady Edanant?”

“Thank you for the Saint’s kindness, but I’m fine.”

“Hmm. Especially at times like this, one should enjoy culture… Imperial people really lack sensitivity.”

“…,”

A quirky saint who had long detached herself from the realm of normalcy.

Javelin’s expression, which had been sipping Darjeeling one after another, suddenly began to change.

The signal must have come.

Considering how many cups of Darjeeling she had consumed.

Especially since Darjeeling stimulates the urge to urinate even more.

She stared at Javelin with a faint ironic smile.

“The restroom is outside, to the right.”

“W-What are you talking about? Saints don’t use restrooms…!”

What nonsense are you spouting?

Put aside your stubbornness and go to the restroom.

If you keep holding it in, there might be a disaster of holy water created by the First Saint.

“Hurry up and go.”

“Huh…! Huh…! I can’t go in front of Sir Edward…!”

She embraced Javelin’s slender waist with both hands.

It was to forcibly take the talkative saint to the restroom.

For some reason.

Do all women act like this?

Who would have thought there was a saint more troublesome than Beatrice? Javelin hesitated to go to the restroom until the end, even though she must have reached her limit.

“Louie…! Where did this little one go?!”

Forcibly lifting the rebellious saint, she frantically searched for Louie.

He was there just a moment ago,

Where on earth is this little troublemaker wandering around?

It would be nice if the mischievous fairy with twinkling eyes could persuade the talkative saint. The absence of the petite fairy was painfully felt, as if proving the saying that you can’t use dung for medicine.

* * *

Thunk.

Thunk. Thunk.

The desperate fairy, being sought after, was on her way to the kitchen with determined steps.

Whenever she wandered around the kitchen, friendly chefs would offer various snacks. Would she get a bunch today too?

Anticipating sweet chocolates and cookies, she skipped through the hallway.

“Hehe, I should share them with Edanth!”

Rue hoped Edanth would enjoy the desserts. So, suppressing her reluctant appetite, she carried the package of snacks she received in the kitchen.

“Eek!”

Turning a corner with brisk steps, Rue, holding a bundle of snacks in both hands, accidentally collided with someone approaching from the opposite side.

“Sorry, didn’t realize you were coming from the other side… Are you okay?”

“My butt hurts a bit, but I’m fine!”

The person she collided with head-on was a handsome young man with refined features. He seemed to be from a prestigious family, judging by his luxurious attire.

Naturally, the sudden collision with the impromptu little one would cause discomfort, but the young man was more concerned about Rue. Through this, it became apparent that he was a person of gentle temperament.

“Hehe, I’m fine!”

She hastily checked the packaged snacks.

Fortunately, the snacks were intact and undamaged.

Seemingly delighted, Rue shook her head, her innocent smile brightening.

“I’m relieved you’re okay. See you next time.”

“Okay!”

The young man extended his hand.

In response, Rue reached out with her quaint hand, accepting the handshake.

She firmly grasped his hand.

Approaching the young man for the handshake, Rue caught a whiff of a smell that spoiled her sense of smell.

The smell of rotten earth.

There was also the scent of corroded metal that had persisted for a long time.

Being of the extremely sensitive Luinong race, Rue immediately detected the faint odor.

‘He should wash a bit… Come to think of it, Edanth, despite being meticulous about cleaning every day, sometimes has a smell too. People are really peculiar.’

With a puzzled expression at the mysterious odor, Rue turned on her heels, clutching the bundle of snacks, and walked away.