Chapter 194: The Blue Haired Elf


    Early Morning.


    The castle appeared to be much busier than usual. This is probably because today is the day of the ceremony.


    I was woken up by such restlessness so I took a walk around the castle as a morning exercise.


    Al-niisama.?


    Christa? You are up early today.


    When I was called from behind, I looked back and found Christa.


    We are in the center part of the castle, a za-like area.


    Nii-sama is early too..what are you doing?


    Taking a walk.


    Then we will join you.


    We?


    Hearing that, Christa quietly nods and turns her eyes to the za direction.


    The blue-haired elf and Rita are happily walking together there.


    Is that the elf princess? You seem to have gotten quite close with her huh?


    Un, shes a good person.


    I see.


    Its rare for Christa to get attached to someone.


    Elves are an exclusive race. Many of them look down on humans. However, if she is that kind of person, Christa will never get attached to her and Rita wouldnt look so happy walking with her.


    There is just one problem.


    I have a strange feeling when I look at her.


    I couldnt find the source of that strange feeling when she first came to the castle.


    There is something wrong with her.


    I thought so and carefully observed her. Then, I noticed that her line of sight was directed toward me.


    It is a pleasure to meet you. I am the Seventh Prince, Arnold. Your Highness.


    It is embarrassing when Your Highness addresses me like royalty. My name is Wendy. I am from the Elf Vige.


    I couldnt feel any strangeness from Wendy who politely returned my greeting.


    There is no lie in that friendly smile of hers.


    However, that sense of difort I felt still doesnt disappear.


    Are you a good friend with His Highness Arnold, Your Highness Christa?


    Un, Al-niisama and Christa get along well.


    Christa said so and hugged me.


    While stroking Christas hair with a bitter smile on my face, I do not take my eyes off Wendy.


    I feel that just a little more and I can grasp it.


    While I thought so, Rita rushed between me and Wendy.


    A, Al-nii! We have to go soon!


    U, Un! We have to go back soon!


    Its strange that Rita and Christa are in such a hurry.


    They both pull on Wendys hands and try to leave.


    At that moment, I felt that Wendys figure blurred for a moment.


    Its only a slight change that seems like it could just be due to my imagination but I am used to seeing that kind of phenomenon.


    Illusion huh.


    Hearing my words, Rita and Christa stopped and their bodies started to tremble.


    Bingo huh?


    In contrast to the two of them, Wendy herself seemed to be calm.


    As expected of one of the imperial family. It seems you all have good eyes.


    Christa noticed it too huh.


    Yes. can we talk about this in the room?


    Of course. It seems that you have some kind of circumstances after all.


    Thus, we moved to Wendys room with Christa and Rita.


    -


    First of all, allow me to apologize for my rudeness.


    Please, I dont mind. What I am curious about is only the reason why you used such an illusion.


    Wendy nodded to my question and dispelled the illusion on herself.


    Wendys body slightly glowed brighter and Wendys real appearance appeared.


    Wendy, who had the appearance of a slender adult woman, now has the same height as Christa.


    In other words, shes a child.


    I see. You think that being a child wouldck the dignity of an adult dignitary right?


    Yes. There are not many people in the Elf Vige who want to visit a human nation. Only a few of us have a high enough position to visit the Empire as a dignitary. There was also concern that it would be rude if I go so I was forced to change my appearance with illusion.


    If you informed us beforehand we would have shown an appropriate response but.well, there is no helping it anymore.


    Since she started this lie, she will have to see it through to the end.


    Her circumstance is understandable. I dont think Father would get angry at her if she gets caught either. But there will be less trouble if she doesnt.


    ncing at Christa and Rita, I see them expecting me to get angry.


    Seeing them like that, I put my hands on the twos heads.


    youre not angry.?


    Im not. You are her entertainer. You properly did your job. Rita too.


    Rita couldnt do anything..


    Perhaps she is shocked that the lie was exposed, Rita seemed dejected.


    Im sure that she already felt the weight of herck of power as their escort so she thought that she should at least keep her secret hidden but it was still exposed.


    I did something bad huh.


    Princess. Please take care of these children. If you have any problems at all, please rely on me.


    You will not tell His Majesty.?


    My father doesnt have time to listen to me right now. Its better to see this through rather than increasing his work. Well, there is no problem as long as no one finds out so please cheer up.


    Hearing my words, Wendy seemed relieved and let out a sigh.


    She must have been quite nervous about it.


    Elfs growth stops at some point in their life but they still have the same growth rate as humans to some extent. In other words, Wendy who looks like a child is definitely a real child here.


    Im sure that she felt suffocating having to keep up the lie in a foreignnd like this. She must have been able to endure it because she became friends with Christa and Rita.


    Did you tell Finne about her?


    Uun.not yet.


    Then you should tell her. If you have a problem, she can let either me or Leo know. I will do something about it. If necessary, you can ask Mother to help you too.


    Dad is sweet on Christa.


    Of course, he is also sweet on my mother who is acting in ce of Christas real mother.


    If Christa relies on Mother, Father will surely forgive her.


    However, there surely will be someone who will escte the matter after Father forgave her. After all, there are some people in the Empire that dislike elves in general and there are some that are strict with courtesy.


    It would be a pain for Father to keep those guys silent. He will be busy with the ceremony after all.


    That being said, do try to avoid getting caught as much as possible. Especially when you are around the imperial family members. If I can notice her illusion then it is possible that everyone can notice it too.


    Well, some would feel the same strangeness I felt and try to figure it out.


    But the biggest problem isnt there.


    We have a huge pervert in our family that would find this appearance change fascinating.


    For the time being, dont get close to Trau-niisan as much as possible, okay?


    Un, I got it.


    Christa nods with a serious expression on her face.


    It seems Christa also thinks that it would be bad to show Wendys real appearance to him.


    Wendy is the [Lolifu] that Trau-niisan is seeking after.


    I cant predict what kind of reaction he will have when he sees Wendy like this.


    Thats all the points I think you need to be careful of I can think up right now. Now, excuse me, Princess.


    Y, Your Highness Arnold. Uhhthank you very much.


    Please dont mind it. Do enjoy the Empire to your heart content. That is the reason you visit us, correct?


    Yes! I am interested in humans and I wanted to see the human nations! I also want to see the festival as well!


    Rita wants to go to the festival too!


    Me too.


    Then tell that to Finne. She will surely help you arrange it.


    Saying so, I left the room.


    After I closed the door, I found that Sieg was leaning against the wall in front of the room.


    Did you try to approach the Saints room again?


    Hell no. Im just getting sleepy from escorting your sister.


    I see.. sorry about that. I am always having you taking care of her.


    I try to station Sieg as close as possible to Christa and Rita.


    Maybe he was already aware of Wendys illusion in the process.


    It seems that he was doing his best as their escort to not let anybody find out her secret.


    Its alright. This is a job too after all. I will do something about the situation here. How about your side?


    Cant say that it is going well. At worst, there might be a big incident. Both Christa and Wendy, theres a good chance that they will be targeted. Can I leave them to you?


    Hahwho do you think you are talking to? This Sieg is acting as their escort. I wont let them suffer even a single scratch.


    Ah, its Sieg!


    In the middle of making a cool speech, Sieg was held up by Christa and taken into the room.


    He probably will be used as their toy again.


    While I was thinking so, I heard a scream from inside the room.


    THAT HURTTTTTTTS!! PLEASE DONT PULL ON ME ANYMORE!!!!!


    Despite feeling a little sympathy from him, I leave the ce.


    Today is the day of the ceremony.


    There are a lot of things left to do.