A Captive Prince Awaiting Execution Falls In Love With A Young Lady - Episode 6

After that.

When the temporary hire lady brought Sirius’s dinner on a tray, Judith had just returned with Mr. Sanders.

Knock, knock, knock.

At the precisely timed knock, I thought to myself, “Oh right, today it’s not the usual person.” The usual person often opens the door without knocking.

Yes

Sirius also replied diligently, wiping the sweat from his forehead with his shoulder.

I take off the ridiculously heavy shoes with iron plates in the toes and let out a sigh. The sweat hasn’t dried yet. This is more like training than a dance lesson.

“Excuse me.”

The lady who was hired with the condition that she would only be working today.

They are probably a villager from the nearby village. The clothes they are wearing are made of cotton, and their hairstyle isn’t elaborate either. They look like they are in their 30s, but it might just be that they look a bit older than their age because they aren’t wearing any makeup.

The lady quietly enters the room and places the tray on the table.

The sunset, which had been tinged with yellow, had grown much darker and began to encompass shades of darkness.

In that brightly lit room, the lady suddenly looked at Sirius.

Feeling the gaze, Sirius also faces it.

Today, I feel like I’ve finally looked him in the eye properly for the first time. Sirius thought this. At the same time, he also thought, “He has a somewhat exotic look.” His appearance retained features common in the neighboring country, such as a hooked nose and hair color.

“I think I’ll take my leave before night falls.”

The lady suddenly said something like that.

“Oh, yes. That’s right.”

“I’ve filled the bathtub with hot water. Since it’s covered, it shouldn’t cool down for a while. I’ve also placed some heated stones to keep it warm, so please watch your step when you get in.”

“Understood. Madam, please take care on your way home as well.”

Upon saying that, the lady lightly bowed her head and took a few steps towards the door.

And then.

I thought they were leaving, but suddenly they stopped.

I wonder what it is, Sirius thought suspiciously, as the lady turned around.

“What’s wrong?”

Sirius asks.

“Have I been imprisoned in this tower for four years already?”

“Yes, well… that will happen.”

“Is there anything you are having trouble with? If there is something I can help you with, that is.”

At the modest offer, Sirius tilted his head slightly.

Am I feeling sorry for myself?

At the age of 18, a young man is spending his days in a limited space, meeting only a few people.

I wonder if they are pitying my circumstances.

“No, ma’am. Despite how it may seem, I live a life without any hardships.”

So Sirius smiled brightly.

To avoid hurting this kind lady as much as possible.

“The Duke is taking care of me here, worrying about my well-being. The knight guarding me is reliable, and I keep relying on the woman who takes care of me… I feel quite guilty for living a life immersed in my hobby of painting.”

“However, such a…”

The lady slightly lowered her gaze. The evening sun, tinged with darkness, illuminated her cheek.

“The one who bears the rightful bl00d…”

“……Madam?”

Sirius called out softly while remaining on high alert.

Something seems off.

Stay in this tower.

I met various people.

Judith and Mr. Sanders, of course.

The woman who takes care of me every day. Then the knights who guard me. The Duke of the Imperial Court, whom I only meet a few times a year.

Until now.

No one says anything negative about Sirius being in this situation.

Because.

Because I know that this place is better than the royal castle, better than the royal capital, and better than that prison.

Of course, there is no doubt that I am being confined, and at any moment, the Duke’s mood could change, putting Sirius’s position in jeopardy. There is no doubt that this is a precarious situation.

That’s precisely why.

There is no such thing as calling Sirius “legitimate.”

It’s no longer even a “side stream.”

I live by keeping my mouth shut and disappearing without saying unnecessary things.

Everyone knows that is the safest thing to do.

Who is this?

Sirius stared intently at the lady’s face.

Is it someone I met when I was still a prince?

The memories of my time in the royal castle are so hazy that I can no longer recall them. My father, the king, and my stepmother, who was placed in a convent. Even the face of my stepbrother, who is also in the monastery. The only thing I clearly remember is Robert’s death.

Temporary hire for today only.

I am made to feel uneasy by that unstable position.

I thought to myself that since he was chosen by the Grand Chamberlain, he wouldn’t be someone who would harm me.

However.

Is that really the case?

To begin with.

Why am I being confined?

Other relatives have either been killed or are in monasteries or convents.

Why am I the only one being kept alive in such a place far from the royal capital?

“I will make you comfortable right away.”

I shudder at the lady’s words.

Does that mean execution?

In an instant, Sirius felt the bl00d drain from his face and experienced a slight dizziness as he gently placed his hand against the wall.

Ijet-kun, who was next to me, tilted significantly in response to that movement.

By the time I realize, Ijet-kun collapses. I hurriedly grab his shirt to prevent him from falling to the floor.

The lady had left the room without anyone noticing.

Katsu katsu katsu katsu, and.

The sound of footsteps descending the spiral staircase fades away.

And then.

After confirming by sound that the door of the lowest level had opened and the lady had completely exited the tower.

Sirius finally let out a deep sigh.

For now, I’ll prop Ijet-kun against the wall once more.

And so, cautiously, Sirius approached the tray placed on the table.

I can’t believe it, but…

Is there poison mixed in this dinner?

When I swallowed that anxiety along with the air, I heard a gulping sound in my throat.

Until now.

At least since being imprisoned in this tower.

I was eating what was served normally.

No way, could there be any poison mixed in here?

I had never thought deeply about such things.

I gaze at the tray once more.

Potato and root vegetable soup. On the plate, sautéed cod. Something that looks like bread in a paper bag.

That’s all.

There is no sense of discomfort in appearance.

Even though I think it’s rude, I cautiously bring my nose closer, but all I can smell is the savory aroma of the butter used for the sauté and the broth of the soup.

Even the colors are like that.

It didn’t look cloudy or discolored.

Gently picking up the spoon, I stir the soup. There are no particular changes. I break apart the cod. No strange juices seep out, nor is there any foul smell.

Lift the paper bag.

When I opened the seal, the aroma of the baked goods was accompanied by the scent of basil. I turned the bag upside down and emptied its contents onto the tray.

Two small rolls.

And then.

A folded piece of paper appeared on the plate.

What…?

This is the first time I’ve found something like this inside.

Sirius slowly unfolds the paper. It must be quite creased. He places it on the table and presses down from above to smooth out the wrinkles.

Even without lighting it yet, I could read the text perfectly well.

There, in fine print, were the “crimes and corruption of the LeBlanc Dynasty, which usurped the throne,” and the “anguished cries of the people,” followed by a signature at the end.

The seal was stamped.

I can’t forget it.

The Sirius Dynasty.

That is a seal that only the legitimate heir can use.

P.S., etc.

The letter was concluded.

Let’s meet soon, my brother.