I Have a Stalker of Noble Status. And to Make Matters Worse, their Numbers are Increasing (BL) - Chapter 39

“Ah, you must be the son of Baron Humming. I’ve come to escort you on behalf of the royal family.”

“Wh-What!?”

(I just mentally prepared myself yesterday for this inevitable meeting, but no one said he’d come to fetch me first thing in the morning—!)

◇◇◇

After spending the night in a town near the royal capital, today was finally the day to head to the castle! Brimming with determination, I washed my face and got ready, only to notice an unusual commotion outside the inn.

…A festival?

Just as I was having such a carefree thought, Max—who was rarely ever this flustered—burst into my room.

“We’ve been outplayed! The Crown Prince made the first move!”

Huh? Wait, you don’t mean…?

Rushing out of the inn with Max, I found a crowd already gathered. At its center stood two dazzling figures.

One was Ray. And the other…

“Ah, you must be the son of Baron Humming. I’ve come to escort you on behalf of the royal family.”

“Wh-What!?”

Royalty!

It might be a simplistic reaction, but nothing else came to mind. The man standing there with a serene smile was a stunning blond with an air of nobility so overwhelming that “royal” was the only word that fit.

“Apologies for the sudden visit—I must have startled you. I am Ethelbert, the First Prince of this kingdom.”

…As expected!?

I had just prepared myself yesterday for this inevitable meeting, but no one said he’d come to get me the very next morning—!?

“It is an honor, Your Highness! I am Patrick Humming!”

Should I kneel and perform a formal bow!? Unsure, I opted instead to bow as deeply as I could.

“There’s no need for that, you may lift your head. As I said, I’m here to escort you, so there’s no need to be so tense.”

Prince Ethelbert smiled warmly, bearing a faint resemblance to Prince Chrisford. His gentle demeanor left no trace of any scheming nature.

Wait… is this going to be another situation like with Ange, where things don’t match what I’ve been told?

Seeing that I was already prepared, Prince Ethelbert gave a satisfied nod and spoke.

“Good, it looks like you’re ready. In that case, would you mind if I escorted you to the royal castle right away? I’d be pleased if you rode in my carriage.”

Wait, already? And just me?

His demeanor was gentle, yet the way he left no room for refusal made me hesitate and instinctively step back. At that moment, Ray quickly intervened.

“Your Highness, as I mentioned earlier, we had planned for Patrick to accompany us and arrive at the castle this afternoon. We even sent a formal notice in advance.”

“Yes, and after seeing that, I decided to extend a gesture of courtesy on behalf of the royal family by coming to greet him myself. Is there an issue with that?”

“…!!”

With that reasoning, there was no way to argue.

Wait… isn’t this a bit…?

“Your Highness, Patrick is quite nervous about his first visit to the castle. As his friend, may I at least be allowed to accompany him?”

“I was present when Patrick drew the Holy Sword. I may be able to provide useful insights during the visit.”

Max and Lord Douglas stood by my side as well.

In other words, everyone agreed that letting me go alone wasn’t an ideal situation… right?

…Okay, this is kind of terrifying.

“Haha, you seem awfully wary of me. There’s no need to be. I’m close in age to you, Patrick, and I’d be happy if we could become friends. I thought I could help ease your nerves with some conversation, but… are you saying I’m not up to the task?”

The air grew tense in an instant.

This was bad.

I had no choice but to go along with it.

“Everyone, it’s fine. I can go alo—”

“Oh my! If it isn’t Prince Ethelbert!”

Just as I stepped forward, resigning myself to my fate, a bright voice cut through the heavy atmosphere from behind.

Ange… and Lady Violetta!?

“Your Highness, it has been quite some time,” Lady Violetta greeted him with a flawless curtsy.

“A-Ah. Indeed, it has been a while, Lady Violetta. I’m glad to see you well.”

As soon as the prince returned her greeting, Ange struck without hesitation.

“Your Highness, surely you weren’t planning to leave without even greeting me and Vee, despite knowing we were here? That would break Ange’s heart!”

The prince, who had clearly intended to take only me and leave immediately, suddenly looked flustered.

Ange was strong.

“Oh dear! Are we intruding, Your Highness?”

Lady Violetta showed no intention of letting up either.

Wait, isn’t this tag team between the Saint heroine and the villainous noblewoman way too powerful? I don’t think anyone here stands a chance against them.

“Of course not. Ignoring a precious fiancée candidate and a Saint candidate would be unthinkable. H-Haha…”

“I’m relieved to hear that! I was looking forward to paying my respects at the royal castle today. May we accompany you?”

“Oh, oh! Ange wants to go too! I even bought a gift for the royal consort!”

Flanked on both sides by two stunningly beautiful girls with bright smiles, I could only stand there in silence.

“…Of course. Let’s all go together.”

Women are terrifying.

And so, I was escorted to the royal carriage alongside Ange and Lady Violetta.

…Wait, what is this? This is a carriage, right!?

I had seen my fair share of grand, extravagant carriages belonging to ducal and marquis houses, so I thought nothing could surprise me anymore.

But the carriage before me was on an entirely different level.

It was massive! And so luxurious!

Inside, the seats were like plush sofas, and even a small table was provided—it was practically a reception room.

Feeling overwhelmed, I shrank into the corner of the carriage. Looking out the window, I caught sight of Ray watching me with concern.

Ray…

As we exchanged glances, neither of us knowing quite what to say, Lady Violetta—who sat across from me—suddenly turned toward the window and gave a subtle thumbs-up.

A noblewoman doing a thumbs-up!? This has to be Ange’s influence!

As I gawked at her in disbelief, Lady Violetta’s cheeks flushed red, and she quickly, demurely, lowered her hand.

And with that, the royal family’s spectacular carriage, now carrying the three of us, rolled away—leaving behind a dumbfounded Ray.