Chapter 405: Lux’s Anger
I haven’t really said things like this to people before, but.
If someone threatens to harm Siana, there’s no way I can stay silent.
“Hmph, you won’t forgive me? And what exactly do you intend to do about it?”
Wearing a confident smile, the King continued as he looked at me.
“You placed second in that swordsmanship tournament, so I know you have skill. However, we chose these soldiers with that in mind and prepared this many. Even if you had the strength to defeat them all under normal circumstances, do you really think you can win while protecting a frail maid?”
I don’t know how strong these soldiers are, but at the very least, there’s no doubt they aren’t stronger than Florence-san, who I spar with regularly, or Rezamiliana-sama, who taught me the sword not long ago.
No matter how many there are, if there’s a gap in ability, it doesn’t matter.
In fact, if it were Florence-san or Rezamiliana-sama, they would probably win even against this many soldiers.
So in that sense, my chances aren’t zero… but.
“…”
Just as the King said, it’s a different story if I have to protect Siana at the same time.
I don’t want her to be hurt, not even a little.
While holding onto that belief, fighting and winning against this many soldiers, without knowing their exact strength, isn’t something I can call easy.
“However, you understand there is one way to survive without taking such a risk, do you not? Yes, submit to this King. If you do that, the future of this country will be secure… and you are a member of a count’s house. As long as you refrain from overstepping your bounds, like standing out in academic tests, sword tournaments, or involving yourself with royalty, this King will guarantee the safety of both you and that maid.”
Certainly, in terms of outcome, it’s an option where there’s no danger and we can continue living our lives as before.
But that would be…
“Lux-sama… I truly love you.”
“I love you, Lux-kun.”
“I like you a lot, Lux.”
“Rodwell… I love you.”
It would mean betraying the feelings of everyone who has confessed their love to me.
That’s something I could never do!
With that firm resolve, I drew my sword and raised my voice toward the King.
“Not just Siana, but Felisiana-sama, Florence-san, Elizalina-sama, and Rezamiliana-sama too, I will protect them! If you intend to harm them, then I cannot forgive you!”
As I finished and took my stance, the King furrowed his brow and spoke.
“Felisiana, Florence, Rezamiliana as well? And you, a mere count’s son, claim you will protect such noble figures…!?”
Noticing something, the King stared at me, his expression turning to shock as he spoke.
“Wait… could it be that the count’s son those girls said they loved… was you all along?”
“…”
When I didn’t answer, the King seemed to take that as confirmation.
His face twisted with anger as he continued.
“I see… so it was you, you who meddled with them! It was already unforgivable that you ensnared Elizalina, but now it includes all three princesses of this kingdom, and even the daughter of the Florence ducal house, one of the pillars of this nation… you can no longer be used merely as a means to control Elizalina! Do you have any idea how much humiliation this King has suffered because of this…? You will pay for it with pain!”
“No matter what you say, as someone who would try to harm Siana, I will never—”
Just as I was about to continue,
“Master… no, Lux-kun. Thank you so much for getting that angry for my sake.”
“!?”
Siana, who had been kneeling with her head lowered this entire time, suddenly stood up and spoke, and I let out a cry of surprise.
But what shocked me wasn’t that she finally stood and spoke after being silent this whole time…
It was the voice I had just heard from her…
As I was thinking that, Siana removed her white brim and the ribbon tying her hair back.
“But… from here on, would you leave it to me?”
As she finished speaking, standing there was… the Third Princess, Felisiana-sama.