Chapter 101
“Are you alright? You don’t look well.”
“I didn’t expect things to turn out like this. Honestly, I thought I’d secure at least four votes as a baseline.”
Rather than feign ignorance, I decided to be honest. Killis tilted his head at my words.
“Four votes, you say……?”
“Yes. Myself, Isaac, you, and Her Highness Evgenia. I even thought someone else might cast an opposing vote, but that didn’t happen.”
The thought that one among Isaac, Killis, and Evgenia had voted in favor left me feeling betrayed.
“Do not worry. Even if the search proceeds, nothing will happen.”
“But…… there must be a reason Duke Futurum is pushing so hard. I know I didn’t steal anything, but evidence might appear anyway.”
“I know better than anyone that Your Highness is innocent. After all, I helped create it. How could I not know?”
Hearing Killis’s words, I felt it unlikely that he was the one. So was it Isaac who betrayed me?
“Still, I thought this process was necessary.”
“……?”
His next words stopped me in my tracks.
What did I just hear?
“Duke Killis Yelpen.”
“Why do you call me, Lord Isaac?”
“The Duke’s words just now…… they sounded as though you voted in favor of searching Her Highness’s palace. Did I misheard?”
As I stood there in confusion, Isaac pressed Killis, his words echoing my own thoughts. My heart pounded as I waited for Killis’s response.
After a brief silence, he finally spoke.
“That’s correct. I cast the vote in favor.”
What……?
For a moment, my mind went blank.
‘Why would Killis do that?’
Isn’t he the character with the highest affection score?
Did his affection drop without me noticing?
[<Character> Killis Yelpen
― Affection: 94 / 100 (Love)]
I quickly checked his affection score, but it was the same as before. With such a high score, why?
Isaac immediately raised his hand, aiming it at Killis’s throat. A flicker of teal-blue light shimmered at his fingertips.
The glow was beautiful but exuded a dangerous energy. Even though I wasn’t sure, I had the distinct impression that if Isaac acted, Killis might be gravely injured.
“Answer properly. Did you betray Her Highness?”
“Of course not. Why would I betray Her Highness?”
In contrast, Killis’s face remained calm and composed. Perhaps, as a powerful mages, he didn’t see Isaac’s threat as much of one.
“Then why did you cast a vote in favor? Surely Duke Futurum has a reason for wanting to search the Princess’s Palace.”
“Naturally, he does. If the search begins, the blueprint he claims was stolen will appear in the palace, just as he planned.”
“You knew, and yet?”
“Yes. But there is no need to worry. Even if the blueprint is found in the Princess’s Palace, it won’t serve as evidence.”
“Won’t serve as evidence? What are you talking about……?”
“There are ears everywhere, so I cannot explain in detail.”
Killis pushed Isaac’s hand away. A faint white glow flickered at his fingertips, distinct from my mana, as if to make the difference clear.
He brushed Isaac aside and approached me, gently taking my hand in his. With an expression as serious as I’d ever seen, he spoke.
“I hope you will trust me.”
Were it not for his affection score, I wouldn’t have been able to trust him.
After all, he voted in favor without saying a word. There hadn’t been much time to speak, but still.
Thankfully, I had the system window that displayed affection scores. As long as his affection remained high, he wouldn’t betray me.
“I’m not sure what the duke is planning, but…….”
“…….”
“I’ll trust you.”
And so, I gave Killis that answer.
Ding!
[<Sysyem> Affection with ‘Killis Yelpen’ has slightly increased.]
A message window appeared in midair. Killis raised my hand and kissed the back of it.
The sudden contact lasted only a moment. Before I could react, he pulled away and smiled brightly.
“I will make sure to repay Your Highness’s trust.”
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