Home/I Saved the Villain and Fell Asleep/ch 65

Chapter 65

"What is she saying? Did that guy just say he's fought Irein before? Kali, did I hear that right?"

"Unless my ears are also blocked, yes."

"Pfft! Puhaha, puhahaha!!"

"Heh, hehehe..."

The idea that someone could easily beat Irein was too hilarious. Laughter burst out unexpectedly, making my stomach ache. In the silence, only mine and Kali's laughter echoed loudly.

"I, I, I never said that!!"

"You did! Yesterday!"

"I didn't!! Shut your mouth!!"

"Wh-what?! How dare you talk to me like that!"

Even their internal conflict was funny. That guy named Zen had probably boasted in front of Lady Shimota that he'd fought Irein and could beat him... but you should pick your targets before lying.

"Oh? Is that so? I seem to recall a few years ago someone crying and begging me not to tell his family."

"Th-that's not—I, I'm sorry..."

"You know, don't you? That you don't need to apologize to me."

Irein's eyes curved into half-moons. Zen, trembling pitifully, eventually foamed at the mouth and passed out.

What on earth did Irein do to him to make him faint like that?

Irein shook the unconscious Zen by the back of his neck and muttered in an irritated voice.

"Did you think I'd let you off just because you fainted?"

Even if someone was younger than him, Irein always did his best, and even if they passed out, he still did his best. He clenched his fist, ready to hit even a defenseless opponent.

What a ruthless bastard. So he has to beat them up whether they're conscious or not?

Rumble—

Thunder suddenly echoed from the clear sky. There was no rain forecast today.

"Enough."

From the entrance, the owner of a familiar voice walked in slowly. Brilliantly shining blond hair and peculiar violet eyes—the Crown Prince.

At his sudden appearance, Shimota's group gasped. Irein stared blankly at him, then grinned and greeted him.

"Long time no see?"

So I wasn't the only one who didn't know the Crown Prince's identity! I glared resentfully, and Irein averted his gaze.

"Put that down and greet me properly."

"Hmm?"

Irein showed no intention of listening to Dateon. Dateon shook his head and glanced at me—a look asking me to stop him.

"Irein, put that down and come here. That's gross."

"It's gross?"

"Yeah. So put it down and come here."

Irein looked between Zen and me, then decided to listen, tossing the man aside and shuffling over to me.

I couldn't believe this guy was six years older than me. Well, twenty-two isn't that old, but still.

"Crown Prince!"

"We greet the Crown Prince!"

At the Crown Prince's appearance, Shimota seized the moment and stood before him. I could guess what she was about to say—something like they'd only greeted the Algenprina to get along, but she herded mutant beasts to harm them.

And predictably, Shimota recited the lines as if reading my mind.

Dateon watched quietly, then smiled, the corners of his lips lifting. Shimota looked like she was thinking, "Yes!"

How easy is she to read?

"Lady Shimota."

"Yes, yes! Your Highness."

"This hunting competition is hosted by the Imperial Family. You know that, don't you?"

"Huh? Of course I do."

"Minor bruises are unavoidable, but major injuries would be troublesome for the Imperial Family."

"Th-that's why I'm saying the Algenprina princess..."

"So, I have knights stationed all over this forest to ensure your safety."

No wonder I sensed several presences—I thought they were our shadows.

Shimota and the other young nobles' faces turned pale. Especially Shimota and Zen.

"Can you take responsibility for what you've said?"

"Th-that is, that's not..."

"The ones who should be protesting are the Algenprina, not you. How do you plan to take responsibility for this?"

Shimota, pale and weak, collapsed to the ground.

"Lady Shimota doesn't look well—escort her out."

At the Crown Prince's words, two knights emerged from behind a distant pillar. They followed his orders, supporting Lady Shimota and leaving the forest.

You really look like you want to sigh, Philip.

"What about you two?"

"Ah!"

They were the young ladies I'd helped earlier. Their names were unique—what were they?

"Pudding?"

"I-it's Fudiche! Not Pudding!"

"Oh, sorry."

"Not at all! It's my fault for not introducing myself. I'm Fudiche of the Count Saute."

"I'm Eliza of the Count Ruin!"

"I'm Algenprina Hariella. Are you hurt anywhere?"

"No, thanks to you."

Though they seemed burdened by the Crown Prince's gaze, the two young ladies stood firmly before me.

"I wanted to thank you for saving us."

Fudiche, with her striking orange hair down to her waist, spoke to me. I hadn't expected thanks—I thought they were part of Shimota's group, though they had been standing back.

"You were so cool!"

Eliza shouted, clenching both fists. Every time she jumped, her twin-tied hair bounced.

Who is this adorable person! So cute!

"I hope we can meet again."

Fudiche said shyly.

"Thick-skinned."

"Ah, why! The mood was good!"

I poked Kali's side as he ruined the mood with his arms crossed.

"No, he's right. We did come with Lady Shimota. I'm sorry—I want to apologize."

"I know. You were standing in the back with uncomfortable faces the whole time."

"You saw?"

"How could I miss such striking colors?"

When I gestured to Fudiche's hair, she bowed her head in embarrassment.

I think... I can make friends. Real lady friends, not the Crown Prince!

"Let's meet again! No—you can come visit our townhouse too!"

When I suddenly proposed enthusiastically, Eliza and Fudiche looked surprised at first, but soon responded with genuine joy.

"We will! Please invite us!"

"Of course."

Once we're friends, I can ask about their unique magic! Freezing magic and stop? Paralysis? It seemed like something in that category—I was curious since I hadn't seen it around.

"Then, we'll take our leave, Your Highness."

Dateon nodded. Once Eliza and Fudiche disappeared, Dateon let out a long-held sigh.

"I had a great moment just now, didn't I?"

"Counts Saute and Ruin. Not bad. But Ruin seems to have their funding cut off by the Shimotas."

So that's why they forced themselves to come? They both looked like they didn't want to be here.

"I made friends! Can I invite them to the estate?"

"Of course. Anytime."

Irein smiled warmly and patted my head.

"Why is your hair such a mess?"

"That bad? Kali tied it for me."

"Yeah. It's a mess. Let me redo it, okay?"

Irein reached for my hair. The moment Kali grabbed his wrist, I ducked and slipped away.

If you're going to fight, fight without me.

"Hariella, you really..."

Dateon pressed his eyes and muttered.

"What."

"Who herds prey at a hunting competition?"

"It's faster that way?"

"This is just a friendly competition."

"It's better to win since we're here?"

Dateon sighed heavily, as if giving up. Approaching with a stern face, he suddenly stumbled—caught on a plant vine Shimota had scattered.

"Whoa!!"

Hopping on one foot, Dateon spun around and landed on the ground. If I'd met him as the Crown Prince, I might have pretended not to see to save his dignity... but unfortunately, the people here were Algenprina.

"Pfft!!"

"Puhaha!!"

Laughter burst out simultaneously. Dateon, face red, kicked the vine away irritably. After about three minutes of laughter, I poked his side in the lull.

"Hey, Philip. Why is Shimota so desperate to pick a fight?"

"I told you to call me Teo."

"Ah, that? She's nervous because she swallowed up the businesses we suspended, and now we're back."

Irein answered instead, laughing.

When Algenprina locked its doors, it temporarily suspended major businesses—and Shimota was one of the houses that slipped in. With Algenprina's businesses, Shimota's wealth multiplied dozens of times over, partly thanks to the Marquis's decent business sense.

Dateon's explanation was detailed despite his sulky expression.

"But that's ending now. Algenprina is back. We've been turning a blind eye, but no more—especially after today's incident."

Irein spoke as if reclaiming what had been lent to Shimota.

"Hariella. Are you just going to let this slide?"

Still unsatisfied about not beating up Zen, Kali grumbled.

"Of course not."

There's nothing more foolish than laughing off an insult to your family.

"First, we send an official letter of protest."

Then, slowly, we'll bleed them dry.

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