Chapter 1

Chapter 1

 

RISHE’S SIXTEENTH BIRTHDAY came and went—for the seventh time, by her count. The next day, she sat on a couch in her room, staring languidly out the window. She had a schedule of ships docking and departing port in her hand.

Her wedding was rapidly approaching, and she had yet another heap of work to do. Unfortunately, she couldn’t focus one bit; her mind was occupied completely by the dawning of her feelings for Arnold.

I’m in love with him.

Each time the thought crossed her mind, self-consciousness and restless fluster had her in their grips. Her maids were so worried that they’d come to check in on her multiple times since morning, but she could only give them vague reassurances—which devolved into misery for causing them dismay.

I wasn’t imagining the pain in my chest that accompanied my thoughts of him…

She could recall several instances when the feeling had plagued her, though she hadn’t ever seen it for what it was.

The other day, when Prince Arnold kissed my hair after the emperor saw us…the reason I was so comforted even though my heart was pounding out of control was because of my feelings for him.

Her face felt so hot at the memory, she feared it might catch fire. Rishe smooshed her palms into her cheeks, lapsing further into thought.

Was I despondent during our fight in Vinrhys because I was already in love with him then? The whole reason she’d fought with him in the first place was because what he’d said had bothered her so much. Was that because she was in love with him too?

Then what about when my chest hurt in the Grand Basilica, when he used my lap as a pillow? And when I was sad because he told me I didn’t need to wear the ring he so graciously gifted me?

No, that wasn’t all.

The very first time he kissed me, in the chapel…

She’d been surprised but not upset. She had felt no disgust; she’d just wanted to know why he’d done it. But that had happened a mere three weeks after their first meeting in this life.

“Ugh…”

She thought back to the rain of kisses on her birthday.

No matter how far I think back, I can’t remember a moment when I didn’t love Prince Arnold. Rishe had no idea when she’d fallen for him. Wait, was I the one who fell in love with him at first sight? But that can’t be…

Much as she wanted to find a hole to hide in, she couldn’t stop the warm, fuzzy feeling in her heart.

Oh, pull yourself together, Rishe! You got so flustered, you could hardly talk to Prince Arnold yesterday and this morning! But we need to keep preparing for the wedding, and…

Rishe hung her head, Arnold’s words from back then flashing through her mind.

“You don’t need to be resolute to become my wife.”

The words lanced her heart.

I need to stop Prince Arnold’s war. She was more determined than ever to do so. But I can’t just stop it. I need to find out what the Emperor Arnold Hein of the future is trying to achieve and face whatever that is…

The Arnold whom Rishe was in love with and the Arnold who ruled through brutality were contiguous people. No matter how different they seemed, the cold, cruel emperor who conquered the world had all the same qualities that the current Arnold had.

The way he thinks, his practicality, and the kindness he so clearly displays…

Rishe slowly closed her eyes and squeezed the schedule in her hands. It’s because I care so deeply for him that I must avoid that future, she swore before opening her eyes once more.

I’m sure that Prince Arnold’s father holds the key to all this. Though it’s not as if I can approach him carelessly, and I dread the mere thought after what happened the other day…

A knock came at the door.

“Pardon me, Lady Rishe!”

“Elsie. Come in.”

When her maid entered the room, Rishe said, “I’m sorry about earlier. I was so out of it, I didn’t even realize you were trying to get my attention.”

“Don’t mention it. Are you feeling better now? If so, I’m glad. I was worried.”

Elsie’s relief just pricked at Rishe’s guilt all the more. She wasn’t physically unwell at all, but she didn’t have the courage to open up to the girl about her feelings.

I really am sorry. Please allow me to keep this a secret from you for just a little while longer.

Elsie handed Rishe an envelope. “A letter for you, Lady Rishe.”

“Thank you.”

She opened it up and confirmed its contents. Rishe had been waiting for the letter—which began with an apology—for some time now.

“What is it, Lady Rishe?”

Rishe stood and said, “Elsie, can you pack me a bag? I think I’ll be gone for another few days again.”

“V-very well. But your wedding is in two weeks, Lady Rishe! Aren’t you a bit busy at the moment?”

“I am. But I need to go on this outing before the wedding.”

Elsie cocked her head to one side.

It’s no problem, Rishe thought to herself. In fact, I planned for this little delay to occur. But for my plan to proceed, I’ll need to speak with him…

Rishe steeled herself. Her next move? Going to see the man she’d just realized she was in love with.

 

---

 

“…Your wedding dress?”

“Y-yes, Your Highness.” Rishe stood across from Arnold at his work desk, her skirt bunched up in her fingers. “The dress was sewn a year ago, when I came of age in my homeland. But since I’m going to be married here, I sent it for embroidering in a style native to Galkhein.”

“The dress that was wide open in the back?”

I just showed him the design once, but he even remembers the details… The thought gave her a ticklish feeling. When she locked eyes with Arnold, she hurriedly averted her gaze.

Rattled, she went on, “Um… A dressmaker was supposed to come to the capital for a last fitting and final alterations.”

As Oliver organized documents behind Arnold, he smiled warmly at her. “I hear wedding dresses are quite sentimental for women. You must be greatly anticipating wearing yours, Lady Rishe.”

“Well, the dressmaker hasn’t been able to acquire the thread I requested, so there’s been a delay. Considering the time for travel and alterations, I think it would make more sense for me to go to him.”

This delay was hardly surprising. In fact, Rishe knew exactly when the thread she’d requested would be difficult to acquire, thanks to her life as a merchant.

My wedding dress being delayed gives me the perfect excuse to travel there right about now. I’m so glad things worked out the way I expected when I sent it for embroidering.

Masking her relief, Rishe broached the topic she wished to discuss. “To that end, I was hoping to stay there for a few days to procure my wedding dress.” She summoned her courage, faced Arnold, and told him, “In Bezzetoria…Galkhein’s primary port.”

Arnold’s expression didn’t change, but Rishe could predict his next words. Setting his chin in his hand, he made his declaration like it was the most obvious thing in the world: “I’ll accompany you.”

I knew it! Arnold also had a reason to visit Bezzetoria. There are always several different reasons why Prince Arnold does what he does. Once again, he’s not just indulging my whims.

But Rishe couldn’t let on that she knew that.

In any case, she realized she was asking something unreasonable of him. “Prince Arnold,” she said sincerely, “I know I’m always making these requests, but aren’t you awfully busy with your official duties?”

“Oliver.”

“Of course, my lord. I’ll make the adjustments.”

“Not you too, Oliver!” Rishe cried, flustered. The attendant had responded as though he knew exactly what Arnold wished, though the latter never issued a command. Even if she’d been expecting this, she still felt guilty. Yet Arnold just ran his pen over his documents, cool as a cucumber.

“We can take a ship part of the way to Bezzetoria. It should only take two days or so.”

“How about this, then?” Taking a document from Arnold, Oliver flashed a dazzling smile. “We could call this a pre-wedding getaway for you two.”

“Eep!” Rishe’s shoulders jolted at the suggestion.

“Considering your circumstances, it seems prudent. A trip by the crown prince and his future wife will help stimulate the economy in Bezzetoria as well.”

“P-perhaps you’re right, but still!”

Oliver spoke of it matter-of-factly, yet the words resounded in Rishe’s head.

A “pre-wedding getaway”?!

As she floundered internally, she asked Arnold, “Wh-what do you think, Prince Arnold?”

“I don’t particularly care what we call it.”

I didn’t think you would!

Arnold’s gaze softened as it landed on Rishe, even though he remained expressionless. “I notice you’re not protesting.”

Rishe flinched.

“Don’t hesitate to let me know if you’re unhappy with something,” he said softly.

She hung her head and shook it. “I’m not…”

Her tizzy over the words “pre-wedding getaway” was in no way because the idea displeased her. Embarrassing as the phrase was, she was happy about it. She mustered her courage to express as much to Arnold so that he knew.

“I want to have a pre-wedding getaway with you, Prince Arnold…”

Arnold’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

Oliver beamed and all but chirped, “Not to worry, Lady Rishe! It’s beneficial to promote how you and my lord have a close relationship.”

“Is it? I know marrying solidifies His Highness’s position somewhat, but…” That depended on whom he wed. “I’m nothing more than a duke’s daughter from a small nation. I can’t imagine my status benefits Prince Arnold in any way.”

“You misunderstand. The benefit is entirely due to you as an individual, Lady Rishe,” Oliver said with that dazzling smile of his.

“Huh?!” Rishe glanced over at Arnold, who agreed with Oliver.

“True enough.” He seemed slightly amused as he went on, “This country is already seeing the benefits of our technological exchange with Coyolles. Our new currency minting is proceeding without issue thanks to Siguel’s cooperation as well.”

“Your wedding is receiving international attention too. After all, the next archbishop of the global Crusade faith will be in attendance. This is practically unprecedented.”

“You two can’t be serious!” The conversation was taking a wild turn, so Rishe hurried to stop them. “You give me far too much credit. It was Prince Arnold’s decisions that led to every one of those outcomes!”

“The citizenry are impressed by your invention of nail polish and the relief the Aria Trading Company has brought to the slums.”

“Hrk!”

“Even people without much interest in politics are looking forward to the ceremony. We have a special congratulatory performance by the famous songstress Sylvia lined up for it now, by the way.”

Sylvia herself had requested to perform. She’d visited just the day before and made it known to Rishe she wanted to do something to repay her and Arnold—and a performance by a world-famous diva wasn’t something one heard every day.

“My lord’s relationship with Prince Theodore also improved since your arrival, Lady Rishe. Several members of the nobility have already taken note of your prowess.”

“Y-you overestimate me entirely!”

Rishe was shocked. She had no idea she’d attracted so much attention. She looked to Arnold for help and found him smiling in satisfaction.

“Let them look. A little attention won’t hurt.”

“Ugh… You’re making fun of me, aren’t you?!”

She couldn’t dwell on this, however. For now, she had to concentrate on stopping the war.

It’s all for Prince Arnold’s future. I’ll use the wedding dress as an excuse to take care of another matter…

 

---

 

Even if Rishe knew the broad strokes of Arnold’s future war, it was still difficult for her to predict anything about it. There were a few reasons for that. The first was that Rishe didn’t know the Arnold of her past lives; she didn’t know what had happened to him in the time leading up to the war. The second was that Galkhein’s military had behaved differently in each of Rishe’s previous lives.

A third possible reason is…me.

Rishe sighed. At present, she was on the deck of a ship navigating a canal.

In my first life, I became a merchant and did business with Mr. Tully. The land and sea routes we pioneered came to be used for worldwide travel…

Merchants lived and died by their trade routes. Rishe and the Aria Trading Company had worked with experts to develop new ones in her first life.

Armies use those same routes to travel. Emperor Arnold Hein used the routes we paved to conduct his invasion. Rishe reflected on her past lives, gazing down at the river below. I paved routes like that in my lives as an apothecary and as an alchemist as well. I needed different things in each life, so the routes were slightly different. And every time, Galkhein’s army used those routes in the most efficient way possible to invade its neighbors.

During her life as a maid, she’d taken Millia along optimal routes to visit churches in every country. In trying to find the best routes for gathering intel in her life as a hunter, she’d learned new ones from her leader, Raul.

In her sixth life, she’d been nothing more than a simple knight, but she’d gone to the commander of the knight order—and through him, to the king—to bring attention to the movements of Galkhein’s army. As a result, she’d even influenced travel routes somewhat in her sixth life as well.

Travel routes throughout the world have changed in each and every one of my past lives. Because of that, Prince Arnold’s invasion route and the order in which he attacks other countries has changed each time too. Unbeknownst to her, Rishe had affected Arnold’s actions before even meeting the man in her past lives. The thought left her feeling conflicted.

In the future, Prince Arnold will carry out his war in the most efficient way possible. It’s easy to imagine him killing his father to usurp the throne simply because of the animosity between them, but…the rational Prince Arnold wouldn’t start a world war for no reason at all.

Rishe sighed again, holding the railing that ringed the deck. There’s a reason not only for his murdering his father but for the war afterward as well. It’s just as likely that he’ll only take his father’s life to gain the power to start the war in the first place…

“Rishe.”

“Whoa!” Rishe jumped when a voice called out to her from behind. She spun around to find Arnold out on the deck. “O-oh, it’s you, Your Highness…”

Just a moment ago, he’d been in a cabin belowdecks, discussing work with Oliver. Rishe had left to get some fresh air since she’d been uncomfortable sitting so close to Arnold in the cramped room.

“You forgot your hat.”

“Agh, thank you…”

Arnold plopped a hat adorned with ribbons and flowers onto Rishe’s head, then looked out at the scenery with disinterest. “You were really caught up in the view.”

I actually wasn’t seeing it at all.

Rishe adjusted the hat and looked up at Arnold. “It’s a very large canal. So this is Galkhein’s main port city…”

Countless ships of all sizes sailed to and fro over the glittering water. Rishe and Arnold’s ship was a two-level vessel that transported passengers rather than goods. Brick buildings faced them from either side. The canal-side view of the town was beautiful, and a cool breeze blew over the water.

“I can feel the energy. It’s like this place has its own heart, and it’s expressing its excitement with everything it has. I can’t wait to disembark and walk around town!”

“We’re almost to the harbor. I’ve arranged for a carriage, but I don’t mind if you want to walk to the hotel.”

“Oh!” In that case, she wanted to take the scenic route. That way, they could stop by as many places as possible. Rishe’s eyes sparkled at the thought.

Arnold watched her for a few moments, full of tenderness. “So you weren’t feeling unwell,” he remarked.

“Unwell? No, I’m bursting with energy!”

“Good.”

Rishe cocked her head, and Arnold ran his fingers through her windswept hair. “You’ve been somewhat on edge since I fulfilled that request of yours on your birthday.”

“Urk!” Rishe could tell she was going red up to her ears.

That’s because of all the kisses we shared that day, and because I realized my feelings for you…

If Rishe was even the least bit out of sorts, Arnold would know. She didn’t have the courage to explain the reason for her behavior, though. I can’t believe I’ve been acting so weird that he thought I was sick! I can’t worry him when he’s already so busy…

After puzzling over the matter for some time, Rishe reached for Arnold’s sleeve and grasped it.

“What is it, Rishe?”

He would probably think her strange for this too, but Rishe steeled her resolve to plead with him for the sake of their future.

“Can we stay like this for a little longer?”

Arnold frowned, hesitating. “Why?”

“I, um… I have some…secret training I’d like to do.”

“Training, you say?”

Rishe lowered her face to hide her blossoming blush. Ugh, I need to get used to being next to the man I love!

As long as she got more practice in, she was sure she’d be able to interact with him like normal again…eventually. So she mused as she timidly peeked up at Arnold.

Arnold just gave her his usual sour look before sighing and saying, “Do as you like.”

“Thank you!” Rishe tightened her grip on Arnold’s sleeve, relieved. She wasn’t ready to hold hands with him yet, but if she maintained this distance for a while, surely she’d get used to his presence at some point. At least enough that she wouldn’t worry him anymore.

I’m so glad he’s kind.

Still frowning, Arnold glanced at a ship passing by. It appeared to be a two-level vessel like their own, though it was a size smaller. The sailors were cleverly using the ship’s sails to maneuver upstream.

“Hmm?” Rishe sensed the same thing Arnold had. They were both scrutinizing a piece of cargo left on the deck.

What an unusual shape. It was a large burlap sack, but the peculiar, almost cylindrical form within had to be something other than a box or a liquid container. It can’t be…

The moment Rishe formed the suspicion, the bag wriggled.

I knew it! It’s a person!

As soon as the bag moved, Arnold said, “Stay here.”

His sleeve left Rishe’s grip, and he climbed the railing before leaping onto the other ship without a moment’s hesitation.

“Your Highness!”

Arnold landed, and one of the sailors on the deck yelled, “Ack! Wh-what are you doing?!”

“Stop the ship.”

“Wha—eek!” The sailor shrieked when Arnold pointed his sword at him. “Damn it!”

The sailor turned on his heel and ran down the stairs to the lower deck. Arnold clicked his tongue and turned back to the “cargo.” He’d doubtless chosen to remain instead of pursuing the sailor because Rishe had already followed him onto the ship.

“Are you all right?! Just hang in there! We’re here to help!”

Arnold sighed as he watched Rishe frantically untie the cord keeping the bag closed. “Rishe.”

“Leave this to me, Prince Arnold. Please, do whatever you wish to do!”

“Don’t jump onto a ship with thieves on it like it’s completely normal, with only a dagger for self-defense.”

“Oh!”

Arnold removed the scabbard at his waist and tossed it to Rishe, who caught it.

“Won’t you be in trouble if I borrow this sword, Your Highness?”

“I’ll procure one below.”

“Well…be careful!” She was worried about him, but she decided to trust him as he headed belowdecks.

For now, this is more important!

Rishe drew Arnold’s sword and cut the bag’s cord with its black blade. She hurried to open the bag, and a woman emerged from inside. Her face was wet with tears, her arms and legs were bound, and she had a gag in her mouth. When she saw Rishe, her face crumpled.

“Mmph!”

“Don’t worry, you’re safe now!”

After cutting the woman’s bindings, Rishe removed the gag. Relief washed over the woman’s face—and then she passed out.

She’s not dehydrated. She doesn’t appear gravely injured, but the way she lost consciousness… Has she been given some sort of sleeping drug?

There were several other sacks on deck. Rishe hastily cut the cords tying them all shut and found an unconscious woman inside each one.

I can only assume there are more in the hold.

Rishe made sure all the women were resting in a way that wouldn’t obstruct their breathing, grabbed Arnold’s sword, and dashed into the lower decks of the ship. She arrived in the ship’s hold at the precise moment Arnold’s kick to the gut sent a sailor flying into a stack of barrels.

“Gah!”

The barrels tumbled loudly to the floor. Panicked, the remaining sailors charged at Arnold. They wielded cutlasses—short, curved blades that could be used in confined spaces like these lower decks.

“Prince Arnold!”

Without batting an eye, Arnold grabbed one of the men by his collar and jammed a knee into the man’s gut. The sailor groaned. Arnold snatched the cutlass from him and flipped it into a more comfortable grip.

“You think you can take us on?!” one of the sailors shouted.

They rushed at Arnold once more, but he stopped every single one of them with a single swing of the cutlass. He raised his leg at the surprised men and landed a heavy kick on one of them.

“Argh!”

He’s incredible! Rishe thought, amazed.

The prince combined his martial arts and swordsmanship skills to handle the men with ease. She wanted to give him back his sword, but she would only get in his way.

Just then, Arnold called, “Rishe! In the back!”

“Right!” Rishe was thrilled that he trusted her to handle the other room. She raced past Arnold and the gaggle of sailors to the back of the chamber.

When she opened the door to a cabin, she found five women held captive inside. They shrank back with a frightened cry.

“Don’t worry. I’m here to help. You’ll be okay!”

Their eyes flooded with tears at the sight of another woman. Having put them at ease at least a little bit, Rishe quickly confirmed the situation.

These women are conscious, unlike those on the deck of the ship. Either they haven’t been drugged yet, they’ve only just been drugged, or it’s already worn off. Whatever the case, that’s why they’ve been confined down here.

Four of the five seemed to be fine, but the red-haired woman closest to her was curled up on the floor, hands tied behind her back.

“Excuse me, but how long has this woman been in this condition?!” she asked, but the women were in no state of mind to answer her.

“P-please, let us out of here!”

“They’ll catch us again if we don’t get away!”

They’re panicking. Understandable, but it’s only going to be more dangerous if they go running off on their own through the ship. I shouldn’t untie them yet.

She hated to leave them bound, but she moved to help the one collapsed on the floor first.

“Pardon me. Please respond if you can hear my voice!”

“Ugh…”

“I’m going to roll you onto your back, okay? Are you having any trouble breathing?”

The woman was tall and wore a red dress. Rishe cut her bonds, then rolled her onto her back so she could treat her. The woman’s long hair fanned out around her like flames.

Hmm? Her breathing is steady and she seems healthy. Rishe blinked a few times, then focused on the woman’s face to judge her complexion. Upon doing so, however, she froze. Huh?

Closer inspection of the woman’s familiar face brought one of Rishe’s past lives crashing down around her. Hey, I know her! She had enjoyed an incredibly close relationship with this woman in a past life. What are you doing here?! No, I’m not surprised you’re in town. In fact, one of the reasons I came was to meet you. But how did this happen?!

She could figure it out later. Rishe slapped the woman’s cheek, remembering how she would’ve spoken to her in that bygone life.

“It’s time to get up! Wake up, it’s morning!”

“Morning…?” came the woman’s sleepy voice. Her brown eyes peered blearily at Rishe as she rose with a yawn. “Are we in Galkhein already?”

“We are not! I would love to hear more regarding whatever that’s about, but first, I need to know how you’re feeling! Are you hurt? Do you feel nauseated? Does anything else feel off?!”

“Mm… No. I was just so bored while captured that I got sleepy…”

I-I see you’re the same as always!

Just then, they heard the pounding of rapid footsteps.

“That black-haired guy is a monster!” hollered one of the sailors. “Stay away from him!”

“Abandon ship!” shouted another. “Everybody scatter and run! Leave the cargo! The other ship’s getting the extra merchandise ready!”

Rishe grimaced. Even Prince Arnold can’t take on several enemies running in different directions. Of course, neither could Rishe. This was the sort of situation that required strength in numbers.

She reached under her dress and drew the dagger affixed to her thigh. Then she asked the sleepy woman, “You’re not hurt—you were just sleeping because you were tired, correct? Here, then! Take this!”

The woman balked when Rishe handed her the dagger. “Hey, wait a second. You—”

Rishe sprang to her feet. “I’m going to go help the man outside!” she said, then ran out of the cabin.

There were two staircases leading from the hold to the deck of the ship. There were also several windows from which the sailors could jump into the canal.

There are only this many of them left, though?!

From the footsteps, she estimated that only ten crewmen remained. From the size of the ship, there should have been thirty to forty of them in total.

“Move, girl!”

One of the men swung his cutlass to get rid of Rishe. She deflected the attack with the still-sheathed sword in her hand. She grabbed the sailor’s wrist, twisting it behind him and throwing him to the floor before striking him on the nape.

“Urgh!”

How many of them are left? We must make sure they don’t get off the ship.

In the time it took her to defeat two men, she could sense Arnold handling most of the rest of them. Just then, however…

“What are you doing?! Leave the cargo and get out of here!”

“Whatever, we can get away with one of ’em! I don’t care which one it is, we’ll drag her out if we have to!”

Two more men entered the cabin between Arnold and Rishe, where the women were being held. Arnold knocked out the last man near him and whirled toward the cabin, clicking his tongue, but Rishe knew things would be fine even if he couldn’t arrive at the cabin in time.

“It’s okay, Prince Arnold!”

Arnold narrowed his eyes questioningly as a woman screamed.

Immediately after, something collapsed inside the cabin. Arnold and Rishe reached the door at the same time and peered inside. Standing there was the redhead in the red dress to whom Rishe had given the dagger.

“Sheesh, what a pain…”

The two burly sailors had collapsed on the floor. The redhead grasped the hem of her dress, then grabbed her long hair just as roughly.

“This dress is in the way. So’s this hair. Haah… I beat up the damn pirates already, so there’s no need to keep up with this, right?”

“That’s—”

“Yep. It’s as you suspect, Prince Arnold.”

The long-haired wig slid to the ground, revealing short, curly hair in the same red hue.

“This woman snuck in among the others…but she appears to be a man.”

The man glowered at the dress he wore and artlessly pulled it off to reveal the thin shirt and pants underneath. In this light, his figure, which had seemed large for a woman, looked rather slender for a man.

The listless man yawned. “I’m sleepy…” He rubbed his half-closed, deep-set eyes framed by long eyelashes.

He’s the same as always, though I’m not sure if that’s a good thing.

At this point, he would be seventeen years old—Rishe’s senior by a year. He was old enough to be called a young man, but his slender build earned him the moniker of “pretty boy” among women. At a glance, his eyes appeared brown, but this was because they were always half-lidded against the light. Rishe knew all too well that, in bright sunlight, those eyes blazed a brilliant gold.

I roomed with him all through my life as a knight.

The sailors had been knocked out by the dagger he held in his hand. Arnold observed the man quietly, having deduced as much himself.

That’s the genius swordsman of the island nation of Siarga… In my sixth life, he died protecting me from Prince Arnold.

The man’s golden-brown eyes slid over to Arnold.

It’s really you, Joel!

Still holding the dagger, Joel stepped toward Arnold, who stood between him and Rishe. Rishe flinched, remembering Joel’s usual attitude.

Oh no! If he’s the same old Joel I know, he’s definitely going to provoke Prince Arnold!

“You, with the black hair.” Contrary to Rishe’s unease, however, Joel simply asked him in a sleep-laced voice, “What’s your relationship with that girl with the fluffy pink hair behind you?”

Huh? Me? It was only then that Rishe realized Arnold had stepped in front of her, likely to protect her from Joel.

“Um, Prince Arnold?”

The prince said nothing to either of them.

“Well, I don’t really care right now. I’m just…so sleepy…”

A moment later, Joel crumpled to the floor. Rishe lurched forward, worried that he was hurt, but he soon started snoring.

Arnold observed him with a sullen gaze before muttering, “What’s wrong with him?”

“H-he might have been drugged! Let’s drop anchor. We need to stop the ship and make sure everyone’s okay!”

Rishe was busy for a while after that, with no time at all to dwell on the unusual way she’d come across the very man she’d been planning to meet.