Chapter 40:


    <b>Chapter 40: Confession, Holy Knight Festival </b>


    In life, there are times when one must do things they don''t want to.If one starts giving up on those things one by one, they find themselves trapped. Before they know it, they are in a quagmire so sticky and deep that no matter how much they struggle, it''s hard to escape.As a crown prince, Kain was acutely aware of this reality. The burden resting on the shoulders of this simple blond young man was almost unimaginably heavy.So far, he had managed to endure.However, as a human being, he eventually looked for moments to catch his breath. Over time, the prince had developed a few tricks, like enjoying horseback riding or cking off when he had some free time.As a senior, the prince decided to teach Ascal."Listen carefully, Ascal. I''ll pass on to you the way to ovee this crisis."


    "What might that be?"Ascal waited eagerly for the prince''s words. After all, these were the words of a prince, a future king. Expectations were naturally high."Piss yourself."


    "?"''Is he mad?''"When I was young, I had more than ten tutors. From the moment I woke, I had lessons and more lessons. I didnt want to do any of it. There was this history lesson I especially didn''t want to attend. Do you know what I did?"


    "Did you pee yourself?"


    "Exactly. That caused an uproar in the pce, and the number of tutors was cut down to five. Listen well, Ascal."


    The Crown Prince spoke with utmost seriousness."Sometimes, the answer is to just let it go."For a moment, Ascal considered this option.Twelvedies-in-waiting, all eagerly awaiting his appearance. The protagonist of a high-society match-making event. In the midst of everyone''s gaze, he could just let go and pee.The event would end immediately. And so would his social life."I think that might be difficult."


    "Is that so? I thought it was a good idea. But don''t worry, I''ll help you out in my own way."And with that, the prince patted Ascal''s shoulder and walked ahead alone.Thedies'' eyes followed him intently.For the prince, this level of attention was nothing new, just an ordinary part of his life."Seeing such beautifuldies wavers my heart. The night seems long, and it would be nice to have someone to engage in deep conversation with."A spark of hope lit up in the eyes of thedies. They weren''t there for mere romance; they were there for a match-making event, considering the status and family of their potential partner.


    Instinctively, they began to calcte.Ascal Debrue -> Kain BarbaIn this empire, there were few men more eligible than Ascal. But what if it was the crown prince? The chance to be a royal just rolling around at their feet?It was an opportunity too bright to ignore, even if the odds were slim."Hahaha! Everyone,e this way!


    ****Ascal gazed at the now-quiet hall.


    Most of the youngdies had followed the prince, leaving like a pied piper from a fairy tale.


    Yet, three youngdies remained in the hall.


    ''Lady Lia Cinus. Lady Seri Lavione. And... who''s that?''


    Regardless, Ascal sighed in relief. The burden that felt like a mountain had now be just arge boulder.


    This matchmaking endeavor had turned into a dismal failure due to the royal family''s intervention. All that was left was to safely escort these tyrannical princesses back to the pce.


    How about we all have a cup of tea together?


    The one who stepped forward wasnt one of the princesses, but another youngdy.


    She had a modest appearance, wearing a practical dress unlike the otherdies in expensive gowns. Her essories seemed barely sufficient to match the asion.


    But really, who was she?


    Ascal was puzzled.


    ****


    Lady Arin Asht, the young daughter of a baron, had ambitions.


    At 18, born into nobility but impoverished, she had done all kinds of jobs. Serving as a maid, a tutor, and apanion for other youngdies. She earned money, but at the cost of her dignity.


    Despite her poverty and minor title, blue blood ran through her veins.


    She always clung to the dream of living a life befitting her status someday.


    When rumors spread that Ascal Debrue, the empire''s hidden dragon, was seeking a match,


    ''This is my chance. I must seize it.''


    Arin took out the dress she dared not wear regrly for fear of damaging it, borrowing essories from here and there to adorn herself.


    Filled with excitement, she rode a rented carriage to the Debrue family''s estate.


    That excitementsted until she almost reached the estate.


    ''Lady Emilia, from the count family? And Lady Catherine, from the viscount family?''


    Arin felt dwarfed.


    She hadnt expected such high-rankingdies to attend the matchmaking event of Ascal Debrue, the mere eldest son of a baron.


    And when Prince Kain appeared at the mansion, she almost fainted.


    ''Pull yourself together, Arin. You can do this.''As soon as Arin saw the crown prince leading away numerous youngdies, she realized this was her opportunity.


    It was a far wiser choice to aim for Ascal, a fellow baron, than the unattainable star-like prince.


    Arin checked her attire and took a step forward.


    Looking around, she saw that, including herself, only three youngdies remained. The odds were now one in three.


    ''Lady Cinus from the Viscount family... and Lady Lavione. It''s worth a shot.''


    They were beautiful youngdies, but their families were not as prestigious as the duke and count who had left earlier. Even for someone from a mere baron''s family like herself, there was a chance.


    How about we all have a cup of tea together?


    Her suggestion immediately drew attention. As Arin wondered if she had said something odd, Lady Lavione smiled.


    That''s a lovely idea. I''m a bit thirsty; let''s sit down and have some tea calmly.


    Lady Lavione said this while looking towards Lady Cinus, her eyes slightly intimidating.


    I prefer not to be around women who don''t know their ce and cling unweely. But since it would be a disqualification as an aid if Ascal''s legs hurt, lets move to another spot.


    Not knowing one''s ce?


    Was she talking about her?


    Arin swallowed nervously.


    ''Please help me, Father... It''s too scary here.''


    ****


    ck tea with two cubes of sugar. Make it sweet. Right, Ascal?


    Th-thank you. You didn''t have to.


    Just two cookies. Too much sweetness isn''t good for you.


    Today, Lia was here as Lady Cinus, but she was sticking close to Ascal, acting as his aide.


    Her intention was obvious.


    It was to provoke Seri Lavione, the second princess. It was as if she was saying, ''I already know this mans preferences. I even make his ck tea. What can you do now?''


    Loser.


    What did you say?


    Nothing at all. You must have heard something wrong.


    Seri was desperately holding back. She was not known for her patience. Even now, she was suppressing the urge to flip the table and overturn everything.Yulia usually pretended to be a calm and wise princess. However, she often revealed her true self in front of Serena. Was it a long and tiresome connection?


    "Do you still sleep hugging that doll? Yeah, the one you took from me when we were eight? You always liked taking things from others, didnt you?"


    "I... I dont know what youre talking about."


    "What dont you know? Not knowing your true identity, do people around you know about it?"


    Lia hurriedly used telepathy magic on Serena.


    -Are you insane? Do you n to reveal your identity here?


    -So thats where youve been hiding. Working at the Evaluation department, huh? And your superior doesn''t know your true identity?


    Serena had a keen intuition.


    Lias expression hardened, hit right at the core.


    -Wont you also suffer if your identity is revealed? If rumors spread that the second princess is here


    -What about you? I can afford to be exposed. What about a collective princess confession?


    -Then I guess you dont mind if everyone finds out about your nightly escapades at the theater?


    -Ugh. How did you know that!


    Neither of them were backing down from theiring out threat.Ascal, sensing the tense atmosphere, sipped his ck tea, tasting nothing.


    ncing aside, he saw an unnamed youngdy trembling. He felt an odd sense of camaraderie, caught between giants.


    The two princesses continued their silent skirmish through gestures, cing tea cups far from the other, snatching desserts first.


    Even a fool could tell a strange battle of nerves was unfolding. Arin, feeling the need to intervene, stood up from her chair.


    "Everyone, calm down! On such a joyous asion as Holy Night Festival, the atmosphereeek!"


    However, Arin stumbled as her dress caught on the chair. iling to regain bnce, she identally knocked over the teapot.


    The teapot spun 360 degrees, spewing water everywhere due to the slippery table.


    "Kyaaah!"


    Arin screamed.


    A perfect aqua ssh ensued.


    Everyone, including herself, was drenched.


    "..."


    It was a mess.


    Ascal, seeing the two princesses at a loss for words, realized this was an opportunity not to be missed.


    "What is thismotion! Fighting on such a sacred day as Holy Night Festival! Arent you ashamed before the gods!"


    Acting was one of Ascals fortes.


    Feigning anger naturally, he exaggeratedly wiped his clothes with a napkin and then quickly rose from his seat, heading swiftly for the exit.


    ''Thank you so much. Unnamed youngdy.''Creating such a perfect opportunity for escape.


    Ascal vanished in an instant.


    Seeing Ascal leave, Lia, too flustered to even think of wiping her dress, reflexively followed him.


    "Ha. Ridiculous. After acting so high and mighty all this time, this is a first... She must really like that man?"


    Serena, visibly annoyed, sat still, watching Lia hastily leave.


    But what was this feeling? Since a while ago, a sense that if she didnt follow them now, shed regret it for life...


    Serena shook her head. It must be a misconception. She was not foolish like Yulia. She always believed herself to be the one in control, not the one being controlled by men.


    "I''m so sorry! I''ll clean it up right away! Eek!"


    "...Its fine."


    Serena sighed as she watched Arin trip over her dress hem again.


    ****


    In the Holy Night Festival, the stars were falling.


    Ascal, trying to distance himself from the princesses, unexpectedly stopped to gaze at the falling stars in the night sky.


    One of the few advantages of this era was its amazingly clear and bright sky. This allowed the falling stars to be seen vividly.


    "Ah... Lord Ascal!"


    "Lia."


    He had never seen Lia so breathless. Ascal looked at her, dressed ufortably, running towards him.


    "I''m sorry. It''s just that..."


    "Forget it. I wasn''t really angry anyway."


    There was a tradition in this Holy Night Festival.


    Speak only the truth while the stars fall.


    Thus, Ascal''s words were true.


    It was just an excuse to leave the scene; he wasn''t angry at all. In fact, he was pleased to have left the situation smoothly.


    "The stars are beautiful."


    Yes, they are.The two gazed silently at the night sky.


    The sky with falling stars seemed magical.


    Lia, or rather, Yulia, took a deep breath.


    As beautiful as the stars were, she couldnt truly enjoy them, always hindered by something.


    "Lord Ascal. I have a confession."


    "A confession?"


    Ascal tensed.


    Was it finally happening?


    Whether slow or fast, it was an eventuality he had to face.


    Ah, the good days were over. Today was the day roles were reversed.


    "My real identity is..."


    <i>Boom! </i>At that moment, alongside a tremendous noise, a shooting star fell. The sound was so loud it almost deafened them.


    "Are you okay?"


    "Yes. I was just a bit startled, but I''m fine."


    "It''s cold tonight. Let''s go inside."


    Ascal naturally tried to leave the scene. Lia nodded. Her dress wasn''t suitable for wandering around at night, especially since it was now wet. Catching a cold would be thest thing she needed.


    ''Thank goodness for the meteor.''


    Thanks to it, his life was extended by another day.


    Ascal turned to go back inside the mansion.


    And then,


    "I am actually the empire''s third princess, Yulia Barba. I''m sorry for deceiving you."


    What couldn''t be avoided, eventually came to pass.


    Ascal turned around.


    Yulia was looking at the ground with a flushed face, as if unsure of what would happen next.


    "Is that so."


    "Yes."


    Ascal spoke.


    "I knew it."


    "...Yes. Yes?"


    Yulia looked up at Ascal, perplexed. His face showed no sign of surprise.


    Yulia was thrown into confusion. When had he found out? When she went to the pce? When she was absent? When he came out of Zt?


    Ascal touched her cheek.


    "You''ll catch a cold. Let''s go inside quickly."


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