Chapter 149: “Princess Sophia Conducts Intelligence Gathering”

—In a forest near the border—

“The unit has already deployed, correct? Good.”

Inside a tent set up in the forest, Prince Ricardo spoke.

It had been over ten days since he left the Imperial Capital.

Prince Ricardo, who led the investigation unit, had been waiting in a forest near the border.

They were hiding in the forest to avoid being discovered by the soldiers from the town of Nosa.

Archduke Kharon was a clever man. He had likely already realized that an investigation unit had departed from the capital. Any noble should have that level of intelligence network.

However, the Archduke probably didn’t know that the unit was being led by Prince Ricardo. Nor would he know where the unit currently was.

Prince Ricardo’s objective was to obtain the “box in question” or a clue related to it.

He also intended to gather information from Princess Sophia.

Once he obtained either the box itself or relevant information, he would withdraw immediately.

Even if the soldiers of Nosa discovered them after the investigation, it wouldn’t matter.

After all, the unwanted princess Sophia wouldn’t be able to stop Ricardo’s unit.

“Of course, we mustn’t be careless. You understand that, don’t you?”

“—Yes, sir.”

The captain of the investigation unit responded to Ricardo’s words.

The captain was dressed in common traveling clothes:

Brown garments and a slightly dirty cloak.

A scarf was wrapped around his neck to protect from dust and sand.

His expression was calm, making him look like just another traveler.

“Our specialty is making our presence disappear. The second unit has already disguised themselves as travelers and is heading toward the target location.”

“Good. You lull your enemies with your appearance.”

“We place no importance on outward strength.”

A black-coated dagger was strapped behind the captain’s waist.

Hidden under the cloak, it couldn’t be seen from the front. With its short reach, it looked weak.

However, Ricardo knew that they possessed exceptional combat prowess.

“That’s right. You only reveal your strength when carrying out your mission.”

“There is a saying of the Hero: ‘Those who remain inconspicuous in daily life are the ones who awaken true power in another world.’”

“There was a hero who only showed strength when his comrades were in danger, wasn’t there?”

“There’s also the maxim: ‘Always act weak.’”

“That saying inspired the imperial family to raise units like yours.”

Prince Ricardo laughed.

“Princess Liana of the Holy Sword probably couldn’t even imagine the hidden strength of the imperial family. As for the Unwanted Princess Sophia… she might know a bit. She does have knowledge, at least. But knowledge alone is meaningless for someone who can hardly move.”

“There are rumors that Princess Sophia’s health has improved.”

“I’ve heard that too. But she likely isn’t well enough to withstand combat.”

“We’ve sent the vice-captain to her. However, we believe we should avoid any violent conflict.”

“I understand. We’ll just gather information and withdraw swiftly. No need to keep repeating it.”

“If possible, I’d like to send the first unit as backup…”

The captain hesitated with his words.

“The first unit we sent toward Nosa seems to be delayed… They haven’t returned yet.”

“Struggling in the town governed by Sophia? That’s unusual. Very unusual.”

“My apologies. I believe they are also investigating the facilities near the border. That may be why they’re delayed.”

“You mean the facility for interaction with the Demon Lord’s territory—the trading post, right?”

“Yes, exactly.”

“Brother Diaz said, ‘Do not meddle with the Demon Lord’s territory,’ but that facility lies on the southern side of the border. It’s not in the Demon Lord’s land, so investigating it shouldn’t be a problem. Yes, no problem at all.”

“We’ve sent in a large number of personnel, so they should return soon.”

“Once they return, we’ll send them to support the second unit. After that, we’ll proceed to the fortress.”

The investigators were capable individuals. They should return with information by tomorrow.

Ricardo and the main force would move out afterward.

“In a few days, we’ll have obtained all the information.”

Prince Ricardo said.

“I’m sure the Unwanted Princess Sophia will be satisfied too. The useless princess is at least providing some information to the Empire. That’s about all she’s good for.”

—Evening. In the town near the fortress—

“Princess Sophia. Are you not tired?”

“I’m fine. Dorothy-sama, you must be more exhausted, no?”

After finishing their investigation at the fortress, Sophia and Dorothy returned to the inn.

This town was the closest one to the fortress where Geralt Zenger had been stationed.

Sophia and the “Lady Omawarisan Unit” led by Dorothy had been staying here for a few days.

They were investigating the “box in question.”

The investigation had been going smoothly.

They searched the fortress for clues and also conducted interviews in the surrounding towns and villages.

They even questioned travelers and merchants moving between towns.

“Still… I feel bad that, despite Your Highness’s effort, we haven’t obtained much useful information.”

Dorothy muttered apologetically.

“All we’ve learned is that someone carrying something that might be the box was spotted in a nearby town. But after that, there’s no information at all about where they went.”

“Don’t worry about it, Dorothy-sama.”

Princess Sophia smiled gently.

“I believe there is meaning in the act of investigation itself.”

“…What do you mean?”

“By conducting our investigation, we’re also sending a message to whoever took the ‘box in question.’”

Nodding, Princess Sophia continued.

“If the box really can’t be opened by anyone, then those who stole it will eventually seek clues. They should take interest in us as well.”

“You’re investigating just to draw their attention, Your Highness?”

“There’s a saying from a perceptive hero from another world: ‘The culprit returns to the scene of the crime.’ Then it’s possible the one who took the box will return to the fortress. They’ll also notice that we’re investigating. If that happens—”

“They might try to contact us?”

“If we can speak with them, we might gain more useful clues.”

Princess Sophia winked playfully.

(Princess Sophia… truly is incredible. How can someone with such ability not have a claim to the throne…?)

Dorothy stared intently at the princess before her.

She didn’t know what Princess Sophia had been like when she was sickly.

But even if she had been sickly—what of it?

Her wisdom, knowledge, and initiative far surpassed the other princes and princesses.

Princess Sophia might even be stronger than Princess Liana, the “Maiden of the Holy Sword.”

Of course, not in a head-on fight, but in commanding troops.

Dorothy believed that Princess Sophia could devise a strategy to put Princess Liana in a situation where she couldn’t use the Holy Sword—and win. That’s how capable she seemed.

(Not that Her Highness Liana would ever oppose Her Highness Sophia, of course.)

Princess Sophia and Princess Liana trusted each other deeply.

It was as if they were mutually protecting one another.

In the imperial family, such a close bond between sisters was rare.

(No matter what happens, Her Highness Liana will surely help Her Highness Sophia. What’s more, Sophia can use powerful light-elemental magic. And above all… Her Highness has a powerful ally within the Demon Lord’s territory.)

That overwhelmingly powerful ally—was the alchemist, Thor Canaan.

His technical prowess was astonishing.

The “MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium” he made had cured Dorothy’s sensitive skin in no time. If she used it thickly, it left her skin so smooth she couldn’t even wear underwear. She would never forget that experience.

Furthermore, Sophia had other allies.

“Sophia-sama. Can I show myself now?”

“Yes, Soleil-sama. It’s just me and Dorothy-sama here.”

“Heave-ho—here I come!”

From within Sophia’s clothes, a small winged fairy emerged.

She was apparently a light-winged fairy named Soleil.

Dorothy had only been introduced to her a few days ago.

(…For a winged fairy to trust a human this much…)

In the Empire, winged fairies were legendary beings. Almost no one had ever seen one.

And yet, Sophia casually maintained a friendship with one.

Such a thing would have been unimaginable back in the Grand Duchy.

Winged fairies were masters of hiding, quick-moving, and capable of using magic.

If anything happened to Sophia, Soleil would surely lend her strength.

And in the worst-case scenario, she could act as a contact to the alchemist Thor Canaan.

(In the Empire’s history, no prince or princess has ever made a winged fairy their ally. Princess Sophia… no, you and the alchemist are truly amazing…)

Dorothy shuddered.

She realized that she had been entrusted with protecting someone of legendary stature.

No matter what, she had to protect this lady—renewing her resolve, that was Dorothy.

“When we return to our room, let’s summarize today’s findings.”

As they ascended the inn’s stairs, Sophia said.

“No, before that, let’s have some tea together, the three of us. Let’s talk calmly, take care of our skin, and then get to work on summarizing everything.”

“I’m all for it!”

“As Your Highness wishes… no, please wait a moment.”

Suddenly, Dorothy stepped in front of Sophia and Soleil.

She moved without a sound, raised a hand to shield Sophia, and stood in the second-floor hallway.

“There’s an intruder present.”

Dorothy whispered.

She focused her hearing. Using her “Presence Detection,” she searched for the intruder’s presence.

—They’re here.

Second room from the back—Sophia’s room.

While they were out investigating, there were fewer guards at the inn. Security was thinner. The intruder had taken advantage of that.

There were no valuables in the room. The research materials were carried with them.

However, from what was left behind, it might be possible to deduce how long they were staying and their investigation route.

More than anything, as a guard, she could not allow her master’s room to be violated.

“…Your Highness, please stay in a safe place.”

Leaving those words behind, Dorothy took off running.

She made no sound. Concealing her presence and slashing the enemy—that was the foundation of Grand Duchy swordsmanship. Dorothy approached the room swiftly and kicked the door open.

The intruder was there—but far away.

A man wearing a mask was heading toward the window. He was trying to flee.

Outside the window was a large tree. He must have come in via the branches.

The distance to the branch was great, but someone skilled in body movement could make the leap.

They should have cut down that tree—Dorothy thought as she rushed at the intruder.

“Who are you!? Are you aware this is Princess Sophia’s lodging!?”

“——Tch.”

The intruder clicked his tongue.

He wore an utterly ordinary traveler’s outfit. A cloak with different colors on each side and a slightly dirty jacket. Either could be turned inside out to change their appearance and deceive the eye. The mask hiding his face was particularly vile.

Dorothy drew her dagger and advanced.

The intruder dashed toward the window—clearly intending to escape.

In his hand was a leather pouch. It was bulging. He had taken something from the room.

Even if it wasn’t something important, stealing from a lady’s room was unforgivable.

Thinking that, Dorothy closed the distance—but then—

“—Ice Needle!”

“—!?”

The intruder cast a spell.

A water-element spell that launched icy needles. Low in power, but with short chant time and fast activation.

Its purpose was to stall.

Even knowing that, Dorothy slashed away the ice needles with her dagger.

Swift movements. Quick decisions.

A skill set focused on evasion and intelligence gathering.

This was no ordinary foe.

“—How troublesome!”

Dorothy clicked her tongue.

Fending off the spell slowed her down. She was now a few steps short of reaching him.

The enemy neared the window. She wouldn’t make it in time. He would escape with the information.

Just as she thought that and clenched her teeth—

“Omawarisan! Not Isaac! Lady Unit!!”

Startled—!

The intruder froze, as if frightened by the voice.

It lasted only a moment.

But for Dorothy, that was enough.

She reached the window, blocked the intruder’s escape, and slashed with her dagger.

“Dammit!”

Clang!

The intruder parried Dorothy’s strike with his own dagger.

He leapt back toward the wall of the room.

His eyes locked on Dorothy—then shifted to the doorway.

At the entrance of the room stood Princess Sophia.

In her hand was a small disk.

It was a “Security Buzzer” made by the alchemist Thor Canaan.

“The one who took ‘that box’… no, you’re different, aren’t you? Perhaps an Imperial reconnaissance soldier?”

Princess Sophia gazed calmly at the intruder.

“This area is currently part of the Archduke’s territory. If Imperial soldiers are conducting an investigation, then Archduke Kharon should have given me, the lord of this land, some form of notice. If you are an Imperial soldier, state your purpose for being here and your commanding officer’s name. Return what you have unjustly taken and offer an apology.”

“—Princess Sophia Dolgaria—you’re her?”

Behind the mask, the intruder’s eyes widened.

They likely did not recognize the current Sophia.

They seemed confused by her unexpected aura of dignity.

Footsteps approached from the hallway.

The “Lady Omawarisan Unit” stationed on the first floor was now coming up the stairs.

The intruder’s eyes darted around.

They looked at Dorothy and then at Princess Sophia in turn.

Dorothy predicted the enemy’s route of movement.

Escape path—Dorothy was blocking the window. There was no way out.

That being the case, the enemy would most likely try to take Princess Sophia hostage. Using her as a shield could allow for a safe escape. Therefore, Sophia must be protected—

With that conclusion, Dorothy dashed toward the enemy.

But—

“A hostage doesn’t have to be the princess. The Archduke Kharon’s niece will suffice.”

“—!?”

The intruder lowered their body. In an instant, they disappeared from Dorothy’s line of sight.

Dorothy used “Presence Detection” to sense their movements. Crossing her arms, she went into a defensive stance.

Moments later, the “Omawarisan Alert” voice echoed again.

The kick the enemy had been about to deliver faltered for a second. Its force weakened. Dorothy caught the blow and leapt backward, absorbing the impact.

“Please run, Your Highness Sophia! This person is highly skilled!!”

“No, I will assist Dorothy-sama.”

Came the voice of Princess Sophia.

“Take this! Vivid Light Destruction!!”

“Y-Your Highness!? You can’t use a wide-range attack spell here—!?”

Dorothy cried out reflexively, then realized something.

(That’s not right. Her Highness isn’t chanting!)

Princess Sophia would never use magic that would endanger Dorothy.

But the intruder didn’t know that.

Which is why, for a brief moment, their movements halted. They glanced between Dorothy and Princess Sophia, hesitated for an instant, then dashed toward the window.

‘O, Omawarisan!! Trouble approaching!! Omawarisan!!’

Once again, the “security alarm” activated. The intruder’s movements slowed slightly.

And that alone was more than enough for Princess Sophia.

Her real trump card was neither the “light-element attack spell” nor the security alarm.

What Dorothy saw was a small vial thrown by Princess Sophia—and—

The “Light Fairy of the Wings,” Soleil, who had been hidden under her clothes.

Those two things were Princess Sophia’s ace in the hole.

“—Please forgive me for using what you gave me in this way. I will offer my apology in full, yes, with all my being.”

“I’ll make sure to see it through properly. Activate—Vivid Strike!!”

Pashuun.

From beneath Princess Sophia’s skirt, Soleil peeked her head and arms out and fired a small projectile of light—Vivid Strike.

The intruder quickly ducked—but Sophia had already anticipated that.

What Soleil aimed at was the small vial directly above the intruder.

Vivid Strike hit the vial, piercing a hole in the mouth.

The viscous liquid inside spilled down onto the intruder’s head.

From their arms to their legs. Then, forming a small puddle on the floor.

(That’s… could it be… the one we got from the alchemist!?)

“Forgive me. That item was supposed to be… something I used to show you beautiful, smooth skin…”

Princess Sophia murmured in a trembling voice.

Soleil gently patted her on the shoulder, as if to console her.

Neither of them approached the intruder. Nor did they show caution.

Because it was already over.

“To think the so-called ‘Useless Princess’ would go this far…”

The intruder raised their face.

Gripping a dagger tightly in their hand—

“This smell… is it cosmetics? What a pathetic last effort. Well then, I’ll take my—”

Slippity.

The dagger slipped from the intruder’s hand.

“—Huh?”

Slippity. Clang!

Furthermore, the intruder’s foot slipped and they crashed to the floor.

Headfirst.

“Gah, gahhh!? Wh-What is this…? M-My feet are slipping—I can’t get up!? What is happening!?”

The intruder tried to rise, hands pressed against the floor—

Slippity. Thud!

Their hand slipped, and their head smacked into the floor again.

“S-Slipping!? What is this slipperiness!? Oil? No—my martial arts skills wouldn’t be hindered by mere oil—!”

“Your Highness! Dorothy-sama, are you safe!?”

“Wh-Who is this person!?”

“They’re flailing like a dying insect—may we capture them?”

The arriving “Lady Omawarisan Unit” asked Princess Sophia.

Princess Sophia nodded.

“Capture that person. But do not touch them. Bring ropes. Choose areas not covered in cosmetic lotion and tie them up.”

“““Understood!”””

One of the “Lady Omawarisan Unit” members dashed downstairs.

As Sophia gave orders and her subordinates complied, Dorothy felt cold sweat forming internally.

(To think she used the ‘MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium’ as a weapon. And in its raw form, no less. What boldness… Princess Sophia.)

The “MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium” makes skin slippery and silky smooth.

Dorothy knew because she had used it almost undiluted once. Applying the raw solution to the skin made even undergarments slip off due to the ultra-smooth texture. She remembered Princess Sophia and the alchemist Thor saying, “Friction is reduced to near zero.”

If that undiluted solution were applied to your hands and feet—you wouldn’t be able to stand up.

That’s why the intruder could do nothing but flail about on the floor.

The MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium had soaked the intruder’s hands and feet. It had probably seeped into their shoes as well.

On top of that, small puddles had formed on the floor.

The intruder had collapsed into one of them. There was no way they could get back up.

And to make matters worse, the lotion had even gotten on their face—

“Th-The mask… it’s coming off!? I-If it’s come to this—!”

The intruder whistled.

A sharp, piercing sound echoed through the surroundings.

A few seconds later—white smoke came blowing in through the window.

“Please step away from the window, Dorothy-sama! Reinforcements are coming!!”

“U-Understood!!”

Dorothy immediately moved to guard Sophia.

Because she understood her intention.

Sophia was whispering instructions to the Lady Omawarisan Unit. She was already preparing the next move.

Dorothy couldn’t help but be moved by the swiftness of her decision-making.

“—Vice Captain.”

“—Take my hand.”

A man’s voice called from beyond the white smoke.

He had likely come to rescue the intruder.

“—My apologies.”

Slip!

Thud!!

A loud sound rang out.

No surprise—Dorothy thought.

The intruder’s hands were completely coated in the undiluted MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium.

There was no way he could be pulled up by the hand.

On top of that, after repeatedly falling to the floor, his clothes must have been soaked as well.

At this point, there was no way they could get him out.

“When the smoke clears—escape. Report this information up the chain.”

“—Understood, Vice Captain.”

“—We will definitely come back for you.”

The smoke began to dissipate.

What Dorothy and the others saw was the first intruder, lying face-down on the floor, his forehead bright red.

And the backs of the two intruders running toward the window.

They kicked off the floor and jumped.

Reaching out toward a tree branch outside the window.

Both grabbed hold of the branch at the same time—

Slip!

Slide!

““Aaaaaaaaah—!””

Thud.

The sound of the intruders crashing into the ground echoed up.

““Rope them—!!””

Voices from the Lady Omawarisan Unit rang out from beneath the window.

Sophia had anticipated this and repositioned part of the squad beneath the window.

The two intruders had tried to pull up the first one—the man they had called Vice Captain.

At that moment, the MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium had transferred to their hands as well.

Trying to swing to the tree in that state—it was only natural they slipped and fell.

“…T-This is so humiliating…”

The one called Vice Captain groaned from where he lay on the floor.

Looking down at him, Princess Sophia said:

“You will tell us everything you know. Whose orders brought you here? How many people are involved? Who is the commanding officer?”

Princess Sophia’s voice was perfectly calm.

“Because of you, I’ve lost something given to me by someone very dear. I must give that person something of equal value… and with my whole self, offer an apology.”

(…Princess Sophia. What a dignified presence…)

She was a reassuring sight.

But at the same time, Dorothy found her baffling.

To incapacitate the intruders, Princess Sophia had used up the entire MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium. It had been a gift from the alchemist, Thor Canaan—something very precious to her.

She had just lost it, and yet she wasn’t angry.

She remained composed—and that was the baffling part.

“As expected of Sophia-sama. This too must be part of her plan.”

“Huh?”

“…Oh, nothing.”

From Sophia’s back, the winged fairy Soleil had covered her mouth.

(Part of the plan…?)

Now that she thought of it, Princess Sophia had said something earlier.

That their investigation itself would be a message to those who had stolen the ‘Box.’

Maybe this entire operation had also been a message to the imperial soldiers.

Princess Sophia was the ruler of a border territory.

It wouldn’t be strange for her to capture those conducting unauthorized investigations.

(Could it be that Her Highness calculated all of this from the start!?)

Dorothy felt as if she finally understood Princess Sophia’s plan.

She had used herself as bait to capture the imperial investigation team.

Then, she would extract information from them and share it with Thor Canaan of the Demon Lord’s domain.

That way, she could justify having used up the MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium. By offering valuable intelligence in exchange for the precious lotion, the balance would be restored.

As a trade, it was more than fair.

(…What a brilliant strategist. Her Highness Sophia Dolgaria truly is.)

Never in the history of the Empire had there been a princess with such wisdom and initiative.

Dorothy might be serving someone destined to go down in history. She had to stay sharp—that’s what she resolved in her heart.

After the intruders had been captured—

“…Lady Soleil. How should I apologize to Thor Canaan-sama?”

“…I think it would be best to do something that helps him.”

“…What kind of thing?”

“…For example… Miss Mabel is always worried because the alchemist works through the night without rest.”

“…So she’s worried about his lack of sleep?”

“…Exactly.”

“…Then, I should offer an apology that allows Thor Canaan-sama to sleep soundly. Perhaps a lap pillow? Or… maybe sleeping beside him? I’ve heard having warm skin nearby is comforting for sleep. In that case, bathing with him and washing his back first, then sleeping together might be best.”

“…Sophia-sama, the things you think up…”

“…It can’t be helped. I used that precious lotion he gave me for something like this. I must apologize. Yes, with everything I have, I must.”

“…Sophia-sama really is a genius.”

Sophia and Soleil had such a conversation—but Dorothy would never come to know about it.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter