It's Not Like I Want to Play the Role of a Misunderstood, Good-for-Nothing Prince in a Villainess Story! - Chapter 53 - Even If I Jam My Finger, I'll Protect Misty

Why are Claudia father and daughter here?

I’m sure school is closed today, but what’s Misty here for? I tilted my head inwardly, but let me greet them for now.

“Why, if it isn’t Marquis Red Claudia. I’m glad to see Misty looking well too.”

After my greeting, I glanced at Count Tufal and then tapped the arm of the frozen Tarsen.

Tarsen coughed once with an “ahem,” then bowed deeply.

“A pleasure to meet you. We will be heading to state-owned land near Count Tufal’s territory for an investigation. I am Tarsen of the Royal Capital Knights. Additionally, Prince Zeke here is accompanying us as support.”

“Mm, I appreciate it. And it’s been a while, Prince Zeke.”

“Yes, it’s been a while, Count Tufal.”

I bowed politely.

“Hm? Count. What’s this about an investigation?”

“Yes, by His Majesty’s command, they’ll be investigating the nearby state-owned land. The forest has been rather noisy.”

“I see.”

As Marquis Red Claudia nodded in understanding at the explanation, Misty suddenly stood up.

“What is it, Misty?”

“Father, I have a request.”

****

After glancing at me for just a moment, Misty stared at Tarsen as if glaring at him.

“Why, if it isn’t Lady Misty. It’s been a while.”

“Hmph. You’ve grown quite large. Do you remember us?”

“Of course. Garim-san and Debut-san. I look forward to working with you.”

Misty ended up joining the investigation party.

To explain, I need to rewind a bit.

*****

“Father, please let me accompany them.”

Misty requested from her father to accompany us.

“No, but this is not a leisure trip, you know? Besides, there’s a lord sleeping deep in the mountains beyond that forest…”

“I understand the danger. But I can use magic too.”

Eh, did he just say lord? Nushi? I haven’t heard about anything like that.

I tugged on his sleeve, but Tarsen’s eyes were darting busily between the Claudia father-daughter, and Count Tufal.

“However, in that dress—”

“We can just get clothes in this town, can’t we? I don’t need expensive clothes to enter the forest, and what I have on hand should be enough.”

“However, even with the Royal Capital Knights and Prince Zeke present…”

“That’s right. If anything were to happen to your person…”

Not only Marquis Red but even Count Tufal was trying to stop her.

What’s this about a lord?

“If anything happens, the Marquis and Count will blame me…”

No good. Tarsen started muttering to himself with vacant eyes.

Indeed, if by some chance Misty got injured, it would become Tarsen’s responsibility.

But I wonder why he’s not considering what would happen if I got injured.

I don’t think Father would blame him though. When it comes to me, it feels like self-responsibility.

Still, will this be okay?

Honestly, I’m also anxious about Misty going to the forest.

Or rather, why does Misty want to go to the forest in the first place?

Sightseeing? But I’m here, and you don’t really like me, do you?

“It’s fine. In case of emergency, Zeke-sama will protect me. You will protect me, right?”

“O-of course.”

I’ll protect you. Even if a monster tears off my right arm in the worst case, I’ll protect you to the end.

…Actually, that sounds painful, so let’s say even if I jam my finger in the worst case, I’ll protect you to the end.

“Tarsen-dono, may I accompany you as well?”

“Eh! Eh?! No. But… no, um…”

Tarsen looked back and forth between me, the exasperated Marquis Red, and Count Tufal with a troubled expression…

“I-I will follow everyone’s decision.”

That’s all he said.

Well, Tarsen doesn’t have decision-making authority here, so it can’t be helped.

******

“How is this?”

“Mm, that should be good.”

“Hmph. It suits you well.”

Misty, who had changed into easier-to-move-in clothes in town, was now in a mage look equipped with a robe and staff instead of a dress.

She’s no longer dressed as a noble, but she’s still cute.

“However, what shall we do about horses? We only brought enough horses for our group.”

“Naturally, I will ride on Zeke-sama’s back. Is that acceptable?”

“Ah, yes. That’s… fine.”

And so, Misty rode behind me.

She awkwardly reached her hands around my stomach.

I’m really bothered by how much her hands are trembling. Does she really not want to?

Misty wouldn’t even make eye contact with me at the mansion either.

“Um… if you don’t like being on the same horse as me, you could ride with Garim or Debut instead.”

“No! I want to be behind Zeke-sama!”

“O-okay, I understand.”

She eagerly insisted she wanted to be at the back.

If she says that, I can’t force anything else.

“Or does Zeke-sama dislike me riding behind him?”

“Of course not!”

There’s no way that’s the case.

If Misty doesn’t mind, I want to be near her all the time, yeah.

As we were talking, Debut and Garim approached.

“Lady Misty, holding on like that is dangerous. Horses shake more than you’d expect, and you’ll fall off the back.”

“Hmph. Please hold onto Zeke-sama more firmly. Even with us around, it would be a catastrophe if you were to fall.”

“I-I understand. Then, Zeke-sama, pardon me.”

“Please do.”

I found myself being tightly embraced by Misty.

Something large and soft pressed against my back… no, focus. I shouldn’t think impure thoughts.

First thought, Father’s face. Second thought, Mother’s face. Third thought, Tigos’…

Good, it subsided.

I’m going to protect Misty. Let me seriously eliminate these wicked thoughts.

“Well then, let’s go.”

As Count Tufal and Marquis Red came out to the gate to see us off, we headed toward the forest.