The Invincible Aloof Yandere Princess Falls in Love with Her Younger Court Mage's Fatherly Warmth! ~She Clung to Him So Much That the King Fired Him. When He Made Marriage His Official Reason for Resigning Under Royal Order, the Light Vanished from the Princess's Eyes~ - Volume 2 - Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Anger Followed by Drunkenness

She spat those words at the two of them, her voice ice-cold yet laced with clear displeasure.

“W… Division Commander. Did we do something to offend—”

“Didn’t I just say? People like you, without much real skill, underestimating Al-kun. It’s gone past ridiculous and become unpleasant, that’s what I’m saying…”

“!?”

Whoa, what incredible pressure. Or rather, this was a release of “ki”…

An energy system different from mana, one that even top close-combat specialists can barely use. I thought ki was basically something you wrapped around your body or weapon, but you can release it like mana too.

…No, that’s not the point.

“Um, Suu-san.”

“Hm? What’s wrong, Al-kun?”

She suddenly smiled sweetly. The gap from just before was huge.

“I’m happy you’re looking out for me. But could you forgive the two of them? They probably didn’t mean any harm…”

“…Mmm. If they didn’t mean harm, that makes it even worse, I think. But Al-kun is gentle. Should I correct them gently with my educational fists instead!”

“Um. More importantly, could you stop releasing that ki…? My subordinates look like they’re about to pass out. Ah, see, one’s even foaming at the mouth a little.”

“Ehh! From just this much? They talked big, but they’re pathetic.”

No, no, Suu-san’s pressure is just too overwhelming. …Ah, the ki release stopped.

Right after, my three subordinates took deep breaths as if regaining air.

“Hah! Bwah, hah…! Aaaah…”

“That monstrous pressure just now…! So this is the division commander…”

Yeah. If they can talk, they’re okay.

“Alright, you two. I don’t mind what happened just now… but the people listening around us might not feel the same. So in public, especially during work, please watch what you say and do.”

The looks directed at me were like they were seeing something utterly unknown.

“…You can’t seriously mean you felt nothing from that pressure? I embarrassingly lost my composure. Those rumors, perhaps…”

“No, that’s impossible… It was just coincidence, right…”

They’re giving me weird looks again, but if this makes them a bit more humble and steady in the mission, that’s good.

“…Okay. Then, sorry, but as Suu-san said, could everyone except me leave the room? From here, the commanders will discuss the mission just the two of us.”

“Of course, I’ll explain the mission details thoroughly. …But I’d love to talk more deeply with you, Al-kun… or something. Teehee…”

Wait, stop. It’s totally fine to joke like this as friends, but the timing is bad… Ah, see. The three of them are leaving while staring at us with amazing faces.

“…Not just Her Highness, but the knights’ division commander too. What kind of tricks does he use?”

“…Does my beauty lose to the squad leader? Kuh, no way…”

“H-Hurry up and go… Ah, when I was finally staying quiet like a decoration. I need to get out of this terrifying place as soon as—”

See, more huge misunderstandings. …While I was thinking that.

“Are you still muttering something? …If you do the same thing in front of me next time, don’t expect to go home in one piece.”

“Eek!”

The three hurried out.

“Don’t scare them too much…”

“Hm, what do you mean, Al-kun! Anyway, let’s eat and chat soon. I have so much I want to talk about—”

“…”

“W-What? Why are you staring like that?”

…The conversation from now on is mission minimum only. This is clearly prepared for a large group.

“Fun chatting can wait until later, okay?”

“No good? Chatting. …Ah, no good, right… Okay…”

And so.

After quickly finishing the mission-related information sharing, we then—

“—So. These are the court mages who came as reinforcements today, everyone from the Call squad. They’re key forces against enemy mages, so let’s welcome them grandly!”

Gathered in the large room were village leaders and knights. Right after Suu-san raised her voice as representative, we were met with loud applause and cheers.

“We’re really troubled by those bandits. Mages, please save our village…!”

“Those hateful bandits who ruin crops, kill our people, and kidnap them!”

“Let’s work together and do our best!”

To those reactions full of expectation, my subordinates except one didn’t look entirely displeased.

“Well, now that we’re here, some wild mages are no big deal. Just relax and leave it to us. Right, Keirens?”

“Yes. We’re the pinnacle of mages in the country. With four of us together, we can completely shut down the bandits’ ugly magic.”

“Hoho, that’s reassuring! Come on, it’s nothing fancy, but enjoy the food and drink we’ve prepared…!”

Ignatz-san and Keirens-san, probably because of what happened earlier, weren’t acting strangely. They were enjoying the offered food and drinks as soon as they got them.

“Hou. This dish is rough but quite tasty… It’s elaborate and colorful in appearance too.”

He started critiquing them. Well, as long as they’re behaving, it’s fine.

With a wry smile, I watched my subordinates at a slightly distant seat when a voice came from beside me.

“—Hey, Al-kun. Having fun?”

“Suu-san.”

“We only talked a tiny bit about the mission earlier. This time, let’s really chat enjoyably.”

After greeting everyone and talking with the village head and others, she came back to the seat next to me that she’d secured.

“Yeah, sure. I was thinking I wanted to talk more about tomorrow and stuff.”

“Mmm. That’s work talk again, isn’t it? …When we finally have a chance for private chatting. But oh well, if it’s talking with Al-kun, anything’s fine.”

Suu-san grumbled somewhat childishly. She’s tall and mature-looking, but when she pouts or flashes a bright smile like this, she’s somehow mysterious.

But yeah. Up until now in the palace, we never had chances for long talks. Once serious stuff is done, chatting about all sorts of things might be nice.

While I was thinking that.

“—Eh? Hey, Al-kuuun! Why aren’t you drinking at aaall!?”

…Getting clingy from the “Shield of the Mane” division commander, totally wasted.

No one could imagine that, right?