What If the Strongest Villain from the Original Story Became the Protagonist's Ally? - Chapter 60 - Identity, and Obscene Object

“Damn…! Those soldiers…! How many times do they have to arrest me before they’re satisfied?!”

On the way back from my date with Nana, I grumbled complaints against the backdrop of the setting sun.

Just moments ago, soldiers had surrounded me after I got carried away during my date with Nana—that memory was still fresh.

They complained that my mask was suspicious. That my behavior was creepy. On top of that, they added new suspicion that I might be kidnapping Nana, and it took quite a while before I was released.

Halfway through, I thought about blowing them all away, but if Iris heard that I had mowed down the kingdom’s soldiers, she would definitely be angry.

I should be happy that I was released now. No, I wasn’t happy at all. I was stressed.

“There’s never a shortage of incidents when I’m with Papa.”

“Don’t say such unpleasant things, Nana… I’m concerned about it too.”

Being treated as a problem child even by my daughter was complicated in various ways… Should I take off this mask? But I absolutely won’t.

“The problem would be solved if you removed the mask.”

“This is my identity, you know? If I threw it away, I wouldn’t be me anymore.”

“Even though you’re handsome?”

“Precisely because I’m handsome, I hide it. My face stands out.”

“That’s certainly true.”

Not once had any woman I’d met failed to fall for me.

That’s how well-arranged and cool Yuguram’s face was. It was so beautiful that even I, as a man, was captivated by it. Sometimes I looked in the mirror and struck poses.

“That’s why I’ll never take it off. No matter what Iris says!”

“Speaking of which… is that woman, we met today, coming to the palace?”

“That woman?”

“The person Papa bumped into before our date. The Prominent princess?”

“Ah… Lycoris.”

I’d completely forgotten. Come to think of it, she should be at the palace right about now.

That woman didn’t seem like someone you could have reasonable discussions with. She was usually calm and virtuous, but once she went on a rampage, it took time to stop her.

And I was also a landmine for her. That’s why I didn’t want to get involved.

“Lycoris is definitely at the palace. She’s Iris’s friend and came to stay for His Majesty’s birthday festival. It’s a given that her lodging place would be near Iris.”

Anyone would be most comfortable near their friends. Besides, currently, the palace with spare rooms was probably owned by Iris.

Meaning it was also near me.

“Will it be okay? I don’t have confidence I can get along with her.”

“It’ll be fine. We don’t need to guard Iris for a while. If we just spend time lazily in our room, she’ll go home.”

“Endure until then.”

“Exactly.”

As expected of Nana. She understood my feelings. As long as she had me, she never lacked for entertainment. With the two of us, we were invincible even as shut-ins.

“The rest is… praying she doesn’t get involved.”

Nana said something ominous at the end, but for now there was no connection, and I didn’t think she would get involved.

▼△▼

Nana and I returned to the palace after our date ended.

Iris appeared before us.

“—Ah, perfect timing, you two.”

“Hey. I’m back.”

“I’m back.”

“Welcome home. Did you enjoy your date?”

“There was some trouble at the end, but it was fun. Next time let’s go on a date too, Iris.”

“! Y-yes… please take care of me when that time comes.”

Today too, Iris turned bright red and became embarrassed when I teased her. Maybe I was being lovey-dovey with Iris because I wanted to see this face.

Of course, I would go on dates and keep my promises.

“So I have something to discuss with you two.”

“Discussion? Could it be about Lycoris?”

“Yes. It seems you happened to meet her this morning. There was an inquiry about a suspicious person.”

“That brat… so she did call me a suspicious person after all.”

“She is not a brat. Please watch your language. It’s your own fault, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

Well, I was wearing a mask so I was at fault, but there’s no one more virtuous than me, you know? Probably.

“…So about that Lycoris matter, she’ll be staying at this palace from today. I’ve placed her room far from yours, Yuu-san, but there will be several opportunities to meet face to face. Please be very careful not to show your face.”

“Heh. To think I’d get permission from Iris to wear a mask.”

“The situation is what it is. It’s a bitter choice.”

“My mask is a bitter choice?”

That was harsh treatment. Like it was an obscene object.

Even I didn’t have a hobby of walking around outside with my lower half exposed. My mask wasn’t my crotch, but since I hated troublesome things, I obediently followed Iris.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave. I have a promise to eat dinner with Lycoris. …Will you come too, Yuu-san?”

“Is that something to say at the end of the conversation we just had? I’ll pass.”

“Fufu. That’s right. I at least tried to be considerate so Yuu-san wouldn’t be hurt.”

“Your kindness brings tears to my eyes… take care.”

“I’m going.”

We said that and waved to each other as we parted.

Somehow that conversation… felt very much like that. Like partners, that kind of atmosphere was there.