What If the Strongest Villain from the Original Story Became the Protagonist's Ally? - Chapter 68 - Birthday Festival, and Fool

Because Lycoris said unnecessary things, I was thoroughly grilled by Iris.

I was also forced to participate in training, fighting against Team Lycoris & Iris, and then Nana joined in too, making it intense.

Because I did intense exercise before even eating breakfast, I was exhausted both mentally and physically.

I returned to my room and collapsed on the bed.

“Papa, you’re tired.”

“Thanks to you guys~ I don’t want to move for a while.”

“Resting is fine, but the birthday festival is coming soon. A big event is coming.”

“Ah… come to think of it, there was such a thing.”

I was interested in Iris but not in Iris’s father.

Besides, the criminals wouldn’t appear until the day of the event, so I’d completely forgotten.

I got up from the bed and seriously thought about the day itself.

“Nana, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Talk? What?”

“On the day of the birthday festival, I’ll be acting separately. We’ll enjoy the festival together at first, but trouble will probably break out, so then we’ll act separately.”

“What about me?”

“I want you to guard Iris. Considering the worst case, I want to assign you to her.”

“I understand. It’s disappointing that I can’t be with Papa, but I know it’s important.”

“As expected of my daughter.”

So wise and helpful.

With just Iris, there was a possibility she could die at worst, but if Nana joined her, it would be ironclad.

At least, even if problems arose, she could buy time until I rushed over.

“But why does Papa know such things? It’s like you know the future.”

“Hmm… actually, I got tangled up with some weird guys recently.”

“Weird guys?”

“Yeah. A group of four like a costume party. They stole the murderer from me. So they’ll probably make their move at the birthday festival. If my prediction is right.”

“I don’t really understand, but when did Papa catch a murderer?”

“Ah, that part first?”

Come to think of it, I hadn’t told Iris this story either.

If she knew I fought Jack, she’d probably worry.

“That murderer suddenly attacked me too. When I knocked him unconscious, the weird group I mentioned earlier got involved and he escaped. Their target is probably Iris or this town.”

“I see? Papa is going to deal with that?”

“Yeah. And Iris and Nana will probably deal with the monsters attacking from outside the town.”

“Monsters… are attacking?”

“Lots of them will come~ Knights and Iris will subjugate them, so I’m asking you to guard Iris.”

“Mm… understood. But I still don’t get it.”

“Don’t get what?”

“How Papa knows such things.”

“Secret.”

I couldn’t tell this secret even to Nana.

Even if I told her, it wouldn’t mean much.

More importantly.

“More importantly, I’m going to sleep soundly again, so what will Nana do?”

“I’ll explore inside the palace.”

“Nice. I’ll join you later, so take care.”

“Okay~”

Nana hopped down from the bed and left the room.

Seeing her off, I closed my eyelids.

Meeting the criminals, meeting Lycoris, and the birthday festival approaching.

Would I be able to avoid the original story’s tragedy?

With slight anxiety in my chest, I let go of consciousness.

▼△▼

Princess Lycoris had newly joined my and Iris’s training.

After several days of that.

While spending busy days, I—welcomed the day of the birthday festival.

“Are we seriously going around the festival with this group?”

In front of me with half-closed eyes were familiar faces.

First was Iris. I’d ask her for guidance and explanations of the festival.

Next was Nana. She was a guard too, so naturally.

And… Lycoris.

The guest princess would also accompany us.

It was her earnest request.

“Last year I went around with Princess Iris, but we have such a lively group gathered. It would surely be fun if we all went around together!”

“How positive.”

I was terrified of going around with two princesses from different countries.

Both were so strong I didn’t need to protect them.

“For now, Lycoris, how about putting down that great sword you’re carrying?”

“What!?”

“Is that surprising?”

The prepared Lycoris was carrying a massive weapon on her back that exceeded her height.

Thinking normally, it would be in the way, and if a girl carried such a thing, she’d obviously stand out.

It was probably her main weapon, but that didn’t matter. Carry a more normal weapon.

“Consider the surrounding residents too. Also, you’ll stand out. Have some awareness of being royalty…”

“Well said, Yuu-sama! Princess Lycoris always brings this sword… there’s no point in going incognito!”

The maid was earnestly arguing with an incredible expression.

She must have had a hard time… I could easily imagine it.

“Pout. Certainly, what you say is correct, Yuu-san. It can’t be helped. Stella, please bring a normal sword.”

“Understood.”

Lycoris obediently followed my instructions and had the maid change weapons.

Now we could enjoy the festival a bit more normally.

…We could enjoy it, right?