“…Ugh.”
Where am I? With these iron bars, it must be a prison cell…?
When I opened my eyes, I found myself in an unfamiliar place. It seems like I’m lying down.
Oh, that’s right. I was attacked by assailants while returning to the estate from the academy in a carriage…
“…! Sophia! Is Sophia safe!?”
“Princess! Thank goodness you’re unharmed!”
“Sophia… I’m so relieved you’re okay.”
Hearing a voice behind me, I tried to turn around, but my hands and feet were bound. No, this metallic feeling—it’s shackles.
“Sophia! Are you hurt!?”
Twisting my body to turn around, I saw Sophia similarly bound with shackles. Blood trickled from her mouth.
“Wait! I’ll heal you with magic right away… Huh? I can’t use magic!”
“It’s just a minor injury; I’m fine. But it seems you can’t use magic either, Princess. It’s likely because of these shackles.”
Just as Sophia said, when I try to use magic, I feel the energy drain from my hands.
Could it be… magic suppression rings!?
Magic suppression rings—devices that render magic users unable to perform magic. They’re supposed to be a cutting-edge development at the National Academy of Magic Research. How did these attackers get their hands on them?
“Damn it, to think I allowed the princess to be taken like this…”
“Don’t blame yourself. Are the other guards safe?”
“I don’t know. They’re all stronger than me, but it seems the enemy is highly skilled.”
“Heh, seems like you understand the situation well.”
“!? Who’s there!?”
Suddenly, light poured into the dim cell. Several people entered the room.
“Finally awake, are we? Apologies for inviting you to such a filthy place, Princess Eliza of the Kingdom of Bauns.”
A man in his 30s with a large scar on his cheek smirked at me from the front of the group.
“If you’re truly sorry, could you release me from here immediately?”
“As expected of the third princess of this country. Even in such circumstances, you remain composed. However, I must ask for your patience for a few more days, until we can make a small request of your father.”
“I don’t know what you plan to demand of my father, but I have two elder brothers. I’m sure I’ll be abandoned, and your efforts will be futile.”
I have two older brothers. Their succession rights outrank mine, and Father will surely abandon me rather than yield to their demands.
“No, I’m certain your father will grant our wish. After all, the king is renowned for being a loving father.”
It’s frustrating, but they must have a plan if they’ve gone to such lengths to orchestrate this.
“Now then, to make it easier for His Majesty to decide, we would like you to write a letter in your own hand.”
“…………”
“You scum! If you so much as lay a finger on the princess, I’ll never forgive you!”
“Sophia, stop!”
“…Hey.”
“Yes, sir.”
Whack.
“Gah!”
“Please, stop this!”
Sophia, who had stepped forward to protect me, was violently kicked by one of the men.
“You’re so kind, Princess Eliza. Protecting even a mere maid, though she’s your childhood friend. Hey.”
“Yes, sir!”
Rip.
“Ahh!”
“Sophia!”
The assailant tore Sophia’s maid outfit.
“Heh, what a cute scream. Where did that bravery from earlier go?”
“Wow, for a kid, she’s got quite the body.”
The surrounding men circled Sophia.
“Now then, Princess Eliza. Surely, as her cherished childhood friend, you wouldn’t want to see her reduced to a wreck before your very eyes. Would you consider writing that letter to the king as we’ve requested?”
“…I understand. I’ll comply with your demands. But if you harm Sophia further, I’ll bite my tongue and die. That wouldn’t be in your best interest, would it?”
Having Sophia here with me is likely their leverage.
She’s not just my maid and bodyguard but also my precious childhood friend. As long as they hold her life over me, I have no choice but to obey.
“Thank you for your quick decision. As long as you cooperate, we promise not to harm either of you further.”
“…Very well.”
That promise only lasts until their negotiations with Father are complete. These attackers have shown us their faces.
They likely intend to kill us once we’re no longer useful. Even so, all I can do now is wait for Father to send help.
“Ugh…”
“Sophia, I’m fine. Please don’t cry anymore.”
Following their orders, I wrote a letter to Father, informing him of my safety and begging him to meet their demands.
“I failed to protect you as your guard, Princess, and now you’re forced to comply to protect me…”
“It’s okay. Just having you alive makes me happy. Don’t worry. We’ll be rescued. Let’s wait for help from Father.”
“…I’m so sorry.”
Even as I said those words, I knew the chances were slim. Such meticulous attackers wouldn’t leave any trace of this location.
I need to find a way to save Sophia, at least…
Clack, clack, clack.
“…!”
The sound of footsteps descended the stairs to the dungeon. There were no sounds of a struggle—this wasn’t a rescue.
Perhaps Father had yielded to their demands, and now we were no longer needed. My body trembled slightly at the thought.
“Hmm, it seems you’re both safe.”
Standing before the cell was none other than Professor Geek, the temporary instructor of defensive magic.
