CH 34

「What’s happening out of the blue?」

I asked him with a hostile look in my eyes and a calm demeanor, as if I had no right to question him. Of course, I was angry inside.

「You are under suspicion for a certain incident. Follow me.」

Suspicion of a case.

I looked at the emblem on the knight’s chest and saw the mark of the 4th Unit.

「I will not be asked to follow you on an allegation that I have no knowledge of.」

「There’s no point in playing dumb. You have broken into the jewelry room of the palace of the King’s Brother And Princess, and even stolen from them. Don’t tell me you didn’t know!!」

I would like to shout! That I didn’t know that???

It’s beyond appalling. How dare he accuse me of theft. And he said it out loud. This man, he must be an idiot.

Ryniel-sama told me that my guess was not off in the main, but that he was unsure of the details. I was also told that because of the scandal in the royal palace, the investigation would be carried out under the secret investigation of the 4th Unit. So externally I am supposed to be unaware of the matter, and moreover, do you know what a top secret investigation is when you shout like an idiot about something that hasn’t been made public?

Sure enough, the onlookers who had gathered around whispered,「Oh my god, she’s stealing」and「From Priscilla-sama’s palace…」Furthermore, I even hear「Raul-sama’s fiancee…」and「The rumors were true, weren’t they…」

At the sound of his voice, I noticed the knight’s mouth lift slightly as he shouted loudly.

「You’d be doing yourself a big favor by obeying.」

He looked down at me with a triumphant expression, his face laced with amusement.

I see. Despite being a top-secret investigation, this statement in such a public place means that he deliberately targeted me in order to trick me.

Hoh, I’ll gladly buy that fight.

I shake my head slightly to signify to Douglas-sama, who approaches me with a sideways glance, that he doesn’t need to interfere. I know that he would have my best intentions with this one, as we have known each other for many years.

I look over at the knight who is trying to intimidate me with a defeated smile.

「Does that mean it is mandatory rather than voluntary?」

「You should just shut up and do what I tell you!」

Why should I shut up and do what you say?

「I refuse.」

With a snap, he retort.

「You have no right of veto.」

That’s not true. Who the hell do you think you are?

「If you want me to cooperate with you, but you treat me like a criminal, you must be prepared to do so.」

「What kind of determination does it take to bring in a lady-in-waiting like you? Don’t make me laugh.」

The man snickers, but I’d like to laugh back.

It is true that I am a lady-in-waiting. But I am the Queen’s first lady-in-waiting and a high ranking lady-in-waiting. A single knight, who isn’t in a position to do so, has no right to be called『as if』or to be ordered to do so from above. Only Her Highness the Queen can give me orders. I have the right to refuse any order other than hers. That’s what『with the Queen』means, fool. Can’t you even understand that, you man?

「If you say so, may I assume that you have solid evidence that makes it impossible for me to escape?」

There is, isn’t there? There is evidence that you’re not being gullible. Otherwise, it would be impossible for them to take me in by force, so there is no way I can be strong-armed.

「Obviously!」

Hmph, what kind of evidence would be there? Well, I am sure it is a fabrication, but if you are so confident, let’s see the evidence.

「If so, that solid evidence will make me a sinner. May I take that as the consensus of the 4th Kingsguard Unit?」

That means the entire unit will be held accountable. Please answer with a clear understanding.

「Very. This is the consensus of the 4th Unit!!」

The knight behind the man who answered firmly showed his dismay,「Hey, what are you spouting out on your own?」

Hahha—ahn. I knew these guys were acting on their own. I had thought that they might be, but from the dismay of the three people behind me, it was obvious that the man in the leadership position didn’t have the authority to make decisions. And I’ve never seen him before. He’s probably the son of a count or above, but he’s probably new to the knighthood, judging by his pompous demeanor.

But now that he had said it, he can’t take it back. Because everyone here is listening, so it’s useless now.

「Understood. If you insist, I will accompany you.」

My words caused a stir around us.

「But I am not accompanying you as a sinner. Remember, I am here to prove my innocence.」

There are those who seem to think that I have admitted guilt, but I don’t want to be misunderstood.

「And when it is proven, you will of course take the appropriate responsibility. Very well, Esteemed Captain of the 4th Unit!」

I turn around and say to Raul, who has arrived belatedly. I won’t wait for your answer, and of course I won’t make you say whether or not you want to.

「Hol…!」～「You have heard it from all of you here. When I am exonerated, the commander of the 4th Unit and the 4th Unit will be held accountable. You are all witnesses to that.」

I interrupted Raul’s attempt to speak up and looked around, raising my voice. Some looked puzzled, others nodded firmly, and still others looked interested.

「I understand. If you are found to be falsely accused in this matter, the Commander of the Kingsguard, Douglas Warren, will be responsible for the appropriate disciplinary action.」

I knew you would say that, my self-proclaimed big brother. Now he can’t take it back anymore, can he? Serves you right!

It’s your own fault for being slow and lazy, while Douglas-sama was quick to arrive. Furthermore, you should hate yourself for not being able to control your subordinates.

「I will not run and hide. Now, let’s get going.」

What kind of evidence will you provide? I will debunk everything and show you. I will make them regret their attempts to pin the blame on me.

Ah— I’m looking forward to it—（Angry）!!!