55 - Repeated Trysts
Surprisingly, Ray frequently visited Princess Ekaterina's room deep within the castle. How he managed to enter a place so heavily fortified against intruders was a mystery. Princess Ekaterina had asked Ray about it once, but naturally, he gave no answer. There was no way Ray would reveal his hand.
Thus, Ray's revenge continued without anyone to obstruct him, and nearly a month had already passed.
"Ngh... nn... ah..."
Princess Ekaterina's body, which had been engaged in relations with Ray almost every night, was gradually changing into that of an adult woman. Out of embarrassment, she tried her best to stifle her moans, but Ray would not allow it.
"Are you feeling it?"
"Ngh... d-don't say it..."
"Are you feeling it even while being violated?"
"...P-please, i-it's embarrassing. Ngh, n-ah!"
Princess Ekaterina moaned in response to Ray's words. Though the two still looked youthful in appearance, if one heard only the sounds during their acts, they were well beyond adults.
"Are you still a princess? To let out moans of pleasure while being violated."
"N-no... d-don't say it..."
In truth, Ray was also considerably embarrassed, but while maid play was a no-go, Princess Ekaterina showed a significant reaction to shame play. Her white skin flushed pink with embarrassment, exuding an indescribable sex appeal. Though she repeatedly said it was embarrassing, her body's reactions became increasingly sensitive.
Since this aligned with the direction of the revenge Ray envisioned, he could not stop. Even putting revenge aside, he found himself unable to stop, though Ray would never admit this.
"Is it my words that are embarrassing?"
"Eh?"
"Is it not embarrassing to be violated in front of someone watching?"
"...D-don't look."
Beside them as they performed this act, Miria lay rolled on the floor, her hands and feet bound and a gag in her mouth. Though her eyes were closed, she could hear every word of their conversation. In this revenge, the one who was truly suffering was actually Miria.
"That's not it, is it? You're happy to be watched, aren't you?"
"T-that's not true."
"Liar. As proof..."
Ray's movements became more intense. Princess Ekaterina reacted sensitively to those movements. Setting aside her status as a princess, if one considered only this moment, this was undoubtedly not revenge, but a reward.
Princess Ekaterina's moans gradually grew louder. She clung to Ray with a strength that caused even Ray, who had a well-trained body, to feel pain.
"Ngh... ah... aah!"
Then, she suddenly went limp. She lay exhausted, her breathing ragged.
"You..."
"..."
"...I'm going to keep going."
"Ah... n-no... ah, a-again..."
The heartbreaking moans aroused Ray as well. Princess Ekaterina clung tightly to him. Hearing the moans in his ear, Ray felt a vividness he hadn't noticed until now and reached his peak all at once.
"Ah..."
"D-don't move."
"Why?"
"...Just stay like this for a while."
Princess Ekaterina clung to Ray firmly, refusing to let go. It was so poignant that it made him feel pathetic for feeling that way.
(You really are something)
As expected, someone was complaining in his mind. The one who had been the other Ray, and who now bore the name Kamui.
(I know. It's about time to call it quits)
(Well, to be honest, I can see why. That level of devotion is unlike the princess I knew. This is exactly what they call a tsundere)
(That's why it's over. Honestly, she's an obstacle to my revenge. I was supposed to hate her that much, but before I knew it, my heart has softened again)
(Then why not just kidnap her and take her away?)
(...That's also weakness. I can't carry out revenge against a country while seeking someone to support me)
(True enough)
Ray had long since realized his own feelings—that he could not hate her as much as he tried. Moreover, after realizing from Princess Ekaterina's reaction that the matter of the sword had been a misunderstanding, he could no longer fully commit to being an avenger.
That was exactly why Ray had to leave Princess Ekaterina. Ray's enemies were far too powerful, and they were opponents who would not forgive even the slightest weakness.
"...I'll end the revenge with this."
"Eh?"
Princess Ekaterina looked surprised. There was no hint of joy in her expression.
"So, this is the end."
"...No."
"The fact that you say those words means my revenge is complete."
"I haven't been hurt in the slightest."
"There's no need to be hurt. It's as I told you before. If you forget your status as a princess and become obsessed with your relationship with me, then my goal will have been achieved."
"...I haven't become obsessed."
"It's useless no matter what you say. I've already decided."
Only when the revenge ended did Princess Ekaterina become hurt in the true sense. What was painful for the current Princess Ekaterina was the thought of no longer being able to see Ray.
"...What do you plan to do from now on?"
"The revenge has only just begun."
"And what will you do when that's over?"
"I'll be dead before it ends."
"What if you're alive?"
"I'll think about it then. There's no point in thinking about it now."
"...I have a request."
"I have no obligation to listen to it."
"Just listen."
"...What?"
Even while maintaining a cold attitude, he ended up listening in the end. In his mind, the existence that was not Ray let out an exaggerated sigh.
"One last time, show me that you can make me truly obsessed. To the point where I forget everything."
"Hah?"
"I'll do anything. Not only what other women do, but even more than that. I'll do every obscene thing to the point where I can no longer call myself a princess, and I'll fall to whatever place you desire."
"...Uh."
Ray was bewildered by the lines, which sounded like something he had heard somewhere before. It was true that making Princess Ekaterina go mad with lust was his revenge, but he had never imagined such words would actually come from her mouth.
In the end, Ray himself, who claimed he wanted her to forget she was a princess, continued to see her as a princess. If he looked at her as a woman instead, he would realize these words came from jealousy toward Cecil. Probably...
"Not now. And not here. I want it to be a place for the first time. There, we won't have to worry about anything."
"...Fine. When?"
"The morning after tomorrow. I'll leave the castle at sunrise."
"Sunrise... understood."
He didn't entirely ignore the possibility of a trap, but Ray somehow felt it wasn't one. That was a sign of weakness, but Ray was more afraid of the desperate intensity in Princess Ekaterina's demeanor than he was of a trap.
For now, he decided to eat something nourishing tomorrow evening.
◇◇◇
The day of the Hero's party's departure drew near. The army's preparations were complete. Events such as the send-off party were already over, and all that remained was to wait for the day.
Once they left the royal capital, the Heroes would not return until the war with the Demon King's army ended. A dinner party to lament their brief parting was held, hosted by Prince Neil.
Many knew that the Heroes had distanced themselves from Princess Ekaterina and leaned toward Prince Neil. They also knew that Prince Neil hosting a party for the Heroes was a way to make that fact even more apparent.
The dinner party was attended by the kingdom's influential figures, led by the King. There was someone who arrived late to this dinner party attended by the King.
"Father, I apologize for being late."
Seeing Princess Ekaterina enter through the door, many attendees wore expressions of surprise. Princess Ekaterina, who had hardly appeared in public recently, had shown up at a dinner party hosted by Prince Neil, with whom she had a complicated history. Such a reaction was natural.
Princess Ekaterina sat in an empty seat, seemingly completely unbothered by the surrounding atmosphere. The servers were the ones panicking, hurriedly preparing a meal for her.
"Ekaterina. I haven't seen your face lately, but you seem well?"
"Father, even if you say that, I don't recall having been ill."
"That is true, but..."
The King attempted to ease the tension in the room caused by Princess Ekaterina's appearance, but it didn't seem to be working. Furthermore, there was someone who made a comment that only heightened the tension.
"Sister, your attire today is quite plain, isn't it?"
"Oh. Is it?"
"Even if it's not an official occasion, this is a send-off for the Heroes, so you should have worn a more glamorous dress."
Prince Neil made no effort to hide his hostility toward Princess Ekaterina. He likely intended to leave no opening that could threaten his superior position.
"A war where some will die is not something to be joyful about. If I were to appear before everyone in a glamorous dress, it would be when everyone has returned safely."
"...Is it appropriate to speak of such ominous things?"
"My words are ominous? Then what should I say?"
"You should say words praying for victory."
"I'll leave that to you. Now, the toast."
While the two were exchanging words, Princess Ekaterina's meal was prepared. Holding her glass, she prompted Prince Neil to lead the toast.
"...That has already been done."
"Oh, really? Then I shall offer the prayer I desire."
Princess Ekaterina raised her glass slightly, whispered something softly, and slowly let the wine flow into her mouth.
"...What did you pray for?"
"Is this the kind of thing one tells others?"
"If it's something you don't wish to say, that is fine."
"It's not that serious. I simply prayed for the safety of someone precious to me."
"Someone precious?"
"That is not something I need to tell you."
"...I am worried. I fear that Sister has once again harbored feelings unbecoming of royalty."
"Such worry is unnecessary."
"I hope that is the case."
Prince Neil was persistent. He was trying to thoroughly demean Princess Ekaterina by treating her relationship with Ray as a fact, unaware that it was now completely meaningless.
"Thank you for worrying. But my affairs don't matter, so worry about yourself."
"I... not particularly."
"You are the next King. For someone like you, not even the slightest scandal can be permitted."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I've become a bit tired. If possible, I'd like to live a quiet life in some peaceful place."
Without answering Prince Neil's question, Princess Ekaterina changed the subject.
"...Are you serious?"
"I am. Say, Father. Is there any good place?"
"Are you serious?"
The words from the King's mouth were the same as Prince Neil's. The King knew she no longer had any interest in the succession, but he hadn't imagined her feelings went this far.
"Am I saying something that strange?"
"No, it's not that."
"Then won't you consider it seriously?"
"That is..."
Even if asked, it wasn't something he could answer immediately.
"Why not simply marry into another family?"
In place of the hesitating King, Prince Neil made an outrageous proposal. It wasn't a whim. It was something he had considered in order to completely cast Princess Ekaterina aside.
"That's impossible."
"Why? You are destined to marry eventually."
"No one would want a woman who had an extraordinary relationship with a slave as their wife."
"What!?"
Prince Neil was stunned by the statement. He never imagined Princess Ekaterina would admit her relationship with Ray with her own mouth. On the contrary, he had thought it was merely false information used to demean her, and that no such fact existed. The King felt the same.
"E-Ekaterina? What are you saying?"
"What do you mean 'what'? That's how things are supposed to be."
"No, but that was just a rumor."
"Even if it's just a rumor, it's fatal for royalty. Do you think other countries would desire a marriage proposal with me after knowing this?"
"That can be handled."
"By forcing them to obey with the kingdom's power? Then our country would be at a disadvantage toward the other nation. Would such a marriage have any meaning?"
"...That may be so, but."
"Father, enough about me. If possible, I'm even thinking of discarding my status as a princess and living quietly."
"Why go that far?"
"For the sake of the kingdom. You should leave my scandals alone and concentrate on protecting Neil."
"...Protecting Neil?"
Completely unexpected words came from Princess Ekaterina's mouth. The King felt something suspicious about these words. However, if he felt that, he should have simply followed that feeling and ended the conversation.
"Strange scandals are circulating about Neil as well."
"What?"
"They're so far-fetched that I don't think they'll spread, though."
"What are they?"
"That Neil and the Captain of the Royal Guard are in a pederastic relationship. Isn't that too far-fetched?"
"That is again..."
Rumors of Prince Neil's pederasty had existed for some time. However, this was the first time the King had heard that the Captain of the Royal Guard was the partner. He intended to laugh it off, thinking it was impossible, but he stopped when he noticed the Captain of the Royal Guard's expression change.
"It's a ridiculous story, isn't it? But, Father, I think it's better not to take it too lightly."
"...And why is that?"
"There's more to this rumor. That the Captain of the Royal Guard is engaging in evil deeds to make his beloved Neil the King. Oh, there was this too. That the Captain is plotting various things, thinking he can seize absolute power if Neil becomes King."
"Are the rumors that specific?"
By this point, even the King realized something was wrong. Why had Princess Ekaterina suddenly appeared here and started talking about this?
"Yes. I heard this rumor too. That the masterminds behind the attack on me were Neil and the Captain of the Royal Guard."
"...How did it come to that?"
"The Hero, who learned of the slums' existence from a certain person, planned to give charity to the underprivileged. But they couldn't do anything on their own. So they consulted Neil. To perform the charity together. Well, they wanted money."
"Hmm. And?"
The King glanced at the Heroes for a brief moment. Princess Ekaterina's story was not a lie. He could tell by their reactions.
"Neil agreed to the financial support. But he hated the idea of accompanying them. It's the slums, after all. Normally, no one would want to go. So he decided to push the unpleasant role onto me."
"...Why would he do such a thing?"
"I cannot direct a heart of mercy toward the residents of the slums, just as he cannot. I thought they would hate even speaking with me. Thus, the Heroes would believe I was a narrow-minded person, just as someone had whispered to them. That was the idea."
"Lies! Don't speak nonsense!"
"Neil! Be quiet!"
Prince Neil, who tried to stop Ekaterina's story, was instead silenced by the King. Prince Neil's panicked state made the King believe Princess Ekaterina's words were true.
"Ekaterina, continue."
"...Yes. In case things didn't go well, they also prepared people to provoke me. Those were the ones who shouted at me."
"...And?"
"Behind Neil's intention to simply lower my reputation, there was someone who wouldn't let things end there. That person used people they kept for dirty work to attempt my assassination. The result is as you know, Father."
"Are you saying that is the truth of the attack?"
"No. It's just gossip."
"Who did you hear it from?"
"It's a rumor. It just naturally reached my ears."
"Don't lie!"
There was no way such a specific rumor existed. This rumor was built on facts known to few within the castle. As far as the King knew, the only people who could construct such a rumor were the kingdom's heavyweights present here, and one other person.
"...Are you here?"
"Yes."
At the King's call, the Head of Intelligence immediately appeared. It was a reaction typical of a spy.
"Fast. Did something happen?"
It couldn't always be like this. If the Head of Intelligence were always stuck to the King's side, he wouldn't be able to do his job as the head of the intelligence department.
"There was something I had to report."
"I'll hear that later. Now we are talking about rumors."
"No, the report first."
Contrary to the King's wish, the Head of Intelligence urged that the report take priority.
"...Then I shall hear it."
For the Head of Intelligence to do this meant the report was extremely important. The King could not ignore the suggestion.
"The jailers of the dungeon have gone missing."
"What do you mean?"
To the King, jailers were mere extras. He wondered why the Head of Intelligence was rushing such a report.
"It is not just one or two. By my count, roughly five."
"...Any commonalities?"
"There is no definitive proof, but it is believed to be those who committed violence against a woman of the Demon Race."
"...Could it be? Is that what happened?"
"Again, there is no definitive proof. However..."
The Head of Intelligence stopped speaking just as he cast a glance toward Princess Ekaterina.
"However, what?"
Unable to bear it, the King immediately urged him to continue.
"...It seems Her Highness the Princess has stopped wearing mourning clothes."
"Ekaterina!?"
The King understood the exact meaning of the Head of Intelligence's words. Ekaterina stopped wearing mourning clothes because there was no longer a need. In other words, Kamui was alive, and Ekaterina knew it.
Unbothered by the King calling her name in panic, Ekaterina smiled radiantly. It was a smile of an adult woman, one the King had never seen before.
"Father. Please think carefully about the matter of my seclusion, alright?"
Without answering anything the King wanted to know, Ekaterina said only this and attempted to leave the scene.
"Wait! Ekaterina!"
"I'm sorry. It seems I'm feeling a bit unwell after all. I shall take my leave."
"Ekaterina!"
Regardless of the King's words to stop her, Ekaterina left the banquet. Leaving behind only an indescribable dark shadow over the people who remained.