I Was Hired by the Black-Minded Prince for My Life's Ransom - Chapter 32

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Episode 32. Sweet and Salty Taste
Time slipped away quickly, and before long, the Festival day had arrived.
The streets of Ruern were abuzz with activity from morning.
Blue fabric stretched between buildings, and shell decorations and glass beads glimmered in the sunlight.
The Harbor was lined with boats in every color, and the scent of the sea mingled with the aroma of sweet foods drifting through the streets.
And I.
“…Wow.”
I stood transfixed before the mirror.
A White Top with Lace, a Water-Blue Skirt that fell softly to my ankles, thin fabric that shimmered delicately with every movement.
It felt similar to my usual clothes, yet utterly different.
Far more elegant, beautiful….
And expensive.
Tremendously so.
“Are you really sure I’m allowed to wear this…?”
As I fiddled with the hem of the skirt, Yurian, who had been leaning back on the sofa behind me, laughed.
“And why shouldn’t you?”
“It looks so expensive….”
“It actually is expensive.”
“Eek.”
I flinched.
I instinctively released the fabric.
I was terrified I might wrinkle it somehow.
Yurian laughed aloud at that.
“Don’t be so tense.”
“But what if I spill something on it?”
“You’ve already soiled it once—what’s the difference?”
“…….”
Wouldn’t that make it worse?
Besides, the price of that dress compared to this one is in a completely different category….
I just worked my lips silently.
Yurian narrowed his eyes and shrugged.
“Then simply be careful this time.”
“Yes….”
I really would have to be careful.
I shouldn’t even eat anything with color in it.
I shifted my gaze away sheepishly.
The real trouble came after that.
“And this as well.”
Thunk.
Yurian set a jewelry box on the table.
Despite the lid being closed, its shimmer leaked through.
“Oh….”
I opened it carefully to find delicately crafted accessories inside.
Pearl Earrings and a Silver Bracelet, even a necklace adorned with a clear sea-blue jewel.
“Brenom sent these.”
“…All of this?”
“She said it was an apology for ruining your dress.”
This wasn’t an apology—it was practically a bribe.
I shook my head, tears welling up.
“I can’t accept this, I really can’t.”
Yurian smirked at that.
“Then go try returning it to her.”
“Obviously I should.”
But.
When I sought out Brenom moments later, she spoke with complete indifference.
“They’re nothing but rocks to me anyway.”
“I… but still.”
“I don’t need them. Have you ever seen a pirate gallivanting around in jewelry?”
I couldn’t exactly say I’d seen plenty of them.
I clutched the jewelry box tightly.
Honestly, it’s impressive.
I think I’m starting to fall for her.
“What’s with that expression?”
“Because you’re impressive, Brenom.”
“Impressive? Hah, what nonsense.”
Brenom laughed, closing her eyes.
Over her usual demure image, yesterday’s confident bearing seemed to layer itself anew.
“But you know what? Maybe after today, I really will become impressive.”
She brushed back her chestnut hair and gazed out the window.
“Finally, the time has come.”
Those words lingered oddly in my ears.
* * *
The streets were thronged with people, and we set out in fresh clothes adorned with jewelry, our steps quick with excitement.
I was practically bouncing as I walked.
“Oh wow, did you see that, Your Highness?”
“Yes.”
“Landscapes made from shells—they’re so beautiful.”
“The local character is well preserved. It would serve admirably as a tourism asset.”
“…ugh.”
“Why that reaction?”
“Your Highness, why must you be so utterly bereft of romance?”
How could anyone look at something so lovely and think first of tourism prospects?
My enthusiasm deflated, my shoulders sagging.
Yurian shrugged without concern.
“If one of us must be a fool, the other must work all the harder.”
“…you weren’t just calling me a fool, were you?”
“Correct. Your perception has improved.”
……
That’s so unfair.
I grumbled even as I turned to look around again.
The energy of the Festival was too vibrant to stay upset about.
Blue banners and ornaments carved in the likeness of the Sea God, the bright, crystalline Xylophone Performance of street musicians.
Every face around us glowed with excitement, free from worry or care.
Seeing it all, I found my thoughts returning to something.
“Speaking of which, that person we saw in the warehouse back then—”
“The man who looked like a pirate, you mean?”
“Yes. I’m still amazed he turned out to be an actual pirate.”
“I heard Brenom saved his life.”
“Ah…”
So that’s why he’s so loyal to her.
With a debt of that magnitude, it made sense he would follow her so faithfully.
“Say, would it be all right if I ate that?”
“A wafer?”
“Yes. Sea Salt Cream Wafer, apparently.”
I dashed toward the confectionery stall, eyes gleaming.
“Would you like to try one too, Your Highness?”
“I shall pass.”
“Very well.”
Hehe.
I paid with pocket change and took a full bite of the pristine cream, and bliss burst through me like fireworks.
“This is delicious…”
The tangy salt gave way to the sweetness of milk spreading across my palate.
It was far, far more delicious than I’d expected.
“Won’t you try just one bite, Your Highness?”
“I would prefer not.”
“But it’s really good.”
“Judging by the way you’re eating it with cream all over your face, I can well imagine.”
Oh.
I blinked and felt my face with my fingers.
“Did I get it on me?”
“Yes.”
“Um, where? Here…?”
“…….”
Yurian reached out without a word.
Swish.
Cold fingers traced the corner of my mouth.
“……!”
My heart dropped.
He gazed at the cream smudged on his fingertip with perfect composure, then―
Lick.
He tasted it directly.
A brilliant crimson tongue flicked briefly between his lips before vanishing again.
“Sweet and salty. Quite pleasant.”
“Um… wh-what?”
“Better than I expected.”
What… what… what is this?
My heart hammered against my ribs.
Is it unfair when someone that handsome does something like that? …Isn’t it?
Even knowing he was dangerous, my pulse quickened traitorously, and I spun my head away in panic.
I absolutely didn’t want him to notice what I was thinking.
“B-by the way…!”
“Yes.”
“Are Brenom and Rein all right?”
It was a desperately transparent change of subject.
Thankfully, Yurian accepted it without comment.
“They’re likely preparing, I imagine.”
“I… I had no idea the Handcuffs were for that purpose.”
I mumbled through another wafer.
At the time, I’d thought Rein was being abused—my heart had been racing then too.
“To keep the Marquis from running away, of all things.”
“Handcuffs are remarkably practical tools for such applications.”
“Must you evaluate it so calmly…?”
This frightening prince of theirs, honestly.
Yurian smiled easily and moved forward.
The Festival was splendid, and time swept past.
Between eating, drinking, and browsing countless attractions, evening fell before I knew it.
When I looked up, the Harbor had darkened completely.
“Is it finally beginning?”
“It is.”
Click, click, clack―
Countless lanterns flared to life all at once, flooding the Harbor with light, and crowds surged toward the Central Square.
The evening’s climax was unfolding—the Festival stage dedicated to the Sea God.
Song, dance, instrumental performance, and talent exhibitions of all kinds.
The winner, I was told, receives the Mermaid’s Tear itself.
“What is that?”
“A rare treasure. A jewel, legend has it, left behind by the Sea God for the human he once loved.”
“Wow….”
I wanted it a little.
Though to win it, I’d have to perform on that stage.
“All right, Contestant Number One, take the stage!”
The contest began, and energy filled the platform.
One performer sang, another danced.
A drunken sailor even attempted an Acrobatic Trick and tumbled, earning roaring laughter from the crowd.
Time flowed on, and the competition neared its end.
I scanned the crowd anxiously.
“Why… haven’t they come?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Nothing’s gone wrong, has it?”
Neither Olivia nor Rein appeared anywhere.
It was nearly time to announce the winner.
“Your Highness!”
The pirate man pushed through the crowd and came rushing over.
Cold sweat beaded on his brow, and he gasped for breath.
“Forgive me, but could you spare us a little time?”
“What’s happened?”
“The young lady and the baron are at a standoff. The situation’s grown larger than expected.”
That… that can’t be.
I turned urgently toward Yurian.
“What do we do?”
“How much time do you need?”
“Ten minutes—just ten minutes. I’ll find a way to settle it by then, no matter what.”
Ten minutes.
It was a strange span—long and short all at once.
‘How in the world am I supposed to buy time here?’
I fidgeted, staring at the stage.
The host was already calling up the final contestant.
Then Yurian smiled softly.
“I noticed earlier that they accept walk-in entries at this competition.”
“…Sorry?”
“The deadline is… until it ends, I believe they said.”
What does that…
Why are you telling me this now?
Ice ran down my spine.
Surely not.
“Surely you’re not suggesting…?”
I looked up at him, my eyes trembling.
He broke into a radiant smile.
“You said you wanted to help them, didn’t you?”
“I never said—”
“Go on. Good luck.”
And then I was pushed.
“W-what?!”
By the time I came to my senses, I was already—
“Next up, contestant number 31, Vanillin!”
Standing on the stage.
…So, that meant—
W-what…?

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————