I Will Try to Save My Dad - Chapter 150

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 150

That night, Sir Shylo slipped into the room where Theon was staying.
“You really did obtain it.”
Sir Shylo accepted the permission letter bearing Count Trabel’s family seal with an expression of surprise.
Today he wore warm clothing, even an overcoat. Though he’d dressed in black to infiltrate the Mansion secretly.
“Did Count Trabel grant this betrothal knowing that Theon is the Crown Prince?”
“Well… it seems he’s beginning to suspect.”
Count Trabel must have launched an investigation into Theon’s origins from the day he signed the permission letter. Among the knights who came as escorts this time, there were surely people Grandfather sent to dig deeper.
“I see. On the way here, I encountered someone displaying suspicious behavior around the Mansion grounds and rendered them unconscious. They may well be one of Count Trabel’s people.”
“Did they see your face?”
“No, Your Highness. I struck from behind, so they won’t even know who attacked them when morning comes.”
After responding to Theon, Sir Shylo turned to me.
“Then I shall report this well to Her Majesty. I also intend to include a report that Count Trabel still does not know Theon is the Crown Prince.”
“Yes, don’t worry about the Trabel Family side. It may become troublesome later, but we can resolve it internally. There will be no disgrace to the Igselona Royal Family.”
“….”
At my words, Sir Shylo tilted his head in confusion.
“Did I say something strange?”
“No. It’s just that you seem different from the rumors… but may I ask why the two of you are positioned so closely together?”
Sir Shylo looked between Theon and me with a puzzled expression, clearly curious about why we were holding hands and standing so near. I withdrew the hand clasped with Theon’s behind my back and answered with feigned innocence.
“Well, we’re more intimate than mere friends.”
“….”
“…I see.”
At my response, Sir Shylo nodded with a reluctant expression. Though our appearance seemed odd, his face clearly showed his reluctance to intrude on someone else’s romantic affairs. Theon gave Sir Shylo a quiet shake of his head, signaling him not to ask further.
“Is your business concluded? You should go now.”
“Yes. I shall see you at the Imperial Palace tomorrow.”
Theon’s announcement as Crown Prince would come in three days, but he was scheduled to enter the Imperial Palace tomorrow. The pretext was to receive treatment befitting a distinguished guest, and the real reason was to give Theon the time he needed to prepare for the Crown Prince announcement.
‘I wish Sherry and Anne could have come along. They were even disappointed about missing the chance to see the Imperial Palace.’
But outside the Trabel Estate was dangerous. With such significant developments unfolding, there was no telling what anyone might attempt or where. The two of them were better off remaining at the Trabel Estate with Grandfather.
“Sir Shylo, take care on your way, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“….”
Though I’d said our business was finished and even bid him farewell, Sir Shylo’s feet didn’t move. Wondering what was wrong, I looked at him, and our eyes met.
“I…”
He seemed to have something to say.
Oh no. Did he notice? I pushed the hand clasped with Theon’s further behind my back and pressed my arm firmly against his.
‘Ugh. It’s probably gotten on my wrist too.’
Theon and I were in an extremely awkward situation right now. Due to a small accident, Burdbell’s sticky substance had become firmly lodged between our palms.
I could explain the situation, but it would certainly sound like an excuse. For the sake of the Crown Prince image Theon needed to build from this point forward, it was best not to be discovered.
I smiled brightly as if nothing had happened and spoke kindly to Sir Shylo.
“Yes, please go ahead.”
“It’s just that….”
“Don’t worry about it. If you have something to say, just say it.”
Theon’s words seemed to have more effect on Sir Shylo, who served the Igselona Royal Family. Sir Shylo withdrew an item from his winter coat pocket.
“I was wondering if you might not be selling potions today.”
“Potions? You mean the special-purpose potion from last time?”
The potion that granted access to the chameleon beastman’s assimilation ability.
What Sir Shylo had pulled out was a checkbook and a fountain pen.
“I understand that Miss Berry has yet to receive her allowance.”
Customer.
My eyes gleamed.

***

After Sir Shylo left, I remained in Theon’s quarters. It was true that I couldn’t leave even if I wanted to. Through the crack in the door, Theon checked for any presence in the corridor before closing it.
I lowered my voice and asked Theon.
“Theon, are there people moving about?”
“No. But there are knights on the lower floor. It looks like they’re taking shifts on guard duty.”
“Then it’s safer not to go out. I don’t have the ability to muffle my footsteps like you do.”
“I can carry you and move.”
“You’ll carry me?”
“Yes.”
Theon spread one arm as if he could embrace me anytime. His other hand was already holding mine, so I could vividly imagine how I’d be held—either slung over his shoulder like baggage, or awkwardly cradled in one of his arms. Either way, it was certain to be an ungraceful sight.
Should I be carried by Theon and return without the knights noticing, or should I simply remain in Theon’s room?
‘Of course I’d choose the latter!’
Since our hands were already connected, I couldn’t separate from Theon anyway. Only the location would change; the situation of us having to stay together all night remained unchanged.
‘But why was the sticky bomb in my bag?’
I always carried Burdbell’s inventions in the bag I brought with me for emergencies, and the sticky bomb was the last one remaining from when I’d used it to capture Morkan previously.
Yet somehow, a sticky bomb I didn’t even know was in my bag ended up there, and while rummaging through it with the lights off as I waited for Sir Shylo, I mistook it for a round luminescent stone and crushed it.

“Ugh!”
“Berry?!”

Startled by the sticky sensation, I pulled my hand from the bag, and Theon simply held it fast.
Regretting what had already happened wouldn’t change anything. I shook my head at Theon, who was extending one arm toward me.
“No. Let’s just stay like this. After one night, the adhesive will weaken enough that we can separate our hands.”
“…This room won’t have my things, so it’ll be inconvenient.”
“It’s my fault anyway.”
I moved toward the bed Theon used. Standing around felt pointless, and I had no idea when my symptoms might flare up again. The best course was to fall asleep before I could dwell on it. Theon followed my pace and asked.
“Berry, are you sleepy?”
“Yeah.”
I feigned a yawn that never quite came and was heading straight for the bed when Theon held my hand and pulled me back.
“Wait a moment.”
With one hand, he effortlessly lifted the small sofa positioned near the foot of the bed and carried it beside the mattress. Theon helped me onto the bed, then settled himself on the sofa and spoke.
“If you rest your arm on the bed, it won’t be uncomfortable. I’ll sleep here.”
“Why? That would be uncomfortable for you. Let’s sleep together—the bed is so soft. If we place a pillow between us, it’ll feel like we’re sleeping separately anyway. I’m confident I’ll behave.”
“I don’t want to face my teacher’s wrath later. Even if the engagement announcement can be retracted later, the fact that Berry and I slept in the same bed…”
“Th-Theon. The sofa cushions seem a bit thin. Should I add more blankets?”
Imagining Father’s piercing disapproval directed at Theon sent a chill down my spine. Watching me drag over every blanket on the bed, Theon laughed aloud.
“Just one.”
We reached a compromise and attempted sleep. Theon seemed to fall asleep quickly, but my mind remained remarkably alert. Afraid that even the slightest movement of my hand might wake him, I decided to treat my left arm as though it weren’t part of my body at all.
‘This isn’t my arm. I mustn’t move it.’
Even just closing my eyes and thinking proved torturous. Eventually, Theon began staging an entire fashion show inside my mind. The third outfit looked best.
‘Get a grip.’
Opening my eyes seemed the better choice. As I lifted my eyelids, the dim ceiling came into view. Once my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I turned my head slightly to the side. Theon slept soundly, breathing steadily.
‘Three days until the engagement announcement.’
I gazed at Theon for a long moment, then murmured softly. Since he was asleep, I thought I might risk letting a tiny fragment of my true feelings escape.
“Theon… Should we… not retract the engagement?”
Theon answered with his eyes still closed.
“Yeah.”

***

“The Empress has a son?”
Regina, the Empress of the Heishal Empire, her eyes turned fierce.

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