They Say an Age Gap Like This Doesn’t Even Need Matching - Chapter 38

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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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He seemed shocked by the fact that he had slept so deeply he hadn’t even noticed me slipping from his embrace.
I was startled too when my sleeping bag was moved onto the bed that day.
Now that I think about it, Elhart had always been sensitive to subtle movements.
Our mutual wariness had not merely faded—it had completely dissolved into defenselessness.
With Kei around, things should be fine for now, but I’ll need to devise some countermeasures.
“I’m telling you, I won’t disappear without a word.”
I patted his back reassuringly.
Being pressed against his chest muscles made breathing slightly difficult, but I didn’t find it unpleasant.
‘I think I’m becoming addicted to this.’
He was warm, like holding a heated stone.
“Both of you, please step apart. This is not appropriate in the sacred kitchen.”
Kei, holding a kitchen knife, spoke coldly.
I obediently moved away from Elhart.
“This is the Crown Prince’s schedule obtained by the Prince’s intelligence network. It matches our information as well.”
I wished Rick had heard Kei’s praise directly—that he seemed quite capable.
Ever since learning Kei’s true identity, Rick had been gazing at him with admiring eyes.
“We’ll only act on confirmed schedules. For instance, events like the Pope’s welcoming banquet or state dinner that would be immediately known to us if canceled.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“Ser, I want to help with the reconnaissance too.”
“Wouldn’t Your Highness be too conspicuous?”
“I’ve already obtained magical artifacts that obscure presence and Cradian Knight Order uniforms, so there shouldn’t be any major problems.”
After a moment of consideration, I nodded.
“Yes.”
Kei looked at me with concern, but this was a decision I’d made through objective judgment.
“Elhart is a mage’s natural enemy. He can neutralize even high-level magic through force, so he’ll be useful.”
“I… understand.”
Recalling how Elhart had torn off the special restraints that absorbed his mana, Kei acquiesced to my decision.
We spread out the Imperial Palace map and prioritized the suspicious locations.
“This tower also feels suspicious to me.”
“It’s where the Crown Princess is currently confined.”
“Right. It doesn’t quite feel like an ordinary prison.”
“The chapel over there is suspicious as well. The Emperor doesn’t seem particularly devout, yet he visits frequently.”
The Imperial Gardens, which only the imperial family were permitted to enter, also warranted a thorough inspection.
“Tonight, when the banquet begins, Elhart and I will explore this location first.”
I pointed to the tower where the Crown Princess was confined on the map.
“Once the banquet starts, the Crown Prince will need to stay with the Pope for at least an hour.”
“Yes. It’s unavoidable by protocol.”
I nodded.
During that time, his attention will be directed elsewhere.
“Good. Then there shouldn’t be any problems.”
“If you sense any danger, you must retreat immediately.”
Kei spoke with a serious expression.
“Since the Crown Prince’s abilities haven’t been precisely determined, you need to move carefully even if it takes time.”
“I’m not exactly the reckless type, you know.”
“That’s true.”
At Kei’s firm response, Elhart stared at me with wide eyes.
Worry quickly flickered across his gaze.
‘Ah, no… I said it because I can handle it all.’
I deliberately avoided his stare.
I decided to prepare more thoroughly before investigating the Crown Prince’s Palace, which I judged to be the most dangerous.
‘I’m thinking of going alone separately, though…’
If I didn’t go, there was a high chance the Crown Prince would come looking for me, so I had no choice but to make the first move.
Of course, this was a secret from Elhart.
I was concerned he might act impulsively beyond merely worrying.
Though I do believe he’s not such a thoughtless man…
‘Love always becomes a variable, doesn’t it.’
I could tell from how the Crown Prince, who could command me as he wished, let me go several times simply because he didn’t want to be hated by me.
I recalled the look in the Crown Prince’s eyes as he gazed at me.
It was similar yet different from how Elhart looked at me.
I still don’t fully understand that difference.
As long as the Crown Prince is conscious of me, drawing out his reaction won’t be difficult.
‘Elhart went through the trouble of creating a mark for me—I should use it well.’
Let me overturn his composure once more.
Then I’ll be able to understand more clearly.
***
I left the Separate Palace and deliberately chose a secluded outer corridor.
Most of the nobles and stewards would be gathered in the central hall preparing for the banquet.
I wanted to avoid any unnecessary confrontations.
But then….
“Huh? That woman….”
Whispered murmurs drifted to me on the breeze.
“Isn’t that Ser Brin?”
A group who, like me, had deliberately chosen a quiet path.
“There were so many rumors. They say she came from the deposed Crown Prince’s side.”
“That she came as a hostage, or as a bedroom maid….”
“That’s not all. There’s even talk that she’s the Crown Prince’s mistress.”
I intended to pass them by regardless of whether they were picking a fight, but of course, things didn’t go as planned.
“You heard everything we said, didn’t you? Could you tell us which one is correct? We’ve made a wager among ourselves.”
Three young nobles dressed in formal banquet attire blocked my path.
They were polished on the surface, but their demeanor was no different from street rabble.
I laughed lightly.
“Neither of those.”
“With marks like that on your neck?”
One of them pointed brazenly at my neck.
“Then, who did you enjoy yourself with?”
“If you’re not particular, what about us?”
….
I was so taken aback that words failed me.
Whether it was looks or character, these were trash not even worth comparing to Elhart.
Where did they get the audacity to place themselves on the same level as him?
‘Wait.’
As I was considering how to deal with them, my thoughts suddenly shifted. There was something useful in what they’d said.
I took a step toward them.
“You mentioned a wager, didn’t you?”
“Hm?”
They gave a lukewarm response, as if this wasn’t the reaction they’d expected.
I fixed my gaze on the one who seemed to have the loosest tongue.
“I’m curious what reward the winner would receive?”
I didn’t have Cradian gold coins on me.
So, why not squeeze some money out of these bastards?
The three exchanged glances with one another.
“Why would you be curious about that?”
“Well….”
I smiled and pressed down on their shadows.
“Because I want it.”
“…!”
“You dared to wager against me, so you must pay the price. Isn’t that right?”
The demons chuckled from the shadows, seemingly as delighted by toying with these insignificant wretches as I was.
The trembling nobles, their pupils dilated with fear, produced silk pouches from their garments without exception.
I accepted each one and examined its contents, nodding with satisfaction.
“Good. This should suffice for me to overlook the matter.”
Their clothing appeared quite refined, so all three must have been scions of wealthy families.
Each pouch was brimming with gold coins.
‘Gold is always welcome.’
I didn’t know the exact value of Cradian currency, but windfall funds were never unwelcome.
I was chuckling contentedly as I tucked the pouches away when—
“What is this commotion?”
A low, steady voice came from behind me.
I quickly summoned the demons back into the shadows.
‘Perfect timing for an entrance.’
I recognized this man.
The day I first fell into the Cradian Palace, he was the one who eliminated the traitor.
Heron Fritz, Captain of the Cradian Imperial Guard Knight Order.
He didn’t position himself in front of me, nor did he draw his sword against the nobles.
He simply stood to the side and assessed the situation.
“It would be best not to cause disturbances within the Imperial Palace.”
“Your arrival is most timely, Sir Heron. This woman was insisting that she has no connection whatsoever to His Highness the Crown Prince.”
One of the three nobles, suddenly regaining his composure, pointed at me as he spoke.
“Is that true? If so, she is merely a maid from Bardia, after all….”
Heron’s gaze turned glacial.
“Would you dare repeat those words before His Highness?”

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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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