Celebrity Lady

Chapter 97

Chapter 97The translation up to the final chapter (Chapter 158) has been completed; you can purchase them to read in advance. Pledging via Ko-fi for a cheaper bundle is still available. If you're unsure what it is about, please visit our Ko-fi page for details or reach out to us via Discord.

[Sigh...]

Rubette broke the silence with a sigh and explained wearily.

[Daddy, I’ll get straight to the point since you’re busy. Starting today, I’m not actually kidnapped, but it will appear as if I have been. A wicked person intends to kidnap me, and the Crown Prince intervened to prevent that.]

“What?”

[I can’t explain further, but there’s one thing you need to know. Even though my isolation period is over, it’s still dangerous to stay openly in the capital.]

“Did the crown prince say that? Do you trust him?”

[“Yes, I trust him.]

“...”

[You saw how more than ten of our family’s knights were easily defeated by just one person, right? Of course, that person is on my side, but someone with that kind of skill is targeting me.]

“What on earth!?”

Although incomprehensible, it seemed like Rubette wasn’t just making empty claims. Furthermore, a skilled individual who single-handedly subdued ten of their family’s knights...

The reason was unclear, but if individuals of that caliber specifically targeted Rubette, the ducal residence would not be safe.

“Who the hell is targeting you?”

[Well, it’s uncertain yet, so I can’t say. But it won’t take long. I just need to hide for a while, pretending to be kidnapped.]

“Hide?”

[Until the crown prince deals with the bad people. Just wait a little longer, please.]

“If that’s the case, couldn’t he have informed me beforehand? Are you sure the crown prince doesn’t have any other motives?”

[Oh, the crown prince wanted to apologize for that. He said if he had told you in advance, you wouldn’t have believed him and wouldn’t have cooperated.]

“...”

The words were... valid.

With a slight closing of his eyes, Leonard spoke calmly.

“Tell me where you are.”

[I’m inside the capital, not far from the ducal residence. Rebecca and Sienna are with me, so there’s really nothing to worry about.]

“...”

[Also, no one should know that this isn’t a real kidnapping but a staged one. I have no choice but to contact you because you’re worried, but please never mention it to Brother Viego.]

“...Fine.”

[His Highness said he’d stop by the duchy soon. You’ll hear the details then. And...]

“...”

[I miss you, Dad.]

Overwhelmed by a sensation that surged up in his chest, Leonard struggled to find words for a while.

[Please wait a little longer. I’ll contact you again. Click!]

***

“Phew.”

After finishing the call to reassure her worried father, Lark appeared. Next to him was Ren.

I immediately apologized while gauging Lark’s reaction, “I’m sorry... Father can be stubborn...”

“Nah, it’s okay. I would’ve reacted the same way. I’ll go talk to him separately.”

“Thank you.”

I’m exactly sure where we are right now... Ren kept changing the carriage multiple times, going back and forth.

What I do know is that we’re on the outskirts of the capital, where commoners reside.

The place consisted of a ground floor and a basement. It wasn’t overly large or small, just an ordinary-looking house from the outside.

“Ren, how many hours did you sleep yesterday?”

“Two hours.”

“Oh, poor you. You’ve been through a lot. Do a quick job and get some rest.”

“Sure.”

“Excuse me, wait a moment, wait a moment.” Interrupting their conversation, I interjected. “Where are you going right now?”

“I’m going to catch the assassins Nathan sent.”

“Do you... Your Highness, are you doing it yourself?”

“Of course. If we want to finish as quickly as possible, I have to move too. I’ve been hunting with Ren even outside of working hours.”

“I see.

“Sorry.” Lark gave a bittersweet smile and rested his hand on my head. “It might be uncomfortable, but please bear it a little longer. I’ll make sure you can safely move around in the capital.”

“No, I’m really fine. I should be the one apologizing.”

I had simply decided to help Lark and assist his younger sister, Elisabeth. As a result, I had caught the attention of the 2nd Prince and became a target, ultimately becoming a “burden” to Lark!

I had intended to reveal the future with good intentions, but what kind of butterfly effect was this...

“Do we need to eliminate each assassin individually? Since we already know the culprit, can’t we just take care of the 2nd Prince?”

“...”

“...”

At my harsh remark, Lark and Ren exchanged glances without saying a word.

“Well, it’s a good idea, but in reality, it’s difficult to approach Nathan due to the power of the spirit he possesses.”

I nodded. After all, there’s no point in rushing in only to be paused right in front of his face.

As I nodded, Ren said, “And even if we somehow eliminate the 2nd Prince, it poses too much risk for us. His Highness and the 2nd Prince are in a delicate balance for the next succession. Even if we succeed in the assassination, without evidence—”

“The public opinion wouldn’t be favorable.”

“That’s right.”

“Don’t worry. We’re collecting evidence of Nathan’s wrongdoing. Once we gather enough evidence to execute him legally, we’ll expose it.”

“I see.”

Lark seems to have thought it through...

Seeing Lark and Ren, who only had two hours of sleep, ready to go out and work again, I couldn’t help but feel sorry.

I scratched my cheek and spoke.

“I’m sorry. It’s all my fault that you couldn’t sleep properly and your hands got stained with blood for no reason...”

Lark’s eyes widened. “Why are you apologizing? It’s entirely my fault that you’re in this much danger.”

“That’s right. Don’t worry about it. Besides, dealing with the assassins is just part of our job, as they’re members of an illegal guild who would do anything for money.”

“But still...”

“Don’t worry, we have discreet security placed around you. But I know it’s more reassuring to have someone personally watching over you. After work, I’ll always come back here.”

“Alriiight.”

“Then I’ll be going.” Lark smiled softly and quickly left the room, not wasting a moment.

...What should I do with this feeling of guilt and burden?

As Ren, who was about to follow Lark, stylishly drew two daggers from his back, he looked at me with unwavering loyalty and spoke, “This life that Princess saved! I will dedicate it to your service! Thank you!”

“No, hey!”

And just like that, he disappeared without a trace.

“Ugh...”

Feeling a mixture of emotions, I could only let out a sigh and slump my shoulders.