In the first place, this time, Richet muttered "I want to go to the opera held in the Imperial Capital", which was inspired by Oliver's public talk about the topic.
It is also possible that Oliver, who was investigating Arnold and the opera company in connection with the suspected intelligence, unwittingly chose the subject.
Leechee continued, slightly regretting her immaturity, which she could not perceive earlier.
“As Lord Guthey said, Lord Arnold's Guards were watching Sylvia. And at the same time, I was guarding you."
"Security...?"
"It seems that the group that is trying to harm you has approached four times in the last few days." And then yesterday, it seemed like we had an engagement with the knights. "
When Sylvia heard that, she faded blue, and Gutheil's face turned blue.
When Leechees accompanied Arnold on his mission this afternoon, the knight with him was Raul, disguised as Gutheil.
"There weren't enough knights for the intelligence investigation," he explained, but it wasn't a wide-ranging investigation.
Arnold and Olivier have narrowed their focus to Sylvia alone and have her guard and escorted by the Knights.
(I was surprised when His Highness Arnold accompanied me to today's theater. It must have been to be alert to the possibility of dangerous people around Sylvia and to the presence of other agents among the troupe.)
Leechee asked softly to Sylvia, who was trembling.
"Answer me, Sylvia."
"...... ah"
"... you will be killed if you don't find out the secret of Galkhain." --But before you met me or Gutheil, you were trying to defy that order. "
And the director of the intelligence really took the medicine.
That was the night I met Sylvia.
"... oh, no."
Sylvia narrowed down and desperately inherited her words.
“I don't have that belief. In fact, the next day, I was ashamed to visit the Imperial Castle and try to get close to the future Crown Princess Riche."
"I had a painful feeling, and the opera performance was canceled, so I should have been very scared. I knew I couldn't get out, so it wouldn't be strange if I tried to follow orders."
"On top of that, I lied to the knight, Mr. Gootheil, about being in love..."
"If you were to search for Mr. Gootheil, did you immediately realize that you could not play a role?"... there was no reason to lie like that. "
After all, Sylvia's love affair wasn't revealed by Zhang's Goot Haile.
She told Leechee.
If it was a false love, tell Leechee that you're looking for another one, and then use Leeche to get closer to the other knights.
It was not necessary to cry when I fell in love with Gootheilt like that, and complain to Leeche that it was painful.
Arnold opens his mouth.
"-Leeche, that's enough."
Your Highness Arnold......
Sylvia and Gutheil were nervous about his cold words.
"This is a waste of time." No matter how much you break your heart, you've already come to the conclusion. "
……
Leechee took a breath and explained to Sylvia and the others.
"Lord Arnold has promised me." Sylvia has no intelligence activity in Galkhain, and no information has been stolen. So you will not be held guilty of anything in this country. "
……
Sylvia's eyes curled up in an unrealistic expression.
This is what Leechee wanted from Arnold. Even though Arnold looked dazzled by Leechee's sweetness, he eventually forgave him.
That said, there are a few conditions to it, and it's not an easy story to end with.
But, Sylvia...
Sylvia's shoulders twitched.
Of course, that's not the end of it.
"...... ah"
Goutheil, sensing the extraordinary air, opened his mouth to replace Sylvia.
"I'm afraid, Mr. Leeche. What kind of..."
“Sylvia's desire to leave the intelligence organization has led her to lose credibility with the organization. Even if Sylvia replies that she will continue to work on intelligence, they will not believe it....... Your Highness Arnold"
Arnold explained to Goutheil in a pale voice.
"I've heard reports of two battles from the Kingsguard." It wasn't meant to be a threat, a warning, or an abduction to obey an order, it was meant to kill. ”
"... that kind of thing...?"
Arnold's expression remained cold and unmoving.
"I am no longer trusted by the organization as an intelligence agent. If this happens, even if you bring back important secrets from this country, it will be disposed of after only the information is taken away.”
"Now, Your Highness. Let's go a little further..."
Leechee stops Arnold in a hurry. The essence of Arnold is gentle, but the point of view is limited.
(Sylvia was able to spend the last few days safely because of Lord Arnold's Kingsguard. But from now on....)
It was when Leechee tried to call out to Sylvia, who was supposed to be frightened.
"I will protect you, Sylvia."
"...... Mr. Gootheil......"
Sylvia must have inadvertently called her Gootheil. I block my mouth with my palm like I can't believe it.
Meanwhile, Arnold, caught between the round tables, laughed at Gootheil's words in mockery.
Protect?
Blue eyes gaze upon a foolish man.
You're all alone, aren't you?
"...... ah"
Arnold's voice dominated the air.
"Don't just say things with idealism and emotions. No matter how skilful you are, do you think you will always be able to defend against the group that you are targeting?"
……
"The evil habit of wanting to die in vain, no matter what, seems incurable. ― ― Neither the bodyguard nor you will be killed immediately.
The tension in the room increased, and even Leechee felt her spine tightening.
However, Gootheil, who received Arnold's taunt straightaway, spoke calmly.
"I finally understood what Lord Arnold said last night."
……
Arnold's eyebrows narrowed slightly.
"As His Highness said, I want to protect Sylvia even if I risk my life."... but if I lose my life, I won't be able to protect Lord Sylvia. "
Gutheyre's eyes were sincerely turned to Sylvia.
"I want to defend everything." That's because I want you to be happy. "
"... Mr. Gootheil"
"That's why I won't try to give up my life."...... even if it were the death of a man as selfish as me, your gentle lord Sylvia would grieve for you. "
Gootheil pleads with Sylvia, as if to make a knight's vow at a ceremony.
"I'm the man who hurt you. ― ― However, would you forgive me for protecting you from this crisis?
"...... Mr. Gootheil......"
Sylvia, her moist voice, called out his name.
But she doesn't seem to forgive herself, so she shakes her head to the side.
"No.... no, absolutely...!"
……
It's a word of rejection.
However, there were a lot of complicated emotions mixed up in the voice and it was overflowing.
"... what will you do if something happens to Mr. Gootheil..."
"...... ah"
Sylvia tells her to squeeze out.