Chapter 112 – The First Prince's Plan

“First Prince Yorsuarge. The Saintess has awakened.”

The maid Suzy, whom I’d assigned to the Saintess, came to my room to deliver the report.

After waiting so impatiently for this news, I sprang up from the sofa.

“Oh, really? And how is she doing?”

“She had a light meal earlier and is currently enjoying some tea.”

As expected of the Saintess. Even in a situation like this, she doesn’t lose her composure.

If she’s eating and drinking tea, she must be just fine.

I sat back down on the sofa, trying to calm myself.

Now, how should I approach her?

Surprisingly, flowers as lofty as the Saintess often haven’t been wooed by anyone and have no resistance to men…

Huh? Maybe I can win her over easily.

“All right! Prepare for an audience.”

“Understood.”

That said, Dazil, Mels’s former bodyguard, is impressive.

He boldly declared, “I’ll swap with the real one on my way back from escorting your sister home,” and sure enough, he brought back the genuine article.

Mels’s subordinates seem to be a capable bunch.

I’d suggested the switch on a whim back then, never imagining they’d actually pull it off…

I was genuinely shocked when Larsen burst into the room, out of breath, dragging Dazil along…

“Your Highness! We’ve brought back the Saintess! She’ll wake up soon after drinking the antidote!”

“What? You actually did it?”

I turned in shock to my aide, Larsen, at Dazil’s words.

“Yes. We’ve taken her to the inner chamber.”

Incredible.

“Well done. Impressive indeed. But is everything okay?”

Larsen nodded vigorously.

If Larsen says so, it might be fine, but I still felt uneasy.

“Your Highness. Dazil here is the Second Prince’s chief bodyguard.”

“Former.”

“Listen, Your Highness. The Second Prince brought the Saintess’s sister here and created a fake Saintess. Then Dazil, one of the Second Prince’s guards, abducted the real one. In short, we’re framing the Second Prince for this kidnapping.”

“Oh, that’s a great plan.”

“And Your Highness becomes the hero who rescued the Saintess from the kidnapper. Use this opportunity to get close to her and woo her at your leisure.”

Larsen grinned wickedly.

“I see. I’m confident when it comes to seducing women. Leave it to me.”

Both Larsen and Dazil nodded.

“But won’t Dazil get caught?”

“No need to worry. We’ll make it look like he died during capture and smuggle him out of the country.”

Dazil bowed deeply. “Thank you.”

“I see. You did well. So, how did you pull off the switch?”

“Yes. The Saintess frequently entered and left the capital on personal errands, so no one—neither the gate guards at the outer walls, the church guards, the patrolling Holy Knights, nor the priests we passed—suspected her identical sister. Plus, the sister wanted to become the Saintess, so there was no need to persuade her.”

“I see. But if she can’t use magic, won’t the fake be exposed right away?”

Dazil smiled delightedly.

“I killed the sister.”

“…”

Come to think of it, he mentioned some personal grudge.

“Your Highness. The church currently believes the Saintess is dead. We’re stalling pursuers at the border, but time is short.”

Larsen spoke sternly to me as I stood speechless.

“Won’t they come desperately to retrieve her once they learn she’s alive?”

“Exactly, Your Highness. Explain the situation to the Saintess and bring her to our side.”

Larsen’s unusually serious expression was a bit intimidating.

I’d been lost in thought for a while when Suzy returned to the room.

“The Saintess is ready. She’s waiting in the guest room.”

“Good. I’ll head there now.”

I straightened my back with renewed resolve and entered the guided guest room.

“Saintess. First Prince Yorsuarge is here.”

“Very well.”

Oh, wow…

The Saintess stood with the window at her back, exuding elegance that permeated the very air around her.

Her presence was on another level entirely.

She looked at me, lightly lifted the hem of the dress I’d prepared, and curtsied gracefully.

She was breathtakingly beautiful—I forgot to breathe.

We sat facing each other on the sofas, and Suzy served tea before stepping back.

“Saintess, welcome to the Kingdom of Henzetta.”

As I welcomed her, my heart racing, she bestowed upon me a stunning smile.

Is she happy about it?

My chest pounded; words failed me.

“Was a visit to the Kingdom of Henzetta on my schedule?”

She regarded me with a smile only on her face.

Her eyes weren’t smiling at all. She’s definitely not pleased.

“It must have been sudden and shocking. Allow me to explain the circumstances first.”

“…”

She remained still, her smile artificial.

I gathered myself and continued.

“Ahem. The truth is, my younger brother used your sister to orchestrate your kidnapping. I learned of the plan and rescued you, providing protection.”

Even as I, the First Prince, touted myself as the heroic savior, she didn’t so much as twitch an eyebrow.

Why not?

“By the way, is my safety guaranteed?”

The Saintess deepened her smile as she said this.

Her presence was overwhelming.

“Of course! Rest assured! I will protect you with my life.”

“How reassuring.”

Oh! She finally smiled genuinely.

She must have fallen for my manly resolve.

“If there’s anything you need, I’ll provide it at once. Feel free to ask Suzy, the maid there.”

Her every expression sent my heart soaring or plummeting.

“Thank you. Well then, as I’m still recovering from illness and feeling a bit tired, I’ll take my leave.”

With that, she smiled sweetly and swiftly exited the guest room.

Recovering from illness… That was sarcasm, right?

Does she know I arranged the kidnapping? No, impossible.

“Hey, Suzy. Did the Saintess seem angry?”

Feeling anxious, I glanced at Suzy, who refilled my tea.

“Not at all.”

“What makes a woman fall for a man?”

“In my case, displaying your wealth works wonders.”

“Mm.”

Right, no woman can resist a man who promises to buy her anything.

Maybe send her dresses and jewels?

But as the Saintess, she probably has everything already…

“Buy her whatever she wants, all of it.”

“Understood.”

All women dream of becoming a prince’s bride, right?

If she wishes, I’ll cut ties with every woman I’m seeing now.

I need to properly break up with Suzy too.

I’ve fallen in love at first sight with that beautiful face.