Kebrilio managed to force out.

His announcement brought silence to the room. Realization dropped upon the heads of Flania, Charle, and Hamon.

Hughesin!

All three of them knew the name—they knew all about the Karthian duke and pillar of the hardliners. His name and skill on the battlefield and with the women were legendary. So one could imagine their surprise that a crossdressing Elric was what managed to captivate such an outstanding figure.

Someone broke the silence with laughter, and like a dam, everyone began to laugh. Charle most especially. He was pleased; pleased that their little punishment prank for Elric was already quick on its returns! Elric must’ve outdone himself as a woman. Gold was certainly struck after finding this talent of Elric. Surely the kingdom had to keep him now. To not be doing so would be a waste.

Not even Kite and Jerry could resist a chuckle from building in their throats. Their friendship to Elric was all that was keeping them from vocalizing their laughter, it’d certainly be rude to laugh at their friend!

But when they saw their fellow apprentice and companion, Belladonna, giggle enthusiastically at the news, their restraints fell apart as did their sleep deprivation. All that laughter had simply siphoned it away.

The only not laughing was the prince. He was staring at everyone, incredulous. Having not been a part of the fun yesterday, the young prince was left in the dark about Elric’s crossdressing. The only way he found out was due to his constant questions.

It was Hamon that told him, amidst chuckles and laughter. The backstory of Elric’s fate was explained to the prince, much to his delight and part-resentment. He wanted to join in on something as entertaining as this! It absolutely teared at the prince that he didn’t get to see what happened himself.

Flania was equally as surprised as her brother. The look in her eyes was recognizable by everyone. She was busy plotting away at something.

Kite and Jerry glanced away at the sight. They bent their heads in silent prayer for their missing companion. Life wouldn’t be getting easier for Elric in the future.

This diplomatic mission to Karth meant everything to the princess. Elric was already a lost-cause to be sacrificed for the sake of the mission. Kite and Jerry were both confident that if it were up to their princess, then Elric would be tied up in a nice golden ribbon to be wed to Duke Hughesin in a heartbeat if it would serve Sovereign.

The smile on their faces froze as a horrible thought occurred to them both. What if the princess got addicted to this? What if Elric wasn’t enough, that she decided it was time to move onto them next?

Charle’s expression was a rather hard one to read. The smile most certainly reached his eyes, but the one on his lips seemed to hide something else more mischievous behind it.

“Our dear Elric,” he cleared his throat. “Has done it again. He’s caught a big one this time. But has he got any clue who duke Hughesin is?”

Puzzled expressions were shared among the group. There was no way Elric would know who Hughesin was.

Officially, Elric was just a hired hand within the group. His role was limited to one of minor responsibilities. Unable to join any sensitive meetings, Elric was left with little to do until after his feat at Melkruth. His time learning under the princess also left him with absolutely no time to familiarize himself with the Karthian court. He wasn’t a woman like Belladonna was either, so he lacked their knowledge of Karthian social customs and practices. Such knowledge was taught to all women prior to their departure given how abnormally romantic Karth was. It was necessary knowledge so they could avoid embarrassing Sovereign or divulge secrets by accident.

But of course, Elric didn’t know that. So of course he wouldn’t know that Hughesin was a dangerous playboy and a famous pervert.

“I’m sure being a woman is harsh, Yer Highness. Surely there’s problems to be resolved.”

Spoke Charle. He raised his right hand when Flania nodded him on. “Clothes, comb, and makeup, those three are vital.” He listed.

Flania frowned, was it truly that simple to be a woman? To have those three things? She waited to see if Charle would explain.

“Elric knows not of those three, yeah?”

“I don’t see what you’re getting at. But I do believe Elric’s guidance will need to be tightened. We must ensure his complete mastery over masquerading as a woman.”

Truth be told, Flania was looking forward to what that guidance entailed.

Shivers ran up Kite and Jerry’s spines. Just hearing the word ‘guidance’ slip out from the princess’ lips was enough to plunge them into terror.

And it seemed like her brother, the prince, was a new convert? His expression seemed rather determined, as if unwilling to miss out a second time.

The one to dampen the mood was Charle. His explanation was how unlikely it was that Hughesin would return Elric to them. Therefore, two maids should instead be sent over to Elric so they could help him with those issues.

It was a decent idea, the princess admitted. But it had several problems. She felt uneasy, allowing Elric to roam about so freely. Punishing him and his two other male companions was becoming a favored pastime of hers. And finding a good maid on such short notice was too difficult! Hughesin’s estate was dangerous to be in, especially given his reputation to every member of the female gender. What maid would willingly throw themselves into danger?

Flania stared at the people around her. Everyone but Charle and Kebrilio felt a wave of uneasiness wash over them.

There was a loud bang as the door out from the room was swung aside. Someone, everyone realized, was gone. It was Belladonna.

She realized things were going down a slope she didn’t like the moment Charle began to give his suggestions. While everyone else was busy with the discussion and their laughter, she began to inch toward the door and then made a run for it when she realized it was time.

Her departure filled Kite and Jerry with despair. Why didn’t they think of that first? The princess would surely pick on them two if Belladonna wasn’t here. Backing themselves into a corner, the two began to silently pray to their respective gods in hopes that they’d be able to escape the princess’ attention.

Their prayers were left unanswered. Perhaps their faith was lacking, or that the gods were perhaps busy. But the princess turned to give a close stare at the two youths.

Backing themselves into the corner was a mistake. They were like rats being stared down by a giant snake with nowhere to run. Shivering where they stood, the two could only wait with bated breaths and desperate emotions.

It was a funny sight, but no one was laughing. Everyone else was too busy focusing on themselves.

Even the prince’s bravado was nowhere to be seen. Over the course of the past few days, he saw how his sister was progressively becoming more like their insane aunt, Crazy. He wasn’t even confident if he’d be spared from potentially playing the part of a maid if his sister wanted.

Even Hamon was starting to grow concerned. Before, he felt safe with his beard and stocky build, but he didn’t feel as invincible as before. He touched the beard on his face, hopefully the princess would see his face and realize there was no way to have him crossdress as a woman.

The only one willing to undertake such a task was Charle. He was shameless enough to not care what others might say about him, and pretending to be a maid would allow him to watch the entertainment from up close. What better way was there to enjoy such a delight than being a part of it?

But there was no way he’d be able to disguise himself as a maid. Not with his regal self and presence. Anyone would be able to see through his disguise in the blink of an eye. What a tragedy it was that he lacked such the talent for crossdressing like Elric.

The princess had already reached a decision while Charle was busy lamenting to himself.