No—if everything had gone as planned, he would have dramatically revealed the evidence against the Baron, condemned Renato for his careless behavior, and successfully removed him from the throne.
Had I not been there, that aide would have been hailed as a hero who saved the kingdom from an unfit prince.
Realizing this, I suddenly felt cold.
Renato chuckled at my pale expression.
“But in the most crucial moment, I failed. And worse, I dragged you into it.”
Still looking slightly sickly, Renato ran a hand through his platinum hair, ruffling his bangs.
…Wow. He looks ridiculously handsome.
Letting out a deep breath, I turned to face him properly.
“Your Highness, you said you’d make it up to me, right? Forget the whole ‘introduce me to a good match’ thing. Instead, take me out to town tomorrow.”
“What?”
“Take me to the place that serves the most delicious thing you’ve ever eaten. And treat me to as much as I can eat.”
“The most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten?”
“Yes, the absolute best. What’s the first thing that comes to mind?”
Renato touched his chin, thinking for a moment, then looked up.
“The steak at Malbarl’s Tavern.”
“Steak? Sounds perfect! Make a reservation. Tomorrow, we’ll go and eat until we’re stuffed.”
“Understood.”
“And one more thing—get some sleep tonight. Your Highness, you haven’t been resting properly, have you? You’ve got dark circles under your eyes.”
I pointed at the shadows beneath his eyes, and Renato gently pressed his fingertips against his lower eyelids.
“…That’s true. I’ve been busy, but even when I have the time, I can’t seem to sleep.”
“Maybe try counting sheep?”
“I’ve counted well beyond the number of citizens in this kingdom, and I’m still awake.”
“Then, as a special favor, I’ll teach you the Annovazzi family’s counting song. Watch closely.”
I stood up and moved to the open space beside the table.
Then, with an exaggerated goofy expression, I dramatically threw my right elbow high into the air.
“One!”
As expected, Renato’s eyes widened in pure shock.
Without pausing, I extended my left arm straight out and sliced through the air, all while maintaining my ridiculous expression.
“Two!”
I spun around and dropped to the floor, lowering myself as close as possible to the ground.
“Three!”
Still crouching, I extended my right leg and swept it across the floor.
“Four!”
I continued, moving my arms and legs in bizarre, exaggerated motions, at times leaping into the air, all the way to—
“Ten!”
For the grand finale, I delivered a majestic uppercut, punching the air with all my might.
Without missing a beat, I adjusted my disheveled clothes, then casually returned to my seat next to Renato.
He remained completely frozen, his expression one of absolute bewilderment.
“Before bed, just think about what you just witnessed. Wasn’t it fun? My three-year-old brother laughs hysterically every time he sees this, and then falls fast asleep.”
Renato narrowed his widened eyes slightly and…
smiled.
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