Chapter 33: Lonely Princess, Keeping an Empty Room

A Crisis of Trust

Trust was a rare luxury.

For Cecilia, born into royalty and witness to countless disputes over trust, it was especially so.

Days ago, rumors swept the city, and the inexplicable events surrounding Rita formed a crisis aimed at her, the Fourth Princess.

Had Rita performed well in the exam’s first two days, those rumors would’ve crumbled on their own.

Yet the schemers capitalized on this, forcibly tying Rita to Cecilia, making their plot effective.

The conspirators made three mistakes, however.

First, no rumors were needed—Rita was already tied to Cecilia, allowing her to devise a counterattack.

Second, Rita wasn’t weak. Her victory in the final match gave Cecilia the confidence to forcefully dispel the rumors while declaring war on the hidden forces.

Most crucially, while the rumors seemed to spread among the common folk, only someone connected to the exam could know Rita’s opponents, witness the results, and exploit them.

Moreover, their intelligence was incomplete. Had they known Rita knocked out a candidate in the city lord’s mansion, they’d never have risked such a bold plan.

Someone who could orchestrate an assassination on Cecilia’s first day in Solus City, was tied to the exam, yet lacked mansion intel—their name was almost clear.

Cecilia lacked proof, though.

The Enigmatic Ally

Conversely, Rita—this mysterious, unconventional girl—was intriguing.

Admittedly, not the sharpest.

The most suspicious figure had become the key to resolving Cecilia’s greatest crisis yet. Later, she’d share the joy and reward Rita properly.

Cecilia’s trust in Rita was limited, but fairness demanded reward for merit.

Money alone wouldn’t keep Rita loyal.

As the hour grew late, Cecilia summoned a maid.

“Go to Rita’s room. Tell her to come to mine—I have something to discuss.”

“Your Highness, Rita left the mansion earlier,” the maid replied respectfully.

True, the first exam round had ended. Rita’s sword broke today—she might be out replacing it, eating, or relaxing. Reasonable enough.

“When she returns, if I haven’t retired, have her see me.”

Cecilia reviewed her schedule alone, ate dinner, and napped briefly, but Rita didn’t return.

Something’s off! Why isn’t she back after so long?

She didn’t… run away, did she?

Rita had unintentionally hinted at fleeing before—like that night she stumbled into Cecilia’s room, likely by mistake while escaping.

Cecilia chose not to dwell on it then, as exposing it wouldn’t help control Rita.

With the first round over, everyone relaxed… a perfect chance to slip away!

Cecilia’s heart sank. She called the maid again.

“Has anyone seen Rita?”

“Your Highness, please wait. I’ll send someone to inquire.”

Expecting little, Cecilia was surprised when the maid soon returned.

“At dusk, Lady Rita left the mansion in a cloak. Patrol soldiers said she headed toward the black market.”

Cecilia knew the black market—a chaotic place, but one where rare items, like Holy Knight exam permits, were often traded.

Given the hefty sum Cecilia gave her, Rita might be shopping there. Fair enough.

“Later, someone matching her description left a street corner with a burly man, but the soldiers couldn’t see clearly.”

A man…

Rita didn’t seem the type to fancy men.

Back to old habits? Coerced?

No, better not assume. Perhaps just a black market contact.

“Later still, someone saw Lady Rita at the Diagonal Tavern, drinking with others.”

Drinking now?

Rita hadn’t fled, but black markets and taverns? Her personal life was questionable.

At least she didn’t have messy relationships.

“Finally, someone clearly saw Lady Rita enter… an orange-themed brothel.”

Cough…

Cecilia nearly choked on her water, coughing.

She thought Rita worked at brothels out of necessity—turns out, she loved the trade!

“Your Highness, are you alright?” The maid jumped.

Cecilia covered her mouth with a handkerchief, wiping water stains, and waved the maid off.

After a moment, she set down the crumpled cloth.

“No matter the hour, when Rita returns, send her to me immediately!”

Facing the Princess

“See Her Highness? No matter how late? She really said that?”

Rita glanced at the pitch-black window, confirming with the maid repeatedly.

“That’s what she said. You’d better hurry,” the maid replied. Less formal with the easygoing Rita, she lowered her voice. “Be careful. Her Highness might not be pleased.”

“How’d you know she’s not happy?” Rita’s heart skipped, but she was more curious how the maid read Cecilia’s stoic face.

“Don’t ask, just go! Keep Her Highness waiting, and you’ll regret it!” The maid, unwilling to spill, urged her on, only warning her out of fondness for Rita’s friendly nature.

Seeing the maid’s reluctance, Rita didn’t press. She tidied her clothes and went to Cecilia’s door.

Knock, response, enter, close the door—same as every visit.

This late, and Cecilia’s still awake?

“You’re back?” Cecilia’s tone was like a teacher catching a student sneaking to an arcade. “What were you doing?”

“I wandered the city, then went to a tavern with Momoka, Johnson, Alber, and Promi,” Rita answered.

At those names, Cecilia’s furrowed brow relaxed slightly.

“I see. Had fun?”

Phew, dodged that. Those top candidates’ names worked like a charm.

Then Cecilia’s next words chilled Rita to the core.

“The brothel—was it fun?”