Get Ahead of the Fallen Heroine and Make the Bull-Headed Man the Victim - Chapter 147
Chapter 147. The Princess Growing Ever More Fanatical (48)
“Eh? Is the princess serious?”
That night, Marlow had just finished exchanging intelligence with the recently resurrected demon, Allen, when he was intercepted on his way home by an old acquaintance.
After skillfully leading him into a darker corner, the other party conveyed a piece of astonishing information.
“…Indeed, she is serious. Mr. Marlow, you should know, that lady has done us a favor; we cannot refuse.”
Martina, dressed entirely as a maid, nodded without a change in her expression, seeing no issue with this.
Observing the former leader of the Fury Gang now obediently following orders, Marlow, who had once been her second-in-command, did not mock her for being a good dog to her master; after all, he was merely a dog himself.
“Ah, there’s no helping it. If that’s the case, let’s get it done. Though I feel the chances of success are slim. To have that fake princess, the one who slandered Lady Valentina, play the role of a princess again—such a feat is not something just anyone can pull off. The infighting among the royals is truly terrifying.”
Though Marlow complained, his expression betrayed his excitement at engaging in something so thrilling.
He had thought that being a spy for Delia and the demon Allen was exhilarating, but he had not anticipated something even more thrilling: using the magical device that revived Allen to ‘brainwash’ the fake princess, making her believe she was the true princess.
Such deeds were not the work of honorable individuals.
But if one lacked even such means, they were unfit to rule any nation.
It seemed that both Princess Delia and Princess Valentina were dangerous princesses indeed.
“I do not deny that the infighting among the royal family is terrifying, but the royals are not entirely bad people.”
For some reason, the maid Martina, who seemed somewhat displeased, wore a stern expression, yet her eyes betrayed a deeper dissatisfaction than before.
Others might not know, but Marlow, an old acquaintance, understood precisely why Martina was upset.
After all, for this maid, her master was everything.
So Marlow leaned against the cold stone wall, adopting a teasing tone as he said,
“I certainly know that. I never claimed the royals were bad people. You really do have a soft spot for Prince Mori, don’t you? I’ve heard whispers that he’s considering breaking off his engagement to marry you. Isn’t that wonderful? After all these years of unrequited love, it might finally bear fruit.”
“…I have no intention of causing trouble for His Highness. But you, Mr. Marlow, should act quickly. If you fail to satisfy the princess this time, we both might end up in prison for that little extortion incident with the nobles.”
Martina spoke with a chilly demeanor as she turned to leave.
She showed no signs of joy or panic, yet Marlow caught a glimpse of her flushed ears in the dim moonlight.
“Ah… how ungracious. Admitting that Prince Mori has feelings for you wouldn’t change anything.”
Watching her silhouette fade into the night, Marlow shook his head in resignation.
He remembered the day, many years ago, when the young Martina had approached him, asking for help with the master she had cared for since childhood, choosing him, the downtrodden adventurer cast out from his party, to be her dog.
In a way, Martina and Prince Mori were childhood friends.
Marlow had no interest in romance, yet he had to admit the power of love was indeed formidable, driving people to such lengths.
Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that love could be terrifying at times, allowing a girl with a normal sense of morality to tolerate the reckless behavior of a prince for so many years.
Fortunately, the victim, Princess Valentina, was stronger; otherwise, such love could lead to tragedy for others.
“Hey, anyway, I’ve never had a childhood sweetheart or been in love, so I have nothing to worry about.”
Marlow, who sought only pure carnal pleasures with women, had but one life ambition: to pursue excitement.
Since the princess was willing to spare him, not only keeping him off the executioner’s block but also granting him such a thrilling task, he felt he had no choice but to act.
The man known as the ‘mad dog’ revealed a cruel smile in the darkness, then decisively moved forward for the sake of the princess and his own life creed—even if it meant committing a crime far worse than extortion, one that could provoke the goddess to wrath.
At this hour, it was 2 AM; even the dark gods were asleep, ensuring no one would be exposed.
When the sun rose the next day, Valentina, freshly dressed and ready to embark on her mission, received the good news from Martina.
“…Is that so? It’s done? That’s truly wonderful. I’ll head over right now.”
Suppressing a smile at the successful completion of the first step of her plan, Valentina departed the royal city, escorted by Martina.
However, she did not head directly to her destination; instead, she turned into a mysterious shop.
When she emerged, she had transformed her appearance entirely.
With a wig, makeup, and a completely different style of clothing, the princess had become someone entirely new.
Now, Valentina no longer resembled the princess clad in special combat attire; she was a beautiful girl with purple hair and golden eyes, dressed in a black evening gown and carrying a parasol.
Valentina’s current style mimicked that of her sister, Delia, exuding an air of noble elegance and serene femininity.
Legs adorned with invisible black stockings, arms clad in long silk gloves of Delia’s design, yet in black, and feet encased in pure black high-heeled boots, complemented by a parasol that could unfurl a stiletto blade at a moment’s notice.
Valentina now exuded an aura of unapproachable, untouchable mystery, resembling a true princess, delicate and seemingly powerless, as if she could not even bind a chicken.
From noble mtl dot com
If she were Delia’s sister, perhaps this would be her attire—a visage of a grand noblewoman, indifferent to the lives of others.
“Ah… Well, divine one, are you not planning to show yourself? If you remain hidden, do not blame me for taking action, hmm?”
With the parasol held aloft, Valentina seemed to invite someone, her lips parting slightly, glistening with an enticing sheen, as she called out in a voice as melodious as silver bells.
Yet, there was no response.
For a certain dark god was still deep in slumber at some inn.
The figure she longed to see did not materialize, and the princess’s once-joyful expression swiftly turned to ice, her deep violet eyes growing increasingly hollow.
“Is that so… You’re not watching me again… Then don’t blame me, alright? Divine one, underestimating humans… no, dragons, could lead to dire consequences, you know? ❤”
Murmuring words that seemed like a dream, her face adorned with a sickly fervent smile, the princess, like a delicate doll, held her parasol high, gliding gracefully down the streets of the capital.
Though she immediately drew the gaze of passersby, none recognized her true identity.
……
……
PS. Due to hesitation over potential pitfalls, I can only manage a third update today.
Tomorrow, I shall continue.
—