The Max-Leveled Princess Is Bored Today as Well - Chapter 146

When Helena went to see Leonard to discuss the recent incidents involving bandits, he nodded quietly with a knowing expression.

“I’m considering other routes as well.”

“You were aware.”

“I heard reports of an attack on a viscount’s carriage. If they’re attacking nobles, they seem quite indiscriminate.”

“You’ve heard that too.”

“Yes. So, we’ve arranged additional guards who aren’t too picky about methods.”

“Ah… that’s Hawk for you.”

Sometimes part of the subjugation team, other times an assistant trainer for recruits. But in reality, he was just a knight of the Red Knights.

He’s involved in everything, isn’t he? Helena sighed.

“Is that bad? I thought having a knight who syncs well with Your Ladyship might be better.”

“I’m the one being protected. Why would I need a knight who syncs well with me?”

“Well, just in case.” Leonard smiled in a way that made it hard to refuse.

Having crossed swords multiple times during training and fought together in skirmishes, Helena found herself quite in sync with Hawk during battles.

What made Hawk sync so well was his peculiar fixation on engaging without hesitation, unlike others.

After numerous sparring sessions, their coordination became as seamless as with three disciples… not that she had wished for such.

“He’s not bad, but… he talks too much.”

“…I’ll place him in the rear guard.”

As Helena sighed, Leonard scribbled something on the documents.

“I’m considering various options, but nothing’s confirmed yet.”

“Why’s that?”

“The route back is longer and more treacherous. Depending on the situation, this way could be riskier.”

Could the road’s difficulty be comparable to bandit threats?

Helena tilted her head but didn’t press further.

“There are a total of two carriages. One will carry Nanny Emma, Princess Regina, and the Viscount Noct, while the other will have Your Ladyship and His Majesty.”

“It’s a bit odd. Shouldn’t Emma and Regina ride in the same carriage as me?”

“His Majesty doesn’t want Your Ladyship to be too far away for too long.”

“…They say a man’s affection for his wife cools after the birth of a child. What’s this?”

“Well, if you ask me, someone who isn’t married yet…”

Anyway, five people can’t comfortably squeeze into a carriage. Besides the tight space, it’s just too risky.

‘Well, I do want to spend some leisurely time with Caesar after so long.’

Wherever she went in the palace, except the bedroom, knights and attendants always trailed behind. Even when they were alone in a room, attendants always waited nearby.

“Alright, noted.”

After the briefing to the Peresca Duchy, it finally sank in that it was time to head back to ‘home.’ Simultaneously, she pondered, ‘I really consider that place my home.’

“It’s been a while for you too, right, Brother? Returning to the estate.”

Suddenly switching to informal speech, Helena asked, causing Leonard to give a small cough in response.

Since Helena became empress, even when they were alone, they refrained from informal speech. However, on occasions when he reverted to ‘Helena’s older brother,’ Leonard would cough discreetly as if it were a signal.

“I’ve dropped by during vacations, but it’s been a while since I stayed long.”

“It feels like we’ve gone back to our younger days. And it’s summer, fittingly enough.”

“Though there are more people around compared to back then.”

Helena’s excited expression softened Leonard’s smile.

“Anyway, I’m trying not to get too excited. Gotta stay sharp to safely handle the affairs of the imperial family.”

“Haha, it’s just a trip back home. Nothing exciting is going to happen.” Helena stretched her arms wide, beaming without a worry in the world. “With all my disciples together, what’s there to worry about? Even if a dragon swoops down, no problem,” she spoke confidently.

There hadn’t been even an iota of concern about what might happen, as insignificant as a speck of dust, in her mind.

At least, up until now.

***

On the morning of departure, the weather was sunny.

Hawk was buzzing with excitement about the responsibilities of escorting the imperial family. His impeccably tailored uniform and gleaming shoes were eye-catching even from a distance.

With cheeks slightly flushed from his excitement, Hawk approached Leonard and Agoth. “I’m going to Alpentus for the first time in my life.”

“It’s just countryside, not much to see.”

“Being a palace knight might make me popular among the local ladies there, right?”

“Sir Millen. The Alpentus girls have a high standard.”

“No, Agoth! Why would you say something like that… Ouch!”

A playful smack landed on Hawk’s head.

An irked Hawk rubbed the back of his head and swiftly turned around. “Whoa! …Your Majesty!”

Behind him stood Caesar and Helena.

“Sir Millen. Are we going out for fun now?”

“Uh, well, this is more like…” Hawk stumbled to find an explanation. Helena was the only one seeming puzzled, thinking, ‘Huh? Aren’t we going out for fun?’

In any case, Caesar wasn’t about to threaten or scold anyone. Therefore, Leonard and Agoth simply smiled when Hawk mouthed ‘Help!’ to them.

“The carriages are ready at the entrance, Your Majesty.”

“Agoth, what about Regina?” Helena asked Agoth, who was dressed in attire other than maid uniform.

“She’s not fully awake yet. She’s resting in the carriage with Nanny Emma for a bit longer.”

Good. Caesar nodded approvingly at Agoth’s report.

If Regina were awake, she might have insisted on joining Helena in the carriage. Despite being a daughter who couldn’t be more cherished, he couldn’t afford interruptions during this rare alone time with Helena.

“Shall we go then, my lady?” Caesar offered his hand.

Helena chuckled and took it.

As they exited the building, Helena whispered softly to Caesar, “You have no reason to say anything to Hawk. Aren’t you the one feeling excited?”

“After all, it’s been a while since I met my mother-in-law. Can’t contain the excitement.”

“Is that really the reason?”

“Well, it’s definitely not because I’m looking forward to having lots of fun and games with you in the carriage.”

“…Tease.”

It was almost a playful jab, but Helena’s lips curved upward.

As they approached the awaiting carriages, attendants stood ready. Selz and Rowena, positioned at the forefront, stepped forward.

“Please take care on your journey. I, Selz, will guard the Empress’ Palace until Your Ladyship returns.”

“Sure thing. I entrust it to you.”

“Safe travels, Your Majesty. I, Rowena, will ensure that matters are promptly organized for Your Majesty’s return.”

“Why is it that I don’t get the warm send-off like from the empress’ people, Rowena?”

“In terms of content, isn’t there hardly any difference?”

As Rowena raised her glasses and spoke, Caesar clicked his tongue in response.

With that exchange done, the waiting attendants respectfully bid farewell, inclining their heads.

Acknowledging their gestures, the two boarded the prepared carriages. Before long, the lengthy procession that had been waiting began to move slowly.

Soon enough, the carriages picked up speed, swiftly departing from the imperial capital.

***

As the weather was clear when they set off, they chose a longer route. However, as they ventured onto narrow mountain roads, dark clouds rolled in, and soon enough, a torrential downpour began.

With no way to turn back, they had to cautiously press forward in the worsening conditions.

“It’s fortunate we didn’t pack excessively,” Helena sighed lightly as she spoke.

Navigating such narrow paths in this weather with a group of people would have been even more troublesome and risky.

“We can’t just drag people along to the vacation spot.”

Though he said that, in reality, Caesar felt that as long as Helena and her three disciples were in this group, they were adequately equipped.

Having ten or twenty more knights wouldn’t have made much difference; it would only increase their numbers without much substance.

“By the way, I’m worried about Regina,” Helena murmured, gazing out through the rain-streaked window. Through the window, she could see the steep slope descending from the mountainside.

“Regina? Why?”

“I’m afraid she might be scared and crying.”

Regina had never embarked on such a distant journey away from the palace. Undoubtedly, she’d be anxious and frightened.

Considering Helena’s words, Caesar hesitated briefly before opening the carriage window. Agoth, who had been riding close to the carriage, came closer as Caesar opened the window.

Agoth’s face, initially beaming because she thought it was Helana opening the window, transformed upon seeing Caesar instead.

“What’s the matter, Your Majesty?”

“Could you check on Regina? We’re worried she might be frightened because of the weather.”

At Caesar’s request, Agoth slowed the pace of her horse. Soon, the following carriage caught up with her.

Agoth knocked on the carriage door, opened the window, exchanged a few words with the occupants, assessed the situation, then resumed speed to return to Caesar’s carriage.

“Someone did seem a bit scared—Viscount Noct.”

“What?”

“He lost three consecutive rounds in a card game and, as a penalty, the princess and Nanny Emma have been giving him a hard time until he’s practically black and blue.” Agoth chuckled as he relayed the information, “The princess seemed to be having a blast. Viscount Noct asked me to plead with Your Majesty to spare him a bit.”

“…It was needless worry. Thanks for checking.” Caesar closed the carriage window with a perplexed look. Helena, who had overheard the conversation inside the carriage, smiled in disbelief.

“It seems we underestimated our daughter.”

“Indeed. We might have to give Hamilton an apology gift later.”

If Emma took care of half of parenting duties, it felt like Hamilton handled the other half, especially when it came to entertaining Regina, or rather, being her plaything…

As Helena let out a relieved sigh, Caesar subtly smiled and moved closer to her. “Now, are you reassured, Master?”

“Yes. I’m reassured, Disciple. That’s probably why sleep is starting to weigh on me.”

“Oh dear. We might need a lullaby.”

They shared a small laugh while jesting.

And at that moment…

Following a sound akin to something breaking outside the carriage, it abruptly halted. The clattering of the horses’ hooves competed with the loud rainfall.

“What’s happening?” Caesar furrowed his brow with a sense of foreboding.

In response to his inquiry, the carriage door opened, revealing Leonard.

“Apologies. The wheel of the carriage carrying the princess got stuck in a puddle. It might take a bit of time to get it out.”

“A puddle?”

“Yes. The road is not in good condition, and with the heavy rain…”

“Hmm. If I had known the weather would turn this bad, I would have chosen to go through Holden’s domain instead,” Caesar muttered gravely. Leonard silently nodded in agreement.

“It would be best to bring Regina to this carriage.”

“That seems wise.”

“In that case, I can go and—”

“No. I’ll go and bring her myself.” Caesar raised his hand to stop Leonard and stepped out of the carriage. Taking advantage of the halted carriage, he wanted to assess the situation outside firsthand.

Leonard quickly descended from his horse to accompany Caesar.

Outside the carriage, there was quite a commotion. Knights dismounted from their horses and used leverages to extract the wheel from the pit.

The wheel was halfway submerged in the pit. Due to the rain, the ground was entirely messy, and there was no sign of getting out of it easily.

‘Even though it’s a rugged path, the carriage should navigate well. But to have such a huge pit in the middle of the road…’

Is it just because of the rain?

Suppressing the anxiety brewing within, Caesar walked towards the carriage where Regina was seated.

Coincidentally, Hamilton and Emma were holding Regina, descending from the tilted carriage.

“Regina, come here.”

“Father!”

Regina looked at Caesar’s face and snuggled closer. Caesar effortlessly held his daughter with one arm.

“Listen. I won five rounds of cards against Hamilton. Emma won two rounds. I had two jokers, but the carriage stopped.”

“Yeah, yeah. Impressive.” Caesar smiled warmly in agreement, even though he couldn’t understand a word of what was said.

At four years old, she remained unfazed amidst the chaos. Was she more like Helena or resembling himself?

‘Probably more like Helena. I was a coward when I was young.’

With those thoughts, a bittersweet smile formed on Caesar’s lips. “Let’s go tell Mom too.”

“Yes, okay!”

Regina’s cheerful voice was interrupted by distant thunder, which was enough to mask approaching footsteps.

“Enemies!” one of the knights pushing the carriage shouted.

The enemies were already descending the steep hill armed, muffled by the loud rain and thunder.