Faced with the princess's warmth, Hayashi Maki nodded calmly—neither servile nor arrogant.
Gently pressing down on the flustered Louise's head, he smiled. "Then I'll thank Your Highness for the special privilege. Why don't we talk on the bed? Standing's a bit tiring."
Louise's eyes flew wide. "What impertinent thing are you saying to Her Highness? I'm terribly sorry, Your Highness—he's ignorant of court manners and has offended you…"
"It's alright, you don't have to be so formal, Louise," Henrietta said kindly, her dewy gaze settling on them. "I hope you'll treat me as you did before, as a good friend. If even you are distant and polite with me, I truly have no one left to confide in."
Hearing that, Louise looked at her with concern and drew her to sit by the bed.
"Your Highness Henrietta, whatever the trouble, you can tell me. I promised I would help you, and I won't break my word."
"Thank you, Louise." Henrietta was moved. She gathered her thoughts, glanced at Hayashi Maki, and said, "I've heard Mr. Hayashi Maki, your familiar, is very strong. Please perform well tomorrow—I'm looking forward to it."
Louise flushed. "Yes, Your Highness. I'll make sure he shows his best and wins a reward!"
Henrietta smiled, satisfied. She wanted to ask Louise for help, but without seeing Hayashi Maki's strength firsthand, she didn't want to put her friend at risk. Better to watch his performance at tomorrow's Familiar Exhibition first. As heir to the throne, she needed her own power base—and Louise was the perfect choice.
"Your Highness sneaked out, didn't you?" Hayashi Maki asked.
"Yes. I have to return soon; otherwise it will cause a stir." Henrietta smiled and nodded. "That cloak earlier is an enchanted one—hides face and aura."
"I see," Hayashi Maki said. "You two haven't seen each other in so long—you must have so much to say. If you don't mind, why not sleep here tonight with Louise?"
Louise shot him a panicked look, afraid he'd make a move on the princess. "Hey, idiot—what are you plotting now? If you do anything inappropriate to Her Highness, I'll never forgive you!"
Hayashi Maki shrugged. "I only wanted to give you and Her Highness time together. I assume Princess Henrietta has a lot to say to you?"
"Yes, Mr. Hayashi Maki—do you have a way?" Henrietta asked, hopeful.
"Of course," he said, snapping his fingers. A flame flared and shaped itself into a human form; when the fire peeled away, an exact double of Henrietta stood there—his mana clone.
"Let the clone sleep in Your Highness's room. That way you can stay with Louise tonight. How's that?"
"In that case, let's do it. Thank you, Mr. Hayashi Maki." After a second of surprise, Henrietta nodded gratefully. The princess was all gratitude; Louise rolled her eyes.
"In that case, you go sleep elsewhere tonight—I'm going to have girl talk with Her Highness!"
"No can do. I'm responsible for your safety. I'm not leaving!"
"You—"
"It's alright, Louise," Henrietta said gently, squeezing her friend's hand. "Mr. Hayashi Maki is right, isn't he? Let him protect us."
She'd been under crushing pressure—the king dead, the nation's weight on her shoulders. Louise could only cast Hayashi Maki a warning look and settle down to listen as the princess poured her heart out. Hayashi Maki didn't interrupt, leaning against the door, thinking.
First: when the princess left, he'd need to "teach" Louise properly.
Second: he'd try to make contact with this seemingly delicate princess as well.
…
Morning came quickly.
Henrietta slept soundly for the first time in ages—curled up with Louise under one blanket, guarded by someone, she actually drifted off. Drowsy, she heard a warm male voice at her ear.
"Princess Henrietta, it's morning—time to wake…"
"Mm… who…?"
She opened her eyes to a handsome face very close to hers.
"Ah—you're… Miss Louise's familiar."
"Please call me Hayashi Maki," he said gently. "It's morning, Your Highness. You should return to your room—my clone can't mimic you perfectly."
"Oh—right!" she said. "I need to hurry back. But… Mr. Hayashi Maki, if you'd woken me a bit earlier it would have been better; my maids are already up by now."
Hayashi Maki slipped an arm around her waist and lifted her in a princess carry. "Not a problem—I'll take you back myself." He'd memorized her room location the day before. "Eh? Mr. Hayashi Maki, you—"
Before she could react, the world blurred—she was back in her room. On the bed, her double dissolved into flame. Hayashi Maki lowered her gently, took her hand, and brushed a kiss across it.
"Until we meet again, my princess."
He vanished in a flicker. Henrietta stared, shaken.
"That was… teleportation? Incredible. And that mimic clone…" She looked at her hand, cheeks tinting as she recalled the heat in his gaze. For no reason, she felt a pang of envy for Louise. She was a princess without freedom; when needed, she would have to sacrifice herself for the country—say, in a diplomatic marriage.
"Mr. Hayashi Maki—perform well," she murmured.
Strangely, she was even more excited for the Exhibition. If Louise and Hayashi Maki shone, she could reward them—push Louise into noble society. With more merit, Louise could gradually enter the political core—become her right hand.
~~~
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