Chapter 18: Long Live the Crown Prince!

A sweets shop was probably the last place anyone would expect to find Ephraim. Probably because he thought they didn’t suit his princely image.

As if sensing her suspicion, Ephraim only gave Lydia his usual polite smile.

"I happened to be nearby."

"That doesn’t explain why you paid for my desserts."

"I wanted to."

Almost out of habit, Lydia checked Ephraim’s Resonance Stress with her Guide ability. The number floating in her vision was higher than she expected.

[Resonance Stress: 45%]

The last time she had guided her, he was at 6%. How had Ephraim managed to push it this high in just a month?

Had he been clearing too many Dimensional Rifts lately?

It was not dangerously high, but it was enough to make Lydia concerned.

"Your Resonance Stress is at 45%."

Ephraim glanced at the reading, shrugged as if it were nothing, and said, "I’m fine."

"Take better care of yourself, Ephraim. You’re a Sentinel, for heaven’s sake. Just because you don’t feel sick yet doesn’t mean you can ignore it."

"I know. I’ll be more careful."

"Like I’m going to buy it."

Lydia studied him for another moment before finally nodding. At least 45% was nowhere near the level that would require a guide.

With that settled, Lydia turned her attention to the more annoying problem waiting for her.

Her family.

The Faculty had already sent the report about her newest C-Rank Guide results and awakened Spirit Animal status to House Valendorf. There was no way she could pretend nothing had happened.

Besides, Lydia still needed to get her brother’s approval to join the Student Committee.

"I should go home now," Lydia muttered.

She had barely activated her bracelet to call an aircab when Ephraim spoke.

"I’ll go with you."

"What?"

"I’ll accompany you to House Valendorf."

"Why?"

Ephraim looked completely serious, which somehow made Lydia even more suspicious.

"House Valendorf is the Empire’s Sword and the only Ducal House in the Empire. It wouldn’t be unusual for the Crown Prince to visit. Besides, I don’t think I need an excuse to visit my fiancée’s home."

"Why do you always have a convincing excuse for everything?"

"I wonder."

Even in her previous life, Ephraim rarely visited. Not after both of them attended Belfort University.

"You just want to come with me."

Ephraim’s smile widened slightly. "Perhaps."

Lydia sighed. "My family isn’t exactly going to welcome you with open arms. You know how my brothers are."

The last time brother Sylvain had been displeased with her, Lydia’s monthly allowance had suffered terribly. He had even forbidden her from leaving the mansion for half a month.

"Make sure to stay on your best behavior, Ephraim. I won’t be able to stand another blow to my finances." She warned him, then sighed. "Anyway, you don’t need an excuse to visit my house."

Before Lydia could change her mind, Ephraim tapped his bracelet to pay for the aircab and stepped inside with her.

"Besides, if your brother becomes angry about your Guide Rank reassessment, I can speak with him."

A Crown Prince might be a worthy opponent for Duke Valendorf. Their battle would be legendary!

The moment Ephraim noticed Lydia’s sudden interest, he decided to deliver the killing blow.

"If Duke Valendorf threatens to cut your monthly allowance again," he added casually, "I can also speak to him about that."

"All hail the future sun of Adelstein Empire, His Highness Crown Prince Ephraim!"

A moment ago, Lydia had been completely against Ephraim visiting House Valendorf. Now, her resistance was mysteriously disappearing.

"There’s still hope for my allowance." Lydia began slowly, "Brother Sylvain probably wouldn’t dare to cut it if you were there. Fine. You can come with me."

That was it. That was the strongest argument Ephraim could possibly have made today.

"Let’s go home."

Humming cheerfully, Lydia swung her feet as she sat in the aircab. A familiar little habit that she always did when she was happy or relaxed.

With her precious monthly allowance safe from Sylvain’s wrath, she had every reason to be in a good mood.

Beside her, Ephraim watched her with a satisfied smile. He had known that offer would work.

Gotcha.

His funny fiancée had taken the bait exactly as he’d expected. Up until two months ago, Lydia was always hovering around him.

But strange things kept happening and she suddenly turned into an entirely different person just before she turned 22.

Although Ephraim couldn’t quite get the grasp of the reason for her sudden change, he found this new Lydia far too entertaining.

Too bad Lydia was no longer in the same Elite Class as him. Still, his excellent grades meant he could afford to take a week off from his studies and duties without falling behind. He could finally spend more time with his amusing fiancée.

She could argue with him about almost anything, but the moment her monthly allowance was in danger, all her resistance disappeared.

Ephraim quietly smiled at her, looking far too pleased with himself.

He had successfully trapped his funny fiancée with the one thing she couldn’t resist.

Leverage against her brother.

By the time the aircab reached the Valendorf mansion, Lydia was still in high spirits.

Lydia stepped down first, with Ephraim following close behind. The moment the servants noticed who had accompanied her, the calm atmosphere around the mansion entrance changed.

The Valendorf butler hurried and bowed deeply when he recognized the Crown Prince.

"Your Highness."

Confusion was practically written across the butler’s face.

The Crown Prince had arrived at House Valendorf without any prior notice. Ephraim, however, looked perfectly comfortable.

"Good afternoon," he greeted politely. "I apologize for arriving without notice. I hope we haven’t caused any inconvenience."

"Of course not, Your Highness." The butler straightened quickly. "It is an honor to receive you. May I ask Your Highness to wait here for a moment? I shall inform Duke Valendorf of your visit immediately."

"Please do."

The butler bowed again before bolting inside.

"Well," Lydia muttered, "that went exactly as expected."

"Were you expecting him to faint?"

"No. I was expecting him to wonder why the Crown Prince suddenly appeared at our house."

"We’re engaged after all. I don’t need special reasons to visit your family."

Of course. Why bother with a reasonable explanation when he could simply pull the fiancé card?

Ephraim had invited himself to House Valendorf and somehow made it sound like an official royal visit.

Rather than stand around waiting for the household to recover from the shock, Lydia headed to the waiting room. Ephraim followed her without complaint, as if he hadn’t just caused a minor crisis by showing up unannounced.

A maid soon arrived with a tray of tea. However, the moment she approached Lydia, her expression stiffened.

"Lady Lydia."

"Thank you."

The maid bowed her head and quickly retreated.

Something was strange. Even after they settled into their seats, Lydia noticed the servants glancing at her whenever they thought she wasn’t looking.

A few even exchanged quiet whispers, only to fall silent whenever she turned their way.

Why are they acting like that?

Ephraim noticed the same thing. His expression remained pleasant, but his eyes briefly followed the maid before returning to Lydia.

"You seem popular here."

"Being sarcastic already? Didn’t I warn you to be on your best behavior, Ephraim?

Ephraim’s smile only grew at her complaint. Lydia was about to say something else when a servant approached and bowed. "Lady Lydia, Duke Valendorf requests your presence in his study."

"Of course he does."

"Would you like me to accompany you?" Ephraim asked.

"No. Brother Sylvain asked to see me alone."