What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 228

Curtain Call (1)

To say ‘Hey, hop on!’ to a man with orange eyes.

“Hahaha.”

I burst into laughter, watching the protagonist’s dignified back.

I was already holding Demi and Tete, and with Leah, Perrier, and Stubborn clinging to me, it was chaotic.

To top it off, this was the pirate ship from our memories, the one Kristel dragged us to in Evelyn during summer vacation.

Frozen seawater pillars soared like waterspouts, supporting the ship.

Above us, the mansion bedroom was on fire, and far below the towering coastal cliffs, waves crashed.

It was the most chaotic night ever!

“Have you been well? Has the Crown Prince been good to you?”

-Squeak, squeak!

“He has. Why are your paws so dirty?”

-Squeak, squeak!

“Oh, our Stubborn has been through a lot. It must have been so hard for such a little one.”

-Chirp, chirp!

Seeing the red pandas clinging to my legs, expressing their joy, and the wrens sitting on my fingers, recounting their hard work, I couldn’t help but chuckle.

Even though I knew it wasn’t a laughing matter.

I was dazed, wondering if this was a dream or reality when Duchess Isabel and Kristel’s nanny, Ellen, wrapped us in blankets.

Maria was especially delighted.

“Brother, we have a ship! It’s just like I said it would be!”

Lord Ervé chuckled, and Marquis François kissed Isabel and Ellen’s hands.

It was an unbelievable turn of events. How did they even get here?

“Did you come all the way here because of us?”

I asked the man, unable to hide my smile.

He had fallen from the burning Casa di Corleone just a moment ago,

-Thud!

And landed gracefully on the deck, as if it were all part of a play.

Our jaws dropped. I never thought I’d be so glad to see the monster fur coat and black cloak.

I wondered how the admiral’s room had caught fire, but it seemed he had a plan to save his teacher.

This official couple was so admirable.

“Didn’t I say we should move together?”

He retorted regally, removing and tossing aside his mask.

His jet-black hair fluttered in the sea breeze, and his crimson eyes stared straight at me in the darkness.

His sculpted face was expressionless. My mind went blank for a moment.

‘From now on, let’s just move together. We’re a pair, after all.’

…Come to think of it, I did make that suggestion. He remembered.

“You did.”

At the time, it was just an excuse to keep the couple together, but now I was genuinely touched as a friend.

Not only did he trust us implicitly, but he also came all the way to a foreign country in this cold winter, even taking care of the troublesome creatures.

He was raised preciously and was even a Crown Prince.

There must have been many unspoken difficulties during the journey, yet he still took care of everything.

I nodded with a bright face.

“Thank you.”

-Crack!

Just then, an ominous sound echoed through the ship. The air between the Crown Prince and me instantly froze.

Lord Johann, wrapped in a blanket, quickly looked up at the mansion.

Kristel stood on the deck, facing Admiral Emma Corleone at the edge of the cliff.

Water flowers swirled in the protagonist’s hands. A chilling sound followed. Woooo…

“Huh? Is the ship tilting?”

Maria muttered. What a coincidence. I was thinking the same thing.

-Screech…

“Crap.”

It wasn’t a coincidence; my vision started to slant!

“Everyone, be careful! That guy threw an axe at the pillar!”

Kristel shouted dramatically, turning around.

Thanks, but please tell me 10 seconds earlier next time!

“Kids!”

I shouted urgently, hugging the bundle of divine beasts.

‘Squeak!’ Vines sprouted like springs from the red pandas’ paws.

Whoosh! Everyone was tied to the ship with vines, securely fastened.

The ship was now tilted more than 45 degrees…

“Lord Johann!”

“Your Highness.”

-Groan…

The ship made a dying sound.

I know this; it stops like this at the top of a roller coaster. Right before it drops!

“Aah!”

“Aaaah! Sister! Therese!”

“Oh my God!”

I screamed, squeezing my eyes shut, Maria cried out for her sisters, and Ellen boasted the loudest voice among us.

Then, the ship plunged towards the sea at a terrifying speed!

-Whoosh!

“Ugh!”

-Squeak!

-Awoo!

-Peep!

Kristel and the troublesome creatures let out screams that were hard to define.

Just as the ship seemed about to crash vertically into the seabed,

-Whirr!

A crazy gust of wind surrounded the ship. I hurriedly looked at Lord Johann.

The corners of his drooping eyes curved slightly. The pirate ship changed its angle surprisingly smoothly,

-Splash!

And landed safely, creating a field of white buckwheat flowers in the night sea.

Splash! The icy seawater slapped my cheeks and hair as if I were on a flume ride.

Phew. I couldn’t help but laugh, overwhelmed by the adrenaline and relief.

I knew Head Knight Herit would help, but I almost went crazy!

“Wow, that was really fun! I want to do it again!”

“Maria.”

The drenched duchess wiggled her legs, and François caught his breath, removing his sister’s hair.

Hugging the divine beasts tightly, I quickly checked on my friends.

The two couples, the Dium siblings, as well as Lord Johann, Isabel, and Ellen, were all safe.

Stubborn, who had been fidgeting anxiously, quickly burrowed into my arms.

Kristel untangled the vines and stood up, facing us with the cliff behind her.

The bangs stuck to her forehead like seaweed were cute.

“Now it’s okay! With me and Teacher, there’s no problem getting to the Empire, and with Your Highness, we can easily maintain our body temperature. Don’t worry about the ship. It was sturdily repaired in Sarnez at a high price. This is the first time I’ve brought it out. Forget about the portal and go straight to the Imperial Capital…”

The longer she spoke, the more our lips drooped.

It wasn’t because of her, but because of the presence behind her.

-Splash!

A strange sound was heard. Kristel turned around immediately.

We all stood up and grabbed the railing, checking the other side.

Round bubbles were forming in the sea where the firelight flickered.

“What’s wrong, Your Highness? What was it?”

“The admiral jumped.”

“Huh.”

“Let’s leave immediately.”

The Crown Prince ordered sharply. His words were a bit too fast.

The Dium brothers pulled Maria back and began scattering mana.

I turned to look at them and asked.

“I know the Admiral is a tougher navy officer than any pirate, but she’s still human. Can she really follow such a big ship?”

“You don’t know her specialty.”

…Specialty? Is she a mage? Kristel and I’s faces hardened.

“Ellen!”

“Leave it to me, young lady!”

Ellen seemed to be the helmsman.

As she hurried towards the helm, Isabel began pulling on the sail ropes.

Maria also ran to help the duchess. I was about to lend a hand when,

-Splash!

“Eek!”

A ghostly figure rose from under the ship’s bow. The soaking wet dreadlocks were terrifying.

Tete cried and flapped her wings in fright. Even her brother was so surprised he almost spat out his heart!

“Finally, you’ve appeared. The one who will give me eternal joy!”

The admiral washed her face, her dark green eyes gleaming.

Her eyes widened, making her look more than ten years younger, and she looked inappropriately happy.

Even her voice sounded clearer than usual. Wait, what’s appearing?

“My mermaid.”

The middle-aged woman whispered, staring intently at Kristel. Her eyes looked like she was in love.

Her even teeth shone between her white breath and bright smile.

It seemed she was completely captivated by Kristel’s water-attribute aether [magical energy] and her free appearance when using divine power.

But to me, the admiral looked like a beautiful and dangerous siren [a mythical creature that lures sailors to their doom with enchanting music or beauty].

I shuddered, feeling like she would capsize our ship at any moment.

The protagonist glanced at me with a profound expression.

“The prince must have really liked you. He even forced you to be his concubine.”

Don’t try to pass it on to me; I know it’s about you!

“I will build a tank for you in the mansion. I will fill it with golden crowns and diamond anklets instead of coral.”

Clatter! As she said that, the admiral stepped onto the water.

Kristel and I gaped. I can’t believe what I’m seeing.

A person who lives a million miles away from the concept of faith was walking leisurely on the water!

“Your Highness… What is that?”

Do you believe this?

“Buoyancy.”

The man replied bluntly. Oh my god.

“It’s no wonder she commanded the ocean at a young age. Madam is an 8th-circle mage [a very powerful magic user] who roams both land and sea, and a skilled fighter.”

François explained with a bitter smile. This is crazy.

Not only does she have the specialty of controlling buoyancy, but she’s also an 8th-circle mage? She’s a mage who’s also good at fighting?

“…Pparabarabarabam!”

Kristel sang an old tune and ran to the bow of the ship.

Thud! Suddenly, the waves rose, and the ship gained speed.

I backpedaled, watching the admiral slowly start to run.

On the beach, marines with torches had gathered and were preparing a speedboat.

A sense of crisis washed over me, urging me to row or splash my feet, anything.

The Crown Prince, facing the wind, frowned at me.

“Your aether is not calm.”

Do you even understand the anxiety of a commoner? Mr. Gain!

“Let’s go together!”

Lord Johann’s laughter was heard.

*

December 26th has passed. The eastern sun was dawning.

Elise Fenetian smiled, looking at those sprawled out in the banquet hall.

Martier, who had drunk until his nose was crooked, was snoring under the platform.

Her mother was in the silk bed at the top, and her beloved Cornelise was lying in her arms.

A purple tulip covered with a magical glass dome was placed at the mother and daughter’s bedside.

The Crown Princess silently stared at the resentful object before covering her attending knight with a blanket and muttering.

“…It’s nice to see.”

It really was.

Her 31st birthday celebration ended more modestly than ever.

Although one of her two beloved younger siblings was missing, her mother with a healthy mind attended instead.

No one from the Sneider family, her father’s family, showed their faces.

Mostly, nobles who attended to her mother showed their faces, and some stayed up all night and returned home in the dawn carriage.

Elise felt joy and satisfaction for the first time in a while.

It was a place without Hosabach’s ambitious people who were close to her father, or potential fiancés that her father had marked.

It was simple and peaceful. The party she prepared alone suited her personality perfectly.

“It would have been nice if Yeseo was here too.”

I wonder if she is doing well. She will be.

Elise calmed her heart, thinking of the water child with pink hair.

Johann Haynes’ son was also safely rescued and sent to the Empire, so the Cardinal would be a strong sword for her sister.

Perhaps she is spending peaceful days without needing a sword.

“Shall I take you there in the new year?”

The Crown Princess whispered, kissing her younger sister’s cheek.

The child had never left the capital.

She would surely jump for joy at the thought of traveling to the Empire.

It seemed possible to make an excuse through the Vatican.

I am afraid that the Crown Prince will restrict my sister’s life, so I must meet her at least once a year, even if I have to force it…

-Click

“Your Highness.”

At that moment, Zanin, the Crown Princess’s attendant, opened the door and entered.

Her always calm face was pale. A bad feeling pierced her heart.

“Zanin?”

“It’s an urgent report from Liester. The Prince, His Highness.”

‘Gasp.’ The middle-aged woman covered her mouth, then barely took her hand off and continued.

“There was a terror attack targeting the Crown Prince of the Empire, and the Prince is said to have been named as the mastermind.”

“…What?”

Her voice was too loud. But there was no time to think about that.

The Crown Princess’s fingertips began to tremble.

“What are you talking about? He is not a child who would do such a thing. Who is making such a serious accusation?”

“It seems that nothing has been revealed yet. However, the Prince was said to have left the Imperial Capital at the time of the terror attack…”

Elise’s pupils dilated. She approached Zanin with a frighteningly large stride.

“Why. Why did he leave the palace?”

“I don’t know. The Imperial Capital is still in turmoil over the matter, and there is intelligence that the Emperor has ordered the Prince’s arrest.”

Zanin took a quick breath and bowed.

The Crown Princess’s sapphire gaze moved busily.

The Imperial Family could not have known her brother’s nature.

Elise clearly remembered the farewell banquet in the summer when everyone worked together to save her father’s young hostage.

But what if this was a cleverly set trap?

If even the Emperor had no choice but to suspect her brother, and as a result, he was eventually expelled or punished in the Empire…

“Oh my god.”

It was Martier’s voice. The two women immediately looked back at the floor.

The battle priest was looking up at the Crown Princess in shock. The old lips trembled.

“Your Highness… Your Highness, no. The Prince’s memory is not intact. He is in danger as he is!”

“What did you just say?”

-Clang!

The three women were startled. Elise hurriedly looked up at the bed.

Her mother’s peach-colored eyes were filled with fear.

Her hand holding the purple tulip was covered in blood.

The very old glass cover was broken.