Chapter 18- Don't Take Candy From Strangers (Lower)

Deciding to pour himself a drink while he waited for his unknown guest, Cael observed the liquid as it flowed into the cup. It had something of an aloe vera like consistency to it with a crisp pink colour as well, though it was in no way murky and still maintained a crystalline appearance instead.

At the end of the day however Cael was no food critic so apart from him being able to tell it was high class goods he couldn’t really make out much else. Nevertheless not one to shy away from a challenge he unabashedly took a big mouthful of the unknown concoction.

Yep Just like strawberries, not bad.

Having sufficiently wasted enough time he could now see a familiar pair of legs draped in a familiar ojou-sama style dress descend from above. Although said owner of legs clearly did not seem all that accustomed to climbing ladders, this was at least when compared to she who shall not be named.

Cael could feel comfortable in such an assessment because while the kuudere cosplayer could silently and effortlessly climb down while wearing a frilly maid outfit, the now obviously identified Selene tripped in a particularly fantastic manner that wouldn’t be out of place in a top ten epic fails compilation.

Being the gentleman he was Cael chose to avert his gaze from the princess’ dishevelled state only burning it into his eyes for a mere 0.5 seconds, quite generous if he were to say so himself.

Selene upon noticing her unmentionables were in plain view did an honest to god “Kyaaa!” before quickly standing up and tidying her appearance as best she could. What happened mere moments ago however left its mark in the return of her, by this point at least somewhat signature boiled octopus look.

『Did you see?』

Calmly nodding his head Cael responded to Selene’s inquiry.

『I saw.』

『You’re supposed to lie even if you did!』

Hearing such logic for the first time he adopted a posture reminiscent of a certain famous statue on Earth. Ruminating on the princesses words for a short while he could indeed somewhat see the wisdom in them.

Cupping his fist into his open palm in such a way that it wouldn’t be strange to hear a “pon” sound he looked forward and tried once more.

『I didn’t see.』

『It’s too late now!』

Chuckling a little at the sight of the out of breath Selene, Cael casually poured her a glass of the mysterious liquid he’d been nursing.

『Here have some of this, Lily gave it to me it tastes kinda like strawberries.』

Unconsciously accepting it with a simple thanks Selene not being shy at all chugged it back like a middle aged office worker after a long day. Any semblance of grace she may have possessed as a princess was left on the floor long ago along with her dignity.

『Uwahh~ that hits the spot.』

『I don’t think princesses should say “Uwahh~” though.』

『That’s discrimination.』

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Shaking his head while mentally double checking the definition of discrimination Cael opted to ask something else.

『What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were coming back in the morning.』

Becoming somewhat flustered Selene responded with a very un-answer like answer.

『I was.』

Rolling his eyes at her useless reply he encouraged her to elaborate before she could change the subject.

『And so?』

『I … well I changed my mind okay! How is it your business anyway?!』

『Huh?! I’m asking because it is exactly my business, it is literally the only business I have.』

『Oh … right … that actually makes sense. Weeeeellll, I thought I could spend more time with my cousin as it’s so rare for us to see each other; yep that’s absolutely the case no other reason at all~』

『I see.』

Understanding well how self-satisfied she was at coming up with a decent excuse Cael didn’t have it in him to call her out on her terrible lying ability ill-fitting of one born to the aristocracy.

Whatever, if she wanted to tell me she would’ve already. Though if you could please stop making a guts pose I would really appreciate it, you’re seriously making it hard to act like I didn’t notice y’know~

Having taken note that Cael no longer had any intention of asking about her presence there, Selene sat down and refilled her glass seeming as though to give a big toast to herself in celebration of her small victory.

Savouring the flavour of the unknown drink once again she couldn’t help but comment on its taste.

『Mm, it really does taste like strawberries.』

『I know, right.』

『Yep, yep~』

『Totally~』

The wholesome scene of the two sitting next to each other sipping on their drinks with content smiles continued on for yet some time. The companiable atmosphere would eventually be broken by Selene however as she suddenly opened her eyes wide apparently having just realised something important.

『Wait!』

Slamming her glass on the table before rushing to stand up she scared Cael to the point he was practically jumping out of his own skin. At her words though Cael too put down his drink before rushing to his feet as well.

『What is it!?』

『Strawberries!』

Hearing Selene’s next words though only caused his confusion to skyrocket further.

『What do you mean “strawberries”?!』

『They’re bad!』

『Are you screwing with me?!』

Truly even a clay buddha like Cael could get angry if you messed with him enough. Understanding her words were indeed somewhat odd Selene chose to elaborate.

『No it’s just there was something about strawberries but I can’t seem to remember. It’s on the tip of my tongue … strawberries … strawberries, that’s it!』

Before Selene could share her wisdom in regards to the popular berry that was not really a berry Lily had returned from the kitchen carrying two bowls in hand filled with delicious smelling stew.

『Is everything alright? I thought I heard shou… 』

Seeing the scene before her Lily froze mid-sentence seemingly taken off-guard at the discovery of her cousin’s presence.

『Ah … you’re back. I thought you went home already.』

Selene at seeing Lily’s face actually seemed to be giving off an air of hostility completely different from what Cael was expecting.

『Surprised? Well so am I.』

Aware of the narrowing of her cousin’s eyes Lily began dripping beads of sweat down the side of her head seemingly anxious about something, though she did eventually get up the nerve to reply.

『I wasn’t expecting you to be here.』

Hearing the silkie’s words the princess turned her gaze towards Cael through the corner of her eye before replying in a cryptic manner.

『Obviously.』

Lily too looked towards Cael before her gaze was drawn to the two recently used cups on the table. Shifting her eyes back to Selene, Lily questioned her cousin almost in disbelief.

『Did you?』

While the meaning of her question was completely lost on Cael, Selene knew exactly what she was referring to.

『A few minutes ago. Is there anything you can … 』

『No.』

With Lily shaking her head in a firm denial a feeling of dread soon swept over both the girls. While feeling tears start to well up in her eyes, Selene began to shout hysterically.

『How could you?!』

『I’m sorry.』

While the cousins were arguing Cael felt a strange feeling begin to bubble up through his body.

『You’re better than this!』

『I’m sorry.』

An inexplicable warmth that he couldn’t quite make heads or tails of.

『Sorry doesn’t cut it!』

『I’m sorry.』

A dazed fog beginning to cloud over his mind.

『Lily just what have you … 』

And so he was swallowed by darkness.

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image [https://i.imgur.com/QLMFpIX.png]

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