“Why don't you change your mind instead of leaving the castle with Vivian since you're so worried? Wouldn't it be better not to leave the castle at all?” The air beside him twisted slightly, and Vera's voice could be heard.

Sullivan paused, looking up at the air beside him. “Were you here all along?”

Last night, Sullivan had fallen asleep on the table next to him, not because he was worried about anything, but simply because it felt uncomfortable to sleep in a girl's bed as an upright knight.

"It's my freedom to stay wherever I want." Vera complained as she untied the scarf around her neck and fanned herself. "And I found it too hot to wear this thing for too long, especially in this weather. So, it's better to have a place to hide without having to wear it all the time.”

Not only the summer heat, but also the humid seaside climate made scarves inappropriate. Strands of sweat clung to Vera's forehead.

"And—" Vera smirked mischievously, "It's quite entertaining to see the holy knight panic in front of girls, isn't it? It would be a shame to miss out on that."

“So, your muttering just now was indeed true! Sullivan, how could you do such a thing without bringing me along!” Johannes complained over the communication channel.

“I didn't do anything.” Sullivan sighed. He wasn't good with words to begin with, let alone explaining a hundred times over... And that style really lowered his SAN.

“I know, but unexpected lucky perverted events like this are key in harem comedies,” Johannes admitted.

“What are you talking about... Nevermind,” Sullivan shook his head. “Instead of that, what do you mean by not leaving the castle?”

“Literally.” Vera gestured in the air with her index finger. “It's difficult to escape with someone, so why not hide them inside the castle where they can't be found? After all, the requirements for either kidnapping or hiding the queen in the castle remain the same for the Holy See, right?”

"I see. Is there really such a method?"

“But even if there is such a method, isn't it more complicated than just taking them out of the castle? This is the residence of the Silver War Maiden after all. They are more familiar with their home than we are, how can we possibly hide them here?”

Johannes finally found an opportunity to interrupt, quickly adding, “Unless you can lend us that hiding tool you have.”

“If it can really work, then it's possible. I just want to see an interesting development after all...” Unlike her previous refusal to help, Vera seemed to be more relaxed this time.

If Vera's magical item that could conceal presence and form was available, it would indeed be possible. For example, enhancing a small room with her illusion, then making the queen wear a scarf and hiding her there with an added illusion for extra security.

Now it was time to implement the plan. Let's first try to awaken Juno and gather some information from her.

Thinking so, Sullivan stood up and walked to the opposite side of the bed, extending his right hand with all five fingers covering the space above the girl's forehead.

However, at that moment...

Boom!

A thunderous explosion and a violent shock occurred almost simultaneously. Sullivan watched in disbelief as the wall in front of him cracked and crumbled, with debris and dust scattering all around.

The sudden turn of events left Sullivan and Vera stunned.

...

In the training ground, the two who were just fighting fiercely were now sitting quietly on the only relatively intact bench, bowing their heads in admonition.

“Your Highness, I should emphasize that due to the recent tight budget in the castle from previous repairs, it will be quite a headache if there is further damage to the buildings. So, when using the training ground, please try to control your strength and focus on practicing swordsmanship as much as possible,” Tiran's advisor said.

"I've said it..." Tiran placed his hands on his knees, looking very aggrieved.

“And as a princess, you shouldn't threaten others' safety even for the royal family's reputation,” the queen added, having left the cake-making techniques she was discussing with Chirp to come and laugh at the situation.

"But it was a complete accident!" The princess felt wronged. Who would have thought that her Cast Off could deflect the Storm Spear into the maids' dormitory? Fortunately, it only grazed past; otherwise, with the power of that big magic, it might have pierced through the building and possibly caused serious casualties.

"... Thankfully, no one was injured." Tiran mumbled in relief. The Storm Spear had grazed the building, damaging part of a wall. However, due to its immense power, most of the bricks missed the maid resting on the bed against the wall and hit the empty bed on the other side.

“Anyway, we can't turn back the situation now. Let's use the portion of your allowance that should have been at your disposal, Your Highness, to repair the dormitory and training ground,” Mimi suggested, sighing with her hand on her forehead.

“Wait a minute! Don't just deduct from my allowance for this! Besides, it was Aya who threw the spear, so you should ask her to compensate!” Tiran protested vehemently.

"But you're the one who deflected it! How can you blame me for that?!" Aya argued with reason.

"No matter what! You can't just deduct my pocket money!" Tiran continued to wave her hands in protest.

For a moment, Aya even imagined Tiran as a penguin guarding its food with flapping flippers...

"I'm sorry, Your Highness. Even though I don't want to do this, in my position as head maid, I cannot give in on this matter," Mimi remained resolute.

At that moment, Vivian clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention.

"Alright, Mimi, how about this?" Vivian winked and said with a smile, closing one eye. "I'll cover the cost of the repairs, so forgive little Tiran this time."

“Well...” Mimi hesitated, seeming a bit conflicted. “Since you put it that way, I can't refuse. But similar incidents have happened before, and as the head maid, I must strive to protect the belongings of Your Highness.”

"I understand, but it's difficult for little Tiran to comprehend your work. So, why don't we have Tiran work as a maid in the castle for a few days like Aya, as a form of punishment and education?" Vivian suggested excitedly.

“Huh?!”

Mimi was at a loss for words, seeming a bit shocked. “This...”

Tiran, on the other hand, gave up on thinking. No, no, no matter what, this was too outrageous. She absolutely refused to do any maid's work! Mimi, quickly reject her suggestion!

“But, this is really improper. Your Highness is still Your Highness. If others find out...”

Yes! That's it! Mimi, you're doing great!

Tiran nodded in satisfaction. While Mimi occasionally exhibited a somewhat frightening affection towards her, she was mostly the sensible and calm head maid.

"Oh, how about having her wear a maid costume handmade by Mimi?" Vivian clapped her hands excitedly and added.

“Please make sure of that! I'll go get ready immediately!”

Hey!