Reincarnated as the Villainess's attendant

"|You know, although it would require some explanation – considering that your entire relationship happened because you alone were under the hex – but I could arrange a meeting for the two of you. Somewhere safe for both of you... in case you would want to get rid of her to clear your name...|"

Zoemi spoke lightheartedly, although by the end he started mumbling so that Surou could barely understand what was said.

"[Hold on a minute – who do you take me for again?! Miss Burushiitto is as much of a victim in all of that as I am!]"

...barely able, and not completely unable – which was why the second prince gasped in disbelief at the outrageous implication.

"|Oh? So are you telling me that a thought like that didn't cross your mind?|"

"[...that's beside the point. I am a prince – currently in hiding, but still – it is obvious for me to come up with various plans to protect my name and honor... But it's not like I would act up and try out all of them!]"

The black-haired boy asked mockingly – which prompted a grumpy response from the blue-haired one.

"|My prince, let me make things clear – Burushi is my friend, you are my convenient accomplices, and a backup plan if the things go the worst way possible. I do not sacrifice my friends for some convenient accomplices. Is that clear?|"

Zoemi breathed out and declared, and even though he did not mean it to be as much of a threat as more of a warning – it sure sounded like a bonafide threat.

"|Nonetheless, it's not like I can or want to make decisions for Burushi, so I will tell her about your situation and if she will want to meet up with you, or contact you through my sentinels, I will make that happen.

"[Having an honest talk would be appreciated.]"

The second prince nodded and even without a vision of him, Zoemi could tell that the blue-haired boy was making a bitter expression.

"[Then again – what about that marriage – who are you marrying?]"

Still, only after a few seconds to compose himself, Surou ended up changing the subject and asked.

"|Oh, that's right – where did you get the idea that I am the one getting married anyway? My father is marrying Rokiana Grea Perserios.|"

Zoemi raised his brows and rolled his eyes, finally clearing up the misunderstanding that honestly shouldn't have happened in the first place.

"[Huh... now that makes more sense... wait – he's marrying the teacher? And one of Perserios to boot. That is quite a radical change of policy for the Auequas family... Weren't they always the bootlickers of the Derizno family?]"

Surou let out a surprised voice and pondered with interest.

It seemed that with his mind messed by the hex for years he missed the fact that Mizoe was disinherited by the Auequas family.

"|Not all, my father was thrown out, and my cousin ran away after they tried to force her to marry teacher Ikarveth.|"

The black-haired boy didn't want to sour his mood by recounting the entire case to the second prince so he just mentioned it was a shrug.

"[Ah, the Lazaram wannabe? Good choice, he always was really creepy with his experiments.]"

"|What...?|"

The blue-haired boy pointed out, sounding as if he nodded with understanding – which honestly was out of Zoemi's expectations.

"What do you mean by what? I just told you, he was always creepy with his experiments with expanding the mana reservoir in order to mass-produce sages. Well, maybe I'm overexaggerating by saying it was creepy, but I do remember him back in the day trying to convince my father to experiment on me because I was only average. The queen cut those attempts in the bud, but now I am sure that she only did so so that no one would realize that her bastard son hexed me.]"

The second prince spoke dismissively, but for Zoemi it was more than just interesting- although the research alone seemed to be offputting, at least for Surou, it was worth checking whether teacher Ikarveth knew something about fixing broken mana reservoirs...

"[Still, so it's your father who is getting married – pass him my congratulations and best wishes. Honestly I could even make their wedding rings or some other gift... when's the ceremony?]"

The second prince moved on and asked curiously.

"|Oh, in a few minutes or so your offer is appreciated but a bit late...|"

"[WHAT?!]"

"[Blast it, boy! I've told you to keep quiet!]"

Zoemi's answer made Surou raise his voice again – which prompted the old jeweler's response.

"[Sorry, master! Anyway, sir Banemor, what do you mean 'in a few minutes'!?]"

After apologizing to the old man again, Surou asked Zoemi in a hushed voice.

"|I'm just waiting in the back of the chapel, although it is a bit unconventional as far as I am aware, I am tasked with going with my father to the altar where he will be awaiting his bride.|"

"[Aww...! That actually sounds adorable...!]"

The black-haired boy revealed, unexpectedly making Surou gasp in awe.

"|Thank you.|"

Zoemi smiled and nodded his head greatefully even though the second prince could see him.

"|Ah! The door's opening! Gotta go! We will keep in touch!|"

"[Alright! Ah! I almost forgot – Tell Devios that the real Surou wants a rematch in chess and...!"

The black-haired boy cut short his conversation with the second prince who still had a lot to say or so it seemed, and hurriedly straightened his back as his sentinels both deactivated their spells – that being the message one and muffle.

The door opened fully and the person who showed up was the pale-blue-haired knight in an official uniform.

Despite not wearing armor, he still had the shortsword by his waist as it was the mark of his knighthood, and also the same blade that he bested his older brother with – which only added to how important the weapon was to him.

"Father, are you ready?"

Seeing his slightly pale face, Zoemi asked with a wide grin...

"I think I am... but I still can't believe it is really happening..."

…Mizoe gulped down his saliva and responded with an anxious smile.

"Everything will be fine – just let me know if you will feel like fainting – I have healing spells at the ready."

"That would be very welcomed – I imagine that on a rare chance that I would faint, some rude people might try to coin a rumor that I was forced to marry Rokiana... Actually, apparently, there already is a rumor like that circulating around the territory..."

"Don't pay attention to that now, dad. You want to do this, right? Then what's the problem?"

Mizoe nodded with a faint smile but almost instantly his expression darkened and he murmured – making Zoemi pat his shoulder reassuringly.

"Am I worthy of her?"

The pale-blue-haired man lowered his head and asked, breathing out heavily.

"Are you kidding me? Dad, you are the best person I know – and if that question is the reason for your worries, then it means you most definitely are worthy."

Zoemi laughed in response and gave his father an encouraging pat on the back.

The two of them left the room and started walking down a small hallway that, for Mizoe at least, seemed way too long.

"The priest said that this corridor is called 'the last chance road'. If you're having second thoughts this is your chance to turn back..."

The son whispered to his father in a humorous way but there was a hint of reassurance in his voice.

|I will support your decision.|

It seemed that Zoemi was saying.

"It's okay. It's not a spur of a moment thing... But thank you for the heads-up."

Mizoe blushed and took a deep breath.

The hallway was ending and soon the two of them entered a chapel.

The interior was decorated in white, pale blue, and deep blue colors all over.

"..."

Zoemi froze for a second when he saw the crowd sitting at the marble benches.

Because of an older brown-haired woman sitting near the altar, the black-haired boy thought that lady Auequas actually showed up at her son's wedding, but after a closer look it turned out to be someone from the Perserios family.

It was easy to say because Mizoe's mother would never tear up at the sight of Mizoe walking up all proudly.

It was a bittersweet realization – and Zoemi glanced over to his father to see whether he also fell for the unintentional surprise, but thankfully the pale-blue-haired man was too focused on his spot at the altar.