World's Best Protagonist [BL]

The candlelight flickered across the polished marble floor of the receiving hall as the duke leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, eyes narrowed slightly.

My eyes flicked to the large arched windows behind him, and I realized why the lights were on already. We’ve reached the dukedom in the morning; now, it’s dusk. No wonder all my muscles are tired.

I glanced back at the duke. Fortunately, he wasn’t eyeing us with hostility, he was just in deep contemplation after listening to Noir’s story.

Even when I was munching on the food like there was no tomorrow, my ears were focused on them. So, I heard Noir omitted some facts and just told the duke about the monster and our group.

"So, after you got kidnapped, their group rescued you. Is that right, Your Highness?"

Noir’s head bobbed up and down.

"And instead of asking them to send you back to the palace, you stayed with their mercenary group and fought monsters on the border?"

Noir nodded again.

The duke resentfully looked at Noir. "And here I was, searching every corner and nook to find you; going crazier after every failed day of search; and I was even ready to confront the emperor about your disappearance."

Guilt flashed in Noir’s eyes.

I grabbed a slice of the lemon tart and brought it to my mouth, without my eyes leaving the two. Popcorn is a must while watching a drama unfold, but sweets are fine.

"Then, it means you suspected my brother of my kidnapping. How can I go back to the palace after that?" Noir raised his head like he was challenging someone in a fight. "You said you’re willing to do everything I want. Does your loyalty truly lie in me?"

The duke’s eyes glinted with confidence. "Yes, Your Highness."

Some devoted man he is, I say. Wait a minute...

"You don’t look surprised that the princess is a man?" I chimed in, unintentionally.

The duke’s head spun toward me. "No. His gender does not matter to me."

I blinked. "Are you perhaps..."

Noir, "Jade—"

"—his betrothed?"

Etienne’s jaw fell, while Claude simply turned to look at me. I ignored his piercing gaze and watched how the duke raised his eyebrow, probably wondering why I knew two facts—that, and Noir’s disguise.

Noir opened his mouth, to protest, I think, but then the duke finally answered, "That’s right. I’m Eugene Lewellyn. Prince’s Noir’s intended."

Noir followed in a second— "Princess Eleanor’s intended, to be precise."

"You were a princess?!" Etienne exclaimed, shocked.

Noir blushed. Oho.

"Etienne, why are you so surprised? Dress him in a gown and no one would mistake it, I bet." I laughed at the reaction of Etienne and Claude.

Then, my face was hit by a pillow quite a bit hard my head jerked back. The pillow landed on my lap, and in the corner of my eyes, I saw Claude suppressing a grin.

I looked ahead, surprised to see the duke, looking at Noir with an astonished expression. "What? Haven’t seen your princess act manly, your grace?"

"Throwing a pillow is a lady’s act. If it’s a man, they would have thrown the table at you instead."

Claude’s comment only irritated Noir more. He grabbed the edge of the table, and Claude nodded at me with a look, saying, ’look at him trying to prove his masculinity’.

I burst out laughing. Usually at this moment, Noir would have wriggled his hands trying to control me, but because his power was gone, I’m enjoying his helplessness.

However, when the duke gave Noir his sword, my mouth shut instantly, and I swallowed the bout of laughter I hadn’t released yet.

My face went serious quickly. "Let’s talk about the plan now. Time’s ticking."

Claude added, "I saw posters in the town about mages. I presume magic exists in this world as well?"

The duke looked puzzled. I nudged Claude’s side with my elbow, silently warning him to watch his words. Thankfully, before the duke could fire a question we couldn’t answer, Noir spoke.

"Yes. We have Mages. Why do you ask?"

"Can they create a teleportation spell?"

Duke Eugene, "Yes, they can."

"Then, we will need their help. Jade and Etienne need to check on our comrades—"

"Why? They can return once everything is settled. In three days, a grand banquet in the palace is happening, celebrating His Highness’s safe return. We will execute the plan—"

"No. Jade and Etienne need to return as soon as possible." Claude looked at Noir. "You know it, too."

Claude sat at ease beside me, but I could feel the urgency rolling off him like heat. His arms were crossed too, but tighter, his gaze turned sharp, and his tone sharp-edged when he spoke again.

"The monster has been dealt with. Our team’s still there, making sure it’s fully subdued. It took us two days to travel here, but with a Mage, it can be done in an instant."

Duke Eugene’s violet gaze slid toward him. "You’re certain it was completely restrained?"

Claude gave a single, resolute nod. "We left them with binding artifacts. It should hold."

Binding artifacts, aka Terrius, Allen, and Lexie.

The duke looked as though he was going to refute the captain again, but finally, Noir interrupted them.

"Hire a Mage immediately, Duke Lewellyn. Jade and Etienne will return as soon as possible."

It was an order from the royal prince. Noir’s unmistakable regal authority as a prince exuded, and Duke Eugene, instead of arguing, willingly submitted. He even looked proud.

What, is he just waiting for Noir to act like the prince he is, or is he having delight in getting ordered around?

It wasn’t that difficult for a duke to acquire a Mage. He said something like having a connection in the Mage Tower—a place in this kingdom where all Mages gathered.

The Mage arrived after we had dinner, and even though I wanted to rest my back, perhaps, lie on a soft mattress for a few minutes, I couldn’t waste time knowing that each minute that passed, the three might be nearing their berserk state already.

We finally have an idea how long this goddamn mission to cure Noir’s mother would take. Another three days more. I’d say the captain and I’s spontaneous journey to check on Etienne and Noir wasn’t that useless.

"Who are they?"

I heard Etienne ask when five large knights entered the hall, where the Mage was setting up the teleportation circle. He stepped back, frightened. I immediately came over to him. Claude and I were reminded of the horror Etienne experienced.

I almost smacked myself in the head for forgetting about it.

"Did you know two of your knights tried to sell Etienne to the brothels this morning?"

"What?!" Noir shouted, eyes widened. He turned to the duke, who was as astounded as he was. "Why did no one tell me about this?"

Noir went on and confronted the duke, as well as his knights, about that incident, while Claude provided the details, without informing them that the two knights were already dead.

Seeing the commotion, Etienne moved, probably to tell them that it was fine, and there was no need to fight over it, so I stopped him.

After a few minutes, the duke came over to us. He looked defeated.

"I will absolutely make sure they will be punished." Duke Eugene gestured to the men behind him. "These five knights are my most trusted warriors. They will accompany you back and will stay at the camp to help your comrades."

The Mage announced that the spell is finished. Everyone was called to step within the circle. Etienne and I went in together. Noir and the duke remained outside, while the five knights only followed after Claude walked in.

He stood next to me, whispering, "The duke’s making sure Etienne will return."

I knew it. Noir seemed concerned for us, but the duke was clearly reluctant. If Noir hadn’t given the order, he would not have approved this plan.

"Is Noir gonna be okay?"

Claude clicked his tongue. "It’s not our business anymore."

I agree. Although I worry a bit about the pink-haired twink, I need to set a boundary. He’s back in his world, and healing his mother is the last thing we can do for him. Whatever happens after that, we can’t interfere.

I looked up at the tall guy next to me. I couldn’t help but wonder if that same principle will apply...once it’s his turn to go back.