What Happens When the Second Male Lead Powers Up

bestowed each time was because of the inn.

However, that was absolutely not a proper justification to take people's money away.

Furthermore, it wasn't as if the villagers were fooling around.

I heard that they came out every morning to sweep the streets and turn the whole village beautiful from the moment our itinerary was shared with them.

They fixed the roads and baked bread for the Imperial Guard members even though they weren’t paid for their labor.

In fact, even the bouquet that the Imperial Prince received yesterday was hand raised by the villagers and they made sure only to use the best of the best.

“I’ve committed a grave sin, your Royal Highness.
I tried to stop my aunt numerous times, but……
It was useless.
Me, please punish me first.”

Morris bowed deeply and his whole body was shaking.

He was 13 years old when his grandfather was sent to prison.

It was probably not easy for him to change the situation since his aunt was his only remaining relative and he was a minor.

I could imagine how Claudine treated her nephew since he has to pay to use medicine from the inn.

“I can’t be sure after only hearing your explanation.”

The Imperial Prince responded after having quietly heard the whole story.
Morris flinched.

I noticed that the sunset colored eyes were burning with silent anger.

“I will host a luncheon.
Summon the representatives of the village.”

He made his proclamation.
Phase 2 of the operation was now starting.

*

After Imperial Prince Cédric called Claudine Green to show his gratitude and extend his stay for another day, he called the two village representatives to treat them to lunch.

Anybody would think that the Imperial Prince was extremely satisfied with the village and the inn.

Thanks to that, the chef of Romero Palace who was accompanying the Imperial Prince was busy all day.

It was fine until here, but…

“……”

“……”

The problem was that the two village representatives who were in the dining area with us were unable to say anything because they were scared.

I smiled bitterly and looked at them.

Christelle was thinking hard about something next to me.

It would have been different if the two middle-aged people were only wary of the Imperial Prince.

I would have been able to tell him to try to lessen the pressure he was giving them.

However, the person they were clearly wary of was…

“The final main dish is Coq au vin.
Please enjoy.”

It was this person.
Claudine Green was smiling brightly while attending to us.

She claimed that she was personally serving us as the innkeeper as it was a special occasion.

However, I noticed that her purpose was elsewhere less than five minutes after the food came out.

The middle-aged individuals would look down at their plate as soon as they made eye contact with her while Claudine would stare at them for a while each time.

Although she had this extremely compassionate look on her face, it was obvious that she was threatening the village representatives in some way.

She was basically telling them to not even think about saying anything negative.

The Imperial Prince quietly observed the table.

They would need to send Claudine out to hear from the village representatives.

I was debating how to do it when I noticed Christelle silently mouthing something to Vice Captain Élisabeth.

‘Act sick.’

The words she was mouthing were clear.

Vice Captain Élisabeth's grey eyes opened wide at these words that were impossible to misunderstand.

She pointed to herself and mouthed back.

‘Me?’

‘Yes, act sick.’

Christelle winked with her left eye and then her right eye.
It was amazing.
‘I can’t wink with either eye.’

“Hmm.”

Vice Captain Élisabeth quietly scoffed.

She was biting her lips as if it was awkward and embarrassing to suddenly put up an act.

I became anxious as well as I looked at her.

“Oh.
Suddenly.
My.
Stomach……”

‘Pfft.’ I quickly grabbed a napkin and pretended to wipe my mouth so that I wouldn't laugh.

I saw the Imperial Prince fix the knife in his hand at this sudden act.

‘Are you okay? You were shocked too, right?’

“Oh my, young Countess.
Are you okay?”

Claudine stopped explaining about the food and asked Vice Captain Élisabeth.

Our main character (MC) turned into master of ceremonies (MC) Christelle on cue.

She brushed the young Countess's hair and cheek before catching rhythm with a sorrowful look on her face.

“Not only has young Countess Moutet protected his Royal Highness as the Vice Captain of the Imperial Guard, she has done everything she could to support a weak person like me.
Now that I think about it, she has not looked well since breakfast.
I'm sorry for being so inattentive.
We need to send the young Countess up to her room and have an attendant help her to relax right away, your Royal Highness.”

‘Wow……
You can ad lib all of that?” I blankly dropped my jaw in shock when the Imperial Prince, who seemed to have a basic idea of what was going on, looked toward Claudine and nodded his head.

“The young Countess is my close friend so I want you to personally look after her.”

“Excuse me? Yes, your Royal Highness.
I will treat her as best as possible.”

She seemed anxious for a moment but did not dare to talk back to the Imperial Prince.

Someone who didn't know what was going on would think that Vice Captain Élisabeth’s red face was a serious issue.

Claudine immediately supported her and walked out of the dining area.

Christelle, the Imperial Prince, Benjamin, Ganael, David, the two village representatives and I were the only ones left.

Ganael, who was standing behind me, whispered to me in an urgent voice.

“Your highness, did Georges leave just now because she really is sick……”

I turned to see that the young boy was completely pale.

‘Georges? Is he talking about Vice Captain Élisabeth?’

“Vice Captain Élisabeth is fine.
It’s not real so don't worry, Ganael.”

I quickly consoled Ganael.

His gold eyes slowly blinked a few times before he calmed down.

His bright smile soon reappeared.
‘I guess there’s someone else who believed her acting.’

I smiled back at him and then turned toward Christelle.

“……Thank you for taking care of that, young lady Sarnez.”

“It was nothing.
Please treat Vice Captain Élisabeth to something nice later.
It’s going to be difficult for her to stall for time.”

Her blue-gray eyes were sparkling brightly.

I continued to smile and turned toward our guests.

The two middle-aged individuals were looking at us with blank expressions.
‘Mm, I guess they could be shocked.’

“Morris has told us about the situation.”

I started speaking without any hesitation.
It was a speed battle from here.