Chapter 29: Bragging

The news of the Prince’s triumphant return spread through the town in an instant.

That morning, the townsfolk had been buzzing about the horrific murders that had plagued their community. When they learned that the Prince had actually believed the ravings of a drunkard, they were convinced he had truly lost his mind. How could there be giant, upright-walking rats that not only stole supplies but committed murder and abducted a child? The townspeople had spent the morning gossiping, certain that someone was playing a prank, and they were eager to see the Prince make a fool of himself.

Yet, before half the day was out, the party returned with news of victory. The massive rat head and the captive white rat were seen by many; they could no longer deny the truth. After all, the town was small, and most of its inhabitants were the families of the knights and soldiers who had accompanied the expedition. Since Kana had not forbidden them from sharing their experiences, the soldiers and hunters began to boast as soon as they arrived. In an era with little entertainment, this adventure with the Prince was a tale they would brag about for the rest of their lives.

"Ha! You should have seen it! The forest was pitch black and riddled with traps," George bragged to the townsfolk in the small square. "His Highness spotted me at a glance and ordered me to scout ahead. I caught that rat the moment I stepped into the woods. You all know I hunt there often; it’s like my own backyard."

An old hunter who had accompanied them walked by, glanced at George, and deadpanned, "Is that why you almost tripped into a trap in your 'backyard'?"

The townspeople burst into laughter.

"Hah! So little George’s backyard is full of game!"
"Maybe I should set some traps at George’s front door tomorrow; I might get some meat."
"And then what? Did you step in the trap?"

George, caught in the middle of his bravado, gave the hunter a helpless look. It was one thing to interrupt his story, but quite another to expose his blunders.

"Fine, I did almost step into a trap, but it was out of good intentions—I was just trying to scout! Who knew those rats were so clever? Can you imagine? They dig traps, and they hide them so well. Those traps were absolutely vicious. If I had been a second slower, you might be calling me 'Lame George' or 'Dead George' by now."

Truth be told, looking back, George felt a cold chill run down his spine.

A small child looked at George, confused. "But you weren't hurt, and you didn't have any knight's armor."

"Hmph," George said, suddenly looking smug. "That’s because His Highness saved me. He knew there were traps in the forest all along and knew exactly how to avoid them. He intentionally let the last rat go so we could follow it. That way, we could avoid the traps—after all, the rats wouldn't step into their own snares, would they?"

Since his own heroic story wasn't panning out, he decided to brag about the Prince instead; if he was at the Prince’s side, surely that made him impressive, too.

"So clever! As expected of a Prince," someone remarked.

George continued, "And the Prince’s archery is incredible. I’ve never seen anyone shoot so well—better than me! In the forest, at twenty or thirty meters, with a rat that size darting around at high speed... His Highness took the bow from my hand, fired just once, and pierced the rat’s skull clean through. He used this very bow—my bow!"

He gestured proudly to the bow slung across his back. A few children gathered around, wanting to touch it, but George shooed them away. This was a treasure; he couldn't let these kids ruin it. He had even secretly plucked the arrow that had struck the rat’s head and tucked it away for safekeeping.

The soldiers who had fought alongside them also joined in, and soon, the square was filled with talk of the Prince’s wisdom, his lack of arrogance, how easy he was to talk to, and his immense erudition.

"To be honest, this is not what I expected," Lean said from a distance, watching the crowd in the square.

Kechah nodded in agreement beside him, while Black stood nearby, dazed, lost in his own thoughts.

"I thought the Fourth Prince would be just another ordinary noble. I never imagined he’d be this capable."

The three had been ordered by the Earl to follow the Prince, ostensibly to protect him, but also to keep an eye on him and ensure he didn't cause any trouble in the town. They had only heard rumors about the Prince in the capital and hadn't formed much of an impression of Kana. When they received the Earl's orders, they assumed the Prince was just another pampered, arrogant aristocrat—the type they saw all too often in the Earl's territory.

But today’s rat-clearing expedition in the forest had completely changed their perception of the Fourth Prince. They now believed he must be a true aristocrat, one who had been carefully and properly raised.

...

In the courtyard where Kana was resting.

"Aunt Sheena, please clear out the empty room on the right. It’s for Miss Popot to stay in."

The woman known as Aunt Sheena was visibly nervous, her eyes darting toward Popot, who stood by Kana’s side. Even though the upright-walking white rat didn't look particularly hideous, it was still far too much for a woman who had lived her whole life in a small town.

"Don't be nervous. She is a civilized rat-folk," Kana said.

Popot bowed slightly. "Good day, Madam."

"Y-you too, Miss," Aunt Sheena stammered, before quickly excusing herself to tidy the room.

Popot sighed helplessly.

Kana sat in a chair in the main hall and rubbed his temples. Alirise sat beside him. Kana looked at Popot. "Now, we can talk properly."

Popot nodded and began. "Before I was captured, I was traveling on a merchant ship, documenting the local customs and history of various lands. The ship I was on was set to pass through the Kingdom of Safro—your country. However, your nation seems a bit... well, cautious. Foreign merchants are not allowed to leave port cities at will, let alone those of us from obviously non-human races. We weren't even allowed to land at the ports; we had to stay on the ship."

It was clear that Popot held some resentment. Having traveled through many regions and countries, this was the first time she had encountered a nation so xenophobic.