Okoborehime to Entaku no Kishi Vol 1 Chapter 3

OKOBORE HIME

ENTAKU NO KISHI

Story by: Riine Ishida

Brought to you by: AQUA Scans

 Raws: Icarus Bride

 Proofreading: Fallinwind

Translator’s notes:

the characters to show the respect or adoration shown by the characters.

the chapter to explain it.
Thoughts are signified by ‘italics’.

CHAPTER III THE KNIGHT AND THE ASSASSIN

- 4 -

the Royal Chivalric Order and all knights not on guarding duty

ceremony. The atmosphere inside the Hall was tense. An event as

as witnesses as their future queen knighted the Knight of the First

Astrid, seated at the back in the audience seat, gazed from afar

‘This is my first time seeing a knighting ceremony.’

her knight, he asked his senior why because Duke had hated the

worth offering my life to.”

along. When he asked other knights why they swore loyalty to

because they were invited.

Leti wanted Duke to be her knight. Duke wanted Leti to be his

wishing for the other. Astrid enviously looked at the two persons

Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi

Leti, in her beautiful white dress, stood in front of Duke, who

“With a sword on thy right and a shield on thy left, dost thou

voice filled the Great Hall like a wonderful melody. Then the

“With a sword on my right and shield on my left, I swear

“Thou art my knight.”

returned the sword to its sheath, and this metallic sound declared

and applauded. Astrid joined in his hands as well.

Astrid couldn’t comprehend why he suddenly wanted to stain

Leti could no longer be the carefree princess she was before.

assassin incident any longer. She had to prioritize her

part of that.

- 6 -

drawing room where you can stay for the while.”

since the other was occupied with a big basket.

weather is perfect for a tea party, is it not?”

relationship between the three eldest royal children of Sommevesle.

Guido and her – to have a private tea party on their own without

really hold a simple conversation that was even long enough for

“What is inside that basket?” asked Guido, the prince with the

Guido, the Second Prince of Sommevesle, shared the same

undeniably confident about her own beauty, openly admitted her

serious Guido were Leti’s half brothers. But Leti and Guido

mothers.

you would be serving us tea alone.”

- 7 -

small wooden box.

“Stop nagging, you’re a man. Try and learn something from

Guido warned them again not to litter cake crumbs in his villa,

the cake. Leti deftly cut it into six slices and placed a slice on a

cake.

“Then why don’t you take a sip of tea? I didn’t poison it

“Well… I just remembered there was this recent poisoning

happen!” Friedhelm grudged, slouching on his chair.

possible have a peaceful tea party. The only reason Friedhelm

was because he still felt guilty about the last incident 1

understood what Leti wanted to achieve with this tea party and he

1 See Chapter II.

- 8 -

with regards to their filial relationship.

shall as well.”

cautious.”

separating the poisoned portion with the normal one. If anything

longer rise.”

cake on their plates into the box and shook it.

“If I do this, you would no longer mind at all, would you? If

together.”

squishy sounds that perfectly reflected the chaos happening inside

her.

doubt it will be presentable.”

- 9 -

indifferently. Friedhelm looked at the pitiful cake and whispered to

“Hey, I already feel bad for what I did, better be one too. Geez¸

“…Me too…”

his surprise to its taste. True, the cake no longer looked appetizing,

“Didn’t think you could bake. This is good.”

“What’s today’s business?” asked Guido.

Guido. I do believe you are aware that I have gained my first

“Yes. I see you have started to settle in.”

about their knights, but Leti’s small talk didn’t end in small talk.

- 10 -

What do you say about giving me some of your knights, four from

and five from Valkyrie3

“I refuse,” said the two princes.

rejection of her brothers. She took a sip of tea. She didn’t feel any

“That ain’t small talk, that’s business. Small talk means more

or something along those lines,” explained Friedhelm.

“Duke?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Your ideal face is that of Lion King

that portrait he has in the Gallery could warrant him the title,

“Well then, in the living, who is the best one you like? I shall

“Play fair, Guido!”

2 Friedhelm’s private chivalric order

Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi

And in the end, their supposedly casual tea party ended up to

While the tea party of the eldest royal children was becoming a

drawing room usually used by the knights of Valkyrie. However,

to pass time. As he was absent-mindedly reading a line of poetry, a

“Please excuse me… Oh, Senpai4

Astrid’s head came peeking in from the door. The two knights

asked the other what they were doing there.

tea party ends. How ‘bout you? Since when did you enter

“Ah, no, I was being recruited and they told me to take a look

Duke then understood why Astrid was called to Guido’s villa.

Chivalric Order. He was also being recruited to Friedhelm’s

4 Senpai – a Japanese honorific used in addressing one’s senior 

- 12 -

one in the near future.

“Surprised? I did not believe it either, but ‘tis true, and even

Duke wanted to add that such a gathering would be more

to discuss with each other when he noticed the change in Astrid’s

“Princess Leticia… is here.”

color upon uttering Leti’s name. Duke thought it might just be his

“You’re waiting for Prince Guido, right? Why don’t you

Duke did not want to leave Astrid alone. He threw his book

After some time – enough for two servings of tea to get cold –

over. Duke stood up, deciding in his mind what to say to Leti,

congratulations for being able to keep a normal conversation for

Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi

“Next time, I shall bake cookies that are so identical to each

yourselves for that.”

his master was leaving her brothers with her gruesome goodbye.

surprised Leti when she saw Astrid standing behind Duke. Astrid

was just there to observe Valkyrie and had not joined them.

reserved for Duke in Seventh Heaven. Hey, Duke, why don’t you

“Unfortunately, I am the type who lets my juniors fend for

ask for a few moments with Prince Friedhelm.”

“Until I return, please stay by Prince Guido’s side.”

Astrid since he could not say it directly. He then took his leave and

“What’s the matter? Is this something you don’t want Leticia
to hear? Like some problems on your night life?”

- 14 -

him it was something serious.

you? You are recruiting him for Seventh Heaven after all.”

“…What about his past?”

“…Clear? I see.”

clarified his answer.

investigated him, we found nothing. You do know what this

‘Nothing’ meant Astrid did not come from normal society.

former mercenary, though unaffiliated to any guild. But that still

“And yet you’re still recruiting him for your Seventh Heaven?”

obviously thought of that as well.”

- 15 -

already had Astrid investigated and came up with the same

any other normal knight. Or to put it in a different way, if he was

With Duke and Friedhelm having their own conversation, the

Astrid, being considerate, took a few steps away from the royal

Leti positioned herself somewhere near Guido so she could

out for Astrid.

her recently.”

Astrid’s actions. Guido, as requested by Duke, decided to

“The last time I had visited her was four months ago.”

visited her was three months ago.”
“Do visit her more often. I’m sure she’d be glad to see you.”

- 16 -

complicated ever since I became the crowned princess.”

adore Leti. She treated Leti like a much younger sister when Leti’s

Leti to “take care of Guido.”

Leti did not return Queen Sophia’s kindness with resentment,

“You could have easily come up with a clear decision for this,”

divide things between their merits and demerits, between what

herself think that way despite knowing it was the best way for a

Guido shared was their looks.

had just left.

me…” Leti bid her brothers goodbye and let Duke carry the

“…I would not go as far as to call it meaningful tea party, but

Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi

“Well, I think it was meaningless since we did not come up

present,” Friedhelm declared, despite knowing Leti’s true

was most likely in agreement with his older brother.

between us. But if you feel it to be so meaningless, then let me

husband. You did ask me about that earlier,” Leti said to her

“My first love, or rather first loves, were Friedhelm-onii-sama5

was about to turn around when Friedhelm grabbed her arm to

lady would have swooned and fell for him with his gaze alone.

am actually my mother’s illegitimate son. She had an affair with a

“I do not have anything against your perfect delivery and

brother’s joke. Friedhelm was nothing else but an older brother to
her.

5 Onii-sama: Onii =Older Brother Sama = formal honorific for a high person

- 18 -

was switched at birth and…” Now, it was Guido taking his turn.

you make it sound truthful,” was Leti’s reply.

his spiel because he thought it will be profitable for him or if he

feeling the heaviness of having stupid brothers. She signaled Duke

Friedhelm, Guido, and Astrid.

mention this to anyone! I swear!” exclaimed Astrid.

Astrid’s unexpected reaction. Guido, on the other hand, was

point of similarity between them. He came up with the conclusion

Meanwhile, Astrid felt relieved upon hearing Friedhelm’s

an illegitimate son and Guido being switched at birth, cleared.

“Today’s not the best time to do it. Kill her some other time.”

- 19 -

Astrid did not find anyone else around.

“What’s wrong, Astrid?”

the area.

imagination,” Astrid replied, his hands sweating coldly for some

Duke immediately took his leave from his master after he had

and he had to return to the Royal Chivalric Order’s camp.

Leti.

him as your knight?”

master who wishes to have him must be fully prepared to accept

Astrid was someone who unconsciously killed the sound of his
footsteps despite jumping down from a high place. That feat alone 

- 20 -

assassin. To add to that, he was currently the most likely suspect as

if she wanted to.

Leti wanted to dig deeper into the topic because it was Duke

past.

“No, nothing.”

one who targeted Leti recently. It was nothing but a hunch, and he

the countless possibilities.

the camp alone…no, don’t go there even if you’re not alone. Send

Leti obediently nodded to Duke’s warning and they parted

back to her room, she went by the window and looked out to

knight’s junior.

- 21 -

has noticed already.’

much as he could. Though it was the right thing to do for a knight,

work against Leti’s plan to finish this case as early as possible. Leti

this situation.

me to see how far he would go.”

Leti did not want to involve Duke any further with the Ghost

would already be impossible to stop him. So the best way to deal

pleased. That way Duke would have to choose between her and

that would not be too deep.

not want to be that kind of queen!” Leti reprimanded herself.

weakness of your heart that stops you from trusting him.’
“Do not use Duke…believe him.”

- 22 -

let Duke be connected to it, even if she had to order him so. If

freedom to do as he pleased until he was satisfied, and she would

was to move as carefully as possible, even if she had to rely on

‘Please give me the courage to the step forward and the strength to believe,

Leti decided to make a bet and shake Astrid a bit to see if he

investigate Astrid’s patrol shift and route. Based on the

was by the North Cemetery – the place where the royalty of the

was the best place to do something that should not be seen by

Rain had poured incessantly down on Sommevesle for the past

for Leti to put her plan into action. She left the castle and headed

lively and energetic voices.

familiar to me.”

- 23 -

commoners who thought of the cemetery’s big stones and lush

Leti was not particularly bothered with children playing in the

“Children, you should only play here during the day because

The children looked at each other, then at Leti with an

“Adults always say that, but we have never seen a monster!”

of younger brothers and sisters she had. She was not annoyed nor

smilingly agreed to their observation.

knight will come after you instead.”

different “scary knight” appeared.

Cemetery. Go somewhere else to play.”

turned around and found Duke, sharply glaring at her and the 

- 24 -

would cry louder if his face were seen. Astrid, few steps behind

With the appearance of the scary knight, the disgruntled

things complicated had become.

obvious move on his part. He would change shifts to match with Astrid’s to

“Are you, perhaps, alone Your Highness? I don’t see any of

Leti thought it best to give up for now and willingly let Duke

“Yes, I am. And yes, I know. I will obediently go back to the

towards Astrid, who was approaching them.

hard.”

No one would ever suspect that the stupidly blushing Astrid

one could doubt him because of it. Even Leti admitted to herself 

- 25 -

true identity if she did not chance upon the opportunity.

Duke casually went in front of Leti to shield her from Astrid

the child – even if he did not know who Leti was, what he did was

and she bent her knees to meet the child’s eyes.

monsters really come out there?”

where the kings lay? No, monsters do not come out there, but it is

lock is broken.”

“Yes. So promise me you will never go inside.”

not filled with fear, but with a sparkle of curiosity instead. He ran

children were already beaming at the door to the Chamber, but

certain those children would come back, so he explained to Astrid
why no one was allowed there.

- 26 -

playing around here. They are not just being disrespectful. They

ever they get caught up in a kidnapping incident, it’ll be difficult to

Astrid soundly replied to Duke that he did. Astrid was the type

he was generally treated well and kindly, not only by Duke, but by

“Astrid, I shall be borrowing Duke for a while. Sorry for

“No, it’s fine, Your Highness! I can do the patrol alone! Please

Leti and Duke off.

walking towards the castle.

was so natural that it looked like they had been together for a

wished that someday, maybe he could also have a master like that.

“Why didn’t you kill her? It was just one useless man! It was

Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi

Astrid looked around but found no one who could be the

“…Who…said that? Was that…me?”

knew not who owned it. Or maybe he did.

Astrid thought, and his fists clenched until his knuckles turned

heart because it was the only explanation he could think of.

the castle. He wanted to reprimand her about several things, but

would fall on deaf ears. So instead, he pointed out a different thing.

“Earlier?”

they should never enter it. That was like telling them to go inside

is tightly locked, and there is no chance of them getting inside.”

- 28 -

Chamber, it was protected by sturdy doors and locks so they

Duke told Leti not to worry much about it, but she still cast

him about a certain secret only known among the royal family. In

“You talk to me respectfully when we are public.6

“I put at least that much distinction in public. But if you wish,

“I have not reprimanded you about it recently, have I? I have

“Now that you mention it…” Duke wondered what made Leti

“At first, I thought you should act becoming of your status,

lowly baron.”

seventeen-year-old girl, calling a three and twenty year old man like
me, a youngster.”

6 The distinction in Duke’s speech is not that obvious in English (sorry for the

public, his language is formal and respectful (keigo) but when they’re alone he

Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi

True, the world may still consider him a youngster, a newbie or

that she might not yet be still considered under the same category

saying she was just a kid and even dared looking at him with

“Is that so? But I do know something about you.”

“That your face is somehow well-liked among the matrons of

intimidate and drive them away.”

“What the—! Who told you that? Prince Friedhelm!?”

youngster. But if you could at least seduce or tempt a lady with

Duke wanted to answer back, “I don’t want to be told that by

swallow it all down. He did not know where this might lead, so he

“Ever since you, the youngster, officially took the First Seat in

looked down on by the other knights. So I thought that if I could 

- 30 -

avoid meaningless arguments.”

Knights of the Round” when she knighted Duke. All that was left

people would think that they should also be appointed as her

or their status in society. These self-important people were the

an upstart son of a lowly baron.

manner. So be thankful for having a thoughtful master willing to

“Is that so? Then it is my honor to have such a generous

your sweet smiles for Astrid.”

public? The only people I do not put up a show to are those who

“Close to you? How come I never encountered the kindhearted

me right from the start.”

knight. Gratefully accept the first seat in my Knights of the Round 

- 31 -

hauteur. He had not even encountered that much from the

“I already meant for you to be part of my inner circle from the

Duke was about to answer something in return when Leti

“…I want to confirm something. Who is stronger, you or

“Our results will be even for a match… at least for now.”

in the future.

piercing and sharp.

points. The two of you are evenly matched in a battle between

Leti’s hair swayed and danced in the wind. She quietly asked

Duke felt the weight of Leti’s question.

take in Astrid would need much confidence and preparedness to 

- 32 -

is because you are here now.”

understood the meaning behind his master’s words – she believed

need arose, Duke would be able to kill him without any hesitation.

covering Duke’s sight. The wind passed and Leti’s shiny hair

“I shall give you time. Let me hear your answer then.”

the moment he accepted the First Seat in the Knights of the

‘I’d hesitate, for sure, but I…can kill him. But do I really have the

‘No, I should not even hesitate or falter, for I am the Knight of the First

Leti did not say anything more. She turned around and

behind.

Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi

Later that night after Leti asked her knight’s resolve, she found

the Lion King, King Alexander.

Leti answered she had just taken in her first knight. Alexander

“Today’s goodbye for me. You do know what I mean, don’t

Leti understood the Lion King’s complicated yet simple words

Alexander nodded. Tomorrow was the day he would be killed

later on known as the Revolution King.

“But that can’t be. I will wake up and face tomorrow. I have

Alexander did not live in Leti’s time. If not for the Knight

King Christian, the Knight King, gathered and the concept of time

Alexander would die the next day was not something easy for Leti
to swallow.

- 34 -

“What?”

will conquer the Southern Seas and be the king of a country there.

said!”

interesting theory.

a pirate, take over a country across the Southern Seas, and be their

Alexander reached out his little finger to Leti, and she wrapped

sealed their promises.

We may not be directly connected by blood, but having

Alexander reprimanded Leti a lot of times, but despite his

for he considered Leti as his great-great-great-granddaughter. Leti

wanted to convey this to him.

Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi

But her consciousness was suddenly drawn back to reality.

“Princess, we are deeply sorry to disturb you, but Sir Duke

Suddenly waking up to her knight’s call caused Leti to be in a

Alexander, but then she was able to gradually turn her temper

‘I know it was King Alexander’s last moments…but I have my own

She told her maid to ask Duke to wait as she changed her

“Sorry for disturbing you this late.”

children. Where exactly is the place you need permission to enter?”

the Order to search around the vicinity. They were playing in that

were really kidnapped.”

- 36 -

permission to search in the North Cemetery to find any clues

permission they needed, but it was already late and they were not

thought that maybe Leti, the heir to throne, could give them the

prepared to receive her anger.

later.”

wouldn’t have bothered asking for permission. But if we’re going

permission for that.”

this incident because of the warning I gave them which sparked

“Responsibility?”

“Let us hurry. Prepare me a horse, not a carriage. There is also

“Thought you’d say that. It’s all prepared.”

- 37 -

maid prepare an overcoat and walking boots for her before he

Leti from coming, but decided otherwise, since he was certain she

his watch than to let her go on her own.

“If you want me to, I will. Your Highness, please stay here because

“Only the King, my father, can order me. We are going.”

threw her the coat. Leti caught it easily and followed behind

strides. They hurried outside, walking together, side by side.

During this time, ladies in their dresses were not supposed to

with gentlemen leading the horse. A lady of noble birth

accomplish an unnecessary skill for a lady. Leti simply learned how

knew it would be embarrassing for the whole kingdom if their
ruler could not even ride a horse alone.

- 38 -

you are exactly like Prince Friedhelm during our Academy days.

are identical.”

“If there’s anything different, you’re a good actress playing the

“You really do know me well,” Leti said again, her voice laced

“Princess!? Where are you going at this hour?”

Leti gave orders and instructions to her servants who came

wanted to. After she had said everything she needed to, she

Leti and Duke, accompanied with three of her guards, headed

everyone in the party except for Leti was creeped out by their first

“Senpai! By the West Forest… huh? Your Highness!?”

- 39 -

who could not hide his surprise at seeing Leti outside in the middle

“Her Highness will help with the search… More importantly,

Grantz?”

but he couldn’t be seen anywhere. Duke took a step forward,

“Grantz-senpai went with the others heading towards the West

children go that way earlier today. So he asked me to stay here

forest?”

According to the report, the children went to the West Forest,

was. While he was weighing his options, whether he should go to

started moving on her own.

like to check all possibilities I can think of before I go home.”
“Stone?”

- 40 -

see anything. They only knew that the door to the Royal Burial

lamp and started walking there without even minding the dark. As

to. It was round, and moving it would need some force.

“Have you ever tried it?” asked Duke.

Astrid, the youngest in the group, volunteered to try and move

He placed both of his hands on it and pushed with all of his might.

“What the…?” Duke exclaimed.

enough for children to pass through.

Chamber. I think that this was a hole naturally created due to

children know about its existence. The other children might have

Leti brought the lamp closer to the hole and examined it.

- 41 -

on its own, covering the hole again and maybe trapping the

Just as Leti said that, there was a trail on the ground of

“There are also small steps here, and these are yet to dry.

“Can you even see it?” Duke asked curiously.

dark. Leti could see things clearly even in the night, thanks to one

“We cannot go inside through this hole. We are going through

“The front…?” asked Astrid.

And as if on cue, a white bearded old chamberlain on a horse

The instructions Leti gave to her servants before she left the

that was managed in the castle. With her complete preparedness,

“Sorry for calling you this late.”

- 42 -

muscles of mine for children the same age as my grandchildren.

Leti checked the small pouch the chamberlain delivered.

so you may go back to the castle and rest.”

here for your return.”

the chains wrapped around the antique door handle. Astrid and

down to the Royal Burial Chamber where the past kings of

where the stairs lead and found his knees shaking at the eeriness of

necessary, for the winds sounded like howls of voices in pain.

party would be better. Duke, Astrid, come with me. The others

own.”

thought it would be fine since her knight, Duke, would be with her.

down the stairs, Leti leading the way with a lamp in her hands.

- 43 -

rain,” warned Leti. She was followed by Duke and Astrid.

lamp’s flicker was only enough to lighten their steps. It was so dark

stretched it out.

place, so please continue on taking the lead. Astrid, take the rear

“Roger!” said Astrid.

truth, he wanted to take the lead with Leti in between him and

afford having Astrid near Leti.

she’s on her guard as well.’

was prepared, on his guard with his hand on his sword, ready to

relaxed master, her voice normal and calm.

remember the way inside here because I have been coming here 

- 44 -

first time would definitely get lost.”

and confusing to prevent the place of rest of the kings from being

straight. There would be numerous turns to make, and drawing a

inside her head. It was more of a knowing because of the number

“But in the end, this is just a grave. Getting there would not

“Ahhh… But this place creepy, isn’t it?” Astrid let out in a

come out at any moment. Duke was also feeling uneasy being

brought holy water with him.

living in here, Your Highness?”

really wanted to meet one. I have a lot of questions to ask the

Astrid shrieked and swallowed his breath.

- 45 -

be treason if we raised our swords against the kings of the past?”

brought a priest with us. Your Highness, do you have any amulets

“Do not talk to me at the moment. I am currently regretting

children alone.” Leti couldn’t help but be a bit disappointed at the

“If I were you, I would be more scared of the living. Which do

or a ghost of the past simply floating around? The living is a whole

“Oh. If you put it that way…” Duke said, agreeing with her

“I don’t think the bloody assassin can defeat me, so the ghost

Duke decided to scold Astrid later and tell him that he should

but Leti, on the other hand, was not even bothered by Astrid’s

Silence followed their exchange. Only the sound of their
footsteps echoed in the darkness, and the lamp elongated their 

- 46 -

truly respect their Princess Leticia, who was fearlessly leading the

human voice. Astrid shrieked and started to panic even before he

“A-a-a-a-a voice! There’s someone here!!!”

whether or not there really was a ghost. Leti, on the other hand,

was unlike the howls of the wind earlier upon entering the

“…Are you two forgetting the reason why we came in here?”

“Ah!”

and started to work. Astrid ran first towards the direction of the

their direction and told them help had come. Then a small shadow

grabbed Leti’s gown, crying and shaking. Leti knelt down and

“Are you alone?”

- 47 -

then urged everyone to hurry outside when Leti told him to wait

Leti took out the small pouch the old chamberlain delivered to

asked to be prepared for the children.

Leti gave the child the water bottle, and he gulped everything

even ask for it. Leti stood up again and took the lamp from Duke.

“And to women too. Even I share the chivalric spirit of

The party started to walk again towards the exit. Leti, with the

child in held in hand, and then Astrid. On their way back, Leti

confirmed their theory. The child was able to move the stone and

slipped back on its own, trapping him inside, so he searched for a

labyrinth. They continued to walk on towards the exit, and when

out of the creepy chamber.

- 48 -

the door. The steps are wet and too steep for a child,” ordered Leti.

the child. Astrid was looking at them from behind, keeping guard

the voice once again spoke to him.

Astrid felt something crawl inside his head. He unconsciously

coming out. He also did not realize that he took out the knife he

played. He sliced Leti’s white neck with the knife, her blood

her elegant dress into a beautiful shade of scarlet. After seeing her

stomach, keeping her down on the floor, agonizing in pain as he

fought against that scene in his mind, and kept on telling himself

Then the voice spoke again to him, “Hurry! Fulfill your desire!

Astrid shook his head to drive the voice away.

- 49 -

swore his loyalty to. She is a ve

Chapter end