Published: January 4, 2026
“Noah-sama.”
Sitting on a bench a little distance away and waiting, Shirley came over, bowed, and reported.
“That man has died.”
“Understood.”
“Also, several policemen have arrived. They must have heard the commotion. But when they learned Your Highness was here, they stayed back at a distance, unsure of what to do.”
“Expected.”
Policemen are commonly called “the cops.”
This name comes from their duty to “patrol” to maintain public order.
The city’s policemen, of course, fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice.
Though they came to maintain order upon hearing the disturbance, it’s no surprise they were at a loss when they realized the one handling things was the Prince Minister of Legal Affairs — their boss’s boss’s boss (so to speak).
“Send them over here.”
“Yes.”
Shirley bowed again and went to relay my order.
After a while, two young policemen arrived.
Both were nervous and stumbled as they approached me, then fell to their knees.
“We... we didn’t know the prince your highness was here.”
“We deeply apologize!”
They spoke with obvious fear and no decorum, but I ignored that.
“Since there are two of you, that works. One of you — you, over there — handle that corpse. If he has family, have them take him; if not, cremate him immediately.”
“Y-yes.”
“You, go to the Imperial Household Ministry. Report that Darren, the first prince’s retainer, was punished under the law for disrespecting prince thirteen, and record it.”
“Understood.”
“Go.”
They both ran off happily.
They clearly misunderstood that I had been upset, but felt relieved I hadn’t unleashed anger on them.
As they left, Shirley returned.
“What shall we do now, Noah-sama?”
“Get a pair of handcuffs.”
“That’s fine, but... why?”
Shirley tilted her head in puzzlement.
She had carried out my order and continued whipping Darren until he died.
Having seen it through and confirmed his death, it was natural for her to wonder why handcuffs now.
“I’m going to put them on myself. Children’s size is fine.”
“Eh...”
Shirley was even more surprised, left dumbfounded.
☆
I walked with Shirley on foot to the residence of the crown prince, located on the outer perimeter of the palace — same as my mansion.
My hands were cuffed with the handcuffs Shirley had procured.
With my hands still cuffed, I approached the gate guards.
“Well, well, your highness the thirteenth — huh?”
The guard who recognized me began to smile obsequiously but was speechless when he saw the handcuffs.
“Um... what’s the meaning of this...?”
“I’ve come to apologize to older brother. Please report it.”
“Huh? Ah, yes! Please wait a moment.”
Despite the situation far exceeding the capabilities of a mere gate guard, he did his best.
He made me wait there, then went inside to report.
After a while, an elderly man appeared.
His name was Coil, a longtime butler at the crown prince’s residence.
“Long time no see, Noah-dono.”
“Apologies for the sudden visit. Is older brother at home?”
“Gilbert-sama is waiting inside. Please come in.”
Unlike the gate guard, Coil showed no sign of being fazed by my arrival in handcuffs.
Led by Coil, I entered the crown prince’s residence, with still-nervous Shirley in tow.
We were taken to a room decorated with luxurious furnishings.
It was the finest reception room, with several gifts from Your Majesty displayed.
Gilbert was looking out the window but turned and approached when I entered.
“Oh, good to see you, Noah. Hmm? What’s with the handcuffs? Some new kind of game?”
Gilbert asked with a carefree smile as he looked at my handcuffs.
“I’ve come to apologize to older brother.”
“Apologize? What’s this all about?”
“I handled your retainer, Darren, earlier. I wish to apologize for doing it without consulting you.”
I then briefly explained what happened on Cobalt Street.
“That’s only natural. A retainer talking back to a prince deserves death. But—”
Gilbert stroked his chin and looked up thoughtfully.