Chapter 25
Poor Henry, Played Like a Fiddle
Henry never expected Sherisa’s mother to appear here.
But upon reflection, if Sherisa could uncover certain things, how could her mother remain unaware?
These two circus tickets were even given by her!
Realizing this, Henry felt a sense of relief.
So, in the end, he was just a pawn in the mother-daughter duo’s little game.
Poor Henry, played like a fiddle.
“Madam, what brings you here?”
Henry put on a fawning smile, his expression bordering on shameless.
Seeing Henry like this, Lady Reina couldn’t help but feel exasperated.
How could her daughter take a liking to such a man? He seemed frivolous and utterly unreliable.
Yet, despite his demeanor, Lady Reina couldn’t deny her appreciation for Henry’s actions.
When her daughter needed him, he appeared without fail.
Though he lacked magic, his ability to manipulate objects was exceptional—so much so that he could sever multiple puppet heads in an instant.
If this didn’t qualify as genius, then most students at Saint Nad Magic Academy were utter trash.
Lady Reina crossed her arms, her high heels pressing down on Shinoka’s body, her tone laced with a hint of warmth.
“Just keeping an eye on you two youngsters. After all, this matter involves cultists. One misstep, and you could get hurt.”
See? There was no way she’d leave things entirely unguarded.
Her daughter’s partner needed to possess absolute strength.
The gravity magic she’d unleashed earlier had left Henry awestruck—it seemed like high-tier magic.
Could Sherisa’s mother be a Grand Magician?
Noticing Henry’s puzzled expression, Reina chuckled.
She stepped closer, lifting Henry’s chin with her fingertip.
“Still, you’ve got quite the nerve. Flirting with me in the morning, then dating my daughter in my house by afternoon. Could it be… you’re aiming for both mother and daughter?”
Henry swore to the heavens—he absolutely had such thoughts!
After all, both women were stunning, and Henry wasn’t immune to certain… ahem aspirations.
But Lady Reina’s smile was like a rose with thorns. If he dared admit it, he’d likely end up lying here alongside the unfortunate cultist.
“Heaven knows, I’m just an innocent young man.”
“Tch, smooth-talker. No wonder Sherisa pays you so much attention.”
Lady Reina withdrew her hand, then hoisted the cultist over her shoulder and headed for the exit.
Before leaving, she pressed a finger to her lips, signaling Henry to keep her involvement a secret from Sherisa.
“Ah, children grow up so fast these days. They start rebelling against their parents. If she knew I interfered, she’d throw a fit~”
She sighed dramatically.
But before departing, she left Henry with a final warning.
“Little Henry, Sherisa’s still young. You wouldn’t take advantage of her, would you?”
Though the lady was alluring, her “crushing” hand gesture was downright terrifying.
Henry shuddered and nodded like a chick pecking at rice.
*****
By the time Henry returned to the circus, its members had already been arrested.
Rumors spread that knights from several towns had come to confront the clown, demanding answers.
The poor clown had been beaten beyond recognition—now, even returning to Gotham to reunite with his childhood sweetheart was impossible.
The magic knights bound the circus members and led them away.
Among them was Jessica.
Jessica had received reports from citizens claiming the circus was sealed by a magical barrier, trapping many inside.
But by the time she arrived, the situation had already been resolved.
And the one who’d handled it? Her longtime rival, Sherisa!
“Oh? If it isn’t Her Royal Highness the Princess! Here to arrest these folks? No need for thanks—I’ve already subdued them. They’re likely tied to the cultists, so do try to squeeze some useful information out of them, won’t you?”
Sherisa’s sarcastic tone made Jessica’s fingers twitch toward her sword.
She scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain.
“The Empire doesn’t need your interference. Though I’m surprised the Noel Family would stoop to visiting such a place. Shouldn’t you have bought the entire circus for a private show, as your family’s wont?”
When it came to extravagance, Jessica had no doubt the Noels would do exactly that.
“Oh? Has Her Royal Highness not heard? Henry agreed to a date with me today. Didn’t he tell you? Then again, why would he? It’s not like you two are close.”
“What? Henry’s dating you?!”
Jessica’s voice rose sharply.
Just then, Henry emerged from the back of the circus.
Stretching lazily, he waved at the magic knights searching for cultist clues.
The knights seemed to recognize him, returning the greeting warmly.
After all, when Henry had been injured and unconscious last time, it was the Princess herself who’d carried him back to her estate.
To everyone, he appeared to be someone the Princess held in high regard.
“Ah, Your Highness! The mastermind’s already been taken away. Saved you a step.”
Henry, ever the model citizen, felt he deserved an award—or better yet, a monetary reward.
But Jessica’s darkening expression left him puzzled.
Had he offended her somehow?
He’d even done her a favor. Was she about to repay kindness with hostility?
“Henry, you were so brave earlier! Without your protection, I might’ve been hurt!”
Sherisa threw herself into Henry’s arms, her voice saccharine sweet.
Henry froze.
Hadn’t the suited enforcers in the VIP box been her people? And the mages downstairs—no way they could’ve threatened her!
Was she not paying them?!
Jessica’s breathing grew ragged as she watched the “lovely” couple, her vision tinged red.
Maybe she should just draw her sword and end them both.
The after-action report could claim they’d perished in the attack.
The onlookers, sensing the tension, quietly turned away.
It was clear: these two women were locked in a feud.
The only solution might be splitting Henry down the middle to appease them.
Not that Henry’s opinion mattered anymore.
Gently, Henry extracted Sherisa from his embrace.
“Alright, I should head back and study. Not all of us are blessed with magical talent.”
He turned to leave.
Yeah, better scram before they turn me into a punching bag.
“Don’t rush off, Henry.” Jessica’s hand landed on his shoulder, her smile “gentle.” “Why not share what you two did on your… date?”