"Ugh..."
Where am I? There are iron bars, so it's a prison...?
When I opened my eyes, I was in an unfamiliar place. It seems I'm lying down.
That's right, I was attacked by assailants on the way back to the mansion from the academy by carriage...
"...Ngh?! Sophia! Sophia, are you alright?!"
"Your Highness! I'm so glad you're safe!"
"Sophia... I'm glad you're okay."
I heard a voice from behind and tried to turn around immediately, but my hands and feet were tied behind me... No, this feeling is metal, so it's handcuffs and shackles.
"Sophia! Are you injured?!"
I managed to twist my body around and look back to see Sophia, also with handcuffs and shackles.
And red blood was flowing from Sophia's mouth.
"Wait! I'll cast healing magic right away... Huh?! I can't use magic!"
"It's not a serious injury, so I'm fine. However, it seems Your Highness also cannot use magic. I suspect these shackles are the cause..."
As Sophia said, when I tried to form magic, I felt my magic power draining from my hands.
Could this be... a magic-sealing circle?!
A magic-sealing circle—as the name suggests, it prevents mages who wear it from using magic. This should be the latest technology being developed by the research institute at Bounce National Magic Academy, so why do the assailants have it?
"Damn it, to let Your Highness be taken away right under my nose..."
"Don't regret it. Are the other guards safe?"
"I don't know. They are all stronger than me, but still, to be caught off guard... the enemy seems to be quite skilled."
"Ho, you understand it well, don't you?"
"Gulp!?"
Suddenly, light shone into the dimly lit prison. Then, a group of people entered the cell.
"Awake at last, are we? I apologize for inviting you to such a dirty place, Bounce Eliza."
A man in his thirties with a large scar on his cheek, who was at the front, grinned and looked at us.
"If you think so, wouldn't you release me from here soon?"
"As expected of the third princess of this country, you have quite the nerve even in this situation. However, unfortunately, you will have to wait a few more days until we make a small request to your father."
"...I don't know what you're asking of my father, but I have two older brothers, and I believe it's futile because I won't be abandoned."
I have two older brothers. Their claim to the throne is higher than mine, so my father will surely not abandon me and yield to the assailants.
"No, I'm sure your father will grant our wish. It is well known that the king is a loving father to his daughter."
Although it's frustrating, the opponents have planned this attack so meticulously, perhaps they have some sort of advantage.
"Now, to make it easier for the king to decide, we would like you to write a letter in your own hand, Eliza."
"........."
"Y-you bastards! If you even dare to touch the princess, I will never forgive you!"
"Sophia, no!"
"...Hey."
"Hah. Get him!"
"Gah!"
"Please stop!"
Another man kicked Sophia violently as she stepped forward to protect me.
"As expected of Eliza, who stands above others. Even though she's just a maid, she's kind to her childhood friend. Hey."
"Hah!"
*Riiip*
"Eeeek!"
"Sophia!"
An assailant tore Sophia's maid outfit.
"Hah, what a cute scream. Where did your bravery from just now go?"
"Whoa~ You've got a good body for a kid."
The assailants around surrounded Sophia.
"Now, if you're a kind-hearted Eliza, you wouldn't want to see your precious childhood friend abused right in front of you. Won't you write a letter to the king as we say?"
"...Understood, I will agree to all your demands. However, if you touch Sophia, I will bite my tongue and commit suicide. I'm sure that's not what you want either, is it?"
So that's why Sophia is imprisoned here with me.
She is my guard and my maid, but she is also my precious childhood friend with whom I grew up. As long as her life is in their hands, I have no choice but to do as they say.
These assailants have investigated me thoroughly.
"Thank you for your prompt decision. Of course, as long as Eliza complies with us, we promise not to lay a hand on you further."
"...Alright."
That means as long as the negotiation with my father goes well. These assailants have shown us their faces.
Eventually, our lives will be forfeit. Knowing that, all I can do now is wait for the help that my father will provide.
"Uuuu..."
"Sophia, I'm fine, so please don't cry anymore."
After that, following the man with the scar on his cheek, I was made to write a letter to my father stating that I am safe and that he should grant their demands to save us.
"I couldn't even protect Your Highness as a guard, and to make matters worse, Your Highness is acting in accordance with their demands to protect me..."
"It's alright. I'm just happy that Sophia is alive. It's okay, we'll be saved. Let's wait for Father's help to arrive."
"...I am truly sorry."
Even as I say it, I know that possibility is slim. It's unlikely that an opponent who planned an attack this meticulously would leave any traceable clues.
I have to save at least Sophia somehow...
*Clack, Clack, Clack*
"Gasp!"
I hear someone descending the stairs to the dungeon. I didn't hear any sounds of struggle, so it's not help.
I started to tremble slightly, thinking that my father had agreed to the assailants' demands and we were no longer needed.
"Hmm, it seems both of you are unharmed."
And then, for some reason, Professor Geek, the temporary teacher of defense magic, appeared in front of the cell.