IRMLIMP 6

chapter 6

On his way back after carrying out the Emperor’s order to subjugate the monsters appearing in the western region, he had merely closed his eyes for a brief rest in the carriage, exhausted from the কঠোর battle.

And yet—

“…What is this?”

The moment he opened his eyes to a strange sensation, the world had completely changed.

The scenery he had seen before closing his eyes was gone, and instead he found himself lying in an endlessly विशाल and bizarre room.

Rishid immediately drew his sword.

Was I kidnapped?

But he hadn’t sensed any warning signs.

Even if he had briefly fallen asleep, he would have awakened if someone had attacked him.

He looked around for his aide, Kassel.

And then he realized.

“This is…”

It wasn’t that his location had changed.

It was that his body had shrunk.

“Ugh…!”

The moment he realized it, Rishid couldn’t withstand the shaking of the carriage and tumbled down to the floor.

It was the first humiliation he had ever experienced.

A leader who couldn’t even take care of his own body—how could he protect anything like this?

If the leader falls into danger, those who follow will collapse as well.

So Rishid couldn’t tell anyone that he had shrunk.

If he revealed such an absurd truth, his knight order—already intoxicated with the victory—would be thrown into chaos.

Rishid was not the kind of lord who would bring confusion to Epenterion, already suffering under the Emperor’s endless commands.

And that was the sense of responsibility he had learned as a prince:

To endure alone, without relying on others.

Frowning slightly, Rishid clenched his fist.

…If only I return to normal.

He would find whoever cast this curse and personally cut off their head without hesitation.

Whoever it was—noble or foreign king—it didn’t matter.

Anyone who dared do this would pay the price for underestimating him, a member of the imperial family and the Grand Duke of Epenterion.

If they’re already dead, I’ll revive them just to kill them again.

A cold smile flickered in his red eyes.

But soon, he let out a sigh.

There was a more immediate problem to deal with first.

The Emperor’s welcome banquet.

The western region, which had looked down on the monster-infested north, had received help from Epenterion in this subjugation.

And when one receives help, one should show proper gratitude.

But the lord of the west, Marquis Rengard, remained silent.

At this banquet, Rishid intended to meet the western nobles and determine who would stand on Epenterion’s side.

However, in this tiny body, he couldn’t attend the Emperor’s banquet.

At this rate, not only would he fail to sort allies from enemies, but he would also commit the discourtesy of skipping a banquet personally hosted by the Emperor.

Everything had gone wrong.

Even if I send Kassel as a proxy…

It would never be the same as seeing things with his own eyes.

Kassel was loyal, but too soft to make sharp judgments.

If only I could attend the banquet myself…

At that moment, a voice suddenly came to his mind.

“F-first, please wash up…!”

The flustered pale face of the young lady, who had panicked just because he asked where he should sleep.

He could clearly recall her hurried figure as she entered the bathroom to prepare bathwater.

Was the young lady always… like that?

The Irel Blandice he remembered had a violent temperament.

The flower of high society.

A woman with thorns on her tongue.

Though she had always acted gentle and meek in front of him, Rishid knew her reputation well.

But today, she was different.

Especially…

Those eyes.

There was a distinct vitality in her violet eyes as she looked at him—it felt unfamiliar.

Before, she had always looked at him like a child coveting a toy.

Eyes full of greed.

Rishid had thought her eyes resembled those of Duke Blandice, who was always calculating profit.

That was why he had deliberately avoided her until now.

Even though he knew she followed him around constantly.

Then why—

“I’ve prepared warm bathwater. Once you’ve relieved your fatigue, there will be a bed and sleepwear ready for you!”

Why didn’t she have that look anymore? It was as if she had suddenly become a completely different person.

Rishid narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

He had no idea how a pampered young lady could prepare a bed for him.

But judging by how perfect the bathwater was…

He slightly frowned as he lifted the soap foam.

Irel Blandice might be more useful than I thought.

How he would use her, he would have to consider.

With a faint cold smile, Rishid rose.

Now that he had finished bathing, he intended to ask her about the banquet.

However, when he stepped out wrapped in the handkerchief she had prepared—

He froze.

“Lady… what on earth is this?”

“Ah, this is the bed, and this is the pillow. Is it a bit crude?”

I gestured toward the soft cushions in both hands.

Rishid peeked through the slightly open door and frowned.

“That’s not what I’m asking.”

“Huh? Then what?”

Confused, I looked at him.

His cold gaze was directed at the sleepwear I had left in front of the bathroom door.

“I mean this. Are you telling me to wear such a flashy… flower-patterned outfit?”

“Ah.”

Only then did I realize the problem.

“…Ahem, I’m sorry, but that was the best I could do.”

All the fabric Irel had was only suitable for handkerchiefs.

“Could you just wear it for now? Tomorrow I’ll buy proper men’s clothes that fit Your Grace.”

“Clothes in this size?”

“I’m planning to go to a doll shop. I heard from a maid that they have tons of outfits! Formal wear, knight uniforms, indoor clothes—even armor! So please trust me.”

I answered confidently, hiding my embarrassment.

I hadn’t been able to prepare clothes in advance because I couldn’t estimate his size until I actually saw him.

So while he was bathing, I measured his clothes and quickly made sleepwear.

It was a moment where my school home economics skills finally shined.

“Please just endure it for today, Your Grace.”

As a sign of promise, I lowered myself and held out my pinky finger.

Of course, he couldn’t hook his finger with mine, but I thought I should at least show some sincerity.

But Rishid—

“Hah. I’d rather sleep naked than wear something like this.”

With a cold sneer, he flung the door open.

Seeing his body wrapped only in a white handkerchief, I hurriedly covered my eyes.

“Y-Your Grace!”

He asked, sounding baffled,

“…Are you seriously embarrassed by a body this small?”

How could I not be? You’re practically half naked!

I shouted internally, turning away.

“O-of course! Even if you’ve shrunk, it’s still your body, Your Grace!”

“…So the fact that it’s my body is what matters?”

At his quiet question, I nodded hurriedly.

“This won’t do. P-please at least wrap yourself in the blanket on the bed. I’ll go wash your clothes!”

With that, I grabbed his clothes and rushed into the bathroom.

But wait… did I just hear a faint chuckle?

No way… must be my imagination.

“Wow, is this even getting clean?”

Squatting on the bathroom floor, I scrubbed the black uniform.

It would’ve been nice to have laundry soap, but washing clothes with bath soap didn’t feel very effective.

Still, there was one good thing.

Thank goodness even the clothes shrank.

I sighed in relief, holding up the tiny outfit.

If only his body had shrunk and not his clothes, he might’ve been walking around naked.

And in that case, I wouldn’t have dared approach him.

Besides, even with my sewing skills, making proper outdoor clothes from scratch would’ve been impossible.

Come to think of it…

Does Rishid prefer simple styles like this?

I examined the plain design of his uniform, planning what to buy at the doll shop.

I’ve already made a list of stores. I should take the pajamas I made and compare sizes.