I Was Reincarnated as a Villain Prince’s Follower, but I Refuse to Be Ruined—Turns Out the Prince Is Surprisingly Competent - Chapter 10

The next day, after finishing breakfast, Jeremy and the others visited the governor’s study.

“Ah, Your Highness. What can I do for you?”

The governor approached them with a fawning rub of his hands, just as he had during their first meeting. Now that Jeremy looked at him with suspicion, the man seemed incredibly shady.

“I realized I haven’t heard the full details regarding the scope of the test drilling. If possible, I’d like to tour the current drilling sites and the surrounding areas where work hasn’t started yet.”

Rufus spread a map of the area across the desk.

“Y-You’re going on an inspection today as well, following yesterday? Surely… aren’t you tired? Pushing yourself too hard might affect your health… If you like, how about a visit to the hot springs? They are a local specialty. I can have my men guide you…”

“I appreciate the offer, but that is a separate matter. I’m young, so this much is no problem. Now, what is the range of the test drilling?”

“I-It’s around this area.”

“Hmm… It’s mostly centered in the east. Then let’s start looking from there…”

Rufus ran his finger across the map.

“And the places where drilling hasn’t been done yet?”

“That would be here. However, there are reasons why we haven’t been able to drill there.”

“Tell me.”

“There are many steep mountain paths, making it difficult to transport tools or soil. It’s better if you don’t go near there. If anything were to happen to Your Highness, I wouldn’t know how to report it to His Majesty.”

“I see… you have a point. Very well, let’s tour the active drilling sites. We can stop by the hot spring on the way back.”

“That is an excellent idea! I will immediately arrange the inspection and the hot spring!”

“I’m counting on you.”

Rufus rolled up the map and left the room. A small smile played on his lips.

“…I’ve found the location of the hidden mine.”

“What? When!?”

Jeremy tried to replay their conversation in his head, but he couldn’t figure it out.

“In the west… right here.”

“How do you know it’s there…?”

“Didn’t you notice? When my finger moved near that spot, his face grew strangely stiff, and his eyes followed my fingertip intensely. When I moved away, his expression relaxed as if he were relieved. It’s lucky for us he’s bad at keeping a poker face.”

“But you told him we were heading to the east for the inspection.”

“To make him let his guard down. We will head west at night.”

After spending the morning energetically inspecting the test sites, they headed to the hot spring resort recommended by the governor. Inside the carriage, Rufus seemed to be in high spirits.

“You’re actually excited about the hot spring, aren’t you, Your Highness?”

When Jeremy said this lightheartedly, Rufus shook his head.

“It’s not that. Based on my research, the hot spring we’re going to is located at the eastern edge. I figured it was a sign of the governor’s desire to keep us away from the west.”

“I-I see…”

“Well, let’s enjoy the bath to keep the governor off his guard.”

Upon arriving at the hot spring, they were shown to a private room. It appeared the governor had given orders beforehand, as the place was reserved just for them. After the knights performed a thorough security check, they were finally allowed to bathe.

(I never dreamed I’d get to visit a hot spring in another world!)

“Oh, it’s an outdoor bath!”

Jeremy couldn’t help but cheer at the contrast between the beautiful blue sky and the milky white water. In his past life, a relaxing life spent soaking in hot springs was nothing more than a distant dream, so this made him very happy. He rinsed himself off and stepped into the water.

“Haaaaaaaa! This is the best! I’m so glad to be alive!”

Even in another world, the comfort of a hot spring made him sigh with relief.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

Turning toward the amused voice, Jeremy saw Rufus approaching—completely naked.

(Of course he’s naked, it’s a bath!)

However, Rufus’s boldness in not hiding anything at all made Jeremy flustered.

“A-Ah, sorry, Your Highness… I got a little carried away.”

“I don’t mind. I’m happy to hear your cheerful voice. I felt bad for making you walk around with me all day yesterday and today.”

“N-No, not at all. This is official business.”

“Even so, as the one who dragged you along, I felt responsible.”

Rufus rinsed himself and entered the bath.

“Mmm… that feels good.”

Letting out a soft sigh, Rufus sank in up to his shoulders.

(Even the way he gets into a bath is elegant?)

“It feels great, doesn’t it?”

“Y-Yes, it does!”

(Wait… His Highness is actually the type who looks thinner in clothes…)

Rufus seemed to be in quite good shape; his chest was thick, his abs were defined, and his shoulders were broad. Because he preferred slim-fitting clothes and had a soft, feminine face—though not as much as Chris—Jeremy had simply assumed he had no muscle at all.

(What a gap…)

As someone weak to the “gap moe” appeal, Jeremy found it overwhelming.

(No, no! Why am I getting so worked up?!)

“An outdoor bath, huh? The cool air feels wonderful.”

Even just sitting in the bath, Rufus looked like a painting.

“Soaking in a hot spring, skipping school… inspections are the best!”

“Hahaha! You’re very honest.”

“Sorry. I felt so relaxed that the truth just slipped out.”

“No.”

Rufus laughed happily.

“That aside… isn’t it about time you stopped being so formal with me?”

“F-Formal…?”

“I understand it can’t be helped in public, but you always call me ‘Your Highness’ and speak with excessive politeness. I consider you a friend, yet you keep drawing a line between us. In the past, you were more…”

(In the past?)

Had Jeremy and Rufus known each other for that long? Was there a reason the second son of a Baron acted as Rufus’s lackey, even if the Prince was a “problem child”?

“More what?”

“No, It’s nothing! Forget it. I said something unnecessary. If we could transport this water to the capital, the higher-ups might be pleased.”

Rufus changed the subject so obviously, giving a somewhat lonely smile.