Ⅳ
One moment, young Pistrie Hamlet had been brimming with confidence and youthful vigor, looking ready to take the world in hand.
The next, the Old Lion's youngest son had turned bright red and started squirming, looking as though he wanted to glance down at his crotch but dared not.
And all because of a single remark from Arthur.
Of course, Arthur, habitual liar though he was, had not lied this time.
The crotch of the Old Lion's youngest son's trousers really was torn.
The tear was small.
Only a finger's width.
What was more, Arthur knew exactly when it had happened.
When they had crawled into that "secret passage."
As for why he had not warned him beforehand?
If he had, how could Arthur have enjoyed the spectacle before him, or taken the upper hand?
"I-I just had a little accident.
I-I won't let it bother me.
I-I-I..."
The Old Lion's youngest son stammered.
Clearly, the young man hoped to talk his way out of his embarrassment, but once the words left his mouth, he realized that the more he said, the more embarrassed he became.
At first, he could still manage complete sentences.
Later, he could not even do that.
Especially when he saw Arthur's smiling face, the Old Lion's youngest son instinctively clutched his trousers, as though they might fly away at any moment.
Then his legs crossed of their own accord.
As though Arthur could see right through them.
"Tch. I'm not interested in men."
Seeing the Old Lion's youngest son like that, Arthur rolled his eyes.
Then he picked up another piece of firewood and added it to the fire. As the sparks crackled, a smile appeared on his face, and he said softly-
"It'll be light soon."
"Huh?"
The Old Lion's youngest son did