We proceeded with the utmost caution all the way into the Prefecture Mansion. Being quite familiar with the place, we easily located the bedchamber of Wan'er's stepmother.
Sure enough, the games inside were still underway, and quite intensely at that. Wan'er's father was also on his way back. We all crouched in the corners, simply listening, though some people just have to give in to their curiosity. Eldest Princess, for one, was inexplicably excited the moment she arrived; she crept right up to a crack in the window and peeked inside. Casting aside all royal decorum, she actually got to witness the spectacular performance taking place.
She looked ready to cry out on the spot, and sure enough, my worst fears were realized. The moment the Eldest Princess beheld such a spectacle, she was on the verge of gasping aloud. Fortunately, I had stationed two students right beside her precisely to guard against this. Seeing her about to make a sound, one of them clamped a hand firmly over her mouth, averting disaster.
Chapter 103