Though I’m a Homebody, I Found Myself in a Dark Captive Genre

“Comic books?”

The duke wore an expression so peculiar it was impossible to decipher. Neither affirmation nor rejection, just an ambiguous reaction that left me awkwardly nodding my head.

Surely, he wasn’t about to refuse now, was he? It wasn’t as if I’d proposed something as outrageous as a contract marriage.

But his next question completely blindsided me.

“What is that?”

“…Pardon?”

Forget agreeing or disagreeing; he didn’t even know what a comic book was!?

Images of the countless comic books I’d read flashed before my eyes, but when I tried to define what a comic book was, I found myself utterly tongue-tied.

“Uh, well, you know how regular books are made up entirely of words?”

“That’s true.”

“Yes, but comic books, as the name suggests, are books where the content is expressed through illustrations.”

“Hmm.”

A brief silence descended.

But I saw it. In that fleeting moment, the ever-composed duke’s expression faltered, just slightly. Though he quickly regained his usual stoic demeanor, I knew I hadn’t imagined it.

Carefully, I spoke again.

“Do you understand what I mean?”

“Yes, but…”

The duke, who had been sitting with an air of arrogance, crossed his impossibly long legs the other way.

Distracted by the graceful motion, I barely registered his next words.

“Is that all you want?”

“…Sorry?”

“I’m asking if comic books are all the princess desires.”

“Well… if it’s not too much trouble, I was hoping to have some snacks added to my meals as well.”

A balanced diet, after all, should have both sweet and salty elements.

Lately, though, my meals had been health-focused and rather plain. Sure, I was grateful not to have to cook for myself, but everyone craves indulgence sometimes, don’t they?

“Something sweet would be nice, but salty’s good too… haha.”

But as soon as I finished speaking, the faint smile lingering on the duke’s face disappeared.

“Princess, I told you I’d compensate you for aiding with the ducal territory’s matters.”

“Y-Yes, you did.”

“And yet, your requests amount to nothing more than comic books and snacks?”

“Yes. Um… is that a problem?”

The change in his expression made the room feel colder, as though the temperature had dropped.

What was this? What could possibly be the issue?

Judging by his use of “just,” it didn’t seem like my requests were excessive.

“Hah.”

The duke lowered his head. Frozen in place, I wondered if he was about to get angry, but instead, I heard soft chuckling.

He lifted his head, covering his mouth with a hand, and his face carried a mix of amusement and disbelief.

“…How fascinating.”

It was a charming smile, one that suited his striking features. Yet, I couldn’t shake the unease creeping over me.

As I stared at him in confusion, he seemed to come to a decision and nodded.

“Very well. Comic books it is. I’ll make it happen.”

Even as I exited his study and walked away, I kept glancing back, suspicious of his acquiescence.

Outside, Liam, who had been waiting by the door, bowed.

“I will escort you to your room.”

Tap, tap.

Step, step.

Our footsteps echoed loudly in the empty hallway.

It wasn’t until I was lost in thought that Liam finally spoke, breaking the silence.

“As requested, I’ve offered positions to the individuals shortlisted. All have accepted.”

I stared blankly at Liam, wondering why he was reporting this to me.

His expression, as usual, gave nothing away, so I could only nod absently.

“Ah, I see.”

“We’ll ensure that the elderly or those with chronic illnesses are assigned lighter tasks.”

“Yes, yes.”

“And as for the Black Eagle Order, they prefer a rather modest diet, so most ingredients can be sourced locally within the territory.”

“Got it.”

My responses lacked enthusiasm, but Liam pressed on undeterred.

Why tell me all this? Can’t you report to someone else?

I had no intention of continuing to meddle in the territory’s affairs.

“…As a result, the morale of the territory’s citizens has risen significantly.”

“Well, that’s good to hear.”

I tried to make my disinterest clear, but Liam remained as impassive as ever.

“Thank you for everything.”

At the unexpected note of gratitude in his voice, I shook my head.

“I just did what was asked of me.”

Half of it had been practically forced on me, anyway. Surely, he remembered that.

How thick-skinned could someone be to express gratitude for what was essentially coercion?

“You didn’t merely fulfill a task. You also paid attention to the welfare of the less fortunate.”

“…Uh-huh.”

Fixing my gaze straight ahead, I brushed off his compliment. It felt odd, being praised for what I considered basic decency.

In this world, where human rights were a low priority, even surviving was a challenge. If I, with my foresight and relative advantage, found it this hard, how much worse must it be for others?

Still, instead of sharing my thoughts, I responded with a joke.

“Then how about cutting back on the surveillance?”

Liam’s hand adjusted his monocle in an unwavering motion.

“That would be dereliction of duty.”

“Ugh…”

Our light bickering carried us to the door of my room.

“Thank you for your effort.”

Hoping this would be the end of it, I bowed my head politely and reached for the door. But Liam’s calm voice stopped me.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

…Tomorrow?

For what? Do we even have anything to discuss?

His parting words left an unsettling thud in my chest, a foreboding I couldn’t shake.

* * *

Defying my expectations, Liam’s words became a reality.

No, to be precise, it only took a few hours. Early in the morning, a loud knock echoed by my ear while I was sound asleep.

Still half-asleep, I washed up and checked the clock. It was only 6 a.m.

Normally, I’d still be in dreamland by now, but…

“What’s going on so early in the morning? Don’t you sleep?”

“My philosophy is that sleep is for the dead.”

Why are you doing this to me?

“…I’d better not say anything.”

Grumbling in a disgruntled voice did nothing to sway Liam.

With a face full of dissatisfaction, he led me to a pair of large doors.

From inside, I could hear faint murmuring, indicating the presence of people.

“Where is this…?”

“You’ll find out soon.”

Creeeeak.

As the grand double doors opened, I felt as though I had walked into a labyrinth instead.

In the spacious hall, a group of people had gathered.

“Who are all these people…?”

“They’re artists. Or more precisely, the ones who will be drawing the ‘comic book’ you requested.”

Stunned, I swept my eyes across the group gathered in a circle.

Some were middle-aged or elderly, and one of them seemed to have been dragged here in a hurry, still wearing indoor slippers.

They, too, appeared to find the situation unfamiliar, their glances toward me and Liam filled with unmistakable bewilderment.

Liam strode confidently to the center and began introducing the people to me.

“This is Sir Brown, a former royal painter. Next are Sir Kedrick and Sir Robid, who have taught art at the academy.”

Then… the people crowded behind them?

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Brown. And these here are my apprentices.”

Oh, I-I see.

Still completely dumbfounded, I instinctively took the wrinkled hand extended to me and shook it, bowing my head to Sir Brown, who sported a long white beard.

“Y-Yes, nice to meet you…”

My head was already starting to pound.

To create a comic book, they brought a former royal painter and even his line of distinguished apprentices?

Leaving my stunned self behind, Liam confidently declared, “With the support of His Grace Duke Blaire, I hope you’ll create an exceptional comic book.”

…Is this really happening?

Are all these highly skilled individuals really going to work together to make a comic book just for me to read?