Chapter 97

As cherry blossoms danced in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

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Staggering down the corridor, I finally came to my senses after being shocked by the various things I was told, including the fact that the head maid (among others) knew about Murietta. Yes, yes.

The head maid's sigh, saying, "I thought it was a report on a marriage..." was super shocking! The destructive power was on par with Aldar's smile. What's this about marriage? It's like they skipped over everything. Seriously, is it that obvious? Is it that obvious?

No, I don't have any plans to get married! Why did the head maid jump to that conclusion?

...Well, you know. Given that my confession was seen by Aldar's colleague, it's inevitable that my relationship status would be known... After all, it happened in the castle garden, where anyone could have seen us. I was careless, to say the least. Or maybe they saw our date the next day. Ah, and I didn't even tell Regina to keep it a secret, so it could have leaked from anywhere! There's nothing I can do about it now!

Moreover, I've been receiving some harassment because of my close relationship with Aldar. I hope it doesn't get worse now that we're officially dating. But the harassment isn't serious. Sometimes, I find letters like the ones I used to get in my previous life, in the mailbox of my office.

I've already informed the castle guards about this. Thanks to increased patrols, I haven't seen any more of those letters. If they do come, the guards will either take them or dispose of them.

But, I should be prepared for the challenges that come with dating Aldar! I mean, catfights over him. I'd rather avoid them, but I'm ready to face them if I have to!

...No, I'd prefer not to encounter them at all. I can handle it, but I'd rather not. I just want a peaceful life.

"Ah, Lady Yuria, are you back?"

"Yes, Meina. I just got back."

"What was the report to the head maid about?"

"...Well, I just told her about my visit to Eiren. She had lost her composure, but she seemed to be doing better, so I reported that."

"Oh... But, um... It might be a bit difficult for her to face everyone's gazes when she returns..."

"It should be fine. She has nothing to hide, and she understands that her misunderstanding about her lover has been cleared up. She said she wants to reflect and work hard."

"That's good to hear!"

Most of the conversation with the head maid was about Murietta. I didn't lie, but I didn't tell her everything!

I can't just spread the story of the hero and his daughter. It doesn't seem like we'll have much direct involvement... After all, as a new baron without a fief, we won't have much to do with them in the castle. At first, they might be invited to various noble salons and hunts, but eventually, they'll be taken in by a faction and things will settle down. If we do meet them in the castle, it would probably be if the father becomes a knight.

I'm not sure about the daughter, but if she comes to the castle for a test of etiquette, she won't be coming to the palace.

"The hero will be awarded a knighthood at the birthday festival, it seems."

"Wow! I thought so! But what kind of person is he? Adventurers can be quite varied... I wonder if he even knows about etiquette."

Meina's concern is valid, but I think he'll be well-prepared. He'll probably be told when to bow deeper and when to speak. As for the daughter, she'll likely be taken care of by the head of the outer palace. They'll probably give her a crash course in etiquette, like "don't speak, smile, eat like a bird, and don't drink with your head tilted back."

I can imagine her being told, "I know! I get it!!" It's always the women who are given strict etiquette rules... But the more graceful their movements, the higher their status as a noble lady. She'll have to master it.

She'll probably meet her etiquette instructor at the party.

"By the way, how was everything while I was gone?"

"Everything was fine. Sebastian instructed Scarlett to organize the documents."

"Good."

"...I have to admit, Scarlett is better at document work. I think it's because she has more education."

"That's true, but Meina, you have a great ability to observe and judge the situations of those around you. Everyone has different strengths, right?"

"...Yes!"

That's true. Scarlett, who learned arithmetic as a noble lady, and Meina, who learned it after coming here, have different advantages. Our upbringing affects us, but we all have our strengths... Meina smiled and nodded at my clumsy encouragement. Good, she's in good spirits!

"Is Lady Bianca still here?"

"Yes."

"Then I should go and greet her."

It would be strange not to greet her if I'm going to the Dowager Queen's place afterward. I've been helped by Lady Bianca...

When I knocked and entered, it was a feast for the eyes to see the beautiful young lady and the beautiful lady having tea. Of course, I didn't let it show on my face. If I did, I'd probably be drooling.

Lady Bianca, who loves sweets as much as the Prime Minister, has an incredible figure. I'm not jealous... I mean, I am jealous!

"Yuria, how are you?"

"I'm fine, Lady Bianca. You look well too."

"Oh, you're still so formal. Well, I'll take it as progress that you can call me by my name now."

"Thank you."

Ever since she tried my cake, she's considered me a friend. She's in a much higher position, so it's a challenge when she tells me to call her by her name and to greet her casually when we meet in the castle. I know she means well, and it's only in informal settings, but it's still difficult.

Just like I can't look at handsome men directly, I can't look at beautiful women for too long without my eyes burning... It's a feast for the eyes from a distance, but this country is full of beautiful people, and it's a strain on my heart! I'm not saying I don't enjoy it. Lady Bianca gives me presents and cards for my birthday, and she's really, really a good person. But, I can't look her in the eye... It's not just about status and honor; it's about my chicken heart.

"By the way, I heard from Lady Primera... You have a new lover, don't you? I've heard rumors, but I wanted to hear it from a friend."

"Um, rumors?!"

"Hehe, yes. Single women are quite observant, you know. Of course, married women like us are too... After all, family matches are important, right?"

"Th... That's true, but..."

"Are you blushing? Or are you afraid of the other women?"

Lady Bianca, chuckling, seemed to understand my feelings... And she was probably upset that I didn't tell her directly about my relationship!

(But, you know?! If I were to explain, in a world without cell phones, I wouldn't write a letter every time I start dating someone!)

How can I explain this? Like a frog caught by a snake, maybe...

"Lady Bianca, I... I have someone I'm dating..."

"Who is it?"

"The Royal Guard, Aldar Saul..."

"Congratulations, Yuria! I'm happy for you. Really, I am."

"Thank you..."

Ugh, what a public execution. But I'm happy, and she's smiling and congratulating me. This is the world of the popular...!!

Lady Primera is smiling too, and it's cute. So cute!

It's so embarrassing! Is this how women talk to their friends? I've never experienced this before (in my previous life, I was on the listening side