Chapter 8

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

Xiaoming stood at the classroom door, took a deep breath, and firmly gripped the secret letter from his mother.

David stood at the entrance of the room, and I couldn't suppress the twitching in my cheeks. He chuckled and continued to laugh.

"Hmm, I see. You're a cute and clever young lady. It's no wonder that even Lord Gerda is kind to his sister. Isn't that right, Arnaud?"

"She's a talkative sister..."

"That means she's honest."

"......My sister is naive, Your Highness. Please forgive her."

Brother seemed to be struggling to respond, but David's tone was sincere. He glanced at me, a man with red-tinted hair that reached his shoulders, droopy but distinct eyelashes, and a seductive aura. His embroidered clothing was clearly expensive, and it was obvious that he had a strong build underneath. Despite feeling somewhat desperate, I bowed my head as if to a noble.

"I apologize, Lord David. I didn't know you were here, and I said something inappropriate..."

"Formal greetings are unnecessary. Even though we were invited by Lord Gerda, we were eavesdropping, so we can't act superior."

He must be aware of that. And the mastermind is probably my sister! The room had a screen, and the window was open, likely to mask their presence with outside noise. I hadn't expected anyone to be behind the screen.

I glared at her silently, and she turned away, pretending not to notice.

She's trying to act innocent in front of the prince, thinking she can get away with it. Brother... no, this isn't a situation where he can stop her. His eyes were bloodshot, saying, "Don't say anything unnecessary."

Right, this man in his thirties is my sister's husband's son, the prince, and the son of the king. Some might imagine a prince to be in his teens or twenties, but the king is still active and had children when he was quite young, so it's not unusual. Prince David, being the son of the queen, is the closest to the throne.

...It's impossible for a noble to come on foot. I didn't see a carriage when he arrived, so he must have hidden it from me.

But why is the prince here?

"Anyway, why do I look like I was caught eavesdropping... Come here first. My throat will dry out if I keep shouting."

I had no choice but to follow the prince's gesture. I sat in an empty seat, feeling like a carp on a cutting board, with my sister sitting next to me. Brother stood diagonally behind the prince, his expression clearly tense. The prince's attendants had moved the tea set, so there was no escape. Rinaldo had been silent, and I avoided making eye contact with him.

Oh, this suddenly became less fun.

The prince looked at all of us, including Brother, and sat back down with his legs crossed.

"Hmm. The Kiersten siblings are blessed with good looks."

"Your Highness, we have a younger brother."

"So there are four of you. You seem to get along well, and you have a good family."

...

I remember that Prince David and his brother, Prince Jemian, don't get along. But that's a problem for another family. The current issue is more pressing.

With my knowledge of being reborn in another world, the ideal scenario would be to make a bizarre comment to pique the prince's interest, which would be the best development for the reader. But in reality, it wouldn't be funny. I remembered how Mr. Yamada from sales had made a big mistake and was scolded by his boss and the president. I'm in exactly the same situation now.

"It was me who called you, Your Highness."

Sister was drinking tea elegantly. It's enviable to be in a position of power.

"Wha—"

Can I speak? I thought, and the prince immediately said, "You may."

"Why... Sister?"

"Of course, because the king and the prime minister agreed with Rinaldo's recommendation. I couldn't let it go without confirming your true intentions."

I remember this was about restoring my honor. The king and the prime minister were involved, but I don't know why the prince is here. I'm filled with regret for coming back here.

"But... you didn't ask for Rinaldo to come, did you?"

"I happened to meet him on my way to see the beautiful Lord Gerda. You see, it was a rare occasion where my good friend's brother nodded to a marriage proposal, so I wanted to see it for myself."

So, Rinaldo was brought by the prince.

I thought he might be idle, but the prince had a sly smile on his lips.

"Kalen, was it? Remember this: we can't help but be drawn to any rumor, especially when it involves the family of Lord Gerda, who has the king's favor despite not having a concubine for a long time."

He's saying that I'm being scrutinized for any faults. After a moment of silence, I realized I was expected to respond.

"......So, Your Highness, are you my sister's knight?"

I thought I had considered my words, but maybe I went too far.

I blurted it out, but the prince smiled as if he was pleased.

"Exactly. This is a matter involving Lord Gerda. The king would have come himself, but he's busy, so I'm here in his place."

He nodded a few times with a smile, continuing to look at me. I thought it was troublesome, but I soon understood his intention.

"Arnaud, your sister doesn't seem as naive as you say."

He's saying in front of me that he thought I was stupid.

But Brother didn't argue. He only bowed his head silently, showing a miniature of the noble society.

"A naive girl has no value, but if she's not, she's to my taste. What do you think, Rinaldo? Maybe we should kidnap her and make it a common-law marriage."

Stop it, you idiot.

Out! That statement is out!! I can't believe I have no say in this!!

I could feel the blood draining from my face. Sister said, "Oh," casually, and Brother had a similar reaction. I have no allies in this!

Maybe he was testing if I understood the situation. I should have smiled and stayed silent!

I panicked. Could I run out of the mansion and catch a carriage? I could have stolen a horse and ridden away.

I glanced around... Oh, the prince's subordinates were in a perfect formation. When did they move? It's scary to admit, but it's impressive.

I can't rely on my siblings. My last hope is Rinaldo, but when I finally looked at him, he hadn't moved a muscle despite being addressed by the prince.

I was in awe... but I had no time for that.

"......Yes."

Rinaldo slightly bowed his head, as if thinking, but then slowly shook his head.

"It's an honor that Your Highness is concerned, but kidnapping the wife of Count Conrad would leave a grudge."

"Well, then we'll get a divorce."

What a natural scumbag.

"That's not appropriate. Moreover, many of Count Conrad's sons and guards came to the capital. Our family's respect for Count Conrad is far from his. If he accepts Kalen, I can't create a rift."

"But we can't let a young maiden fall into the clutches of an old man. I think we get along well, don't you?"

"I wish that were true, but I can't show an unseemly side. Please reconsider, Your Highness."

"Stop being ridiculous. Zahar was happy when you finally settled down. For my friend, Lord Gerda, and especially for you, it's time to settle down."

"I appreciate your concern, but rushing things will only lead to suspicion."

"Listen, I'm the next king. If anyone complains about my decisions, I'll silence them."

The exchange between the prince and Rinaldo continued, but what caught my attention was Rinaldo's words. I had just arrived in the capital that morning, and they even knew about Swen and the number of guards.

...Old man's fangs, that's disrespectful to Mr. Camille, you eyelash! He's much more of a gentleman than you!

Anyway, Rinaldo doesn't seem interested, which is a relief for me. Maybe he's more normal than I thought. —But then Sister whispered in my ear.

"Rinaldo seems to like you. What do you think?"

"What do you mean...?"

Is Sister taking Rinaldo's words at face value? He was clearly dodging the question to avoid upsetting the prince.

"......Sister. I have Count Conrad, so please don't suggest infidelity."

"You're silly. I can't leave my sister to suffer willingly."

...Eighty percent genuine, twenty percent about interests.

Given the prince's earlier statement, it seems they think it's convenient for Rinaldo and me to be together.

The prince and Sister continued to persuade, but fortunately, Rinaldo and I stood firm. When Brother had to leave for an emergency, the prince gave up and raised his hands.

"Truly, these ungrateful ones. My throat and Lord Gerda's are drying up. ...Let's have some tea and rest for a while. You two should take a walk around."

"There's a forest path at the back. Take your time. You can find your way back by following the path."

...It's impressive how naturally she can give orders. I don't want to emulate it, but it's impressive.

Sister stayed behind. The prince, looking tired, dismissed us like dogs. Rinaldo and I stood in front of the door in silence.

...Well, there's nothing we can do about it.

"......I'm sorry. If we walk around the block, will you accompany me?"

"Since it's an order from the prince, I have no choice. I'll accompany you."

After the discovery, his subordinates, who had been hiding in another room, appeared. The strict-looking men and women took a formal bow, which was impressive. They must be soldiers. I bowed to them, thinking they must be tired from their work.

Rinaldo told them that an escort was unnecessary and went outside with me.

As Sister said, we walked through the front garden to the back, where a narrow forest path was visible.

"I know you might not feel at ease being alone with me, but please bear with it."

"Not at all. We've only spoken briefly, but with the prince's behavior, having an escort would only upset him. I appreciate your consideration."

Walking with Rinaldo, I could walk slowly and clearly, thanks to the weather and scenery. The room we were in was too formal and stifling.

"Miss Kalen, I have a question."

"Yes."

Rinaldo seemed to be matching his pace with mine, allowing me to walk slowly and clear my thoughts. The room was too formal and suffocating.

"Previously, you apologized to me. If I'm not mistaken, you had made up your mind at that time, correct?"

"Oh, you noticed."

I looked up, and to my surprise, I saw a faint smile on his face. It was different from the gentle expression I had seen before, showing a glimpse of his true feelings.

...I'm surprised. This man can smile normally.

Maybe because of his otherworldly appearance, I had unconsciously treated him as non-human. I felt embarrassed for judging him. I'll scold myself later... but I felt relieved and chuckled.

"I don't know if you were engaged, but I didn't mean to tarnish your reputation by making it seem like your fiancé had run away. I feel very sorry about it."

"I'm the one who caused trouble. I knew about the marriage proposal from Mrs. Subrova, but I still went to fetch you."

"You couldn't refuse your sister's request. It's understandable..."

...It's not a proposal that would be refused normally.

It must have been a beneficial arrangement for both families. For me, who had lived in the city for a long time, politics was a distant matter, and I had no way of knowing their power dynamics, but I could imagine.

"......I'm really very sorry."

If the prince had come on a special mission, the negotiations must have been well underway. Unlike me, who was almost unknown, his reputation would suffer. In fact, he might be laughed at.

If not for Sister's presence, I would have bowed and apologized. He had every right to be angry, but he didn't seem to mind. Instead, he chuckled and smiled.

"Nothing, I will also cause you trouble in the future. It's mutual."

Huh?

I stopped in my tracks, but Rinaldo encouraged me to keep walking. I heard a concerning statement, but he didn't seem to want to explain.

...I hope it's a minor inconvenience.

Neither of us has shown our true colors yet.

Thank you for the reviews, bookmarks, and typo reports. They help me continue.

I have some plans, so the next update will be on a weekend.

I hope to bring you something good.