Chapter 8

After showing a slight hesitation, Alfred-sama slowly approached.

"Excuse me, may I sit next to you?"

"Ah, yes, please do."

I responded without thinking, then realized I was still holding the half-eaten Madeleine. For a moment, I wondered what to do, but then I thought, "It's fine." While glancing sideways at Alfred-sama as he sat down, I took another bite of the Madeleine.

"Hehe... You like Madeleines, don't you?"

Alfred-sama's face turned bright red, and his shoulders trembled.

Eh, am I being laughed at? I felt embarrassed and looked down. My face was hot, and it might have turned red. No way, I used to be expressionless and feared all the time before the time loop! I never flinched when I stepped outside my house! ...I shouldn't have realized that I had so little interaction with others that nothing could fluster me.

Seeing my reaction, he said,

"Ah, I'm sorry, I couldn't help it because you were eating it so deliciously... I apologize."

He smiled awkwardly and bowed politely.

"...No, it's fine. Would you like to share the Madeleines and other pastries with me?"

"Really? Is that okay?"

"If you don't mind the ones in my handkerchief."

He laughed again and reached for the Madeleine I offered.

---

"Ah! What happened to you?"

"I tried to cover it up by making the same thing in the kitchen. And then..."

"And then?"

"Of course, it was a complete disaster. I wasted five eggs, and the kitchen was a mess. I've never regretted being scolded so straightforwardly."

"Hehe, you ended up getting scolded even more, didn't you?"

"For a whole month, I wasn't allowed to eat anything sweet."

I had become quite close and friendly with Alfred-sama. Although the prince had warned me to be careful, I wondered what I should be cautious about with such a friendly person. Right now, I was listening to the story of how he had been shocked when he realized the pastries he had casually tasted were meant for an important guest. In the end, he had rushed to buy pastries from a popular confectionery shop.

Alfred-sama likes sweets, apparently. Just like me! That's why we got along so well. The cookies and Madeleines in my handkerchief were long gone, but we continued chatting.

---Is this man dangerous? Someone who can laugh so innocently?

He seems much purer than the prince... But I can't say that. Maybe there's some rivalry between the men over Miria-san.

"It's a shame, but we should head back. The queen is about to arrive. Thank you for the pleasant time."

He opened and closed his mouth several times as if he wanted to say something, but he nodded without saying anything.

When we returned to the buffet area, the prince immediately came over to me. I couldn't help but show my surprise on my face. He looked really angry! Stop it, please!

Alfred-sama, who had been with me just a moment ago, was nowhere to be seen.

"Hey, where have you been? Were you with that guy the whole time?"

"Which guy?"

"You know who... Alfred Balfour. Is he trying to make a move on you too, besides Miria?"

The prince's expression remained stern as he grumbled.

"Listen, about that—"

My words were cut off by a sudden change in the atmosphere.

She smiled gently and calmly, exuding grace and tension. A super beautiful person with charm and affection, with deep blue eyes that sparkled like the prince's. The queen had arrived. Wow! The queen looks beautiful today. Amazing!

Everyone immediately bowed, including me. The prince also bowed slightly beside me. The queen smiled at the scene and tilted her head slightly.

"Please, everyone, raise your heads. There's no need to be so formal. Are you all enjoying yourselves today?"

Her soft and gentle voice made everyone relax. That's when it happened.

"---Queen!"

A loud, out-of-place voice shattered the peaceful atmosphere. For a moment, no one knew what was happening. The guards and maids by the queen's side quickly stepped forward and went on alert.

A particularly large guard with a stern face reached out, but the queen signaled him to stop. She showed a generous attitude, recognizing the person as a participant, not a threat. It was a tense moment!

To everyone's shock, it was Miria who ran up to the queen, almost pouncing on her.

Wait a minute? This is too sudden for my brain to process!

It seemed everyone was in the same state, the air turned cold, and everyone froze. Even the prince, standing next to me, had his eyes wide open and his mouth agape.

"Queen! Please listen to me! Jack-sama and I... we love each other! Please recognize our relationship!"

No way!?

I felt like I had been hit on the head and almost fainted. I stumbled a few steps but managed to steady myself. Miria, what are you doing...! This is completely out of line! Didn't the prince have a serious talk with her before the time loop? How will the queen react? A lot of noble children are here and have heard this. This can't be ignored.

My mind raced with thoughts. I glanced at Alfred-sama, who seemed to be in a daze, staring at him.

Maybe because I stared too long, our eyes met again.

At that moment, his eyes sparkled with expectation. What! Is he expecting me to break up Miria and the prince? No way! I am (technically) the prince's fiancée, but I time-looped to bring them together! Sorry, but Alfred-sama's heartbreak is inevitable...

My heart ached. I also realized that I had to take action to resolve this situation. The queen was just observing and hadn't said anything.

Sigh, why couldn't this have been handled more smoothly? Oh, and this might damage my reputation a bit. Is it okay? No, it's not really okay...

However, what's done is done.

Sighing at the useless prince, I straightened my posture.

"May I speak, Your Majesty?"

Prince, Miria, this favor will cost you dearly!