Is It Easier If You Give Up? (3)

Christina’s visit to Ariel’s dormitory wasn’t for her personal reasons. It was because of Reinhardt’s instructions.

The cause was simple. The night before, when Reinhardt was trying to stop the drunk Ariel from wanting to play more, he had said that if it was okay, he would hang out with her the next day.

However, being male, Reinhardt couldn’t enter the female dormitory, so once again, he had to rely on the help of Christina, a female member.

Christina didn’t have any particular thoughts about this ‘mission’. It was just a simple task of going to ask the Walpurgis princess if she was willing to meet the Crown Prince today.

That’s why she had no particular thoughts until she knocked on Ariel’s door. If Ariel came out, she could get straight to the point, and if her roommate came out, she could explain the situation and ask her to call Ariel.

‘Come to think of it, didn’t the princess say she was very interested in her roommate?’

While Ariel Walpurgis was said to be polite and kind to everyone, her kindness was particularly often directed towards her roommate. Although she didn’t know the details, she heard that they had similar grades, were in the same department, attended classes together, and often ate together… In fact, she was the closest to being called a friend.

‘Surely not.’

But Christina immediately denied that possibility. It couldn’t be otherwise, considering it was the Walpurgis Duke family. Even for a simple noble family, it would be awkward to be close to a commoner, let alone a lady from a family as prestigious as the Walpurgis befriending a commoner.

Perhaps the extra attention given to the roommate was an exaggerated story. Rumors tend to be inflated, after all. That’s what she thought.

Until she saw Ariel coming out of the door wearing an apron.

“Y-Young Miss…?”

“Yes?”

A face tilting in confusion as if asking if there was a problem. Does she not realize what she’s wearing right now?

Christina unconsciously staggered from the sudden dizziness that came over her. Thanks to Ariel quickly grabbing her, there was no risk of falling, but it was clear that she almost made a spectacle of herself as a proud member of the Imperial Knights.

But Christina didn’t have time to worry about that.

“W-What’s with that outfit…”

“Huh? Oh…!”

Ariel, who had been blankly looking down at herself, finally seemed to notice as her face turned red. Could it be that she didn’t know what she looked like until now?

“Please wait a moment!”

Bang!

After Ariel hastily closed the door, although no sound could be heard, it seemed like some kind of commotion was happening inside.

“What did I just see…?”

Unfortunately, there was no one present who could answer Christina’s question.

After a short while, the door opened and Ariel peeked out, looking a bit more composed. Her hair was still tied up, but she had taken off the apron and tidied up a bit.

“I apologize for my rudeness.”

“N-No, it’s fine…”

Just until a moment ago, she had looked somewhat domestic, but now she stood there looking like a perfect noble lady. Is this even possible? Christina, who had devoted her entire life to the sword to enter the Imperial Knights, began to feel confused by Ariel’s transformation, despite being of the same gender.

“Ahem. If I may ask, what brings you here?”

As Ariel cleared her throat and spoke, Christina finally came to her senses.

“…I apologize for the intrusion. Actually, I’ve come on the Crown Prince’s orders.”

“The Crown Prince’s orders…?”

“Yes. It’s about yesterday’s events…”

At Christina’s words, Ariel flinched. Yesterday’s events. Getting drunk and making a scene in front of the Crown Prince. No matter how positively one tries to view it, the antics of a drunk person can’t be seen in a good light. There’s a saying that when people drink, they become dogs, and it’s not for nothing.

Moreover, Ariel didn’t just quietly(?) make a scene while drunk. She raised her voice and threw what you might call a tantrum at the Crown Prince. On top of that, she even spoiled her plan to become a villainess.

It’s fortunate that she didn’t talk about what she was going to do on Monday; if she had blabbed about everything in detail, Ariel might not have seen the morning sun today.

But that doesn’t mean what happened yesterday can be considered a good thing. At the very least, there might be a reprimand, or in the worst case, punishment. After all, she made such a scene on the street, and it wasn’t just the two of them there.

Of course, if this happens, it would lower Reinhardt’s affection, which might be a good thing in the end, but what Ariel wanted was for her infamy to spread and lower his affection, not to invite criticism by causing such a scene.

Should she just commit to it and stick to her guns? Or should she insist that she doesn’t remember? Numerous possibilities flashed through Ariel’s mind and disappeared. But since it was already done, no matter which option she chose, it didn’t seem like it would lead to a good outcome.

However, Christina’s words, seemingly indifferent to Ariel’s concerns, were about something completely different.

“He asked me to inquire about your thoughts on meeting today as planned.”

“Pardon?”

“Don’t you remember? Yesterday, His Highness…”

Ariel froze on the spot after hearing the full story from Christina. When Ariel, drunk, had insisted on playing more yesterday, instead of sending her straight back to the dormitory, he had said they could meet again today if that was okay, and now it was time to keep that promise.

But Ariel couldn’t feel at ease even after hearing this.

‘I don’t know what to say when we meet!’

The talk about keeping a promise might just be an excuse. It could be a ploy to deceive the unsuspecting Ariel and make her come out willingly.

‘But I can’t not go either.’

If she says she won’t go out here, who knows what might happen for refusing the Crown Prince’s request. In the worst case, she might be purged on the spot for defying royalty.

‘I don’t want to die!’

No matter how much Ariel struggles, she can’t resist if the Imperial family is determined. No matter how much of a genius Ariel is said to be compared to her peers, the opponent is the Imperial family. Even the power of her family, which is like a last bastion, becomes powerless against the Imperial family. No, they might even push her back.

‘Maybe I should prepare, just in case…’

The necklace Reinhardt bought her yesterday. Not only is it a visually beautiful object, but it’s also an excellent magical tool that can store magical power. And Ariel had stored all her magical power in it as soon as she received it yesterday. Although it’s far from the total capacity the necklace can store, if combined with her current magical power, it could attract attention in an emergency.

‘I might even be exiled.’

Even though she hasn’t committed high treason, it’s unlikely that they would so easily order exile for Ariel, who is not only engaged but also a Duke’s daughter. However, in her confused state, Ariel couldn’t think that far ahead.

“Ah, I understand. Is there a place and time His Highness has designated?”

“He said he would accommodate your schedule, Your Highness. If you tell me, I will relay it to His Highness.”

“Then, how about meeting at the dormitory main gate in an hour…”

“Understood. I apologize for the sudden visit.”

“Not at all. I’m sorry for sending you off without any hospitality.”

“It’s fine. Then, I’ll take my leave.”

Christina gave a disciplined salute and left. Ariel almost lost her balance as the tension drained from her body, but thanks to her training up until now, she managed to maintain her posture.

“…Do they usually salute like that to all nobles?”

Although she had an ominous feeling, Ariel shook her head to clear the thought. What’s important now is the appointment with Reinhardt. One hour. If it were an appointment between men, it would be enough time to cook instant noodles and lounge around before leaving, but unfortunately, Ariel is a woman, and a noble lady at that. It’s quite a tight schedule when you start preparing to go out.

But if she makes excuses about being late due to getting ready, Reinhardt might draw his sword right there out of displeasure. That must be avoided at all costs!

“Ariel… ma’am? Is something wrong?”

“Ah, it’s nothing, Mari. I just have to go out.”

“Is that so?”

Leaving Mari’s questioning gaze behind, Ariel quickly entered her room. If she starts preparing now, she can arrive early without being late!

‘I might die if I’m late!’

Because she hadn’t fully grasped Reinhardt’s intentions for calling her, she needed to avoid anything that could give him a reason to find fault with her.

Ariel’s hands began to move so fast that they left afterimages as she prepared.

Ariel had completely forgotten that Reinhardt wasn’t the type to draw his sword recklessly and execute people.