episode_0172

I am thinking very seriously.

How many tables do I have to destroy during the banquet to spread the rumor that I’m having a fling with the crown prince?

If you think about it, even when the crown prince was still the second prince, breaking a table wasn’t enough. After literally running around the Grand Duchy of Grattonmount and doing all kinds of stupid things, Prince Allen gave up the idea of sparring with me.

Fortunately, the engagement has not been confirmed yet, and the crown prince’s reaction was normal, but that doesn’t mean things always go as you want.

We need something to really put the rumors to rest—

“… … No transplant tables.”

“Ugh!?”

Suddenly I heard a voice whispering in my ear and I jumped up on the spot.

“Amelia?”

“You looked like you were wondering whether you should hit the table with your forehead or not. No matter what, you can’t do that.”

That doesn’t work… … No.

“No, still.”

“Because I’ll make it so you don’t have to do that.”

“Huh?”

Seeing me tilting my head, Amelia smiled and grabbed my wrist.

The mansion we lived in was decorated in the style of a banquet hall, just like the last time. However, it was a little simpler than before. Although it was gorgeous enough to make you wonder if it could be called simple, compared to then, the decoration was a little less. It was also darker.

Since this was an event to welcome Amelia’s family, Ted, there was no need to show off that much prestige. The number of people invited was also much smaller than before. This was because it was an event that did not need to be invited unless they were people who regularly interacted with the Archduchy.

To be precise, it was an event where only those who needed to meet Ted were invited.

Of course, I also called the crown prince.

And surprisingly, the crown prince accepted the invitation.

No, I wonder why the guy who said he would never get engaged to me is getting that invitation again. Of course, Amelia called me because she had an idea in mind.

“Sister Amelia?”

The direction Amelia took my hand was where Ted was.

And, much to my dismay, the crown prince was also there. Well, the most important person here right now was the crown prince.

“Lady Delkisi.”

The crown prince said with a very displeased expression.

I think you came because you wanted to see someone.

“Crown Prince.”

But for now, it’s only right to say hello here. Amelia Anne Ted Even if it’s for your own sake.

“Are you both having a good time?”

“That’s right, sister.”

“Me too.”

Amelia watched the two people answering with a soft smile, nodded loudly and said.

“I have many memories with Ted since childhood. The Crown Prince must have already felt it when he visited our estate.”

When I brought up the story of my childhood, the Crown Prince looked blank for a moment. Even though it was a childhood memory, it was not a very long memory for the Crown Prince. I stayed for a few days, but that was all.

Besides, it wouldn’t be a very good memory for the Crown Prince. It seems like Amelia knew that but still brought up the story.

“In particular, Elsie and Ted are almost like siblings even though they are not related by blood. When Elsie was young, she often played with Ted.”

“Hmm?”

The Crown Prince suddenly looked like he had no idea what Amelia was talking about, but Ted nodded as if he knew something.

“Of course. I have so many memories with Sister Elsine that it would take hours just to list them.”

No, what is he talking about again?

I didn’t really want to admit it, but like the crown prince, I don’t know what these two people want to talk about.

The story of Amelia and Ted continued for quite a long time after that. Memories of me secretly taking Ted out of the castle and putting him on the back of a wolf because he wanted to play outside, memories of hiding in the forest and roasting potatoes, memories of sneaking into the kitchen and being scolded for being caught side by side.

Ah, yes, these are all good memories. They were good memories, but… … Why tell that story now?

“… … Ah.”

But in the end, unlike me, who did not understand the purpose of the story, the Crown Prince seems to have realized something.

“Yes, that’s what it was.”

What happened?

“The two of you are connected by an unbreakable bond.”

“… … Yes, you can’t ‘cut it off’.”

Ted said in a powerful voice.

“It’s a precious memory that can’t be replaced with anything.”

“… … Big.”

The crown prince let out a laugh.

“Hehehe! That’s right! I’m sorry about this. I almost stole ‘Lady Delky City’ from you, Ted! ”

“Elsie, you almost stole ‘sister’.”

The public’s attention was focused on the Crown Prince, who burst into laughter while hitting Ted on the shoulder, and Ted, who responded to the Crown Prince.

The two continued their conversation in loud voices as if they were acting.

“That’s difficult! Well, it’s not only difficult! It almost brings indelible dishonor to the royal family’s name!”

“That’s right. A ‘misunderstanding’ that could never be avoided almost occurred.”

I looked at those two people with my mouth open.

It seems like there’s something going on between these two people.

If you look at the conversation, it seems like they are talking about me.

No, wait a minute.

Is this really it?

When I turned my head towards Amelia, she slightly squinted her eyes in my direction.

*

After the banquet was over, Jana was able to hear an explanation of the situation from Amelia.

“Don’t worry, Ted hasn’t said a single word that he likes you.”

“But people misunderstand.”

“What if there is a misunderstanding? All it takes is enough to make the royal family hesitate about the engagement between you and the crown prince. And if that period continues, the world will eventually think that the story going around between you and the crown prince has come to an end.”

“What about Ted?”

“Ted said he already has someone he likes.”

“Really?Who?”

“You didn’t tell me who it was, but I guess he’ll propose to me as soon as he gets back. It wouldn’t be good if the misunderstanding dragged on for no reason.”

“That was really good!”

Amelia smiled with satisfaction when she saw that I was truly happy.

[# ◦

After speaking up to that point, Amelia’s face suddenly became a little blurry.

“But… … Yes, to be honest, your honor may be slightly damaged because you were not chosen by the Crown Prince or Ted.”

“If that’s the case, there’s no problem. I don’t have any desire to get married yet.”

“Okay… … ?”

For some reason, Amelia, who heard Gina’s words, looked a little shy and asked back.

Was there something that made me feel shy about what I said? Maybe it would have been better if I was shy about saying I was getting married.

Well, I guess it’s good.

I think my problem was solved, and I liked Amelia’s face because it was cute.

*

And a few days later.

Ted has not returned home yet. He seems to be planning to stay for a few more days to meet nobles and receive swordsmanship training from his brother.

Above all, it would have been better for Ted to stay here for seven days in order to spread the rumor among the nobles.

That’s why we gathered all the more at Adele’s house.

No matter what, I can’t let Ted see these two people’s hair wet.

“I’m sorry for not inviting you two to the last banquet.”

“It’s okay.”

Diane responded with a smile to Amelia’s words.

“Originally, the Huber family and the Archduke were not that close. If you ask me, they were in trouble.”

“So, did you just start talking to me from the first day when we were meeting each other, Diane?”

“… … .”

Diane closed her mouth and eyes at Adele’s teasing words.

“Phew.”

Taking a deep breath, Diane continued speaking.

“And, since Amelia and I meet and talk so often, there is no need for a separate banquet between Hoover Street and Grattenmount Street in a way.”

“That’s true too. It’s proof that we’re friends on a regular basis.”

Amelia smiled and answered Diane’s words and took a sip of tea.

“… … .”

“… … .”

“… … Adele.”

After a moment of silence, Diane called out to Adele with a slightly annoyed expression.

“What’s wrong with you, Diane?”

“What is that proud expression on his face from earlier?”

“Well, what is it?”

Adele smiled and said happily.

“Isn’t it because I was able to get a clean victory over Diane today?”

Yes.

Adele’s skills have continued to improve since then, and she finally achieved her first win in sparring with Diane today.

In other words, Adele’s sword reached Ina first.

The teamwork of the two was getting better day by day. They still weren’t good enough to beat me, and if I didn’t watch, the knife wouldn’t touch my body, but it was very satisfying to watch them work together smoothly.

Last time I took Diane’s side, but this time I gave her a fair chance.

And Adele was the first to seize that opportunity.

“Geugeuggeukgeuk… … !”

Diane’s shoulders, who had been deliberately not mentioning the rug earlier, were shaking.

“Hehe.”

And Adele, who brought up the story in such an old-fashioned atmosphere, laughed as if she was having fun.

“Next time, I will definitely win!”

“Where have you tried that?”

“Eye profit!”

They fight so cutely.

When I glanced back at Amelia, she just shrugged her shoulders.

I also shrugged my shoulders.