"What?"
“Master, you wouldn’t have found it on your own. I came out and found it, right?”
That's true.
But that doesn't mean I can just take it away.
As I keep my eyes down and my mouth shut, racking my brain over what to do, Shish looks at me.
I felt that this was the moment, and my expression hardened even more.
Shish doesn't do things I don't like.
...maybe?
A strange standoff ensued, and soon Shish raised both hands in a surrender pose.
“Yes, I’ll give it to you.”
But as soon as I reach out, he asks for something.
“There are conditions.”
“What is it?”
“Soon, the National Foundation Day will be held.”
The founding of the nation? Is it already that time?
Well, the weather has gotten quite chilly, so I started lighting a fire in the fireplace.
The Founding Day is the empire's largest festival, held in late autumn, and marks the beginning of the social season. Not only are magnificent parties held at the palace, but nobles also throw balls and tea parties.
It is also a time when the heroines and male protagonists spend endless hot nights at the palaces and noble residences where parties are held.
Who said working outside was more exciting?
Yeah, me.
It's funny to think that my senior might have read that part.
“Master, don’t think about anything else and listen to my story.”
Shish, who was quick-witted like a ghost, tapped my cheek.
I nodded my head in a daze, forgetting to even express my anger.
Eek, Shish laughs.
“What is it?”
Although he spoke briefly and coldly, the smile on Shish's lips deepened. His rose-petal lips fluttered.
“Then, be my partner.”
Partner, no way...
As I was taking a step back, Shish gently pulled me into his arms.
“With my escort, you will enter the place where all the nobles of the empire gather.”
Wait a minute, what does it mean to be a partner on the first day of the founding of the nation?
“Let everyone know that I am the most important person to you.”
-That the two of you have a very special relationship.
Shish Milan was telling me to openly establish a relationship with him.
The crimson eyes, which were curved and dazzling, were terribly beautiful.
I realized at the same time.
I was caught in a spider's web.
“Tri, I’m home.”
After visiting the Empress, Lily also visited the Rose Palace quite often.
One day, shortly before the founding of the nation, Lily began a story that had no basis or end.
“My brother is wearing a white tuxedo.”
"Yes."
I answered fairly sincerely, but Lily's expression was strange. She suddenly asked a question.
“Come to think of it, there are many men who come and go from the Rose Palace, right?”
Why doesn't the alarm sound?
This is a question that's ripe for gossip and misunderstanding! Of course, in this case, it's not a misunderstanding.
I was very careful, but with Shish, Dietrich, and Yuno coming and going so often, I guess I couldn't avoid being caught.
Just wait, once I get the book back from Shish, I'll destroy it and run away.
“Where did you hear that story?”
First of all, I didn't immediately confirm it in order to get rid of the doubt.
Lily also occasionally visited the Rose Palace, but it was surprising that she never ran into the male leads.
...Just as I was thinking that, the maid announced that a guest had arrived.
“Miss Hayley, His Excellency the Knight Commander has arrived.”
“Oh my, the rumors were true?”
If I'm not mistaken, it seems like Lily is glaring at Dietrich, who has just entered the room, rather than at me.
Dietrich seemed a little embarrassed when he saw Lily, but quickly greeted her.
“To the Star of the Empire, Dietrich Beluga sends greetings.”
“Greetings from Lily of Crassilia to Duke Beluga, one of the pillars supporting the Empire.”
“First Princess, may I ask why you are here?”
After being scolded a lot by Yuno, Dietrich started taking his medication again.
But since the root cause was not eliminated, he would sometimes get excited when he saw me and sometimes want to do the things he used to do.
For the utmost self-satisfaction.
I see you still want to do that.
“Tri... I have come to discuss the dress Lady Hayley will wear at the founding ceremony.”
“Oh.”
Dietrich's deep blue eyes shone.
“I will wear a uniform similar to the one I am wearing now.”
Dietrich's clothes were a dark blue, roughly the same color as his hair and eyes.
"The dress... I don't have a good eye for it, so I don't know. I'll prepare the jewelry."
“...I’m sorry to interrupt so suddenly, but I understand that Tri is participating in the founding ceremony as a partner with my brother.”
Lily's mouth was smiling, but her eyes were hard.
“You know that too, Commander?”
“That’s the first time I’ve heard that story.”
Dietrich looked quite troubled.
I can't insult the Crown Prince, a loyal member of the royal family, but I can't readily accept myself as the Crown Prince's partner.
By the way, this is the first time I've heard that I'm going to the founding ceremony with my senior.
“I think both of you are mistaken-”
“-Commander of the Knights, Gah-ha-ak!”
Suddenly, the door to the reception room opened, and a woman with silver hair came in.
"Who..."
At my muttering, Dietrich grabs my shoulder as I sit on the sofa. "He was by the door. When did he get here?"
What's surprising is that Dietrich's fingertips are trembling.
“Hyacinth Crassilia.”
Lily stepped forward and said her name. It was a name my senior had once told me.
She is the Second Princess.
“You have to be polite.”
“But, haak.”
The second princess gasped at the sight of Dietrich. It felt similar to the way Dietrich gasped at me.
Lily said that the Second and Third Princesses had no interest in their older brothers, but the Second Princess is completely focused on Dietrich.
“I’m sorry, Your Excellency. I’ve been having trouble breathing lately.”
“I think it would be best to call the royal doctor and have him examine you.”
Dietrich slowly backed away, as if he couldn't stand the fact that his opponent was a member of the royal family.
Dietrich's natural enemy, how exciting.
It might be a good idea to invite the Second Princess to the Rose Palace more often in the future, to help eradicate Dietrich.
"Your Excellency, Commander of the Knights! This time, at the founding of the nation-"
“-I have some urgent business that came to mind, so I'll have to take care of it first. Please forgive my rudeness.”
As if he had anticipated what the Second Princess would say, Dietrich was the first to ask for understanding.
Dietrich dodged the Second Princess standing in front of the door at a speed that was impossible for a human to achieve and hurriedly left the door.
I don't think I've ever asked a Sword Master to use his abilities in that way...
“Your Excellency, the Duke!”
The Second Princess threw away her pride and everything and chased after Dietrich, and Lily let out a long sigh.
Who set up the Princess like that?
Not me. This time I'm being honest.
“Senior, you are in the palace, right?”
"Yes."
My senior, who only visited me late in the evening, looked visibly exhausted. He was the one who came to see me the least often while living in the palace.
The senior leaned back on his chair and pressed his temples with his fingers.
“I have a lot to do.”
Surely Shish doesn't hand over a lot of work?
But it seems like the senior didn't do everything Shish said.
“Thanks to my father, who always tries to hand over the throne to me and step down, I feel like I’m going to die.”
“His Majesty the Emperor? Suddenly?”
“Does His Majesty want to spend a peaceful old age with your mother?”
The senior washed his face dry.
“Still, I’m glad that the two of them are on good terms.”
“Yes. How fortunate it is that father didn’t have a concubine.”
“Because of imperial power or something like that?”
"More than that, where I lived until recently, you could only have one companion. Even in relationships, you were faithful to only one."
“Yes, that’s right.”
Perhaps because I've been in the palace lately and have lost touch with reality, my senior's story felt distant.
No, come to your senses. You have to go home.
Your family will be worried. Maybe?
"I don't think it would be a bad idea for me to become Emperor soon. If I become Emperor, I could enact a law that only allows a man to have one wife."
“That’s a good idea.”
I didn't know it at first, but this place was a place where not only the Emperor but also high-ranking male nobles had multiple concubines and openly had affairs.
So, the senior's opinion is very constructive and desirable.
Ugh, I should have written the story that way from the beginning... That’s why I didn’t put much effort into the setting from the beginning.
I only learned this fact after coming to the palace this time.
“It can also empower various other policies.”
“If you’re my senior, you’ll do well.”
“I’m relieved that you’re looking at it positively.”
I responded without a soul, but my senior answered seriously, so my conscience pricked.
To shake off my awkwardness, I smiled at my senior. Just like when I thought he was the perfect senior.
Then my senior looks at me with an incomprehensible look.
“Why? Do you have anything else to say?”
As if what I saw just now was an illusion, my senior looked at me with affectionate eyes.
“Marquis Hayley said he would come see you soon.”
“Marquis? This time, I wish you wouldn’t talk about embroidery...”
As I weakly struggled to think, my senior chuckled.
“It seems like there is something we need to discuss regarding the founding of the nation.”
“Master, you wouldn’t have found it on your own. I came out and found it, right?”
That's true.
But that doesn't mean I can just take it away.
As I keep my eyes down and my mouth shut, racking my brain over what to do, Shish looks at me.
I felt that this was the moment, and my expression hardened even more.
Shish doesn't do things I don't like.
...maybe?
A strange standoff ensued, and soon Shish raised both hands in a surrender pose.
“Yes, I’ll give it to you.”
But as soon as I reach out, he asks for something.
“There are conditions.”
“What is it?”
“Soon, the National Foundation Day will be held.”
The founding of the nation? Is it already that time?
Well, the weather has gotten quite chilly, so I started lighting a fire in the fireplace.
The Founding Day is the empire's largest festival, held in late autumn, and marks the beginning of the social season. Not only are magnificent parties held at the palace, but nobles also throw balls and tea parties.
It is also a time when the heroines and male protagonists spend endless hot nights at the palaces and noble residences where parties are held.
Who said working outside was more exciting?
Yeah, me.
It's funny to think that my senior might have read that part.
“Master, don’t think about anything else and listen to my story.”
Shish, who was quick-witted like a ghost, tapped my cheek.
I nodded my head in a daze, forgetting to even express my anger.
Eek, Shish laughs.
“What is it?”
Although he spoke briefly and coldly, the smile on Shish's lips deepened. His rose-petal lips fluttered.
“Then, be my partner.”
Partner, no way...
As I was taking a step back, Shish gently pulled me into his arms.
“With my escort, you will enter the place where all the nobles of the empire gather.”
Wait a minute, what does it mean to be a partner on the first day of the founding of the nation?
“Let everyone know that I am the most important person to you.”
-That the two of you have a very special relationship.
Shish Milan was telling me to openly establish a relationship with him.
The crimson eyes, which were curved and dazzling, were terribly beautiful.
I realized at the same time.
I was caught in a spider's web.
***
“Tri, I’m home.”
After visiting the Empress, Lily also visited the Rose Palace quite often.
One day, shortly before the founding of the nation, Lily began a story that had no basis or end.
“My brother is wearing a white tuxedo.”
"Yes."
I answered fairly sincerely, but Lily's expression was strange. She suddenly asked a question.
“Come to think of it, there are many men who come and go from the Rose Palace, right?”
Why doesn't the alarm sound?
This is a question that's ripe for gossip and misunderstanding! Of course, in this case, it's not a misunderstanding.
I was very careful, but with Shish, Dietrich, and Yuno coming and going so often, I guess I couldn't avoid being caught.
Just wait, once I get the book back from Shish, I'll destroy it and run away.
“Where did you hear that story?”
First of all, I didn't immediately confirm it in order to get rid of the doubt.
Lily also occasionally visited the Rose Palace, but it was surprising that she never ran into the male leads.
...Just as I was thinking that, the maid announced that a guest had arrived.
“Miss Hayley, His Excellency the Knight Commander has arrived.”
“Oh my, the rumors were true?”
If I'm not mistaken, it seems like Lily is glaring at Dietrich, who has just entered the room, rather than at me.
Dietrich seemed a little embarrassed when he saw Lily, but quickly greeted her.
“To the Star of the Empire, Dietrich Beluga sends greetings.”
“Greetings from Lily of Crassilia to Duke Beluga, one of the pillars supporting the Empire.”
“First Princess, may I ask why you are here?”
After being scolded a lot by Yuno, Dietrich started taking his medication again.
But since the root cause was not eliminated, he would sometimes get excited when he saw me and sometimes want to do the things he used to do.
For the utmost self-satisfaction.
I see you still want to do that.
“Tri... I have come to discuss the dress Lady Hayley will wear at the founding ceremony.”
“Oh.”
Dietrich's deep blue eyes shone.
“I will wear a uniform similar to the one I am wearing now.”
Dietrich's clothes were a dark blue, roughly the same color as his hair and eyes.
"The dress... I don't have a good eye for it, so I don't know. I'll prepare the jewelry."
“...I’m sorry to interrupt so suddenly, but I understand that Tri is participating in the founding ceremony as a partner with my brother.”
Lily's mouth was smiling, but her eyes were hard.
“You know that too, Commander?”
“That’s the first time I’ve heard that story.”
Dietrich looked quite troubled.
I can't insult the Crown Prince, a loyal member of the royal family, but I can't readily accept myself as the Crown Prince's partner.
By the way, this is the first time I've heard that I'm going to the founding ceremony with my senior.
“I think both of you are mistaken-”
“-Commander of the Knights, Gah-ha-ak!”
Suddenly, the door to the reception room opened, and a woman with silver hair came in.
"Who..."
At my muttering, Dietrich grabs my shoulder as I sit on the sofa. "He was by the door. When did he get here?"
What's surprising is that Dietrich's fingertips are trembling.
“Hyacinth Crassilia.”
Lily stepped forward and said her name. It was a name my senior had once told me.
She is the Second Princess.
“You have to be polite.”
“But, haak.”
The second princess gasped at the sight of Dietrich. It felt similar to the way Dietrich gasped at me.
Lily said that the Second and Third Princesses had no interest in their older brothers, but the Second Princess is completely focused on Dietrich.
“I’m sorry, Your Excellency. I’ve been having trouble breathing lately.”
“I think it would be best to call the royal doctor and have him examine you.”
Dietrich slowly backed away, as if he couldn't stand the fact that his opponent was a member of the royal family.
Dietrich's natural enemy, how exciting.
It might be a good idea to invite the Second Princess to the Rose Palace more often in the future, to help eradicate Dietrich.
"Your Excellency, Commander of the Knights! This time, at the founding of the nation-"
“-I have some urgent business that came to mind, so I'll have to take care of it first. Please forgive my rudeness.”
As if he had anticipated what the Second Princess would say, Dietrich was the first to ask for understanding.
Dietrich dodged the Second Princess standing in front of the door at a speed that was impossible for a human to achieve and hurriedly left the door.
I don't think I've ever asked a Sword Master to use his abilities in that way...
“Your Excellency, the Duke!”
The Second Princess threw away her pride and everything and chased after Dietrich, and Lily let out a long sigh.
Who set up the Princess like that?
Not me. This time I'm being honest.
***
“Senior, you are in the palace, right?”
"Yes."
My senior, who only visited me late in the evening, looked visibly exhausted. He was the one who came to see me the least often while living in the palace.
The senior leaned back on his chair and pressed his temples with his fingers.
“I have a lot to do.”
Surely Shish doesn't hand over a lot of work?
But it seems like the senior didn't do everything Shish said.
“Thanks to my father, who always tries to hand over the throne to me and step down, I feel like I’m going to die.”
“His Majesty the Emperor? Suddenly?”
“Does His Majesty want to spend a peaceful old age with your mother?”
The senior washed his face dry.
“Still, I’m glad that the two of them are on good terms.”
“Yes. How fortunate it is that father didn’t have a concubine.”
“Because of imperial power or something like that?”
"More than that, where I lived until recently, you could only have one companion. Even in relationships, you were faithful to only one."
“Yes, that’s right.”
Perhaps because I've been in the palace lately and have lost touch with reality, my senior's story felt distant.
No, come to your senses. You have to go home.
Your family will be worried. Maybe?
"I don't think it would be a bad idea for me to become Emperor soon. If I become Emperor, I could enact a law that only allows a man to have one wife."
“That’s a good idea.”
I didn't know it at first, but this place was a place where not only the Emperor but also high-ranking male nobles had multiple concubines and openly had affairs.
So, the senior's opinion is very constructive and desirable.
Ugh, I should have written the story that way from the beginning... That’s why I didn’t put much effort into the setting from the beginning.
I only learned this fact after coming to the palace this time.
“It can also empower various other policies.”
“If you’re my senior, you’ll do well.”
“I’m relieved that you’re looking at it positively.”
I responded without a soul, but my senior answered seriously, so my conscience pricked.
To shake off my awkwardness, I smiled at my senior. Just like when I thought he was the perfect senior.
Then my senior looks at me with an incomprehensible look.
“Why? Do you have anything else to say?”
As if what I saw just now was an illusion, my senior looked at me with affectionate eyes.
“Marquis Hayley said he would come see you soon.”
“Marquis? This time, I wish you wouldn’t talk about embroidery...”
As I weakly struggled to think, my senior chuckled.
“It seems like there is something we need to discuss regarding the founding of the nation.”
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