Chapter 42

"Unya unya..."

Despite being pulled back by the wistful cry of Nini, Cordelia started walking with the butler.

(Princess Femina... What kind of person is she?)

This is the first time she, at the age of ten, is meeting her up close.

It seems that her relationship with Leonhardt is good...

She has only heard about Femina from him a few times.

Until recently, Cordelia had been troubled by her relationship with her sister, and perhaps out of consideration, Leonhardt had avoided bringing up the topic of siblings.

(If she gets along well with the prince, I don't think she's a bad person...)

But then, why did she come without any prior notice?

Could it be an urgent matter that required her to visit despite the lack of proper etiquette?

She felt a bit uneasy but tried not to show it on her face.

When the butler opened the door, they were already in the entrance hall.

She grabbed the hem of her dress and bowed to greet the royal family.

"Hmm, you must be Cordelia?"

"Yes. I am Cordelia Guenberg. It is an honor to meet you, Princess Femina."

She raised her head and glanced at Femina to a degree that wouldn't be considered rude.

(She's such a lovely person.)

Her pale golden hair was soft, and her eyes were a bright blue.

Her small nose was well-shaped, and her slightly red cheeks were endearing.

She was a beautiful princess, well-suited to the dress adorned with ribbons and lace.

"Princess Femina, what brings you here today?"

"Hehe, you'll be surprised. I came... for a cat?"

"...?"

Femina's gaze passed over Cordelia and went to her back.

(What is she looking at...?)

Cordelia gently turned her head to look behind her.

At the foot of the door she had just passed through, Nini was sitting.

It seems Nini had followed her.

Femina was completely captivated by Nini, who was wagging her fluffy tail.

"Princess Femina, do you like cats? Would you like to pet her?"

"Eh, is it okay? I'm so happy! ...No! I didn't come here to pet a cat!!"

Her face lit up, and then her brows furrowed.

Cordelia thought that Femina's dramatic changes in expression indicated a still very childlike personality. As she was thinking this, Femina pointed at her sharply.

"I came here to torment you!!"

"...Me?"

"Of course!! I will torment and torment and torment you until you give up your place as Leonhardt's fiancée!!"

"...Is the unannounced visit also part of the torment?"

"Yes, that's right!! Isn't pointing at you like this very rude and a grand torment?!"

"I'm not sure if it's a grand torment, but if you keep repeating such unprincess-like rude behavior, Princess Femina's reputation will suffer, so please stop."

"That's true!! I'll be more careful!!"

Femina turned her face away with a huff.

(Should I call her honest, or should I say she's off the mark...)

Either way, it seems Femina isn't very good at tormenting or bullying others.

"If you give up your place as Leonhardt's fiancée, that would be fine. He is my brother, after all."

"...Princess Femina, you really care about Prince Leonhardt, don't you?"

"Yes, that's right!! I won't give Leonhardt to anyone!!"

Femina's large blue eyes glared at Cordelia.

(She thinks I'm trying to take the prince from her.)

In a way, it's a touching action.

Cordelia's lips curved into a slight smile.

Unlike Cordelia, whose relationship with her sister Priscilla had grown cold, Leonhardt seemed to be quite beloved by his sister.

"...I can understand how you feel, Princess Femina."

"Eh? What do you mean all of a sudden?"

"Prince Leonhardt is a kind and admirable person, isn't he? I'm sure he's a source of pride for you, Princess Femina."

When she praised Leonhardt, Femina looked pleased.

...The fact that she didn't start saying things like, "Don't talk about my brother as if you know him," suggests that she isn't a bad person.

"Of course. When Leonhardt learns a new poem, he's happy and pats my head."

"That's wonderful. I'm envious."

"Hehe, isn't it? Leonhardt is always so kind to me!!"

"That shows how much Princess Femina means to him. ...Do you have any other wonderful memories with Prince Leonhardt that you could share with me?"

"Memories with my brother? Well, the best one is definitely――"

Femina began to speak animatedly, using gestures.

As Cordelia nodded and listened, time passed quickly.

"――Thank you for sharing your stories about Prince Leonhardt. However, the sun is already setting, and perhaps we can continue this another time?"

"Well, I guess I have no choice. I'll come back, so wait for me."

Seemingly tired from talking, Femina turned to leave,

"Wait a minute!! Why is it like this?! I came here to torment you!!"