Chapter 10

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That night, the palace was filled with an unusual bustle and a tense atmosphere.

Even in Rina's room in the annex, the strange atmosphere could be felt.

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Knock knock!!

"......Excuse me!!"

Monica, the maid, hurriedly entered the room. From her expression, it was clear that something was amiss.

"......What's going on? It's so noisy."

Rana, the head lady-in-waiting, frowned and scolded her.

"......H-His Majesty!! King Felix has returned!!"

Monica, who had run there, was almost out of breath.

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...The king is here!!

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Rana, the head lady-in-waiting, said to Rina, who felt a chill inside,

"Rina!! This is not the time to drink tea. Get changed!!"

and made her stand up.

"......Eh? ... Change clothes...?"

Wasn't it just time to take a bath and go to bed...?

Rina was so surprised that she was left speechless.

"There will be an audience with His Majesty the King!!"

Rana, the head lady-in-waiting, said firmly to Rina, who didn't understand.

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...What...?

...Audience.

...Audience!!

To meet the king...!?

"......Why...!?"

Rina exclaimed in shock. It was impossible for an ordinary citizen to have an audience with the king.

Of course, Rina had thought she would never meet him. But now...

"Rina was summoned to this world by Prince Egiedilus, the younger brother of the king. It is only natural that His Majesty would want to meet her..."

Rina inwardly shouted,

...That stupid prince!!

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What should I do when I meet the king? If he finds out I'm not a "Holy Maiden," what will happen to me!?

Prince Schuzel and the others said they would provide basic living support, but...

That can be overturned with a single word from the king.

"......If you're just a pig, I have no use for you"

...If he says that, it's over, isn't it!?

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...No, no, I'm scared.

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Rina's sad and empty cry was interrupted by another knock on the door.

"Prince Schuzel has arrived."

The voice of the guard in the annex could be heard.

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...I can't pretend I'm not here, can I?

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"......Please come in."

Rana, the head lady-in-waiting, said matter-of-factly and opened the door.

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...The owner of the room has no say.

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"I apologize for disturbing you, Rina."

...If you think that, go home.

But she couldn't say it.

"......No, it's fine."

She smiled.

"His Majesty the King has just returned. When I reported what my foolish brother did, he said he wanted to meet you immediately. I know it's a bother, but please come to the audience chamber."

Prince Schuzel spoke formally but kindly, showing concern for Rina.

"......I'm dressed like this, is it okay?"

Rina looked at her own clothes: a shirt and a loose skirt, a casual outfit.

If there's no option to not meet him, at least a proper appearance would be better, right?

"His Majesty understands that this was sudden. Please come as you are..."

...So, don't keep him waiting, right?

"......I understand."

I don't really want to understand, but I understand.

Rina reluctantly agreed.

After all, there's no point in delaying it.

Especially since the king himself said to come.

Sooner or later, I would have to meet him.

After all, it was the king's younger brother who summoned her... Prince Schuzel would definitely report it.

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Ah, I wish I had at least some mental preparation...

...Sigh...

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