Chapter 56

...

In the freezing air, a single laugh escaped.

"...You... So this is your true nature, huh..."

King Felix, looking genuinely amused, twisted his lips into a smirk. Having only ever seen the superficial side of Rina, he spoke with a hint of interest.

"I am truly sorry for my rudeness in the presence of His Majesty."

Though it was a bit too late, she bowed deeply in apology.

Since he seemed amused, he probably wasn't angry.

"Don't play the good girl now... Rina?"

"I am a good girl, Your Majesty, not just playing one."

Rina smiled brightly and, for a moment, let a bit of her true self show. If he didn't like it, so be it, but it was really too late for that. If it was a matter of disrespect, she had already been plenty disrespectful to Prince Egidius.

Rina!? Rinaaaa!!

Lana and Monica, in response to Rina's reply, let out silent screams in their hearts. Such a flippant remark was the height of disrespect.

Everyone thought something was about to happen and closed their eyes. At that moment...

"Ha... hahaha!!"

King Felix burst out laughing. It seemed he was quite pleased with her response.

"Wh-what!?"

Everyone except the king's brother was frozen in shock.

They were even more surprised because they had expected something to happen.

And perhaps, this was the first time they had heard King Felix laugh.

"......haa"

Prince Schueler, seeing this, pressed his temple and let out a deep, deep sigh. Whether it was directed at the disrespectful Rina or the laughing King Felix, only he knew.

"...You... are interesting."

King Felix smiled slyly. Of course, there were very few people, aside from his family, who could speak to him like this.

And if it was a woman, Rina might be the first.

"Is that so..."

She thought this was similar to her brother, Prince Egidius.

"You've been wearing a pretty thick mask, haven't you..."

" 'Thick' is an exaggeration."

She swallowed the words "especially for someone as fat as me" hard.

"......huff"

King Felix seemed to be enjoying this kind of banter, which he rarely got to have.

"Hey? Isn't she interesting?"

Prince Egidius said, sounding quite proud.

Ed-kun?

What's with the "Hey?"?

I wonder what they usually say about me.

Depending on the situation, I might have to give them some educational guidance!?