Chapter 21

It wasn't just me who noticed my father's intentions.

The head of the Mishilian family stepped forward smoothly.

"Your Majesty, we, too, will lend our strength to the search for Crest."

"Oh! The Mishilian family, too!"

"Yes. This is a crisis for the kingdom. It is a situation where all the families must unite."

"That is reassuring!"

"Yes, and we will use the 'Hero' Minu for the search for Crest!"

At the head of the Mishilian family's words, the people present were indeed taken aback.

That makes sense.

"Wait! Then who will protect this country!?"

"Indeed, that is true. However, if we do nothing, it will be impossible to find Crest. Most importantly, the lower world is dangerous. Someone with half-hearted power will not be able to conduct a proper search."

"…I see, that makes sense."

"That's why we will use the Hero Minu for the search. Most importantly, it's not certain that the country will be attacked by monsters immediately. However, Crest, who is alone in the lower world, is in a critical situation. …It should be clear which is the priority."

…Indeed, it is logical.

Minu stepped forward smoothly and bowed to the king.

The king seemed to be completely convinced.

"Very well, I will leave it to you! Hero Minu! I entrust the search for Crest to you!"

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

Minu bowed smoothly. Then, she glanced at me and wore a victorious smile.

…It's annoying.

I stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, can't you entrust the search to me?"

"…What?"

"I have become extremely powerful since receiving the power of the Holy Maiden. Moreover, I am Crest's fiancée. No one is more suitable than me to meet him and persuade him."

"…Hmm, that is true."

The king folded his arms and made a thoughtful gesture.

At that moment, Minu raised one hand smoothly.

"Your Majesty, that is not a good idea."

"What? What do you mean?"

"Crest often talked about how he was mentally cornered by Elise's violent behavior."

Minu… saying unnecessary things.

When I glared at Minu out of the corner of my eye, the king tilted his head.

"What do you mean, Elise?"

"…It's true that I was somewhat harsh with Crest. But it was because this Minu was making advances towards him while I, his fiancée, was around."

At my response, Minu's eyebrows twitched.

…We glared at each other.

To me, Minu is the worst rival.

Not only in terms of appearance, but also as someone who competes for Crest.

"Hmm… I see. Minu, is that true?"

"It's not true. I have always treated Crest as a friend. Besides, even if it seemed that way, while you can say something to me, isn't it taking out your frustration on Crest?"

"I did tell you, didn't I? To stay away from Crest. But you didn't listen. So, I talked to Crest."

"I was never told that."

"I did tell you."

"I was never told that."

You, you brat!

When I glared at Minu, she glared back.

This is in the presence of the king, what kind of attitude is this?

As we glared at each other, the king clapped his hands.

"That's enough! It doesn't matter who is who! The most important thing now is to bring Crest back to the country! Whoever does it first, bring Crest back to the country quickly! Understand?"

…The king is essentially saying it's a race.

If both of us go to the lower world at the same time, there will be the problem of who will protect the country, but it seems the king hasn't thought that far.

I glanced at my father.

It seemed that my father also wanted to leave one of us, me or Minu, in the country, but he was also calculating the risk if Minu got ahead.

That's why I couldn't be stopped.

The meeting was over.

…I don't know what the Haberst family intends to do, but for now, I left the place.

As I was about to head to the prepared room, Minu came over.

She grabbed my shoulder and glared at me intently.

"Elise… what do you intend to do when you meet Crest?"

"I will persuade him to come back."

"You?"

Minu laughed suddenly. Her mocking, dirty smile made me frown.

"What are you trying to say?"

"Do you think Crest will respond to your twisted feelings?"

"Such a thing, you won't know until you try."

"I understand. Crest has already rejected you, hasn't he?"

I was caught by the truth and swallowed my words.

"What do you know, you lonely, gloomy person?"

That's why I responded in a childish, argumentative tone.

"At least I'm not someone who spreads their legs for anyone like you."

"Your words are very dirty. Are you really a duchess's daughter?"

"That's what I want to say too. I may still be of low birth, but you are supposed to have the legitimate blood of the eldest daughter. Oh, that legitimate blood is inherently dirty."

Minu and I glared at each other.

"…I will talk to Crest and persuade him to come back."

"Sure, you really don't understand Crest at all."

"…What do you mean?"

"What Crest has always wanted is freedom."

"…Yes, I know. That's why I prepared the position of the duchess's family for him."

"Such a thing, Crest will not be happy with. See you, Elise."

Minu left, leaving those words behind.

Her victorious expression made me feel angry.

…Could it be that Minu is—

A thought crossed my mind.

If, by any chance, Crest desires a life in the lower world—could Minu be planning to accompany him?