chapter 40

Even flowers without thorns are scary.

This is something that happened some time after we communicated to the other country that we had decided to accept the alliance. There were various opinions about this matter flying about, some in criticism and some in approval of the pros and cons, but it seems everything settled for going with the alliance for the time being. Apparently there is still many people who are confused about having the one who held the position of our enemy until now suddenly becoming our ally, but Prince, hang in there.

And I was bewildered about Maribelle, who was in front of me.

I had bent my neck so as to match her line of sight, and she was clinging to the tip of my nose.

It was the first time I met her in my Dragon form, but I was astonished at her touching me without hesitation. Im slightly larger than a Fire Drake, so whoever it was they would end up hesitating unwillingly upon seeing me, I believe.

Although it was faint, I noticed that her small body was trembling.

W, we are friends, right?

In her feeble voice, there was none of her usual haughtiness.

When I nodded as she asked if we were friends, Maribelle exhaled softly.

Even, if I am not myself? Wont you, come to hate me? Will we be as we are now?

She was quite shaken. I wondered what had caused Maribelle to have such uneasy feelings.

It was not like I had no idea of what this may be about, but the answer to her words was already determined.

[Whoever you are, my feelings towards you wont change. You told this me, who am not human, that we were friends. And even right now, you are touching me like this. You have accepted me. I definitely wont come to hate you.]

Even if I come to be hated, or if she does something catastrophically hateful, there is no way. I can affirm it. This is not limited to Maribelle, but includes all of the people I have met, and who have acknowledged my existence.

Really?

Her pupils that had been facing down looked up at me. Her clouded, deep blue eyes which were the same as the Vice-Captains were wide open, looking as if she would cry at any moment.

At that point I noticed that she was not wearing makeup. Even though she is someone who will very seldom leave her room without makeup on. As I was observing this, I thought, if she kept her hair short, and I was told she was a beautiful boy, I wouldnt even be able to tell otherwise, Lets exorcise these evil thoughts.

[Did something happen?]

When asked so, she shook her head and laughed weakly.

No, its nothing. Forget it.

Its clearly not nothing. I couldnt leave her alone at seeing her being that disheartened. But if the person herself said it was nothing, then I cant unreasonably ask.

Oh, but I certainly want to ask about Sir Lance, or about Sir Lance, or maybe about Sir Lance.

[But]

For- forget about me, I say! Rather than that, black is stunning!

She diverted the talk so obviously, I wonder if she didnt want to talk about it so much?

[Is it weird, I wonder?]

No, its not as wild as I thought it would be, its pretty! I like it.

I like Maribelle because she sincerely comes knocking into you with her bare emotions.

Ah, its no good. I really want to ask about it after all.

[Did something happen with Sir Lance?]

I wonder if I overdid it at asking with a straight ball.1

Mari

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

belle looked up at me with wide eyes.

Perhaps, did you see us?

[ I saw you from here. I heard you say, Brother Lance, you idiot!]

Since it came to this then lets inquire to the end. I wont sleep at night if it bothers me. Im kidding.

At my words, she brought both hands to her shyly reddening cheeks.

No! So you were watching us.

[Are you perhaps, related by blood or something?]

She called him Brother, so maybe they are siblings from a different mother, and that is what is troubling her, is what I thought for a moment, but Maribelle shook her head.

No, we are not siblings! That, its remnants from when I was little and hed come play with me. He treated me well, like a real brother would. But because it is somewhat embarra.s.sing now, I dont call him Brother in public.

I see, so thats how it was. Also, perhaps the fact that Lance calls her Miss and uses polite speech with her is to match that. My heart hurts as if I had uncovered a secret between just the two of them. Im sorry Maribelle. I didnt know there were such implicit rules between you two.

[Maribelle, Im cheering for you.]

Although Im a Dragon, I think its okay to support her love because Im a female as well. It might be good to act like a girl sometimes. But, for as much as I was all excited, on the contrary, I received a blank look in return.

Cheering for me, why?

[You like Sir Lance, right? However you grew up as brother and sister, and therefore it is an insurmountable wall, you are troubled over it.]

Maribelle made a surprised expression and seemed confused.

If I havent seen wrongly, her eyes s.h.i.+ne brilliantly when she talks to Lance, with the expression of a maiden in love. If thats not love, then what is that called.

As I was thinking, Weeell, shes a girl in looove, this time I was surprised as I received a completely unexpected answer.

Wait, wait a little! When did I say I wanted something like mutual love! And also from where did you get such an imagination!? Its strong enough to lead you to wrong impressions!

Although there are parts where I ended up adding a little too much teasing, yet I ended up being denied in a frantic manner.

[Eh, Im wrong?]

I received a yell of You are wrong! Eh, theres no way. Because even looking at her att.i.tude up to now, she clearly seemed to be aware, and wasnt it like she was all I hate him, I hate him, I like him? Its possible if we are talking about Maribelle the Tsundere.

But Maribelle said with a more serious face than I had thought.

Sir Lance, Brother, if I like him, well I do like him! But its just a yearning! Its just that! Isnt Brother really cool as a man?! Hes a gentleman, and also dependable, so I also feel like

She suddenly made a startled expression, clamming up in a state of panic.

[Feel like what?]

It, its nothing! Forget it please! Rather than that I want to know about Vito!

As she forcibly diverted the talk once again, I didnt ask about Lances matter anymore. Well, Maribelle got a little energetic so lets think of this as a good thing

As the Captains health improved, and due to him saying that it was all right to turn into a human again, I was able to take on my human form again after a long time, yet as expected I felt a stronger sense of discomfort than before but there is no helping it.

In that manner, accompanied by the Captain, I made my way towards the inside of the castle.

But since the length of our legs was different, he was willing to keep my pace.

Where are we going?

The alliance was established.

He suddenly says that without answering my question. He is as my pace as ever. I nodded for the time being.

So, an exchange meeting will be held.

I see.

I wonder if thats the reason the surroundings were noisy recently.

Certainly, because we were enemies until now, it is necessary to create an event in order to become friendlier. Such a c.u.mbersome thing, I thought if it was that Majesty he wouldnt do it, but he also seems to have some expectations. To doubt is my Trademark. An Exchange Meeting to commemorate the Alliance may sound good, but I hope that nothing troublesome happens. And although they may suddenly be told to please get along with the opponent they had been fighting with, Im a little worried about things becoming more than just getting awkward.

Its today.

How sudden.

I was honestly surprised.

It was decided long before. Only you didnt know.

Well, I guess so.

I was at a place far from the castle all along, and I paid no mind to rumors so there was no helping it.

When I said that its about other peoples affairs, the Captain stops walking, and turns to look back at me while laughing with a sweet smile.

Behaving like an outsider is wrong, Vito.

At some point Chiffon and Ariade were standing in front of me, and while I was letting out a befludded huh? they grabbed both of my arms and forced me to walk.

Eeh? Chiffon? Ariade? Why?

Walking walking~2

Ufufu~

Their smiles were scary somehow. I wonder where on earth are they taking me, I ended up utterly lost, not being capable of thinking of a reason.3

See you.

While being seen off by the smiling Captain, I was taken away by Chiffon and Ariade.

The room we reached was Madeleins room. While I was finally taking a breath at being released by the two of them, the tall woman who was in the room approached us with a smile as she noticed us.

Oh my, oh my, my lovely Lady. It has been a while.

Lady Minette?

Bright red hair that seems to burn and pick-up lines that rival Stefanos. No doubt, its Lady Minette.

I recognize that she is dressed in an uniform of more ornate garments than usual. Probably because of the Exchange Meeting that will be held later. But, why is it mens clothes. She doesnt wear womens difficult to move in dresses that seem to be made to go to a ball? But, it suits her so I cant issue any complaints. Surely she is a so-calledbellewho cross-dresses as a man. How cool.

As I was fascinated by Lady Minette, Madeleine appeared from the back of the room.

So you came, Vito.

Her long hair had been tied into dumplings, and she wore a cream colored dress that spread fluffily. Shes beautiful. But I dont say it. If I were a man Id be proposing immediately. Or Id be asking for a meeting for the marriage conditions wait, am I Lady Minette?!

By the way, that girl is not here? That pink haired sweet girl.

Maribelle? That child wont a.s.sist today. Because of having things to do or something.

I hadnt heard anything about that. Or rather I hadnt heard about the Exchange Meeting itself. If you all knew then somebody could have told me!

Such a pity, although Ive wanted to take a look at her, who can be admired as one more of the sweet flowers.

Youd better be careful because she has thorns.

Madeleine laughs in amus.e.m.e.nt.

I love every thorn. Moreover isnt it said that love is something that wont burn if there are no obstacles?4

Ugh, is Lady Minette made of love? I feel embarra.s.sed just by being near her. As expected, to be able to say such affected speeches she is not an ordinary person. In the first place wont you meet the obstacle of being of the same s.e.x all the time!5As I was suppressing my feelings of wanting to rebuke her, Lady Minette was suddenly facing me.

Of course, Vito is also adorable.

I cant tell whether shes joking of being serious. Well its surely a joke. And Lady Minette is a woman. Calm down, me. No matter how much she suits mens clothes, she is a her.

And when I thanked her with a stiff face, I ended up being told, So honest.

Yes yes, lets stop the talk here. Vito, wont you come over here please.

When she prompted me to the back of the room, there was a large enough amount of something to doubt ones eyes.

Uhm, this is?

On top of the bed, there were cloths colorful enough to make the eyes become sore scattered on the narrow place. I said cloths but they are clothes. I said clothes, but they are dresses.

What do you mean, of course this it is to get dressed. Dont tell me you are planning on going to the party in those clothes?

Party? Whats with having such a stylish ring to it.6Wasnt it an Exchange Meeting? When I asked so, it seems its nominally an Exchange Meeting but its a party.

Eh, wait a minute what did you say?

M, me?

Isnt that obvious? You have the leading role so what will we do if you dont attend!

The leading role!? No, such a thing. Because its not possible!

I havent heard anything about this!

What Ariade is bringing is a gorgeous outfit full of dazzling splendor. I dont want to wear such a difficult-to-move-in thing. As a woman, as a female I yearn for it a little, but I dislike gaudy garments! I want to run away. I absolutely want to run away. But behind me Chiffon and Ariade are standing like a wall, I cant escape. And thus while I considered that I was cornered by Madeleine in the meantime.

Dont say something selfis.h.!.+

Wouldnt it be fine if Chiffon, or Ariade, wear it! It would surely suit them better!

When I aim my eyes at them, they evaded my gaze.

Everything is experience, Vito. (Ariade)

Sorry, but we have to serve as maids. (Chiffon)

I, Ill also do the serving!

Ive worked as a servant until now. Thats right, I also have to do the serving because Im a servant! However, when I cling to Chiffon Ariade peels me off her and returns me to Madeleine.

Its unprecedented for the leading role to do the serving or the like! The other partys higher-ups are also coming, so please do it properly!

But that looks so difficult to move in! If something happens what will I do.

Becoming a Dragon and counterattacking should be fine, shouldnt it.

So ras.h.!.+7Thats too negligent Madeleine! Are you still the egg of a magician!

Good grief, as a girl, dont you want to wear it? And its cute, this one.

Its because Im a Dragon.Thats different from being a girl.

That wont deceive us!

She ended up getting angry at me.

It is certainly cute. It is beautiful. And while I think that it is splendid, its not a thing Id wear myself!

Th, then Ill also wear mens clothes like Lady Minette.

If Lady Minettes wearing them then it should be okay if I wear them too! If so declared, I was amazed.

What are you saying. If its you then they may fit you in its own way, but this time its a no-no.

Madeleine heaves a big sigh at me, I wonder if she grew impatient at me because I wont quite back down.

Minette, wont you help me?

Understood. Whenever you ask me to.

Wai-, I think thats cowardly! Its obvious that Lady Minette and I have a large difference in const.i.tution! It also wont do to return to a Dragon form in this kind of place, its really cowardly when its four-to-one!

In a voice that didnt seem like mine, a shriek resounded.