Chapter 11

---

And so, today's dinner party came to an end.

Despite the chef's efforts to create a delicious meal, I couldn't taste it properly from halfway through.

But I finished it all!

I retrieved my fan from the servant and left the dining room early. As I walked, I opened it immediately. It was a form of escapism.

The softness of the feathers, it's so nice... Sigh.

"Your Highness, are you going to the Emperor's chambers now?"

But that question brought me back to reality. It was a beautiful, low voice.

I stopped and turned to look at Clifford.

Is this the effect of the 'Master' status? Clifford has started to speak to me more spontaneously. He was like this even when we went to the dinner party. Conversation is the first step in building a relationship!

"Right..."

Of course, the conversation at the dinner party was heard clearly by Clifford...

Honestly, I want to go back to my room and take a break. I wish I could just forget about it...!

I think it's okay to postpone what I don't want to do today until tomorrow!

But I can't disobey Father's orders.

I guess I'll go straight to Father's chambers, as Clifford suggested.

"Big Sister"

At that call, my face naturally lit up. Only one person calls me 'Big Sister,' and there's no mistaking that voice.

"Alex"

Alex, who had also left the dining room, seemed to have followed me. His guard knights were standing at a distance in the corner of the corridor.

"I have something I want to ask you, Big Sister"

Alex, standing in front of me, spoke.

"Big Sister, who is the person you like...?"

"......"

--I'm in a bind.

I can tell Alex the truth, right? I really want to! I want to tell him so badly! I faked it in the training ground, but the situation has clearly worsened since then.

I really want him to give me some advice!

But...

I glanced at Clifford. Our eyes met. He looked back at me.

Is it because of the 'Servant' status? Even though he started speaking more spontaneously, he's standing closer to me than before, as my guard.

If I whisper to Alex, there's a chance Clifford will hear.

And I don't want anyone else to hear my confession--"I got so angry at my brother's words that I declared to him that I have a lover who doesn't even exist!"

It's not that I don't trust Clifford, but it's a matter of whether I can show my pride... In this case, only my younger brother Alex is an option.

Of course, I'd prefer to keep it from Alex too, but I can't afford to in this situation.

Can you read the air and go somewhere, Clifford?

We're making eye contact!

Get it! The telepathy between 'Master' and 'Servant'!

"......"

"......"

We stared at each other for a long time. Is the one who looks away first the loser?

It's not working...

"Big Sister"

As I was in a deadlock, Alex spoke in a slightly cold voice. Uh, of course he's angry. I didn't answer his question and tried to communicate telepathically with Clifford.

I turned to face Alex.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't ignoring you, Alex. It's just that..."

"...Just?"

Right... I need to think. I got an idea!

"Actually... this isn't the place to talk. Let's set a time for another day. I'll visit your room. It's good to do that sometimes, right?"

"...Is there a reason for that?"

Alex, as always, is sharp!

"Yes, that's right."

Alex exhaled.

"Very well. But..."

This time, Alex added a condition.

"When you come, please have the knight guarding you leave the room."

Even among family, it's not uncommon for guards to enter when visiting each other's rooms. They usually stand quietly by the door.

Even my brother brings his guards when he visits my room.

It's probably a remnant of the royal family's history, where even siblings couldn't fully trust each other.

But when Alex and I talk in each other's rooms, the guards usually wait outside. It's the same as being alone in the room with Alex. There's no need for protection.

This time, it will be the same as usual.

Given the content I want to discuss, Alex's condition was perfect for me.

--However, Alex has never said this before. He must be wary of Clifford... Maybe it's because Clifford is from Taren.

This is a good opportunity to ask Alex about it later.

"Alright, Alex"

---

I haven't actually visited Father's office that often.

Two soldiers were stationed on either side of the door, guarding it. They opened the door as soon as they saw me, as if they had been informed.

I gripped my fan, my strong ally, and stepped into the room.

The interior was a stark contrast to the opulent audience chamber, decorated with gold and silver. It was a simple, sturdy room. Perhaps it was a reaction to the extravagance of the previous king, my grandfather, who was a gem collector and a spendthrift.

Father was at his desk, reading a document.

No one else was in the room. ...The content of our conversation will probably be about my supposed lover, so he might have dismissed the guards. Usually, there are several guards around the king.

"Good to see you, Octavia"

Father put down the document and looked at me.

I bowed slightly in response. Then, I opened my fan and equipped it!

...By the way, I didn't feel the door close behind me. The wind was blowing into the skirt of my dress. What are the soldiers doing?

"---This is a good opportunity. You should come in too."

Father called out to someone behind me. The door was still open.

There were three people behind me: Clifford and the two soldiers.

The person Father called out to must be Clifford. But there was no sound of Clifford moving. No sign of him entering! The door didn't close either!

Is this the same as when Alex asked for my name?

Because I'm the 'Master' and Clifford is my guard, he only listens to my commands?

But Father called out to Clifford. The king. He should follow the order! It's part of being a 'Servant'!

I looked at the open door and commanded.

"Come in, Clifford"

"---Yes"

Finally, Clifford moved. He entered the office. The soldiers closed the door.

The door closed completely, and Clifford stood by it, the usual position for a guard in such a situation.

I hid half my face behind my open fan and nervously watched Father's reaction.

Father spoke.

"Your guard seems to be doing a good job."

This is... safe! It's safe! It seems Father sees Clifford as a loyal guard. I'll take it as a compliment, Father!

"Clifford? Yes."

"...Are you on such familiar terms that you call him by his name?"

"Father, it's been three months since he became my guard. I should call him by his name, right?"

I only learned his name and started calling him today!

"He seems to have been with you for a long time."

Now that you mention it.

Three months is a long time, isn't it!

Maybe that's why Father called Clifford to the office? To encourage him?

"That's true. I'm very happy about it."

A genuine smile appeared on my face.

Because I don't have to worry about Clifford leaving!

Father, who saw his daughter's bright, innocent smile, tapped his desk with his left index finger, looking serious.

Father, that's not nice, is it?

"I see---"

Father rubbed his chin with his right hand and asked me a question.

"Then, Octavia. What if I wanted to take Clifford Alderton from you?"

What! Not to encourage him, but to take him from me?

My mouth dropped open.

But my expression was hidden by the fan!

"Father, you're joking. You have many close friends and trusted guards. Why would you take Clifford from me?"

The guards aren't here now, but...

By the way, I heard from the head of the maids that some of Father's guards had a crush on him. No physical relationship, just more than friends but less than lovers? Platonic love? Bromance?

They are very close.

Father has plenty of help.

"I won't give up Clifford. He is my guard."

Please don't switch me now! I finally got him to agree to stay.

I won't let him go!

--But.

I added.

"Of course, if Father commands me as the king, I will obey."

This time, I smiled and said it, hiding my mouth with the open fan, in a princess-like manner.

Father is the king. The supreme ruler of Esphia. I can defy my father, but not the king.

"Will you not give up your guard unless I command you as the king?"

"Yes, Father."

Of course.

"---Octavia says this, but what does the person himself think?"

The focus of the conversation shifted to Clifford.

"Answer for Octavia's sake, Alderton."

I turned to Clifford and desperately tried to communicate with him through eye contact to answer Father's question.

Oh, it worked this time!

Clifford nodded at me!

"---I am grateful for the Emperor's offer, but I have decided to serve Princess Octavia."

His answer was perfect, right?

I would be shocked if Father tried to switch him so quickly. Hmm. But usually, serving the king is more attractive, isn't it? Maybe it's because of the 'Master' and 'Servant' status.

"Didn't you say it would depend on Octavia at first?"

...Huh? Father and Clifford have talked before?

Now that I think about it, Father mentioned Clifford's full name. It's not strange for him to know about my guard, but... it's still a bit concerning.

"Your Majesty, as you know, I am a commoner from Taren. I have a connection with the Earl of Alderton and call him my stepfather, but my origins cannot be denied. I was worried that this might displease the Princess."

Father shook his head slightly.

"---That's enough. Octavia, Alderton. I understand your intentions. I will not give an order. Rest assured."

By the way, Father.

I understand that the recruitment of Clifford is over.

But wasn't there a different reason for me being called to the office?