Chapter 32

"You two seem to be the same as always."

Shishi, despite her appearance, is actually a quiet literature girl.

Her family, the Leulere family, has been a lineage of scholars residing in the territory of the Viscount Winfel for generations, and they were well-known among the erudite.

Their research focused on flora and fauna. Whenever there was a rare animal or plant, her father, who would travel anywhere, would take her along, and by the time she was my age, she had already visited neighboring countries like Kangina and others.

Shishi is a novel enthusiast and well-versed in books from other countries! She is also a talented woman who can handle multiple languages!

It was thanks to Shishi that I discovered the story of the hero of Kangina, which is so devoid of romance that the male characters say things like, "I would die for you, that's my wish," and "I can no longer tell if this is love or hate," which made my yaoi heart leap with joy!

At night, I would read the books Shishi translated and lent to me by candlelight, and how many times I pounded my pillow at the scent of boys' love that wafted from the lines and dialogues!

It turns out that the source of my two-dimensional fangirling was also in other countries!

The story was written from the perspective of Kangina, portraying Kangina as the righteous side and Esfera as the evil one, so it was naturally not in the castle's library.

But from a yaoi perspective, the story of King Us was just as good, if not better! It's a perfect ten!

Shishi and I always have lively discussions about our reading experiences in our letters. Shishi has a pure view of stories, which is also a good thing!

Whenever we met, Shishi and I would get so excited that we often forgot our surroundings, and it was Hugh who would scold me for my behavior.

And I would snap out of it and tighten my princess mode, which had become lax.

"Your Highness, it's good to see you are well."

Hugh stood next to Shishi and bowed formally.

Shishi followed suit.

"…Lady Via, I apologize. I got carried away with excitement, just like when I write letters…"

"You don't need to apologize. I'm also delighted to see you, Shishi."

I closed my fan and smiled broadly. I wanted to hold hands and rejoice!

Indeed, Shishi is the type who is not bothered by the 'Black Fan.' When we met shortly after I acquired this fan, her attitude didn't change at all. Maybe it's because her father is a naturalist, and she has inherited his way of looking at things, like the Rev bird.

We last met five months ago when Shishi came to the capital on business… and the last letter I received from her was a month ago. I hadn't heard from her, which was unlike her, so I was thinking of writing to her again.

"But… why are you two at this preliminary ball?"

I was happy, but I was also curious.

Hugh had become a viscount and usually stayed in his territory. Shishi, after becoming engaged to Hugh, was training to become a viscountess in the Viscount Winfel's territory.

It takes about five days by carriage from the Viscount Winfel's territory to the capital, but due to a major bridge renovation, the direct route to the capital is currently cut off. Using the mountainous detour route would take not just double, but about four times as long. Naturally, the cost would also increase.

It would be too much effort to come to the capital just for one preliminary ball.

Moreover, neither Sil nor my father's list of invited guests in his office included Shishi and Hugh. Yes, definitely. If Shishi's name had been on the list, I would have noticed!

Hugh answered my question.

"We are in the capital for the council of lords. The meeting is about a month away, but to avoid being late, we came to the capital early."

"The council of lords…"

This is a grand council that gathers all the landholding nobles of Esfera.

The council of nobles is convened, and various issues are deliberated over six days. Nobles who live far from the capital also come to the capital at this time. Attendance is optional, but you have to pay a fee.

The king decides when it will be held, but it is usually held in conjunction with the annual ball. However, this year's ball is still a long way off, so this is an off-season council of lords.

—And in the original story, the council of lords addresses the issue of Sil and my brother's marriage and the succession problem.

Could this be the council of lords for that purpose?

I thought it was still a long way off, but is it already imminent?

As a princess, I am not involved in politics, so even if the meeting is held in the castle, my daily routine will proceed as scheduled. But if the succession issue is raised, I cannot ignore it.

The council of lords is in about a month. Memory!

"As the Viscount Winfel, we have long been secluded in our territory and did not have a residence in the capital for our stay… so I brought Shishi and left the territory in the hands of trusted people to prepare everything. I heard that Your Highness would attend this preliminary ball, so I participated… at Shishi's request."

Hugh smiled at Shishi. A smile without any ulterior motives.

It seems Hugh worked hard at Shishi's request. A bold display of affection!

Hugh added, as if remembering something.

"We are not the only ones. Many nobles, upon learning of Your Highness's attendance, have asked the Earl of Redington for help."

"Is that so…"

I nodded in response,

"If that's the case, Shishi,"

I protested a little to Shishi.

"You should have let me know by letter. I was waiting for your reply?"

Considering our close relationship!

"…Did the letter not reach you?"

Shishi looked as if she was saying, "I knew it."

"…It didn't reach me."

This situation… something seems to be going on?

According to Shishi, she sent one letter to report that they were coming to the capital and another after they arrived. She said she had sent letters to me, but I didn't receive them. Shishi was also wondering why she hadn't received a reply from me.

Shishi's letters were supposed to be delivered through a special arrangement.

However, the letter from Erel, whom I asked to mediate with Rust, did reach me.

Maybe because it was from outside the castle? Maybe something happened before it reached the castle's reception window.

There were people who didn't like the closeness between Shishi and me—people who silenced us—so are they interfering again now?

The reason for the opposition is that Shishi, who is not a noble, is not suitable as a princess's friend.

But, no, Shishi is the perfect fit as a friend—same gender, same age, and knowledgeable! And in terms of status, if the princess herself approves, it's not usually a problem. Honestly, I do favor her! That's the power of a princess. …But the reverse is not allowed.

Anyway, I need to fix the issue of not receiving Shishi's letters! For the sake of our letter talks! …Talking to Shishi is like chatting with a classmate in high school, nostalgic and fun.

"I'm sorry, Shishi. I think there was a mix-up. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

"Your Highness… I understand that there are many things you cannot reveal due to your position. But if there is anything I can do, please let me know. Of course, Hugh as well."

"Hugh as well?"

"Both Hugh and I want to be of help to Your Highness."

Shishi's words made me think.

…That's right. Could I ask Hugh for help?

A fake lover. I don't know any free noble men who would take on that role.

But if I broaden the scope to include those who are engaged, Hugh is a relatively close acquaintance. We are on a first-name basis through Shishi.

However, asking him to be a lover was out of the question, so I had excluded him from the start.

Shishi and Hugh had just happily become engaged, and Hugh had just inherited the viscount title. He was staying in the capital to establish a base until the council of lords, so even if he couldn't do it himself, he could introduce me to a friend.

There must be male-male relationships! And Hugh, who loves Shishi, might have connections with other factions of nobles that I wouldn't think of!

But…

I observed Hugh, who was looking at Shishi with a gentle gaze.

I can sense that Hugh probably feels grateful, but unlike Shishi, who I could get along with, he seems… polite but distant. Not that he dislikes me, but he seems like a good person who makes people want to help him.

He is honest and not as good at playing politics as I am. That's relatable!

But because of that, I can sense a subtle tension when I interact with him. It's much more relaxed when Shishi is around!

Should I ask him to introduce me to a friend? Or not…?

While I was pondering, Hugh spoke up.

"Your Highness, that…"

Hugh's gaze shifted to Derek, who was surrounded by people, and then back to me. He continued hesitantly.

"Is it really true that Lord Derek… causes destruction…?"

The dance incident? But there's something else that's more concerning.

"…Are you that close to him?"

"Lord Derek was very kind to me when I first visited the capital and was struggling to propose a dance to Your Highness."

An unexpected connection between Hugh and Derek was revealed.

"Did you find it surprising that I danced with Lord Derek?"

"Your Highness denied it, but… I am considered to be on the side that has achieved glory. I can't think of Lord Derek as a stranger. In fact, my surroundings have changed significantly. —To the point where I feel it's an overestimation."

Derek also highly regarded Hugh. But that evaluation is not related to me…

"…Listen, Hugh. Dancing with me doesn't mean anything. It was just a dance. Nothing more, nothing less."

"Then, my situation is…"

"I admit that I helped you and Shishi get together, but that's all. Your evaluation as a viscount is something you have to shape yourself. Hugh Winfel, have confidence. If you seem weak, I can't trust you with Shishi. I might even break you up?"

"That would be a problem."

Hugh immediately responded and sighed.

"…To avoid that, I must do my best to meet expectations."

"Yes, do your best."

I have to work hard too.

For now, at this preliminary ball.

I glanced at Sil and Derek, who were in different groups.

People gather around the topic of the moment. A very ordinary, peaceful scene.

But for me, this preliminary ball is full of irregularities.

Dancing with Derek is one thing, but—learning about my brother's memories during the dance, and whether Sil's relatives are really in this venue, and if it's a trap. Regarding Sil, it might be better to leave it to Derek rather than me.

…Derek himself is also a mystery. The issue of Shishi's undelivered letters was also discovered because of this preliminary ball.

If possible, I want to solve everything right away.

But I am not omnipotent.

First, I need to focus on myself. What I can do here.

"…By the way, Hugh"

"…Yes?"

"Can you introduce me to any of your friends? Preferably someone attending this preliminary ball. I want to make new friends."

I decided to activate the plan to ask Hugh to introduce me to a friend!

But Hugh was clearly flustered.

The tension I thought had faded returned.

"Your Highness, how far… no"

Hugh, who was hesitating, took out a folded piece of paper.

"…This is from a friend of mine to Princess Octavia. Whether you accept it is up to you."

A friend of Hugh's?

I took the paper. Hugh's eyes widened.

"Your…"

I read the contents immediately.

"May I have the pleasure of a dance in the banquet hall?

Rust Burn"

A message from Rust, the purpose of my coming to this preliminary ball…!

The banquet hall is one of the open spaces in this venue. Is Rust there?

I refolded the paper and looked up.

"…You know him?"

"We are of the same rank, both born into viscount families… and our territories are close, so we have been in contact since childhood."

"Even after he went into hiding?"

"…Yes. He is elusive, and if Princess Octavia asked about him, he wanted me to give her this. He appeared at my place last night, revealed the content, and left the paper. I haven't seen him in the venue yet."

I just asked for a friend to be introduced… but if Hugh was asked to do this, Rust was the only one who came to mind.

In other words, if I hadn't asked Hugh to introduce me to a friend, I might not have found Rust? Oh, that's dangerous…!

"…Will you meet him?"

"I intend to."

"…With all due respect, I must tell you. He doesn't have a good opinion of the royal family. He is a dear friend to me, but I can't guarantee the same for you."

Rust is anti-royal and works in the shadows. He is a character who opposes my brother and Sil.

"If that's the case, you shouldn't have given me this message, should you?"

"According to him, it is you who wishes to meet him."

"He is right. I was the one who initiated it."

And since Rust has specified a location, there's no way I won't go!

I turned to Shishi. Shishi, who had been silent since the atmosphere between Hugh and me became a bit strange, was watching us with concern.

"Shishi, I must take my leave. Can we talk again while you are in the capital, in a less formal setting?"

"Yes. I wrote in my letter that I brought a new book I translated. I wanted to give it to you."

"…Oh!"

I really want to read it!

"I'll… no, I'll send a messenger."

Note to self!

With the contrasting expressions of the two, I left the hall.

The banquet hall had a special arrangement.

Music was played, and people were dancing, which was a common feature in the 'Heavenly Paradise.'

The difference was that guests entering the banquet hall were required to wear masks at the entrance.

It's an entertainment space!

Hide your face and temporarily forget all connections.

Even if you are a celebrity, you can be recognized by your hairstyle, dress, or figure, but let's overlook the status and enjoy! Sometimes, you really don't know who the other person is.

I took a golden-decorated mask that covers the upper half of the face. I put it on!

Clifford, who was guarding me from a distance, also moved to join me. Clifford, who was about to take on the guard duty in the banquet hall, was stopped.

"Sir Knight, please wear a mask as well."

Clifford frowned.

Looking around, not only the invited guests but also the security and servers provided by the venue were wearing masks in the banquet hall. It seems the guards couldn't be the only ones without masks.

"Clifford, it seems to be a rule."

"…Understood."

The young man distributing masks handed a jet-black mask to Clifford. There were various colors and designs, but the venue professionals were apparently choosing the masks based on the appearance of each person entering.

The jet-black mask suited Clifford exceptionally well. Even with his face hidden, his outstanding features were even more prominent… It skillfully balanced his knightly qualities and brought out a wilder side.

Even with the mask on, he was still in uniform, and I wouldn't mistake him for anyone else… but I felt a bit different seeing him this way.

—Forget your status, huh.

I was staring, and I met his intense blue eyes peeking out from the mask, so I averted my gaze.

Is it because the atmosphere is different? It feels a bit embarrassing? …Yes, probably.

"…Your Highness?"

"Let's go."

I quickened my pace.

Both of us were wearing masks, so this time, we entered the banquet hall without any interruptions.

We joined the space where no one revealed their true face.