Chapter 72

"Prince Serius has sent over the security plan for tomorrow."

I picked up the stack of papers that Hugh had placed on the coffee table.

Tomorrow is the inspection day. My brother and I will act as decoys to set a trap for the rebels who might attack.

I was able to inform Clifford about the operation in the dungeon. The knights who were guarding my brother, who were in other cells, must have heard it too, but I wonder what the outcome will be.

However, what occupies my mind is the dream I had last night.

In my bedroom, I had placed the Reishuran flowers that Lord Edgar had given me to wear in my hair in a vase. Thanks to them, I fell asleep surrounded by a pleasant fragrance—yet.

I had a nightmare that was completely different from the hateful memories...

And I think there was a continuation to it...

When I woke up, I was crying my eyes out. I usually try to wake up before Sasha comes to get me, so I can tidy myself up to some extent—but this morning, I couldn't. You see, sometimes, very rarely, I cry after seeing dreams from my past life, and I always try to hide it from everyone in the morning...

This morning, I failed to cover it up... "I had a bad dream," was all I could honestly say.

Sasha and the other maids' makeup skills are, of course, perfect, and I've already had lunch, so it's already afternoon, and no one has noticed my puffy eyes. Well, I only met Sasha, Matilda, the other maids, and Hugh today...

Today, with tomorrow's schedule already set, there's no need to stimulate my brother, so I'm not going to the garden and am staying in my room.

I've already chosen the dress and accessories for tomorrow. Since it's an official event, I went for a bright, creamy color with a fluffy skirt.

I had already decided on the candidate dresses a month ago and made the final decision again.

The choice was made with input from Matilda, Sasha, and the other maids, and the shoes are in a matching color. I think it's a good choice that complements my appearance as 'Octavia.' I was a bit worried that the black fan might not match, but I checked in the mirror, and it's okay!

For the accessories, I have to wear the princess's tiara, but I decided to also decorate with fresh flowers. When I told Sasha and the others about my plan to start a trend with fresh flower hair accessories, they were very enthusiastic!

Also, because there's a possibility that the bandage might be noticeable, I decided to wear a lace glove on my left hand.

So, all that's left is to wait for tomorrow!

—Although I should be thinking about the inspection, the dream is on my mind.

Dreams are just dreams. They should be based on my thoughts and memories. So, the dream with that boy must be a product of my imagination. It's a dream my brain came up with...! Shocking.

I've recalled it so many times that the content is still vivid. At first, I thought the boy was Lord Sil's childhood self, but it was Clifford, right...?

To come up with a dream where Clifford is treated so badly, this broken brain of mine...! And to a child, no less!

Sighing, I held the stack of papers in one hand, rested my elbow on the armrest, and held my head.

It's just a dream... right?

I hope it's just a dream. I hope it's just a sign of my brain's terrible taste. I don't want it to be real.

"Your Highness, are you tired? You should take a break..."

"No, ...it's fine."

Sasha looks worried. The impact of waking up crying has made her, who is already excellent, even more competent.

"I want the usual tea that Sasha makes. Can you prepare it for me?"

By "usual," I mean the milk tea with plenty of milk.

"Of course!"

Sasha bowed and started preparing the tea.

—I need to pull myself together.

Okay, I refocused on the stack of papers. It's about tomorrow's security plan.

Hmm, hmm. Hmm...?

"Hugh"

"Yes."

Hugh, who was standing by, responded immediately.

"According to this plan, all the knights and soldiers are under my brother's command, right?"

My personal guard is just Clifford, but the soldiers who protect me when I go out or ride in a carriage are usually the same. I don't have a personal army, but these are the people who are always called upon for the first princess.

It was the same when I went to the semi-ball.

"I want the people who are used to protecting me to accompany me."

When we went to the semi-ball, I even got the name of the skilled driver from Sasha. His name was Karl! I had decided to request him again next time!

But Karl's name isn't on the list. The driver for the day is someone else.

"All the people who were involved in protecting you at the semi-ball have been excluded."

"Why?"

"Because they failed to protect you, there are doubts about including them in the security plan for the inspection. Also, the thorough investigation of them has not been completed yet."

"So, it's just the people my brother chose?"

They are all capable, but essentially, they are mostly fans of my brother and Lord Sil...? Many of the people in my brother's faction don't like me... And Clifford won't be nearby on the day... I need allies... I need mental support...!

I thought about who could be an ally.

In situations like this... Alex! Even if he's not here, one of Alex's soldiers...

There is! There is!

"I feel uneasy being guarded by strangers. Can we add some of Alex's soldiers to the selection?"

"Alexis Prince's, you mean?"

"Yes. His name is Guy Pewts. He's a soldier that Alex favors."

"---Understood. I will inform Prince Serius."

Since Alex sent him as a messenger to me, I can trust Guy! Trust in Alex is trust in Guy!

"Please excuse me for a moment."

It seems my brother has also strengthened my usual security, as there are two more knights waiting in the corridor to assist Hugh.

While Hugh is talking to them, I reviewed the security plan again.

Fortunately, or rather, the only character from the original story who is on the list is Hugh. Nathan is staying behind this time?

Hugh returned.

"Please wait a moment. We will await Prince Serius's response."

"Wait. There's another soldier I want to add."

"Who is it?"

"Elair Burn."

The moment I mentioned Elair's name, Hugh's face darkened.

"Elair Burn...?"

"Yes. He serves Alex too."

"But he is the one who threw a sword at you..."

"...You know about that?"

I was surprised. I thought it had been handled discreetly.

"Has it spread around the castle?"

Hugh shook his head.

"Prince Alexis didn't make a big deal out of it. Only a few people know about it. Prince Serius is also aware."

"But I want him to be included."

I want Guy to be there as a mental oasis. Elair is Rust's brother, so I want to add him to have the opportunity to ask about it...

—The sweet scent of milk tea wafted over.

"Your Highness, your tea is ready. Please enjoy."

"Thank you."

I brought the teacup that Sasha had placed to my lips.

Yes, this is the usual. The familiar taste.

At first, Matilda used to make it for me. When a maid is assigned to me, they all learn from Matilda. I ask for tips, but they never teach me. "If we teach you, Your Highness, you might start making it yourself," they say. I don't understand. It would be easier for everyone if I did.

"Making tea is not part of a maid's job. Besides, if you want tea, you can always call a maid," Matilda once said, and I gave in...

But, the milk tea that Sasha makes is delicious. It has a different flavor from the tea made by my brother, who has improved his skills.

...A comforting taste.

"—Princess Octavia"

I thought Hugh would oppose adding Elair.

"Does Prince Serius seem different to you?"

What is Hugh asking?

"What do you mean?"

"Seeing you now, I remembered Prince Serius practicing how to make tea for you in the past."

Hugh, from a lower noble family, has known my brother since childhood, much like Derek. However, because of the difference in status, their relationship isn't as close as friends. If my brother and Derek are close friends and also lord and vassal, then my brother and Hugh are more on the side of lord and vassal.

But, Hugh also has a sense of unease... doubt?

Indeed, my brother has some strange memories. I've seen a glimpse of them. —But.

"My brother is still my brother. I don't think his essence has changed. Do you think differently, Hugh?"

"..."

Silence, does that mean...?

I noticed the short golden tassel hanging from Hugh's sword.

"I don't necessarily have to agree with you. You can speak honestly. Or is it that you can't express personal feelings?"

"---In the past and now, I sometimes feel like there are two Prince Serius's to me."

"But, you are loyal to both, right?"

"Yes, that's correct."

There was no cloudiness in Hugh's pitch-black eyes. They were clear and strong. ...I felt relieved.

I was worried that there might be a crack in the trust and loyalty between Serius and Hugh from the original story. But, Hugh's words didn't end there.

"So, if the past Prince Serius saw the current Prince Serius, he would be very angry."

His tone was steady, and there was no wavering in his eyes.

That made his stance seem at odds with his words.

"Hugh...?"

Hugh lowered his eyes.

"I have understood your request to add Elair Burn to the security detail."

A response from my brother came that day.

As I requested, Guy and Elair would be assigned to the inspection security.