Chapter 83

Even if he is the target, I have no intention of recruiting Eilear as a fake lover. No matter how much I use my princess authority, it’s not like anyone will do. To me, Guy was the one who met all the conditions...

When I gestured for him to sit, Eilear sat on the long sofa. The way he sat revealed his personality. Watching him, I could feel that Eilear was indeed from a viscount's family... a noble background. Manners and etiquette are deeply ingrained in the body, no matter how much one dislikes them. Well, for soldiers, as they gain experience and are promoted to higher ranks or knights, they tend to be reshaped in that direction.

--- I waved away the lingering damage from the failed recruitment with my 'black fan.'

"Did your brother leave you anything?"

What I want to confirm with Eilear is just one thing! Rust's movements! The fact that there was a message saying "I'll see you again" doesn't make it strange that there could be more.

Also, Rust's existence and his assistance at the semi-ball for Lady Rosa have already been reported. I can speak confidently about it! If asked, I'm confident I can bluff my way through it!

"…………!"

Bingo! Eilear reacted strongly.

"Brother... was Brother in the square for... Princess Octavia...?"

Rust was in the square?

With that face, he would be noticed—oh, if he was far away or had his face hidden, it wouldn't be noticeable. In the original story, he's a character who is good at covert operations despite his face.

By the way, I feel like Eilear has a grand misunderstanding... But if I deny it, I won't be able to get the information... The trauma from the failed recruitment of Guy resurfaced in me.

"--- It's probably related to the inspection as well."

I said with a smug look. The camouflage with the 'black fan' is a bonus!

"Brother gave me this."

Eilear took a folded piece of paper from the pocket of his temporary uniform. I took it with my right hand, which was holding the 'black fan,' and through the glove. It looked like an origami-style letter? A special fold that shows if it has been opened before.

There were no signs of it being opened.

"When did you receive it?"

"Just now. When there was a bit of a fuss over who picked up the rose, right before I brought them to Princess Octavia."

Not only was Rust in the square, but he was also near the center of the commotion...

"Was it definitely Rust?"

"Yes."

There's no way Eilear, his younger brother, would mistake his brother, especially with that face.

Alright, let's open it!

I placed the 'black fan,' which I had snapped shut, to the side and held the origami-style letter with both hands.

In my imagination, I was going to open it smoothly. But, well, it's quite difficult... My left hand is injured, and I'm wearing gloves, so it's not easy... I suddenly remembered. I used to be the type who would tear wrapping paper violently...! My mother often told me, "Open it neatly!" My sister was the type who opened things neatly, so naturally, I had fewer opportunities... For something like this, I would definitely cut it open with scissors.

Even in a new life, some things don't change...

I decided to give up on what I'm not good at.

"Eilear. --- Open it."

It's better to have someone else do it. Some might call it passing the buck!

"Me? ... Is that alright?"

I nodded solemnly. It soon became clear that passing the buck was the right choice. Eilear deftly disassembled the origami-style letter. In a few seconds, it became a small piece of paper with creases. Maybe he's used to it? Maybe he and his brother exchange letters.

By the way, since he's Rust's younger brother and was entrusted with the letter, he could have read it, but he deliberately avoided looking at the content as he opened it.

"... Here you go."

"Thank you."

Rust's letter was placed on the glove fabric of my outstretched hand.

The content was---

'I am assisting the next Duke of Knightfell. Princess Octavia, please do not doubt the next Duke no matter what happens.'

The writing looked like it was done quickly, not calmly and slowly. It was the same handwriting as the letter from Rust that I received from Hugh at the semi-ball.

Rust assisting Derek? The hooded figure who joined Derek in the square... Was that Rust? In the original story, Rust is the hooded man.

The uncle was supposed to have taken Rust in temporarily. If Rust is still in the custody of the Knightfell family, it's plausible that he would act with Derek. Rust was an infiltrator among the attackers at the semi-ball---it's not strange that he knew about the attack plan for today's inspection.

So, assisting Derek...

But, wait.

Why doesn't Derek come out more openly? If he's trying to catch the attackers, he could join the inspection as a member of the Knightfell family.

Or, does his brother know about this?

Is it possible that he's not coordinating with his brother...

Hmm... In the past, I would have concluded that it's impossible for his brother and Derek not to coordinate. Now, it's a bit different. The difference in stance towards Sir Sil and the fact that he's a friend of his brother make it plausible that he's acting without telling his brother.

--- Anyway, this might be a warning that, even if there are reasons to suspect Derek, it's better not to.

From Rust.

This is a bit tricky because, in the original story, he's a character who works against the royal family.

Against the royal family, huh...

In the original story, Rust is against the royal family---then, what about his younger brother?

"--- Eilear"

"Yes?"

"Do you like Alec?"

"What?"

Eilear's voice cracked. The clumsy soldier incident that led me to know Eilear---he flew over to me while trying to draw his sword---was, whether by accident or on purpose, rooted in his affection for Alec! The former was due to being too concerned about Alec during training, and the latter was due to jealousy over my good relationship with Alec!

"Of course not! I respect him!"

Ah... This is a fan. A passionate fan of Alec. A devotee? There is indeed respect in his blue eyes... but perhaps a hint of romantic feelings as well?

Anyway, it's clear that he loves Alec a lot.

Like Rust in the original story, if he's against the royal family, I would imagine he would view all royals as enemies... but liking Alec is a bit strange.

Is he not sent inside by Rust to work against the royal family?

I decided to probe a bit more.

"Why do you respect him?"

Eilear hesitated, but I pretended not to notice with a princess smile. Eventually, Eilear spoke.

"I was saved by meeting Prince Alexis during a dark period in my life. And...?"

"And?"

"--- I apologize for being so impertinent, but what does Princess Octavia think of Prince Alexis?"

I expected something outrageous since he said it was impertinent, but what's with this super easy question?

It's so simple that I can answer immediately?

"I love him. He's a dear brother."

If I talk about my love for Alec, I could easily go on for over an hour! Hmm? In that sense, am I also an Alec devotee? But I'm not inferior to Eilear!

Eilear looked taken aback, almost disappointed---a complex expression. I leaned in.

"Then---the rumors circulating in some circles?"

"Enough."

A stern voice echoed.

It was Hugh, who had entered the room a few steps without me noticing.

"Even if Princess Octavia allows it, you must know your place, Eilear Burn."

Hugh, who met my gaze, bowed his head.

"I apologize for entering without permission, but I could not overlook the disrespect to the princess by a subordinate."

I really wanted to hear the content of the rumors... but it seems it's not good.

Hugh must have skipped the formalities to interrupt. Even Guy in the hallway nodded in agreement.

--- Let's end the break here.

"No. You are correct. I should have warned Eilear. --- Eilear. That's all I have to say. Work hard on your mission. ... I will take care of this."

This. The already opened origami-style letter.

"Yes!"

Eilear saluted and left. Time to quickly destroy the evidence. I was about to throw the letter into the fireplace as I did before---but my hand was grabbed.

"Hugh?"

Yes, the culprit is Hugh. Don't be fooled by his troubled expression.

"What are you doing?"

"Can I also confirm what Burn gave you? It should have been reported to me first."

I see. He can't overlook a subordinate giving a suspicious paper without reporting it?

"Normally, yes. But I ordered Eilear to give it directly to me."

It's a lie! But it's more natural to protect Eilear here.

"Is it related to the inspection?"

I sighed.

"--- If you are my guard knight, let go of my hand."

"--- Yes."

It wasn't really a restraint, but the restraint was released. With my free hand, I threw the letter into the fireplace. Alright! Evidence destruction complete this time!

However,

"The letter said that Lord Derek is an ally."

I shared the general content.

Hugh's dark eyes looked at me thoughtfully.

"--- Do you also think so, Your Highness?"

Unexpected. I didn't expect Hugh to ask such a question.

But, regardless, I nodded.

"Yes. I do."

Despite the nagging doubt about it being from Rust, after the experience at the semi-ball, my perception of Derek has changed. He's not just the son of the uncle; he's trustworthy.

"I am relieved."

... Huh?

Hugh smiled.

Again, unexpected. Hugh looked genuinely happy.

He seemed genuinely pleased that I trusted Derek. An unguarded smile.

"--- Thank you for telling me."

After that, Hugh bowed perfectly.

... It throws me off.

"I've had enough rest. Let's see the merchandise."

The updates for the rest of November will be on Fridays.

Thank you.