Chapter 2

The guest room to which she was led was the one that the princes always used when visiting the Allheigh Duke family.

All the interior decorations were modestly arranged. Someone who didn't have an eye for detail might laugh, thinking it was too simple for a duke's residence. However, everything was actually of the highest quality.

One could only wonder from where and through what connections these items were gathered. The sofa was so comfortable that one couldn't help but be moved.

While Eliza tried hard to suppress her curiosity, the prince's guard knight and maid stood quietly by the entrance, like air, waiting, while the princes and Alphina were chatting calmly.

"In fact, we were also nearby and saw most of what happened. So there's nothing special I need to ask Miss Bayliss."

(…What?)

"Frankly, I feel uncomfortable causing more commotion at the evening party celebrating my aunt's birthday. I'm sorry to the two victims, but please pass the time here."

"I understand. I am deeply grateful for your consideration."

Eliza had thought it was a routine questioning, but as a duke's daughter, she seemed to have known from the beginning that the prince's purpose was to separate Alphina and Eliza from the grand hall.

Her brother, who had sent her off without hesitation, must have also noticed. That means Eliza was the only one who didn't realize. It seems she had been mistaken in thinking she had calmed down.

Eliza sighed quietly and slowly, trying not to be noticed by the nobles.

(I still have a long way to go to catch up with my brother. It's a long road...)

"Is something wrong with you, Miss Eliza?"

Startled by the sudden voice, Eliza turned her head sharply to the side and met Alphina's gaze. Her expression, though smiling, was filled with concern.

"You haven't even taken a sip of your tea... Please don't overexert yourself."

Drinking tea was one of her hobbies. If it were served by the duke's family, she would have eagerly reached for the teacup. But now, she hadn't even touched it.

Alphina must have noticed that Eliza's behavior was different from usual because she had seen her enjoy tea in front of her many times.

Eliza was touched by her concern but didn't want to reveal the true reason.

What a dilemma, Eliza thought, moving her head to find a good way to deflect.

"Is Miss Scozzard just nervous?"

The help came from the opposite side.

Prince Duke, with a gentle expression, slightly tilted his teacup and took a sip.

"Unlike Miss Bayliss, Miss Scozzard and I are almost meeting for the first time. I think only someone with extraordinary courage can remain calm when suddenly seated with royalty."

Whether it was intentional or not, Eliza gratefully went along with the conversation. She shrugged at Alphina, trying not to appear too rude.

"Embarrassingly, Your Highness is right. I never imagined I would be honored to sit with you."

"Is that so..."

Alphina's slender shoulders relaxed, seemingly convinced. Prince Duke quickly added:

"It looks like it will take a while for her to calm down. Miss Bayliss, why don't you take a stroll in the garden while you wait?"

"The garden, you say?"

"This is an inner garden accessible only from this guest room. I hear the duke has arranged it with the theme of 'The Return of the Hero King.'"

"Really!"

The opera 'The Return of the Hero King' is a popular work based on an epic poem about the first king of Vinsdam. Of course, Alphina also loved this work.

"Even with the lamp lit, it becomes hard to see once it gets dark. The sun has just set, so it's a good time to go and enjoy it."

Prince Duke smiled and encouraged her, while Alphina, clearly interested but also concerned about Eliza, and Prince Julius, who seemed restless despite appearing calm, watched the scene.

...Somehow, Eliza felt she understood what she should do.

At the same time, she vaguely understood why Prince Duke had directly spoken to her at that time.

It seemed better to go along with the conversation and do him a favor. Even if the favor was small, the significance lay in accumulating even the tiniest acts of kindness. But more than anything, she wanted Alphina to forget the engagement cancellation scandal for a moment!

Eliza made her decision and smiled at Alphina.

"Don't worry about me. Please go. It would be a shame to turn down such a wonderful offer."

"Oh, that's right. Julius, didn't you get an explanation from the duke before? It would be good if you could guide Miss Bayliss."

Seeing the prince smoothly pass the conversation to his younger brother, Eliza felt confident and quickly added her support.

"This is a rare opportunity. Please enjoy it, Miss Alphina."

"Y-Yes... Then... If it's not too much trouble for you, Your Highness..."

"No trouble at all!"

Prince Julius, who had attracted the attention of the three with his sudden standing, blushed a moment later. He seemed about to return to the sofa, but with a determined expression, he moved to sit beside Alphina.

"I can't guarantee that I can provide a satisfactory conversation... But if you're willing, I'll be happy to guide you."

Alphina's cheeks also tinged slightly, perhaps influenced by the prince's red face.

"I'm delighted. Thank you, Your Highness."

"Y-Yes!"

Prince Julius escorted Alphina without faltering this time.

The knight, who had been waiting for Prince Duke's instructions, opened the large window leading outside. Prince Julius, nodding to the knight who informed him of his guard duty, had a dignified and noble air despite his timid personality.

Alphina bowed to Eliza, apologizing for leaving. Eliza returned the smile and nod.

(The real problem starts now.)

When the sound of the window closing completely faded, Eliza took a deep breath. She turned her face to the opposite side of the low table.

Prince Duke Vinsdam, the first prince.

The first in line to the throne of this country, always exuding a gentle aura. It might be an exaggeration to say he had never shown anger in his life, but it was hard to imagine him getting emotionally confrontational, based on rumors.

On the other hand, there were many rumors about him being merciless to criminals and being misogynistic because of his love for his younger brother. It was unclear how much of it was true.

There must be a reason why he had sent Alphina and Prince Julius outside and left Eliza alone in the room. What would he say?

As she was on guard, Prince Duke, who had met her gaze head-on, placed his hand holding the cup on his knee. He smiled calmly, without any malice or sarcasm.

"By allowing them to take a walk together, does that mean Julius has passed the test?"

"Frankly, he's still not there yet."

"Hmm?"

"Indeed, I did say, 'It would be wonderful if someone like Prince Julius could be Miss Alphina's companion.' However, I hardly know Prince Julius. It would be hasty to make a conclusion here."

"Understood. A prudent judgment."

He nodded pleasantly and placed the teacup back on the table.

"Out of curiosity, what do you think is lacking in Julius? I won't take it as disrespect, no matter how harsh your words. I want your honest opinion."

"...... Trustworthiness, perhaps."

"Please be more specific."

"Prince Julius is a very kind and gentle person, which I find very charming. However, from another perspective, he can seem unreliable. To be honest, I can't help but worry if he could protect Miss Alphina in a crisis."

"Hmm. Even from your perspective, that's the issue. ...Indeed, he's a good boy, but..."

Prince Duke, crossing his arms, sighed deeply. His expression was incredibly gentle.

Eliza couldn't help but relax her cheeks.

"You care deeply for your brother."

The prince raised an eyebrow and showed a teasing smile.

"Of course. When he was young, he was very timid and shy, always hiding behind me. I found it amusing and often provided him with hiding places."

"Hehe, hide-and-seek is fun, isn't it?"

"Yes, it was. It was fun. But, I think he realized that he couldn't go on like that. He said he wanted to be a good support for me and worked hard on various things."

He paused for a moment.

Prince Duke looked somewhere far away.

"He's my precious and only younger brother. I want him to be happy. But, our mother and aunt don't get along."

"...... What?"

The sudden change of topic made her speak out, but the prince continued without hesitation.

"To be precise, my aunt unilaterally dislikes my mother. For some reason, like she surpassed her in grades or received more attention than my aunt during their school days."

"That's......"

"My mother and father have no idea what triggered this. They tried to improve the relationship, but all they got were angry outbursts that made no sense, so they eventually gave up."

"...... I can understand how you feel."

"Thank you. I sympathize with my mother too. But, the fact that she gave up has also caused harm."

He sighed deeply this time.

"Four years ago, a tea party was held to find a fiancée for me. I'm sure Miss Scozzard was there as a countess's daughter."

"Yes, I remember it."

"At that time, Julius was apparently peeking at the venue secretly. His guard knight told me that he was very curious about who would become my fiancée."

He turned his face to the window, with a gentle and somewhat sad smile.

"That's where he fell in love for the first time. His guard knight and maid recognized it immediately. The object of his affection was a particularly petite girl with pale blonde hair that seemed to glow in the sun and blue eyes."

Eliza understood. No, it was hard not to understand. If she didn't, it would mean she had no heart or the ability to listen to others.

Prince Julius had fallen in love with Alphina at first sight. Four years ago. At that tea party. And,

"Could it be that his feelings haven't changed since then?"

Eliza's question, filled with certainty, made Prince Duke smile at her.

"Is he devoted?"

"Yes."

"Has your opinion of him improved?"

There was no reason to deny it. Eliza nodded.

"To continue loving someone from a distance for four years, even after they became engaged to someone else... Such people exist not only in stories but in reality as well."

"Indeed. I am amazed by his patience and the depth of his love. That's why I regret my own mistake."

Prince Duke placed his elbows on his knees. Leaning forward, he intertwined his fingers.

"At that time... When I learned of Julius's love, I should have immediately secured Miss Bayliss as one of my fiancée candidates along with other suitable young ladies. If I had done that, I could have found any reason to bring Julius and Miss Bayliss together later."

His voice grew lower. His shoulders began to tremble slightly, though his face was hidden.

"Because I was a step too late, my aunt made Miss Bayliss her son's fiancée. She must have thought that if she hurt Julius by taking away his first love, my mother would be upset..."

Prince Duke, who had thrown his upper body back on the sofa, his attitude, words, and content of his speech were so shocking that Eliza's thoughts came to a halt. And while her thoughts were halted, the prince's revelations continued.

"It would have been better if my cousin treated Miss Bayliss well! If he were a man Julius could trust with the one he loved! But, this is the result! My aunt and cousin are treating her coldly together! My uncle is ignoring it! Because of this, Julius is depressed, and my mother, seeing him, feels guilty and is also depressed, and my aunt, seeing this, is in a good mood! What a joke, that damn old woman!"

"Your Highness, your words are becoming inappropriate."

It was then that the maid, who had been waiting by the entrance, spoke in a calm voice that matched her expression.

"This is not your private room, Your Highness. Please refrain from careless remarks."

"Be quiet, Maris!"

"Who else will say it if not me, as your educator? And, Your Highness, have you forgotten the young lady in front of you?"

At that moment, Eliza finally came to her senses.

At the same time, it seemed that Prince Duke had also regained his composure. He opened his eyes in surprise, jumped up, and then, after a moment, met Eliza's gaze and looked away.

"Excuse me."

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

Eliza was overwhelmed by the shock and the sheer amount of it, but the most pressing issue was this. She took a deep breath and spoke.

"So, Miss Alphina was a victim of harassment, right?"

"Yes. I'm sorry. As your friend, you have the right to blame me."

That's not it.

"Prince Duke, I'm not that stupid."

Surprised, the prince turned his gaze back to her, and Eliza smiled at him.

"The fault lies with the duke and duchess, who neglected Miss Alphina's feelings, and their son. I will direct my anger only at these three."

"But, I—"

"You just lost to the duchess in a political battle, didn't you? It was just a lack of experience and preparation. There's no other way to say it but, 'Please try harder not to make the same mistake again.'"

"Ugh..."

"Miss Scozzard, as a dedicated maid and one of your educators, I value your valuable and harsh opinion."

"...... Ah! No, that is, ... I just..."

Realizing she had spoken out of turn when the maid bowed deeply, it was too late. Resigned, Eliza bowed deeply to Prince Duke.

"I overstepped. Please forgive me."

"...... No, Miss Scozzard, you didn't say anything wrong. Please look up."

When she cautiously looked up, Prince Duke was smiling wryly.

"I'm not petty enough to get angry at just the truth. Don't worry. ...Let's get back to the topic."

He took a deep breath and continued as if nothing had happened.

"I tried various ways to change my cousin's attitude towards Miss Bayliss, but nothing changed for four years. Then, I received information that my cousin was trying to break off the engagement with Miss Bayliss."

"So, you came here for that reason?"

"Yes. I was invited, but I asked my father to talk to my aunt, saying, 'It's time for Julius to learn about high-ranking noble parties.' We managed to get in together."

A coldness mixed with the prince's smile.

"My aunt seemed to want to hurt Julius by showing him Miss Bayliss and my cousin together. My cousin's foolish actions were apparently unexpected. Being thrown by a frail young lady and making a fool of himself. As a result, the main character of the evening is now lying in bed. Serves him right."

"Your Highness, your words—"

"Maris, please be quiet for a while. I'll listen to your lecture when we get back."

"As you wish."

"Anyway, that's the situation on our side."

Prince Duke straightened his back and focused his gaze. He looked directly at Eliza.

"Again, I want to personally thank Miss Scozzard. Thank you for hitting that incompetent man! I've always hated him for looking down on Julius!"

"R-Really, it's a very personal reason..."

"Do you mind? If you do, I can invite you to the palace and give you a reward."

"Please don't. It's too much. I feel honored, but I can't accept it. I don't want to cause resentment among others."

"Understood. Then, please accept it here. ...Still, I can't believe he lost to such a delicate arm... And that terrified face at the end. Haha... It's been a long time since I felt so relieved!"

(—Ah)

Prince Duke's full smile was completely that of a mischievous child. Perhaps because of that, the facts and impressions suddenly made sense.

(That laughter, it was him.)

The owner of the hidden laughter