Chapter 22

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It seems that Olivia's speculation about King Wilson's intentions was correct.

When Edward and Eugenia returned from King Wilson, they heard the reason for Eugenia's previous attitude. The king, who was convinced that the relationship between the siblings would return to the good old days, was very pleased. Afterward, Wilson announced that Edward had been recognized as the next king in the ceremony and declared the end of the selection ceremony.

"It's a relief that we didn't have to delay our return."

The royal couple, Edward and Elizabette, Eugenia and Enoch saw off the carriage carrying Olivia and Silas as they left the Filarusch castle. As the castle disappeared from view, Olivia lowered the carriage curtain halfway and said, Silas, stretching towards the ceiling of the carriage, nodded and said, "Exactly."

"If we had extended our stay, Father would have been noisy after we returned."

Silas laughed, thinking it would be troublesome to be grilled about the reasons for extending their stay.

"That's true. ... But even though we got involved, if the selection ceremony hadn't taken place, Prince Edward would still have misunderstood Princess Eugenia. In the end, it was for the best."

"Olivia, you're such a good person. ... Well, we repaid our debt to Prince Edward, and it seems he feels indebted to us for this. Still, it was surprising to see that Prince Edward loses his cool when it comes to family matters."

"I thought so too."

Edward was always seen as a calm and calculating prince. However, it seems he becomes blind when it comes to his fiancée. It was surprising, but it made him seem more human and likable.

However, it seems that Edward's way of thinking changed somewhat after this incident. He must have realized that just being a shield to protect Elizabette isn't enough to truly protect her. If Elizabette is to become the Crown Princess and later the Queen, she must not only be protected by a strong shield but also be recognized by those around her.

Elizabette, who also realized this, is apparently learning how to navigate the social scene from Eugenia. Since her family background doesn't help her, she must gain recognition through her own efforts, which will be a thorny path. However, she said she will gradually improve with the support of her husband and Eugenia.

She plans to start by firmly judging the Countess Moana Arnett. It takes courage to judge a woman she thought was a friend, but Elizabette, with her determined and strong eyes, said she wouldn't turn away or run.

"By the way, about our bet—"

As the carriage left the capital, Silas suddenly remembered and said. Olivia, who had completely forgotten about the bet with Silas, was startled and braced herself. They had been competing to see who would find the selection sword first—what would happen in this case?

(Silas was the first to notice the writing behind the portrait... so I lost, didn't I? What should I do!?)

If she lost, she would have to kiss Silas for more than five seconds and whisper "I love you." As Olivia turned pale and red, flustered, Silas chuckled.

"You noticed the library, and you also figured out King Wilson's true intentions... so I think you won the bet."

"Huh?" (Is that okay?)

Olivia, who had thought she lost, was surprised by the unexpected answer.

"When we get back, I'll give you the book you want, as promised."

"Really!?"

Even though she felt a bit guilty about being given the win, the thought of getting a book from Silas made her forget any qualms. When they return to Brioll, she would have to go to Silas's room and decide which book to take.

"By the time we return, it will be around the end of autumn. The engagement announcement is scheduled for the beginning of winter, right?"

"Yes, that's what I heard."

King Jules had mentioned that the engagement announcement for Olivia and Silas, as well as the announcement of Alan's renunciation of the Crown Prince position, would be made at the beginning of winter, after the gold smuggling issue was largely resolved. Olivia had heard that Queen Barbara would prepare her dress as an apology for the Alan incident.

(Once the engagement announcement is over... the wedding preparations will start immediately, right?)

Olivia is already seventeen. Royal weddings typically require at least a year of preparation, so the wedding preparations will begin immediately. However, since Olivia has already received the approval of Watteau for her education as a princess, her tasks will mainly involve arranging invitations and taking measurements for her dress. There won't be many significant changes.

"Now, finally, I can proudly walk with you as my fiancée."

"Walk with me... I remember you didn't like parties very much."

"Because I get surrounded. But now that you're here, it's different."

Before, Silas, without a fiancée, was the only unmarried prince in the country. The competition was fierce, and he would be immediately surrounded at parties, which he disliked. Now, he plans to attend various parties to show off Olivia.

"Saying 'my fiancée' sounds good. I want to tell everyone."

"R-Really...?"

Olivia imagined being introduced as "my fiancée" by Silas and suddenly felt embarrassed. Even without being introduced, the entire nobility would know once King Jules made the announcement. Yet, Silas wanted to introduce her verbally.

"That's right. ... I've always been envious of my brother. At least for this year's social season, I would be happy if you could accompany me."

Saying it that way is unfair. Knowing that Silas has always liked her, she can't refuse. When Olivia nodded, Silas smiled and moved to the seat next to her. He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. When she looked up hesitantly, he gave her a short, light kiss. When Olivia blushed and looked down, he kissed the top of her head.

"I won't break our engagement like my brother. You are mine for life, and I am yours for life."

For life—

Being told that so matter-of-factly made Olivia feel a bit ticklish and embarrassed, but also very excited. She realized she had fallen in love with Silas more than she thought.

(Saying "I love you"... I want to be able to say it naturally without feeling embarrassed.)

She wanted to be able to say it naturally without needing a bet. As she leaned into Silas, Olivia closed her eyes, thinking about this.

Thank you for reading!

This concludes the third chapter!

I plan to write the fourth chapter, but it will take some time to start!

Volumes 1-2 of this series are available from Shufu to Seikatsusha PASH! Books. The manga adaptation is currently serialized on MagComi and is also available on BookLive. Please check them out!

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☆November 13th Update☆

A new series has started!

☆While trying to avoid a bad ending, I was captured by the final boss (the demon king)☆

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9217hx/

If you're interested, please check it out!