Chapter 8

I'm writing this in a rush.

I'm sorry for any typos or mistakes.

As usual, while taking Alteina to the entrance of the library, I saw three princes walking towards us from ahead, and I hid Alteina behind me.

"Hey, Yuen, good morning."

I slowly bowed my head in response to Prince Dylandal, the first prince and my close friend. I noticed that Alteina, who was behind me, clung to my back as if sticking to me.

"Hey, Yuen! There's a ghost of a young lady clinging to your back."

"Come on! That's not nice, Rias! It's not a ghost, it's a young lady!"

I don't want to show her if I can help it, but I can't avoid having her greet them.

"Alteina, please greet the princes."

At my words, Alteina reluctantly came out from behind me and bowed. I could tell the princes were taken aback.

"Oh, you're the youngest princess from Yuen, who has lost her voice. Nice to meet you."

At Prince Dylandal's words, Alteina raised her head and smiled wryly. At that moment, Lord Rias and Lord Fal stood in front of Alteina. Alteina, seemingly surprised, hid behind me again.

"Alteina."

When I called her, she pushed a piece of paper into my hand from behind. I was impressed by how fast she was writing and read the note.

'Because of me, the engagement talks have been canceled, so I can't face them.'

I see.

It's clear that Lord Rias and Lord Fal are smitten with Alteina and are trying to peek behind me to see her face.

"Then, Prince Dylandal, I will take Alteina to the library and head to the office."

As I bowed and tried to leave, Lord Rias grabbed my arm.

"There's no need to rush, right? Yuen, how about some tea? Your sister can join us too."

"Great idea, Rias!"

As they got excited, I looked at Alteina, who was staring at the library door, which was just a short distance away, with a sad expression. Alteina doesn't want tea; she wants to go to the library. I have to decline.

Just as I decided that, I was called again.

"Good morning, Princes and Yuen. Oh? Is Lady Alteina here too? The library is just a short distance away, but what's the matter?"

When Alteina heard the voice, she brightened up and smiled.

"By the way, Lady Alteina. Regarding the gift for the head chef you mentioned the other day, I think tea or hand cream would be appreciated."

This person is supposed to be the head librarian, but I've never seen him talk so much. Alteina moved away from me and wrote something in a notebook, which she handed to the head librarian.

"Is it homemade? Yes, I see. Then I'll gather the necessary books."

The head librarian, who is usually stern, must have become friends with Alteina at some point.

"Yuen, if you don't mind, I can escort Lady Alteina to the library. If you're worried, you can come with us."

Alteina handed me a notebook with a note: 'I became friends with Sir Shijal. Is that okay?'

It seems Alteina believes he has no ulterior motives, but can I trust him?

"Alteina says she's friends with the head librarian..."

"Yes, we're both bookworms, so we don't talk much once we start reading, but we're more like comrades."

If he doesn't interfere with Alteina's reading, it might be fine. It doesn't seem like he has any romantic interest in her.

"Then, please take care of Alteina within the bounds of friendship."

"Of course. Not many people know this, but there is a detection spell in the sacred royal library that immediately alerts the librarians if anyone tries to do anything improper or steal, so it's safe."

Hearing the head librarian's words, I had intended to assign a guard to protect Alteina from being distracted by her beauty, but now I feel it's not necessary to rush.

"The library has many blind spots, so I prioritize the safety of women. Please rest assured."

"Then, I'll leave Alteina in your hands."

"Leave it to me."

The head librarian casually extended his hand to Alteina, who took it without hesitation. I was impressed by his graceful escort.

"Hey! Yuen! Bring your sister back!"

"Right! We wanted to have tea together!"

As Lord Rias and Lord Fal complained, Prince Dylandal chuckled and said,

"She's scared because you two are being too pushy. If you force her to have tea now, your approval ratings might hit rock bottom! Don't you think so, Yuen?"

"You're right. They might already be at rock bottom."

I smiled at the princes.

"By the way, Alteina seems to like hardworking men, so if you show her that you're hardworking, your approval ratings will go up."

Lord Rias and Lord Fal looked at each other and started walking quickly.

"Aren't my brothers really cute?"

The remaining Prince Dylandal chuckled and said,

"Are they?"

"Sure, they are. They're cute when they're led around by you, Yuen."

"…I have cute sisters just by their existence."

Prince Dylandal laughed heartily.

"True. They're not as cute as your sisters."

Prince Dylandal laughed, holding his stomach, and I waited for him to calm down with a wry smile, patting his back.

Thank you for reading!