Chapter 44

It has been exactly a week since I arrived in the capital. I finally decided to leave the capital tomorrow, as I am starting to worry about my territory. I can finally go home.

Patrick left early in the morning, saying he had something to do. Ever since he went to the church, he has been going out more frequently without telling me where he is going. Could it be...

"Cheating?"

"It's impossible."

My unfounded speculations, known for being off the mark, were bluntly denied by Rita. Well, that’s not the case. Patrick and I are a loving couple... no, that’s not quite right, but if it’s not true, it’s not true.

"Well, it’s not, though I have no evidence."

"Lady Yumiera, you should be aware of how much you are loved."

What is that, embarrassing. Even if you say it with a straight face, it just makes me feel awkward. I love you, I love you, how awkward. I can’t feel anything but awkwardness. Hehe.

My facial muscles are dead, so I am always expressionless. Staring at my void face, Rita says,

"Oh, so this is the smile Lord Patrick was talking about. I have seen something truly blessed."

"...I’m not making that face."

"Yes, you’re not. I swear on my life, Lady Yumiera."

Is she misunderstanding loyalty? I think her life and loyalty to her master are completely unrelated. I wish she wouldn’t get that wrong.

"Rita, your life is yours, so don’t say you’ll bet it so easily."

"That... to be cared for by Lady Yumiera like this... I am so fortunate."

Rita is moved to the point of trembling. To be so moved by Rita... who am I?

It’s a bit too late to be called noon, and the entrance of the mansion is getting noisy.

The noise grows louder, and I am certain who has arrived. I would bet my life on it.

◆ ◆ ◆

I feel like a boomerang has pierced the back of my head, but that’s beside the point. I am being taken to the Duke’s residence and dressed in a dress.

"Look! It fits perfectly!"

"Why do I need a dress? You said it was for dinner."

"Parties are usually attended in dresses, you know?"

A party? I thought Elenora invited me for a meal. Why is it a party now?

The black dress I was forced into is hard to move in, and one shoulder is exposed, making me want to take it off immediately. However, even I, who am more civilized than a caveman, wouldn’t take off something I’m wearing just because it’s in the way.

"I didn’t hear about going to a party."

"Was that so? But it’s the same, you can eat!"

I forgot. She’s the type who can turn an invitation to church by a cardinal into a casual outing. I should have asked for more details instead of just thinking it was a simple meal.

I shouldn’t have come with such a casual attitude, thinking I might hear something about the Duke.

Whether it’s a formal dinner or a cocktail party, I won’t feel like I’ve eaten. Meals should be more free than that.

Elenora looks me up and down from head to toe and says with a beaming smile,

"Beautiful! Black suits you, Lady Yumiera!"

"...Ah, thank you."

She’s being serious. She doesn’t care about the deep-seated prejudice against black hair in this country and genuinely thinks the black of my hair and dress complement each other.

If it makes her happy, maybe it’s worth attending a party I don’t like, just this once.

"Where is the party being held?"

"Here! It’s a party hosted by my father. Members of my father’s faction will be gathered here."

Isn’t that a radical gathering? I take back my previous statement; I don’t want to go.

The dance hall of the Hillrose family, which boasts a large area second only to the royal palace and the academy, is smaller than I imagined. It’s only smaller than I thought, but not many nobles own such a hall.

Everything from the tables to the doorknobs is clearly expensive and well-polished, exuding a refined luster.

"Don’t worry, I’m with you!"

I’m not nervous, just exhausted. After being dressed in a dress, I was made up and had my hair braided, which left me with almost no energy. The high heels are also difficult to walk in.

Elenora, who is next to me, must have gone through the same process, but why is she so energetic? She’s probably used to wearing dresses regularly.

"Will the Duke be here? Since I was invited, I should at least greet him..."

"He’s not here."

"Eh? I thought I was invited by the Duke of Hillrose."

"I invited you! My father said I could bring as many friends as I wanted."

So the Duke of Hillrose doesn’t know I’m here. Is that okay?

When I asked Elenora for more details, it seems the Duke himself rarely attends the regular gatherings of the radicals.

She puffed out her chest and said proudly,

"So I’m the host. The one who will become the consort of Lord Edwin should be able to handle such arrangements."

"Hmm, what did Lady Elenora do?"

"I approved the butler’s suggestions!"

Isn’t that the same as doing nothing? The butler of the Duke’s household must have a tough job... no, it might be more trouble to leave the work to her.

There were about fifty people in the hall, the heads of noble families and their families who support the Duke. They were surprised to see me appear without warning.

As everyone watched us from a distance, a man approached. No, no, I’m here for the colorful food on the table. I have no intention of chatting with an unknown uncle.

"Miss Elenora, thank you for inviting me again today. Is this young lady a new acquaintance?"

"She’s my friend, Lady Yumiera!"

What a pretense, it’s obvious from my hair. He’s trying to smile, but he can’t hide his sly grin.

Interrupting Elenora, who was about to say something, he latched onto me.

"Nice to meet you, Lady Darkness. I am Arkleton, a baron like yourself."

"Nice to meet you."

"Your attendance at today’s meeting means you are joining the Duke’s protection, correct?"

"Not at all."

As expected, he thought I had switched sides to the radicals. If that were the case, he would have reason to smile. The plan to make Prince Edwin the next king would become more solid.

When I denied it, he said suspiciously,

"Then why are you here?"

"...Because I was invited by a friend. There’s no other reason."

"I see, you came to see Miss Elenora today. Let’s leave it at that."

He read a non-existent intention into my actions, which only added to the misunderstanding. I have a bad feeling about this.

My bad feeling was right, as Elenora, who was next to me, grabbed my hand with both of hers.

"Lady Yumiera! You just called me a friend! It’s the first time you’ve said that to me!"

"Alright, I understand, let go. Look, Lady Elenora, you need to greet everyone. This is a Hillrose party."

"That’s right! I’ll be off then!"

She ran off to the other participants with a big smile. Good, one down.

Next, I need to make it clear that I have no intention of joining the Duke’s faction.

The man in front of me looked down at Elenora’s retreating figure and said without paying attention to me.

"You seem to be having a hard time. That girl is a bit lacking in the head, but it’s good for us that she’s easy to manipulate."

I was about to retort to his disparaging words about Elenora, but am I not guilty of the same thing?

After all, I just talked her into leaving. What’s the difference between me and those who manipulate her to attack the prince?

I’ve avoided a deep relationship with her because she’s the Duke’s daughter, but maybe I should take her seriously.

But first, the man in front of me. He continued to speak without noticing my expression.

"Prince Edwin is the most suitable next king. It seems you have come to realize that, Lady Darkness, which is a relief."

"Prince Edwin doesn’t seem to have that intention. He said he has no plans to inherit the throne."

"That’s just for show. He desires the throne in his heart. Considering that is what a loyal subject should do."

What a bad kind of consideration. Does he really believe Prince Edwin is after the throne, or is he just promoting him despite knowing his lack of ambition?

I can’t tell which, but it’s clear he has no loyalty. The proof is that he’s already predicting future positions. The current king’s supporters in important positions will be removed, and the Duke’s faction will be appointed to ministerial positions. That’s his clear goal.

Unaware of my disenchanted gaze, he spoke confidently.

"Most importantly, Prince Edwin defeated the Demon King. As a noble, one must take up arms in times of national crisis. Ultimately, it’s about military power. I’m sure you understand that, Lady Darkness?"

"That might be true."

I can’t completely deny it, as I’ve solved many difficulties with my strength.

But that’s not the point. I’m extremely strong, but I don’t think I’m a good noble or a good lord. The world is not just about military power. I’m the proof.

"If you believe strength is everything, why not decide greatness by level? What’s your level?"

"Well, I... I’m not good at combat..."

"Then you’ll remain a minor noble."

"What! I’m talking about the king, who defeated the Demon King, Prince Edwin! Is there a noble who can surpass Prince Edwin?"

I’m here. I also defeated the Demon King.

I thought he understood that much. It’s pointless to continue this conversation. I’ll end it here.

"I’m here. If you’re talking about ruling the kingdom with military power, don’t forget I exist. I won’t stop you from advancing, but if my surroundings are threatened, I’ll deal with you with all my might."

"That... I have no intention of confronting you, Lady."

"Good, then I’ll watch from the sidelines. Please do as you please."

I turned my back on him and walked through the hall. The nobles who had been watching the scene avoided me, and a path opened up in the hall.

I hope this will cool down the radicals a bit, but I doubt it will have much of an effect. After all, the second prince’s faction is rebelling against the king and the crown prince. My stance won’t change the situation.

I came here for dinner, so how did it end up like this? I should at least eat while I can. It’s free, after all.

Just as I was thinking about getting a drink, I saw Elenora.

Elenora was talking to a few girls of her age, whom I recognized from the academy. They were the ones who used to dominate the school as Elenora’s entourage.

"This is your chance, when Prince Edwin becomes king and Lady Elenora becomes queen... it will be wonderful."

"But Father and Lady Yumiera said it’s better to give up."

"They’re just sad about Lady Elenora getting married. They’ll be happy to bless you once you’re married."

"Is that so? But I..."

Surrounded by a few young ladies, Elenora seemed about to change her mind. Seeing this, they twisted their mouths in satisfaction.

"You’re just one step away from marrying Prince Edwin."

"Really? If I marry Lord Edwin..."

At the academy, Elenora was always surrounded by people. She’s still at the center of her peers. But how many of them are truly her allies? Despite appearing to be the opposite of me, Elenora might be just as alone as I was in the past.

The face of Duke Hillrose from yesterday came to mind. It wasn’t a bad face, but a gentle smile when he entrusted Elenora to me at the end.

No, you’re not involved. I will face Elenora on my own terms.

"Lady Elenora, don’t you think it’s good to take the initiative sometimes?"

"Eh? Lady Yumiera?"

Before I knew it, I was already pulling Elenora’s hand and walking. Her entourage stared at us in confusion, not understanding what was happening.

We ran out of the hall and down the corridor. Elenora, who was being dragged along, was noisy but didn’t resist.

"Hey! Where are we going?"

"Who knows? I haven’t decided. Anywhere is fine as long as we can eat."

Elenora walks so slowly. She’s about to fall because she’s trying to keep up with my pace. That’s what happens when you wear those impractical shoes.

Without giving her a choice, I picked her up.

"Ah! No, I have Lord Edwin..."

What is she misunderstanding? She’s blushing and saying this. Being carried princess-style is that embarrassing? At least it’s better than piggyback.

We ran through the streets of the capital, and I threw off my heels. I also find it hard to walk in heels... should I take them off?

I ran barefoot. Bring it on, any pebbles that want to hurt my feet.

"Lady Yumiera, you’re so forceful."

"You’re pretty forceful yourself, Lady Elenora. Let’s just go into a random restaurant."

We ran through the noble district and ended up in the commoner district. The dimly lit streets had a few lights from shops. Even the streets with many restaurants weren’t particularly bright.

I put Elenora down in front of a stylish restaurant I would never normally enter or be allowed to enter.

"Is this... kidnapping?"

"Just going to eat with a friend."

"Friends usually do this, I didn’t know."

What do friends usually do? I can’t comment on that because I don’t have many friends.

Shall we go in? I put my hand on the door.

The waiter was a bit flustered when he saw us but served us politely.

Looking around the restaurant, it was more luxurious than I expected. It wouldn’t be strange for nobles to use it.

But there was not a single guest in a dress, and of course, no one was barefoot.

After observing the surroundings, Elenora said cheerfully,

"Beautiful! There’s a charm to these simple places."

What is simple? If this is simple, what would my favorite place in the capital be?

◆ ◆ ◆

After dinner, Elenora sighed contentedly.

"Delicious! The ingredients weren’t the best, but the creativity made it fun to eat."

"...Yes."

I should say something about the taste... it was really delicious.

But the food is not the main issue. While sipping my tea to buy time, I thought about a problem.

Money, what to do.

I usually carry enough money to pay for places like this, but I’m broke now. I left my money with my clothes when I changed into the dress.

That’s why dresses are bad. The lack of pockets is a flaw in the design.

I looked at Elenora, who probably doesn’t have money either. She was wearing a necklace with a large gem... could that cover the bill?

"Lady Yumiera? What’s wrong?"

Maybe it will just cause trouble for the shop, but I have no other choice. I stared at Elenora’s chest while thinking.

Then I heard a familiar voice from the side.

"What are you doing?"

"Patrick!"

Great, the wallet is here!

So he saw us from outside the window. He must have been passing by and happened to see me. What a stroke of luck.

"I’m glad you’re here."

"Why are you barefoot? What happened to your shoes?"

"I took them off because they were in the way."

"Are you a child? ...Ah, never mind."

Patrick sighed deeply. Then he picked me up.

Wait, this is embarrassing. Piggyback would be better... sorry, that’s a lie.

"Miss Elenora, let’s go. A carriage from the Duke’s household is waiting outside."

"You both look great! I was going to be carried by Lord Edwin... Ah! Lord Edwin turned into Lady Yumiera! Get out of my head."

I interrupted Elenora’s princess-carry fantasy. Patrick looked at me with a “what did you do this time” expression.

Elenora bowed to me as we got into the carriage. I was still being carried by Patrick, so it felt awkward.

"Thank you, I had a great time!"

"I’m glad to hear that."

"Lady Yumiera, will you take me out again?"

"...If the opportunity arises, sure."

It might be good to do this once in a while. Maybe once every four years.

After seeing Elenora off, we headed back. He still hasn’t put me down, so I’m still being carried. With fewer people around, there’s no need to hide my face. I lifted my face from his chest and looked up at the night sky.

"Hey, Patrick."

"What is it?"

"I think I made a friend."

Looking into Patrick’s beautiful eyes, which are as beautiful as the stars in the sky, I pressed my nose against his chest again.

A gentle voice entered my right ear, which was now facing up.

"I see."

The capital ends here.

Next, we might return to the territory and do some internal affairs?