Chapter 31

Standing in front of me were the Second Lady and Prouse.

"This is a surprise, Your Highness, to have you visit us today. My name is Hilde Duke de Orion, and this is my eldest son, Prouse Duke de Orion. If you would like, would you mind having a little chat with Prouse?"

It was the Second Lady and Prouse.

(Yes! This time, you guys made a good judgment. You usually don't read the room, but I have to admit, this time you did! Let's take advantage of this while we can...)

I retreated, being careful not to draw unnatural attention, using my divine eye to keep an eye on my back.

"Thank you for your kind words, but I'm afraid I have prior commitments today."

"Prior commitments? Really?"

"Yes, I came here to speak with Lord Rain, the eldest son of the Orion Duke's family, who is over there."

(Oh no, I can't run away now!)

With me being called out, I couldn't run away anymore.

The Second Lady and Prouse were also frozen in place.

"Then, I shall take my leave."

With that, she walked over to me, staring intently.

I stopped retreating and prepared to greet the princess properly. The onlookers watched in tense silence.

Finally, the princess stood before me.

"This is a surprise, Your Highness, to have you come all this way for someone like me. I am deeply honored."

I had already forgotten about maintaining appearances. Using all my knowledge from my previous life, I spoke formally and bowed deeply. My stomach, which had just settled, threatened to revolt again.

"Hehe, hello, Lord Rain. You don't need to be so formal. After all, I am your fiancée."

"Excuse me? What did you just say?"

What did she just say?

"Oh? I am your fiancée, your betrothed."

"..."

I froze. After a moment of silence, my father arrived.

"Your Highness, you look well."

"Lord Duke of Orion, you also look well."

"Did my son, Rain, do something to offend you?"

(No, you heard it, didn't you?)

I finally managed to complain inwardly.

"No, I was just surprised to hear that I am betrothed."

"Oh, oh, I see. I must have forgotten to mention it. Hahaha."

(Yes, doubt! You didn't say that! If my memory serves me right, you said it would be a surprise later.)

"So, what do you think of our Rain? He has loved books since he was a child and is very knowledgeable. But he's not a recluse; he often visits the town below the castle."

Father started to speak like a salesman.

"Oh, really? I have only just learned to read, so I am quite envious."

"Oh! That's wonderful!"

"Thank you. I would like to have a private conversation with Lord Rain. Could you arrange some time for us?"

"Oh! Of course! Anytime, if Lord Rain is agreeable."

"Thank you. Goodbye, then."

With that, she left.

"Phew, Rain, you didn't say anything. You're such a disappointment."

He was more amused than angry, grinning like a child who had just pulled off a prank.

"Phew, I was so nervous... Father, you should have told me earlier. If you had, I wouldn't have made such a fool of myself."

I had no idea the princess was my fiancée. I wish you would have told me.

"Still, you handled yourself well. Your manner of speaking was very proper. You truly live up to the title of the next Princess Almeria."

Princess Almeria was a very wise and excellent princess in this country. She started reading many books at the age of three and, as an adult, became involved in politics, improving many laws and leaving a legacy as a genius.

"Hmm..."

I said, but inside, I was not pleased. I don't want to be dominated by a smart woman.

"Anyway, it's good that the princess likes you. I was worried! What if she didn't like you?"

"Hmm, yes. By the way, Father, didn't you say I could choose the woman I like?"

"Is there someone you like?"

"No, there isn't."

He quickly shot me down.

"Well, at least I'm relieved. Enjoy yourself. Hahaha."

With that, he returned to his group.

I felt terrible. I wanted to go home.

Then, on the other side of the room, five girls were surrounding one girl, saying something.

It looked like they were laughing at something the girl did wrong.

This party is held annually, but it's not just for five-year-olds; children up to ten years old are also invited. Among the five, there were probably some ten-year-olds.

(Bullying? That's early. It's probably about their titles.)

The girl being bullied was wearing a dress that was clearly of lower quality compared to the others.

I had lived in the Duke's family for five years, so I was somewhat familiar with these things.

"What should I do..."

Honestly, I was very hesitant. Helping her now could make things worse. It's risky to intervene without knowing the situation.

There might be family politics involved.

So, I decided to go to Father and ask about the girl.

It turned out that she was the daughter of a very low-ranking noble, a knight, who didn't belong to any faction.

"Then, I'll go."

If she belonged to another faction, I should ignore her. But since she doesn't, it's fine to help her.

I should go. Should I go? I just decided to go. No, wait, I should go.

What am I doing? Honestly, I'm terrified. Memories from my past life are resurfacing. I can feel my heart pounding, and I'm getting dizzy.

"Phew, okay, let's go!"

Finally, I made up my mind and walked over.

I said,

"Y-You know, I don't really approve of bullying."

(Oh no, I messed up! I should have said something like, "If you don't mind, may I borrow this lady?")

Calling it bullying right away might make things worse.

Sure enough, one of the girls said,

"Oh? Who are you? Do you know who you're talking to?"

"I-I don't know..."

She seemed to be convinced that I was of a lower rank.

"Fine, this is Lady Minaria, the eldest daughter of the Littoun Marquess. She's not just anyone. By the way, the girl over there is the daughter of a knight."

I knew the latter. It was a bit random.

(Didn't you see the princess talking to me?)

I had no choice but to introduce myself.

"My name is Rain. I am the eldest son of the Orion Duke's family. Nice to meet you."

"O-Orion Duke's family!?"

She was shocked.

Later, I learned that there are three families in this country that you should never cross.

One is, of course, the royal family. No explanation needed.

The second is the Lirennott Duke's family, who have held the position of prime minister for generations and support the royal family.

The third is the Orion Duke's family, the largest and wealthiest among the nobles, with vast and fertile lands. Our territory doesn't border the sea, but a branch of the Orion family handles transportation there, transporting minerals and grains from our lands, generating a lot of money.

Of course, I was warned by my parents not to cross them.

"Ugh, t-today, I'll let it go! Let's go!"

"Y-Yes, ma'am!"

They left.

"Phew... I'm so tired."

I let out a long sigh and complained.

"A-Ah, um, t-that..."

She started speaking like Scunna when we first met.

"Phew, hello. My name is Rain Duke de Orion. May I ask for your name?"

"Y-Yes! My name is Prim Schvalier de Harbor! Nice to meet you!"

"U-Um, you seem very energetic. Could you please lower your voice a bit?"

She looked around, blushing. I was also embarrassed by the attention.

(Ah, this is nice. I feel a strong sense of familiarity.)

As a former victim of bullying, I feel a strong connection to someone being bullied, making it easier to talk to them.

"Would you like to have a chat in the garden?"

"Y-Yes, I would be delighted."

She said with a cute smile, blushing.