Chapter 35

After the incident with Lord Dennis, we stayed at the inn we had reserved in Milanchetta and prepared for the evening.

The inn where Misha and I were staying was for the nobility.

In the neatly arranged lobby of the inn, we welcomed Lord Ash.

The knights guarding us were waiting a little distance away.

"Lord Ash"

"Angeline"

We sat facing each other on the sofas in a secluded part of the lobby. Misha was next to me, and Lord Ash was across from us, separated by a wooden table.

"Once again, it's been a long time, Lord Ash."

"Yes, it has been a while, Angeline."

I visit Baltsline every time there's a long break from the academy. I think I have contributed to Baltsline by completing the road construction and the inn town in this Milanchetta viscount's territory. Hehe.

"Thank you for handling the matter with Lord Dennis."

"No, when I heard you were in danger, I couldn't sit still. I'm relieved you're safe."

"Lord Ash"

"Of course, Miss Trimer is also safe, and that's a relief."

"Thank you, my lord."

"Are the Baltsline knights unharmed?"

"Yes, they are fine as well."

"That's good."

For now, all my acquaintances are safe. Just knowing that brings some peace of mind. However,

"Was it that Lord Dennis didn't actually intend to harm us?"

"He didn't have any weapons. Moreover, it seems he didn't even bring any guards.

He is the son of the prime minister, isn't he? I find it quite careless."

"Without any guards, he came here... to confess to Misha."

"Yes, that seems to be the case."

Well, that's quite something. Depending on how you look at it, it's a passionate story.

If he had shown that passion a few years ago, Misha might have considered it.

"Who sent the message to Baltsline?"

"Anonymously. I have the letter here, but is it in a script you and Misha recognize?"

Lord Ash took out a letter and handed it to us. Misha and I read it, but

"It's not the handwriting of any of our acquaintances. It feels like it's from a man."

"I don't recognize the sender either. It doesn't mention me, but it's concerned about Lady Angeline's safety."

"Yes, it doesn't seem to be worried about Miss Trimer. The sender must have had some basis for their concern. From the looks of it, it might have been a misunderstanding... or a misinterpretation that led to the letter being written in a hurry."

"Lord Dennis's state of mind?"

From what we could see, he looked exhausted.

Misha and I don't know what happened to him, but

"Did he say anything after that, my lord?"

"He did say something."

"What did he say?"

When I asked, Lord Ash answered with a puzzled expression.

"'If we hadn't started over, Misha would have liked me!' He was sobbing and pleading. He said it would have been better if they hadn't started over."

"...What?"

If they hadn't started over.

Hmm? What does that mean? He wanted to start over with Misha.

But, they hadn't even reached a point where they needed to start over. Hmm?

We could only tilt our heads in confusion.

"I don't quite understand."

"Yes, we didn't understand either... but he seemed desperate.

Perhaps something else happened, and he was exhausted, so he wanted to cling to her.

He also said, 'Nothing is going well.'

...He seemed like a man who had failed at gambling or drinking. It was pitiful."

"Ha..."

Even if Misha understood the feeling of wanting to cling to a lover in times of trouble, it's different when it's someone who isn't a lover.

"I can somewhat understand the feeling of wanting to cling to a lover in times of trouble, but not to someone who isn't a lover."

"Exactly. ...Did he have no one else to cling to?

I don't know much, but his classmates? Whether he has any connections with women..."

I haven't heard that Lord Dennis has been favored by Prince Leonhardt's close aides.

Even now, in the summer of his second year.

In that case, he might not have been seen as a promising candidate by the young ladies.

No one seemed to be interested in him.

To become a civil servant in the royal palace, one must pass the recruitment exam.

It's not a position where family influence can force entry.

Given the grades posted, he should have had a good chance.

As the son of the prime minister, if he became a royal palace official, he would be considered a successful man.

Even if he didn't become the 'future prime minister,' he should have been in demand.

"...I haven't heard good things about Lord Dennis."

"Really? Misha."

"Yes. I don't have accurate information, just rumors among the students.

He doesn't make friends and studies tirelessly. Some say he's almost obsessive.

He doesn't seem to have much composure, and people say, 'If he continues like this, he'll struggle even as a civil servant.'"

"Indeed."

To study so seriously and achieve those grades.

I've also worked hard and studied seriously.

If that's the case, I shouldn't be complacent either.

Being the top student in the class, I must continue to strive without becoming arrogant.

...Oh.

"Ah"

"What is it, Angeline?"

"From the unusual state of Lord Dennis, the sender of the letter might have thought he would 'harm me' based on his academic performance."

"Academic performance? You were the top student. ...Ah, I see. He might have been jealous and thought you would do something?"

"Yes. If someone was observing Lord Dennis's usual behavior,

they might have thought he was dangerous and reported it."

"I see. But in the end, he just wanted a woman to comfort him and save him from his current situation."

"That might be the case."

Regardless, it's still a nuisance for Misha.

One might wonder why he couldn't turn to any other woman.

"...What will be done with him next?"

"Hmm. Since he didn't have harmful intentions, and he's unstable, I plan to contact the Caldwell family.

For now, the knights are letting him vent. It's more about letting him release his pent-up feelings than an interrogation."

"I see. The knights can handle it, so you can leave it to them?"

"Yes. While it's not the same as talking to a woman, venting to someone of the same gender can also reduce stress.

Surprisingly, once he vents, he might feel a weight lifted."

"I hope so."

Phew. It was a sudden and confusing situation.

"For now, let's leave Lord Dennis to you."

"Yes."

Let's put him aside for now.

"Shall we talk about tomorrow, Lord Ash?"

"Yes, that's right. Angeline."

We are guests, but we are also investors who wish for the development of this town.

Tomorrow, we plan to meet with the Viscount of Milanchetta to discuss the new town.

After that, we will... attend the festival.

◇◆◇

The next day.

We met with the Viscount of Milanchetta in the morning.

The viscount welcomed us warmly.

He seems very happy that the inn town and the road, which are the highlights of his territory, are now complete.

If he's happy, then we are too.

The viscount then gave us a tour of the entire town.

The streets were gradually becoming busier and were already bustling with activity.

"...If we ride a horse, we can reach the capital in two days."

"Two days is a bit much. The horses would be too pitiful, Lord Ash."

Indeed, the road is connected, and the journey has been significantly shortened.

But two days is an exaggeration. Even if Lord Ash's stamina holds, the horses would collapse.

"The stalls on the streets will start operating in the evening. And when it gets dark..."

"Is there something special?"

The Viscount of Milanchetta looked at us proudly and announced,

"Yes. We have prepared 'magic fireworks.'"

"Magic fireworks!"

They are items that are launched into the sky and emit a large light.

They are often used in festival-loving territories.

It seems the Viscount of Milanchetta is a festival enthusiast.

"That's wonderful."

"Thank you. Princess Steizen. We have also prepared a special seating area for you, your family, and your servants. How about it?"

"Hmm. A special seating area? I don't want to be treated too specially."

"What are you saying? It's all thanks to you two that this town and this place exist. Ah!"

"What is it, Viscount?"

"I was wondering what to name the town and wanted to hear your opinions."

"The name of the town?"

The viscount and I exchanged glances.

Milanchetta is the name of the entire territory, not just the town.

So, it makes sense to ask us for a name.

"...Angeline"

"Yes?"

"No, 'Angeline Town.'"

"Please don't! That's embarrassing!"

As is! It's too embarrassing!

"Haha. You two have a good relationship."

"...Yes, that's true."

Lord Ash can sometimes be too straightforward. It's a bit of a problem.

"We plan to hold the festival at the same time every year if this year's festival is successful.

If it becomes a good memory for you two... it will give us a reason to continue the festival in the future."

"Every year?"

"That would be wonderful. Then... can I take you up on your offer? Oh, can my family join us in the special seating area?"

"Of course. We can also confirm the security arrangements with you."

"Understood. I'll check on that."

Then,

As evening approached, Milanchetta became lively.

There were people who had come from far away, and many who had rushed over after hearing the rumors from nearby areas.

It was a true festival atmosphere.

While the Viscount of Milanchetta worked the hardest, thinking about it, this scene was only possible because of the bond between Lord Ash and me.

"...It's quite moving."

"Yes, Lord Ash."

After looking around the stalls, Lord Ash and I moved to the special seating area early.

We met up with Aria and the others along the way... but they couldn't stay still in the festival atmosphere.

Elk went off to explore the stalls early.

They plan to come here when the magic fireworks start, but I wonder if they'll make it on time?

"Hehe..."

The guards were a little distance away. The special seating area was on a high platform overlooking the town.

Misha was a bit away, perhaps to give us space.

I thought it would be nice if Misha could come with her beloved next year or the year after.

"What is it, Angeline?"

"No, it's just... being here with you, Lord Ash, feels like a miracle."

Reflecting on it,

I'm truly glad the engagement with Prince Leonhardt was called off.

Without that incident and the royal family's suppression, I might not have taken action on my own.

I might not have properly learned about Baltsline.

I could have become a queen who only judged things on paper in the capital, without knowing the actual 'people.'

I'm glad that didn't happen.

And... to be connected with someone I truly admire.

I'm truly glad.

I don't have any regrets like Lord Dennis.

This time, this moment, is the most brilliant for me.

"Angeline. I also feel like meeting you was a miracle."

"Ah, Lord Ash"

That's because you're so straightforward!

We haven't even kissed yet, so our relationship is still pure.

I feel like Lord Ash is drawing a line, perhaps out of adult composure or pride.

I'm just a student now, but... I am his fiancée.

I try to be virtuous, but your straightforwardness is too much.

"Lord Ash. Please call me... 'Ange.'"

"...Ange?"

"Yes, it's a nickname."

"Ah, okay. Then, should I... shorten it?"

"Hehe. I'll continue to call you Lord Ash."

"I see. Hmm. It feels like a waste. A longer name would have been better?"

Because you want a nickname? Hehe. That's not bad.

Yes, if we name our children in the future.

"Then... Ange."

"Yes, Lord Ash."

"Once again, thank you for everything up to today. And let's continue to walk together from now on."

"...Yes, Lord Ash."

It's almost like a proposal.

And then, at that moment,

– Boom!

The sound of the magic fireworks began.

It was just getting dark.

The night sky was filled with sparkling magic lights of various colors.

"...Beautiful."

"Yes, it's beautiful."

Perhaps because the area around us was cleared, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.

I was captivated by the fireworks and turned to look at him.

"Lord Ash"

"What is it, Angeline, no... Ange?"

"Hehe. Just a little, please excuse me."

I leaned into his strong body and gently pulled him closer.

"–!"

Then,

I lightly touched his lips and pulled away.

"...Wh-What, Ange...?"

"Hehe. Because, Lord Ash. If I don't take the initiative, you'll make me suffer in the future!"

It's embarrassing, but also exciting. This is how I feel.

This is Angeline Steizen's love.

"Ange. You need to realize your own charm..."

"Really?"

Lord Ash said it as if he couldn't hold back.

Does he see me as a charming woman?

I hope so. I truly hope so.

And so, we spent the night in Milanchetta together.