Chapter 99

The day after being captivated by the mature charm of the Empress Dowager, the Balmonk family was informed that they would be returning to their country before the birthday festival.

Well, even though there were suspicions, it seems that it's not right to detain a noble family from a neighboring country indefinitely. To be honest, I thought, "Oh, really?" and didn't really care, but I shouldn't think that way about guests, right?

I didn't even think, "It's about time they left," or anything like that.

Actually, thinking they were still here was a secret.

There are various things that feel off, you know. The lady who used to drink a lot suddenly stopped drinking, and the brainy princess seems to have become much quieter...

Of course, it's better for her health to stop drinking from morning till night. And it's a relief for me that the brainy princess is quieter... It would be troublesome if she started talking about lovers again, right?

Still, when sober, that lady had a strange aura of authority. I saw her from a distance, and she seemed more noble than the Duke himself.

She apparently had a tea party with the Empress recently. Could it be that when sober, she's more capable than the Duke? No way! I was just surprised to see her sober after seeing her drunk all the time.

Anyway, it's a relief that they're leaving before the birthday festival.

"Huh?"

"Christopher."

"Welcome. What brings you here at this hour?"

"A message from the Duke."

Of course, the main event of the birthday festival is the Crown Prince, but as a princess, Primera has her role, so I, as her maid, have work to do.

So, even though it's late, I was finishing up my work when Christopher came.

By the way, I was also thinking about the words to invite Aldar to the New Year's festival.

You know, inviting someone takes a lot of courage. Why can the popular people do it so easily... and why can't I? There's such a gap that I feel like I could write a thesis on it.

I couldn't help but smile when I saw Christopher peeking in with the door slightly open.

Hmm, he's still so androgynous and cute! He's wearing casual clothes that are easy to move in today.

...By the way, there was something about him in Murietta's 'prophecy.' Aldar said it was better not to ask.

Seeing him in front of me, I still don't think Christopher is a dangerous person. What does Murietta know about him?

Is Christopher, like Eren, somehow connected to Murietta?

But I haven't heard much about his past, though I've heard that he has been with the Chancellor for a long time.

(Should I ask him directly? But if Aldar said it's better not to get involved...)

"Are you free now?"

"Ah, yes, please come in."

"Okay."

He came in slowly and closed the door, still just a child.

What is it about a child with a beautiful, pale face? He certainly stands out, but... but he doesn't seem to be a topic of conversation. I think he could be known as the Chancellor's cute child.

Well, that's probably because he works in low-profile positions due to his low status.

Hmm, I might be overthinking this.

"So, what's the message from the Chancellor?"

"A message... If the Princess is to be reprimanded for the slander and defamation by the hero and his daughter, should the appropriate measures be taken... He said to get an oral response."

"..."

Hmm. Slander and defamation.

Indeed, if it doesn't reach the ears of important people, it's just foolish talk, but calling the Princess 'fat' or 'bad-tempered'—if you're a gamer, you might understand that it's a fact in the game, but in this world, it's just slander.

Moreover, in reality, Primera is as pure and beautiful as an angel, and also a lovely and beautiful girl. What else could it be called but slander?

It could be considered defamation, insult, and a stain on the royal family's dignity, but... because I know the [Game], I can also see that the slander suggests the possibility that Murietta was a player...

Honestly, I wasn't that angry.

But if the suddenly powerful adventurer and his daughter were under surveillance, it's reasonable to assume that the slander was known. In fact, it should be assumed that it was known.

(But...)

I thought for a moment and then looked at Christopher.

He doesn't seem to have any particular thoughts. His beautiful golden eyes show no emotion; he's just waiting quietly for my response.

"Christopher, please tell the Chancellor that the answer is no."

"Reason?"

"If we seek reprimand, the source of the slander will be discussed. If it's known that a maid from the outer palace is the source, her position will be lost, and it's also important to avoid revealing the internal affairs of the country that was monitoring the adventurer and his daughter."

"..."

"Also, I believe... the birthday festival party is the opportunity for the Princess to meet them, and they will likely realize their mistake then."

"Understood."

Christopher nodded, but I still couldn't see any emotion on his face.

Hmm, is this how I was at his age? No, I probably looked more ridiculous. Well, I need to work harder...

"I'll go now."

"Eh, a... wait, Christopher!"

I called out to Christopher, who turned around with a curious look.

What should I do?

Should I ask?

But what should I say?

Do you know Murietta?

He'll probably just say, "Of course, she's the hero's daughter."

Then, are you acquainted?

No, that's weird.

...Besides, is it even okay to ask?

If I ask, will I regret it... It's possible! After all, Aldar said it's better not to get involved!

Of course, Christopher serves the Duke's family, not the Chancellor.

It wouldn't be right to pry into the affairs of the Duke's servants, right? Right?

"Is something wrong?"

"Ah, no... um, would you like some hot milk? It's very cold today."

"Hot milk..."

I decided not to ask!

Yes, I should value peace and not get involved in anything unnecessary.

If something happens, I can just support Christopher as much as possible.

Still, when Christopher heard about the hot milk, he looked happy and came back... so cute!!

"I thought I'd add some honey to today's hot milk."

"Honey..."

"Yes, look, this one. It's the same color as Christopher's eyes."

They're golden and beautiful.

Oh, this honey is from the Nashanda Marquisate. It's delicious, so I sometimes order it.

Mettabon, worried about the dryness in winter, also made throat candies with honey and herbs. I wonder what he's aiming for... a versatile chef? No, I'm grateful for his help.

"Be careful, it's hot."

"Okay."

The beautiful young boy holding the mug with both hands, blowing on the hot milk...

Yes, there are many things that concern me, but I thought, "Cuteness is justice!"

Of course, I also gave him some of Mettabon's special honey candies as a souvenir when he left!!