Chapter 11

"Lilith-sama… What do you intend to do with that 'comedy' you've learned?"

"Oh, it's decided. I'm going to show it to His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince."

"Wh-What!?"

Lilith's unexpected statement made Tena, unusually, exclaim aloud. Lilith's ideas were always unconventional, but this one was particularly outlandish. Tena took several deep breaths, regained her composure, and smiled.

"Lilith-sama, what about the initial plan of the 'little devil strategy'?"

"Of course, I'll still carry that out. But before that, the 'comedy strategy'—"

"Please don't."

"…Why not?"

"It's… it's… very difficult to say, but…"

"What?"

"The 'comedy' you're going to show… it's not funny."

"Lie! I practiced so much!?"

Lilith was shocked by Tena's revelation. Despite practicing many times and showing it to Tena, it all seemed to be in vain. Lilith didn't know that comedy had a freshness factor. Tena, who was used to such situations, looked at Lilith with concern, took a deep breath, and asked again.

"Why did you even come up with the 'comedy strategy' in the first place?"

"Because, His Highness Jezalde never laughs. Not even a smile, not even a smirk."

"Indeed…"

From what Tena had seen, Jezalde always had an expressionless face, like a finely crafted doll. The only way to know he was alive was by the movement of his lips when he spoke. Occasionally, Tena had seen him frown, but never a hint of a smile.

During this journey to the capital, Lilith had tried to close the distance with Jezalde, but there had been no opportunity so far. Jezalde was always surrounded by someone, and as a princess of a nation, Lilith couldn't act too freely.

(Ah, this is so troublesome…)

Customs were a nuisance, as it was considered inappropriate for unmarried men and women to be too close. Spending time alone together was strictly forbidden. This is why lovers had to meet in secret, which only heightened their affection. Daria and Arnaud, who were now officially recognized, found it harder to spend time together, as Daria lamented in her letters. This showed that Daria was honest and adorable.

Daria was loved by everyone, including Arnaud, not just for her beauty. She was generally quiet, pure, and kind, but sometimes she could be willful. This contrast made her even more endearing, and everyone was willing to do as she asked.

(Hmm, maybe I should stick with the little devil strategy…)

The guidebook she read during the journey had a lot in common with Daria. Although Daria probably didn't realize it, Lilith found it very convincing.

(Alright! I'll start practicing from tomorrow!)

There were three days left until they reached the capital, and seven days until the wedding. They couldn't meet during the carriage rides, but they always had dinner together with Eam, so there was still a chance. Lilith wanted to see Jezalde smile, even once, and although she had wasted time on a different approach, it might be useful someday. Thinking that such a day would probably never come, Lilith picked up the guidebook again.

* * *

【―Look at him longer than usual (preferably with a sidelong glance)】

Following the guidebook's instructions, Lilith stared intently at Jezalde, who was sitting next to her. When Jezalde noticed her gaze and turned to look at her, they made brief eye contact before she looked away without saying anything.

(Perfect! This is perfect!)

She repeated this a few times, and the dinner ended. Feeling proud of herself for following the guidebook, Lilith returned to her assigned room. While getting ready for bed, her brother Eam came in.

"Lilith, are you really against this engagement?"

"Of course not, brother. …Why do you ask?"

"Well, you glared at His Highness Jezalde several times today. I thought you were…"

"What!? I wasn't glaring! I was staring! With all my feelings!"

"…That was? …You must be joking…"

Eam was quite shocked by Lilith's words. Normally, he would have asked what her feelings were, but he could predict the unbelievable answer: "I have a crush on him." This was typical of Lilith. Having been her brother for nineteen years, he knew her well. So, he resigned himself to the fact that her strange behavior was part of her plan.

"Listen, Lilith… As your brother, can I give you one piece of advice?"

"Yes, please."

"His Highness Jezalde—people from Aerlas—are not used to you. So… try not to be misunderstood… and do your best."

"Don't worry, brother. I'm reading various books and studying. Thank you!"

Lilith hugged Eam with gratitude. Over her shoulder, Eam silently conveyed to Tena that it was up to her now. Tena, who was reluctant to take on this task, finally nodded under Eam's pleading gaze. She thought the little devil strategy was better than the comedy strategy, but it should still be stopped. From that day on, Tena began to ponder how to persuade Lilith.