Chapter 48

Clement returned from the expedition and was busy with incident reports, so his vacation started later than anyone else's. I hadn't seen him until yesterday, so he must have just returned from his leave today. He seems to have just come out of another magic bureau room, and he's holding a thick stack of papers.

"Well, I was just getting pumped up for the new job."

"Is it about the investigation team? I heard you were informed about it."

"Once you're presented with a big catch, you can't refuse it."

"Senior Viola, with the Ambrosius family backing you, is talking about a big catch... Is it true that the king was involved in the selection process?"

"Yes, it is."

As they walked, Viola let out a small sigh, while Clement smiled wryly.

"I'm sorry, but I'm a bit relieved that the equipment you enchanted is still available. Ah, but if you join the investigation team, you'll be too busy to handle all the orders. That's a shame."

"..."

A while ago, she would have felt burdened by personal orders, but after the expedition, her feelings had changed. She had only been in the field for one day, but she understood how difficult the expedition was. The place Viola participated in was accessible by horse, but other boundary stones were sometimes located on steep mountain paths that required hiking. And they had to venture into areas inhabited by more dangerous monsters than those in Skiamaus.

To reduce risks and protect lives, it was only natural to be particular about equipment and magical tools. She finally understood the urgency with which the team leaders of the Boundary Division would designate their favorite technical staff members.

However, since she had joined the investigation team, it would be difficult for her to accept all the orders as before, and she felt apologetic.

"To be honest, I thought your personal orders were a form of harassment."

"...Ah, yes. It's true that I placed an unreasonable number of orders. I've been putting you through a lot. I'm sorry."

"No, I only just realized how difficult the expedition was. Now I understand that personal orders are a sign of trust in one's magical skills. I was actually happy to know you relied on me. Thank you for trusting my magic."

"...Senior Viola, you're really kind."

Clement stopped walking. Viola, who had taken a few steps ahead, turned around to find him staring intently at her light pink eyes.

"Clement-sama?"

"Even after the incident with my grandmother at the ball, you still treat me as usual."

"...Ah."

Her mind had been preoccupied with the investigation team and the king, so she had forgotten that the Countess Celestia of the Bartel family had proposed that she become engaged to Clement. Clement wasn't present at the ball, but the Ambrosius family had said they didn't know how involved he was.

Now, she felt tense and her body stiffened slightly.

"Hehe, I just remembered. You must have been surprised? I was also very surprised when my grandmother told me she had met with you directly after the ball."

It seemed that Countess Celestia had tried to push forward with the engagement proposal at the ball without confirming with Clement. It was clear that bloodline and talent were prioritized over the feelings of the individuals involved.

"Clement-sama, it must be tough for you. As the heir to a marquis family, choosing a fiancée isn't easy. I would be troubled if I were chosen as a candidate without my consent, hehe."

Viola tried to laugh it off, but Clement didn't join in. His face was smiling, but his amber eyes were completely devoid of emotion.

"Have you forgotten? I proposed that I could marry into the Yubert family first, and then transfer your name to the Bartel family, making you the Marchioness."

"That was because you were worried about the Yubert family's situation. Now that we know your father is fine, there's no need for you to go to such lengths."

"But I understand that I wasn't joking. If you're okay with it, I'm not opposed to following my grandmother's proposal. In fact, the most respected and closest female mage to me is Senior Viola, so you are my ideal."

Clement took a deliberate step closer to Viola, who stepped back to maintain her distance, looking up at the tall man.

"Are you going to follow Countess Celestia's proposal?"

"Well, what do you think I should do?"

As Clement took another large step forward, Viola stepped back in the opposite direction to avoid him. However, she ended up against the wall, trapped between the wall and Clement. She realized she had been led into this awkward situation. And, as usual, there was no one around to help.

Viola's eyes darted around, and Clement chuckled softly.

"You need to show more resistance."

"---Huh!?"

"My grandmother is a greedy person who will use any means to get what she wants, whether it's an object, a person, or money. If she knows you're flustered by just this, she'll think you have a weakness and keep targeting you. In such situations, you need to scold me first and tell me to stop teasing you."

Clement encouraged her, so Viola consciously put on an angry expression and looked up at him.

"I have a fiancé. Please stop playing around."

"......You're just cute."

"Ah, what are you saying? Stop teasing me!"

"Exactly, you need to say it with more conviction."

Finally satisfied, Clement stepped back with a smile and started walking as if nothing had happened.

(What, he was just teasing me. If he really intended to follow Countess Celestia's proposal, he wouldn't have given me this warning... I was overthinking it.)

She felt embarrassed for having braced herself for Clement to come closer. Compared to their usual interactions, he hadn't even touched her this time. Blushing with embarrassment and regret, Viola's gaze met Clement's as he turned around. He chuckled.

"Look, don't make that face. I might start thinking I have a chance."

"---No, that's not it! I'm just embarrassed by my own weakness!"

"Is that so? But if you don't want to be taken in by the Bartel family, you can't show any weaknesses, not even to me. Well, the Ambrosius family won't stay silent. I have to go now, so I'll take my leave."

Leaving the flustered Viola behind, Clement turned the corner and disappeared down the corridor.

"What is he talking about..."

Viola, who thought she had understood Clement, was once again confused by his intentions. Was he in favor of Countess Celestia's proposal, or was he warning her because he was against it?

Today, the second volume of "The Sacrifice Who Was Supposed to Be a Substitute, Confused by the Love of the Fierce Prince" is being released!

The web version has already concluded, but I have written the story of Nadia and Clovis after that.

You can find more details on the page linked below the scroll.

Thank you very much for your support.