Chapter 17

Libia was making her way around the school festival.

She had intended to help out at the café, but León had told her to enjoy herself and that helping out later would be fine.

She had planned to go around alone, but Kara was walking beside her.

"Wow, just as I heard. You have a huge airship called Partner."

"León said there are bigger ones out there."

Kara, who was impressed by the huge airship Partner, started to say it was impossible.

"There are floating islands that have been turned into fortresses. However, a pure airship, and one of a size not often heard of in airships. From what I've heard, it seems to have very high performance as well."

"Is that so? Kara, you seem to know a lot."

"…Well, I did some research."

Libia and Kara were planning to go around the festival stalls together and then head to the café around noon.

Libia intended to introduce Kara there.

That was also Kara's request.

"Oh, it's about time."

When Libia said she was going to the café, Kara seemed a bit nervous.

"Are you okay, Kara?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Don't worry, León is very kind. Well, he can be a bit… unpredictable."

"Unpredictable" referred to his eccentric actions.

In the first place, there were probably only a few people in the school who thought of León as kind.

(Still, she seems nervous around León. I have to do a good job introducing her.)

Determined, Libia thought about how to introduce Kara properly—then she stopped in front of the café.

(…Huh?)

Libia, who was pondering how to introduce Kara to León, faced her first challenge.

"Mr. León! That's not right. A person who follows the way of tea should not cause trouble for a lady! That's not gentlemanly!"

"…Sorry, Master. But, I… I!"

The male teacher—León's tea master—was lecturing León. León, who usually acts boldly, is honest only with this master.

Libia stopped and couldn't enter the café.

Kara was also confused.

"Huh? What's going on?"

Inside the café.

The master placed his hand on León's shoulder, who was crying.

"It must have been tough. However, you must not give up. Beyond that lies the path of a true gentleman—and the path of tea."

"…Yes, Master!"

It seemed to be a touching scene, but around them, Daniel and Raymond were tying up and kicking the dedicated servants, who appeared to be sub-humans.

"How dare you lay a hand on the princess!"

"If we can't execute them, we'll take the law into our own hands. I'll gather everyone!"

The boys, who are usually looked down upon by the dedicated servants, have a strong aversion to sub-humans. Therefore, they become aggressive if they have a just cause.

Next to the two enthusiastic boys, two tired-looking women… Libia, seeing one of them, couldn't enter the room.

(Angel…)

Angel, who noticed Libia standing at the entrance, lowered her head.

Libia, who was trying to escape from the scene, was stopped—

"Ah, Libia is back."

León, who noticed, beckoned to her, and she entered the room looking awkward.

◇

Well, after finishing the cleanup in the café, I left the noisy girls and their dedicated servants to Daniel and Raymond and went outside.

The café had put up a "Closed" sign on the door for a break.

After changing and taking a shower, I was ready to meet the princess—Milene.

She looked a bit tired, which was concerning.

"…León, I'm angry."

At the princess's words, I knelt on both knees and placed my hands on the floor.

"Of course, I expected as much. Please, spare my family! I… I don't care what happens to me!"

Milene seemed flustered by my attitude.

"No, no, that's not what I meant… Angel, help me!"

Seeing Milene seek help from Angel, who was sitting next to her, I realized she wasn't really angry with me.

Well, I knew that from the start, but I did it to tease her.

If Milene had really been angry, I would have fled the kingdom by now.

However, it seems Angel noticed.

"…Milene, you're being teased. León knows you're not really angry."

"Huh?"

Milene looked at me, and I made a silly face.

She gave me a very cold look, so it seems she won't forgive me.

"You're the worst. I'm disappointed."

"I'm sorry!"

This time, I apologized sincerely, and the master asked Milene about her business. The master had prepared tea, and I felt like I had gained something.

When I drank it, I was shocked.

—! We use the same tea leaves, so why is there such a difference in taste? The aroma is completely different.

The master is truly skilled.

"Princess, regarding your incognito visit—"

"…It's fine now. If I say something wrong, someone will bully me, so I'll be clear. León, I came here to complain to you. Not for punishment, but for personal reasons."

…Of course.

For any reason, I beat up Prince Julius.

As a mother, she probably wanted to say something.

Now, this princess—Milene—was an enemy character in the game. From the fact that she is close to Angel, it is clear that if the protagonist opposes Angel, she will become an enemy as well.

It's a game for women, so it seems she doesn't like mothers-in-law.

Well, if Prince Julius falls in love with the protagonist, she won't allow it. Even though she's just saying the obvious, in a dating sim, she becomes an enemy who tears the two apart.

It's unreasonable.

Even so, in the end, Milene has to recognize the protagonist… So, what did she come to say to me?

"I'll ask."

"Alright. Then… I'll apologize for Julius first. I'm sorry for involving you in his whims."

I didn't expect it to start with an apology.

She's the villain, yet she's polite.

"Why did it come to this? Even as a mother, I can't understand. To put it bluntly, a viscount's daughter could have been a mistress. Julius was indifferent to women at the palace, so I didn't expect him to be so persistent."

As I nodded, Milene looked into my eyes.

I felt like I was being sucked into her clear blue eyes.

…This woman is incredibly beautiful.

"However, I can't accept the content of the duel. The fight was too brutal. Couldn't you have resolved it more peacefully?"

I think I could have, but I didn't want to deal with the stress.

As I looked at Libia and Angel for help with a serious face, it seemed their relationship had been awkward since the sports festival.

They both had their heads down and didn't notice my eye contact.

I strongly wished for Luxion's help, and I heard an electronic voice.

"Master resolve things peacefully? Impossible. What does this person expect from Master?"

…My partner is terrible.

This useless AI! Be nicer to me.

However, Milene seemed to misunderstand my silence. She must have thought something from my gaze towards Libia and Angel.

"Oh, is that it? You're young~"

She teased me with a smile, but what did she misunderstand?

Well, it's convenient, so I'll stay quiet.

"…León, I know you understand, but you have many enemies at the palace. Many people had high hopes for Julius. Have you thought about your future?"

"Of course."

… I'll rely on Angel's father. In the first place, I don't show my face at the palace, and I just want to live a peaceful life, so I have no interest in promotion.

Even a demotion would be fine.

People who had high hopes for Prince Julius? I hope they give up and realize they had no eye for talent. After all, they chose Marie over Angel, which is a sign of incompetence.

He was unfit to be the crown prince.

"That's right. You're a strong one. If someone like you had been by Julius's side, would he have avoided going astray?"

I doubt it. Well, if I had been there, I might have kept Marie away and recommended Libia. …But then Angel would become an enemy.

Troublesome. It would be a hassle to be close to her.

"Even if I had been there, the result wouldn't have changed."

"Is that so? Well, that's fine. I have another purpose today. I'll need your help with it."

"Another purpose?"

"I came from another country, so I never attended school. I want to have some school memories. Will you help me, León? I've always been curious about school. All the women I know talk about it so fondly, and I'm envious."

She smiled mischievously, a woman in her thirties… wanting school memories?

In my previous life, I might have laughed and told her to act her age.

But—now it's different.

I stood up, took Milene's hand, and held it with both of mine.

"Huh?"

Surprised, Milene—no, Milene, I'll call her.

"Sure. I'll help you create school memories. Milene… will you marry me?"

Milene, her face turning red, was flustered.

Libia and Angel stood up from their chairs.

"León! What are you saying!"

"Y-You! She's the princess!"

The master was also surprised. Did I do something to surprise the perfect gentleman?

"Mr. León… That's not a joke I can laugh at!"

I understand. I understand, but think about it.

What is the purpose of attending school? Studies? No, that's not it!

This is a school in a dating sim. …The purpose is only one! It's to get married! In other words, what she wants is a marriage proposal!

Moreover, as a potential spouse, Milene is top-notch. Has children? Proof that she can bear them! Nobles want heirs, so they would welcome her! Not a virgin? Most of the girls in the school aren't virgins!

Virgins are just a fantasy, so wake up!

Age? It doesn't matter. A well-mannered and cute woman in her thirties is the best! I want to marry a human!

I realized something from attending school. I should stop having fantasies about girls.

If I had to choose between the school girls and Milene, I'd choose Milene without hesitation!

…Wait, this person is perfect except for her status, right?

"I like you!"

"I-I'm in a difficult position. I have a husband and children… and I'm an older woman."

"It doesn't matter. You're beautiful. Even if you have a family, I like you—ah!"

As I was looking at the cute, blushing face of Milene, who was embarrassed, I suddenly got hit on the back of my head.

Who the hell is it! I'll knock them out!

When