Chapter 69

It's so hot. Please be careful of heatstroke.

Being carried princess-style by a prince...

This would be a dream scenario for any girl who loves to dream...

Unfortunately, Emma, the girl being carried, is drenched in cold sweat, and a terrifying old lady is following behind.

She had asked multiple times to be put down, saying she could walk on her own, but no one listened.

"Emma, are you still in pain? Any nausea or chills?"

The old lady asks about her condition with concern, but Emma is perfectly healthy; she just can't stop sweating. She never had any pain to begin with, and she never said a word about it. She's not nauseous; if anything, she's hungry. Chills? She's not cold, but she's been shaking since the incident, which is more like a conditioned reflex now.

It's sad that she missed out on the almost entirely Japanese-style royal cuisine, except for the tamagoyaki. Maybe there was even rice. White rice... she wants to eat it.

...No, no, not yet. Giving up means the game is over.

There's still hope.

"Um... please don't worry. I'm really fine."

After all the commotion, it might be difficult to return to the banquet, but at least she wants to eat. She hoped the prince would say something like, "You look much better. If you can eat after resting a bit, I'll have today's dishes brought to your room," but he only gave her a concerned smile.

Since she's being carried princess-style, their faces are closer than usual. She tried to send a telepathic message, hoping it would work, but he turned his gaze away.

Telepathy failed. Eyes don't speak as much as words.

The prince's face turned slightly red...

His heartbeat seemed louder too. Well, being carried princess-style and in such close contact, it's no wonder he could hear her heartbeat...

Huh?

What?

No, no.

Could it be that the prince...?

Ah!

How could I not notice this...

How dull I am!

"Um, Prince, please put me down. I... I'm heavy... right?"

Even though Emma is shorter and thinner than average, it's not easy to carry a person. Of course, his face would turn red and his heart rate would increase. It would be different if he were as strong as her father, but for a prince of similar age, it's a heavy burden.

"! Not at all. You're rather light, Emma. You should eat more. I'm worried."

The prince doesn't know that Emma always goes for seconds in the school cafeteria every day because he goes back to the castle to work during lunch breaks. Being carried princess-style and worrying about her like this, maybe this is a talent. Maybe she was born with the talent to make people worry. In reincarnation stories, the protagonist often has some unfortunate ability.

In the end, she couldn't get down and had to stay in the prince's arms.

Thinking about how much stronger the prince had become in the year since they met, a maid from the castle approached them, running.

She said a room was prepared for her to rest and offered to guide them. The castle maid was indeed efficient.

"Um, I'm sorry. I caused more work on such a busy banquet day. I'm really sorry."

...She couldn't help but apologize to the maid's back as she walked ahead.

With her experience working in a company, she felt even more apologetic. On non-routine days, it's always busier, and if there's a problem, it's chaos. Even if it was beyond her control, to cause trouble by pretending to be sick and needing care, it was truly distressing.

"Such kind words... please don't worry."

The maid, surprised by Emma's words, turned around and waved her hands in front of her. She was cute. This was soothing. Thank you for the healing, maid.

"This... this is the room. I've sent a messenger to the Stewart family, so please rest assured."

Just as she was feeling soothed by the cute gestures of a real-life maid, she received information that made her cold sweat increase.

Contacting her parents...

Just an hour and a half ago, she left the house, determined not to cause any problems with the old lady present today.

This is exactly what they mean by "before the dust has settled"...

Shocked and embarrassed, she forgot she was being carried princess-style and accidentally let her body go limp.

"Ah, Emma! Are you okay?"

"Your Highness, please take her to the bed quickly!"

Oops.

She thought it was too late, but before she could regain her strength, she was gently placed on the soft bed.

"Emma, are you conscious!?"

"Emma!!"

"Miss Emma!"

The old lady, the prince, and the maid called her name one after another. I'm sorry for causing confusion, but I'm really fine. Why doesn't anyone believe me...

"I'm fine. Prince, I'm sorry, I just lost some strength..."

Before she could ask if she was heavy, the prince shouted.

"Get a doctor, get a doctor!! Hurry!!"

The maid ran out of the room, flapping her arms.

...

The commotion is coming, but Emma might be a genius at making things worse. No matter what she does or says, it always backfires.

Is today a bad day?

I wanted to give the prince more screen time and add a cool episode for him... but... is this really a cool scene for the prince?