Chapter 10

Upon arriving at the venue, I was escorted by the prince, who had a princely smile plastered on his face, through the luxurious garden. The fireflies flying around created a moody atmosphere, perhaps due to the convenient setting of a novel.

In a normal situation, the engaged couple might declare their love and share a kiss here, but unfortunately, we are not an ordinary couple.

Looking straight ahead, I gripped the hem of my dress with my left hand.

I was about to enter combat mode.

The prince walked briskly, so I followed him.

Although my right hand was on his arm, it was only for show.

Normally, the speed at which a gentleman escorts a lady in a dress is not this fast, but we were both getting more and more stubborn, and it had turned into a speed walking competition.

――SasaSasaSasa……

The challenge was to maintain an elegant smile while using all the strength in my legs to keep up.

“Hahaha, you’re always in a hurry!”

“Hohohoho, I can’t match you, Your Highness!”

The surrounding nobles perceived us as the usual duo, and no one commented, recognizing us as “those people.”

By the time we finally entered the building, both the prince and I were slightly out of breath.

The prince is an idiot, but I think I am too.

If I could just once collapse into a weak, teary-eyed lady and look up at him, I’m sure we wouldn’t have to do such a pointless thing.

But I can’t. For some reason, I end up competing with him.

“Haa… haa… I’ve escorted you, so there!”

Well, you were just following the king’s orders, weren’t you!

“You should stick to the wall as usual.”

“I understand.”

With that, the prince went to the young ladies waiting inside. Should I be grateful that he went?

He’ll probably end up holding hands with one of them and retreating to a VIP room or a lounge to be all lovey-dovey.

Even if it’s just as a concubine, the girls who want to secure a position during the prince’s time at the academy must be happy.

I can’t do it.

“Finally, I’m free!”

I’m going to greet my acquaintances and work on building my network.

I won’t be just a wallflower. The friends of my late father and mother dote on me, and I can dance.

If I can enjoy a good meal and exchange information that will benefit the people of my territory, that’s all I need.

Let’s get a lot of useful information for my brother today too!!

“Oh! Lady Viara, welcome!”

The hostess immediately came over with a smile.

She is a fan of the crystals from our territory and is always a trading partner.

“Countess Lauss, thank you for inviting me!”

Ah, I love her.

I really like Countess Lauss, who always provides me with plenty of kelp.

Today, I’m wearing new earrings made from the crystals from our territory, so she will definitely want them.

Suppressing the temptation to see her beautiful black hair as kelp, I enthusiastically began our conversation.

This work is the grand prize winner of the "2nd Isekai Reincarnation/Transfer Manga Original Contest" and was published in book form on July 15, 2021!

(ISBN: 978-4047364998)

Author: Shizuka Hozuki

Illustrator: iyutani

Character Design: Jiro Aruba

It is currently available at Anime-Do and other bookstores and online retailers.

Thank you for your support!

* Due to significant revisions and the addition of more thrilling moments of mutual unrequited love, the content of the book version differs from the web version.