Chapter 91

#091 He Has a Secret (2)

Everyone knew? Only I didn't?

"Prince... Would you like more Tarte Normandie?"

Kanae asked, glancing at me. I remained silent for a moment, then suddenly looked up at the boy.

"Huh? No, it's fine. I'm full."

"But you only had one piece..."

The child had been observing my expression ever since last night.

Bengjiameng, standing politely, seemed particularly cheerful today. I forced a smile and shook my head.

Yes, it's possible not to know.

Kanae and Sir Elisabeth have a significant age difference, and they never told me about it, so it wasn't strange that I didn't notice.

It's a private matter, and I don't necessarily need to know.

It's something the parties involved and the elders of their families should handle.

*Clatter*

...But really, I put down my fork.

"Kanae."

"Yes, Prince."

The boy, who was serving dessert, straightened his back. I stared at Kanae intently.

"Are you happy? Does... your fiancé treat you well?"

"Yes? Yes, I'm really happy. Every day this year has been enjoyable."

His honey-colored eyes softened.

'Of course, it wasn't enjoyable when you collapsed or during the 'Great Beast Purge.''

Why do you only say you're happy? I asked about your fiancé too.

I nodded, suppressing the sudden unease.

Ever since I heard Sir Michel's talk about a 'future son-in-law' yesterday, I couldn't even remember how I washed up and went to bed at the viscount's residence.

When I came to my senses, breakfast was already over.

I need to get over the shock quickly. I quietly encouraged myself.

I was going to use my healing power on Sir Haines soon and also needed to discuss the competition for Eva's position as the young mistress.

I didn't need to worry about Kanae.

Sir Elisabeth is a wonderful and mature person, so she will be a good partner.

*Knock knock*

"Come in."

I responded to the knock. Sir Elisabeth appeared from behind the door.

A person who can't be a noble...

"Did you sleep well, Prince?"

"Good morning, Sir Elisabeth. I'm sorry for the trouble."

"Not at all. It's an honor for the viscount's family. And..."

She smiled and opened the door wide. Then a very welcome sound came.

*Chirp!*

"Demi?"

Three lesser pandas, led by Demi, burst into the room.

I held each of them in my arms as they climbed onto my lap, despite my surprise.

Lea is timid, and Perry is shy, so it was surprising how they got here.

Demi pressed against my chest and stood up, apparently upset.

*Chirp!*

"Oh, I'm sorry. I went out without saying anything. Right?"

*Chirp, chirp!*

"Ah, I really messed up. I didn't even give Demi a midnight snack."

*Purr*

"Should I spend the whole day with Demi as a sign of repentance?"

The tiny creature's expression of will was clear.

I shook hands with Demi's front paws in apology and then rubbed the tails and heads of the three of them.

Sir Elisabeth laughed out loud.

"The royal priest is different. I heard that Father Sant had quite a hard time. Tenacity is in Princess Christel's room."

"Did you bring the children from the palace to the viscount's residence?"

My eyes widened a bit.

The little ones were all named and tamed by me, so it wouldn't have been easy for Sant to lead them here even if he released Aether.

Why bring them here when I'll be returning to the palace soon?

"'Since I'm out, why don't you all stay for a few days? It's quiet in the palace, so it's nice.' That's what His Majesty said."

"Huh?"

When I asked what she meant, she approached the table and handed me a luxurious golden card.

On the outside, the emperor's seal was stamped with cherry-colored sealing wax.

I read the card, which had Sir Elisabeth's message written on it, over and over.

The handwriting was rough and free-spirited. Could this be...

"Am I being kicked out?"

"On the contrary, Prince."

Bengjiameng, who had been smiling faintly, explained.

He didn't forget to fill my half-empty cup with pine needle tea.

"It seems the emperor trusts you enough to give you free time. And His Highness the Crown Prince is also here."

Free time for a hostage? It didn't make sense.

While I wondered if I could really be happy about it, I also thought, 'I'm a homebody, so there's nothing to do outside anyway.'

If they finally recognized that I have no ambitions, I would be happy.

"You can also consider it a reward for capturing the beast at the opera house."

Sir Elisabeth said. That made more sense.

When I nodded, she said she would take her leave and bowed gracefully.

Then she gave Kanae a brief smile.

Wait, hold on.

"Sir Elisabeth Mute."

I called her.

"Yes?"

"Come and sit here."

I couldn't take it anymore. I tapped the empty chair. Kanae's face turned pale.

*

"Prince. It's like this."

"Be quiet, Kanae."

The boy closed his mouth at my words.

I looked at Sir Elisabeth, who was sitting across from me with a very uncomfortable expression.

Two attendants were seated on either side of me.

It seemed only Bengjiameng was enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee.

"I... I'm sorry for calling it trash last time."

I spoke.

I clearly said that in the royal temple when I was scolding Eva.

That a twenty-four-year-old thinking about marrying a sixteen-year-old is trash.

At the time, I didn't know Sir Elisabeth's situation, and I wasn't targeting her, but I didn't want to hurt her with cultural differences.

Then her cat-like gray eyes widened.

"Huh? Oh, no. It's fine. I think it's not strange for such words to come out."

Sir Elisabeth smiled bitterly and waved her hand.

I could feel Kanae fidgeting on my right.

The young viscountess continued calmly.

"Kanae turned sixteen last February. As you might think, it's not common in the empire to get engaged right after turning an adult. I know Kanae is young, but..."

"I confessed!"

Huh? Kanae suddenly interjected. I turned to look at the boy in surprise.

His golden eyes shone with determination.

The three lesser pandas clung to my shirt like nervous spectators.

"I proposed to Sir Mute when I was six. She said it was too early by ten years... So I proposed again after ten years."

Bengjiameng's shoulders began to shake.

I was dumbfounded, looking back and forth between Sir Elisabeth and Kanae.

The young viscountess quickly added.

"I didn't expect him to really propose again after ten years. I really didn't, Prince."

"Our families, the Count of Karamar and the Count of Mute, have been exchanging for hundreds of years. So I've been close to Sir Mute since I was young. Even though Count Mute and Sir Michel opposed it because I was too young... I was fine. Because I love her!"

The boy's lines sounded like a pure romance manga, making my face turn red.

About 30 minutes later.

I couldn't even respond to Kanae's TMI bombardment.

I only knew that the boy liked to chatter, but I didn't realize he was so logical and eloquent.

Kanae said,

1. Sir Elisabeth has been kind to him since childhood, 2. She is smart and skilled in swordsmanship, 3. She is his first love, 4. Following the advice of the Marquis of Dujem, 'A brave man gets the beauty,' 5. He formally proposed on his coming-of-age day, and 6. He explained the specific social and economic benefits of their union.

The plot was so clear that I couldn't interrupt in the middle.

Why is the marquis involved in everything? He's like a perfect supporting actor in a movie.

"......So, I want to push my brother aside and become the young viscountess."

*Chirp chirp! Beep beep beep!*

Eva, holding the hem of her dress, concluded boldly.

Tenacity sat on the prince's shoulder, adding sound effects, and Christel cheered softly.

I almost clapped along with the mood.

The lesser pandas, who had been napping in a clump on a warm rock, wagged their tails in response.

The greenhouse of the Mute viscount's residence was high-ceilinged and spacious.

The palace also has a huge greenhouse, but it's quite far from the Julliette Palace, so I've never been there.

It seemed like a good place for a proxy satisfaction.

Since Sir Haines was staying until today, it was difficult for him to come out of the room.

I decided to focus on the fact that I had used most of the healing circles I memorized on him.

"If willpower alone could make someone a successor, anyone could have done it."

Prince Cedric, who was drinking espresso, said. Eva's expression darkened.

I subtly tugged at the prince's collar. He looked at me with a displeased gaze.

"It's not just willpower. Eva has the blessing of the divine, right? She has legitimacy too."

"You're calling the princess by her name."

Are you listening to me? I sighed softly.

Eva said she wanted to accompany Sir Elisabeth to work.

To help clean the royal temple. She was a responsible and commendable child.

I held the young princess and called the prince and Christel to set up this meeting.

Sir Michel provided the place, saying it was 'a tea party for young people to foster camaraderie.'

It wasn't entirely wrong.

"I think it would be good for the three of you to build a relationship."

At my declaration, the orange-tipped eyes narrowed. Christel tilted her head, looking interested.

So, in my view, the three of them could use each other well...

It might sound a bit harsh, but it was the truth.

Emperor Frederic and Cardinal Boutier seemed to expect the young viscountess to fall from grace.

They probably thought that if the prince helped in the process, he might benefit in the future.

I rolled my eyes at their political nature, but reflecting on it, it was also good for the 'Retired Hero' storyline.

"If Eva becomes the young viscountess with the help and support of the two of you, the prince will gain a strong ally in a border territory. The Blanquer family, being a prestigious mage family, will also enhance the prince's political standing."

If that happens, the 'Temple of the Tree God' would be in the hands of the two of them.

It's an impossible calculation for ordinary people, but it's possible for the protagonists.

If Christel wants the divine, the temple will naturally side with her.

Even if she can't be chosen as the master like in 'The Ark of Greed.'

"Eva will be happy to have the power she has dreamed of."

Also, the Blanquer family could rebuild their royal connections in her generation.

I'm just a minor character and a hostage, so it's hard for me to give Eva meaningful help.

But I can at least provide a stepping stone.

"What do you think?"

Maybe at the duel site, when I prevented Robert Blanquer's death, it was a setup for such a connection...

Hmm. Let's not go that far. I shouldn't let my self-awareness get too big.

I just want to make the most of a good opportunity.

Preferably in a way that benefits the two protagonists that Jeon Eun-seo cares about.

"......"

"......"

The prince and Christel looked at me silently. Don't do that, it's scary.

"Besides, Eva is an excellent priest. She's already a bishop at sixteen. If needed, she can replenish your Aether..."

"Of course, that's what I thought."

The prince cut me off sharply. His irises seemed to be burning with fire.

"What are you talking about? Why the sudden acceleration?"

"I don't know about duty, but your eyes were sparkling. I thought you liked power struggles. Should I become the young viscountess too?"

Christel propped her chin on her hands and smiled sweetly.

Why do you always jump to that conclusion!

"Don't fight over me. I'm fine, but!"

Finally, Eva shouted, looking distressed. Tenacity tilted her whole body.

It's a total mess.