Chapter 86: A Fist at the Perfect Angle
“Sorry for all the commotion.”
“No…”
Alone with Eleonore in a private room. Cornelia had wanted to come too, but I had her sit this one out.
“Why don’t we sit down for now?”
“Yes…”
What’s wrong? Eleonore isn’t her usual self. Her usually sharp eyebrows were now pathetically lowered, and she was fidgeting.
“Um, I apologize as well. If only I had managed the nobles better, I wouldn’t have caused Dee-san any discomfort…”
“Don’t worry about it. That’s what happens when a mere viscount speaks informally to Her Highness the Princess. As I thought, I’ll stick to using formal language with you in public. Let’s keep the relationship between El and me a secret just between us.”
“A secret just between us…”
“That’s right, a secret just between us.”
I thought she might object, but Eleonore nodded repeatedly in agreement.
It wouldn’t be good for me to needlessly worsen my relationships with my classmates. They’re the people who will carry the country on their shoulders in the future. I don’t plan on actively sucking up to them, but it’s definitely better if relations don’t sour.
“S-So, Dee, what was it about today? This is the first time you’ve invited me to a private room, isn’t it? You even had Ria-san leave. Is it that important of a discussion?”
“Yeah.”
“?!”
When I affirmed, Eleonore gasped as if surprised. Her blue eyes darted left and right, and her cheeks flushed slightly.
“I-Is it a secret just between us, something that even Ria-san can’t hear?”
Eleonore stared intently into my eyes, a hopeful expression on her face.
“That’s right.”
“N-No way, but, huh? Is that what this is? Isn’t this too sudden? Is this how these things usually go?”
Eleonore whispered something under her breath. Her fidgeting intensified, and her face grew progressively redder.
What’s wrong with Eleonore? Does she have a fever?
She seemed fine just a moment ago…
“El? Are you okay?”
“Hya, hyai!”
This might not be good. Well, I should just tell her quickly and put her at ease.
Eleonore is certainly one of my favorite characters. If asked whether I prefer her or Bianca, the other main heroine, I’d instantly say Eleonore.
It’s true that Eleonore is my favorite character. However, that doesn’t equate to me having romantic feelings for Eleonore.
I certainly like Eleonore. But that’s strictly towards Eleonore as a game character. If asked whether I love the real Eleonore, I’d be at a loss for an answer.
It’s true I don’t want to hand her over to Reinhardt. Because that guy’s scum.
However, I myself don’t know if that’s an expression of my romantic feelings or just possessiveness towards a favorite character.
Eleonore is a hard worker, and I know she’s deeply affectionate. And that she’s a woman I find agreeable.
But, as she herself said earlier, Eleonore probably sees me as a good friend.
Confessing with half-baked feelings would be rude to Eleonore. Until I can sort out my own emotions, I want to support her as someone who understands her.
“El, I want to be a Gentle Perch for you. A presence that can gently support you when you’re tired, or when you’ve just had enough and can’t take it anymore. That’s the kind of existence I want to be. So, will you give me permission to step into your heart?”
“Eh… Wha-?!”
“Is that a no…?”
“No! Not at all! It’s not a no! It’s not a no!”
Eleonore, her face bright red, repeatedly denied it, shaking her head so her hair flew about. It seems I’ve received permission to step into her heart.
More importantly, I’m worried about Eleonore’s condition. Let’s call it a day here.
“Thank you, El.”
I stood up from the sofa and pressed my forehead against Eleonore’s. She does feel a bit feverish.
“Wh-What are you—?!”
“El, did you catch a cold? Your face is red, and you seem to have a slight fever.”
“Kyaaa—!”
“Whump!?”
Suddenly, my vision swayed, and everything went dark.
◇
“Hah, hah, hah, hah, hah.”
I, Eleonore, stared blankly at the fist I had swung, trying to calm my ragged breathing. My fist must have landed at a perfect angle, as it instantly reaped Dietfried’s consciousness.
What should I do? But for Dietfried to suddenly do something like that…! I needed time to prepare myself mentally!
“I… I’ve given my heart to Dee, haven’t I…”
As I murmured this, my face grew hot again.
‘El, I want to be a Gentle Perch for you. A presence that can gently support you when you’re tired, or when you’ve just had enough and can’t take it anymore. That’s the kind of existence I want to be. So, will you give me permission to step into your heart?’
Just recalling his words, every single one, makes my body flush.
I thought it was too good to be true, but to think I’d actually receive a marriage proposal from Dietfried!
Since I’m to inherit the throne, I had given up, thinking it was impossible because of our different statuses. I had sealed away my own feelings… I had been holding back…!
He forcibly pried them open.
Once they’ve been pried open, I can’t hold back anymore…!
“Kuuuuh––––!”
Overcome with euphoria, I hugged myself and swayed for no particular reason.
“B-But, what should I do? I punched Dee…”
I know it’s my fault, but Dee was just so sudden…
“Umm…”
I stood up from the sofa and sat down beside Dietfried.
“No one is watching, so it’s fine, right…”
I lifted Dietfried’s head and placed it on my lap. A lap pillow. We’re going to be husband and wife, so this much should be fine, right?