“Hah… my partner is eating such delicious food…”
Caspary, whom I now call “Caz,” finished the prepared fish dish with great satisfaction. Apparently, she said, “Well, since we’re partners, it’s only natural to call each other by nicknames!” and so I agreed to Caz’s request.
My nickname? I have them call me “Hal,” my name from my previous life. I’m used to it, after all.
However, Alexandra—”Sandra”—didn’t like that… or rather, she wanted to be the first to call me by a nickname, and she got really sulky. Seriously, Sandra was so cute at that moment that my chest aches just remembering it, but that’s my privilege alone, so I can’t tell anyone (especially not a man).
Anyway, she and I ended up calling each other “Hal” and “Sandra.”
“Caz, is it good?”
“Yeah!”
From what I’ve heard, Demon Beasts mainly feed on Mana. However, the way they obtain Mana varies. Some Demon Beasts, like Caz, absorb it from nature and the earth, while others consume it directly… that is, they ingest creatures that possess Mana.
Of course, those creatures include humans.
In that sense, we were fortunate to have defeated Henwen before any damage was done. There are hardly any creatures on Moan Island that Henwen could prey on, and it was obvious that she would soon attack the town of Bangor next door.
As I was thinking about this.
“Prince Harold.”
“Hmm? What’s wrong, Monica?”
Monica, who had come over, looked troubled. It’s rare for her, who usually teases me and Sandra but doesn’t show much emotion, to look like that.
“Actually…”
According to Monica, invitation letters to parties had been arriving every day for the past month while we were away. And all from one person.
“Um, who’s the sender?”
“…The Duke Marshall family.”
Well, this is troublesome. The Duke Marshall family was a noble house established by the previous King’s younger brother after he became a subject.
Although they don’t measure up to Sandra’s family, the Duke Chevalier family, they are former Royalty if you trace their roots. I can’t be rude. No, leaving the invitations unattended for a month is rude enough. What should I do?
More than that… Frederica, the eldest daughter of the Duke Marshall family, is also the fiancée of the First Prince, Cardis.
If I attend a party hosted by the Marshall family, I’ll end up meeting Cardis. I definitely want to decline.
“What would you like to do?”
“…Is it not possible to just not reply?”
“I’m afraid that would be difficult.”
“I thought so…”
No, if I refuse, it will cause friction, and if I show my face, I’ll encounter Cardis. Leaving it in limbo would be the best course of action, but that’s not allowed either. I’m cornered.
However, this is my own fault…
Harold is Cardis’s real brother, and he was trying to curry favor with him with all his might, so I understand that he’s being considerate. In fact, I’ve always attended the Marshall family’s parties.
But I’m not the old Harold anymore. I have no intention of continuing to be Cardis’s sycophant; on the contrary, I want to distance myself from him as much as possible.
“Besides, even though Prince Harold has been on friendly terms with them for a long time, there must be a reason why they are sending invitations so persistently. Leaving it unresolved may be dangerous.”
“Ugh…”
What should I do?
I really don’t want to go, but I also want to know why they’ve sent so many invitations.
“Young Lady will be here soon, so why don’t you consult with her then?”
“That’s right.”
Even if I can’t come up with any ideas, the intelligent Sandra might have a good answer.
So.
“A party at the Marshall family’s residence, you say?”
“Y-yes!”
“Nyahaha, do your best!”
I immediately consulted Sandra, who was watching me at the Training Grounds. Of course, I’m in the middle of training right now, and her sword just barely grazed my cheek. I hate Caz for cheering me on so carefree.
“Actually, I’ve also received an invitation, and it seems they want to meet us now that we’re engaged. Um… their future younger brother and sister.”
“Gah!? …Ah, I-I see…”
I see. For Frederica, we’ll be family living together in the Royal Palace from now on, so she probably wants to see what we’re like. But I don’t think there’s any benefit to meeting me, who’s called the ‘Incompetent Rascal Prince.’
“H-how about Sandra-dono…”
“Lord Hal. Please just call me ‘Sandra.’ There’s no need for honorifics like ‘dono.'”
“A-ahaha… sorry. So, what do you think I should do, Sandra?”
“Of course, I think you should attend. I also want to meet Frederica-sama in person to see what kind of person she is.”
If that’s the case, then the answer is clear.
“Then, would it be alright if I escorted Sandra as my fiancée to the party?”
“Yes… I’d be delighted.”
I, who was gasping for breath after taking a powerful blow to the stomach, knelt before her and asked, and Sandra gave me a melting smile.
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