“W-Well, it’s getting cold, so shall we go back inside soon?”
“…If you insist.”
I whispered into Sandra’s ear, who was still nuzzling my chest. She reluctantly agreed, though with a pout.
Of course, I want to stay close to her like this, but my heart feels like it’s about to explode from the tension and her amazing scent. I can’t take it anymore.
And so, I took Sandra’s hand and returned inside the venue.
“…Hmm.”
Cardis and Wilfred were chatting happily with Frederica and Marion.
Even though it was a request from King Aival, I felt a sense of discomfort seeing Cardis smile at Wilfred.
After all, I’d never seen Cardis and Wilfred talking before, at most just exchanging cold glances… or so I thought.
“S-Sandra!?”
“Lord Hal. It’s a party, so please don’t make such a face.”
Sandra poked my brow with her index finger, and I couldn’t help but be taken aback.
Could I really have been making such a terrible face…?
“Oh my, you were glaring at that scum with the face of a demon, you know? The surrounding nobles who believe in your ridiculous bad reputation were worried that you might cause some trouble.”
“Ah, haha…”
Sandra pointed that out, and I could only offer a wry smile.
Indeed, looking around, there were a few people glancing our way.
“But… Lord Hal, you listened to my story, and that’s why you were angry, right?”
“Augh…”
I was caught red-handed, and couldn’t say a word.
Knowing that the boy from that time was actually Sandra, and that Wilfred was the culprit who locked her up, I couldn’t forgive him.
After all, Sandra from that time had such a terrible experience at the Royal Palace, which she was visiting for the first time, and she was lonely and crying so much.
“Please rest assured. Thanks to you, I have become stronger. In order to offer you the Dragon’s Favor.”
Sandra placed her hand on her chest and looked at me with heated eyes.
The words “Dragon’s Favor” came up earlier too, but what is it? I’m really curious.
“Now, there’s some delicious-looking food over there. Let’s go get some together.”
“Whoa!?”
Whether she knew my question or not, she took my hand a little forcefully and led me to the table with hors d’oeuvres.
◇
“Welcome back, Prince Harold.”
“Hal! I missed you!”
“Waph!?”
I dropped Sandra off at the Chevalier Estate and returned to the Royal Palace, where Monica greeted me, and Caz jumped right onto my face.
“Yeah, I’m back. Sandra gave me some delicious baked goods on the way back, so let’s eat them together.”
“! I’ll eat them, I’ll eat them!”
“Then, I’ll prepare some tea right away.”
Still, Caz really loves sweets, doesn’t she? Even though she’s a Demon Beast.
So, I returned to my room and took a sip of the tea that Monica poured into my cup.
“So, how was the party?”
“Yeah. I got to dance with Sandra for the first time, and I heard some nostalgic stories, so it was a lot of fun.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Young Lady was finally able to confide in you, wasn’t she?”
Hmm? Monica’s wording is a little concerning, but… oh well.
More importantly.
“Haa… From now on, Wilfred will be showing his face at events…”
“? Did something happen?”
“Ah, no, it’s nothing much.”
I explained that Wilfred had joined Cardis’s faction by order of King Aival.
I added my speculation that there must have been some kind of deal between King Aival and Cardis, since Cardis himself didn’t seem entirely displeased.
“I see… That is certainly a bit concerning.”
“Right? In any case, we need to be careful of those two.”
“Ham! Ham! This is so delicious!”
Yeah, yeah, Caz is so cute when she’s engrossed in her sweets, ignoring our conversation.
Looking at her like this, she really is just a little kitten. Even though she speaks human language.
“Then, please leave it to me. In addition to monitoring the two of them, I will investigate what happened between His Majesty the King and Prince Cardis.”
“Yeah, I’m counting on you. But don’t do anything reckless, okay?”
“Understood.”
Monica placed her hand on her chest and gave a respectful bow.
She has a bit of a teasing habit, which is a flaw, but she’s also important to me.
“So, Prince Harold, what do you think of Prince Wilfred?”
“Um… what do you mean, what do I think…”
“I mean it literally. Regardless of any motives, how do you yourself evaluate that man?”
Monica was expressionless, but she gave me a probing look.
Hmm… what do I think of Wilfred, huh…?
If I were my former self, I’d probably evaluate him as a riajuu harem guy, like in a romance smartphone RPG, since he’s the protagonist and I’m the player.
But.
“I can never forgive that man… no, that scum. But I absolutely don’t want to get involved with him.”
That’s right. I can’t forgive what happened back then… now that I know who the culprit was when Sandra was locked in that room as a child.
But if the Engage Hazard main story starts, that guy will be active as the protagonist, and I, who am less than stepping stone, will only face an unfortunate future.
Then, as originally planned, I have no choice but to avoid getting involved with Wilfred.
“I’m relieved to hear that. I, Monica Ashton, once again pledge my loyalty to Prince Harold.”
“Yeah. I’m counting on you from now on.”
I took Monica’s hand as she knelt and lowered her head, and gave her my best smile, filled with gratitude and trust.
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