The hallway has a calm atmosphere. But if you look at the ornaments, you can see that they are expensive.
　Since Iris was born as a nobleman, she could understand the value of these items to some extent.
　But for Iris, they were not of much interest.
　She was more interested in the great axe that had been displayed on the way here, which had probably been used by soldiers in the past.
　Iris couldn't help but let out a small sigh.

"Hmm. ......
"So much for sighing, young lady.

　Iris's heart skipped a beat. Apparently, the person behind her could hear her.

"I know, Wellman.
"Very well then. The representative of the Rheinfel family must not misbehave.

　The old man with the glasses - Wellman Darrington.
　His gray hair is slicked back and he is over sixty years old, yet his demeanor has not changed since Iris was a child.

I wouldn't do that.
Then stop pulling on your dress as if you're checking it out.
I mean, isn't this a little too ...... fancy?

　Iris frowned and asked Wellman.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.
　This is a great way to make sure that you are getting the most out of your money. This dress was also prepared by Wellman.

What are you saying? It suits you well.
I'm not asking if it looks good on you, I'm asking if it looks good on me in a more subdued color.
That's exactly what you're saying. If you don't have the best attire for your daughter's big day ......, what are you going to do?

　Wellman confidently states.
　This makes Iris feel a little uncomfortable. --Wellman doesn't know that Iris is planning to turn down the engagement offer.
　Maybe he prepared the winning outfit with the ...... wish that Iris' engagement would be successful.

(......I'm sorry, Wellman. My mind is made up from the beginning.

　I apologize in my heart.
　Iris--I'm not going to take the engagement offer. He knew very well that if he accepted the betrothal offer, there was a good chance that he would not become a knight.
　It is not that I have been turning a blind eye to the subject of succession to the throne.
　Iris knew that this engagement had the potential to determine the future of this country.
　Her mother must have at least understood and approved of the engagement.
　It would not be an exaggeration to say that she entrusted the future of the Rheinfel family to Iris.
　However, Iris must not say no in order to become a knight.
　Iris knows that this will cause unnecessary confusion.
　Before coming here, Arutha had also warned her about this.

(Just be firm and talk like me, right?

　Iris made up her mind and arrived at the place she wanted to go. A maid was waiting in front of the large door.
　She must be a maid for the Rahmberg family. If the valet was waiting here, then Wellman would also be waiting at the entrance.
　As the representative of the Reinfels and the Rahmbergs, he wanted to discuss the matter without disturbing each other.

"I've been waiting for you, Iris Reinfell. Mr. Cashel is waiting inside.
All right. Thank you.

　Iris replied with a smile and the maid put her hand on the door and opened it.
　Wellman waited silently in front of the door and Iris entered the room.
　Inside the large room, there was a young man sitting on a sofa in the back.
　His long silver hair was tied back and his golden eyes looked at Iris.
　As Iris approached him, the young man opened his mouth.

Hello. Long time no see, Iris.

　The confident voice was a little - no, a lot - different from the person Iris knew.

"...... Cashel?
Yes, of course. Do you remember me?
We've met at a few parties.
Yes, I do. I may have appeared a little timid then, but ...... not today. I'm here to make you mine, Iris.

　Cashel declares clearly.
　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm here.
　But Iris is not soft enough to be overpowered.

I also want to ...... make something clear to you.
You can't get engaged to me, is that what you're saying?
"What?

　Iris's eyes widened in surprise. It's not hard to see why, since Cashel said it himself before he even started. I'm not sure if you knew that when you asked me to marry you.

...... Yeah, that's right.
Nobility and nobility. It's not an easy decision to make when you're engaged to one of the four great noble families. But you and I - the Rahmbergs and the Rheinfels - are at least closer now.


So you're saying that you didn't want to get engaged in the first place?
"Hmm, don't get carried away. I knew you didn't want to get engaged. I know you don't want to get engaged, and it would be the easiest thing for me to do if you did. ...... Now, the question is this: Why are you talking about getting engaged to me? Why can't you accept my engagement offer?
What's that?

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　...... There are many ways to decline. You'll be able to find a lot of people who are interested in your company.
　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, please do not hesitate to contact us.
　Because if you answer that way, you will be told that you can learn about it in the future.
　It's not easy to say no, especially when you're engaged to a great nobleman.

...... Maybe the rumors you hear are true?　I'm not sure if I'm going to be a king myself.
I'm not in a position to decide if I'm going to be king or not.
I'm not in a position to decide if I'm going to be king or not, but if you refuse, it's possible, right?

　I wondered if Cashel had come here to find out.
　It's not the same as what Iris knows about Cashel, and it's a bit overwhelming.
　But Iris took a small deep breath and looked straight at Cashel.

...... Now, I'm not going to deny it. But you and I are on the same page, aren't we?
I'm not going to say no to that right now, but you and I are on the same page, right?
That's it.
I see. I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with that. ...... But is that the right answer?
What do you mean?
What do you mean? Do you think those words will convince the other nobles?　I'm going to be king. Unlike you, I can make a strong statement. But you're refusing my betrothal because you don't know?　If that's the way you feel, why don't you just get engaged to me?　If you want to be a knight, I can make that wish come true for you.
I don't need you to grant me anything. Don't try to shake me. That's my answer.

　I'm not going to be king--Iris, the most likely candidate for king, is out. I haven't heard from Remyll, but I know that Iris is in a situation where she shouldn't make that clear.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　But a man like Zale can never be allowed to be king.
　He can't throw away the possibility of Iris becoming king.
　That's not to say that he won't become king--even with such a vague answer, Iris's position is guaranteed.
It pains me to lie, but as a representative of the Rheinfell family. I can't do that.

I see. I was expecting a simpler refusal.
"......?
Ha-ha, it's simple. You can't get engaged to me because there's someone else you like.
...... What kind of nonsense is that?

　I'm not sure what you mean by that.
It was because there was someone who immediately came to mind when he said "someone I like" that Iris strongly denied it.
　She did not realize that it was a mistake.