--Princess' private quarters.


　While Futa and Corona were taking care of Ruri.

I'm sorry to be the one to stab you with the dagger, but what do you want this engagement to be for?

　Lilac, standing alone on the edge of happiness, was, as usual, engaged in information warfare.

　The trouble is that the fact that he is a wicked man is known to everyone.
　The difference between Lilac and Garland is that Garland has already discovered Lilac M. Fangini's true nature.

　Barrier Reef is convinced that Lilac is already on the side of the king. If there was even the slightest doubt, there was plenty to go around. Where does his confidence come from?

"For what?

　With his arms propped up on the back of the sofa, Barrier Reef looks up at the ceiling.

　His dark skin and pleasant expression clouded slightly.

　Lilac let out a small sigh and glanced at him as if to see how he was doing.

　No matter what he says here, I'm going to get the other side.
　The trouble is, it's a long way to his country.
　Unless we get some information beforehand, we'll have to rely on the imperial officials in this country for the details of his identity.

　That's as far as Barrier Reef can go if he wants to keep his mouth shut.

　We've been sending agents to a number of countries since we discovered that the king wanted Lilac to marry him, but the agents we sent after we identified him have yet to return.

　If the other party is in a hurry to get engaged, it would be better to assume that he has a wound on his shin. ......

It's a good idea to take a look at your own personal life.　I'm not sure what to make of it.　I'm sure you'll agree.
"Filial piety: ......
My father died about two years ago, in my hometown.
"Let the horse run. ......?
"It's like flying a fast horse. Well, there are many other ways to use it, aren't there?　Do you use it to talk to people, or just to contact them?　Letting the horse do all the work?　I'll have a chat with the lord and then I'll send the horse to you later for all the details.
"I see. ......

　The former emperor - that is to say, Barrier Reef's father - was dead, and Lilac had heard the news with certainty.

　However, the falsity of his filial piety is still undetermined.

...... Why would marrying me be filial piety?
I'm not sure.　I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not. Since I was the fifth prince, I could do whatever I wanted, right?　But my father forgave me for that, and I felt like I'd be a man if I didn't at least ask him for one last favor.
...... So you're saying that the last thing you asked for was an increase in national power?

　If so, they are very different. It would be incompetent to leave such a useful man until the last moment and then use him as a last request, much less to intermarry with another country.

　At this point, Lilac could make out a pattern of Barrier Reef's words as a bluff.
　Barrier Reef shook his head.

"What?　Family friendly stuff. My dad really loves kids, including me, so I'm not sure if it's a family affair or what.　I'm sure you'll agree with me.
"...... I see. You've become a pawn to improve relations with other countries by following the orders of those who have the right of succession above you.
That's harsh, Lila!　But really?　There are only about three people alive who have the right of succession above me. They don't listen to my father's requests at all.
"Is that so?

　In any case, you'll still have to find out what's going on.
　Until then, what Lilac should do now is to narrow down some possibilities.

　However, there was some reaction to the word "pawn". Even this may be a bluff, but that's about it. It is something that we should determine in our future relationship.

　I am prepared for a somewhat protracted battle.
　I'm sure the king is willing to marry the emperor. After all, he is my son-in-law.
　The easiest way to do this was to try to dissuade Barrier Reef, but at this rate, he won't back down so easily.

"Well, Lila is pretty much right. My oldest brother was playing around and said he couldn't leave the country to me, and I felt like he wanted me to go away?　So that's the least I can do for my father, right?　I see.
"I see. So you're saying my brother got the better of you.
"Haha, you're so funny, Lila!

　Barrier Reef laughed uncomfortably loudly, but then turned up the corners of his mouth and continued.


But even if you provoke me, I can't leave.
"Huh?
I'm not going to go back.　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.


















　--Office of the Princess of the Royal Castle.

　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that.

As for Wind's daughter, you have my permission.
Thank you.
I have no intention of restricting your daily life, of course.

　The first thing you should do is to look at your eyes.



　I'm sorry for asking you to do so much for me.

I'm sorry for asking you to do so much for me. What's wrong?　You look very tired.
"Do I look tired?　If that's the case, you're a little too relaxed.

　Lilac shakes her head, "Oh dear.

Lilac, you're wrong.
"What?
You should be able to relax in front of me.
"......, huh?

　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

　If you're tired, please tell me you're tired.
　This thought, however, is a big wedge that warns me against being careless these days.

　I didn't loosen up in front of Futa.
　It's just as well, because I've been loosening up on my own.

　The fact that he had to deal with a troublesome person led him to relax even more.

Futa, what are your plans after this?
Futa, what are your plans for the rest of the day? "I'm taking Ruri to Mr. Wind, and then I'm meeting with Pasta. If you need anything else, just let me know.
No. I've got a lot on my plate after this. ...... Well, it looks like we have some time to talk now, which is fine.

　He gently puts the slightly cooled tea back in the saucer.

This is a test of Hooter's trust. Yes, I'll relax a bit.
Yes, please do.

　Lilac leans back a little against the sofa.
　Lilac leaned back a little against the back of the sofa. Her face, reflected in the water of the cup, was a little less stern.

...... As you've probably heard, the focus of this discussion is on my engagement. The king simply wants his daughter to be happy, so he doesn't want to make any big moves just yet.

　He muttered to himself.
　That means he doesn't want to expose himself as a wicked man to his father yet.

But the man I'm engaged to is very troublesome.
"Troublesome" again?
He knows that I'm me. He's a pain in the ass.
Barrier Reef, you're the fifth prince?
Yes. Imperial.

　The name "Barrier Reef, the Fifth Prince" does not sound familiar, but with a name like the Fifth, it seems that he is not a seasoned veteran of politics and social circles.

　The fifth prince, who is more of a pawn for the royal family, is not the kind of person that Lilac would find troublesome.

What kind of person is he?
"What kind of ......

　In the back of my mind, I can't help but think, "Yeah! I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

"...... is an elusive person, isn't it?
"Oh, I see.
I'm not sure what to do with it, but I'm sure it's a good idea. What can I do?


　I'm not sure what to do.

　I'm not sure what to make of it.

I'm not sure what to say. I'm not too happy about the engagement.
What?　...... Oh, well. Yeah, I guess.
Hmm.

　For a moment, I couldn't figure out what Futa was worried about.

　But it's almost as if he's happy to be engaged.

"...... Futa. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that I've got a fiancé.

　I'm not sure what to do.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.
　I thought it was because I had told her I was not going to accept her.

"What do you mean?

　Crossing his arms and choosing his words seriously, Futa turned to Lilac and said.

I'm just happy that you're happy, Lilac.
I'm disappointed in you. I'm disappointed in you. Huh?
"Yeah, .......

　I thought I heard something shatter, but...
　I don't care about that.

　No matter who you're with, there's no way you'd be happy to be with someone.

　And more than that, this guy.

　Is that the extent of his affection that night?

　I slowly opened my eyes, which had been closed to suppress my irritation.

　And.

"Thank you for your help with .......

　You can find a lot of people who have been in the business for a long time.

You don't have to be so depressed, do you?
No, you don't need to worry about me not living up to your expectations.


Wait, no, no, no. It has nothing to do with the expectations I have for you, and will always have for me.

　He grabbed her arm and held her back.

"...... Miss Lilac?
"...... You'll always be here.
"...... No, but...
"Good.
............ Okay, okay.

　Lilac sighed heavily as Futa reluctantly took his seat.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

　That's it.

I'm not sure what to say.


　Don't show me your pity. Don't show it.


　Don't show me how pathetic you are. I'm annoyed that I'm showing you.


　I knew I shouldn't have let my guard down.
　Lilac pursed her lips in self-discipline.