--Princess's private quarters, Royal Castle.

　It was back in time, just before Corona and Futa returned to the Royal Castle.

　Lilac M. Fangini, the first princess of the kingdom, was facing a young man who was sitting comfortably on the sofa in front of her.

　Always graceful, Lilac, dressed in a straight white dress, softly brushed her lips over her dress gloves.
　The corners of her mouth were slightly lowered, and her eyes showed a hint of disdain akin to dismay.

　This was because of the attire of the man sitting in front of her.

...... It's getting cold, isn't it?
I've been underestimating the cold season in the kingdom. It's super cold!　Oh no!

　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.
　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

　And I'm barefoot.

I'm sure His Majesty will take this into consideration when you say you're going to show your true colors and look the way you do.
Doesn't that mean you're breaking off the engagement?
Well... Your father's deepest thoughts are beyond the reach of a child like me.
Wow, that's really funny, Lila.

　Well, okay.
　He put his hands on the back of his head and crossed his legs.
　Lilac's eyes narrowed to match his slightly changed mood.

You know... It's so cold! I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.
"All?
Like, we're gonna spend the night.
I see.

　Lilac understood what the prince was trying to say.

　It's about security.
　In the outskirts of the capital, there are deaths every day, mostly due to hunger and weakness. People who have no home, no job, and have settled in the small streets of King's Landing where it's a little warmer.

　If you're not careful, you'll find yourself in the same place as Futa, so Lilac is aware of the situation.

So I was wondering what you think about that, Lilac.
I don't have any reason to tell you, but I already have a plan.
I'm not sure what to do.　It's really painful!　Seriously, what are you going to do with the hint?　Just give me a hint!
"............

　I'm not sure what to do.

"...... just means give them a job. "It's not a job."
That's what I'm saying. I'm not sure what to make of this, but I'm sure it's a good idea.　Is there some kind of big business going on? --For example, something being built in the center of the royal capital.
"Well, I'm not going to answer that much.

　Lilac gently touched her tea.

　This man has already expanded his network of information to include state enterprises.
　--Even if the Barrier Reef heard him, there was no real harm done at the moment.
　But it's always best to keep what can be kept secret until the end.

　The National Project Colosseum.
　From its construction to its management, we know that it requires a lot of manpower. Lilac was going to hire all the people there, regardless of their "occupation".

　Humans are not slaves to their "occupations".
　To show this, he denies "occupation" not only at the top but also at the bottom.

　Relief for those who have been pushed out and lost their jobs due to the lack of supply and demand.

　For example, "managers" are the best example.
　Hundreds of them would not be able to do a single civil engineering project.
　Occupations where there is too much supply for demand can only destroy each other.

　A person's happiness does not depend on being engaged in an occupation.
　"It is because we do work that does not match our "occupation.
　We should destroy the current world that makes us a laughingstock.

I'm not sure what you're talking about.
...... Well, I don't know.
I don't know.

　This is a great way to make sure you are getting the most out of your time and money.
　It's not that I'm broken.

　Rather, she felt it was time to make a move.

　Over the past few days, he had come to understand Barrier Reef's true nature to some extent.

　He's not stupid. And he's coming to town with a clear purpose.
　There's no contradiction. But he's not telling the truth either.

"...... You've had a look around King's Landing, my prince.

　I dared to ask Barrier Reef about the time difference.
　I'm sure he knew he was going to get in trouble for talking about security earlier.
　But the timing of the question made sense.
　Lilac had hoped that he would show even the slightest sign of agitation, but surprisingly, Barrier Reef remained calm.

"But I'm going to live in this country.
"Yes. What's the purpose of that?


"Purpose?

　Barrier Reef nodded his head, "I don't understand.

　That's true. We've already talked about the main purpose.
　I'm sure Lilac has the proof.
　If there is a purpose other than the last act of filial piety I can do for my father...

"I want to make out with a super cute girl.
"Oh, ......, that again?
"No, that's not why you're here at all, Lila.

　After saying that, Barrier Reef stammered for a moment.
　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.


I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. I'm sure you'll agree that it's a great idea.
I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but I'm sure you've heard of it. It is human nature to want the people you love to enjoy the greatest happiness.

"...... Laila-chan. Is there anyone you like?
"What?

　I'm not sure what you're talking about.
　I thought I had asked the question.
　It's too crude to be a joke. His expression was rather serious.

　Well. She almost wondered what she should say - and shook her head, wondering why she should.

I'm not here.
"No?　Is there someone you'd like to be a part of a family with?
...... I don't hold family as sacred as you do.
So you want to make out?
I don't have time for that.
I see. I'd feel a lot better if you were serious.
I'm serious.
Lila, are you serious?
I don't care.

　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　It's just a pose. It must be.
　There's no need to be upset just because he has eyes that can see right into your heart.
　Yes. I can't let something like this break my tempo. 　

　Letting out a breath, Lilac glared at Barrier Reef.

"What else?
What else?　Oh, you're talking about the objective. I don't know. What, like an event?　I'd love to. Like an event barrier reef?
What else?
Yeah, I want to make a pool out of ...... other ...... kingdom liquor. ......

　The purpose of the Barrier Reef is getting further and further away from the serious side of things.
　It's just.
　It's not like he's playing around," Lilac said with a frown.

Do you want to leave after everything is arranged?
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
"Yes?
"What's wrong, Lilac?

　A barrier leaf, as if you don't know what you're being asked.
　Lilac sensed that it was not a pose.

　That's why I don't know.

　He's got some kind of strong purpose.

　Lilac was sure of it. Her own eyes, the ones she trusted most after seventeen years of living, were telling her that.
　A few days of profiling him. His movements lacked the spirit they should have. Not lethargy without purpose.
　More like he's preparing for some other kind of purpose to come.
　Or waiting for a purpose.

　But now there is a fatal contradiction in my question and answer with Barrier Reef.

　His words do not seem to be a lie.

"Hey, Lila. As I said in the introduction, I'm not trying to annoy Lila-chan. I'm going to answer your questions for real, so please tell me.
...... Yes, you're right. You're the only one. You're the only one. I'm the only one who asks for tips.
I'm so glad. I knew ...... would make Lila very unhappy.
I don't expect you to care about me.



　As she said this, Lilac looked straight at Barrier Reef and said.

"You must have some other strong purpose.

　At this question, Barrier Reef's eyes widened.

I'm sure. You were ...... sure, weren't you?
Yeah.
Seriously? ...... I see.

　He scratched his short, cherry-red hair, Barrier Reef.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　But then...

　He shook his head loosely.

"You shouldn't have. That's the purpose.
"Shouldn't there be ......?
Yeah. I am Barrier Reef F. Christ. I'm the fifth prince of the empire, and I came to this kingdom out of filial piety.

　I'm Barrier Reef F. Christ, the fifth prince of the empire, and I came to this kingdom for filial piety," he declared to himself, and Lilac closed her eyes quietly.

　I see what you mean. A goal that you desire and seek, but have no intention of fulfilling.
　If that's the case, there is no contradiction.

"Sorry, Lilac. I admit I'm so serious that you can see right through me. But that's not why I came to this country. ...... So I can't face my father after all.
So you're saying it's selfishness.
Yeah.
I see.

　I see, I see.








　I see.










　As if gently thinking outside the window.
　The air of Lilac M. Fangini changes.

　From "princess" to "wicked man".

　Softly, blithely, as if she were truly a lady of the deep.
　As if without looking at the barrier reef, she says.

I'm relieved.
"...... Lila?

　Softly, smiling.



You had nothing to do with what your belly was doing in King's Landing, did you?
"...... What?















　--In front of Futa's room at the Royal Castle.

　After finishing her question and answer with Barrier Reef, Lilac went to her office to do the rest of her work and then went to Futa's room to hear about the events that had been happening around him.

　His feet were, well... I was a little irritated.
　This was because of the annoying maid. The little box she clutched was a music box. I'm sure she's got one of her own anyway.

　Today, today, I'm going to have to blackmail her.
　I can't allow it.
　Surprising people.

　He walks faster and faster.
　I wasn't going to knock because of the circumstances.

　She opens the door, wondering what to say in her first words.


"Coro--

　The words were cut off mid-sentence. Why did her mouth, her throat, her head... She didn't know why her mouth, throat, and head had stopped moving.

　But then my eyes opened and I saw it.


It's time to change your clothes.
"Hey .......
I know you're sleepy, but you can't go to the party.

　Two people sitting side by side on a sofa, holding a baby in their arms.

　They are sitting side by side on the couch, holding their infant in their arms. Their shoulders are close together, and their eyes are full of love.

　It's like...

"Yeah?　Do you have someone you want to be a family with?
...... I don't feel that family is as sacred as you do.


　I don't know why.
　I lost the will to even take a single step into the room.

"Oh, Lilac-sama.

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

I'd like to talk to you about Ruri and...
"Futa.

　I'm not sure what to say.

I'm aware of most of the circumstances. I'm sure Beatrix will take care of that. Please tell the Lord Treasurer about the party.
"Uh, yeah.
Corona. I'll leave the music box here. Put mine back when you have time. ...... I'm busy, so I'll leave you to it.


Ho?

　With that, Lilac closed the door to her room.

　She exhaled and went down the hallway.


　Because, well.

I don't have time for this.