Why, oh why, is His Majesty here at ......!

Only confusion reigned in Shayla's head. I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm sure Shayla can figure that out.

"Are you okay?
"......,
"Are you all right?　What the hell did the Red Rose do to you?

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. I'm not going to say anything to the Red Rose, just a normal greeting.

And before that, it would be a big problem for Shayla to have a conversation with the king at an evening party where all the nobles in the country are gathered. This was not an enclosed space like Shayla's room.
In fact, the people around her were rolling their eyes. They're probably thinking that Her Majesty is in this place. To be honest, Shayla feels the same way.

...... But. I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it's a good idea.

"...... Shayla.

He called out her name and gently took her hand.

A buzz. There was a stir.

There is no need to be shy with the Red Rose. There's something ...... wrong with you, isn't there?　Speak.

The king speaks to her, urgently, in the same position. It's just too much for Shayla to take in.

...... What are you thinking about, this man?

I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've. How could he not know? He's intelligent. Where did the thoughtful man who had been secretly visiting his chambers to keep order in the palace disappear to?
Does he have some deep thoughts that Shayla can't imagine? No, that's just too much. If this is the case, there will be no place for me in the palace from tomorrow.

What saved Shayla from fainting was a huge commotion in the middle of the hall.

Suddenly, even though she was in the middle of a dance, the music stopped and silence reigned in the hall. A few beats later, the room became noisy for a change. It seemed that something had happened in the center of the hall, but from Shayla's location, the distance and the crowd made it difficult to tell.

However, the commotion distracted the king's attention and he was able to regain his lost hand.

"Shayla?
Please stop.

Sheila said sharply, but in a whisper.

'You are being too playful.
"But the Red Rose...
I've only just met the Red Rose. And I don't think he's that bad.
"Don't be a fool!　You're being deceived, you know. Don't let Krester get to you.
"...... You want me to doubt the one who was so kind to me?

Shayla's eyes filled with tears.

--That's enough. If you doubt what you see, and even the kindness you receive is fake, then what in the world should Shayla believe?

I don't know anything. The king's feelings and thoughts, and even her own heart.

She spun around and turned her back on the king.

Shayla left the scene.





She left the hall, walked and ran in the dark, and ended up in a corner of a corridor somewhere. A small vase of flowers, an old sofa, a place that seemed to have been forgotten by the people.

--No one would come here.

Shayla's strength drained from her knees, from her body. Her confused emotions broke through the critical point, and tears began to flow one after another. She cried, not wanting to stop, but just following her heart.

"......, what's wrong?

The only thing that stopped her tears was a gentle, kind woman's voice that came from nearby. Puzzled, she continued.

"I'm sorry. I was walking by and I heard you crying. I thought I should just walk away, but you looked so distressed. ...... I couldn't help but notice.
No, ......, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for my behavior.
You have nothing to apologize for. You've been through a lot, haven't you?

Her voice was soothing, gentle, reserved, yet warm. Wiping away her tears, Shayla replied.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
You can talk to me if you want.　I don't know who you are or where you are from. If you could just let it out, it would be a little easier.
"...... ease...

She was so concerned, she didn't even show her face as the voice spoke. But Shayla did not understand. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be doing here.


...... but I want to talk to you. The moment I thought that, the voice said.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interfere.
No!　No, no, no!

No, no, no!" She stood up quickly and looked across the bend. Shayla spoke to the stranger.

'I'm sorry. It's not that your feelings are annoying or anything. It's just that I don't know when I'm going to feel better. ......!
"......, you have a very serious problem.
"I don't know. I don't know what's in his heart. I don't even know what I'm feeling.
Calm down. Let's take it one at a time, okay?　If you can find a place to sit, please do. If there's a place to sit, please do so. You're a nobleman invited to a soiree, and standing is hard on you, isn't it?
"There's a ...... sofa where you can sit. But, uh, you're ......
I'm fine. I'm fine. I was there as a bonus, and I'm not that tired. You're the one I'm worried about.

There was a sincere note in her voice. Shayla sat down on the sofa as if she were being led, and talked with the unseen Voice.

The voice called herself "Dee". It was probably a nickname. There is no such thing as a short name.
To my surprise, she was also a member of the side family - a young lady from a noble family at the end of the line. However, she lamented the current state of the palace and wished to live in peace. This is exactly how Shayla feels.

At once, Shayla realized that she was becoming attracted to Dee. Dee's voice was soft and gentle, and her sincere personality could be seen in every word she spoke. He cares for Shayla and makes her feel at ease with his jokes, and is truly considerate of others. Although she had only heard her voice, Shayla could tell that she could trust this person.

--That's why I told you. Shayla's secret: "Your Majesty has been coming to my room.

Dee gasped in surprise, but calmly asked back.

"Since when did that ......
The day after the day the Red Rose came. His Majesty used the rumor of the Red Rose as a cover to secretly come to my room,......, I'm so sorry to the Red Rose.
"......, but Master Shayla. It's not like the Red Rose has decided that she likes you yet.
Even if the Red Rose doesn't like you, you're still...
"No, that's why you were going to Shayla-sama, wasn't it?
I thought it was just a whim of yours. No, I still think so. I still think so, because there is no way that you would still choose me when you have such a great man.

Dee fell silent as she made her strong assertion. After a few beats, she replied.

'They say everyone's tastes are different, don't they?
That may be true, but ....... But still, I don't understand. I don't know what you're thinking.
"Your thoughts?
I'm sure he's thoughtful and kind. You didn't untie my clothes when you saw how frightened I was. He said he would wait until Shayla felt that way.
"...... Well.

Dee's voice sounded genuinely surprised for some reason.

It's not like you're performing the duties of a lady's chamberlain, but you're here every day, and you're ...... so kind. I knew it was just a whim, but...
So ...... was it?
Your Majesty's presence has grown even more significant. If you come here every day, even if you know it's just a whim, you can't help but grow.
"...... Indeed, yes.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.

I'm not sure I understand what you're thinking anymore. I don't understand what you're thinking anymore. Why did you speak to me in such a prominent place?　Why did you speak to me in such a conspicuous place? "Don't let Krester get to you." ....... It is only natural that His Majesty has feelings for the Red Rose, but ...... you think that I am just a whim, a passing fancy?　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's had it.
"Master Shayla, aren't you overthinking this?
I'm not sure if that's true ......?　Then why did you do what you did .......? What did you mean when you said not to let the Red Rose get to you?
It's ......
I'm also sorry for the Red Rose. ....... I don't know anything more about His Majesty's feelings or my own feelings.

The kindness that was given to me in the corner of the palace made me happy. I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.


I thought it was a whim. She had stubbornly refused him.
And yet, despite her refusal, he slowly grew in her mind.

The distance between her and him, and the words she was given, were enough to shake her heart, and he was 'present' in Shayla.

For Shayla, the care she received from the Red Rose, who was at the same height as the King, was the same as the care she received from the King. The same human feelings from someone who was unreachable.
But the king, who was supposed to be on the same level as her, denied it. It was as if he himself had denied his own feelings. A man of high rank has no concern for those at the bottom, except to deceive them.

If you were to unravel the emotions that swirled chaotically inside Shayla, you would probably get something like this. But right now she was too confused to think so calmly. But she was too confused to think so calmly, and Dee, perhaps anticipating this, said to her gently.

"Master Shayla. If you're so tired, you won't be able to come up with any good ideas. Why don't you stop thinking for a while, get some rest, calm down and think about it again.
"Calm down and go to ......?
"Yes. I am also a resident of the Inner Palace. I'm always available for consultation. ...... just...

Dee's voice trailed off.

I can't let you see me, sir.
What? Why ......?
I'm sure Master Shayla would hate me if she saw me at .......
"Well, that's not true.
"...... I don't hate my appearance myself. But others seem to find my appearance frightening.

Dee's voice had a tragic ring to it as she muttered. It wasn't a joke, and Dee seemed to be serious about it.
To be honest, Shayla was confident that no matter what Dee looked like, she would not be afraid of her, but would embrace her. But if you force Dee to do something she doesn't want to do, she might leave you. ...... I don't want to do that.

"All right, sir. I don't see you. But would you be willing to talk to me again?
"...... Yes. Yes, of course!

The promise made in this corridor was not forgotten by Shayla, nor by Dee.

Whenever Shayla went to a secluded part of the palace after the soiree, Dee was usually there.
Dee encouraged and comforted Shayla, who half lamented and half complained that it was the King's temporary whim and that she should not have been so kind to him, and advised her that it was best to ask His Majesty about his feelings. I felt as if a scale had fallen from my eyes when she suggested that it would be better for His Majesty not to treat the king as if he were a wonderful person. When she thought about it, Shayla had tended to think of the king as the supreme one and had become rigid. However, he had also shown some youthful gestures befitting his age. He was not only the king, but also a human being.



One night, I realized that.

The maids left the room as usual, and a knock sounded in the room where I was left alone. I opened the door and found myself face to face with the king, who looked rather sullen.

"Your Majesty, can you go to ......?
"May I enter ......?
...... Yes, please.

I invite him into the room and close the door. I move a chair forward, but he doesn't sit down, glances at Shayla, and says.

I'm sorry.

He bowed his head vigorously.
I've never heard of a king bowing to his subjects. When Shayla gasped in surprise, he continued with the same vigor.

At the time, I had completely forgotten why I had been coming to you in secret. I didn't even think about what would happen if I spoke to you ...... in a place like that, with all the nobles and many of your entourage.
"Your Majesty .......
I've been thinking about what the Red Rose did to you, that's all. I was so worried about you, I couldn't help it.

His desperate plea was a far cry from the quiet, calm man he had been in the past. He was so desperate for Shayla to hate him, so desperate for her to let go of her anger, that it was all he could see. He was pure and honest, like a child.

...... I wonder if this is the real Her Majesty. I'm sure you'll agree.

I can't help but feel a sense of wonder. Dee was right. He's a king, but he's only a man, and only he can decide how he feels. It was a waste of time for Shayla to worry about it.

"...... I understand, Your Majesty.
Forgive me!　Will you forgive me?
You can't forgive me if I apologize that much. ...... But, Your Majesty. I just want to say one thing.

Shayla looked straight at the king.

The Red Rose is not a bad person, after all. I would like to think that the heart you have for me is true.

That is the only thing that Shayla can't shake. Do not be misled by the rumors of the world, but believe in what you see and feel until the end. That's who Shayla Callerd was.



"...... Well... Yes, it is. If you say so, then you must be right.
Your Majesty. You can't do that.

If you think of someone as a person, you can have an opinion. Shayla looked at him, at the juke.

I'm glad you believe in me. I'm glad you believe in me, but it's dangerous to believe in you just because I do. Your Majesty must see for yourself and decide for yourself.
"...... You think I haven't seen anything?

The tone of voice became that of the King, but Shayla was no longer intimidated.

I'm sure you've seen it all.　The Red Rose herself.
"Of course!
"Not fooled by rumors, are you?

I cut him off sharply, and Juke fell silent. You're so honest.

I don't like to judge people by rumors. My family started out as traders. Until my father's generation, we were a noble family, but we were also in business. Because of that, there were rumors that he was an upstart who bought his title with money and that he was all business and no regard for his family. However, my father was a busy man, but he loved me a lot. But my father was a very busy man, and he loved me very much. Rumors can take you away from the truth, depending on how you feel.
"......, you say the exact opposite. You tell me not to deny my own thoughts, not to trust myself, and to judge for myself. So what am I supposed to do?

His expression was that of a child at a loss. Shayla couldn't help but chuckle.

"Your Majesty. I didn't say anything to the contrary. I just want you to not deny what I feel. I'm just asking you to see for yourself and judge for yourself if I'm right or wrong.
...... And what if you feel that I am still wrong?
Then we can discuss it until we are both satisfied.

She smiled softly and was as lovely as a flower. Juke also laughed with Shayla, and suddenly thought of something.

"...... I see. I see.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Why don't you sit down, by the way?
Hmm?　Oh, that's right.

The sound of two people laughing echoed in the small room.
--A peaceful night passed.









And the next day.

"Oh. Isn't that Shayla Callerd over there?

Sheila was caught by the polite tone of voice, but in reality it was a high, condescending voice.

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