I thought it would be difficult to call Rita, who was always so close to Deanna, in secret, but surprisingly, my men soon returned with a message from Rita.

I'll be waiting for you at the usual place.

As soon as his subordinate returned with just one word, Alford gave a strict order not to let His Majesty out of the room, and headed for the "usual place" - behind the wall surrounding the backyard of the palace, one of the "blind spots" that was just covered with thick vegetation and was not easily seen by the guards. He headed for one of the "blind spots.

It was not that the palace was poorly guarded. But a blind spot or two is inevitable in a place that is guarded by human hands. If I were in Alford's position, I would have to make an effort to fill in the blind spots as much as possible when I find them, but in this tense situation in the inner palace, if I were to communicate with the inner palace through normal channels, the information I want and the speed at which I want it would be overwhelmingly insufficient. In order to keep in touch with the Red Rose side as soon as possible, Alford left his blind spot intact.

When he arrived at the usual place, he found that Rita was already there, just as he had told her. Playing with her soft golden brown hair, she was staring off into the distance. It's her habit when she's thinking.

I'm sorry, did I keep you waiting?
"No, I'm fine.
But that was short-lived. When Alford called out to her, Rita immediately came to her senses and returned to the face of a capable maid. He approached Rita, who straightened up.

I'm sorry to call you here, but are you sure?　You don't have to stay with Master Deanna.
You're right. ....... To be honest, it's probably not a good idea.

Rita's mood is not so good. You'll be able to see her face when you look at her, and she's very unhappy.

But it is a problem to be around Diana with this face. I think you need some time to cool down and ...... calm down.
...... What the hell happened to you?
I can't tell you that on my own. With Deanna's permission, I can explain it to you.
"I see.

I know Rita won't talk to me even if she's dead after she says this. You'll be able to find a lot more information on this subject in the future.

Rita, I heard that Miss Shayla has been taken to the side of the Peony Faction.
Rita, I heard that Miss Shayla was taken by a member of the Peony Faction. You're very quick on the uptake.
"Miss Shayla's maidservants came up with the information through emergency channels.
......, so you're sure His Majesty heard about it?
Yes, she has.

Rita let out a sigh that she did not hide.

I'm afraid you're in trouble. I'm not sure what to make of this.
......, so the information is true?
It's true, but it's all been resolved. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for, and how you can get it.
...... Seriously, you've offended the Cresta family. You don't need a life, do you, over there?
"They may have thought they were above us in rank, but they were not. But of all people, you said to Diana herself that she was only the daughter of a countess.
"Wow...

I'm not sure what to do. He was a good friend of the legitimate son of the Crester family, and he knew all too well what anger those words triggered. His best friend had also vented his anger in the past when he was insulted by the house. Edward is scary in a different way from Diana, because on the surface he is still smiling softly, but his words and actions are always pushing the other person to the limit. Alford calls it "The Descent of the Great Demon King.

I'm sure it's not a good medicine for the ladies who don't have enough brains, but it's a very powerful medicine that could kill them.
"Oh, some of them fainted.
"...... Miss Diana, take it easy on her.

If the conservatives in the palace start to squeal, it is not Juke who will be in trouble, but rather the people around him. The conservative nobles, who consider the current king, Juke, to be a "good lord" who listens to them, do not complain directly to Juke. Instead, they impose unreasonable demands on the king's entourage. In particular, the Marquis of Landrose, Liliane's father, makes unreasonable demands.

He deserved it. You deserve what you get for despising Master Deanna. There's no way that Master Diana can be defeated by such a naive young lady who only knows how to look down on others, sitting on her laurels.
You're right, though. ....... And just to make sure, is Miss Shayla safe?
Of course she is. Master Deanna went to her rescue and there's no way she can't be saved.
That's true.

That alone is a relief. Just because Mistress Shayla didn't get hurt badly, we avoided the 'worst possible outcome' of an enraged Juke shouting into the palace.

"That's Miss Diana. Quickly gather information, accurately judge the situation, and act quickly. I can't tell you how much we've benefited from having Miss Deanna in the palace.
If I were to tell you the truth, Deanna-sama and I would like to end this foolishness as soon as possible and go home to our parents.
...... No, I'm sorry.

In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and what you can do to help. But Alford knows that she is not there because she wants to be there, and if he praises her too much, he may upset Rita.

I'm sure you're not the only one.
"Hmm?　Oh, what is it?

It is very unusual for Rita to say something like this. At least not when she's wearing her "maid of honor" face. That must be something.



"Madam President, I suggest you make a covert but urgent inquiry into Serra Maris.
What?

Rita's expression was serious. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

I know that this is out of my line of work. I hope I'm not overstepping my bounds, but I just don't think that the High Priestess Saara Maris is the right person for the position.
"Why?
Because I don't feel that she has the consideration for the people below her that a superior should have.
Tell me more.

Rita nodded and opened her mouth. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.
Alford was stunned by the whole thing.

...... You can't do that.
It turned out all right. I'm not sure what to make of it. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one. ......, but that's not the same thing.
Yes, of course. If that's really the reason you're choosing a chambermaid, then you're far too unqualified to be the head mistress.
I'm sure you've heard of it. I was concerned that the position of ...... headmistress might be used for her personal gain.

It's not something to be overlooked. You can say that Rita's guess is quite accurate.

"All right. I'll look into it immediately and confidentially.
Thank you very much.

Rita bowed her head, she was the same as she had always been. She hated aristocracy and hated serving people, with the one exception of Diana, who stood as a maidservant but did not bow to people for no reason.
The only exception is Diana, who stands as a maidservant but doesn't bow to people for no reason.

"...... You're always like that, Rita.
"Master Alford?
Stop it. I don't want to be seen in your position.
No!

He grabbed Rita's wrist as she tried to run away by reflex. You can't go back," he whispered, resisting the urge to hug her and lock her in his arms.

"Can't you just go back to ......?
"No one can turn back time. Please forget about it.
I can't.
Master Alford. I am Master Diana's handmaiden. I've made up my mind to devote myself to Deanna's service. You have a different identity, a different way of life, a different everything.
"So you want me to let go?　You want me to let go of my memories, my feelings!
You can. I have.

--Unbearable. I pulled it closer.

I'm not letting go. I've only pretended to let go. Otherwise you wouldn't even be appearing to me as a lady-in-waiting.
"If you know what you're doing, then let me go!

The desperate voice struck Alford's ears. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

Rita, who had distanced herself so as not to be caught again, breathed on her shoulders, tears in her eyes, but still resolutely kept the face of a maidservant. I'd like to ridicule myself for being so rejected.

...... If you don't want to be pressured, don't show your vulnerability.
"When have I ever shown you any weakness?
"When have I ever shown you anything that even Mistress Diana wouldn't show me? If you're not a lady's maid, I'll always take advantage of you.

...... If you can't get it, just be scared away.

This is a great way to make sure you are getting the most out of your time with your family and friends.

...... Are you stupid, or am I?

I'm sure you've heard of it. I'd like to laugh at the clownishness of it all.

Juke's reputation with the Crester family is not good, as he is a boy and a child, but this may be the reason why Alford can't give up on him. At least, he can sympathize with Juke in the sense that he is in the midst of a sad unrequited love.
If Juke had pressed Shayla in a more power-driven way, Alford might have given up on Juke completely. But Juke had a very healthy first love process. He was always curious about the other person, wanted the other person to look at him, wanted the other person to open up to him, and was constantly worrying and searching for the other person's heart. Although clumsy, he cares for Shayla and thinks about what he can do for her.

Because Juke is so sincere in love, he feels like an older brother who needs to be there to watch over her, and Alford never tires of serving him. It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your vacation.

...... In the meantime, we need to reassure His Majesty.

With the news that Miss Shayla is safe, Alford returned to the king's office.





--And.

"Alford. Tonight, I'm going to the inner palace, to the Peony Room.
"...... Yes?

You'll be able to see Juke, who seemed to have made up his mind.