When Shayla stopped crying and calmed down, Deanna saw her off "on the spot". Shayla said, "I'll never see you. I'm not going to be able to see you. ...... I'm going to miss talking to Dee again," she said, and they found themselves talking almost in close proximity.

By the way, the issue of what to do about the relationship between Shayla and the Red Roses? We decided to put it on hold for today. From a practical point of view, Shayla's open declaration of the Red Rose Faction would only intensify the conflict in the palace. Shayla would realize this when she calmed down a bit.

As she had promised not to be seen, Shayla parted from Diana with her eyes closed and turned around. She is surprisingly obedient. After saying her goodbyes and watching Shayla disappear around the corner, Deanna let out a deep breath.

"...... Is anyone there?
"Ha!

I'm not sure what to say. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

"What's wrong?　Sirius, are you resting properly?
I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not, but I have. I took a break as well, so everything was fine.
"Yes. What did your father say?
He said, 'If the boy does anything even remotely strange, don't hesitate to give him a good thrashing.
"...... Wow.

It wasn't Deanna who let out a mutter. I'm not sure how long it's been since I've been there.

"Oh, what's wrong with Kai?
"Kid, it looks like you don't need to live.
"...... You know, Sirius. Let's just get rid of the killing. I'm seriously scared. And Deanna. Aren't you supposed to be surprised?
You know, Kai's a Dark Lord, right?　It's normal for him to be spooky.
Yeah, yeah. It was stupid of me to go into it.

I was an idiot for poking him," Kai said, straightening his posture.

I thought you might want to know about Peony. I thought you might be interested in some information about Peony, so I thought I'd show up.
"Thanks. Thanks a lot.
...... Really, don't show your face. Deanna is the Red Rose, first in line to the side. Even though it's a hole in the ground where almost no one knows you, what do you think would happen if someone saw you with a man in the palace?
Ah.
"Oh.
"...... Master Diana, you too?

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

I'm sure you're not the only one.　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.
I don't know. That's the first thing I forgot.
Don't worry, I forgot that too.
Oh, so maybe it's not a good thing that I was treated to tea yesterday?
"...... what?

A low voice came down with a deadly air. You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

I'm not sure what to say.　I'm sure you're not the only one.
"...... I'm sorry, Miss Diana.
"Oh, no, it's fine, but don't scold ...... Kai, okay?　I asked him out.
"Sorry, I didn't think it through either.
I'm sorry, I didn't think of that. ...... I think it might be safer for us to meet face to face in our room. Dear Deanna, please take care of yourself.
"...... I understand.
Then I'll go to the attic.

And then Kai disappeared. ...... To be precise, he once dived into the bushes, climbed through the trees into the building, and went around the ceiling.

I'm sorry to keep you waiting.
I'm not waiting as long as I should. I've always thought that your physical abilities are far from human.
I've been working out for the Cresta family for some time now.
I'm not sure if that applies to me, though.　Well, it's simply a result of your qualities and hard work.
"Hmm. I'd say so. --Hello, Miss Deanna. What can I do for you?
First, let's hear what Kai has to say. How are things at the Peony?



The loose air was tightened by Diana's words. Sirius didn't speak either, but seemed to be waiting for Kai's words.
After a few beats, Kai's voice came down a little lower.

"In a word, you're getting carried away.
"What a useless piece of information.
"From where I sit, I don't see how you can get carried away with that.
"Were you in the attic the entire time you were at the Peony?
I'm not sure what to make of that.

He has a good personality. ....... Deanna and Sirius muttered the same words inwardly at almost the same time. You'll be able to get a lot more than just a few of them.

So, what is your purpose?　I'm sure you're not seriously abandoning Shayla for Liliane, are you?
I'm sure you're not the only one. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. I'm sure you're not the only one.
"Hmm?

Deanna's tone was really cold. After Shayla had cried so hard, her thoughts returned to the fact that no matter what the king's intentions were, he had made her cry.
I'm not going to go out in the open.

I don't go out in the open, so I don't know why the king thought that way. I don't know why the king thought that way, because I don't go to the front, but from what I saw at the Peony, he seemed to have finally realized that if he mistreated the ladies in his entourage, their frustrations might be passed on to Shayla.
"You're late.

I'm sure you're not the only one.

I'm sure you're aware of my feelings, Diana. I think we should be happy with your growth here.
"Uh...
It's not 'uh', Sirius is right. At least now the king is paying attention to the palace, right?
I'm sure you're right, but it's only to protect Shayla-sama, right?　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea. I can appreciate your enthusiasm, but you're doing it all wrong.
I'm sure you're right.

Kai, who seemed to be following the king, easily agreed with Diana's opinion. It seems that he was not really defending the king.

The king hadn't been in Peony that long. Well, maybe a little longer than that, since the little girl tearfully kept him there. All that time, all he said was how much he cared for the little girl. If you have any inconveniences or if you have any problems, you can let me know.
I can see Lilliane-sama biting the dust here at .......
"Oh, you ragged on the Red Rose, didn't you?
I can imagine. I can imagine.
"The only thing I'd add is that it didn't sound like the king took it seriously.
"......, huh?

That's surprising. I'm sure the king would have had a lot of fun badmouthing the Red Rose to Peony.

"His Majesty didn't take to badmouthing the Red Rose?
Yeah, I didn't see that one coming either. I didn't expect that either. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.
...... I wonder if she had something bad in her stomach.
I'm sure you'll be pleased with your progress.

It's hard to be honestly happy about your growth because it's been so far. First of all, considering the current situation, the king's growth will only have the effect of slightly shaking back the negative situation to the positive direction. In the long run, it may be a big change.

...... Yes, I agree. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

I'm not sure what to make of it.

"The king was like that, but... The king was like that, but the ladies of the Peony were not. ...... Diana, you know what I mean.
"Yes. I'm sure you've heard of it, but I've never heard of it.

Diana herself is a good example of this. The king came to her room just once, and she was treated as "His Majesty's favorite princess". In fact, she wasn't even favored, she was just declared war head-on.

In Diana's case, even though Diana herself said nothing, the rumor spread by itself. If this is the case with Peony, ......
"I'm sure she'll be actively spreading rumors.
They're planning on it. The Peony girl said that she and the Red Rose are now on the same side in the palace.
"The same?
"The same? The same name, the same favored one. He said he won't make a big deal out of it.
"Hmm. I don't think that lady has the guts to do anything head-on.

I don't think she has the guts to do anything head-on." After all, she's already been seriously checked. If she comes at me head on, I'll have to revise my assessment of Liliane.



You don't have to go at it head-on, there are plenty of ways to do it. Just because that little girl's head is a disappointment doesn't mean you should let your guard down.
"Right. Peony-sama seems to be good at pestering from behind the scenes.

In a way, she seems to be a lady's lady-in-waiting.
I don't know what kind of information warfare the Peony faction is going to use, but the king seems to be planning to go around the rooms of all the famous people (except for the Red Rose). Peony will not be the only one with an overwhelming advantage.

"By the way, Kai, does Liliane know that His Majesty is in the Water Lilies tonight?
"What?　What is that really?　I didn't know that either.
"...... So Liliane doesn't know either.
No, I don't think she'd be so excited if she did.
That's true. ...... You've done a pretty good job of hiding it, Mariah.

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.
When you have obtained all the information you want, the capable head of the Darkness asks you a question.

"So, Master Diana. What can I do for you?
I'm sorry to keep sending you back and forth, but can you please go and report to your father on the situation in the inner palace, along with the current information from Kai?　Also, I would like you to ask him to look into the reason why His Majesty has turned his attention to the inner palace.

Deanna's expression, which at first glance appeared to be talking to herself, was frighteningly serious. I hope I'm not mistaken.

I hope I'm imagining things. I hope I'm not imagining things, but there may be something more to His Majesty's visit to the palace than just his thoughts.
"What is it?
"I just can't believe that His Majesty would voluntarily think of going to the palace.
"I see. So you're saying there's a possibility that someone else is behind this?
"Yes. If it's out of the goodness of my heart, I don't have a problem with it.

That's not always the case in a place called the palace.

Yes, sir. Please report to Mr. Dualis and have him investigate immediately.
"Please. I know I shouldn't be telling you this verbally, but ...... I honestly couldn't even spare the time to write a letter.
"Don't worry about it. I'm at your service.

With those words, Sirius's presence disappeared. I can hear Kai exhaling.

"That's amazing, Sirius.
"Of course. He's an important member of the family that supports us.

Deanna looked up.

Thank you too, Kai. ...... But don't take it too hard. I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.
"...... Yes, yes. Thank you.

The voice that fell sounded somewhat interesting.