"Yoo-hoo. Have you finished making the little boy happy?

Alford went out into the garden and was met with a painful blow right from the start. When he looked in the direction of the voice, he saw Chris leaning against a tree, looking at him.

"Yo!
No, not "Yo. ...... What's going on over there?

Chris cowered lightly.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea. In the event that you're not sure what to do, you can always ask for help from a friend.
"Is it okay if the Commander is not there?
I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea. I didn't expect that the men's side's spin-off would be this messed up, either.

"Hounsou" is the well-known abbreviation for reporting, communication, and consultation. I'm sure that Deanna did all of that, and I can't help but blame the Outer Palace for their ineptitude in this matter, or rather, Deanna has the right to blame them.

"Deanna," he said. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work.
I'm sorry again ......, but... I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. I'm sure that if you had at least told Ed about it, he would have told Deanna.
I'm sorry I didn't read you better. I only wanted to hide the fact that I became the leader of the female kinsmen, not that I wanted to hide the existence of the female kinsmen themselves. It never occurred to me that the Outer Palace was planning to tell the Inner Palace about it without saying anything until the day of the event.

Deanna was very pale when she heard the story from me.
When you say it again, I feel guilty.

"I'm sorry. I was under orders not to tell anyone.
"Oh, no, no, no. It's not productive to make excuses for things that have already been done. I'm sure you didn't show up at the palace because you didn't want to face Rita, but...

I was at a loss for words, having been told exactly what was on my mind. This woman, whom Edward loves more than anyone else and trusts more than anyone else, is frighteningly intelligent about the subtleties of the human heart. It would be more convincing if she explained that she could read minds. If it were up to Chris, he would be able to see into Alford's mind no matter how much he tried to hide it.

If I had known that the Outer Palace was in such a mess, I would have told you. Men are really good at aggravating situations by focusing on trivial things.

I can't say it back. Because it's true in this case. I should've told her honestly, but now I regret it.
I'm not sure what to say.

"So, is Miss Deanna okay?
"You know, do you think Deanna is stupid?　You know, I don't think you're fooling around with Deanna, unlike the little boy.

The change of subject was apparently a snake.

"If you ask me if I'm okay, I'll tell you I'm not. But if Diana collapses now, we can't have the garden party. You have to be okay, Deanna.
"Miss Deanna is so ......
You guys, you're wrong.

Chris moved away from the tree, stepped quietly on the grass, and stood in front of Alford.

"Honestly, I'm glad the garden party was today. Honestly, I'm glad it's today, because Deanna can't take much more of this.
"That's because...
Deanna's feeling overwhelmed with responsibility and pressure right now. Only the Cresters can make her feel better in that state.

Chris's face was pale as she huffed and puffed. I guess even she didn't expect that.

"She doesn't even know it, but... I don't know any other girl who is as kind and clumsy as Deanna.
Miss Deanna is clumsy?
Clumsy? No matter how difficult the reality is, she always tries her best. She can't think of a way to escape or take a detour. It's even worse because your ability is so high that you can manage most things if you try hard enough.

You can say whatever you want, but still accept the situation and do your best. That's Deanna. If my power is useful, I can't just stand by and watch. It's a natural thing to think like that.
After all, she's a softie, Deanna.

"You shouldn't have put her in charge of something like this. I shouldn't have given it to someone like that.
But...
I know. --Your family, your reputation in society, your father's power, your own qualities. All in all, there was no one better than Deanna, and it worked out just fine.

Yes. It was the best thing to do at the time-- a political decision.

"Because Miss Deanna is capable. She knew exactly what was expected of her and she did it.
Yes, she did. And she continues to do so. As a political decision, it was the right one. It was the right political decision. ...... But it was the wrong one for Deanna.



Chris's eyes are sharp. A piercing gaze pierces Alford.

You've already noticed that, haven't you, Al?　The more capable Deanna was, and the more she performed her role, the more the Outer Palace became lax and sloppy. Deanna will have to pay for it, and in the end, Deanna will have to deal with it. And eventually, she will be crushed.

We were confronted mercilessly. Their cowardice.

"She's aware of the contradiction. "She's aware of the contradiction, but she's covering it up and pretending not to see it. If you get frustrated with that, it's all over.
I don't...
It's inevitable, human psychology, that we rely on those who are capable. What's important is that you don't become completely dependent on them.　If there is a thought in the upper echelons of the government that the Red Rose will take care of any problems that may arise, the country will be destroyed if that naivety is not abandoned immediately.

I don't mind that either," Chris said coldly.

I'm fine with that," Chris said coldly, "but I'd rather see a country fall if it has to rely on one person, capable or not, to carry all the debt. And that means sacrificing that one person.
"Chris.

I called out, but couldn't think of anything to say. Chris smiled.

Chris smiled, "And that's the Countess of Clester, who's treated like a villain and looked down upon by most of the nobility. It's not even funny at this point.
"...... I don't think so, the 'Crester family'.

The worst comes to mind. The laxity of the outer court, the burden on the inner court. If only they'd known about it.

"Unfortunately, you still don't know that the Outer Palace is this much of an imposter. I'm sorry, but you still don't know that the Outer Palace is so ampontonic. The Cresta family is not involved in politics as a rule, and Diana is a special exception. I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal more information on this subject at .......

I'm not sure what to say. I'm not sure what to make of it.
A chill ran down my spine.

"One more time!　Just one more time, please!　Your Majesty has regretted it, and I've realized it!　Please, give me one last chance!
"I don't care what you say. It's not up to me. It's up to you, Duiris, to decide what to do.
I need you to intercede for me somehow!
Don't worry, it's not going to end badly, is it?　It's not going to end badly, is it, Deanna?

That's easy for you to say. That's the worst of it, isn't it?

Mistress Diana's disappearance from the palace is the worst of all worlds...
I'm telling you, you've got to do something about this mess. As long as Deanna alone carries the burden, the fuses of the Crester family will continue to burn.
Don't be so naive. If I could do something about it, I would.
You're pathetic. The ladies in the inner palace have much more spirit than I do.

...... You're absolutely right. In fact, this country is now supported by women. If this continues, I will have no position as a man.

"Okay. I'll do my best.

He looked up at Chris with a firm grip on his stomach.
I said it with determination.

A gust of wind blew through. And then Chris smiled softly.

"Yeah, I believe you. If Dualis-sama asks my opinion, I'll tell him you said so.
...... Sorry about that.
"If you're going to apologize, it should be to Deanna, not me. I think she'd be happier with a thank you than an apology.

Suddenly, Chris looked into the distance. When he looks back, there's...

"...... Chris, sir.

--I wanted to see her, but I was afraid to see her, she was there.
I tried to step forward, but Chris held my shoulder.

"Rita, is it time?
"Yes, yes. Master Deanna would like to introduce you to the people of the palace.
All right, let's go.

Chris starts to walk away, urging Rita. Chris whispered to Alford, who was half unconsciously trying to catch up with him.

Chris whispered to Alford, who was half-consciously trying to catch up with him, "You should be ashamed of yourself, Rita, and come back. You're only going to make things worse if you don't.

Her words were so precise. Her words were so direct and straightforward that I wanted to cry.

"...... Chris, take me out for a drink sometime.


It's okay. I'll listen to you complain all you want. Let's just get through today, okay?

Yeah, the garden party hasn't even started yet. It's all just beginning.

--Finally changing his mind, Alford looked forward and saw the strong women off.