At the end of the social season, a number of major incidents that will probably go down in history occurred in the rear court.
　Punishments for the nobles involved were announced one after another, and some of them were still being interrogated, but the royal soiree was held to mark the end of the season.

　In the midst of this strange tension, the invited nobles appear one after another, the lowest in rank first. When the guests from the Barons, Viscounts, and Counts were all present, there was a buzz near the entrance.

"Crestor, Count of .......
"The Countess of Crester. The Countess of Crester is here, and all the Countesses are here.
...... After all they've done, do they have no concept of shame?

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　They spread out their fans to hide their faces, and Fiona giggled in amusement.

I expected this, but it's refreshing to see such a blatant reaction.
I didn't expect such a blatant reaction. "I didn't expect such notoriety for bringing criminals to justice according to the law.

　"I didn't expect such bad publicity for bringing criminals to justice according to the law," Edward replied in an almost silent whisper. He was trying to look like he was enjoying the evening, but it was clear that he was actually fed up with it.
　Edward looked at his aunt, who seemed to be really enjoying herself.

Your aunt is a good sport, isn't she?
You're right. I'm half an outsider. It's fun to see how the old lesson of 'the more Cresta gets out in the open, the more infamous it gets' has been made out in the real world.
That's what I was thinking, too. I've wondered that myself. How can just stating the right thing out in the open lead to bad publicity?
It's all because of Dewar's face, isn't it?

　Fiona smiled and said, "I don't know. Fiona giggled and Edward held back a sigh.
　The person who was the subject of the conversation was surrounded by the usual "Crester's people to watch" at a little distance. The truth is, for the Crester family, those who want to take advantage of the "Evil Lord" are more tricky than those who hate them outright and pick a fight with them. While there is still a possibility that the former might be able to understand you if you talk to them, the latter will recognize you as 'evil' and try to use even that as food for their personal gain.
　Edward cowered lightly as he looked at Dualis, who had entered work mode.

I don't think my father would be pushing for an absurd punishment. 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 sure you'll be able to understand what I'm talking about when you're in the field, but if you're watching the proceedings from a distance, the mere fact that Duer is in the same seat as them is enough pressure.
I've heard that some of those who were quickly discarded have voluntarily given up their lands and goods. If you don't know what's going on, you'll hear rumors that Count Crestor has been secretly threatening them.
When do you have time to threaten them when you're cooped up in the palace from morning till night? ......
So you have to watch carefully to know that.

　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

　--I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not, but I'm sure you've heard of it. In spite of the fact that he had shown that he only said decent things in front of most of the heads of the noble families, the topic of conversation in the noble society was somehow an enhanced version of the original rumor that the Countess of Crestor would be crushed if she made an enemy of him.
　The rumor itself is not wrong, but the Crester family does not annihilate all those who oppose them without a second thought. As each of them has their own arguments, it is only natural for them to have conflicting opinions.
　The Cresters will only act if they are harmed. There are only two major cases in which the Cresters will act: when their own people are disadvantaged by the power of another nobleman, or when a member of their family is threatened with death by cowardly means. It's all about self-defense, and this time it's the same, so why does it have to be a case of "all thought processes are transparent," "you'll be erased immediately," and "excessive retaliation is truly 'evil'"?
　Perhaps, as Elizabeth and Fiona say, "it's all about the face," but as the next Earl, Edward would like to make this point.

"Father, you said it right in the House. I'm sure you've heard of it.
I'm sure the power of that face must have made you think, 'I'll let you off the hook if you're just talking, but do you think I'll let you off the hook if you're actually trying to expose our evil?
The evil was done by the other side. ......
I'm not sure what to make of that. I have to say, though, that's a bit of a congratulations mindset.
If we were on our own, the mountain of evidence would have been looked over by Mr. Volz and, most importantly, Juke. Doubting the authenticity of the evidence could be taken as an affront to the king and the vizier.
The fact that he knows this is probably the reason why there is no outward opposition to their disposal. It's just a whisper behind the scenes. ...... That's what rumors are for, though.

　Elizabeth said quietly, and Edward nodded. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.



　--And the hall, which had been noisy ever since the Crester family had entered, was buzzing with a different wind than before. Before I knew it, time had passed, and it seemed that the time had come for the entourage to make their appearance.
　The girl, who was with her friends to avoid standing out alone and to slip into the hall as casually as usual, did her best to resist the urge to sigh at the perceptive noblemen.

I'm sorry, ....... Master Riddile, Master Nasha.
"Oh, it's okay. It's okay. We've come this far. Why don't we show off?
I'm not saying it was yesterday, but it was this week last week. Miss Shayla, you're a celebrity.
I didn't set out to be famous, but ......

　You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier. All of this was because I didn't want to lose the people I cared about.

　I didn't want to see a future in which I lost Dee because of myself.
　Most of all, I didn't want someone who had been so faithful in carrying her own past to bear the burden of Dee's and my death.

　Her heart sank as she thought of him, who had been working tirelessly since the day of the council meeting.
　She wanted him to sleep if he had time to come to the palace, so she told him so through the head mistress. The honest man replied, "I understand," and she never saw him again until today.
　I put him through so much trouble and torment. --I wondered if he would still want me.
　Rather, from the time we met in the summer until now. I think it's like a dream that he's been thinking about me and waiting for me without changing.
　She thinks that he may have stopped waiting for her. The words of her best friend, who had stopped hiding her face and voice after the day of the congress, supported her as she looked backward.

"Why is Shayla so embarrassingly open with me, but so insecure with you?



　I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. I'm not sure if that's how it works. He tilted his head and laughed.

It's not like you're going to give up on Shayla and run off with someone else. I'm telling you now that it was because of Shayla's existence that His Majesty started to use his head properly. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.
...... Do you think so?　I'm sure you're not the only one.
That's exactly what Shayla said earlier, friends are different from people you love. --It's okay. If you do something stupid like dumping Shayla, I'll do whatever it takes to make her the happiest girl in the world and make you regret that the fish you let escape was so big.
"If Dee would marry me, that might be possible. ......
"Yeah, you know what?　I'll make you regret the oversized fish you let escape.

　We laughed as we joked with each other, and then she left a message for her best friend.





　--Soon, a fanfare sounded, signaling the start of the evening party.

　The ones who appeared with the magnificent sound were the provisional "King and Queen," King Juke and his concubine, the "Red Rose," Deanna Crester, who had shown their friendship in front of all the nobles at the parliament.
　The smile on the Red Rose's face was so cheerful that it was hard to believe that just the other day she was almost beheaded for a major crime. The way she looked at the king and smiled at each other was just like a man and a woman communicating with each other.
　Some of the older nobles who saw the two of them said, "I can't wait to see if the child will have golden or silver hair. I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks to everyone's efforts, our country will be able to welcome a new spring. I hope you will enjoy this day, as we cherish the blessings of the earth together with our people, and hope to meet again next autumn with the fruits of our labor.

　As soon as the king's words ended, music began to play softly. The King and Queen walked to the center of the hall, surrounded by the heads of the main noble families and their wives, and the first dance began.

　In the waltz, danced in pairs by a man and a woman, the distance between them was so close that the sound of the waltz was interrupted by the sound of the waltz, and there was no danger of their conversation being overheard if they were whispering. The Red Rose spoke to the King as she stepped with the unhurried gait of a high class nobleman.

"Are you tired?
"Yes, I am. I really shouldn't be dancing here, but... But Count Crestor scolded me for taking time off.
It's the closing night of the season. In a way, it's my job.
"In a way, it's work for you, ......, as Acting Queen.

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It's not that I'm not a good person. I'm not just doing this out of a sense of duty, so you don't need to worry about me.
If I forget to pay attention to you, I'll go back to my old selfish and arrogant ways.
...... Well, it hurts that I can't deny all of that.

　This is a very serious conversation, but from what I can see, it looks like the King and the Red Rose are wasting no time in talking to each other during the dance. It is a well-known fact that the king is so busy cleaning up after the last parliamentary session that he doesn't even have time to go to the palace, and this is apparently a scene of a young man and woman who have not seen each other for a long time, exchanging endless words.
　But Deanna and Juke don't realize that they are giving such a misunderstanding to the people around them. It is true that they are wasting time, but ironically, the only time they have to talk in private without being heard is during this dance. With only a few minutes to finish the necessary conversation, it is only natural that they are sparing time.

　As the song was coming to an end, Juke let out a deep breath.

I hope this is the last time we'll have to deal with such a fiasco. ......
I'd like to see this whole thing go away.
You mean something else?
It's no one else's business. I can't get out of the palace for any length of time unless His Majesty chooses a proper queen. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to do with the money you've got.
I'm sure you're not the only one. I want to have the one I like as my queen. I like you too, but the feelings of a man and a woman are different.

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

And by the way, it is Shayla you are in love with, right?
"Of course. Who else is there?

　I was satisfied with his quick answer. For better or worse, Juke doesn't fool around with his emotions, so he doesn't hesitate at times like this.
　While inwardly grumbling to her best friend (I told you so), Deanna slowly opened her mouth.

"Actually, Your Majesty. I have a message for you from that man.
"...... What?
"'In the midst of a soiree, at the sound of the midnight bell...'

　Juke stood there in disbelief as he heard the words in his ear. The music had just ended, so it was not unnatural, but if he didn't come to his senses soon, the next one would begin.
　Deanna dared to step on Juke's foot as she left. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

I did tell you that, didn't I?
"Oh! Oh!

　She left the king, whose expression had changed from the previous one to a cheerful one, and swam out into the night to play the role of the Red Rose, who doesn't mind being framed.





　The bells that signaled midnight sounded in the capital as usual.
　The party was in full swing and the hall was crowded as usual, but no one was wondering why the king was nowhere to be seen. Juke was alone, walking down a corridor far from the bustle of the hall.
　At the corner of the designated corridor, there was a slightly outdated sofa and a man standing in front of it.

"...... Shayla.

　There was only one person that she had wanted to meet for a long, long time.
　When her name is called, the girl quietly turns around.

"Your Majesty. You heard my ...... message, didn't you?
Oh. So it wasn't a hallucination, was it?


A dream?
"When the Red Rose told me you were waiting for me here. I thought I was hearing some kind of ...... self-satisfied hallucination.
Such as .......

　The girl - Shayla - shook her head gently.

"If anyone should be having visions, it should be me. It may be a dream that your Majesty is here, listening to my words.
"Shayla, ......?
I've kept you waiting for so long. I can't admit how I feel. It's no wonder you're so disgusted and disgusted with me.
What are you talking about?

　Juke takes a big step forward, catches Shayla's arm and pulls her a little too hard.
　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.

I'm not sure if I'm dreaming or not.
Hey, or ......
They don't hate you. If anyone should be disliked and given up, it's me. I've opened up a palace and ignored its existence, soaking in the delusion that I'm the most unhappy person in the world, far away from your grief. Until recently, I was oblivious to this and continued to say to you, "I love you. --Even after knowing everything, I still can't give up my feelings for you.

　In his arms, Shayla looked up as if startled. At close range, Juke chuckled.

You'll be stunned, won't you?　I know. I've been selfishly keeping you away from your wife, and I have no right to want you. The nobles say that the survival of the country is at stake if I don't have children, but the country can run without a king. If you don't have an heir, all you have to do is set up a political system without a king before I die. Then you won't have to scramble to choose the right queen.
"Have you been thinking about ...... such a thing?
I've been thinking about it for a long time.　It is much more sincere and solid to remain single for life and change the system of the country. I know in my head that I should do that,......, and seeing as how the power of the people is getting stronger, I think there is a more beneficial way for the country than having the royal family and nobles monopolize politics.

　Juke gently stroked Shayla's stunned hair.

I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not. ...... If you really want to make you happy, you'll have to do better than me.
"Please don't!

　I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not. Sheila clung to Juke in his arms as he stopped speaking in surprise.

"Are you trying to get back at me?
"Payback?
"Because I once said that the Red Rose was the only one worthy of being queen. Are you trying to get me to marry someone else as well?
"No, of course not!　I'm trying to tell you that you can't ...... do that, please hear me out.
I don't want to hear any hypotheticals. Why are you so self-deprecating?　Do you intend to devote the rest of your life to your country and your people?

　Straight to the point, Juke laughs quietly.

"Shayla. That's what a king does.
"I won't deny it. But that doesn't mean you have to give up your ...... happiness, Juke-sama.
"After all the misery I've caused you?
Please don't underestimate women too much. Don't underestimate women so much. We're not so weak as to dismiss our lives as 'unhappy' because of a little hardship. Your Majesty may have given us a lot of hardships, but it is up to us to decide whether we should be unhappy or happy. At least I don't think I've been unhappy this past year, when I've met so many friends and dearest confidants.

　Shayla's words never stopped, as if some kind of switch had been flipped. She looked over at Juke, who rolled his eyes, and spoke.

It's up to you, the king, to decide how you want to lead this country in the future. But no matter what kind of country you create, please don't kill Juke-sama for it. --I love you.
"......, Shayla, what are you doing right now?
I love you. I'm sure I've loved you for a long time. I'm sure I've always loved you. ...... Every time I got to know you one more time, I fell in love with you without even knowing it.

　You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web. The next thing you know, you're hugging Shayla tight and deep.
　The slender arms discreetly, but without hesitation, embraced Juke back.

"Can we go to ......?
"Yes, .......
Shouldn't I want to make you ...... happy, Juke-sama?　I know it's presumptuous. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's had a bad experience.
"Shayla......
I don't want to throw it away. I don't want to throw it away. Killing the feeling was really hard and painful. If I'm going to go through the same hardships, I'd like to make use of these feelings and struggle for the future. ......

　Her voice, which had been strong, gradually became wet and faded. Juke stroked her hair as if to soothe her, knowing that she was crying.



"Don't cry, Shayla.
But, ......, I still think it's too late.
No. No. ...... No.

　I shook my head over and over again. I gently looked into Shayla's wet, spring sky eyes.

I can't believe it. I can't believe it. All I've ever done is let my selfish feelings get the better of me.
I can't believe it. You were always so kind.
"...... Call me by my name, Shayla. I'm not a king, if that's what you think.
"Juke, sir.
"Will you go for it?　A future with me. --Wouldn't you hate me if I wanted you to be my queen?
Do you want me next to you?
I've been telling you that all along. I've always told you, Shayla, that you're the only one I want.

　Weeping, Shayla.
　She smiled so beautifully, looking so happy from the bottom of her heart.
　Juke laughed as well, and said, "Thank you, Shayla.

Thank you, Shayla. I love you. ......

　He slowly closed the distance between them and kissed her softly on her pretty lips.



　I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it's a good idea. In a hidden passageway through it.

"Ugh. I'm not sure what to make of it.
The prince kisses the princess and the princess kisses him back. You don't have to go through all this trouble.
Oh, Dee, are you grumpy?
Well, not grumpy, but embarrassed. I don't think you should be peeking into other people's love lives.
You're the one who said you wanted to see it through because you were worried it wouldn't work out.
That's true, but...

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　The girl, who is a real soft-hearted person despite her appearance, feels senseless guilt for inadvertently witnessing a love scene between her best friend and the king. She turned away from the peephole and sighed as she stepped away from the wall.

I'm really glad that Shayla was able to express her feelings to you. It was nice, though, wasn't it?
"Yeah, yeah. The whole atmosphere changed at the end.
I'm not proud of it, but I've never seen a kissing scene before.
Just pretend you're watching a play. That's good. It was a lot of work, but it worked out.
I'm glad it all worked out. I thought it was still a long way from ...... 'and then they lived happily ever after'.
Oh, ......, that's the thing. I'm not sure what to make of it.

　In the event that you've got a lot of money to spend, you'll be able to take advantage of it. If she was to become a queen, she would need to be educated accordingly.
　In addition, the Marquise of Landrose, Liliane, is still sitting in the palace, which is the biggest concern in terms of Shayla, a baroness from an up and coming noble family, becoming a queen. ...... I'm sure that the mysterious "enemy" who has not shown himself will not back down from this.
　You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their life. The current equilibrium exists because Diana, the insane Countess, is the Red Rose. Her existence and actions are out of the ordinary, and she can do anything she wants, which is why Liliane's actions are still under control. Once Diana leaves the palace, no matter how capable Madame Magnum is, it will be difficult to control the Peony Faction and the radical conservatives behind them.

"The promise is .......

　The words spilled out unintentionally, and the person who spilled them was the most surprised. No matter how hard he tried to keep his mouth shut, the words would not return.
　It was impossible for Kai, who was close enough to touch me in the narrow hidden passage, not to hear the words.
　He looks back at me, puzzled.

What do you mean by "promise" ...... to go see Shouji's town?
"I'm sorry .......
Why are you apologizing?
"Because I... I've been keeping Kai waiting.

　I've been keeping Kai waiting. He took her hand gently.

I'm not waiting.
But...
I've told you many times. I'll be fine if I can stay by Dee's side and protect her from everything. I'll always protect Dee, whether she's in the palace or out of the palace to see the wider world. I don't care how long it takes me to fulfill my promise because it's 'Dee' that's important.
"Kai ......

　I felt like crying, so I impulsively jumped into his chest.
　After a moment's pause, the arm that always plays with you but somehow makes you feel safe squeezes you tight.

"...... Dee?
You're a real sweetheart. I'm not sure if I'm that dangerous that I need to be protected so desperately.


"Well, it's not stable. But it's not so much that I want to protect Dee as it is that I get nervous watching her.
...... What do you mean?
It means that even if Dee was really strong and didn't need my help, I'd still protect her.
Why ......?
Because I want to protect her. It's because I want to protect her. ...... Dee is the one thing I can't mourn.

　I'm not sure why I'm so comfortable with the arms that hold me so painfully. I clung to him and closed my eyes.

(......I don't know if there's a special kind of "love" yet, but...) The only person who can hold me like this is Kai. I know that much already.

　While Deanna was sharing her body heat with Kai, Shayla was being urged by Juke to leave together with him. Since no king is needed to close the party, I guess they'll be going straight to the palace tonight.
　After seeing them off, Diana somehow untied her arms, made eye contact with Kai, and smiled.

...... At any rate, congratulations, right?
"Yeah. It's a big step for the country and for us, isn't it?
Yeah. Well, there's no point in worrying about the future now. Let's just celebrate tonight, shall we?
Oh, good. Do you want us to go back to the palace?
We'll have to wait a little longer.

　The winter moon was quietly and gently watching over those who believed that the future was bright...














　　† † † † † † †


　In a room with no interior lights on. The moonlight streaming in through the window and the flames exploding in the fireplace dimly illuminate the whole scene.
　At a round table beside the fireplace, a man is playing a game with no opponent, placing pieces on a board on top.

The Carreld merchant company was destroyed. With the downfall of the Count of Tandor, the shipping industry that the Count family supported will have to decline. We need to stop the flow of money so that there is no ...... resurgence.

　The man who had been working on the piece stopped his hand with a somewhat bitter expression.

I'm not sure what to say. I'm not sure what to make of that. The new aristocratic family that is doing well is tough because they have few weaknesses. ......

　I'm not sure what to make of that. He nodded his head.

The balance in the palace will change again with the departure of the four members of the Red Rose Faction. The influence of those four, including Tandor's daughter, who were not new nobles but still belonged to the Red Rose Faction, was great. The Peony Faction also lost three members of their entourage, but they basically have no outstanding representative except for Miss Liliane. There are plenty of girls who can replace the three of them. In the meantime, the Red Rose faction will inevitably need to review their position in the palace to fill in for Tandor and the others,.......

　Knock, knock, knock. The man's hand rhythmically danced the pieces on the board.
　The man who stopped his hand smiled fearlessly.

If you don't have a weakness, you can make one. Luckily, Crockett has an extra-large bomb.

　Fortunately, Crockett has an extra-large bomb." A young man in love is always a good pawn. ...... The man chuckled and looked at the pieces that had been played off the board.

It's a shame about Normard. If he'd been a little more sober about the woman, he wouldn't have died so young. But he was killed by the woman he loved, so he must have been happy.

　While muttering, the man suddenly noticed a piece representing a lion in the enemy camp. This lion is a piece that can only be used under certain conditions with tremendous power, but it was considered extremely difficult even for the best players to activate the conditions of the lion from the very first placement.
　--Now. The lion is standing diagonally in front of the princess, the strongest position in the game, which is practically impossible to get.

　The man who had been happily playing with his pawns until now lost his composure and glared at the lion viciously.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea. ...... The truth is, you're the only one I couldn't read. The truth is, you're the only one I couldn't read. I didn't think you had that much spiritual power hidden away. I will only praise you for your ability to deceive me.

The man's hand stopped as he tried to move the lion. As if he realized that it was impossible to eliminate it, his hand wandered around the board.
　Now he reaches for a new piece in the box.

If you can't move the lion, you can move the princess. Regardless of how much the lion may love her, it is the law of the world that a princess will always be married to a prince.

　Slowly, the man's hand touched the princess.

"Wait for me, Diana. Wait, Diana. This time I'm going to get you out of that place...

　In the darkness, the pawn game that no one knows continues...