When Deanna returned with a fresh pot of hot water, she was instantly captured by Edward for a sermon under the blue sky. Edward, looking back at Diana's behavior yesterday and explaining what was dangerous and for what reason, does not show the slightest sign of distress that he had just experienced, and remains an overprotective older brother. Chris and Sirius, who knew the siblings well, suggested that they leave, saying that it would be a long story, and the guests were led back to the house by Sirius.

Chris and Sirius, who knew each other well, suggested that they leave, saying that it would take too long.

　I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it'll help.

All right. Do you want to go to the backyard since it's not here?
I'll leave it to you.

　Shayla's expression was firm as she answered. I knew what she was going to say, so Kai didn't say anything else and silently moved the place to the backyard.
　In the backyard, which is a cute size for a count's mansion, there is a bench that is very girlish. She stopped in front of it and asked, "Why don't you sit down? I urged her.

"Let me get straight to the point. How long have you known about Dee's spiritual power, Kai-san?

　Without sitting down and without preamble, Shayla just threw out the requirements. The spring sky's eyes twinkled with fury and frustration, like thunderbolts ripping through a clear sky.
　Sheila's frustration was understandable to Kai, so he decided to skip the unnecessary pause.

It was too early for me to think about it. I think it was before the garden party. I think my dad told me that if you're a practiced spiritualist, you can sense other people's spiritual power (spira) and core. But the truth is, I'm not very good at detecting such details in others. I can get a sense of it, but it's super tiring to analyze it clearly, so I've left it at 'maybe' for quite a while.
...... So you're a psychic too, huh?
In my case, it's just that my father who picked me up happened to be a spiritualist and I myself had some qualities. Even though it's not a power you need to live in this country, it's a shame not to make the most of what you were born with. My father taught me how to use it in one way or another.
In other words, you and Kuro Lion-sama are the only two Spirithia in the kingdom who are currently cooperating with the Cresta family?
I'm not sure what to say. --I don't know what kind of group the Spircians are in this country, so I can't say for sure. The only people who are completely on Dee's side, rather than Crestor's ...... side, are us and our children.
Yes, I see. After all, .......

　In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

So, when did you become convinced of Dee's spiritual power?
I remember it clearly. --It was during Les Armeniastes.

　When the carriage leading to the Temple of Mist was attacked and Diana was separated from the group. --It's a good thing that you're not the only one who can't find her. I was terrified, as if I had been grabbed inside my body. It's nearly impossible to escape from Kai, who usually, but not always, uses "search" properly, but no matter how hard I searched, I couldn't find Diana anywhere.
　I searched and searched, but I couldn't find Diana anywhere. --She realized that the forest around her, and the many lives that lived there, hid the presence of Deanna.

You can influence and manipulate life outside of yourself. ...... Only a spirited person could do such a unique trick. I was sure of it then. I was convinced of Dee's spiritual power and its rarity.
I was convinced then.
The reason I didn't tell you is because the existence of spira and spirals is not public knowledge in this country, and more importantly, Dee herself was completely unaware of her powers. I didn't think it was necessary to tell her and make her feel defensive or overwhelmed.
"...... just to protect Dee?
What other reason is there?　The miraculous power of the Princess of the Forest ....... It's so Dee-like that it's the worst power Dee could ever have.

　She's a girl who's willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of others. She's always trying to do the best she can with everything she's got. She's so beautiful that I'm drawn to her, but at the same time, she's so dangerous.
　It's easy to imagine that if Deanna were to awaken to the power of giving life to others, she would quickly go beyond her limits.
　When Shayla heard Kai's words, she quietly took a deep breath.

...... To be honest, I don't think I like you. I know you are a capable man, and I know you are one of the best men and people I have ever met, but still.
"Can you please either praise me or put me down?　I'm having trouble responding.
I'm not looking for a response. I'm sure you've heard of it, but I'm not sure if you've ever heard of it. ...... In a way, you are the most dangerous person to be around for Dee.
I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.
"...... Are you sure that's not possible?
As I said before, my first priority is Dee's happiness. I'm not going to forgive anyone or anything that harms that. ...... It's the same for me.
I'll believe it when I see it. I'll take your word for it, but I'm not going to be too proud, because your word will depend on the situation.
Thank you for your concern.

　...... This kind of cut-throat approach shows that Kai sees Shayla as someone to watch out for, in a way. Just as Shayla doesn't like Kai, Kai doesn't like Shayla by mistake, but he still appreciates her sharpness, quickness of speech, and above all, her mental strength.
　Perhaps - in some respects - we are very much alike. It's as if we are mirror images of each other in the way we hold heavy and intense emotions that can sometimes crush even the other person.
　If we were unaware of it, we would still be vainly calm and aware of the danger of our heavy and intense feelings. That's why we can smell the scent of "others like us" who have similar feelings, and understand the danger of such feelings better than anyone else.

(...... I didn't like it from the start, did you?

　Shayla may look fragile, but inside she's very tough. She only becomes weak when she is unsure of her feelings or where she is going, and without that, she is strong enough to push forward, looking only ahead. She sees things rationally, and is not affected by momentary or sensory narrow-mindedness caused by rumors and emotions. He is the only one who seems to have been too mean in love, but this is being overcome by the King's ardent expressions of affection.


　From the beginning. I'm not sure what to make of that. You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their life. ...... In every sense of the word, it's not funny.

I'm sure you'll find it interesting. ...... What is it?　I'm not sure what to say.
I'm not.　I just think that if Shayla were a man, she'd be in serious trouble.
If I were a man, you wouldn't be here in the first place. --No matter who I have to fight, I will never, ever give up my "closest" position to Dee.
"...... This is why I don't like you, Shayla. I'm not sure what to make of that.
It's not the same as thinking about you and Dee. I don't have a shelf as small as Kai's, so it's possible for me to combine love and friendship at the same time.
You're lucky you're so handy. I'm not sure if it's love or friendship, but the fact that someone like Shayla cares that deeply about Dee is not interesting to me. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on, but I'm not sure you can. I'm sure you can count on ......, but it's still annoying.
I'm not sure what to make of that. I don't care about your possessiveness, Kai.

　I'm not sure what to make of that. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the following web site: .......
　One day, when Deanna is free of all ties and can freely choose the path she wants to take. Wouldn't she choose her friendship for Shayla first and stay by her side of her own free will? My calm self says it's impossible, but knowing Shayla's strength and compassion, I can't help but have such unfounded fears.

　--I let out a gasp as if to let out my inner frustration.
　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. This is a great way to make sure that you don't have to worry about your own safety.

...... This is a huge change of pace, but...
It's so sudden. What is it?
"Are Shayla and the king getting along?
What?

　Shayla's eyes rolled up and her face turned red at the same time. You'll be able to see the glint in her eyes, and you'll want to go easy on her.

I'm not sure what to say. But seriously, if you are in a fulfilling romantic relationship, you should leave me alone.
I haven't said anything yet about understanding.
"You don't have to say it, I can tell by your reaction. If Shayla is happy, Dee will be happy, so you can keep flirting with her.　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.
"...... Are you enjoying my reaction, by any chance?
No way. I'm just being honest. I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.　...... Because people like us are easily distorted by the people we are with.
You are a ...... real toothy person.

　Exhaling deeply, deeply, .
　Shayla finally sat down quietly on the bench behind her.

...... To tell you the truth, I'm a little scared.
"Afraid?　Afraid of what?
"What you said, ...... about His Majesty's kindness.
"...... Oh, that's right.

　My conversations with Shayla are much less delayed because we're "in the same boat. You can understand her in depth with just a word or two, without having to use all your words.
　He glanced up for a moment. Kai smiled, just a little.

...... You can trust him, can't you?　I'm sure his heart is soft, but it's not fragile.
I think I know that .......
I'm sure you'll have to learn to trust me as we spend more time together.

　I'm sure you're aware of the weight of your own emotions. That's why she's worried about how much the unstoppable emotion of "love" will weigh her down. Because too much emotion can crush the other person.
　Juke's kindness accelerated Shayla's feelings, and she turned her heavy emotions to Juke. If this goes on and on, the day may come when her own feelings become a burden to Juke. If you're not sure what to do, you can always try to find a way to get rid of it.
　--If I were to speak for Shayla's fears, I'd say that's pretty much it. To be frank, Kai says that Juke is a strong mental person in a different direction from Shayla, and no matter how heavy Shayla's feelings are, he will not be crushed, but rather he will be overjoyed, but it will be pointless to tell Shayla that. If you can get rid of your fears just by being told by others, you don't have to worry in the first place.

It doesn't matter if you're scared or anxious, just make sure you get along with the king. If you don't, Dee might get distracted and spontaneously start doing extra work.
"In the end, Kai, you're going to end up with Dee, aren't you? I knew that.
On the other hand, what else do you want me to think about besides Dee?　Now that Dad is better, we can focus on making Dee happy, right?
...... I'm sorry to say this, but don't you think you should work on expanding your 'importance' shelf?
Oh, my shelves are so small?
"In all seriousness, I'm starting to feel like giving Dee some advice. ......

　The conversation between the favored princess and the covert, which eventually settles on Diana no matter what they are talking about, continues, albeit not very amicably.




　　■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■


　In the backyard where you can see from the window, early summer flowers are in full bloom.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and how you're going to get it.
　There were angry faces, confused faces, anxious faces, ...... blushes, pained faces, and many more.
　If you're not sure what you're looking for, you can always ask your doctor. Alford looked down at the backyard from the window and became suspicious, and Juke noticed them in the backyard. You can't hear what they are saying because their voices are so quiet, but you can at least tell that Shayla is acting differently.

"...... Hey, Alford.
What the hell?
...... Am I still unreliable?
What?
At least to Shayla, I'm not a man she can trust to tell her problems. ......
Wait, wait, wait!　What are you talking about?
What are you talking about? ...... Isn't Shayla talking to Kai about something that's bothering her?

　I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea. I think that people with that kind of face are usually interpreted as "having some kind of trouble".
　When Alford heard Juke's words, he let out a long breath of air, seemingly relieved.

I'm glad to hear that. ...... I thought you were going to get angry and say that Shayla was being unfaithful. ......
"Dishonest?　I'm sorry.　...... That is far from the scene of a clandestine meeting between a man and a woman, no matter how you look at it.
...... You say that so simply. Have you seen it?
You don't know how much the royal palace is used for that kind of thing?　I've been used to seeing men and women in secret since I was a child.
"No, that's not how the royal palace is supposed to be used, okay?　It's not something that the crown prince is used to seeing, and it's not something that should happen often.
It seems so. I've always thought that noble families that get along well with their spouses are the rare exception, and that it's normal for both spouses to have mistresses, but the Earl and Master of Crester are very much in love.
It's not uncommon for couples to be as close as Master Duarice and Master Elizabeth, but ...... in any case, it's not normal to have a mistress.
It's a great way to get a feel for what's going on in your life.

　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and the best way to get in touch with your loved ones, please do not hesitate to contact us. I'm sure it wasn't just my imagination that I felt my gaze meet Kai's for a moment earlier. While talking to Shayla, Kai's gaze would occasionally turn upward in an erratic manner. It seemed to Juke that this was a silent signal from Kai, "Don't worry, I have nothing to be guilty of.

...... If that's a secret meeting, you've been very considerate.
"What did you say?
Nothing. I'm sure you're not the only one.　...... Am I still unreliable? No, I know that I am far from being a reliable man.
"Ah, .......

　Alford breaks off, looks down, twists his head a few times, and then returns his gaze.

You can't ask me for advice on anything related to you before you can ask me for advice on anything related to you.
"My business?
If Shayla-sama were to ask Kai for some kind of advice, it would have to be romance-related, like advice from the same male perspective, wouldn't it?　I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with this.
"Ah, ......, I see.

　Alford's explanation makes sense to me. I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot more information on this in the future. It's true, I don't think Shayla herself could handle that kind of advice.
　I'm sure you're not the only one.

In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site.
That's also possible. But what is the actual relationship between those two?
"What?　Are they ...... Miss Diana and Kai?
Oh. I'm sure you'll find a lot of people who'd like to know more about this.
If you're asking me that, does that mean that ...... that's not what you see?
...... Honestly, I don't know. I know that Kai cares very much for the Red Rose, and so does the Red Rose. If you say "collaborator and close friend," then I guess you're right.
"...... What's bugging you?
What's bothering you?" "Nothing much, maybe it's just my imagination. --Sometimes, really sometimes, the Red Rose with Kai doesn't look like a Red Rose at all.

　The same goes for Deanna when she was making tea for Kai earlier. I'm sure you've gotten used to seeing her broken expression and tone of voice through Shayla and the others in the palace, but she looks different from those times. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing and how you're going to do it.

...... If... I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

　Suddenly. Alford asked with a quiet but strangely heavy sound. When I looked up a little surprised, my gaze collided with Alford's unexpectedly serious expression.
　He chewed and swallowed what he was being asked. Juke chuckled lightly.

...... I owe you an apology.


To whom?
"To the Red Rose. ...... Kai. Edward, Mr. and Mrs. Clester. There's ...... too many other people I need to apologize to.
How do you apologize?
Of course. "I can't tell you that you can leave the palace right now, I'm sorry I'm not strong enough to be your king.

　The words were shameful just thinking about them, but their shamefulness was even more pronounced when they were actually spoken. The "laugh" had disappeared from the bitter smile, and Juke just dropped his breath with a bitter face.

If the Red Rose were to leave the palace now, this country would not stand a chance. It's a shame, but ...... if you're asking me if I can survive the onslaught of the radical conservatives in the outer court without her, I can't. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.
"So you're not going to blame me for ......'s perfidy?
"Unfaithfulness?

　I'm not sure what you're talking about, but I'm sure you'll understand what I mean.

I'm not sure what you mean by "unfaithful", but I'm pretty sure you mean that you blame the Red Rose for your feelings for a man other than me because she's your wife!　I can't even love the Red Rose myself, but to unilaterally ask her to be faithful to me, that's no better than being an outsider!
"No, you're right!　I'm not sure what to say.　I'm sure you've forgotten this, but you're the king and she's a concubine, and according to the common sense of the royal family, concubines are the ones who pledge their chastity only to the king, whether he loves them or not!
"I'm sure you'll roll up all that 'royal common sense' into a ball and throw it in the waste basket!

　After the reflexive shouting, Juke immediately sagged as he realized that Alford was just explaining the common sense of the world.

No, ......, I'm sorry. It's all because of my acceptance of such things as a 'back palace'.
"Juke ......
Anyway, whatever the relationship between the Red Rose and Kai is, I'm not going to blame you in any way. No, not just to the Red Rose, but to all the other members of the household except Shayla. That's all you need to know.
I understand.

　After nodding, Alford smiled a little.

In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.
Oh ...... I'm sorry, I lost my temper.
There's nothing to apologize for, I just thought it was funny that Ed was obviously an influence.

　It's just funny. Edward is a man who laughs at common sense and kicks it to the curb. Whenever he hears something, he says, "Why don't you just trash those theories? Thanks to him, I heard that he had become much less oppressed by "common sense" and "convention" without even knowing it.
　Alford seemed to agree, smiling and nodding repeatedly.

He said, "It's good to value tradition, but it's meaningless if it hinders the path you want to take. That insane looking impostor does a good job sometimes.
"I've been thinking about ...... for a while now, but Alford is rather terrible to Edward, isn't he?
You know how many times I've been pushed around by that guy?　I don't think it's wrong to say this.

　Juke laughed out loud at Alford's revelation.










　Edward, Deanna.
　Kai and Shayla.
　Juke and Alford.

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

"A letter from the Emperor Stanza.
"In the coming summer, a goodwill delegation led by the Imperial Prince will be sent to the Kingdom of Ergeland.
He said...

　When Keith's scribble was delivered to the Countess of Crester's residence while he was away at the palace, he knew that it would be the beginning of a new beginning that would signal the end of the brief peace.