I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm here.

　Rita was in a state of explosion rarely seen in recent years. Mia, who had brought the news from the outer court in a fit of indignation but had no choice but to do so because of her job, took three steps back.
　At any rate, she felt sorry for Mia, so Diana exhaled lightly and walked over to her.

"Good work, Mia. I'm so sorry for all the trouble you've had to go through.
"Oh, no. No, no, no. I think it's you who's been through the most.
There is no higher or lower hardship. There are no higher or lower hardships. Each person has their own hardships in their own position. ...... As far as this incident is concerned, I think I should apologize because it could have been avoided if I had handled it better.
"Diana, you did nothing wrong!
...... Yes, I agree with Rita. Even if Deanna-sama had some sort of flaw, this case is too far out of the ordinary.

　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea. Since the arrival of the Prince of Stanza, their stress had been reaching its limit, and it seemed that this incident had finally cut the last thread.
　Aina, the usually cheerful maid of honor in charge of dress, smiled a cold smile that didn't suit her.

What was it again?　I'm sure you've heard of it, but I'm not sure what it is. Just as we were treated well in your country and changed our minds after learning about the splendor of the Kingdom of Elgrand, we would like the people of the Kingdom of Elgrand to learn about the merits of Stanza. For the sake of true friendship between the two countries, I would like to invite someone from the Elgrand Royal Family to Stanza upon our return, even though it's sudden.
It's not often that you get such a straightforward 'give us a hostage' syntax, isn't it? The only member of the Ergeland royal family, aside from His Majesty, is the Queen Dowager Rifania. When the Outer Palace tried to refuse the request, she was told, "Oh. In the Kingdom of Ergeland, the ladies in the inner court are not counted as royalty. I said!

　Rosalie, who is teaming up with Aina, has also thrown off her usual reserved posture and is quite passionate. I'm not sure what to make of that.

The atmosphere in the outer court changed drastically with that comment. It's obvious that with more than forty concubines, the calculation was made to send at least one of them out of the country, so that it wouldn't be a problem if they didn't come back.
There are a few of them who are in a weak position and have a bad relationship with their parents' family and are in a state of isolation and helplessness. If you are one of them, you can minimize the damage to the country by offering some money to your parents' family as a sacrifice to Stanza. Especially among conservatives, I heard that there is a growing consensus that it would be better if she were a side wife.

　He is furious not only with the stanzas, but also with the nobles of his own country, and has no intention of hiding it. In the past, it would have been impossible for the outer court to be informed of what was going on in the inner court in such detail, but now the Red Rose Room works closely with the outer court, so everyone is able to share information with each other.
　--The first news of Stanza's bloody proposal came in the form of Prince Stanza, who was being guided by Diana in the inner palace, and Shayla and Juke, who were talking in the courtyard. It was the day after that when Shayla and Juke met. On that day, the two of them had just shared the contents of the discussion Shayla had had with Diana earlier that morning (normally they would have talked in Shayla's room, but since Kai, a trespasser, was also present, they had moved to the courtyard, where it was less popular, out of concern that it would be better not to spread his presence too widely). Juke was planning to decide how to interrupt the tea party between Prince Stanza and Diana after hearing Shayla's story, and he was honestly sorry for ruining his plans.
　Under the situation where she was buying time by deceiving the nobles in the country, she couldn't let the tricky Prince Stanza, of all people, know that Shayla was the true favorite princess and the only candidate for the true queen. There would be an opportunity to come out in the future if she could establish a true friendship with the country, but at least that's not now.
　Therefore, the moment Diana was upset by the unexpected situation, she spoke to them as the "Red Rose" and did her best to create a peaceful time. She followed up on their impatience at being seen by the prince, and by showing that she and Shayla were on good terms, she avoided any suspicion that Shayla was the king's favorite princess. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, please do not hesitate to contact us. ...... Diana is not familiar with all things romantic, but she at least understands that no favored princess is usually kind to someone who is trying to steal the king's favor.
　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. Rather, it was a lack of caution on Diana's part. Even if they were going to take a walk to change the prince's mood, they should have made a connection with Madame Magnum and asked her to clear the area where they were going to walk. Then the near miss would not have happened.

　I think I managed to cover it up, but I don't know how the prince would have taken it. The next day, when I was thinking about how to get out of it if I was confronted at the next tea party, to my surprise, I did not receive any request for a meeting from the prince, and to my even greater surprise, I received an offer from the Stanza Mission to invite the royal family of Elgrand to the Stanza Empire. We would like to invite the royal family of Ergeland to the Stanza Empire.
　This first news enraged everyone involved in the palace. Of course, the Stanza delegation was also outraged. They were furious not only with the Stanza delegation, but also with the outer court, including the conservative faction. I was dismayed that the Imperial Court had not yet learned their lesson from the last year's meeting of the House of Lords.

I can't believe that there are still so many people who don't understand that no matter how the Outer Court calculates it, as long as Diana is here, the Imperial Court would never send a human sacrifice. I'm really tired of the lack of discernment on the part of the Outer Court.

　It was pure anger at the disregard for Diana, the current head of the entourage. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
　In the event that you've got any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, we'll be happy to assist.

...... But, well, I can't refuse your request for a visit today. It's a great opportunity to find out the true meaning of the proposal directly from His Highness the Prince.

　He murmured quietly.
　At the same moment, the heat of all the people flared up in my direction.

"Master Diana!　That's enough!

　Of course, it was Rita who took the lead. The advantage of being used to Deanna's insanity is huge in times like this.

I'm not going to let you get away with it.　I'm sure you're very kind, and I know you don't like conflict, and you're trying to avoid causing as much trouble as possible, but that doesn't mean that Diana is taking it too far this time!
I agree with Rita from the bottom of my heart. I agree with Rita wholeheartedly. Dear Deanna, please refrain from having anything more to do with Prince Stanza.
"I don't care what Prince Stanza wants. I don't care what he thinks. No matter what his intentions are, all we have to do is stand firm and refuse to let him send anyone from his palace to the Stanza Empire.
"Everyone is right. Deanna-sama, there is almost no advantage in understanding the true intentions of Prince Stanza now. On the contrary, the disadvantage of putting you in danger would be overwhelmingly greater.

　After Rita, Rosalie, Aina, and Lurie came up with overwhelmingly positive arguments. Yuri and Mia also nodded deeply and profoundly at the words of their friends.

We can't let Diana take the brunt of this any longer. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to get the best out of it.
I'm sure you're aware of that. We know how much Master Magnum wavered between her duties and Diana's. ...... Please, please, Diana. Please, Diana, tell her that she is not to raise the offer of a visit from Prince Stanza to me. If you do, we will dismiss such an offer once and for all.

　Gentle, gentle words from everyone. Their words are right, they are so desperate for Diana, just for Diana.


　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do this, but I'm going to have to.

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it, but I'm going to have to. But I can't say no today.
"--Diana-sama ！！！！
I'm sorry!

　This is the first time I've ever been asked to do something like this in front of all the maidens, let alone Rita alone. It's not just the Red Rose, it's almost Diana's will.

I'm sure I won't be able to protect this palace if I don't know anything about ...... their true intentions.

　Everyone's expression turned sorrowful. I'm not sure what to make of it.
　...... So. I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot of people who are willing to help you out. It's because you know what you're doing that you're working so hard to avoid that future.
　It's a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find anything that might help you.

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: ...... At this point, you can only read the intentions of Rosalie, as she said earlier, "Give me a hostage. In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.
"Dear Diana: ......
I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea. ...... I know some of them by heart.
But...
I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm so excited about this. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, please do not hesitate to contact us. ...... I don't have the authority to protect everyone.

　The Cresters do not like power. The reason for this is quite simple: power, the ability to subjugate others with one's thoughts and words, is far more likely to distort people than any other kind of power.
　People are weak. No matter how noble their aspirations, how wise their brains, or how deeply compassionate their hearts, once they have sucked the sweet juice of power, they cannot resist its appeal. In this way, they forget their aspirations, their brains, and their hearts, which they used to cherish above all else, and before they know it, their priority is to continue receiving the benefits of power.
　The Cresters, who have been close to the Elgrands throughout their long history, have seen more than enough people drown in power like this. It was Duarisse, I believe, who said, "Power is much worse than bad drugs. It was Duarisse who said, "Power is worse than drugs. ...... The same is true of Sofia's brother, Lino, who died a sad death. The Red Rose's dream was that with the power of a queen, the injustices of the world could be changed, and then she died.
　That's why Diana doesn't want power, even if she has to. --But that doesn't mean she doesn't want to lose the people she can protect if she has power.
　In order to protect what you want to protect, without using power, you must still protect it.

If you don't have the authority to use ......, you'll have to use your wits. We need to find out what the Stanza Empire's true intentions are, and find out if what they really want is "hostages". If the hostages are just a pretext, and what they really want is something else, then there will be more room for negotiation.
"Even if that's the case. There is no need for you to do that, is there?
...... No matter how hard Father Volz tried yesterday, he couldn't figure out their true intentions. If that's the case, there's nothing more we can do. It might be possible to make it work if you take your time, but Stanza wants to return home as soon as possible, and that is in line with Ergeland's wishes. The faction that wants to hurry up the return of the delegation should have already started to secretly talk to those who have put their daughters in the palace for money. --We don't have much time.
Diana-sama ......
Rita. All of you. I know you're angry with me because you want to protect me. I really appreciate that and I'm grateful for it. But ......, please, understand. I want to protect you as much as you want to protect me. I don't want any more people from the palace that taught me important things to be sad victims of the state.
"......
The stanzas that ducked Uncle Volz's probing came from the other side. At least they're willing to talk to the Red Rose. We can't let this opportunity pass us by. --To protect what's important.

　All of them looked down with a regretful expression. Rita clenched her fists tightly.

I'm not sure what to say. I'm sure you're not the only one.
"...... Yes, you're right. I think I'm selfish.
"And yet... you refuse to budge?

　It was Yuri who asked quietly. I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

I'm not sure. You can't compromise on ...... anything.
I'm sure you'll understand. I'm sure you'll understand.
............ All right.

　Maybe this time you'll get tired of me. That's how selfish Diana is now.
　If the maidservants were to consult without their masters, it would be normal for them to step back. In fact, when they tried to leave, Diana stopped them with a smile.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one. ...... I'm going to go to my bedroom to rest. When it's time to prepare for the tea party, wake me up.
"Dear Diana, ...... thank you.

　You can hear the conversation in the main room when you are in your private room, but not when you are in your bedroom. Deanna nodded slowly, then quietly turned on her heels and walked through the private room into the bedroom.


　In front of the bunk, the thread broke.

(......, I'm sorry.)

　She couldn't even get to her bunk, and crouched down as the door closed. Burying her head in her knees, Deanna was at the mercy of the raging emotions.
　The storm raging through her mind shook her to the core.
　She took a deep breath and stifled the surge of emotions.

(Can't cry. It's not fair to cry now.

　I'm worried, I don't like it, I'm afraid of ....... How I wish I could cry like a child, clinging to my mother's lap as I did when I was a child.
　How much better it would have been if I could have said, "Help!

Dee.

　Suddenly, a shadow appeared in front of me. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　I don't know, but...

I'm sorry. You were so worried about me. ...... I just can't accept a future where someone is lost.
"...... Yeah.

　You can't even look at her face, and with her face buried in your lap, a single gentle word affirms what she said.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. He sat down next to ...... Diana and gently stroked her head.

It's okay. I know how you feel.
But ......!　I'm not sure what to say.
I know how you feel." "But ! In case you've forgotten, this time last year, I was worried about Dee who was busy preparing for the garden party, and I said something to her that was quite inappropriate for me at that time, but she rejected it with a smile. It must be hard for Dee to understand that someone cares about her, not only with her head but also with her heart, and to be able to torment herself for trampling on those feelings is a sign of great growth, isn't it?
"Kai .......

　Why is this person so kind to me? You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.
　I'm sure that this person...

No! You can't do that.

　I relied on Kai once before. I knew I was risking his life, but I just couldn't give up on my best friend's life. I made the words "save me" sound.
　Even then, I was conflicted. I was able to convince myself that believing in Kai was the best way to go, so all I needed to get over that conflict was faith. I didn't have to throw away anything that Deanna valued, anything that she didn't want to mourn.

(...... Now, it's different. I can't involve anyone else in my own personal fears, which I don't know why or how.

As "Red Rose" and "Diana", we both want to protect the same thing. In order to protect what's important to me, I can't avoid meeting with the prince. Then, there is no choice but to face it.
　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea. ...... When Prince Stanza left the palace with Juke that day, the look he gave Diana at parting was the same as before, but it seemed different.

(I'm afraid to face those eyes again. ......)

　I know I can't run away, I know I shouldn't run away, but I want to run away. The side of me that wants to protect the palace, that wants to fight, is feeling more anxious than ever. If you're not careful, you might even say, "I really don't want to.

"Dee.

　His gentle voice calls out to the silent Deanna. She couldn't move a finger because she was sure that she would cry if she saw his eyes and face.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot more information on this in the future.

"......, Kai.
If you sit like that for any length of time, your feet will hurt. --I'll be fine.

　He sat down and held me halfway in his arms. I don't know how he moved, but he wrapped me up from behind with his legs between mine.
　The all-knowing "it's okay" resonated deeper and more deeply than I had expected.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand that I'm sorry for Rita and me, but I can't give in. ...... alone, hugging her knees and fighting her feelings.
I know.
I understand everything. And I'm telling you. --Dee's fine.
Kai ......!
Hey, Dee. Do you want to run away?

　A voice behind you, gentle and soft, but not allowing you to deceive.
　I shook my head, ...... but I couldn't lie about it.

I want to run away from ............. Maybe now, for the first time in my life, I want to run away when I shouldn't.
"Yes.

　A warm arm moved and held Deanna just a little tighter.

"If you really want to run away, I'll always take you. If Dee really wants to run away, I'll always take her. It's nothing for me to take Dee out of this palace.
"No. ......!　I can't just run away and leave everyone else fighting!


"Hola. That's why Dee is okay.

　I felt Kai smile softly.

"Maybe Dee is afraid of something that scares her so much that she wants to run away from it, or maybe she's afraid of the fact that it's making her want to run away. Dee has always been a straight shooter, so it's probably the first time for her to want to run away. Everyone is anxious the first time.
Is that what ...... is for?
Yeah, yeah. And it's not unusual to want to run away from something you know you can't escape. I wish I could have avoided the training with my father at Cresta.
"Oh. ......

　He thought back to Kai's distant look at his training with Sora, and felt a little relieved and at ease.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

I'm not going to let you get away with this," she said, "so don't feel guilty about being scared or wanting to run away. No matter how scared you are, no matter how much you want to run, Dee will never choose to run. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what you need to do to make your life easier. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea. ...... Dee, who can fight her fears and still choose to face them without hesitation, is much stronger than she was when she didn't know fear.
"Ka, Yi, .......

　A gentle voice, a little lower than usual, echoed in my ear, and for some reason it sounded like a lullaby. When I close my eyes, I can't help but feel a soft, wet heat against my ear.

"Don't deny your fears and your need to escape as 'bad things'. I accept all of them, but it's still hard to see Dee denying her own feelings. --Whatever your feelings are, it's better to acknowledge and accept them than to kill them, because one day they will become the power that supports Dee.
"......

　In Kai's arms, the fear was somehow far away. It's the beginning of a battle that you can't escape, when the world slowly melts into darkness and the light shines again. ...... Now, waking up doesn't feel so scary anymore.

(Thank you, Kai. ......)

　(Thank you, Kai.) Unable to move her mouth anymore, she muttered in her mind, and Diana's consciousness closed completely.