I was forcibly put to sleep by Kai (which, I realized upon reflection, was probably a kind of hypnosis) and woke up just before noon. I was feeling pretty good, as I was first worried about something unimportant, that I might not be able to sleep at night if I slept this long.
　As I was getting off my bunk and preparing myself for the day, a voice called out from my private room, "Excuse me.

"Rita?
Yes, Miss Deanna. May I come in?
Yes, of course.

　With permission, Rita enters the room. Rita takes a glance at Diana at the mirror and breathes a sigh of relief.

I am relieved to see that you are looking well. I suppose I should thank Kai for that.
"Yes. It was a bit forceful.
That's just as well. If you haven't noticed, you've been sleeping very lightly lately, Deanna.
Is that so?　I haven't changed my sleeping hours or my waking hours.
I haven't changed my sleeping hours or my waking hours, but I guess I haven't been sleeping well. Deanna, you are not a very good sleeper, but you always seemed to have trouble waking up in the morning. She seemed to be sleepy before dinner, and yet she had trouble falling asleep after getting into her bed. I remember that these are all early symptoms of insomnia.
...... Indeed.

　When a third party can tell you how you've been feeling lately, it's easy to see that you're not resting properly through sleep - that you're experiencing insomnia. "Insomnia is not only the obvious condition of not being able to sleep.

It's not unreasonable for you to have a shallow sleep considering your situation, but it's also not good for you to keep accumulating ...... fatigue. I'm sure you're feeling much better now that you've had a good night's sleep, even if it was only for a few hours.
"Yes. Not only my head, but also my mood. I think I feel much calmer.
Thank you very much. --Then it's time for you to get ready.

　I nodded to Rita, who had a serious look on her face.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. ...... How could she sleep well in this outfit, even though it was her normal indoor wear?
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

I'm sure you'll agree that the best place to meet is in the Red Rose Room. ......
"The Red Rose Room, ......, here?
Of course, you will not be allowed to enter Deanna-sama's private life at all. But then again, Deanna-sama usually uses the main room as a public place for work.
"That's true. In the first place, the main room of the Red Rose Room is a place where the queen performs her duties as queen, right?　The construction of the room and the furniture in it are clearly designed for that purpose.

　A queen has both the "private" side of the royal family, as the wife of the king, and the "public" side, as she assists the king, the ruler, in domestic affairs. However, unlike the king, who has a completely separate office from his work space, the queen does not have an office. So where does she do her official work? The answer is simple: in the Red Rose Room, which Diana usually uses.
　When she was first shown into the Red Rose Room and told that she had been given the name "Red Rose," Diana's first thought was, "Is this okay? It's quite natural that Diana's first thought was, "Is this okay? In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, please do not hesitate to contact us. I was only a little relieved when I found out that Volz had played a part in making Deanna a "Red Rose". The Red Rose Room is not a room that should be used for the foolish reason that "there is only one room left", no matter how many problematic daughters have been chosen to be the side room of an unranked lady.

In the past, you have used the salon to show that you have nothing guilty to do. I'm sure you'll have no problem using the Red Rose Room if you're in Deanna's position, since it's only meant to be a small tea party.
"Yes, you're right.
"The ears will be a hindrance to Diana's deep exploration at today's tea party. I'm sure the prince of Stanza is not foolish enough to talk in private in a public place. The fact that he's been invited to Master Diana's domain should have the effect of loosening him up and making him less talkative.
...... I think there's a chance they'll be wary of us.

　I'm not sure what to do. If Deanna were in the position of a prince, she would immediately raise the alert level.
　Rita, who was in the process of dressing herself, denied Deanna's concerns by shaking her head left and right in the mirror.

If the prince doesn't trust you, then so be it, but from the way he's been acting so far, he seems to have a certain level of intimacy with you. If he were to invite you to his room, he would not be so cautious as to become tight-lipped.
I don't remember doing anything that would make me remember the intimacy of ....... I don't remember doing anything that would make me feel intimate, but I do understand what Rita is saying.
I'm glad you understand. --I'm sure you'll be glad to hear that. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.
"...... Rita.
I can't accept your order not to do anything rash. It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this.

　In the salon, which was in full view of the outside world, even if Diana was in any kind of danger, the maidservants in waiting could not move beyond the scope of a maidservant. The flaw of the maidservants is the flaw of the master, and if they are blamed for their overstepping of their authority, it might make Diana's position worse.
　However, in the Red Rose Room, which is a completely closed room and where you don't have to worry about the people around you, there is no need for such hesitation. I'm sure you've heard of it.

If I heard that, I would think that I should go to the salon.
I'm sorry, but I've already spoken to Madame Magnum about this proposal and she's agreed to it. If you disagree, you will have to convince Madame Magnom first.
It's called a ...... proposal, and it's practically a done deal.
"As you wish, Master Diana. --So let us finish our preparations quickly. In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a lot more information on the web. There's no time to relax, you know.
"So you've calculated everything, including the time to wake them up.


In order to resist Diana's selfishness, we have no choice but to use any means necessary.

　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 lack of shrewdness may be due to the fact that a certain secret agent may also be involved.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site.
　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.

"Thank you, Rita.
"Thank you, Rita." "......, Deanna.
I'm so glad you feel that way. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. ...... And it pains me that I can't reciprocate those feelings.
"...... That's who you are, Deanna. It can't be helped.
Yeah. --But...

　It's a painful feeling to not be able to live up to the feelings of those who care about you.
　I'm not sure what the cause is, but it's still a nagging anxiety inside me.
　The inner weakness that makes me want to escape .......

　I don't deny them all anymore. Don't think you're wrong for holding them.
　Hold it all in. Accept it. --You see things because you can.

I can't respond, but that doesn't mean I can't accept it. I will do my best to protect myself while trying to find out the prince's true intentions. I promise you that I will not make a deal with the prince at my expense.
"...... Are you sure?
Yes.

　It's probably not a bad thing to want to protect yourself. But when you deny it and blame yourself for being wrong, it makes it even more difficult to accept the heart of everyone who is trying to protect you, and it makes you suffer. ...... You think that you are not worthy of being protected.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.
　Now Deanna doesn't feel guilty anymore that someone is trying to protect her. She can accept all of those feelings and use them as strength to protect herself.
　Rita must have sensed Deanna's inner conviction. She smiled gently and nodded.

I'll believe it. ...... I'm glad, I really am.
I'm sorry I worried you, Rita.
It happens all the time. I've always been worried about Deanna, because she's too understanding. It's always better to be able to say what you want than to hide it and be reckless with it.

　I'm not sure what to make of that.


　　＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊


　In the event that you've got any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it. ...... The aide behind him, Samba, seemed a little stiff, as expected.

It is a great honor to be invited to the princess's room.
I'm glad you're pleased.
The decor and furnishings are even better than I'd heard. The decor and furnishings are even better than I'd heard.
No way. This room, the Red Rose Room, has been used by successive princesses. It would be unacceptable for me, a mere concubine, to tamper with it. I did not bring any of the furniture or decorations into the room.
"...... Is that so?
Of course not. The splendor of the Red Rose Room is due to the generosity of the past princesses and, above all, to the efforts of all the ladies and maidservants who have served me. My personality has nothing to do with it.

　I ducked the prince's pleasantries as nonchalantly as I could. As the conversation continued, I carefully observed the prince's words and behavior, looking for clues to his true intentions.

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what I'm talking about. It's a good idea to take a look at the actual information on the web and also to make sure that you are getting the most out of it.

　This prince is not a fool. He knows with a high degree of certainty that Deanna has obtained information about the outer court with almost no time lag, and that she and the king (Juke) are taking measures against Stanza. You can easily imagine that the current situation, in which Stanza is demanding a hostage, of all people in the palace, to be the target of Diana's anger.

"...... Makoto, the princess is humble. So, you are planning to be patient until you become a full queen to redecorate your room to your liking?
No, ......, there's nothing wrong with the room as it is now. I didn't even want to redecorate in the first place.
Why?　If it's where you're going to spend the rest of your life, you might as well make it how you want it.
I'm not that particular about where I live. ......
I'm not that particular about where I live. Or is it that King Elgrand has chosen you to be his wife, but won't allow you to tamper with his apartments?

　...... The prince's tone, the air, changed subtly. Not only Deanna, but everyone in the room seemed to have sensed it. Today, in addition to all the members of the Red Rose Room, Madame Magnom and Chris were also present to prevent the situation of the closed room from being rumored in a bad way. The room was filled with a strong and deep sense of tension as all of them pulled themselves together.
　Deanna straightened her back so as not to be noticed, smiled, tilted her head, and asked the question.

I don't understand your question. I'm sure His Majesty would be happy to grant my request to redecorate the Red Rose Room.
"Really?


"Yes. Your Majesty is not such a narrow-minded man.
"You may not be narrow-minded, but you're still heartless.

　Diana's eyebrows rose at the unexpected words. I'm not sure what's so heartless about Juke that he cares so deeply for each and every one of his people. There are few families for whom the word "heartless" is more appropriate than the Elgrand family.

You're talking out of your ass. His Majesty is a man of great compassion and care for his people, and is very attentive to us, his wife. What do you see in him that makes you think he is heartless?
...... You seem to trust the king with all your heart.
Of course.
Is that trust clouding your eyes? ...... No, it's not. You're aware of it, but you're pretending not to be.
"...... what are you talking about?
What are you talking about?" "You're too smart not to notice. I only caught a glimpse of him for a moment, but even I noticed him.

　The prince's presence is turning more and more into something feverish and unpredictable.
　The fear she had felt the day before yesterday when he had left came back to her, but she suppressed it with all her willpower.
　Perhaps impatient with Diana's perfect calm on the surface, the prince finally got up from the sofa.

"You know what I mean. You know that you are not the one that King Elgrand truly loves!

　With an incredibly serious expression, he said with all his might and indignation.
　It's a fact that Deanna has known for over a year, so she wanted to reply, "So what? But, as I said, now is not the time. The fact that the conservatives and innovators in the current Kingdom of Ergeland are not on the best of terms is well known to the Stanza Empire. In such a situation, the fact that the king is actually in love with the daughter of a new baronial family (but one that is in the process of going under) and wishes to make her his wife must not be known not only to the domestic nobility but also to the rest of the world. If even a glimpse of such a thing were to be leaked out, they would launch an espionage war that would lead straight to civil war. Until Juke and Shayla have established a foothold in the outer court and the inner court respectively, we must keep this fact to ourselves.
　--With a chuckle, Diana looked up at the prince as he stood up.

If you don't love me, who do you love?
"Let's stop fooling around. I don't have to tell you, you know that. The king truly loves that girl, the one they call Shayla Callerd, his lady-in-waiting.
"No way.

　This is why Deanna is not good at lying. It's a regular occurrence that people don't believe her no matter what she says, so she's given up on the idea that it's just the way it is and hasn't really worked on her skills to get people to believe her. Life is tough enough without having to pay the price for running away from socializing, which I'm not very good at.
　Still, now that it's come to this, I have to do it.

I'm not sure if you're referring to the fact that His Highness was talking alone with Master Shayla.　If that's the case, I'll have to question His Majesty's relationship with all of the members of His Majesty's entourage to whom He speaks.
I don't believe in such short-sighted thinking. The palace is the residence of the concubines, and there will be plenty of opportunities for the king to talk with them.
"Yes. So a scene like the other day is not particularly unusual.
If it were only a sight, then yes. But... the only person the king would look at with those eyes would be her.

　He leaned forward and pressed her with a tone of conviction. Deanna stared back at him, unmoved.

What do you mean, "eyes like that"?
What are those eyes?" "Those are the eyes of passionate love that a man has when he looks at the woman he loves. When King Elgrand gazed at the chambermaid, there was certainly heat in his eyes. There was a heat in his eyes that was not there when he gazed at you. ......
"Could it be that ...... His Highness is mistaken?
It's impossible. You know you're not mistaken.

　The Prince speaks prodigally in front of Diana, who finally can't think of a lie anymore.

"You are kind and you have a deep affection for the king. You are kind and deeply in love with the king, and that is why you are willing to endure the king's love for another consort and fulfill your duty as queen. Wishing for the happiness of your beloved king, ...... but then what about your own happiness?

(Oh, so that's how you interpreted it.)

　I've been misunderstood in a similar way before. I was misunderstood in a similar way before, not by Sophia ...... but by her maid, Belle.
　At that time too, I wondered why Diana seemed to love Juke so much from the outside, but at that time, just after her relationship with Juke had dramatically improved, Diana's feelings had changed somewhat, and I was convinced that "it looks like that, if you ask me. To an uninitiated observer, it could be interpreted as love.
　However, as far as I can remember, Diana did not behave in a particularly friendly manner with Juke in front of Prince Stanza. She looked at him with trust and was friendly with him, but that was within the scope of friendship. Juke has a true love, Shayla, and Deanna has no interest in flirting with her more than necessary.
　So, why are we given such a favorable interpretation of the story? Deanna doesn't think of herself as a self-sacrificing and devoted person, so this misunderstanding is uncomfortable to say the least.
　--In any case, it was fortunate that Juke's true intentions were not leaked to the prince. In any case, it was fortunate that Juke's true intentions had not leaked to the prince. If the prince thought that Juke intended to have Diana as his wife, there were many ways to deceive him.

If it's about my well-being, there's nothing to worry about. I am in this position because I want to be. I'm happy enough.
...... Yes, I suppose you are. You have a pure heart and a compassionate soul that enjoys the happiness of others more than your own. You rejoice in the happiness of the king as if it were your own, and you feel happy.
I'm not such a good person, but I'm sure I'm happy now.
I'm not such a good person, but I'm sure you're happy now.

　The prince's eyes were strong and sharp. I've never been that kind of person, but I'm certainly happy now.



She said, "While your beloved king is happily married to another daughter, do you intend to continue to perform only the duties of a queen? You will support and protect the happiness of the king and his daughter more than anyone else, ...... and hand over the honor of mother of state to your daughter without being loved yourself.
...... The King loves me just as much as I love him.
"Yes, he does. As a human being, and as a capable consort, he seems to love and value you more than anything else.

　Finally, the prince walked out and tried to approach Diana around the desk. Rita and the others moved immediately and formed a defensive formation around the sofa where Diana sat.
　Deanna slowly stands up and faces the prince, who stops at the corner of the desk.

I love you, and you love me. What's the problem?
"Are you going to live the rest of your life never knowing the joy of being loved as a woman?
How I am loved by anyone is none of your business, is it, Your Highness?

　The prince's expression twisted with some regret.
　The moment his eyes grew impatient and his mouth opened, instinct whispered.
　Don't listen. --Don't listen.

It has a lot to do with it. I love you as a woman, and I can teach you the joy of being loved as a woman, the wonder of it.

　What he said was in stanzas. I'm sure he was afraid to let everyone in the room hear him in Elgrande.
　...... But no matter how much you change the language, if you look at Deanna, who forgot her words in surprise, and Rita, who was also speechless and perfectly deadly behind her, you can be sure that the talented palace maids, Mia, Master Magnum and Chris will know what he said. I'm sure you can guess what he said.

"What are you ......?

　For a moment, I forgot to breathe. My mind went blank, but I managed to scramble up the scattered words. After I had spoken them out, a faint sense of reason told me that I should answer in stanza language.

What are you talking about? I'm the first in line to become King Elgrand's concubine.
But I'm not a queen yet.
It's the same thing. I'm the first in line to King Elgrand's side.
That's a strange thing to say. For the Elgrand family, a concubine is not counted as part of the official royal family. They do not take vows before the gods, nor are they listed in the royal register as wives. ...... And yet you swear virtue to the king?
That's .......
If you're the rightful queen, you can't help it. If the king, who has sworn to be faithful, falls in love with another woman and keeps her by his side, there's nothing you can do to stop it. Since the king loved another, he could not allow himself to run to another man. ...... But you may be the next queen, but for now you are still a side wife. You can still make it now.

　Every time I frantically spun the words, something deep inside my chest began to break with a clatter. I am sure that I am spinning the words with my own will, but I find myself deeply hurt by the words I say. No matter what I say, it's empty, and the scenery in front of me is terribly distant, even though it's a ...... reality that seems to be slipping away from my feet.
　I gather up the scattered words, translate them from Elgrande to Stanza with what little reason I have, and speak. I tied myself up in a desperate attempt to prevent the "something" that should have been tightly sealed from popping out through the gap in my sparse self-control.

(No.) --(No.)

　If I let it go, ...... I'll never be able to go back to the time when I didn't notice it.
　Whatever you're holding inside is dangerous. You can't let it catch you.
　--Breathe in, breathe out. Inhaling and exhaling, she stared at the man in front of her.

It doesn't matter what you say. My heart will never change.
...... Yes. I knew that you would say that. You're a loving man, and now that you're the Red Rose, there's no way you'll give up your love for the King and your loyalty to your role.
If you know that...
But, Princess. People's hearts change. Even more so when you're away from the things that bind you to your heart and you're exposed to a new world.

　The prince's words startled me.
　...... You can't be serious. I'm not sure.

I'm not sure what to make of that. I'm sure you're not the only one.
I accept your anger. I could not find any other way to save you from this country and its cruel king.
Such a ......!　When did I ever wish for such a thing?
You are not wanted. But then again, what you want may not always be what is best for you.
I decide what's best for me. I decide what is best for me. Even if most of the world doesn't understand me, what is best for me is a future that I want and that my loved ones will celebrate. It's not something that can be decided by anyone on their own.

　In response to Deanna's words, the prince shook his head again and again.

...... I have nothing more to say to you now. But no matter what you say, I will take you back to Stanza. If the Kingdom of Elgrande chooses anyone other than you, then - well, let's hope you serve as a proper hostage. The current emperor of Stanza has a taste for women with unusual hair color, so I'm sure the beautiful princess from another country will be to his liking.
...... I thought you were more respectful of other countries and their people.

　I want to call him a coward, but he just barely manages to convert it into an aristocratic phrase. I can't believe that the prince wanted Diana, the first in line to his side, so he asked her to give him her side as a hostage. For the sake of a mere woman, he would take an action that could ruin the goodwill diplomacy that had been built up over the years.


　--The prince smiled with more satisfaction than he had ever seen in Diana, who was trembling with anger.

"Well, Princess. I'll be expecting a good response from you.
"......!

　He left Deanna, who could not find the words to reply, and left the room without hesitation. Mrs. Magnum, who seemed to have barely maintained her composure, went out to see him off and came back soon after.
　Chris looked at Mrs. Magnom with great speed.

"Where is he?
"I left him with the palace guard who was guarding the door. --Master Diana.

　As she stood there, desperately trying to sort out the situation, she could do nothing but stare in amazement. As she rarely did, Master Magnum walked up to Diana and gently put her hand on her back. Deanna looked up slowly and saw the trustworthy matriarch in front of her.

"Mag, Nom, I'm not sure what to do...
"For now, Deanna, you need to rest. --Rita.
Yes?

　Rita replied glumly.

I need to report to the outer court, but I couldn't make out the stanza. You know everything, don't you?
"Yes, Madame Magnum.
I know you're worried about Master Diana, but can you help me now?
...... Yes. --Kai, you're listening to me, right?
[Claire] I'm listening. I heard you.

　A voice from the ceiling snapped me back to reality.
　For some reason, Deanna felt as if ice water had been poured over her entire body as she listened to his conversation with Rita.

I'm here to help Master Magnum.　I have to assist Madame Magnum.
Leave it to me. You're the only one who can do that now. We need to get word to the outer court as soon as possible, so hurry. --Sirius just flew to the Cresta house.
Yes, sir. Thank you.

　The air in the room started to move. Mrs. Magnum left the room with Mia and Rita, and the palace maids went out to get hot water and refreshments under Yuri's direction.

"Dee, why don't we sit down first?

　Kai came down to the main room, which was now empty.
　I'm not sure why I was so relieved to see that his eyes were as kind as they were when he hugged and caressed Deanna in the morning.

Kai .......
I'm not sure what to say.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. This is a great way to get the most out of your time and money.

I'm not sure what to make of this.
It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　The unexpected reply left me speechless. You will find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work. After that, it was obvious that he was very attached to Dee. His compliments to Dee were amazing.
"Compliments: ......
Didn't you get it?
"I thought you were always piling on the glittering compliments, but... I thought, "Well, he's a foreigner, and I wondered if this is what stanza social graces are like.
If it is a ...... social courtesy, it would be even more strange if it was limited to Dee.

　"I mean," Kai said, cutting off his words once.

I'm sure you're not the only one.　I'm sure you're not the only one.
I don't know. ......
I'm not sure what to say. I'm sure the aristocrats in this country count that kind of love tactics as a social skill.
That's ......!

　Kai is right, but there are always exceptions to everything. Sitting next to each other, with their upper bodies facing each other, Deanna rested her forehead on Kai's shoulder and closed her eyes tightly.

I'm not even sure I'm thinking about it. You'll be able to find a lot of people who are interested in you.
"...... Hmm.

　You'll be able to find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of thing. The strength of the hug made me feel warm and fuzzy all over.
　After a while, Kai loosened his arms and Diana looked at each other at close range.

I'm the Earl of Cresta." "No man has ever told you that he likes you, have they?
I'm the 'Countess of Clester'. The majority of people would choose her as a playmate, but not as a lifelong companion. There's no way I'm going to fall in love with anyone, much less .......
But Fiona, the Countess of Crestor, married Jin, didn't she?
Didn't I tell you?　Your aunt and uncle have known each other since childhood, and they are each other's first love. They had feelings for each other even before your aunt made her debut in society, and by the time they were my age, they had already vowed to be together in the future. I can't really use that as a romantic reference.
"Didn't ...... Dee have anyone like that?
You know, like, childhood friends and buddies?　Hmmm, ...... there are a lot of people close in age and close in friendship, but no one in particular.



　......The truth is, I somehow feel like I've met someone a long time ago. I have always felt that there was someone who I felt was "special" when I was too young to even remember.
　However, even if we had met, it would not have led to the present. I don't think Kai would want to hear such a vague story that doesn't even remain in his memory.

So ...... I never thought that someone would like me as a woman in the first place.
"Oh, ......, did he say that to you in the stanza?
Did you not hear ......?
You know. No normal person can master a foreign language after only a few months of study. It's just that Dee and Rita were crazy enough to go along with it. I've tried my best, but I can only understand a few words.
Yeah, I see. ......
So what exactly did they say?
"Well, I think it was something like, 'I love you as a woman, and I can teach you the joy of being loved as a woman.
"Oh, .......
.......

　He hugged me again with only one arm and whispered low in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. My body moved of its own accord, and I could feel Kai laughing through his breath.

"So, Dee, do you want to know?　What is the joy of being loved?
"Don't ask me something so obvious. I don't want to know anything about it, and even if I did, I wouldn't want to learn about it from that prince.
Well, that's what he said, isn't it?
Of course. ...... But what should I do, Kai?

　The prince is serious. He really wants Deanna, and he's going out of his way.
　You can't just plunge this country into a maelstrom for the sake of Deanna. It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this. ...... You've got the royal rights, a useless head on your shoulders, and the boldness of a naive person.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

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 something that works for you.
Yes, of course.
"Now that Dee's big task of getting the prince's true intentions out of him is over... I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.　--I think Yuri and the others will be back soon.
"...... Yeah.

　That's right. At any rate, I knew what the prince wanted. It was a terrible revelation, but it was a step in the right direction.
　I can't stay in a daze forever. I must keep my head on straight and think of a way to protect the palace.
　Kai watched as Deanna took a deep breath in her arms, quietly retaining her overflowing thoughts.