Overnight-- morning.

This is .......

　After waking up in the early hours of the morning as usual and changing into simple everyday clothes, Deanna received several letters earlier than breakfast. The recipients were Laia, Yolanda, Letitia, Shayla, and Juke. The content of the letters was the same for all of them: "I have something to tell you, so I'm going to the Red Rose Room after breakfast, but I don't need any hospitality, so please don't mind me. It seems to be addressed to the maids rather than to ...... Diana.

I'm not sure what to make of it. ......That's what I expected.

　I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm not sure what to say.

...... I'm sure Rita is against it anyway.
What?
You know what I'm talking about. --I'm going to the stanzas.

　The maid of honor, in whom Diana placed her utmost trust, sighed deeply, as she rarely did.

It's strange that you think I'd agree to this. The only people who would agree with Deanna's decision to go to Stanza with their hands up would be conservatives.
"That may be true, but... I, too, would prefer it if there was a way to work things out without going. I can't think of a better way than for me to go.
I knew that's what you were thinking, ...... Diana. Not only me, but everyone else as well.

　Rita is looking at you with strong eyes.

I'm sure you're not planning on following Prince Stanza's wishes and marrying her off, are you?
"No way!

　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who can't help you.

I don't think so. It's not that I'm a bad person, but I'm not a good person. --I'm the one with the best chance of getting the entire delegation home alive.
"Dear Diana, ......
I'm sure you're aware of that, but you're not the only one. I'm not sure if you'll be able to find a way to find out more about it. And ......
"And what's that?
...... This has nothing to do with my country, it's just my personal feelings. It's not that I don't like him as a human being, but I can't accept his feelings and become the prince consort of Stanza. ............ because the future I want doesn't exist next to him.

　At Deanna's words, Rita's eyes slowly opened. After a few beats, she slowly smiled.

I am relieved to hear you say that. I was afraid that Deanna-sama would be running with only the spirit of self-sacrifice as usual.
"That's what everyone says. I'm not that self-sacrificing, you know?
You're the only one who thinks so, Deanna.

　I'm not that self-sacrificing, though people say that.

"Dear Deanna. I have one request.
"What is it?
"If you must go to the stanzas, Deanna-sama. --Please make sure you take me with you.

　Before Deanna could voice her objections, Rita came at her hard.

I'm well aware that it will be a dangerous journey. It's not that I'm not a good person. I'm not going to just sit back and watch while my Lord dares to put himself in danger for the sake of his country and the people he cares about.
Rita: ......
I'm sure you'll be able to understand that I'm not the only one. In the event that you're not in a position to do so, you'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to make it work. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.
　--But...

Rita, are you sure about this?　When you go to the Stanza Empire, you're jumping into a place where you don't know how much danger awaits you.　Of course, I will do everything in my power to ensure that everyone returns home safely no matter what, but I can't be sure that we can avoid all the dangers.
"I am more than aware of that," I said at the beginning. If Master Diana won't allow it, I'll go directly to Stanza's side and follow you.
"...... Okay. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it's a good idea. By choosing the most dangerous stanzas to negotiate with, she was able to shut down Deanna's objections from the very beginning.
　Breathing in and out, Deanna chuckled a little.

Thank you, ....... I have to admit, it's very reassuring to have Rita with me.
I'm honored. I'll do everything in my power to support you.
Nice to meet you is my word. --Nice to meet you, Rita.

　...... I'm relieved that I was able to get Rita's approval, albeit on a conditional basis. But you can't be relieved all the time.
　--The real work begins here.


　＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊


I'm sure you'll agree. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.



　In the event that you have any kind of questions regarding 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 this, but I think it's a good idea.

In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site. ...... The Ministry of the Interior, as expected, was dissatisfied, saying, "What is a woman doing so wisely?
If that's all you can say, then I guess the Red Rose has a point. --In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, there are a few things you can do.
"...... Um, Yolanda, Madame Magnum. Please stop emphasizing the Red Rose. It makes me very, very uncomfortable.
"Oh dear. I thought Deanna might be forgetting her place these days, so I thought I'd be nice and say it?

　...... angry. Yolanda is more furious than I've ever seen her.

Really. Deanna is taking herself a little too lightly.

　I'm not sure what to make of this.

You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them. But at least in the current kingdom, the one who is called the "Red Rose" and has the highest position in the side chambers is Diana. I'm sure that Prince Stanza despises the kingdom of Ergeland and the inner palace for wanting such a Diana, so Diana should just be straight up angry and say 'don't be a fool' and then reject her completely.
"Letty ......, but then...
I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm here.

　Raia asked quietly, in a lower tone than usual. Deanna nodded coyly, silently, though she was unsure.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.
I'm not going to let that happen.

　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 a good idea.

I'm not sure if you're aware of that, but I'm sure you're aware of that. If I, as king, stop pretending to be a "puppet" who just takes the word of my subjects, I can turn this situation upside down with my authority. All he has to do is to stick to his decision as the king, no matter what the ministers say. The country will be in turmoil for a while, but I can't sacrifice the palace or my wife any longer.
"Your Majesty ......

　The expressions on the faces of everyone in the room turned complicated. This is the best solution to prevent anyone from going to the stanzas, but the cost is not small.

"...... Your sacrifice to protect us doesn't make any sense in the grand scheme of things. In fact, it's worse.

　Calmly, gently, Deanna says a definite "no".

"In terms of weight of position, there is no one in this country right now in a more weighty position than His Majesty Juke. There are plenty of replacements for the Red Rose, but no replacement for the King. To protect us, you must not jeopardize not only your position but also your life.
"The Red Rose ......, but I can't protect you if I don't.
I'm not sure what to make of this.　I'm sure you're not the only one who can't protect yourself, but you have a responsibility to protect the country and its people together with His Majesty.
I've tormented you so much by taking advantage of your reasoning!　Please don't make me a shameless 'king' any longer. ......!

　...... This guy has really changed a lot in the past year, in ways that I never expected. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.

"...... Just by your words. I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

　I can smile from the bottom of my heart. It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea. I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing. --What I absolutely wanted, what I wanted to hold on to. All of that is now in my hands. That reality alone is enough to make me happy, and I can positively accept that everything in the past was meaningful. So please, Your Majesty, do not let your guilt over me make you misjudge.
"Red, Rose. You are .......
"The day will surely come when you will have to truly stand as King and do your own will. In the not-too-distant future, the moment will come when His Majesty's decision and words will be indispensable, not to protect one of his aides like this, but at a major crossroads that will determine the fate of the nation and its people. --Until that time, you must protect the throne.

　In a way, Deanna is forcing Juke to be harsh. She knows that if she takes a hard stance as king, there will be a move to get rid of King Juke, so she's asking him to accept the burden on his wife for now in order to preserve her trump card. I'm not sure if Juke understands this, but his speechless face is tinged with anguish.

"...... Diana is right. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.
"...... Unfortunately, the Soto Palace's conclusion will not change. The only people who are clearly opposed to the idea of sending an Ergeland delegation to the stanzas right now, aside from the three families of Stresia, Eustace, and Keel, are Baron Crockett and a few of the newer noble families close to him, and the Ernest family. I'm sure that many of the families of the entourage, especially the innovators and the newer noble families, would like to oppose it from the inside, but since Baron Dredd has spoken out in favor of it so loudly and it has become the majority opinion in the Outer Court, it has become difficult for them to express their personal feelings as the "parents of the entourage. It seems to have become difficult for him to express his personal feelings as the 'parent of a side chamber.
"Oh, I see. Baron D'Orédy is also the parent of a concubine, but when it comes to choosing a concubine as a minister of state, he might choose his own daughter, but he puts the national interest ahead of his personal feelings of not wanting to send his daughter to a foreign country. That's right.
That's right, Miss Eustace.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. It's rare for him to just click his tongue.

I'm not sure who it was that pulled the strings behind the scenes to create this situation in the first place. Normally, there is no way that a conservative lord who is extremely xenophobic would accept the request of the stanza delegation with almost no resistance. They are also interfering in the selection of the other members of the delegation, as well as the request for a concubine to head the delegation. And the outer palace is not opposed to that at all. ...... There is something definitely wrong.
It's within the realm of expectation, but there it is. What did you say, exactly?


As this is an unscheduled mission, I would ask that you refrain from anything too extensive. In order to avoid unnecessary irritation to the Emperor, please refrain from bringing military officers. Since the purpose of this mission is to promote friendly relations between our two countries, we do not need civilian officials. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.
It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. In the event that you're not sure what to do, you'll be able to find out more about it by visiting our website.
I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea. He said that since the stay would be for about two weeks, and including the return trip, it would only be a little over a month, there was no need to make such a big deal of the group.
"That's not true. It's obvious that they think that as long as we take them over there, they're ours. There are no faster ships than the Stanza Empire in the Kingdom of Ergeland, so once you take them away, it won't be easy to get them back, he calculated.

　The more words they exchanged, the rougher Raia, Yolanda and Alford's words became. It's a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find anything that might help you.
　...... Nevertheless.

I'm not sure what to make of this. In the event that you've got any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. --If you are forced to marry me in this way, it will not make me like you, it will clearly have the opposite effect.

　Deanna's simple comment drew everyone's attention at once. It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this.

...... No, I'm simply wondering. He's a really good scholar, and he's learned a lot about the differences in culture and consciousness between the Stanza Empire and the Kingdom of Ergeland. And yet, he hasn't been able to make use of that knowledge this time, which doesn't make sense to me.
"But that doesn't mean you have to clear up your doubts, okay?　Whatever the Prince's and the Outer Palace's intentions are, there is no need for Diana to take them into consideration.

　She then turned her body to face Juke.

"Your Majesty. If it is inevitable that the Ergeland Kingdom Mission will be dispatched, please appoint me as the head of the Mission. With a father who is a key figure in Elgrand and a mother from the Barloon family, a leading noble family in Stanza, I believe that I am the right person to head the mission, which is a sign of friendship between our two countries.
"Miss Raia?
Diana, shut up. Diana, shut up. Considering your status and bloodline, there is no one more qualified for this role than I am.

　Deanna involuntarily looked up at Yolanda. It was clear from their relationship that Yolanda was the only one who could stop Raia.
　Yolanda met Deanna's gaze and smiled.

"I'm glad the stanzas allowed you to bring your maid. --Your Majesty. I'm glad the Stanzas allowed me to accompany them as a lady-in-waiting on their mission headed by Raia.
What are you talking about, ......, Yolanda?
You know, Diana. I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm not a fan of your work. I want to put an end to that kind of fighting, where we put you in the crosshairs and we just play it safe.
That said, ...... is too dangerous!
I'm not sure what to do.　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it. I'll follow up on the parts that are difficult for Raia alone. I'm not exactly known as the 'flower of society'.
"Raia and Yolanda are essential to this palace. There have been times when I've been absent, but it's been proven that the three "famous" people, Master Magnum, and sister-in-law Chris can manage without me. On the other hand, I don't think I, or anyone else here, would have the confidence to successfully organize the palace without you two.

　Besides," Deanna struggled to formulate a logic.

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to make it work. The two of you, as noblewomen of Elgrand, are superior in every way to anyone else of your age, but with all due respect, you are not skilled in martial arts or assassination. I can handle a minimum of self-defense on my own, and I'm proud to say that I'm better than most at stopping poisonous assassinations. --It seems that there are no forests in the Stanza Empire, but as long as there is earth and plants there, poison is useless in my eyes.
If you're careful about what you eat and drink, you'll be able to stop most poisonings, right?
No. There are many different types of poison in the world, both inhaled and injected into the bloodstream. There are even psychoactive poisons that can be tucked under the pillow as an air freshener and cause nightmares night after night to diminish your energy and make you choose death. There is no way to fight them all without knowledge or tolerance.

　If you can't persuade your friends here, what are you, a descendant of the Sage, the temple of knowledge? Throughout history, the power of the Sages has always been used to protect their friends and loved ones. To keep the footsteps of our great ancestors clean, pulling out is not an option for Diana.

"Miss Raia. Yolanda. As I told you earlier, please don't let your concern for me blind you to the bigger picture. In order to defeat the intentions of the unseen "someone" who led us to this situation, the Ergrand Emissary Corps must all return to the Royal Palace alive and intact. Not only that, but we also need to achieve some results in the Stanza Empire if possible. If we just go and return, we will inevitably be criticized by the conservatives who will say, "Why did we go to Stanza? --The only person with the highest probability of being able to do both of these things is me, who has a certain level of resistance to assassination techniques and who seems to have a wide range of freedom of movement due to the one-sided favor that His Highness Prince Stanza has for me.
"Diana ......

　It's not a sacrifice. I'm going to the fight. --To grab the future you want with your own hands.
　I'm not sure if they sensed Deanna's determination, but the expressions on the faces of Ria, Yolanda and Leticia changed from anguish to contemplation.
　I'm not sure what to do.

"If you want to talk about the big picture... The best option, Dee has ruled out from the start.

　A voice as thin as thread, yet as strong as steel, came through the silent Red Rose Room. It was Shayla, who had been silently following the conversation all this time.

In the first place, the reason why His Highness the Prince of Stanza wants to take Dee to the Stanza Empire is because he is worried that Dee will be loved by no one for the rest of her life, and will only fulfill the duties of a legitimate queen and rot away, right?　It's a misunderstanding, but to be honest, if it's just a feeling, I understand it very well. If I were given the same information as His Highness the Prince, and had the same power as His Highness the Prince, I might wish to take Dee away by force. That's how miserable Dee's situation must be as he sees it now.


"Well, ......, it's all a misunderstanding, isn't it?
Yeah. So why don't you just correct that mistake? --I'll go to the stanzas.

　This time Deanna lost her voice and looked at Juke out of reflex. This, of all things, should be an idea that Juke would never accept.
　However, contrary to expectations, Juke is accepting Shayla's words quite quietly. ...... Could it be that these two had a meeting last night?

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. It will also show His Highness that the Kingdom of Ergeland does not despise Deanna Crester, the first in line to the side and a candidate for the regular queen. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to do with the money you've got and how you're going to spend it.
"...... So?　What are you planning to do on the way back?
"I'm trying to clear up the Prince's misunderstanding. His Highness will give up on Dee once he realizes his mistake. There'll be no point in holding me hostage.
"Even if that's fine for His Highness, what about Stanza's court?　Do you think they'd let a hostage of the Elgrand Kingdom go so easily?
And even if I don't... ...... Unlike Dee and all of you, I'm not absolutely essential to this country.
Don't be ridiculous. I'll be very angry.

　Deanna glared hard at Shayla.

You're the future queen of this country. You're the future queen of this land. You're supposed to carry it, protect it, support it, lead it. Just like His Majesty, you are irreplaceable.
Dee, you just said that the Red Rose can be replaced in any number of ways!
You just said that the Red Rose can be replaced!

　Diana stood up and walked over to Shayla.

There is no other woman in this country who loves you more and is loved more by you. I'm sure you're not the only one who has the determination to support His Majesty more than you do, who is more determined than you are to take on the position of the Queen, and who has the talent to accomplish it.
"But!
I'll never listen to you!　I don't ever want to hear you say that I don't need you again!

　Half in anger and half in emotion, Deanna turned and glared at Juke.

I'm not going to hear you say that again!
"Red Rose ......
It's not a marriage where you accept everything your partner says. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing.
...... Well, I do remember being really angry. I don't know, I think it's a bit of an unnecessary misunderstanding in the current context, isn't it?　I mean, it's not like I'm the only one who's upset with Deanna's dedication and self-sacrifice.
Well, yes. I've been getting rather angry with everyone lately.

　There hadn't even been a hint of it until just now, but it didn't seem like Kai was out of the loop when this group of people was gathered, so Deanna and the rest of the group weren't upset.
　With only his voice, Kai joined the conversation.

Hey, Shayla, your majesty. I know how you feel, but you're probably really upset that Stanza's son found out about you two, but there's no end to it. I'm sure you're not the only one who's had a bad experience, but I'm sure you're not the only one who's had a bad experience.
I don't know. I think I was the one who made the worst mistake. It's really not Shayla's concern, and it's not your fault and Shayla's fault.
No. No matter how much you regret the past, no one can turn back time. We can only do our best to make the best of the future from this moment on. It's important to reflect on the past and make use of it in the future, but it's a different folly to get so caught up in regretting the mistakes of the past that we lose sight of the best.

　At Kai's calm words, Shayla looked up at the ceiling, almost in tears.

Sheila looked up at the ceiling, almost in tears at Kai's calm words, "So, Kai, are you saying that sending Dee back to the Stanza Empire is the best thing for her?
Without personal feelings, judging from the objectives, the skills of each candidate, and the circumstances surrounding them, I think that Deanna is the most qualified. But if the most important mission is to return home safely, then Deanna's success rate is higher than Ria's.
"You!　You don't have any qualms about sending Dee to a dangerous place?
If I can put my personal feelings first, then of course I'll kill all the stanza emissaries and the conservative nobles in this country and change the Outer Palace's opinion by force, right?　--But if we do that, instead of sending Diana to Stanza, we'll be inviting Stanza's army into this country. And that's the worst thing that could happen to Deanna.

　Kai's strong and deep voice left everyone in the room speechless. Everyone in the room was rendered speechless by Kai's strong and deep voice. Shayla as well as Juke rolled their eyes and just stared at the ceiling in silence.

I'm not going to let Deanna take away one more piece of something that's important to me. It may be the lives of your friends, or the peace of your country and people, but I'm sure the most important thing is that you are unafraid to stand up for what's best, no matter how difficult or scary it may be.
"Kai ......

　A quiet shiver often took over the room.

"...... That's not fair, Dee.

　I'm not sure what to do.

You can't win by having Kai on your side first. You can't win.
...... You're right. I've never been able to beat the real Kai either.
That's the best backup I've ever seen. Deanna is so smart.
You're right, Shayla. It's not fair.

　Sheila nodded with a wry smile at Yolanda and Leticia's comments.



But I didn't think that you would accept to send Dee to such a dangerous country. You used to be so unhappy when you had to leave for a day or two to help me. This time it will be over a month, right?
...... Why does Shayla keep assuming that I'm going to send Deanna away without telling her? Of course I'm coming with you, of course.
I'll follow you. ...... Did you hear what the Commander said earlier?

　I'm not sure what to make of that.

It will be very difficult for a man to accompany you this time. Even if you want to follow him in hiding, you will have to stow away on a ship, travel from the port to the palace of Stanza, and act covertly inside the palace, which is quite a challenge. I don't know how far you can go on your own, even with the backup of the Cresta family. ......
Sounds like it. I also confirmed with Sirius last night that Stanza's palace is quite an open structure and there are very few places to hide. He said that even if we can manage to stow away, it'll be tough beyond that. I might be able to get by with my dad's support, but it's too much trouble to keep using the spirier all the time.
You know what I'm talking about. So how are we supposed to follow him?
Well, I've been thinking about something. I just don't know if I can do it. That's all I'm asking. --I'd like to talk to you about it soon, so if you'll excuse me for a moment.

　I'd like to talk to you about it soon.

I'd like to talk to you soon.　Not Deanna?
"Yeah. I think you're probably the best person to help me.
"...... Okay.

　When Raia nodded, Juke stood up.

"Red Rose. ...... I'm sorry. I think I'm going to end up relying on you again, on you guys.
"No need to apologize, Your Majesty. This is simply a division of labor.

　Deanna smiled slowly, not acting.

No need to apologize, Your Majesty. Gathering potential allies and obtaining all the information necessary to expose the unseen enemy is also a tough but unavoidable battle.
"Red Rose ......
"Shayla, too. It's not only the education of the queen, but also the absence of the Red Rose in the palace, you never know what will happen. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure it's a good idea. I know it's hard, but please keep the peace for everyone.
"Dee ......, of course.
"Ria, Yolanda, Letty. I've been away from the Red Rose for an unprecedented length of time, and I ask for your help in guarding the palace and assisting Shayla. --If we can get through this difficult time, things will change. I'm sure it will turn out well for us.
Yeah.
...... I don't blame you.
If Deanna asks me to do something, I'll do it.

　Internal affairs, Juke. I'll leave the palace to Shayla and the Three Named.

Let's start from here. --A prelude to a counterattack.

　"Let's start from here, the prelude to a counterattack." Diana finally stepped onto the uncompromising battlefield.