--It had been four days since Kai had secretly left Iftane to carry out his plan.

"Good morning, Master Diana.
Good morning, Rita. Good morning, Rita. ...... You're a little more reserved than usual today, aren't you?
Yeah. ...... Well, I don't know why, but I do.

　In the event that you've got a lot of time, you'll be able to take a look at a few of the best ways to make the most of your time. It's a great way to make sure you don't get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the city.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who can't help you. --Rita, why don't you go over there and make Deanna some tea?
"Thank you, Yuri.

　I'm sure you'll be glad to hear that," he said. I'm not sure what to make of this. --It's a calming herbal tea from the Kingdom of Ergeland.
　The tea is a calming herbal tea brought from the Kingdom of Ergeland, and Deanna sips it at her suggestion and takes a deep breath.

It's ...... delicious.
It's good. There's more to come, so enjoy it.
Thank you, Rita. ...... It's another beautiful day.
It's getting cooler in the mornings and evenings, but it's still going to be hot during the day.
Yeah. ...... The lack of rain may be difficult for the people of this country. Considering the fact that we have to move around a lot and stay in the open, it's nice to have sunny days and not much rain, so we don't have to worry too much about flooding.
If we lacked the knowledge and skills to find water sources, we might be worried. ...... Well, I guess we don't have to worry about that.
Yeah. He'll be fine. ...... He will be fine no matter where he is or who he is with.

　Four days. ...... It's only been four days. It has only been four days since I could no longer feel his presence near me.
　And yet - in just four short days. It has become a habit for me to look up at the sky and think about the distant future.

"...... Are you lonely?

　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why. It's not that I don't like it. It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I'm not sure what to say. I'm not sure what to do. I thought I was prepared for this. ......
I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's had to deal with this.
I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. ...... But, well... It's not even a year since last year's advent festival (Les Armeniastes).

　When we met, we were enemies. We exchanged words and became neither friend nor foe.
　As we interacted, I learned of his kindness and the depth of his compassion. Despite his light-hearted demeanor, I found him to be a compassionate person with a strong will like steel that never wavers once it is decided.
　Every time I get to know him one more time. So when he reached out to me beyond his position, I was really happy.
　...... Yes, I was happy. In the beginning, the name "Dee" was just a fake name, but Shayla loved to call her, and he secretly listened to her and saw that it was "Diana when she was not mending in the palace" and called her. It became an irreplaceable and special name for me.
　That's how we shared the same time. Sometimes we had petty fights over trivial things.
　It hasn't been that long since I started spending time with him. Before I met him, I can't remember how I felt when he was not around. ......

"Do you want me to send you a ...... letter?

　Suddenly, Rita asked me. It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your vacation.

I'm sure Riku can find Kai and deliver the letter if you ask him. I'm sure you're already over the hump in terms of days. If Deanna-sama writes him a note saying, 'I miss you, please come home soon,' he'll come flying back.
"Don't be silly. Don't be ridiculous. I asked him to come back to me, and I entrusted him with a plan, so how can he be so selfish as to ask me to come back because he misses me?
I'm sure Master Diana would be happy to accept your selfishness.
There's a difference between selfishness and selfishness. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it. ...... I'm aware that I've always been selfish to the point of selfishness to her, but I can't ask for more.

　It's a good idea to take a look at the following tips to make sure you're getting the most out of your trip.
　...... Still... You can still make it now.

"...... Maybe it's just as well.
"...... Deanna-sama?
That person, ...... Kai, is by my side because of his pure kindness. Don't lean on that and take Kai's presence for granted.
It's ......
After all he's been through, it's a miracle that he's even with us at all. It's arrogant to take his presence for granted, let alone be grateful for it.
"......
I hope that someday, when you find something you want to do more than be by my side at ......, you can send Kai off with a smile. I'm glad I realized that before I took his presence for granted and selfishly tied him down.



　After only four days of not seeing him, I was struck by an unexpected loneliness. ...... I know that my heart has been occupied by him so much.
　You can still stop now that you are aware of it and can reflect on your own arrogance. --You can even be ready to accept the choice to leave him, thinking of his happiness and future first.

I'm not sure what to say. I'm going to miss you. ...... You'll have to get used to it.
"Dear Diana...

　Rita opens her mouth wide to say something.
　But just before the words were to leave her mouth...

"Di, Deanna!

　Mia, who was supposed to be sweeping the hallway, came running in, looking flustered.

I'm sorry to bother you while you're relaxing. I'm sorry to bother you while you're relaxing, but I received this letter from the outside on some urgent business.

　In the imperial palace of Stanza, where the day basically starts slowly, receiving a letter from outside this early in the morning is an abnormal situation in itself. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.
　The contents are...

"Dear Deanna, what does the letter say?
"Her Highness, ......, is visiting the harem and would like you to wait for her in her usual room.
"The usual room?" "Is this the room where ...... Diana meets His Imperial Highness when she goes out?
The way she wrote it, I'd say yes. ...... If I'm not in my room, the emperor has given his permission for me to come to the harem to meet him.
What does this mean, ......?
I don't know, but if the Emperor knows what's going on, it's a bad idea to ignore it.

　We haven't had breakfast yet, but we have no choice. Deanna drank the tea that Rita had made and stood up.

Rita, help me get dressed. Mia, how's the hallway cleaning going?
Mia, how are the hallways? All that's left to do is a quick wipe down and put away the tools.
That's great. So you think you can manage without Mia?
I think so.
Then Mia should come with us. It might be a diplomatic matter.
If it's a diplomatic matter, it's better to have Mia with you.
Yes. Rita is preparing breakfast with Yuri and the others.
What are you talking about? I'm coming with you.
What?　But without Rita, I'll have to translate.
Don't worry, Miss Diana. After I came to Stanza, Rita taught me the rudimentary Stanza language whenever she could, so I can manage to communicate with her with gestures in daily life. Rosalie, in particular, seems to have a talent for languages, and in the past few days she's become quite proficient in listening.

　Yuri, who seemed to have heard Deanna's words, came into the room with cleaning tools and made a suggestion. She then turned to Rita.

I'd like to ask you to do the same, Rita. Please stay close to Deanna.
"Thank you, Yuri.
"Yuri ......

　...... Has Deanna fallen so low lately that Yuri is so worried about her? It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing and how you're doing it.

...... Okay, okay. Can you take Rita with you?
Of course. If you want me to stay, I'll come with you.

　--The room we were assigned was outside the harem, in a sort of soldiers' quarters. Stanza's harem is ridiculously large, so you can't take your time. With the help of Rita, Diana hurriedly changed her clothes and headed for her room, walking as fast as she could.

Oh, Princess. Thank God, I was just about to pick you up.

　When Diana reached the outer gate of the harem, Exiga was already standing in front of the gate issuing some kind of order to the soldiers guarding it. The mood of the letter and the way he was acting indicated that it was really urgent.

Good morning, Your Highness. I'm sorry to keep you waiting.
No, no. I'd like to apologize for calling you here so rudely this morning.
I hope you don't mind. Is there something important that concerns the Ergeland Legation?

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

Princess. Would you like to take a short trip?
An excursion, huh?
We, the Stanza delegation, have been guided to various places along the way until we came to the royal capital of the Ergeland Kingdom. But the princess has yet to see any Stanza other than Iftarne.
《......, yeah》
The princess has only a few days left of her stay. At this rate, she'll never match the hospitality we received at the Elgrand. --It's a matter of imperial prestige.

　It's a matter of prestige for the empire. ...... I know what you're saying. The royal capital of Ergeland is located in the interior, so even if you set your ship to the nearest port, you will have to pass through several lands before reaching the royal capital, and you will inevitably receive hospitality there. On the other hand, Iftane is not only the imperial capital but also the largest port city in the Stanza Empire, so there is no need to sail elsewhere. If the number of places they visited and the hospitality they received were inferior, it would certainly not be very equal, and I can understand the concern that people might say, "The Kingdom of Ergeland gave a grand reception to a foreign envoy, but the Stanza Empire was very poor.



(......, but that sounds like a terrible excuse.)

　It's as if the Stanza Empire respects the Kingdom of Ergeland as an equal power by worrying about the level of hospitality. I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot of people who'll be able to help you out.

...... I appreciate the sentiment, but please don't worry too much about it. It's also very meaningful for us as envoys to interact with the people of Iftarne. Even if the direction of your hospitality is different, I have no intention of judging the Stanza Empire for such a thing.

　I'm not going to judge the Stanza Empire for that, even if the direction of hospitality is different. I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it's a good idea.

(......We can't leave Iftane now.)

　No one in Stanza knows about it except for Brad, but the Elgrands are currently in the middle of an important operation. --You can't leave the front line and go away.
　...... No, no, no. I'm not sure what to do.

I'm not sure what to do.

...... Is there a reason you can't leave Iftarne?

　I'm not sure why the Exiga suddenly switched to Elgrande. I'm not sure what you're talking about, but I think you're right.

I'm sure the higher-ups in the kingdom of Elgrand don't trust us. ...... Have they told you that even if we, Stanza, do not let you return home, we will come for you? --Um, to the king.
No, not at all. ......
It's been almost ten days since you came to my country. You must be missing your country by now. Especially these days, the princess seems to be thinking a lot about the distance.

　The prince's point of view made me cringe. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

"Princess. If you're smart, you'll have noticed this by now. I'm sure you've already noticed that the king doesn't care for you in any more than a political sense when you're away from your country and feeling lonely. In the sky where the princess is looking up, the king will not be staring at the sky in the same way. In the sky where the princess is looking up, the king is not gazing up at the sky in the same way. ...... There is only Shayla, the lady he loves, at the end of his eyes.
"That's .......
I'm not going to stay in the capital depressed, waiting for an unloving king. Although the country doesn't get much rain, there are many lush green areas in the stanzas that the princess likes, and I have taken possession of one of them. It's a good place for a change of scenery. I'm sure you'll feel much better if you stay and relax for a few days.

　...... I know. Exiga may be a bit pushy, but she's not a bad person. I'm sure this offer was made out of genuine concern to cheer up Deanna, who was apparently feeling down.
　Every day, he picks up Diana at a certain time in the afternoon and takes her to a place she wants to go. She never blames Deanna for any interactions she has with anyone on the trip, and probably doesn't even tell the stanza leaders the details. Maybe he feels guilty for making Deanna feel so bad on the first day, but he probably would have done everything in his power to make sure that Deanna would be able to spend her time at Stanza the way she wanted to, even without all that.
　Exiga believes that Deanna loves the Juke. It's natural to associate homesickness with Deanna's increasingly depressed state - and perhaps it's understandable that she's frustrated that she can't be depressed over a heartless king.

(...... If I really was bound, both physically and mentally, to the rear palace of Ergrand . (If I had been truly tied down, both physically and mentally, to the Ergeland palace, I would probably have found His Highness's forcefulness to be encouraging.

　But no... Not so.
　Deanna is now simply...

(I want to wait for Kai.) When he comes back, she wants to say "welcome back" to him first. Tell him "thank you." (......)

　...... No, no. It's simpler than that.

I want to see you. I want to see you as soon as possible. That's why I don't want to leave Iftarne.

　What the hell is this? What is this, this unadulterated, pure, stupefyingly instinctive.
　--This emotion, so pure, so instinctive, so horrible, so violent, so fierce.

　These feelings overflowing from within me are certainly my own.
　I can't control it with my reason.

"...... Let's go, Princess.

　The next thing I knew, Exiga's face was right next to mine. I was stunned, but he had closed the distance between us.
　Without a chance to say no, she took my hand and held me by the shoulders.
　--He took my hand and held me by the shoulders.

"Please wait, Your Highness. If we're going to go away for the night, we must first prepare ourselves. I haven't brought any clothes or daily necessities with me.
I'm going to my palace. I can take care of your clothes and personal belongings.
"Then at least take ...... the maids with you. I will bring those I left in the room with me, so please be patient.
There are others in my palace who can take care of the princess. Since you'll be leaving your belongings here, you'll also need someone to take care of the harem. --It would be sufficient if one of the two of us were to accompany you.

　...... If this is just a diversionary excursion and Diana, the chief, is leaving the palace, Mia, who is a government official, must stay behind to help negotiate with the stanza side. By process of elimination, the only one she could take with her would be Rita.
　Exiga must be wary that if he gave Diana time to return to the harem, she would make some kind of plan to avoid the trip. The hand on Deanna's shoulder showed a firm determination not to let her return to the harem.



"--Please forgive my rudeness, Your Highness. Please take your hands off the Red Rose.

　A quiet, determined voice sounded in the stiff air. --It was Mia, who had been watching the proceedings from behind Diana's back.

"......, please refrain.
I know it's rude, but I'm begging you. --The Red Rose has no intention of going far.
Can't you hear me? If you do not wish to bring disgrace to the kingdom of Elgrand, you must refrain.
Shame on you and disrespect on you. I am a servant of the Red Rose, and it is my duty to protect her. ...... It would be too much for the Red Rose to leave Iftarne now.

(Ah, ......)

　What are you doing?
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.
　--Remember. What is Deanna's first priority, what must she protect above all else?

I'm the Red Rose. I'm the Red Rose. I'm a quasi-royal of the Kingdom of Ergeland, and I bear the name of my country.

　To be the bridge between the Kingdom of Elgrand and the Stanza Empire, and to return safely to the country together, is the mission that Diana has been given and must fulfill.
　I'm not sure what to do.

"...... I understand.

　Slowly, deeply, breathe.
　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

I'll take your word for it. I'll be at your service for a while.
"Princess!
Master Diana!
It's okay, Mia. I'm only staying for the night to see the rest of the Empire. There's nothing dangerous in your realm.
"But ......
The Eighteenth Prince's domain has a reputation for being safe. -When it comes to the rich natural lands that His Highness holds in his domain, is it ...... Torno or Lars?
"I would be honored, Princess. Torno is a bit far, so I'm thinking of taking you to Lars.
Lars can be reached by the end of the day if we leave now.
"The princess is very knowledgeable.

　Smiling serenely, Diana looked at Mia again.

It's okay.　It's okay.
"Dear Diana, ......
I'll leave Mia in charge. If you hear anything from the Kingdom of Elgrande, you'll handle it.
No, Deanna. Please...
I'm sorry to bother you, but can Rita come with me?　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to do it.

　Rita, looking straight into Deanna's eyes, looked both angry and sad. With a deep passion in her eyes, Rita bowed quietly.

"Yes, sir.
"Rita!
"Mia. I'm sure I can protect Deanna-sama even if it costs me my life.
Rita. ......
So, Mia, you'll have to take care of her. I'm afraid I won't be able to say goodbye to you, but please give my regards to you all.

　Mia, looking as if she was about to cry, stifled her voice. Exiga, apparently deciding that the matter was settled, walked out without taking her hands off Diana.

Mia!　I need you to take care of the delegation until I return.

　She managed to turn around and announce her departure.
　In an unexpected way, Diana left Iftane.


　　If you are not careful, you will fall to your knees.


　In the midst of the despair that threatened to bring her to her knees if she didn't pay attention, Mia struggled to hold back a cry and rushed back to her room in the harem. The fact that her steps were not graceful did not bother her.
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　I'm not sure what to do. ...... And yet...

I'm not sure what to say.　How can I help you?
What's wrong?

　The questioning of Lurie and Yuri easily overflowed what they had been trying so hard to hold back.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
"Mia?
I couldn't stop it. I couldn't stop it. I had to stop it, no matter what. ......!
Calm down, what's going on?



　Yuri supported me as my body collapsed with the words. Rulie, Aina and Rosalie came running to her.
　To repent for her helplessness in front of her friends, Mia looked up.

"Diana... "Prince Exiga took me out.
"...... This early in the morning?　Is there something going on in the capital?
No. We're going to a place far from Iftarne.

　Everyone's eyes rolled back into their heads, and they all looked sad. --They all immediately thought the same thing as Mia.

"No!　Because Kai will be back soon?
If there are any problems, they will send a letter through Riku, and there hasn't been a single letter so far, so if everything goes as planned, we should have ...... by this evening or tomorrow morning.
Diana-sama, you've been waiting for Kai's return for a long time. ......

　I've been waiting for Kai's return for a long time, Deanna-sama," Mia said, nodding repeatedly at Aina, Rosalie and Lurie.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.

　I'm not sure what to make of it. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　But... He cares for Deanna more than anything else in the world, and loves her deeply, deeply. It's easy to see from his side that he is trying to protect Deanna's life and even her heart.
　And ...... Deanna too. It's not just that she's relying on Kai to protect her, but that she's simply thinking of him and entrusting her heart to him. You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their life.
　--It is forbidden for a lady to love a man other than the king. A long time ago, it would have been unacceptable to love a man other than the king.
　But Mia... The maids of the Red Rose Room affirmed and supported Diana's desire, but they did not think of admonishing her of her taboo.
　I'm sure you'll be able to understand that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.

I want Diana to be ...... happy. I'm not sure what to make of that.
"Mia, .......
You'll see what I mean. I don't know who Deanna is thinking about. I know who she's thinking about and I know that she's only thinking about you.
"It's ....... It's easy to understand, isn't it, the two of them?
The two of them are in love with each other, so there is no need for them to be apart. This is the reason that Diana is always thinking about other people, but she never gives up her own wishes and wants you to be happy. ...... That is why I have been serving you!

　There must have been a better way to get around her. There must have been something I could have done to protect Deanna.
　I'm sorry you feel so helpless and ...... helpless in the face of power.

...... We all feel the same way.

　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one. I'm sure there is no one else who can give Deanna such a happy smile but Kai.
"...... Yes.
I know it's wrong for a royal courtesan to serve a lady's consort. But even so, for the sake of Diana's happiness, I was secretly determined to support her and Kai's relationship and protect them no matter what.
"Me too, Yuri.
Of course, so did we.

　I knew it somehow, but the maidens seemed to be of one mind.
　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

It is not the first time that Diana has something she wants to protect, and for that reason she has been reckless with our concerns. --So, even if we break a few rules for Diana's sake, it will be mutual.
"Yuri ......
Lurie. As I recall, Kai left a whistle for Riku to call in case of emergency?

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　But - yes, Yuri was right. You can't just follow the orders of the Lord who is willing to spare your life under such circumstances.

　--So, Mia, please take charge of the house. I'm afraid I won't be able to greet you on your way out.

　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to say goodbye. ...... I'm sure that was her way of telling me to ignore Diana's orders and let Kai know.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.

What should I write?　What should I write? "Deanna-sama was taken by Prince Exiga, do you want her to come back immediately?
"From our point of view, yes, but as a matter of fact, that's a bit of a misnomer. ......
"It doesn't make sense to write a bunch of pretexts.

　I'm not sure what to make of this. --I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

No, both of you. I have a better text for you.

"At the request of Prince Exiga, Master Diana and Rita have left the Imperial City for the land of Ra's. They will be staying at the Imperial Palace in Ra's for the time being.
Please hurry and get to Master Diana. Please protect Master Diana.

　It was only a matter of time before Riku, with a letter containing the prayers of all the members of the team tied to it, would flap his wings and fly away to Kai.