--It was like being held by a hot sea.

"...... Dee, you're cute.

　I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing, but it's a good thing.

It's okay. It's just that Dee is learning new sensations that she's never known before.

　When I was scared, she would say that to wipe away my fears.

If you're worried, I can help you. --If you're worried, just hold on to me like this.

　The warmth, the heat, taught me that it was okay to touch Diana.

　--The first time I knew climax, I lost sight of myself even more than I had heard, and felt a world of pure white.
　Every time she was about to reach those heights, Deanna would call out to Kai for certainty, and he would touch her hand, her back, her hair.
　Halfway through, she no longer cared about the medicine. It's just like you said in the beginning, you can only feel Kai.

"Pretty Dee ......, show it to me only.

　...... At that moment, Kai was the only thing that mattered in Deanna's world.

　In all honesty, Deanna didn't really understand what it meant for two lovers to engage in an act of affection for no other reason than to have a child. She even secretly thought that kissing and hugging would be enough.
　However, I finally understand that ...... is not enough.

(When your love overflows...) (When you are overflowing with love, you want more and more of your partner. ...... I want to touch them. I want to touch them. --You want to feel them with all of yourself, and you want to dye them with all of yourself.

　It's a great way to get to know a person's personality, and it's also a great way to get to know a person's personality. It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your time with your family and friends. ().

(......) That's why lovers who love each other naturally want to touch each other deeply. (This is why lovers who are in love naturally want to touch each other deeply, in order to make sure that their invisible feelings and hearts are intertwined.

　--Diana was happy. She was happy. She was so afraid of something that she found herself seeking it.
　This is probably because ...... it was Kai who gave Diana "everything".
　I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but I'm sure you have.


　＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊


　...... The dazzling morning light announced that it was time to wake up.
　With a strange feeling of contentment, Deanna slowly opened her eyes.

"......
"Oh, are you awake?

　A voice came from nearby. Startled, she turned over to find Kai's face smiling gently at her.

"Good morning, Dee.
Good morning, .......
I'm sorry I took half your bunk. Rita said there was no bunk for me here, so I had to sleep with Dee.
"Uh, yeah. ......

　When I saw Kai's face, all the memories of last night came flooding back.
　--I'm sure you're not the only one. ...... No doubt, her own face was red now.

　You'll be able to hear the giggles on their faces.

"Oh, ...... Dee, you're the kind of person who doesn't let drugs mess with your memory.
I'm pretty sure I have a tolerance for plant toxins. ......
Yeah, right. ...... How are you feeling?　What's wrong with your body?

　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea. It's a good idea to take a deep breath to calm your heart, which is beating fast on its own, and feel your own health and physical condition.

...... Yeah, I'm fine. The drugs are out of my system and there are no after effects. My senses are back to normal.
That's good to know. ......
Thank you, Kai. Thanks, Kai. ...... I'm sorry about everything.

　In the event that you've got a lot of time, you'll be able to take a look at your own personal life.
　--I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm here.

I'm not sure why you're apologizing, Dee. It was the guy who used those nasty drugs that was at fault, and Dee was the victim.
That's true, but ...... it did get you in trouble.
He didn't bother me. It would have hurt me more if you hadn't asked me for help in that situation.
But .........
Hmm?
That ...... was a pain in the ass, wasn't it?

　I remember that I was scared of the unknown sensation, even though I understood that it was a necessary procedure to get rid of the medicine, and I screamed like a little child. At that time, I was so desperate that I had zero time to calmly and objectively look at my condition.

(I think that's what people call a "troublesome woman." ......)

　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm so excited about this.
　Suddenly, Kai's hand moved and stroked Deanna's cheek. He turns her face upwards in a natural motion.
　The dark blue eyes that stared straight at Deanna were glowing with a frightening seriousness.

I'm going to say this out loud. I'm going to say this out loud: anyone who says it's 'too much trouble' to care for someone in that situation is, without exception, a scumbag. In the future, if you overhear such chatter, just let it go with 'there are scum'. --Don't ever think again that I'm going to bother to take care of Dee.
Kai: ......


Any response?
"Okay, okay. ......
"Yes, thank you.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. I'm sure you'll be able to understand that I'm not the only one.

(I ...... wonder what will happen to me if Kai continues to take care of me and spoil me. I hope I don't turn out to be a bad person who's too soft on herself.

　(I hope I don't turn out to be a bad person who's too soft on himself.) Even now, this moment when I'm wrapped in Kai's arms, sharing his warmth, I can't help but love him. I'm torn between the need to wake up and the desire for just a little more. ...... If anything, "just a little bit more" is more dominant.

"Dee?

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. It's a great way to get a feel for what it's like to be a part of a team.
　I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.

Kai ...... should be up soon.
I'm sure you'll be fine.　I mean, we had a party last night.
But the sun is already up.
The Cresta's are unusually early risers for noblemen. ...... But I'm sure they're tired from everything that happened last night.
Well, I wasn't tired at all.
Really?　That kind of thing takes a lot of energy. With Dee's condition last night, I think she's tired even if she's not aware of it.

　I felt hot all over. The fact that she was talking about the night in a normal tone of voice stimulated my shame more than I had expected.
　Not being able to look at Kai's face, Deanna buried her face in his chest.

It's ...... unflattering.
It's not like there was anything unflattering about it.　--It was cute, really cute.
You were so cute!

　In your ear, with your breath. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's had a bad experience.
　I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not.

"Oh, I don't think that's a good idea in the morning!
There's no rule that says you can't have s*x in the morning.
No, but!　But I do think there is a time and a place for it!

　I'm in trouble. When Kai speaks to me in a voice full of color from last night, my reflexes bring back that feeling, that memory that was running through my body. ...... It's very troubling.
　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why. The effects of the drug have worn off and there are no after-effects. ...... Instead, I have been carved so deeply with "Kai". In terms of the severity of the effects, I think this is more serious.
　The only thing I had to do was to remove the drug. ...... One day, if "the day" really comes...

(......) What are you thinking about, what are you imagining?　This is not the time to be thinking about that!

　--No. After all, it's dangerous in many ways to laze around in the bunk like this.
　In Kai's arms, Deanna moved her arms wide.

"I've decided. I'm getting up!
"Yeah, you should get some sleep.
"Thanks to you, I'm fine. I'm fine, thanks to you. ...... Kai will be tired, so you can stay in your bunk, okay?
No, there's no way I can stay awake while Dee is awake, right?

　The door to the antechamber opened at the same time as we both sat up. --I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

"Good morning, Deanna-sama.
Good morning, Rita. ...... I'm sorry I worried you so much last night.
I was worried, but ...... I was optimistic that Kai would not be able to come to Diana's aid in her time of need.
So it was ......?
I'm sure you're right, but... But it was rather close, wasn't it?
It doesn't matter if it's close or not, as long as you make it in time, you're safe.

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

"Kai. I've left some traveler's clothing in the antechamber for you to change into. There is also a small amount of hot water in the antechamber. In the meantime, I will prepare Diana-sama's clothes.
"Yes, yes. I won't get in the way of a woman getting ready. --See you later, Dee.
Have a good day.

　Kai gets off his bunk, smiles lightly, and walks out of the bedroom. When Kai got out of his bunk, he noticed that he was also wearing a stanza-style male nightgown. I thought ...... that our body temperatures felt closer than usual, but I guess it was only natural, given the way we were both dressed.
　I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but I'm sure you've heard of it.

"Well, Master Diana... --Are you ready to go?



　He turned around with a hearty, happy smile on his face.

"What, ...... ready?
There are no Elgrand costumes here. Inevitably, Deanna's outfit for today will be a stanza.
Of course, I know that, but ......?
I'm going to have to show this to Kai, is that okay?

　On the bunk, Deanna turned bright red three times.


　. ＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊


　I'm not sure if you've heard of this, but I'm sure you've heard of it. It was a little later than usual. Since it's not nice to eat alone, she invites Rita and Kai to join her for breakfast.
　--As they finished their meal and drank tea afterwards, Rita sorrowfully said, "I was afraid of what would happen.

I was wondering what was going to happen at one point, but I'm glad we were able to put things to rest peacefully.
I really am. Really. Once that drug thing came to light, we couldn't just say nothing to the Empire, as expected. In the worst case scenario, we would have had to fight.

　The reason why I prepared a neutralizing potion, even though I knew it was unlikely, and the reason why I worked so hard to "detoxify" the drug so that no one would know about it, was to make sure that the "harm" done to Diana never happened. I'm a quasi-legal representative of the Kingdom of Elgrand. If it were to become public knowledge that a quasi-royal representing the Kingdom of Elgrand had been administered a dangerous poison in another country, it would no longer matter what Diana or Juke's intentions were, the country would have no choice but to take firm action. Depending on how the Stanza Empire reacts, it may well plunge into a quagmire involving the people of both sides.
　In order to avoid that...

The three of us here at ...... are the only ones who know the complete truth about what happened last night. What happened last night must not be brought back to the Kingdom of Ergeland, or even to Iftarne.

　In all seriousness, we have to pretend that it never happened.
　I'm not going to let that happen.

I knew that's what Dee would say, and I know that's what I have to do. She's still too good-natured or too much of an end-is-better mentality.
It's not that I don't feel annoyed that he used that thing, but...

　I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing. It's a dangerous substance that has been soaked in a half-hearted neutralizer and is still sitting in a corner of the living room. If we don't take the appropriate measures after breakfast, we may create a second or third victim.
　While Rita was preparing breakfast for me, I briefly explained to Kai about the kind of medicine I took last night. When he heard the story, he frowned and said, "I'm glad it was Dee, but ...... it's not human nature to try to use such drugs.

I could tell just by looking at Dee that she was on some nasty drugs. But I didn't think it would have been 'better' with a neutralizer. I mean, if they really wanted to neutralize it, they would have used a decoction of mishi, cippiro, and blooming perilla, right?　I'm sure you've heard of it, but I've never heard of it.
"Yeah. We need to take the time to tell people about the dangers of that drug. ......
That's one thing, but... What I'm wondering is who used such a dangerous product and for what purpose?

　It's a great way to get to know a person's personality. ...... It's no surprise, but he seems to be pretty angry.
　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that.

I vaguely remember His Highness being here last night. After all, it was not your idea, was it?
"Yes, it was. From the way he was acting, I think it's highly unlikely that His Imperial Highness was the main culprit.
So you think it's the sole decision of the people around ......?
I think so, too. I think it's more likely that someone around you, not His Highness, planned to medicate Diana-sama for His Highness' sake.

　I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea.
　He smiled slightly and muttered to himself.

I don't know.　I'm not sure what to make of that.　I'm not sure.
It's the most likely ...... possibility.
That's right. I'm not sure what to make of this. It's not just a sense of duty, either.
"...... Yes. In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, please do not hesitate to contact us.
............ Honto, selfish.

　It is actually very unusual for Kai to be so angry in spite of Rita's presence. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what's going on in your life.
　She slowly squeezed Kai's hand as his eyes softened at the scent.

I think so, too. It's selfish and ...... misguided.
Dee ......
It's not the same as the sensations your body gets and the pleasure of connecting with your mind. It's only because of this that I've come to know. ...... I only know because you told me.
"...... Yeah.

　It seems that the indirect message of "it's okay now" was definitely understood. I'm not sure what to make of this. ......, or rather, Diana's surroundings are basically full of people who should not be seriously offended. You can find a lot of different ways to appease them.
　I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but I have.

"Thank you, Kai. Thanks to you, I now know. I'm sure you'll agree that it's a great idea to have a little bit of fun.
...... Yes, that's right.
If you don't have a heart, ...... it's just empty. I'm sure the heart will be lost forever in emptiness.



　I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've.

"...... Yeah. I think so too. I'm not sure if I'd be able to do that if I were you.

　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.
　--In the event that you've got a lot of time and energy, you'll be able to make the most of it.

In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.
You can't imagine that in the Kingdom of Ergeland. --It's not uncommon to hear that the chastity of unmarried men and women is considered a problem, even if it's being raised to the side of the family.
The idea of being a virgin until marriage ...... has barely survived to this day, but it's definitely an antiquated value system.
That's right. I think the heyday was around your grandmother's time.

　With that, Deanna exhaled.

"...... Let's assume that Mr. Samba is the 'mastermind' who tried to bring His Highness and I together according to the values of the Stanza Empire. --Now that his scheme has ended in failure, is there any chance that he will make another move?
It's hard to tell, to be honest. What kind of change of heart will Kai's presence bring about in His Imperial Highness and in him?

　--Yes. Exiga has always believed that Diana's "love interest" was Juke. It is precisely because she believes that Juke is in love with Shayla, and that Diana is being disregarded as an adornment, so to speak, that Exiga is driven by righteous indignation and has been trying to separate Diana from the Kingdom of Elgrand.
　That basic premise was wrong in the first place. ...... Perhaps last night, it was finally exposed.

I'm sure you're aware of the fact that I've been trying to get rid of you from the kingdom of Ergeland for a long time. ...... I didn't say a word at the time, so the chances of the prince immediately connecting me to Karin the maidservant are slim to none. In the first place, I don't think the prince is aware of my maidservant's individual identity. The class system in the stanzas is very strict, and each class is divided into different categories, so he doesn't consider people who are different from him to be "human". --Inevitably, maidservants are seen only as "servants". This is not limited to just the prince, though. If you think about the quality of the gaze, you were still treated like a human being when you were being stared at at the launching ceremony of the Kingdom of Elgrand.
"Oh, yes, that's true. I can still speak Stanza, so I'm recognized more individually than most people, but even that is only because I'm the only maid who can speak Stanza.
I'm not sure if that's a bad thing or a bad thing for the status system.

　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on, but I don't think you can. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.
　--But whatever.

If you're not sure that Kai and Karin are the same person, you can be almost certain that they know that I asked for someone other than you. ...... In that case, what are the possible reactions from the other side?
I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot of people who are interested in this topic. I'm not sure.
It's a good idea to take a look at your own personal life in order to make sure that you are getting the most out of it.
"It's true, ......, but given your character, it's hard to imagine such a quick reaction.
"It would be best if Diana could see that you are rightly 'satisfied' and step aside. ......
"Well, ...... you don't seem to be that understanding.
"Even if His Highness does step aside, Samba-san will have a different idea. ......

　The conclusion is that it is "unpredictable". ...... It may be arrogant and impossible to estimate the human mind in the first place.

......I'm sure there are some changes in His Highness' state of mind from when he was in the Elgrand to now. If you're not sure what to do, you can always ask for help from a friend or family member. --In that sense, it is fortunate that it was His Highness who was informed.
"Well, that's true. In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, please do not hesitate to contact us. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.
So, ......, from now on, there will be no more ambiguous responses.
"At least, not to His Highness. ...... It's all very unplanned, but since we can't anticipate what they'll do, we'll have to be flexible.
It's not all bad to be resourceful. --Oh, speak of the devil.

　Kai's gaze points to the other side of the door. He sensed Exiga's presence approaching.
　After quickly clearing the table, Kai disappeared and hid in the bedroom, and Diana put on her robe, there was a very timely knock on the door.

It's me, Princess ....... Do you have permission to enter?
Yes, please.

　It was a rare situation for the prince himself to ask for permission to enter. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it'll be fine.

Good morning, Princess.
Good morning, Your Highness. Thank you for your hard work last night.
No, ...... I, too, apologize to the princess for my servant's rudeness. It seems the wine was very strong, is there anything wrong with you?
Yes, as you can see. As you can see, I'm a reasonably good drinker, so there's nothing to worry about.

　In a very aristocratic and roundabout way, we conveyed our true intentions to each other. I'm not sure what to say, but I think it's a good idea.

I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm not sure what to make of that.
I hope that Your Highness and everyone else involved will not be too worried about it. ...... We all make mistakes and errors. You can't lose everything you've built up because of one rude act.

　It's not that I don't want anyone to be punished.

I'm sure you're not the only one.
I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.　We've all been in a situation where we almost knocked over a bottle of wine. Last night, the hermit of Barloon happened to be at the end of the jar, so it was only a dangerous situation that ...... could have been prevented.


In exchange, the princess was to be bathed in copious amounts of alcohol.
Yeah. --I'm glad I was the one who got drunk. I don't have a weak constitution, and there was nothing particularly inconvenient about my exposure to ...... that alcohol.

　He smiled softly. He laughed softly, not just outwardly, but sincerely, so that it would be clear that he did not hate or resent anyone.
　For a while, the exchange continued in silence. ...... Eventually, Exiga let out a big breath.

Thank you, Princess, for your generosity. ...... To be honest, it's hard for me too to lose him forever. He's the most trusted and important subordinate I have.
I understand. --Please don't blame him for his rudeness, but cherish his true intentions. Differences are also an opportunity to gain a deeper mutual understanding.
I will take your words to heart.

　...... It seems that Exiga was daring to look into Deanna's situation alone, and depending on the situation, was somehow going to ask for Samba's help. If Deanna had been seriously exposed to that "deleterious drug" and had become a cripple, it would not have been enough to save her life, but rather to save Samba's head.

(...... Apparently, the person who used the drug didn't really understand the effects of the drug either.

　Maybe it was hearsay, maybe it was in an old book. Probably something like that.
　It's too dangerous to use it without knowing its effects, so we should make sure to tell her and Exiga about it before we leave.
　--Yeah. In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the following webpage. ...... There's not much time left.

I'm not sure what to say.

　I'm not sure what to do.

I'm sorry to say that you're exhausted from last night's feast, but... ...... At dawn, an urgent horse arrived from the Imperial Palace of Iftarne.
Well...
It seems that something important has happened at the palace. It seems there's been some trouble at the palace, and they want me to take the envoy and return to the palace as soon as possible.
Is that so? ...... Yes, sir. I'll make preparations to leave immediately.
Thank you again for your kindness. --I'll let you know when the carriage is ready.
Yes, Your Highness.

　With an Elgrand-style bow, Diana saw Exiga off. The door closed and she waited for his presence to fade away. ...... She turned her body around.

Did the plan work?
I think the timing is right.

　I'm not sure what to make of it. Rita nodded her head in agreement.

"We'll know for sure when we get back to the palace. --Hurry and prepare.
We've come here alone, and there's not much we can do about it. Let's take advantage of the time we have to wait for the carriage and get rid of the dangerous items there.

　In the suddenly hectic room, Diana could sense that the war situation was shifting to a new phase.