You seem to be enjoying yourself lately, Your Highness.

"I have a lot of work to do.

Roy, who had been looking over the papers, narrowed his honey-colored eyes at the squire and then returned his attention to the papers.

"Lord Ernst is not as tough as your father, but he is tough.

"Ah, the Lord of the Ice.

The squire didn't think Roy looked that troubled as he said it with a smile on his face. But he doesn't usually even talk about it, so it must actually be difficult.
The Squire was not in a position to comment on the matter since he was only informed that it was related to education, but he had heard of the reputation of the three ministers, so he could understand the difficulty.
The duke had a sweet smile on his face and made completely neutral and impartial judgments, which some of his business partners seemed to fear. Some people say that he is as cold-hearted as an auditing organization under the direct control of the Prime Minister, because he looks gentle and sweet, but has no indulgence whatsoever.

But I think we'll get through the first hurdle in the spring.

Roy's satisfied smile reminded the squire who had helped him gather the data about the first obstacle.

"That? That's good. But how could you prepare materials for the commoner side, let alone the noble side? Duke Ernst didn't have a clue either, did he?

"I have it on good authority. I've done my own experiments, so I can prove it with a high degree of certainty.

"When I was suddenly asked to investigate the color of hydrangeas, everyone tilted their heads. When I was suddenly asked to investigate the color of the hydrangea, everyone tilted their heads in disbelief. Even I was skeptical until I saw the hydrangea change color.

The squire then looked at a dead tree in a flower pot on the windowsill.

But it's a shame you cut it down while it was still blooming.

It's out of season, so it will last through the winter, but if you don't prune it early, it won't bloom next year. Philine liked it so much, I want to show it again next year.

"Her Royal Highness is very fond of you, Your Highness. I'm sure she'd like to have her brother's color.

Even though they have almost the same attributes.

He sounded like he was laughing, but you could tell from Roy's expression that he didn't feel bad. He also has a soft spot for his sister.

But you know a lot about gardening, don't you, Your Highness?

Roy's curiosity had led him to read books on a variety of subjects, so the squire assumed that he knew a lot about growing flowers.

No, I asked a specialist how to grow them.

But apparently, that was not the case.

"I see.

He explained it to me, and I learned most of it in one sitting, which gave me the creeps.

Remembering the other man's reaction, Roy chuckled.

I'm jealous that I don't remember things as well as you do. ......

The squire couldn't believe that someone would find him so creepy. The squire couldn't believe that anyone would be creeped out by him, and he couldn't understand why his master would be so amused by it. So, without mentioning it, I told him of my honest envy.

"Well, that should be enough. I'll get ready and go.

"Yes, sir.

After looking over the papers, Roy gathered up what he needed and left them with the squire. The squire hung his head and went to arrange for the attendant.
After a quick selection of clothes for going out, Roy got into the carriage. When he was sure that the squire was also in the carriage, the squire started the horse. The speed of the carriage was moderate, allowing him to enjoy the scenery without strain.
Roy's honey-colored eyes reflected the scenery and people of the city, and he smiled happily.

You never get bored, do you, Your Highness?

"I never get bored. And every day is different.

To the squire, the city looks the same as it always has, but Roy sees it as if it were brand new every time. The squire is strangely convinced that this is what the eyes of a ruler are like. As the first prince, he had more qualities to be a prince than what was expected of him.
After running for a while, his watchful gaze changed slightly, and the squire followed his gaze to see children playing or chasing each other.

Can I ask you something?

What is it?

"How do you make friends?

The squire, thinking that it was unusual to be asked a question that was difficult to answer, was stunned. In a corner of his mind, he thought that even a prince has childish thoughts. But he is not just a boy, he is a prince. He is a prince who is loved by people of all ages. It's hard to make friends as equals.

Why all of a sudden?

I asked him to be my friend once and he said no.

Did you say ......?

Yeah.

It's a boy, right?

Yeah.

The master tilted his head as if to say, "What's wrong with that? It is often women who go out of their way to ask to be friends. In addition, the Squire's experience is that women who are more constrained tend to say this. I can guess that Roy would have genuinely said that, but that is not the case between men. Whether or not I would have the guts to say no in the same situation, I feel sorry for the person.
I don't have the guts to tell my boss that I'm a girl. The mere thought of it is enough to make me feel disrespect and awe. How should I express my discomfort? ......

"...... You know what, Your Highness?

What?

Is a friend something you are happy to be called?



Roy thought about it for a few seconds, and his expression turned sullen.

I must have misspoken.

The squire was impressed by his quick understanding.

The Squire was impressed by how quickly he understood. "A good friend is a natural companion.

Is that how it is?

"At least I do. I can be friends with someone for many years because I enjoy their company, and I can be friends with them even if I only see them occasionally. If you don't like them, they won't last long.

"You have good friends. I envy you.

The squire, who had never thought that he would ever be looked upon with envy by the prince, was upset. The usual dazzle seemed to increase even more and he wanted to turn his face away in awe.

I don't know if my experience will be of any help to you. ......

"No, it's helped me realize my own mistakes. Thank you.

No problem.

Perhaps it was because of his aptitude, but the holy light was so strong that the squire managed to resist the urge to fall flat on his face. He hoped that his smile had not become awkward. It is partly because I am timid, but when I am in contact with my master, I often feel the difference in status or rank, regardless of age, and feel the need to prostrate myself.
Since there was still some time before the destination, the squire asked him about something he was curious about in the course of the conversation.

What happened with the one who refused?

It is quite a daredevil to refuse a prince. You can't help but be curious about how it happened.

I see him sometimes.

You do? ......?

Yeah, he's running errands for me.

The squire tilted his head at Roy's absent-minded answer.

I'd like to know if you're the only one who can run this errand?

I'm sure he's the right man for the job, but ...... I'm used to it these days, so I can handle it alone. But it's good to know that he's more interesting.

The squire couldn't help but look at Roy, who pondered a bit and smiled happily.

Isn't that already a friend?

If you can refuse Roy's offer, you're not the type to do anything you don't want to. If you're still going out with him, it's not just because he's good-natured or caring. The squire, wondering if he should apply his own measure to his master, kept his thoughts to himself and did not say anything.

'I see. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, Your Highness.

Instead, he replied. He was glad that his master had someone to laugh at his age.
Roy rolled his honey-colored eyes for a moment and replied with a happy, dazzling smile.
And since the squire didn't seem to notice, Roy added.

You've met him before, too.

"What?　Who are you?

When the squire didn't really seem to recognize him, Roy smiled and told him he would not tell him until he did. Then the squire started mumbling about all the possible candidates he could think of. Roy watched his pondering with amusement until the carriage arrived.
When they arrived at their destination, Roy stood at the front door of the mansion with his servant. As Roy arrived, the two doors opened as if to invite him inside. As Roy walked in, he was greeted by the lady of the house and the butler.

Welcome, Your Highness.

"It's been a long time, Miss Ludia.

After bowing, he looked up and smiled at the girl, who gave him a friendly smile.

"Really?　We met a couple of weeks ago.

We met two weeks ago. I see Miss Ludia is having a very productive life.

Yes, .......

If it were anyone else, I'd say you've been waiting a long time.

Lydia's cheeks flushed and her eyelids fluttered in embarrassment as Roy smiled at her.

I'm sorry.

"Oh, no, not at all. I just thought it would be fun to hear what you have to say.

He stopped her from lowering her head, and she looked up to see a dazzling smile. Her cheeks flushed, and she could only reply, "I see. Seeing this, she was impressed that the squire was used to dealing with women. It's strange how something so out of the ordinary for a seven-year-old boy can be accepted just because it's him.
After leaving the documents and materials for the Duke of Ernst with the butler, Roy was led by Lydia to a corner of the garden where tea was being prepared.

I really like you, Miss Lydia.

As they walked along, Roy said happily, while Lydia gave him a slightly resentful look.

"Can we please not rehash this?

She is ashamed of the way she neglected the prince, and Roy's words sound ironic to her, even though she knows he didn't mean it. As for her, she had a lot of things to do, such as her daily training and her interaction with Tordelise, who had become her friend, and not long ago she had been worrying about something, so she did not have time to wait for Roy.

I'm happy for you.

You're happy, ......?

It's natural that we both have things to do while we're away. But the other girls only want to hear about me.

One-way conversations are no fun. The way she sells her flirtation to raise her own stock, which was probably instilled in her by her parents, is rather pathetic. It distorts the direction of the daughter's own emotions, which should have been pure affection and longing.
Such distortion is not present in Ludia. Roy is glad for that.



"Maybe it's because Master Roy is so interesting.

Roy's easy-to-understand speech was interesting, even if he didn't know much about it. Knowing this, Lydia wondered if the other girls were as well. But she understood from Roy's chuckle that this was not the case.

It's not all that interesting.

"...... perhaps I should listen to you.

In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find out more about it here. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I was talking about this.

Lydia shook her head, saying it was nothing.

What are you going to show me today?

The silver-leafed goldenrod is at its best, and the nearby magnolias are lovely in bud.

"I see. I'm looking forward to it.

Ludia smiled as she remembered the scene she was going to see. Roy's face tore up in response to her expression.
When we arrived, the yellow of the silver-leafed golden bellflower was spreading out in front of us, signaling the arrival of spring. A table and chairs were set up overlooking the whole place, and a maid was waiting to serve tea.

The garden of the Ernsts always looks so different.

As Ludia had said, the white magnolia buds peeking out from the yellow color looked lovely.

Yes, I love this garden.

Yes, I love this garden. The way the flowers bloom in the sun fills Roy's heart, evoking his love of flowers.
After confirming that the tea was ready, Lydia sent the maid back. As they turned around to look at the flowers in the calm air, one of the silver-leafed goldenrod began to rustle and sway. There was not enough wind to make it sway much.

"What is it, ......?

This is the first time that I've ever seen such a thing.

It's better to keep a little distance.

Roy stood in front of her and protected her with his back, just in case. It's a good idea to keep your eyes on the road, but it's also a good idea to keep your eyes on the road.
A few beats or tens of seconds passed as the two of them stared at the swaying silver-leafed golden bellflower. Then, suddenly, a rather large shadow fell from the cloud of yellow flowers.

What?

Startled, Lydia choked up and grabbed Roy's sleeve.

".......

The boy landed on the ground, his center of gravity nearly shifted by the branch he was holding, and stood up, carrying a slender saw in a leather cover around his waist, and several branches with yellow flowers on his shoulders.
When Lydia discovered the identity of the shadow, she stepped in front of Roy and scolded him for his fright.

"Where do you think you're coming from?

"Hmm?　What?

I'm not sure if you've heard of this, but I'm sure you've heard of it.

How can it be falling from the tree tops?

"Yes. My father entrusted me with decorating Ok-sama's room, so I thought I'd take it from a beautiful place with lots of sunlight.

The apprentice gardener who held up the branch and showed it to her smiled without seeming to take offense. That's what Lydia can't stand.

But it's not safe!

He rolls his eyes when he hears Lydia's angry words, and smiles softly.

"Thank you for worrying about me.

"You're not sorry. ......

You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of these in the marketplace.

I'm not sure what to say.

You can find a lot more than just a few things to do. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. When she turned around with a stiff movement, Roy's honey-colored eyes softened with interest.

"You have such a vivacious side, Miss Ludia.

"Um, this is ......, the .......

You can't help but raise your voice, and there's nothing you can do to fix it after being seen behaving in a manner unbecoming of a lady. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

You're Roy-sama?

When Ludia looked at the apprentice gardener, he had a subtle expression on his face, as if he didn't know how to react. Roy, on the other hand, is smiling.

"That's why it's so strange to hear from you, young lady.

I'm not going to say I'm weird," he said, his words coming out with a long sigh.

I never said anything was strange.

"No. He is the one who is strange.

The gardener's apprentice pointed at Roy. The apprentice gardener pointed at Roy and scolded him.

Roy is a prince!　That's rude!

"It says it's ....... Should I fix it?

No, it's fine for an informal setting.

How am I supposed to meet you officially?

You don't know.

If I do, I'm gonna feel really uncomfortable using the honorific with you.

I don't like it either.

I don't like it either." The exchange between the half-lidded gardener's apprentice and the amused Roy left Ludia dumbfounded this time.

"Do you know ......?

In the event that you've got any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, we'll be happy to assist you.



He was a stray, you know.

It's the reason why I've been working with him on my city tour.

In the event that you've got any questions regarding where and how to get in touch with me, you can contact me at my web site.
There were times when Roy would tell me about his visits to the city, but I never dreamed that one of my own servants was helping him. And the apprentice gardener had rarely told Lydia what he was doing in the downtown area.

I haven't heard. ......

It was natural that she didn't know, but she felt left out and complained.

I didn't know that you and Leo knew each other. You can complain to Leo. I'm pretty sure he's guilty.

No, I thought we could explain it when we met, but I guess we never do.

I'm sorry." The apprentice gardener was taken aback by Roy's apologetic and genuinely amused demeanor.

I'm sure you'll be glad to hear that.

"I was looking forward to seeing how Isak would react. But you're not surprised.

I knew you were pretty high up. If anything, I'm more convinced of your age.

Is that it?

That's it?

The apprentice gardener didn't seem the least bit awed by the revelation of Roy's true identity. From his point of view, it only made sense that the reason for the glare was because he was royalty. As for whether or not he will change his attitude, I have confirmed with him that it is not a problem.
One of the reasons I didn't tell Roy was that I was afraid he would change his attitude, but it seems my fears were unfounded. He was relieved and happy that his attitude did not change.

"I see.

"Ugh. You've got to stop that glare. Miss, help me.

"Don't use me as a shield!

The apprentice gardener took refuge behind Lydia as Roy smiled brightly. Lydia, who is not immune to Roy's smile in the same way as he is, complains.

He said, "Young lady, you have strong magic, so you have high defense. She can do it.

What's your logic?　It has nothing to do with magic power.

Lydia was indignant at his incomprehensible reasoning. I know he is not a fan of flashy things, but this is too extreme to be so blatant.
Roy watches with a smile as Lydia and the gardener's apprentice engage in an incomprehensible argument, yelling and yelling.
There was someone who froze at the sight of such a bizarre scene. It was the gardener's apprentice who noticed the shadow standing there.

"Huh?　That's my brother Matheus.

Following his gaze, Roy turned around and recognized the figure of the squire.

"What? There's still time, are you in a hurry?

No, ......, it was a bit noisy, so I thought something might have happened. ......

The squire dutifully answers his master's question, despite his stupor. I've been following you as a guard, so I've been listening for noises, but I was puzzled by the unexpected sight.
In response to the squire's words, Lydia apologizes.

I'm very sorry about that. Our servant was rude.

"What, me?

It's probably because Zaku fell from the tree tops.

Oh, I see. I'm sorry to have disturbed you.

At Ludia's suggestion, the apprentice gardener, who was aware that he had made a noise, apologized honestly.

No, I hope nothing happened to you.

I'm fine. You can go back.

Mateus, you came all this way because you were worried about me.

It's his job. Besides, you can't talk to Isak and the others calmly with Matheus around.

Hmm, you talk like a kid too.

It was unusually childish of him to not want adults to interfere in a children-only setting. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.

What's with the ......?

The apprentice gardener was startled by Roy's sudden change. It was a casual thing to him, but the point came as a shock to Roy. He was used to being treated as if he were older than his age and acting like it, but he had never thought there was still this side of him.
It was a side of him that he knew only because he had someone who treated him as his age. The gardener's apprentice is unconsciously bringing out Roy's childishness.

"Oh!

"What?

This time, the squire pointed at the gardener's apprentice and shouted. This time, the squire pointed at the gardener's apprentice and said, "What?" The voice startled the gardener's apprentice and Lydia.
But the squire could not pay attention to them. Finally, he realized the answer to his master's riddle. It was true that he had been meeting with him under a false identity, so it made sense that they had become casual. Judging from the current situation, the relationship would have remained the same even if his true identity had been revealed.
The two of them, who had no idea about the interaction between Roy and the squire, were confused. The apprentice gardener, who was being pointed at, was particularly confused.

Ha-ha-ha!



You let it slide that you were a prince, but you're surprised by this? Roy laughed out loud, amused by his surprise at seeing him for the first time.

"What's going on here, ...... girl?

Don't ask me that. At any rate, it's probably Zaku's fault.

What?

I didn't do anything, the apprentice gardener claimed, but Lydia thought he was unconvincing in this situation. I didn't do anything, the apprentice gardener claimed, but Lydia thought he was unconvincing in this situation. Lydia knew firsthand how influential his unconscious actions could be.

...... Well, I'm glad you're having fun, Roy.

I didn't say anything about gagging.

The duchess is smiling happily and the apprentice gardener is tilting his head.
The prince's laughter echoes in the garden as the footsteps of spring approach.


The prince's laughter echoes in the garden as spring approaches. Without realizing that their days are slowly changing...