<Episode 19>
Maybe she likes Lord Solomon.
I am ashamed of myself for being so vague in my expression.
But it was difficult for me, who had never even experienced my first love, to say it with confidence.
(No matter how easily I am swept away, I would avoid kissing a man I don’t like …….)
Looking back, I didn’t mind being hugged.
I was surprised at all the things I had to do to get my color back, but it wasn’t unpleasant.
Just the thought if it had been with another man sends chills down my spine.
I probably would have run away instantly and never approached that person again.
(I was so dull, wasn’t I?)
I was disappointed with myself, but I felt not bad.
Compared to the overflowing love that Lord Solomon gives me, I wonder if he would be pleased with a little love that has just sprouted.
When I grow up a little more, I would like to have the courage to tell him.
One day, while I was floating around like that, I received a letter.
The sender is His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of our country, and the letter of call.
I hope it is some kind of mistake or a fake.
Unfortunately, however, it appears to be authentic, as it is stamped with a coat of arms in addition to an autograph.
As I was about to faint, Lord Solomon offered to accompany me.
Normally, only the person who is summoned is allowed to be present, but Lord Solomon is a cousin of His Royal Highness the Dauphin.
He is very encouraging, laughing and saying that this is where position and power come into play in times like these.
“I guess something extra came along for the ride.”
Looking at Lord Solomon smiling next to me, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince lets out a sigh.
Being cousins, they have similar facial features.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has a softer, more neutral impression of Master Solomon.
“There is no way I would let my precious Chelsea go alone to a castle where all kinds of evil spirits of rivers and mountains abound.”
“Who was it that picked flowers every morning from the place where all kinds of evil spirits of mountains and rivers abound?”
“Oh, I don’t need them anymore. Chelsea told me that any flowers I gave her would be fine.”
“If they had realized that a little earlier, the view of the courtyard wouldn’t have been so lonely.”
After all, it seems that the “Lord Solomon, picking too many royal roses problem” was not a groundless fear.
I watch their exchange of words with trepidation.
“I think it’s a good idea to send flowers as if you were an idiot. Count Reed’s daughter is a kind person, so she just won’t give up on you. If she were a normal young lady, she would have lost patience on you a long time ago.”
At the words of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Lord Solomon is at a loss for words.
He seemed to have been concerned about it, as he groaned in frustration.
I wonder if the fact that he was not happy to receive the royal rose from me is still lingering in his mind.
His puppy-like eyes look at me.
‘Was it annoying?’
I think the eyes are asking the question.
“It’s nice to get flowers.”
(The royal rose was just annoying.)
I’m not lying.
The lie is Lord Solomon’s face brightened and his chest instantly heated up.
“Chelsea is so reserved that she prefers flowers to jewelry or dresses.”
(That’s right.)
On the first day of my visit to the Duke of Beardsley’s house, I was daunted by the sight of the dresses crammed into a room full of garments.
Do you know how I felt when I learned that each dress has its own shoes and ornaments?
Moreover, I was told, “I’m sorry that the dresses for early summer are ready-made. The next season’s dresses will be made to order, so please choose the design you like.”
The world we live in is so different that it made me feel calm on the contrary.
After that, I quieted his attempts to spend money on me at every opportunity, and as a result, he settled on flowers.
Now, in the duke’s garden, Lord Solomon himself grows flowers for me.
I feel like I landed on the wrong spot, but I give myself credit for successfully changing course.
“We are in the process of slowly closing the distance between us, so please don’t interrupt me.”
When Master Solomon said this, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince looked as if he was chewing on a bitter bug.
“You’re taking your time, and that’s why you’re behind.”
A small monologue, not intended for anyone to hear.
But I couldn’t let the disturbing-sounding words go unheard.
“What do you mean?”
Lord Solomon seemed to hear me, and his expression turned serious.
His sharp gaze turned to the Crown Prince.
“…… Count Reed’s daughter doesn’t have a fiancée. Is it fact?”
His Royal Highness the Dauphin does not answer Lord Solomon’s question, but looks at me.
Eyes pointed straight at me told me without words that they would not tolerate lies or deception.
“…….”
Words stuck in the back of my throat and wouldn’t come out.
A nasty sweat broke out on my back.
Lord Solomon asked me to marry him. And I fell in love with Master Solomon.
But neither of us has any assurances, just words and feelings from each other.
On paper, I have no fiancée. That is the only fact.
“It is!”
“Solomon, I’m not asking you. Irrelevant people, stay out of this.”
“…… irrelevant?”
Master Solomon mutters in a low, gravelly voice.
The expression on his neat face was stripped away, and there was a power that sent chills down my spine.
However, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince does not step back.
“Count Reed’s daughter, I have an offer for you.”
“Application …….”
“Beyond that, I’ll tell you myself.”
Before the Dauphin can continue, another voice interrupts.
Before I knew it, the door opened and someone entered.
“it’s been a while since the other day, Lady Chelsea.”
“Lord Oz……?”
He has a flat voice and a neat face with few features.
And yet, he is a dignified man who makes you want to kneel down in wonder.
There he was father of Dalia and Pamela, Lord Oz.
“My real name is Oswald Beltran.”
“??!”
No matter how out of touch I am with worldly affairs, I know the name Oswald Bertrand.
He is the younger brother of the current king of a neighboring country, namely His Royal Highness the King’s Younger Brother.
He has the title of His Majesty the King’s right hand man and Commander of Magical Knights.
However, he is not a mere decoration.
He is an excellent magic knight with a clear mind and high magical power, and is reputed to be the most talented of his generation.
The past queen passed away a little over a year ago, I believe.
I believe she have five year old twins children, so Dahlia and Pamela. ……?
I was stunned, but then I came back to myself.
How much disrespect have I heaped up against His Royal Highness the King’s younger brother?
“I do not know that you are the King’s brother, and I apologize for my many insults.”
“Stop it. If anyone should be rude, it should be me for not even saying my name.”
Master Oswald stopped me as I pouted and apologized.
I took advantage of the fact that you didn’t ask me anything and I didn’t reveal myself to you.
I was observing you to see if you were trustworthy.
“I think that’s a natural.”
As royalty, it is only natural for Master Oswald to be wary of anyone who approaches him. Moreover, he is also a father.
He is right to try to identify his two precious daughters to keep them away from danger.
And I don’t think he would have called himself ‘Oz’ if he really thought I was suspicious.
It’s too much like it is for a fake name.
“Thank you for your kindness.”
Lord Oswald takes my hand and kisses my fingertips.
Out of the corner of my eye, Lord Solomon takes a step forward.
But immediately, His Royal Highness the Dauphin grabs his shoulder to stop him.
“And now, please hear me out. Lady Chelsea, I propose you to marry me.”
“……?”
As I gasp and my eyes widen, the ash-gray eyes look at me with a flutter.
“With you, my daughters will be able to laugh naturally again.”
My mind is blank.
I do think Dahlia and Pamela are cute, but I don’t have the power or the determination to do so.
There must be someone more qualified for the job than me, who didn’t even think deeply about their situation.
Perhaps noticing my frantic search for a breakthrough to refuse, Master Oswald continued in a gentle voice, “And me, too.”
“I know that with you, I can be a couple that I can trust and lean on.”
Before, I would have wavered.
Before I met Master Solomon, I would have.
I would have been happy to hear those words when I didn’t even know the meaning of romance or love and had no enthusiasm or longing for marriage.
There are only problems regarding my status, but still, his words must have even felt like forgiveness to me at a time when I was unsure if I could love someone.
But not now.
My view of marriage took a turn when I found someone I loved.
Even if it’s just a budding love, I’m happy just to be by Lord Solomon’s side.
When he smiles at me, I am very happy.
Sometimes he annoys me, but even that is fun.
I thought that wanting to share this warm time was the first step toward marriage.
The feelings that are gradually growing will probably blossom in the not-too-distant future.
Then I was going to ask if I could walk next to you all the way to …….
“Huh…….”
A crumpled face contorts.
There was no way I could make such a face when the royal brother of a neighboring country asked me to marry him.
I told myself to smile, but it was no use.
Although our neighbors and our country are allies, their military power is superior to ours.
It is not good to spoil their good mood.
Even if that were not the case, I am the daughter of a humble count.
It would be a different story if I were engaged to the heiress of the first duke’s family, but as I have no title, there is no way I have the right to refuse him.
“I will acce…..” she said.
Someone grabbed my shoulder in despair that I had no choice but to respond in this way.
“…… Lord Solo-mon.”
Tears welled up of his own accord as he hugged me tightly.
No, I had to refuse to stop him.
No matter how much Master Solomon may be, he could be punished for disrespecting the royalty of a neighboring country.
“Solomon, hold back!”
Even after the Dauphin’s order, Lord Solomon did not obey it.
He is holding my shoulder and staring at Lord Oswald.
Lord Oswald looked at me and lord Solomon in turn, then let out a short breath.
“I realized that I was the one who had interfered. However, I also have reasons why I cannot back down.”
“I can’t …… pull it off either. She is …… Chelsea is my life.”
“Okay.”
Lord Oswald returns briefly, and then falls silent for a moment, as if contemplating.
“…… then let’s follow the ancient law and have a duel.”
“Duel!?”
I couldn’t help but raise my voice. Disrespect or anything like that was blown out of my mind.
Because that’s no joke.
I don’t need to compare Lord Solomon’s life with my marriage.
If that’s what it takes, I’ll shut up and get married.
“Nothing is really going to cost you your life. You were supposed to have a mock match with a representative of the Knights of Magic here on an inspection tour, weren’t you?”
“Yes.”
When Lord Oswald threw the question, His Highness Dauphin nodded with a puzzled look on his face.
“Please change my opponent from a man of the Order to him.”
“…… Solomon-sama, that’s….”
When the magic was not available, Master Solomon interrupted before His Highness Dauphin could continue.
“I’ll accept.”
“Solomon-sama!”
I grab Lord Solomon’s arm.
(It’s not just that he can’t use magic! Lord Solomon has not been consistent with his magic lately and yet he has been ……. What if he changes color during a match?)
Lord Solomon lays his hand on my hand, on my hand.
Tap lightly twice to reassure.
“If I win.”
“I withdraw my earlier offer of marriage. But if you win, you withdraw too.”
“…… got it.”
As I gazed at the dignified profile of Lord Solomon, I was overcome with unspeakable emotions.
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