Chapter 12 (2/2)

“Daniel, prepare some tea. We’re going to have a discussion. ……Also, quickly go on ahead with the previous case.”

“Understood, sir. ……Everything’s ready, sir.”

When I spoke out to the empty s.p.a.ce, he replied calmly behind me. The answer gladdens me, for it advances my plans……

Also, you’re still good at hiding your presence as always, Daniel.

Before I realised it, there were seven seats prepared in the office.

On a large round table, I seated us in this order from my right: Anglica, Douglas, Robert, Hughie, Louis and Jessica.

I think this is the safest arrangement. Especially Robert and Louis, I have to keep them apart.

I urged them to take a seat and served tea.

I slowly sipped the tea brewed by Daniel……

Phew, I could finally calm down. Good tea always is good for the mind.

………Alright, I took a breather, shall we begin now!

First……

“Robert, what were thinking of doing?”

I erased my smile and asked him with a serious face.

Pressured by my expression, he started laying out excueses.

“That! That’s because Angelica was mocking me like———“

“Hmm…… Blaming a girl, are you?”

But Louis impa.s.sively cut off his excuses.

Um, brother-in-law, that’s a scary smile. Also, it’s my duty to protect Angelica, please do not intercede.

For now, Louis censured through his glare.

“Robert, do your actions not go against your code of honour as a knight and a gentleman?”

The quick way to make the musclehead understand is to bring up chivalry and courtesy. He understands these concepts quite easily.

He seemed to have understood a bit, since Robert said,

“I’m sorry! I didn’t realise……!”

and lowered his head.

I don’t know if he did understand. But at least he understood that he did a bad thing…… so what else could I do?

Well, this guy’s also a martian. Although, unlike b.i.t.c.h, it only required a ‘simple translation’, so could he still be saved?

Also, the incident this time is not entirely Robert’s fault. At that time, there were two people who could put a brake on him.

“You two are the same, Douglas, Hughie? If you were there, you could have stopped him, right? ……Could it be that you lost even the judgement for that?”

‘You good-for-nothings!’ I think in my head.

“……Sorry…”

“I’m sorry.”

Douglas really seemed embarra.s.sed, but Hughie seemed to be unable to accept it, wearing an expression challenging my words.

“If Louis and I did not take action, do you realise what kind of mistake you would have in front of the royalty of other countries? Even if Angelica is the future Empress, it’s not proper for a man to make a lady raise her voice like that!”

“Ah…… Angelica, I’m sorry……!”

“……………”

For now, Douglas looked straight at Angelica and bowed in apology……

But Hughie still had an angry look in his eyes, still glaring at Angelica and me.

……Hughie… he might be beyond help.

I’m a man who will lead the country. I can’t afford to hesitate when I have to make decisions. However, he is still a student, so……

Until we graduate from school, I’ll put off such thoughts.

However, if by graduation, you still haven’t fixed yourself, I’ll mercilessly fire you!

I close my eyes for a moment, and then open my eyes.

Then, Angelica gently laid her hands on mine.

I felt my body relaxing. I glanced back, and she turned forward wearing a resolute expression.

I found that I required her support more than ever now. If it weren’t for her, I might have lost my cool.

I momentarily grip tightly onto her hand, and calm myself.

“Robert, House Rowling wants to annul the betrothal. The reason being…… I think you should know. The school also gave permission, so when the escort comes, please return home for now.”

At my words, Robert dropped his head and nodded lightly.

Then, I faced Douglas and Hughie.

“Douglas, reflect on your actions and fix yourself.”

“Yes……”

“Hughie, by tomorrow, go discuss your future properly with your fiancéee. Also, contemplate on your future and then think about the what you’re doing now…… This is an order.”

“……All right.”

Douglas lowered his head further and Hughie glared stronger at me.

“This is all I want to say. Now, be on your way.”

The difficult Hughie is the first to exit the room. Then leaves Robert, his head still lowered. Douglas is not moving in his chair.

The other members are not moving as well, and Angelica didn’t let go of my hand as well.

I’ll have to work harder.

<script>