Chapter 5 (1/2)

The Unilateral Engagement

Ever since I fell in love with Wilhelm-sama, I began to read love stories frequently.

There were various stories, and each ended with a happy conclusion, so when I read them I also became joyful. Especially when I thought of the actions the leading lady, gently embracing or tenderly kissing, and when thinking of doing those things to Wilhelm-sama, I floundered around in bed by myself.

Father often teased,「reading love stories, Carol is very precocious」, and then I would puff out my cheeks. I have already become nine years old. I am a splendid lady.

However, there was one dissatisfaction I had towards love stories.

In any one of them, the leading ladies would always be wedded with a thin and young prince.

No matter how I searched, there were no stories of being married to a husband that was 46 years older. When I asked the freely a.s.sociated rental library, they said that there was no such story.

If it was possible I wanted to read such a story and apply it to my circ.u.mstances, or so I was thinking, but what a shame.

Love would be fulfilled without fail.

Without ceasing to believe so, I was undoubtedly foolish.

――Then, one day.

A world altering discussion arrived.

I went to the royal palace with Father.

I was only lead by Father, and was clueless as to what sort of discussion it could be. But all I was told, was that it was an important discussion.

Then, deep inside――in the small, parlour like room besides the throne room, the one that first appeared was a woman.

「My my, Duke Ambrose. Welcome.」

「Responding to your invitation, I’ve come.」

I had seen this woman in the evening parties I attended. She was this country’s Queen.

Always youthful, I thought she was a beautiful person.

Behind her, who was separated from his usual duties as an Imperial Knight, was Wilhelm-sama, who had a manly face on today as well. It was likely the reason he was here was because he was serving as the Queen’s escort.

I wanted to greet him, but it was improper to take arbitrary actions in front of the Queen.

Somehow able to suppress my urge, I sent my gaze behind the Queen.

There, a young boy sat in a chair.

「Say your introductions, Carol.」

It could be said,「uwa, how self-important」, was my first impression of the boy. With a face that looked like he would cluck his tongue any moment, he looked towards me with a glower. Overall he was a pretty boy, but my true opinion was I didn’t really want to become friends with him.

He wasn’t that far in age with me, but I thought him to be more of a child.

「Nice to meet you, I am Carol Ambrose.」

However, since Father told me to greet them, I slightly pulled up the edges of my skirt and introduced myself.

Towards my introduction, the boy turned his face away with a hmph.

Did I do something wrong?

「Reyford, that sort of behavior is unbecoming.」

「……Mother.」

The boy said while looking disgruntled and looked towards me. Just by that, I knew the true ident.i.ty of this boy.

Even I am a n.o.ble’s daughter. As expected, I’ve heard talk of his Majesty the King’s only son. His name was his Highness Reyford. I hadn’t met him even once yet, but I never thought that I would meet him at a place like this.

But, why did he wear that sour face that looked like he would click his tongue at any moment?

「……Reyford el Fureakisuta.」

「It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Your Highness.」

「……Hmph.」

Dear me.

Did I do something to make him hate me? I don’t have any recollection of doing so, but I likely wouldn’t have dealings with his Highness anymore after this, so it would probably be fine.

There, with a “pon” Father clasped his hand onto my shoulder.

「Be happy, Carol.」

「Yes?」

「You and his Highness Reyford will be betrothed. The relation between the Ambrose Ducal house and the Royal family will be stronger than ever from now on.」