68-68 Prince Tillens (2/2)

...... You know what that means, don't you?

”...... No.

I have no idea why that would be.

The green-haired boy still has the same carefree smile on his face.

The green-haired boy is still smiling at Lean, but Lean looks much more unhappy.

The air seems a little tense since they started talking.

They seem to be ...... acquainted, but I wonder if they don't get along.

”Hmm, you're really bossy, you know that?

It's not like you're going to give in no matter how much pressure I put on you.

Only you, ......, can do that.　You're the only one who can give me that kind of look to my face.

I don't mean to be so rude, but ...... even if I were, I don't know how you could ask such a person to marry you.

I'm not going to be that hard on you, but ──── even if I were, I don't know how you could ask someone like that to marry you.

This is why (・・・・・), you're the one.

You are the one who deserves to be my bride.

I'm not interested in people who are easily seduced by money or power.

”I'm flattered by the compliment, but ──── I don't think I can live up to your expectations.

──── Hmmm, you're as boring as ever.

It's not a bad deal, I think. ......

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and what you can do to help. In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at our own website.

I'm sure you've heard of it, but I'm sure you've never heard of it.

I'm sure you don't understand something as simple as that. I'm just curious.

What's that ────?

It's a good thing. It'll boost your country's power.

Why would you turn down such a lucrative offer?

I've been waiting for you my whole life.

Hey, look, ──── you can come to my room right now.

Just leave those followers alone.

”Really ──── are you kidding?

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

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it, but I'm going to try.

”────... I think you're being too playful, Prince Tyrence.

Anything more than that will be taken as a joke and an insult to ...... our family and will be dealt with accordingly. ──── May I?

She now had her hand on the hilt of the golden sword at her hip.

The armored soldiers at the side of the green boy noticed this and immediately stepped forward.

At the same time, Inez jumped out to protect Lean.

The two sides stared at each other between the boy and Lean.

──── ”It's okay, boys.

There's nothing to worry about, just stay back.

She's not going to do anything, you know.

”...... Yes, the prince is right, Inez.

This is just a greeting.

This is the way it's always been with him.

...... Isn't it?　Prince.

──── unless you want to keep going.

”──── Oh, scary, scary.

You're very impressive.

I really thought you were going to cut me down.

But I'm relieved to see you're still the same.

That's my lean.

The boy waved his hand lightly and the armored soldiers quietly fell back behind him.

イネスも同じく、リーンの後ろへ下がった.

リーンも剣から手を離し、少し落ち着いたようだった.

「……その軽口も、辞めていただけると嬉しいのですが」

「まあ、何はともあれ、さ？

君はまたここに来てくれた. 僕は今はそれで十分だよ.

明日の成人の儀(誕生日パーティ)、とても楽しみにしているからね」

「……はい. 私も明日は楽しみにしております.

皇子のご期待には添えかねると思いますが」

「ふふ────つれないね.

でもね、リーン. これは一応、忠告だけど」

先ほどまでおどけていた少年が、急に真剣な表情になった.

「────ここが君の家の領地(にわ)でないということは、もちろん、わかっているだろう？　君たちが何を準備(・・)してきたのかわからないけれど、あまりおかしな動きはしないほうがいいと思うんだ.

どうやら僕へのプレゼント、というわけじゃないみたいだしね.

僕はお互い、無駄な血は見ないほうがいいと思ってるんだけど────君がその気なら僕らもその気になるだけだよ.

それと、馬車の中で(・・・・・)そこの従者にお母様を老婆(・・)などと呼ばせるのも、やめたほうがいい.

……お母様を怒らせると、あとが怖いからね」

「────それは、お互い様(・・・・)だと前に申し上げたと思いますが」

少年はしばらくリーンを見つめた後、可笑しそうに笑い出した.

「あはは、本当に気が強いね、君は.

それでこそ僕の見初めた人だ.

いったい、明日君は何を見せてくれるんだろうね？

……もしかして、本当に僕へのプレゼントだったのかな？

ともあれ、挨拶はこれぐらいにしとこう.

本当に明日が来るのが、待ち遠しいよ.

じゃあね、おやすみ────良い夜を」

緑色の髪の少年はそう言ってリーンに手を振りながら、周りの兵士たちと一緒に廊下の奥へと去っていった.

彼らの姿が見えなくなると、リーンは一つ、息を大きく吐き出した.

「なんだったんだ、あれは？　あれがその……例のなんとか皇子か？」

「はい……彼は私の留学時代の……友人、のようなものです」

「そうか」

とても友人という風には見えなかったが…….

まあ、リーンはこんなところに招待されるぐらいのすごい家柄らしいから、俺のような普通の人間がわからないことも色々あるのだろう.

「……すみません、急な再会だったので少し、取り乱してしまって.

思ったよりも疲れが溜まっていたようです.

申し訳ありませんが、先に休ませてもらってもよろしいでしょうか？」

「ああ、それがいいだろう. ゆっくり休むといい」

We parted ways and went into the rooms that had been set up for us.

She said she hadn't slept well last night, and didn't seem to be in good shape.

It would be better to get some rest early.

That night I looked out the window at the beautiful city with its small lights and fell asleep, immersed in the afterglow of the trip.