Chapter 6 - Volume 01; Act 04 – Part 01 (2/2)

Children at the fief also used me to test their courage, and whenever I stayed in the study at night when the weather wasn’t good, a new maid would see me, shriek and run away, “I-it appeared ―――.”

… How long was I treated as a ghost? 『Princess Bibliophile』is much better when compared to that inhuman treatment. No, that title might be equal to honour for someone of the Bernstein House.

Therefore book-worm becomes 『Princess Bibliophile』.

When I denied the Fairy Princess nickname in my mind, His Highness Christopher quickly tore Alan’s hand off mine.

“Why didn’t you stop the situation before it turned out like that? Even if the result was good, it would be hard for you to act now that you’ve revealed yourself.”

“Eh?” Lord Alan countered, unabashed.

“Your Highness, you were the one who wanted to call the Viscount and settle things. It didn’t seem like she would break out of her delusions if she weren’t treated in the same way as the Viscount. It was frustrating because we couldn’t create a decisive setting because Your Highness kept Miss Elianna away from the royal palace. It was meant to be.” It sounded as if he was teasing His Highness as he spoke in a straightforward and bright voice.

“Isn’t it the right time to tell people my real identity? The Queen, the women around her and the smart ladies had already found out my real identity a long time ago. More like, whenever I’m around, His Highness gets overprotective and doting…” Lord Alan was roughly silenced. I just fluttered my eyes at His Highness who had done that.

“Excuse me…” Still, I remembered the words that had bothered me and apologised to Lord Alan. I should thank him if he is a trusted aide of His Highness, and keeps an eye on me behind the scenes.

“I’m very sorry for never noticing you up until now. I will be careful in the future. Lord Royal Maestro.”

“…… It’s Alan.”

“So you really didn’t notice me once in these four years, even though you’re supposed to be a woman who evenly matches His Highness… Hahaha,” Lord Alan looked blank as if he had lost some confidence.

I felt awful. I’m not good in high society because I’m bad at remembering people’s faces.

If it is a book, then I can remember it no matter how diverse it is.

Lord Alan looked offended when His Highness scoffed. He half-closed his eyes as if he was at ease.

“Well, unlike some Prince, I wouldn’t ask for her aunt’s help to keep her away from the royal palace and cause misunderstandings that made her want to give up on her love. ――― Well, whatever? When Miss Elianna threw the book you gave her, back at you…, An insignificant someone… looked as white as ash.”

In front of His Highness, who had stiffened, “Oh?” Prince Theodore interrupted amusingly.

“A Bernstein threw a book? That’s like… the sun rising in the west,” Sir Glenn said in a disheartened tone.

“Hey… Give me a break. That was the motive for something descending, or something.” His personality seeped out. This time, Sir Glenn’s eyes became teary, and he stared blankly off into the distance. Was he made to work very hard on this incident?

I, who had learnt consideration and sympathy, reflected. I finally understood now that I had behaved immaturely at that time.

In the end, they were all just my misunderstandings and assumptions. I can’t blame Miss Irene for this either.

Then, “――― Elli,” a voice called from behind me, and I turned around. Brother was the one who was walking quickly towards us, and yet I was being influenced by him.

Without knowing, my tension started unravelling when I saw my family’s face.

“Brother.”

He looked at me when he came closer, and his grey eyes, which were the same as father’s, looked at me questioningly, “I heard there was a commotion… Are you alright?”

He gently brushed my fringe aside in worry. He hasn’t changed since we were little. I loosened up while he was checking my condition.

“Yes.”

Miss Irene had complicated expectations, but if things went the way she wanted, then I would have caused a great deal of trouble to brother and father.

This isn’t a play, it’s reality. I was finally able to realise this when I felt the warmth from brother’s hand.

“Well… I don’t think anything would have happened to you since Prince Christopher was there,” he said as he looked up at His Highness, who had approached us. His Highness regained his sparkling smile.

“Tell old man Bernstein and the Marquis that all the conditions have been met… I would appreciate it if they can close their eyes to the fact that the deadline has passed.”

Brother nodded with an ironic smile. “I’ll tell them, but…” he said. However, his tone changed, “If you make my sister look like that again, I won’t let you mobilise the Bernstein’s brains.”

His Highness’s face twitched a little. “――― I know,” the voice he replied with was also a little stiff.

Lord Alexei interfered with a sigh. He gave some papers to brother, “Now then… about the holiday that you applied for, the Prime Minister will collapse from being overworked in three days if you’re not here, Fred. The finance office is the same. Without Marquis Bernstein, the office would undoubtedly become chaotic, and that would interfere with the recovered treasury again. ――― So, I’ve borrowed His Highness’s authority and turned down both your applications.”

“Well… I thought that would happen,” brother sounded as if he’d given up. I knew that Lord Alexei and brother are both civil officials and that they were on friendly terms.

Brother examined the papers and dropped his shoulders. He probably was the same as father and wanted to snatch a holiday so that he could spend all his time reading. I was the only one who had gained this privilege, and I felt terrible.

Lord Alexei’s icy-blue eyes became sharp as if he’d seen through brother’s motive. “People of the Bernstein House,” he began, and brother interrupted him in a panic.

“Oh, uhh… Your Highness and Elli too. Your Majesty and the Prime Minister has summoned you both. They want you to report the details of this incident.”

This time, His Highness pulled me while flustered.

“Please tell them to give me a little more time since this is urgent. It’s a serious matter related to the survival of the royal family. ――― Uncle and Alex, explain the situation to them first,” he informed them quickly. He kept his hands on my shoulders, and we left as if he was running away.

His close aides looked at us in shock. A question mark floated in my mind again.

A serious matter related to the survival of the royal family…?