Chapter 12 - Volume 01; Side Story 01: Part 01 (2/2)

I’ve only seen Prince Christopher dress as the Crown Prince, so it’s like… this may sound rude, but he looked like a stranger when he suddenly dressed like a junior knight, and I was perplexed.

His Highness looked at me from the front and seriously criticised me, “Hmmm. As I thought, Elli’s naturalness wins and you look like a noble lady who is trying to hide her social position while sneaking out. This might be bad…”

I had more questions when I saw that His Highness was troubled over what to do. And, Your Highness, could I say something?

All the criticism you said to me also applies to you, Your Highness.

Even if you dress like a knight, you can’t hide the nobility and grace that oozes out of you. Your dazzling blonde hair, sky-blue eyes, and your elegant, handsome features… are all outstanding.

I felt my heart throb at His Highness, who looked different from his usual self.

Since that incident the other day, I feel restless whenever I’m by his side. I want to stay by him, but I also want to run away, but I get lonely when we’re not together… I, 『Princess Bibliophile』, felt these indescribable feelings.

I put aside my feelings while worrying, and Sir Glenn, who was dressed like His Highness and looked like a friendly merchant’s guard, stopped His Highness.

“Let’s cancel it if you think it’s bad. Ok? We can still make it. I can picture Alex being angry with a vein popping out of his head.”

“I’ve already cleared the urgent matters. It’s not like there will be a political situation that would waver just because I’m away from government affairs for a day.”

I could hear him bragging about his abilities. “I don’t remember conducting such brittle affairs,” he seemed to say.

“Even if you say that…” Sir Glenn still seemed reluctant.

“You just argued about the budget with Alex yesterday, didn’t you? Baron Moseley is persistently asking for a meeting because of the usual problem.”

“The government affairs will be stagnated if I have to go along with all their worthless statements. His budget application was rejected for a good reason. What good does it do him to bring it up to me? I could only think that he’s making light of politics.”

I peeked at the stern expression His Highness showed in his office. “But…” Sir Glenn argued, and His Highness smiled at him indifferently.

“You don’t know when to give up even though we’ve already changed, Glenn. If you’re going to keep complaining, then I’ll let you listen to Alex’s lecture alone.”

“Don’t make such a terrible threat…”

I also understood what was going on at this point. Apparently, His Highness wants to go incognito. And he wants to take me with him.

“… Your Highness. Mm…”

Is it alright for you to do something like this? Fortunately, I don’t have any plans, but my position cannot compare to yours.

His Highness, who had returned his gaze to me, had a surprisingly gentle smile.

“――― Thistle Star.”

I gulped in surprise. I know that that group is currently in Southlynd. But…

“Elli, you said you wanted to see and pick their books for yourself even if it’s just once, right? If you miss your chance today, then you’ll have to wait another three years. So, let’s go together?”

“… Your Highness, but…” I objected like Sir Glenn. I’m interested in Thistle Star. But there is a problem.

His Highness took my hand as I began to talk and put the other hand gently on my chin. His thumb traced my lips, and a sweet aura was floating about just like his eyes, which were tempting me.

“You’re banned from calling me Your Highness today. We’ve changed into different clothes today… I mean, stop it. I want you to call my name in public. Elli.”

My cheeks turned red like a ripe fruit when he looked at me. I didn’t need a mirror to tell that my cheeks were getting hot like when I have a fever. His Highness captured my eyes with his sweet gaze.

“Today, I am just your knight… Miss Elianna, I will protect you. Would you come out with me?”

Why is the situation the exact opposite even though he was being theatrical and asking me gently?

I kept breathing even though I couldn’t speak clearly, and His Highness was smiling sweetly. Sir Glenn sighed and turned away from both of us.

I would like you to help me and not pretend that you can’t see us…

I was cornered by His Highness, who was shortening our distance… and a fearful and faint voice called out to us.

“Mm… I’m aware that this is rude…” The maid, who accompanied me from the Bernstein House, said as if her breath was being taken away. I have two maids, but the older one had gone out on an errand, so the one who is with me today is a young maid named Annie, who serves me in the royal capital mansion.

“Master firmly stated that the Young Miss cannot associate with the group called Thistle Star. He also said that she can’t approach Roma people…”

This is not limited to Southlynd, it is a phrase that wealthy ladies are told from an early age. Roma people have been avoided since long ago because they have a different religion from any of the gods worshipped in the Ars continent, and they haven’t taken root in any particular kingdom and have built their own culture. Even though this has eased because of the worth of Thistle Star, the fact that they are avoided doesn’t change.

All the more so for noble girls who would get bad impressions of someone if they were gossiped about just for being involved with that person. Annie’s concern is justifiable.

His Highness smiled in return.

“I’ll be with her. I promise that Elli’s reputation won’t be damaged at all. And, I thought about this a long time ago when I heard it, but the Marquis only said she couldn’t associate with them but didn’t tell you the reason, did he? The Bernstein House doesn’t care about public appearance, do they…? Or do you know the reason for this?”

“I don’t…” Annie couldn’t come up with the answer. His Highness nodded.

“Well then, Elli will be left with regrets forever.”

“Your Highness…”

I felt my heart throb even more.

As His Highness said, I’ve always wanted to visit the market ever since I heard about the existence of Thistle Star and that they carry books to the market once every three years. However, everyone in my family, including father, was stubborn and wouldn’t give me permission to go, so a servant from our house would go to purchase the books every time.

And Thistle Star only traverses across the main roads, so the only opportunity I have to meet them is when they are in the royal capital.

He probably knew my desire since I had probably told him about this when we met when we were younger.

I can’t remember any of that, so I felt terrible, and it is one of the reasons why I am lost in thought, but I was happy, and my chest became warm when I found out that His Highness hadn’t forgotten about this and was trying to grant my wish now.

I’m sorry, but the guilt from breaking father’s command faded in front of those thoughts.

His Highness smiled and blocked my way so that I had nowhere to escape.

“So, Elli. You’ll practice how to call my name until we get to the market.”

“Huh…?”

“How about I punish you every time you say, Your Highness? Of course, I’ll decide on the punishment. Well, it’s simple, isn’t it? All you have to do is call my name.”

“Huh?” I asked again. His Highness smiled and didn’t give me the chance to agree or refuse as he took me out of the royal palace.

Sir Glenn sighed as if he was giving up, and Annie had no way of resisting His Highness despite her frustration and could only follow after us while looking troubled.

I was stuck with being punished by His Highness in the carriage until we arrived at the market where the Roma people were opening their stalls outside of the royal capital.

His Highness seemed thrilled, and it somehow made me really angry, but I could only respond to his punishments since I couldn’t get my head around the situation.