Chapter 155 (2/2)

She immediately closed her mouth and glared at me. She seems to have understood without me having to say anything. Christina may come off like an idiot, but that’s mainly due to the fact that she doesn’t know how to interact with people. She’s actually smart and on par with the noble mage.

Anyway, I’m safe.

Barely but still safe.

Not noticing this exchange, the Princess continued.

“Oh my, there’s no need for you to be so nervous.”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to speak with you outside of this venue.”

Oh, an invitation from the Princess.

I’m really happy.

But there’s a problem. Christina. I don’t even want to think about what would happen if I left Edita Sensei alone together. One of them would insult the other, punches would be thrown, and I think it would end with Christina exploding Edita Sensei and take this entire place down in the process.

And Sebastian is also here.

“I’m thankful that someone as great as yourself would deem a lowly commoner like me worthy of speaking to. Just speaking this little bit has me on cloud nine.”

“Ufufu~, I like a man that’s honest.”

“However, I can’t allow you to do something that would lower your own status, Princess. If my refusal has insulted you, I’d be willing to leave.”

“You really don’t have to act so cold. This is an invitation from the Princess.”

“But I am just a commoner. Just receiving such an invitation from you has given me a level of happiness that I never believed possible. It would be impossible for me to ask for anything more.”

“…that’s too bad.”

“I’m sorry.”

I bowed my head.

I’m afraid if I were to even touch such a beautiful creature, I’d be smited by the Gods.

Following this exchange, the break in the conference ended. The curtain was raised and a new presenter was on stage. A loud applause filled the room.

“Oh, it’s resumed.”

“Princess, please take your seat.”

At some point, Sebastian had appeared beside the Princess. He must’ve been waiting for an opportunity to get me away from her. He’s great at his job.

His face had returned to its usual solemn look. Good. The name of the noble mage is quite useful.

After she took her seat, Sebastian stayed at her side, almost like a butler.

She didn’t say anything else to me as the conference resumed.

***

My meeting with Ester-chan was just before lunchtime.

“I’m here to see you!”

Bang

The door was thrown open and the loli bitch came rushing into our box.

She scanned the room for me but froze in place when she saw the Princess. It’s clear she never expected to see someone like the Princess here. She lost all of her usual vigour she has when she comes to see me and entered noble mode.

“Oh, Elizabeth?”

“Royal Princess. It’s been a while.”

Ester-chan instantly got down on one knee.

“It has. You’re Viscount FitzClarence now, right?”

“Yes, thanks to the graciousness of His Majesty.”

“I’ve heard the story from my father. You’ve accomplished many great things since last we met.”

No matter how great her father is, she still has to act polite around the Princess. I really wasn’t exaggerating earlier when I said she was completely frozen. She never thought she’d see the Princess here. But I am glad that they seem to be friendly.

“But what are you doing here Angelica-sama?”

“I’ll be attending the school starting next year.”

“E-Eh? Seriously?”

“Yep. I’ll be grateful if you can look after me next year Liz senpai.”

“Yes, I’ll be in your care.”

“Fufufu~, that’s my line, Liz.”

These two people from great families within the Penny Empire seem to have a good relationship. I glanced over at Sebastian, but he wasn’t reacting at all. This must be an everyday occurrence to him.

“By the way, Angelica-sama, we actually need to be leaving.”

“What?”

“We have an audience with His Majesty. I’m sorry for being so rude, but we really must be going.”

“Oh, is that so? With my father?”

“Yes.”

“Well, then, it can’t be helped.”

“Excuse us.”

After excusing herself from the Princess, the blonde loli turned her attention to me.

“I-I’ve prepared a carriage for us outside! Do you want to come with me?”

“Yes, that sounds fine.”

I know that I don’t even have to ask Edita Sensei if she wants to come. She’s fine staying here. There was only one other person left, and there is no chance I’m leaving her here unattended.

“Christina, come with me.”

“Eh? Where are you going?”

“Just please come with me.”

“….”

After saying it with a bit more force, she seemed to understand I didn’t want to leave her.

I’ll have to do more tests, but if I start acting a bit more assertive with her, I might actually be able to get her to do what I want.