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☾ sixty - seven ☾

I'm glad he didn't point out my actions.

However, the thought of meeting the Crown Prince made me feel depressed.

In time I nodded helplessly.

"That's right. All the aristocrats have to attend even if they don't like it."

When I finished answering, he stared at me softly.

'Why's he looking at me with that kind of expression?'

He stared at me for a long time, before asking slowly.

"What would you do if the Crown Prince asked you to dance that day?''

"Dance request? Don't joke about stuff like that!"

At my sudden eruption, his shoulders slowly drooped.

"Do you hate it that much?"

Of course, it was something harsh to joke about, but it was true that I was too shy.

Getting a little embarrassed, I spoke, crossing my arm around his.

"We should stop talking about this and go have breakfast."

He stared at me for a moment before sighing.

"Okay."

I don't know why, but his arm around my own as I dragged him was strangely weak.

If you think about it, it's obvious what mercenaries eat on the battlefield.

They usually cook while camping or eat the food that is served.

Both of them, of course, were self-evident that they would taste terrible.

'I'm going to feed you something delicious today.'

With that thought in mind, I looked at him.

"Hey, do you have anything you want to eat?"

To my question, he replied, "...strawberry cake."

Yes, I'm sure he's been stressed, so sweets are worth eating right now.

'Let's feed him something delicious today and buy him some clothes as well.'

With that thought, I spoke boldly.

"Okay, then I'll get ready to go out, so wait a bit!"

_

At the palace, the Empress was enjoying some peaceful tea time with her daughter.

"Princess, you finished preparing for your coming-of-age banquet, right?"

"Yes, mother."

The Princess laughed at her mother's gentle face.

But in an instant that gentle mask collapsed.

"The Crown Prince's procession of improvement keeps passing. People everywhere shout 'Hurrah' for him even more."

Soon the Empress stopped laughing.

"While you've been preparing for the banquet, he's being recognized by the people as the next Emperor!"

Beatrice felt her heart being torn to shreds at her mother's words.

But as usual, she answered calmly, without showing any signs of hurt.

"Don't worry. Sooner or later, we'll have a chance to turn the tables again."

At that moment, the Empress threw the teacup against the wall.

Then she began shouting in a furious voice.