✔DROP!! A TALE OF THE FRAGRANCE PRINCESS

Volume 3, Intermission 02: The Prince and the Red Rose

Blessed with a mild climate, the Founding Festival that everyone enjoys starts tomorrow Just when I thought that.

I was stopped by a junior, who had changed his expression. I listened to his message and also walked as fast as I could to a specific person. I really wanted to run, but this was inside of the Royal Palace; we werent allowed to run in here unless something big happened. ――― But, the thing that happened now was also significant.

『Yo, Isma! Long time no see! 』

『I hope you have fun this year too, Your Highness Ferdinando. You arrived very early.』

『I thought I would surprise you. But, youre really stiff. I wish you would talk more comfortably.』

We were talking in a foreign language, but it was an honour to be told to speak in a friendlier manner. However, I couldnt agree with him.

Because the person in front of me was a prince from another kingdom, who came for the Founding Festival.

And during the Founding Festival, I would be responsible for protecting this person. Of course, His Highness Ferdinando has his own guards from his kingdom, but each kingdom had its own rules, so, in short, I was his local guide.

This was the third year that I was in charge of His Highness Ferdinandos protection. However, I hadnt expected to be a guard in the first place, but I, who was in charge of another duty, was stopped by him and he said something rash while I was wondering what was going on, 『Can I request this person as my guard?』As a result, I was placed as his guard. Later, I heard that the person who was in charge of him was hard-headed, so he wanted to change to someone more flexible Even I was working diligently while complying with the rules, so why did he think that I would be flexible? I tried asking him about that once, but unfortunately, I couldnt get a clear answer.

However, I also thought about it. His Highness Ferdinando was quite eccentric.

Ive never heard of any other royalty who would come earlier than expected, just because they thought they could surprise people. If this were known in his home kingdom, then he would be scolded, 『What do you think appointed times are for!?』His cheerful personality was likeable, but I could sympathise a little with others around him since they were probably troubled since he was too wild. At the same time, I was thankful from the bottom of my heart for my Princes honest personality. I believe that our Princes nature wouldnt change, even if he reached His Highness Ferdinandos age.

No, well, His Highness Ferdinando was honest too. It was difficult to respond to his friendliness, but he didnt have a lousy personality, and he didnt say absurd things that were difficult to answer to.

『You still dont have a household?』

『Is that something you say as soon as you meet someone?』

『Well, Im worried about it. If you get married, then Id have to congratulate you.』

I laughed dryly in time with his loud laughter. Let me correct that at once, he does say things that leave me troubled, but well, he is an easy-going person, so it doesnt feel unpleasant.

『Then, how about my little sister? It might be interesting for Isma to become my little brother.』

『You jest.』

『Then, I dont care if I take your sister. Shell become my second wife though.』

『You joke.』

He laughed happily at me, who was drained. But that joke was honestly bad for my heart. I was fully aware that he wasnt serious, but I dont know what would happen if those words were to reach my father. So, I didnt want him to say them aloud, even if it was a joke. I honestly couldnt imagine it. I want to live in peace. He had already stopped laughing for a while now, but he didnt notice how I was feeling at all.