✔DROP!! A TALE OF THE FRAGRANCE PRINCESS

Volume 3, Extra 01: The Melancholic Prince

[Vernouxs Perspective]

*STEP STEP*. My footsteps echoed through the corridor that didnt have a speck of dust in it.

It was quiet, but there were palace guards around, so it wasnt like there was no sign of life here. However, nothing was moving, just like artworks, so there were no sounds. Its excellent that theyre faithfully performing their duties, but I cant help but think that I would get stiff shoulders if I were to do that.

In the corridor which I was walking down, there were two guards at a door. The two guards noticed me and went inside to get verification. The door opened widely as soon as I got there.

Excuse me, Your Highness.

I paid attention to the guards and acted appropriately until the door was closed. As soon as the door closed, I quickly walked up to Gille.

Youre late today.

Gille kept his gaze on the book in his hand and spoke without looking up. Seems like hes in a bad mood for a change. His voice sounded the same as it usually did, but he would usually say something to show his appreciation at this point. But I can guess why he was in a bad mood.

What could I do? Clay caught me.

Did you do something again Vernoux?

Why do you think I did something? He just told me something trifling.

And while we were talking, Clay unwittingly found fault in one thing I said, and it made things worse That was all it was. Well, he was probably angry. It was my bad for wondering just how angry he was. Clays reactions are pretty interesting, but it was more annoying than Id imagined, so Ill hold back a little from now on. Hes actually more serious than I thought he would be.

But, while I was thinking that, Gille sighed in shock.

Try to get along.

Well, little-by-little. Anyway, its this right? The thing you were waiting for?

Give me a break, I thought as I took out the letter that Dilly had given me yesterday. Gille reacted to the word 『this』and finally lifted his face from the book. Hes so obvious.

But his expression looked a little different from the fidgety yet calm expression he usually wore as he waited for Dillys letter.

Right now, he was frowning, which showed that he was in a bad mood.

This is the first time Ive seen him receive her letter like this. But I cant blame him since its only for today.

Its probably because Dilly came to the castle the other day. He should be happy that shed visited, since he wants to talk to her as 『Sylvester』.

But when we saw her, she was already going home with Cyrus-dono.

He could have caught up to her if he ran, but, unfortunately, Gille couldnt do that. A calm Prince chasing after a lady hed seen; he probably thought that Dilly would hate him if he did that. Actually, shell probably be attracted to him instead. Probably.

But, if he had talked to her at that time, then he would be in a good mood right now Maybe. I dont know how Dilly would have reacted, so I cant say for sure.

But anyway, he was sulking because he couldnt talk to her.

I should say something, but Gille wasnt taking it out on anyone. I think hes only being sour towards me because Im the only one who knows about this. I can usually put up with his attitude, so I might listen to him. But Ill get angry if he goes too far.

Gille hesitated to open the letter hed received from me, then finally he took the paper knife, that hed received from Dilly, and opened it. He seemed to really like the paper knife, and Ive tried to pick it up from the desk before, but he immediately went to pick it up. Apparently, he didnt like it when other people touched it.