How To Live As A Writer In A Fantasy World[part1]

Chapter 32.1 - What Nonsense Is This (1)

It's not just Cecily, however, but also Marie who's a problem for me. Her social rank is also among the top of this country.

"By the way, Isaac's suit reminds me of Cecily's a little. It looks great with your hair color."

"Thank you. Ms. Rina seems to be shining like the sun in the blue sky, too."

"Huhu. Thank you for the compliment. Marie seems to be prettier than before. Is this what you meant when you said you would be working hard on something for today?"

"I'm not at all happy to hear you say that." Despite Rina's complimentary words, Marie treated her coldly. Despite the fact that Marie is the daughter of a duke, she still showed disrespect to the princess, who is superior to her.

Rina, however, didn't seem to mind at all, merely smiling like usual, and didn't say anything else in response. After seeing Rina's demeanor remain calm and unruffled, Marie's own expression started to crumple in real-time.

"...Anyway, what are you going to do now?" Mari asked Rina, maintaining her cold demeanor, to which Rina replied in her characteristically soft tone, "I was going to take Isaac with me. I thought it would be nice to introduce Isaac to a friend I know."

"You're asking Isaac to come with you? Don't you have to ask Isaac's opinion?"

"Well, I guess I could ask him now. What does Isaac think?"

Even after Marie's hostile-sounding question, Rina answered skillfully. She looked at Marie's annoyed face and then asked for my opinion. I rubbed the nib on my middle finger, feeling uncomfortable once again.

I'm already getting a lot of looks, and what if I follow Rina around the venue? It is obvious what others will think. Even if Rina is disappointed, rejecting her offer is preferable to entering the complicated world of aristocratic politics. Even if she applies subtle pressure again, I will refuse.

"I apologize. I don't want to cause any trouble to Ms. Rina, so I shouldn't."

"Even if I personally ask you to?"

After I politely expressed my refusal, Rina said what I expected. "Please," she added, but it was more like an order from a royal princess. I was looking Rina in the eyes as she said this. Her eyes were filled with the certainty that I would be unable to refuse. But I can assure you, princess, that you are wrong.

"I'm sorry, Princess. I'm not interested in situations that get too complicated. Not at all. I just want to enjoy the Gathering itself at this moment." I said this in a strong voice, making my intentions clear to Rina. I placed a hand on my chest to show my resolve.

Rina's eyes widened slightly, perhaps because I'd said it so bluntly, using the title of Princess instead of calling her by her first name as I usually did. She hadn't expected me to say this at all. Even if it hurts her feelings, it's better for my future reputation if I cut her off here.

"...Okay. If that's what you intend. I can't take someone who doesn't feel comfortable being with me."

Rina understood what I meant, but she didn't show any signs of disappointment. She was silent for a moment, and when she had nothing more to say to me, she turned to Cecily next to her.

"And you, Cecily?"

"Me? I'm just wondering who Rina's friends are."

"Okay. Marie—"

"Do I really have to answer that?" Before she could finish the question, a harsh reply came back from Marie.

Rina, as expected, smiled and opened her mouth. "Marie. Before I say anything, how long are you going to keep that attitude? Do you hate me so much?"