I woke up earlier than usual, and quickly opened the curtains with enthusiasm. It's really the maids' job but today I wanted to do it.
Outside the big window is the bright sun and transparent-looking blue sky.
"Even Heaven is supporting me."
If it rained, I wouldn't be able to carry out the plan today. I am the type to immediately do it after deciding on it, so it would be intolerable if I were unable to do it here.
To put more spirit into it, I carefully picked a dress. I, in turn, looked at the dresses inside my closet that are arranged by color.
I wonder what color the prince likes? I want something that gives a good impression. Maybe a dress that would fit well with the prince's gold and blue? No, no, that's a bit much. Today, I would become his friend, not lover, so it should be something easy to move with.
After thinking about my plan from here and choosing a rather plain dress, the maids made a sour face. It'll be a problem if they change this dress. With no other choice, I activated the skill "Entitled Lady". To show that I want this dress, I gripped the dress and distinctly said "I choose this."
I was confident when they reluctantly changed me into the dress but they put makeup on me heavier than usual.
I'm fine as usual but.... I understand.
***
I took a deep breath for the third time and joined the butlers at the entrance to wait for the prince. It's actually the first time I'll wait for him at the front door. Usually, I would wait inside but I thought it would be best to wait here for the succession of my plan today. It's the first move to my certain victory. With a puff, I exhaled again and put my hand on my chest.
After waiting for a while, I played with my hair and peeked at my shoes past my dress but I couldn't calm down. The more time passes, the more my heart beats fast and makes noise. In case, It's better to think that if the prince hates me, there would be no second chance. Perhaps then, his visits would be less. Of course, he wouldn't want to be with someone he dislikes.
To think that far? I titled my neck.
Wait, if he stops going to my home, It would mean he will be in the royal palace. But his elder brother is in the royal palace. He doesn't want to be in his fiancée's house, but he also doesn't want to be in the royal palace.... He's stuck between a rock and a hard place, which would make it much worse....
(Note: Being stuck between a rock and a hard place means having no choice, or in this case being in the middle of something you don't want.)
My worries keep increasing one after another. In the end, I have to make this operation successful. Things won't get better if it stays like this and no one will be happy. If that's the case, then it would be better to be demolished while doing something.
Berthia hit it and break it!
I don't want to break it, I thought somewhere in my heart.
While encouraging myself, I heard the rattling sound of the carriage stop, and I hastily straighten my spine. I deeply bowed like the butlers I was with.
I heard the door open and I knew the prince had gotten off. Black shoes stopped right infront of me.
"Is something wrong, Bell? It's rare for you to welcome me."
I saw the prince's genuine surprised face when I lifted my head.
"And I also feel like your dress is different than usual."
Amazing. As expected, prince. He pays well attention that he noticed my dress changes.
"Welcome, thank you for coming. For today, I was thinking about showing you around our garden."
"The garden?"
"Yes."
Imitating the prince, I smiled to hide my true intentions. I think I can do it. For an instant, his eyebrows lowered. However, it was just an instance and his smile returned.
"I see, that's why you waited for me. Thank you. Well then, will you show me?"
I was impressed by the prince's speed of switchover and adaptability to respond to the situation. No, let's be glad that it went as I had planned. The battle begins.
"It's this way."
Giving the prince my best smile, he looked at me too. We both smiled when our eyes met. Looking from a point, it looks like a peaceful scene but we, the people in it are different.
The prince was unexpectedly cautious and I was ready to fight. There is no doubt sparks would be scattered between our gazes.
The sound gong rang inside my brain.
Showing him around the garden went smoothly, the prince also followed me without saying anything. Explaining the flowers one by one, I told him a trivia that, this flower will bloom red in spring. But honestly, his response was not very good.
Even if he stops and looks at the flower, it was just several seconds. If it goes like this, showing him around will come to an end sooner than I thought.
"Your highness, are you not having fun?"
I said to the prince who was looking at the rose arch. The moment he slowly faced me, his blonde hair was illuminated by the sun, creating a halo. He looks beautiful as ever.
"Not at all? See, this rose looks so pretty. It is well maintained."
He said that and his eyes returned to the rose.
Ahh, what should I do? There would be no development if it stays like this. The prince is still on full guard, and I might have no choice but to do it until the end without surrendering.
While carefully thinking, I turned to where the prince was.
"P-please wait! That place is...!"
His steps came to an immediate stop when I yelled without thinking. He faced me and slightly tilted his head.
"Can't I go there?"
"N-no!"
"Ehhh, Is it something you can't tell me?"
I was smiling gently like usual but there were some strange chills. His narrowed eyes looked distortedly malicious.....I had a feeling about it, but actually, I think the prince has a sadistic nature. Does his character have a sadistic setting?
I noticed my wariness lessen when I saw the prince sweetly laughing past my strangeness. Maybe now...I can go for it. Though I feel like he extremely underestimates me.
Hit and strike today's motto. Now that I've come this far, I have to move forward.
"Your highness, I have a request."
"Hm? A request?"
I put strength on my belly, properly looked at the prince's eyes, and said. After the prince was stunned, he became more vigilant and smiled.
I continued without faltering.
"I, want to be good friends with your highness."
He was smiling but his eyes were not. This is something that can't be settled as a joke. This is exactly a situation that cannot be escaped.
The prince slowly opened his mouth, his smile slowly demolish.
"Why do you think of getting along with me?"
This time, his smile completely changed into seriousness, and asked. His usual gentle smile vanished, and his pair of cold eyes captivated me.
I was surprised because I didn't expect his real face. My body stiffened because of this beauty's powerful appealing facial expression. Here, if I make the wrong choice, I die.
"Did you pity me(ore) after hearing my past? Or is it something like sympathy?"
His pronoun changed. This is probably the real prince. It's scary but I'm okay. I am used to being thrown anger at because of my younger brother in my previous life. Muttering to myself that it's okay, I listened to the prince without looking away to not overlook his every single move.
(Note: There are many first-person descriptions of one's self or pronouns in Japan. In this case, the prince usually called himself 'boku', it gives an impression of humbleness and gentleness. When he turned to his real personality it changed to 'ore', a very informal way of speaking, sounds masculine, and can be considered rude when used in a formal conversation.)
"Is that why you showed me around the garden today?"
Perhaps he was irritated by looking at me who did not falter at all, his glare became sharper. Only his physical appearance was pretty but there was a threat in his facial expression and gaze.
"If it's sympathy, I don't need it. Don't make fun of me."
The color of disdain towards me was shown in the prince's eyes when he said those words.