3. Ulysses approaching/before
Edward Norden is one year older than us. He is the eldest son of the Earl Norden family, whose history rivals that of the royal family, and he is already qualified as a knight, excelling in martial arts.
That is natural, the Norden family is a martial faction family that has served as the captain of the knights for generations. The family tradition is based on simplicity and fortitude, as well as literary and military arts. Both his father and relatives are serious and honest. And, of course, it was inherited by Edward.
At the end of the day, he is a super single-minded, athletic man who is full of a sense of justice.
"You guys... are followers of the daughter of the Duke of Montrivre. What were you doing?"
The daughters remained silent at Edward's crude but accurate remarks. Well, you probably don't want to go out of your way to change your family name after being told this. There might be some houses that are higher than Edward's.
If I were you, I'd say this--Edward, Elizabeth is the daughter of the Duke of La Montlievre. She officially needs the definite article "la".
"It's a nobility to yell at one person with multiple people. There's something guilt about staying silent. Then you shouldn't do it in the first place."
After being bombarded with a correct argument in a cavalier way, the young ladies still kept their mouths shut. He must be waiting for the right time to leave.
After that, Edward seemed to look back at Miss Ulysses.
A gasp is heard.
"You are……"
"It's in Ulysse Merryfield. My father is a baron who owns the South Windsor territory."
Miss Ulysse, who was criticized by a high-ranking aristocrat, introduced herself gracefully.
The reason why my voice is booming is probably because of the joy of being saved. She had been crying a while ago, but now she seems to have recovered.
If that's the case, don't cry in the first place.
But the person himself didn't seem to think so.
"Yes, you are!!"
yeah?
I heard a voice that was louder than Miss Ulysses from downstairs and twisted my head.
"I heard that the famous star maiden entered the school."
yeah? ? ? Earl Norden's son, Edward? Hey Edward?
You, who values loyalty to the royal family above all else, could not possibly be an avid fan of that novel in which the royal fiancée is greatly insulted, right?
"Well, you're much prettier than you see in the illustrations. My name is Edward Norden."
"Norden-sama... Um, from a famous Earl's house."
“Please call me Edward, Ulysse-dono.
Edward speaks in an exhilarating tone that clearly seems to be stretching the bottom of his nose.
There is no distinction between reality and fiction. Are you okay.
There was the sound of rustling clothes as the young ladies sneaked out, but Edward didn't blame them. I can hear Miss Ulysse's carefree nod to the accolade that falls on me.
"Actually, I've read 'Otsusei' many times already."
"Well, I love that story too!"
Harold looked at me with pitiful eyes as I looked up at the clear sky reflected in the window.
＊＊＊
The next week, Edward and Miss Ulysse finally caught me running away in an empty classroom.
Harold's icy gaze managed to keep a smile on his face that was about to cringe. A gentle smile that shows dignity and tolerance, suitable for royalty.
Ah, the reason I did this special training was to show it to Elizabeth, not to you guys!
"Your Highness, I'm sorry."
"Long time no see, Edward."
I nodded to Edward who took a salute pose with my heels aligned at right angles. Although he is older than him, his position is clear because he is the son of a noble who has a direct master-servant relationship with the crown prince.
After giving a brief greeting, Edward showed his palm to Miss Ulysses standing behind him.
"This is Miss Ulysse Merrifield. Your Highness should know, she's the main character of that 'Otsusei'!"
No, you still can't tell the difference between reality and fiction, Edward.
Or is it getting worse?
Seeing Edward stare at Miss Ulysse with snorting, I let out a scream in my heart.
“Nice to meet you, it is an honor to meet you, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
Miss Ulysse bows her head to me without noticing such things in her heart.
It was a bow that could not be compared with Elizabeth, who lacked various angles.
"Greetings, Miss Ulysses. But I'm sorry, I haven't read that book."
If you don't do that, you'll have to punish the author. I'm sure Elizabeth would say the same.
But my thoughtful answer left Edward with a look of glaring disappointment.
"No! That book is a masterpiece that teaches us what true love is. Please read it."
"Hahaha, it's hard to find time to be free."
I want to develop that true love with Elizabeth.
While laughing and creating a joke-like atmosphere, I put in a refusal. This should tell Miss Ulysses that I'm not interested in her novels. I hope she won't come near me anymore.
The reason I didn't introduce myself earlier was to show that I wasn't interested in Miss Ulysse.
I don't read books. Do not approach the maiden of the stars.
Well, this is the end, and when I turned around, I was stopped by Edward.
“Please wait, Your Highness. This person is going through a tough time.
Eh…….
I lifted the shoulders that were about to fall down and put a smile on them.
I can't leave after being told that.
When I turned to face Edward and Miss Ulysses again and silently urged them to talk, Miss Ulysses folded her hands in front of her chest and made a sorrowful expression.
"Actually, my textbooks and notebooks are gone before I know it..."
"law?"
My voice came out involuntarily.
This is a little different story.
This woman seems to be trying to advance the scenario.
4. Ulysses Approach/After
Listening to Miss Ulysse's words that I couldn't ignore, I repeatedly asked her to confirm her appeal.
"When things around me disappear..."
"That's right. The notebooks and textbooks that were supposed to be in the locker disappeared, were thrown in the trash, or in severe cases, were torn to pieces..."
Miss Ulysse covered her mouth with her hand and tears welled up.
She looked like a pitiful young girl who came out of her country estate and was subjected to the insidious baptism of the aristocrats.
Edward gently rubs her shoulder to comfort her.
"Some people don't like her being a star maiden. I think it's harassment by them."
"……Really"
"yes"
Hmm, I don't know what you're talking about. Edward-kun, why are you so confident that you nodded with a face like "You understand what I've said so far?"
What does it feel like to be an avid fan? Well, I'm going to pay money and make a stage adaptation of "Otsusei".
When I glanced at Harold, he was listening to the exchange with an expressionless face. Of course, I don't show her emotions as a royal courtesy, but honestly, her face is almost distorted at any moment. At times like this, she appreciates Harold's iron-faced skin and ice gaze. She kind of calms down her mind.
Miss Ulysse stared at me with moist eyes. While casually dodging her gaze, I furrowed my eyebrows to look grave.
"I'm surprised that someone in this school would do such a thing. I also think it's a grave situation."
I said it in a roundabout way, but it's about you, Edward.
And Miss Ulysse. It's easy to poke around here, but I don't know what to do. Rather than that, it would be safer to have her swim within sight.
"Miss Ulysses"
"yes"
When I called her name, she grabbed my trembling hand and turned to Miss Ulysse with a cute and fleeting expression like a small animal.
Yeah, well, you have a cute face. Besides, for better or for worse, there is no noble daughter who reveals her emotions to this degree. No chivalrous Edward could leave a woman so hurt.
I'm sorry, but I don't have that kindness.
After sending a signal with his gaze, Harold stepped forward, stood next to me, and bowed once.
"This is my attendant Harold. If you have any trouble, please tell Harold."
“My name is Harold.
"……thank you"
What caught Miss Ulysse's indigo eyes for a moment was probably despondency. Either her disappointment that she expected a drastic solution, or...
That's fine. Let's stop thinking too badly now.
"I'm glad, Miss Ulysse."
Edward, who doesn't notice, smiles happily as if he was able to get my cooperation.
"Well then, excuse me."
"Thank you very much"
I nodded to the two people who bent down and quickly went out into the hallway. If you talk to me any more, I won't be able to keep my expression.
It seems that Elizabeth is having a study session with the daughters in the school. On her way home, she wondered if she could see her by chance, but she was already tired for the day, so she decided to go home.
Leave the school building and get into the carriage. After picking me up, Harold also sat down across from me.
I opened my mouth when the carriage started running and I was no longer worried about being heard by anyone.
"Keep an eye on Elizabeth."
"Are you finally a stalker?"
"What do you think of the Lord?"
“I am His Highness the Crown Prince who is completely in love with his fiancée.”
"..."
It cannot be denied.
“Putting aside Edward, Miss Ulysses stinks. Elizabeth might be harmed if she tries to advance the scenario.”
“Speaking of scenario, is it about that novel that His Highness was talking about in vain?”
"That's it"
“Does that mean that Miss Ulysse will act directly towards Elizabeth? Is that what is written?”
I was surprised when Harold tilted his head.
Because he always listened to my complaints, I assumed that he knew about the content. Was she, rather, in utter ignorance of the content, giving a suitable nod to her master's afflictions?
"Have you never read it?"
"There is none"
"..."
To think that there are people who haven't actually read "Otsusei".
If you're a noble who is sensitive to fashion, it's okay to read it diagonally, so you should see it at least once.
"Read it. I'll do mine."
"I've acknowledged"
When I get back to the royal palace, should I read it again for confirmation? Then let's go to Harold. I don't think she's going to seriously bring the novel's scenario into reality, but Miss Ulysse, who didn't deny it when Edward introduced her as the 'Maiden of the Stars', was too suspicious.
I looked out the window of the carriage and sighed.
The Royal Academy is located in the center of the royal capital, close to the royal palace. Since it was built with the royal family's money, it was installed in a place where the royal family could easily go. However, there is enough distance to go by carriage. A road surrounded by trees from the backyard of the academy, without passing through the town, led to the east gate of the royal palace.
The season is early summer, and the scenery that jumps into your eyes is refreshing.
I want to see this scenery with Elizabeth... I would like to see Elizabeth.
To be honest, I could have had more conversations with Elizabeth. In the few months since I entered the school, I have lost nearly 100 hours of opportunity, even if it is one hour a day. Not an illusion.
I need healing.
“Please ask the Duke of La Montrivre to visit the royal palace incognito.
"I've acknowledged"
I thought he was going to scold me, but unexpectedly, Harold nodded obediently.
It seems that he sensed that if I didn't prepare a reward soon, my mentality would collapse.
He's a good man, this guy.