26. Return of Ricardo
After leaving Ricardo-dono to Harold, I received several days of medical treatment.
When I visited the royal palace, Elizabeth always accompanied me, and Lars was stunned. Lars, who was sitting next to my pillow, gave me a look like, "You're in trouble too..." and rubbed her forehead, and fell into a ridiculously complicated mood, but she With Elizabeth's affection, she recovered.
When I explained the situation to Ricardo-dono and apologized that I could no longer hide it,
"Well, I thought it would be like that."
A simple answer came back.
"...Did you notice?"
“Because you looked at me and said, ‘This is troublesome again’. You must be trying to hide it, but I can tell from the expression that Mariabel gave me a hundred times. I knew something must have happened."
mother…….
“But I didn’t realize that my memories were sealed.
While being tapped on the shoulder by a large handsome man, I almost staggered, and when I understood the words that had been yelled at me, I looked at Ricardo-dono.
I decided to talk about this honestly because I thought that hiding it would put a greater burden on those around me.
Even so, I was wondering if I would get a little scolding.
"I've passed. I'll send the troublesome guy home."
With a smile on his tanned face, Ricardo declared.
An expression of surprise appears on an unexpected word.
“Are you passing?”
"You look like you don't know why. I told you, the king doesn't run the country alone. You're recognized by other people. They want to help you. I'm sure you'll help Mariabel's country. It will prosper, so it's a pass."
「――……」
"Live on good terms with Princess Elizabeth."
A big hand pops on my head.
While he was taken aback, Ricardo asked Harold to prepare a carriage for him. It seems that he is seriously going home now.
In addition, I was asked to show Mariabelle's face at the end, and I was forced to hold a pendant with a new design that had not yet been released. Will you leave then?
"Dear Ricardo..."
"It's okay, you will grow up and become a good king."
"No, in the end, you just came to play because there was a hole in the barrier, right?"
"Live well! See you at the wedding!"
After interrupting my words without saying anything, Ricardo-dono left, just like when he came, dashing and abruptly.
"Are you finally home...?"
When I went to report Ricardo-dono's return, my mother brought a huge work desk into the bedroom and was buried in a pile of documents.
As expected, if the king falls, government affairs will be delayed so much.
"I'm arranging your wedding. Papa is lying down even if I ask him to help me, and you're a jerk."
"I'm sorry about that."
Mother, please stop reading my mind.
And when I looked at my father, I noticed that this couple is also a pair look. Both my father and mother were wearing jackets with the same pattern. It's probably for when Ricardo-dono wanted to see his mother. Creating a lovey-dovey feeling with a pair look... it doesn't seem to be very effective.
Is it a remnant of that that she often wore matching outfits in front of me?
When I was looking at the jackets of my father and mother alternately, my mother let out a sigh.
“Even though the pair look fever has subsided recently, it’s Ricardo’s fault again…”
Ah, mother is reluctant.
"I ask the maid what I'm wearing. So I try to wear the same thing."
The degree of reluctance was beyond my imagination. Are you a stalker?
Father, you love your mother much more than I thought.
"You shouldn't be this kind of husband."
Father's snoring gets louder. Pretending to be asleep. understand.
Mother, you're not lucky with men... No, if you think about it in terms of position. But I didn't want Elizabeth to feel the same way, so I nodded politely, telling her to take care of her.
27. Maybe we are a good match?
With Ricardo-dono's return to Japan, preparations for the marriage were once again made as soon as possible.
As my mother said, I can't get my hands on the wedding ceremony in the current state, so I decided to prepare the room to welcome Elizabeth.
Checking the furniture and daily necessities prepared here... It looks like a really honeymoon preparation.
It seems that the list of household goods to be brought in from the Duke of La Montlievre mansion is almost finished.
Things that Elizabeth doesn't usually use, but it's better to move them to the royal palace than to keep them at her parent's house――for example, musical instruments, rare books, and accessories and playground equipment that have been passed down in the ducal family. part. where do you put those things?
“If I put everything in my room, will it be a hindrance to my guests when they come over?”
"Yes, if you leave..."
Originally, the detached palace where I and Elizabeth were supposed to live is spacious enough. The reason I'm having trouble finding a place to put things is because my parents want us to live together, and they're trying to make Elizabeth's room next to the one I was originally using.
It was decided that the things that couldn't fit in the room would be put there, so I took Elizabeth and Harold, who were visiting the royal palace, to see how they were separated.
I haven't been in the detached house since that time when I was searching for Plum.
After finding several rooms and deciding on a rough storage location, we returned to near the front door.
In the same room where Plum suddenly appeared, Lars, who was being held by Harold, suddenly lifted his head. Lately, he's completely attached to Harold, so he hasn't been in the basket yet... was that a bad thing?
Kicking the arm that was holding him, Wrath flew.
The destination is the same room.
"Lars-sama!!"
"What's wrong, is something wrong!?"
Could it be another monster? Or maybe there's something wrong with Plum's residual magical power?
In front of us who rushed after us, Lars tackled the door. The key was easily broken by the dragon's body, and the door was wide open.
The dimly lit room was filled with countless brilliance.
It's not magical power. A faint amount of sunshine bounces off the exquisitely carved ornate frame and dances to it. At the center of it all was Elizabeth, who had a divine smile on her face. ……a lot.
From the young Elizabeth to the grown-up current Elizabeth. Portraits were lined up and hung on the wall like a little growth record.
Memories that had become vague in confusion come back. Stiff, I watched the events of that day flash through her mind.
That's right... Harold and I were carrying Elizabeth's portrait into this room when Plum appeared.
……As expected, Elizabethfire・nine・because it would.
Who said that he was better than my father? It's me
"Well..."
I heard a dumbfounded voice from next to me, and I turned my head around like I was rusty. Elizabeth stares into her room with eyes wide open in amazement.
finished……?
"Here..."
Elizabeth's faint, whispering voice echoed.
If here?
……Isn’t that a word of rejection?
“Your Highness Vincent, there is something that I have not been able to say. If possible, I wanted to bring it here, but I couldn’t think of a suitable place to store it…”
"Ooh?"
"Please let me put it here. Thank you for finding a place."
Elizabeth smiled. She doesn't seem to be upset, angry, or disgusted.
Come to think of it, Elizabeth didn't react even when her portrait was put in a pocket watch.
"May I ask what it is?"
"It's a life-size portrait of His Highness Vincent! It's a shame to leave it in my parents' house, but I was wondering how it would be to display it in my room, in front of His Highness himself."
Same reason as mine.
Safe, it seems. Aren't you too deep, my fiancée?
"Of course you can."
With a smile on her face, Elizabeth went to pick up Lars with a cheerful expression.
Lars stands where he can see all of Elizabeth's portraits, and has a blissful expression on his unchanging face.
I see, he hasn't had a chance to get close to Elizabeth since he quarreled and broke up with Elizabeth when he was a child. If I could be with her at a dinner party, I'm sure she would have been lucky enough to just watch from afar.
"Mr. Lars"
When his name was called, Lars reluctantly looked back at the group of portraits and ran towards Elizabeth.
“I should have left the appearance of His Highness Vincent as well…”
Hearing those muttered words, I, Lars, and Harold all stared at Elizabeth with all their might. In particular, Harold, who had arranged for me not to be in this room last time, had a face that made me wonder if it was unnecessary help.
Maybe we are a good match?
28. unsealing
HeadKobeThree hands are held out to me, who is drowning.
One is Elizabeth's soft and warm hands. One is Rath's small hands, with hard paws. The other has plum hands, fluffy hair and fluffy paws.
Putting aside the angelic Elizabeth, I think the two small mythical beasts are a slightly silly picture, but it can't be helped.
"Let's get started nya"
Plum announces absurdly solemnly.
What is going on now is the restoration of the sealed memories.
Plum, who spent half a month lazing around in the royal palace and clinging to her mother for another half a month, regained her magical powers.
I think it's because I'm doing the same thing as Ricardo-dono, such as messing around with my father, watching my mother doing government affairs, and wandering around the garden, but my mother's impregnable guard didn't break down. Elizabeth thought she was cute, and Lars saw Plum as a rival. Come to think of it, it's similar to Lars' behavior. Plum also sleeps with her mother at night.
So... I think that's what it means. Plum says nothing.
Plum's hand shone while I was wondering if it was all right. I can feel magic power flowing into my head. I'm scared to be killed in a calm situation. It's like being operated on while you're still conscious.
Rainbow flickering occurs behind the closed eyelids. The light was wandering here and there, but eventually it disappeared when it shined brightly.
"I found it nya"
I hear plums.
And at the same time, my consciousness became lighter. …should I say that it has become clearer?
The haze that was haunting me was cleared, and my thoughts became clear.
My memory has returned.
Plum's magical power fades away. Along with that, Elizabeth and Lars' magical powers will also return to their owners. You can leave Elizabeth's alone.
each hand separated. Me and Elizabeth breathe a sigh of relief.
“How are you?”
"It looks okay. I feel like I'm back."
After a long stretch, I caught my breath.
After the seal was broken, I found out that the burden of having my memory sealed on top of the chaotic magical power combined, I seem to have been able to live with about half of my thinking ability before. Rather, my brain was so weak that I was impressed that I could move that much. Well, if you study all night, you'll get a fever.
"Oh, Onii-san's seal is gone!"
A plum that gives a thumbs up. It looks like it would be difficult with a cat's hand, but you did your best. Who taught you that?
Because of Elizabeth's whispered "Cute...!"
"Well then, with this, I'm free nya."
When I said that, Plum floated up. The cloak sways in the wind.
I heard from my mother. It seems that the condition is that Plum will be released from the royal palace as long as the seal on me is released.
But is it okay?
plum clings to motherneighboring countryNievefromour countryUlharaI came to Despite her nasty and impertinent demeanor, you can somehow sense that she's attached to her mother. A so-called tsundere.
The reason why she messed with me and the irreverent things she said were all because she wanted to impress her mother.
That was the last time I said goodbye without even looking at my mother's face. like larsguardian beastpetI won't tell you to become one, but at least reconcile...
Plum turned around while I was wondering what to say.
With a lonely, yet somewhat bitter smile on her face.
"... after all, a love between a ketsy and a human will never come true, nya..."
Eh, are you really in love like that?
I didn't know what to say, so I kept my mouth shut. In front of me, Plum leaned out the window and flipped her cloak and flew away.
He didn't even look back—perhaps he couldn't.
Elizabeth seems to be next to me as I see off my smaller back.
"Plum-sama... it might be more painful to stay by your side."
"Yes..."
whylove rivalChichiueis intimidating with a matching look. Even I wouldn't do that to Lars.
Humans aren't the only ones who fall in love.
29. Happy things continue
Now that my memories have been restored and my problems have been sorted out, the date for the ceremony has been officially decided.
Immediately after graduating from academia.
It's a slightly cooler time of year, but it's expected that the marriages of influential nobles will continue this year, so it's going to be done early.
…… A marriage of a powerful noble? who might that be?
My foster brother, the son of Earl Harold Abakarov, and his cousin, the daughter of Earl Margaret Farming, who belongs to a family of guards. Everyone has known about the engagement of these two since two years ago, and I also know that the royal family is welcome, so it will be as soon as my ceremony is over.
But other than that, I haven't heard of any engagements or ceremonies, but--.
Just as I was thinking that, Edward arrived, possessed by Harold.
“His Highness Vincent, I have a report!!”
"Oh, oh..."
A loud voice that can not hide the excitement in the complexion full of joy. If you look at it, what you're holding in your hand is... isn't it a marriage oath? It is a document submitted to the royal family by both families when they enter into a formal marriage.
"Actually, we are engaged this time. We thought it would be better to have the ceremony sooner, so we have received His Majesty's permission."
"Is that so? That's auspicious."
I listened and agreed. It should make you happy. If the engagement is recent, it is probably the time when the feelings are most excited. Mr. Zachary must be very pleased.
In order to congratulate the promising lovers, I also put on the crown prince smile,
"Your partner is Serena Haven."
"... Huh?"
At the name that came up, I unintentionally let out a strange voice.
Will Serena marry Edward? The author of "Otsusei" and "Otsusei"believerfanI had a glimpse of how the story would be booming, but I never thought it would become a reality.
Or rather, Miss Serena, even though it seems that she is not good at aristocratic society, is it okay to marry the son of the Knight Commander? There are various ceremonies, but...
"Where did you meet, even if I ask...?"
"Yes, I met you at the royal palace last spring. It all started when I helped Serena-dono when she was about to fall... After that, we gradually deepened our friendship, and this time we became like this."
Oh, when I asked you to write the second volume of "Otsusei" in connection with Leohart~~~~! ! I never thought it would have happened at that time... Hey, it's Cupid.
Looking at Edward, who seemed embarrassed to talk about how we got to know each other, I nodded gently with a smile on my face.
"If the opportunity was tied at this royal palace, it would be a great pleasure. Thank you for telling me. I congratulate you as a friend. Please invite me to the ceremony."
"thank you……!!"
I watched the deeply moved Edward leave the room while saluting many times.
The Haven family must have been surprised by the unexpected proposal. However, it is a good relationship. She should be able to get along well with Mr. Zachary and the servants of the Norden family if she is a lady Serena who is not sarcasm.
The only thing I'm worried about is that I'm a little weak... but I believe that with the power of love, I can overcome this.
Well, Edward is getting married... I'm getting married too, so the people I know are also getting married. And everyone looks happy, which is a good thing.
Inspired by Edward, I was thinking about my soon-to-be married life when I heard another knock.
The one who jumped in was Raphael with his arms outstretched.
"Yo-ho☆ It's been a long time! I miss seeing you all this year--"
The graceful man who was approaching in front of me disappeared from sight.
Looking down, Raphael was crouching with his right arm twisted by Harold. It was completely a sight of 'securing'.
"Give give!! Give!!"
Even so, Rafael is happy to be taken care of and bangs the floor with a smile.
Harold immediately returned to an upright position after releasing Rafael, and Raphael stumbled up. Raphael took a deep breath and brushed the dust from his robe.
“I came here today with the intention of getting permission to get married.”
A wink comes flying along with the exciting lines. Marriage vows fluttering as if to show off.
It's been a while.
……No, before that, get married? ? ?
"……with who?"
"That's right, there's only one person♡"
Raphael making a heart shape with his hands.
Judging by this tone, the other party is...
"With Miss Ulysses?"
"Of course♡"
"Seriously... you were okay with that."
Miss Ulysse Merrifield was accused of trying to trick me and Elizabeth, and was picked up by Raphael when she was cut off from her parents' house. However, since Rafael himself has this personality, he should have continued to refuse her ferocious attacks.
"Hypnosis...? Or brainwashing with magic?"
"No, it's forbidden to twist someone's will, you know? Besides, brainwashing is boring, isn't it?fallsoundI have to
In the second half, a frightening sense of values was presented.
Well, that's right, Raphael, who has been waiting for Miss Ulysse to nod for two years, can't be short-sighted. It must be by mutual agreement.
"I'm glad you gave me an okay..."
"Ahaha, it's the second time~. Like I said, you're a pure and good child. My father recognized me. Even His Majesty the King."
"No, it's for Miss Ulysses."
When Raphael gets serious, his father, Domenick-dono, will have no choice but to give up. There must have been enough materials prepared to convince him that he was a man with a sharp head. If you go that far, even my father won't say no.
That's why the biggest obstacle was Miss Ulysse herself, who had been frightened by Raphael's true nature from the beginning.
Raphael, who seemed to understand my words, grinned. Perhaps this is the person's intention of "smiling".
"With the power of love, there's nothing you can't overcome♡"
You can do too much with the power of love.
30. marriage red
With the announcement of engagements and weddings one after another for the crown prince and his close associates, the aristocratic society suddenly became frenzied. All the sons and daughters of about the age get engaged. Those who were already betrothed decided on the date of the wedding ceremony.
The number of requests for marriage vows has increased rapidly, and it seems that the clerks are busy with work.
"Everybody's crazy about love"
My father was laughing happily, but since he himself is also crazy about the love he's had for 20 years, I don't think it's a good idea to say something like "you're young~". Even though there's no one left to intimidate me, I still have a pair look with my mother today.
Well, in the midst of all that, me and Elizabeth.
Although progress was being made, the situation was such that a decisive blow had not yet been reached.
Speaking of which, it was a rehearsal for "Kisu no Kiss".
Elizabeth and I were standing facing each other in a small, empty room where no one could peep at us.
Even though Elizabeth has a slightly tense air, she does her best not to notice it. However, even though her straight spine was normal, her hands folded in front of her chest were pulled a little more inward than usual, and her straight gaze swayed a little. That fact, more than anything else, eloquently spoke of his tense feelings.
Even though I'm trying to take a calm attitude, Elizabeth must be nervous.
I take a step closer to Elizabeth, who is staring at me.
Elizabeth holds out her hand. She takes her hand and makes eye contact with her. Elizabeth blushed her cheeks and gave her a gentle smile.
Oh oh there's an angel there's an angel Even now, she's an angel, but on the day of the ceremony, she'll wear a pure white dress and change her hairstyle and make-up. In other words, if you don't learn to handle the flow of the ceremony smoothly now, there is a high possibility that you will be stunned by the excessive beauty on the day.
Lifting the veil over Elizabeth's face, pretending.
With that as a signal, the eyelids fringed with gold eyelashes slowly overlap, and Elizabeth raises her chin heartily and faces me.
I put my hand on my arm as if to wrap Elizabeth――Ah, how cute.
Suddenly, memories of Elizabeth ran through my mind.
The eighth birthday party where I met for the first time and stole my heart. The night that made her pillow wet, realizing her distance from her Elizabeth. Her manners, which she had desperately instilled in herself due to Elizabeth's loveliness, vanished into thin air, and she was unable to make use of anything during their second meeting. Days and nights spent frantically studying while gazing at Elizabeth's portrait, exchanging letters, entering academia...
I found out that my memory was sealed. Even on the days when we couldn't see each other because we were busy, our hearts were by our side. Because of Elizabeth, I was able to become a man who could be called perfect even on the outside.
Elizabeth, who I've been longing for like that, finally becomes my companion. And it's a miracle that Elizabeth wants that too. I can only say it was a miracle.
Thank you for being born.
“His Highness Vince…?
When I was moved to tears, Elizabeth opened her eyes slightly. She soon sees her eyes widen in amazement and Elizabeth looks up anxiously.
"Ah...I'm sorry to surprise you. Um...I was so happy when I thought I could marry Elizabeth..."
While I was talking, I hung my head wondering what I was talking about. I could see her face turn red. Elizabeth, whose embarrassment seemed to be contagious, also lowered her head. You can't see her face, but her blonde hair has red ears.
We're shy because we can't kiss our vows, but from the outside, I guess we're dumb couples... but there's no one.
“His Highness Vince thinks like that…”
“It seems that I was just dressed up until now, and it seems that I had this kind of personality, actually.”
I didn't know, because I had never thought of showing myself in front of Elizabeth.
I was told by Harold that my true nature is not ''black-hearted'' but ''sloppy''. That's what it meant. As expected of my brother, I know very well.
“I feel the same way.
"Liza..."
“However, this will not be practice… Your Highness, could you close your eyes?”
said Elizabeth, with an apologetic furrow.
Ugh, that's right... I'm sorry. I close my eyes to the most obvious point.
What will Elizabeth do? to get in the moodslapSlap? Expectations win out over fear.
"Please don't think I'm rude..."
However, contrary to my inner thoughts, I heard Elizabeth's whispering voice nearby. The rustle of her dress.
A few seconds of silence that expressed hesitation――and then a soft touch on your lips.
……e?
By the time I opened my eyes in surprise, Elizabeth had already turned her face down, and all I could see were the tips of her ears, which were redder than before.
"present……"
"...I pray that His Highness Vince's heart will be at peace."
No more words came out.
＊＊＊
Elizabeth is getting more beautiful every day. So much so that she no longer had to squint her eyes to meet her gaze.
From confirming the order of the ceremony, to securing accommodations for the guests, to arranging sightseeing schedules in Japan for distant guests, and of course to paying attention to meals and souvenirs that match the characteristics of each region. With my mother leading the spearhead, both me and Elizabeth were dizzyingly busy.
Since that day when we touched something soft on our lips, we never had a chance to be alone. became.
No, but this is encouragement from Elizabeth.
By combining the feeling of that time with the portrait of Elizabeth, it is possible to create a more realistic image training. For the time being, I swore my vows kiss a thousand times. Ten thousand times if not enough.
In the meantime, the days flew by, and the day of the wedding came.