I remained in a daze as His Highness kept his hands on my waist, and we walked down the familiar corridor, which lead to his office.
His Highness heard more about the situation at the river from Sir Glenn, who looked tired and gave him further instructions. We joined up with Prince Theodore and Lord Alexei, who was waiting for His Highness half-way to the office.
I finally realised now that these two weren’t present at the stage play. Did His Highness’s close aides all appear because they were worried that it would have looked like a really well-devised plot? In the books that my aunt made me read to her, the main characters were always on the stage.
…… No.
When did this stage begin and what kind of plot was prepared?
Wasn’t my role 『Princess Bibliophile』? Did I misread the script somewhere?
My head was turning in chaos.
Prince Theodore, who was returning a book to His Highness, took a quick look at me in concern, “――― Elli? Are you alright?”
His ultramarine eyes, which were deeper than His Highness’s, looked at me with sincerity.
“I’m sorry. I’m sure Christ told you, but I kept you away from the archives because of the dangers. The staff also kept you away because we were worried about you. They were all worried that you might have been offended by this. There’s nothing to be concerned about anymore, so you can use the archives like you used to.”
This is the same Prince Theodore, whom I know from when we would discuss books. Without knowing, I relaxed and sighed in relief.
“… Okay.”
Prince Theodore suddenly let out a small mischievously laughter.
“Even so… You’ve done it, Chris. I didn’t think you would use that situation to press your marriage forward.”
They must have seen the whole thing from somewhere. His Highness’s changed entirely from somewhat displeased, and he smiled vividly.
“The early bird gets the worm. My last barrier, Viscount Casull, has also been removed. With this, old man Bernstein won’t have anything to complain about.”
I looked up at His Highness curiously when he said my grandfather’s name. Prince Theodore smiled somewhat sadistically.
“I thought it was almost time for the finale, so you should thank me for calling Elli, Chris. ――― Well, personally, I wouldn’t have cared if the situation got worse.”
His Highness suddenly dishevelled as if he was scuffed.
“I’m sure I’ve told you many times to stop acting as if you’re in love with your nephew’s fiancée… How much younger do you think Elli is from you?”
“You lolicon,” I think I heard words that sounded like something His Highness wouldn’t say. I’m sure it was just my imagination.
“It’s common for there to be an age difference in marriages between nobles. Besides, I’m the one who gets along with her the best. But a certain someone always glares at me.”
“It’s because you’re overly familiar with her, Uncle! And, stop calling her in a friendly manner, Elli this and Elli that!”
… Where did His Highness, who had calmly exposed other’s crimes from a while ago, go?
I watched their exchange with my eyes sparkling, and a frosty voice containing displeasure spoke, “Please keep your banter at that. There’s a pile of new work to do thanks to the clean-up and Your Highness’s words.”
“Ah,” Sir Glenn hung his head down exhaustingly.
“Seriously… Give me a break. You can’t just wrap everything up suddenly no matter how much you’re being pestered about the deadline. We collected evidence in three days for a case that we’ve been secretly investigating for a month. Are you planning to work us to death? I’ll freaking resent you if my guards start wanting to change their post one after the other.”
“Geez,” Lord Alexei didn’t try to hide his irritation.
“Isn’t it about time to let the 『Brains of Southlynd』go back to their secluded life after we dragged them out onto the main stage for the first time in several generations? What the heck was the handsome Prince doing when he had four years?” This was the relentless Sir Alexei’s sarcasm. His Highness looked sullen.
“I didn’t want Elli as my partner just because she’s a Bernstein.”
“I know. Please confess your first love to her while you two are alone. It’s absurd, and I can’t stand listening to it.”
Lord Alexei flipped through the bundle of paper indifferently like usual. Then, a new member appeared with a bright voice, “――― Honestly, the handsome Prince is actually such a good-for-nothing. If she had known, Ireeeennne would have taken a different offence.”
It was Alan, the Royal Maestro with honey-coloured hair. He laughed mischievously.
He quickly took my hand as soon as he reached us and dropped his mouth on it. His cunning green eyes captured me.
“Let me introduce myself again, Miss Elianna Bernstein. I’m Alan Ferrera. I’m the one who spread your nickname as ‘Fairy Princess’. I’ll be happy if you treat me as close as Alex and the others from now on.”
Fairy Princess?
I blinked and denied in my mind. What kind of joke is this?
To tell the truth, I had another nickname when I was staying at the fief. It was… 『Ghost of the Library』.
My light blonde hair, which I had inherited from my late mother, was thin and spread out messily. It looks as if my hair faintly floats in the dim-darkness. Also, my skin paler than white because I only read books in a room, and I’m expressionless because I prefer books over people.
Those features of mine further enhanced the image of a ghost.
Children at the fief also used me to test their courage, and whenever I stayed in the study at night when the weather wasn’t good, a new maid would see me, shriek and run away, “I-it appeared ―――.”
… How long was I treated as a ghost? 『Princess Bibliophile』is much better when compared to that inhuman treatment. No, that title might be equal to honour for someone of the Bernstein House.
Therefore book-worm becomes 『Princess Bibliophile』.
When I denied the Fairy Princess nickname in my mind, His Highness Christopher quickly tore Alan’s hand off mine.
“Why didn’t you stop the situation before it turned out like that? Even if the result was good, it would be hard for you to act now that you’ve revealed yourself.”
“Eh?” Lord Alan countered, unabashed.
“Your Highness, you were the one who wanted to call the Viscount and settle things. It didn’t seem like she would break out of her delusions if she weren’t treated in the same way as the Viscount. It was frustrating because we couldn’t create a decisive setting because Your Highness kept Miss Elianna away from the royal palace. It was meant to be.” It sounded as if he was teasing His Highness as he spoke in a straightforward and bright voice.
“Isn’t it the right time to tell people my real identity? The Queen, the women around her and the smart ladies had already found out my real identity a long time ago. More like, whenever I’m around, His Highness gets overprotective and doting…” Lord Alan was roughly silenced. I just fluttered my eyes at His Highness who had done that.
“Excuse me…” Still, I remembered the words that had bothered me and apologised to Lord Alan. I should thank him if he is a trusted aide of His Highness, and keeps an eye on me behind the scenes.
“I’m very sorry for never noticing you up until now. I will be careful in the future. Lord Royal Maestro.”
“…… It’s Alan.”
“So you really didn’t notice me once in these four years, even though you’re supposed to be a woman who evenly matches His Highness… Hahaha,” Lord Alan looked blank as if he had lost some confidence.
I felt awful. I’m not good in high society because I’m bad at remembering people’s faces.
If it is a book, then I can remember it no matter how diverse it is.
Lord Alan looked offended when His Highness scoffed. He half-closed his eyes as if he was at ease.
“Well, unlike some Prince, I wouldn’t ask for her aunt’s help to keep her away from the royal palace and cause misunderstandings that made her want to give up on her love. ――― Well, whatever? When Miss Elianna threw the book you gave her, back at you…, An insignificant someone… looked as white as ash.”
In front of His Highness, who had stiffened, “Oh?” Prince Theodore interrupted amusingly.
“A Bernstein threw a book? That’s like… the sun rising in the west,” Sir Glenn said in a disheartened tone.
“Hey… Give me a break. That was the motive for something descending, or something.” His personality seeped out. This time, Sir Glenn’s eyes became teary, and he stared blankly off into the distance. Was he made to work very hard on this incident?
I, who had learnt consideration and sympathy, reflected. I finally understood now that I had behaved immaturely at that time.
In the end, they were all just my misunderstandings and assumptions. I can’t blame Miss Irene for this either.
Then, “――― Elli,” a voice called from behind me, and I turned around. Brother was the one who was walking quickly towards us, and yet I was being influenced by him.
Without knowing, my tension started unravelling when I saw my family’s face.
“Brother.”
He looked at me when he came closer, and his grey eyes, which were the same as father’s, looked at me questioningly, “I heard there was a commotion… Are you alright?”
He gently brushed my fringe aside in worry. He hasn’t changed since we were little. I loosened up while he was checking my condition.
“Yes.”
Miss Irene had complicated expectations, but if things went the way she wanted, then I would have caused a great deal of trouble to brother and father.
This isn’t a play, it’s reality. I was finally able to realise this when I felt the warmth from brother’s hand.
“Well… I don’t think anything would have happened to you since Prince Christopher was there,” he said as he looked up at His Highness, who had approached us. His Highness regained his sparkling smile.
“Tell old man Bernstein and the Marquis that all the conditions have been met… I would appreciate it if they can close their eyes to the fact that the deadline has passed.”
Brother nodded with an ironic smile. “I’ll tell them, but…” he said. However, his tone changed, “If you make my sister look like that again, I won’t let you mobilise the Bernstein’s brains.”
His Highness’s face twitched a little. “――― I know,” the voice he replied with was also a little stiff.
Lord Alexei interfered with a sigh. He gave some papers to brother, “Now then… about the holiday that you applied for, the Prime Minister will collapse from being overworked in three days if you’re not here, Fred. The finance office is the same. Without Marquis Bernstein, the office would undoubtedly become chaotic, and that would interfere with the recovered treasury again. ――― So, I’ve borrowed His Highness’s authority and turned down both your applications.”
“Well… I thought that would happen,” brother sounded as if he’d given up. I knew that Lord Alexei and brother are both civil officials and that they were on friendly terms.
Brother examined the papers and dropped his shoulders. He probably was the same as father and wanted to snatch a holiday so that he could spend all his time reading. I was the only one who had gained this privilege, and I felt terrible.
Lord Alexei’s icy-blue eyes became sharp as if he’d seen through brother’s motive. “People of the Bernstein House,” he began, and brother interrupted him in a panic.
“Oh, uhh… Your Highness and Elli too. Your Majesty and the Prime Minister has summoned you both. They want you to report the details of this incident.”
This time, His Highness pulled me while flustered.
“Please tell them to give me a little more time since this is urgent. It’s a serious matter related to the survival of the royal family. ――― Uncle and Alex, explain the situation to them first,” he informed them quickly. He kept his hands on my shoulders, and we left as if he was running away.
His close aides looked at us in shock. A question mark floated in my mind again.
A serious matter related to the survival of the royal family…?
Translator: Blushy
Editor: delishnoodles
His Highness took me to his office. The maid served the tea, and then His Highness dismissed her. It was just the two of us in this room.
First and foremost, I have something that I really want to ask him.
… Why are you sitting next to me, Your Highness?
You’re drinking tea gracefully even though you had said that it was an urgent matter regarding the survival of the royal family. He sighed, and it sounded like he was relieved.
He turned towards me and slowly reached out to me. His Highness’s hands which looked on the verge of touching me, or not, was on my cheeks. His fingertips touched my ears, and even my messy hair.
“I’ve finally caught you.”
The sweet smile, which I have never seen before, sent heat running to my cheeks, and even the tips of my ears.
His Highness Christopher smiled wider, and his blue eyes softened.
“Sorry, Elli. I’ve caused you a lot of misunderstandings and anxiety.”
I felt like I was going to tilt my head, but I stiffened because His Highness was still touching me. His Highness laughed mischievously, “Fufu,” and then began talking, “Actually, four years ago… or perhaps I should say, it was actually almost 10 years ago… No, wait, yeah. Old man Bernstein and the Marquis gave me some conditions when I got engaged to you.”
“Conditions?”
“Yes. The first was to get the marriage approved by the nobles without using the Bernstein’s hidden name. The second was… to make you more interested in me than books.”
I was at a loss for words. His Highness laughed, faintly traced my cheeks then pulled his hands away.
“The deadline was four years. It was until you came of age. If the conditions aren’t met by this time, then the engagement would be cancelled, and you, Alfred and the Marquis… would be pulled from court and confined in your fief.”
“Oh…”
I didn’t know this at all. I wanted to say, but it was completely different from what I had initially heard. His Highness sighed a little.
“And even when you came of age, I couldn’t force our marriage. Sorry. I made you feel uneasy.”
He looked me straight in the eyes and expressed his feelings of gratitude. I faltered faintly and tried to calm my fluttering pulse.
“… What if you told me this at the beginning?”
“Well…” his sky blue eyes looked off into the distance and stared at the air.
“If I had told Elli at that time, then you would have definitely replied with 『Why don’t you choose another fiancée instead of doing something so troublesome? 』.”
“……”
I couldn’t reply to him.
At that time, I was undoubtedly lured in by the bait called the royal palace archives. However, if he had told me the circumstances and asked me to agree even with that bait, then I would… refuse.
Free time or the Prince’s fiancée. ――― If I had to choose once, then I would have definitely chosen the first option at that moment. I can’t give up the time I have to read books.
“… I am sorry.”
“If you apologise now, then my position… No, well. Elli did show more interest in me than books in the end. Isn’t that right?”
A little… maybe. This was different from what I had expected. I’m sure my face twitched, and he looked at me while smiling.
His Highness was probably talking about when I went to return that book to him. On that occasion, I certainly viewed books as worthless.
――― I, 『Princess Bibliophile』viewed them as worthless.
“Your Highness…” I hesitated when I spoke. I know that I had misunderstood the situation and made assumptions about it. But not all of my emotions have caught up with me.
Until this morning, I thought that it would only be a matter of time before my engagement was annulled and that His Highness and Miss Irene were in a relationship where they both reciprocated each other’s feelings.
“Yes?” His Highness’s voice was gentle, and it unravelled my feelings. He lightly, but firmly showed me his intent, and held my hands which were on my lap.
“I made you more anxious because of what had happened with Miss Irene, didn’t I? I’m really sorry… I’ve been keeping an eye on her ever since the incident with the Zelga counterfeits. At first, I had let her go because she was only spreading silly rumours. But, I don’t know if she took advantage of this, or her father instigated her, but she started aiming for your life. From that point, I wanted to catch her.”
His Highness changed from serious to annoyed, and then a frown appeared on his handsome face.
“But then, the mastermind, Viscount Parcas, might have feigned ignorance at the expense of his daughter. Alex explained this to me, so I had no choice but to place skilled guards around you and tried to get evidence on Viscount Parcas… But, they showed me their useless talents. They were acting so suspiciously, but I couldn’t find any evidence.”
Watching him glare off in the opposite direction as he recalled this in irritating while pushing his hair back, startled me.
His Highness Christopher behaves in public precisely like his reputation, but sometimes he would even act like this while managing government affairs or when he was with his inner circle. It was as if he was showing his genuine self, and it made women feel as if they were special. He is so sinful.
With me having such an impression, His Highness laughed scornfully for a second. It was the first time I’ve seen him act like this, and I was terror-stricken.
“And they even prepared assassins while I was flustered. The poison used by Miss Irene was not lethal, and seemed like the type that would make someone a bit sick…. But, I thought that I had no time to choose the method.” He ended his sentence with that and showed his anger. His Highness tried to suppress his thirst for blood.
“Glenn and Alex also sounded out Miss Irene, but they couldn’t gather anything special. I know what it looked like when I was investigating her myself… So I had no other choice but to keep you away from the royal palace for a bit, Elli.”
“… So, you got my aunt’s cooperation?”
“Yes,” His Highness sighed and nodded. He got up, took long strides to the desk, picked up a book and looked back at me.
“But in the end, it caused you to come to a misunderstanding. My mind really went blank at that time… Well, but thanks to that, you were made aware of me,” he said, smiled and wholly regained his composure. He continued to smile as he walked back and sat down next to me again.
He stared at me with his kind and somewhat mischievous eyes, and it was like he could see the change in my heart.
I suddenly realised that blood was flowing to my cheeks. To what extent was I under his control?
“But, I really regret that I hurt you enough for you to give me back this book. I’ve been searching for this book for a long time for you. I wanted to see you happy… Will you receive it again?”
He offered me the rare book that I had given back to him the other day.
The feelings of loss I felt when I had parted with this book, and the feelings which had faded was refreshed in my mind. My chest felt tight.
The thoughts, this was a little present to give me, and it wasn’t anything special, swirled in my mind.
But now, those thoughts had been overturned, and His Highness stared at me while looking serious and tense. Feelings that I couldn’t put into words swelled up within me.
He searched for this book for me. He wanted to see me happy.
“Yes… Thank you very much, Prince Christopher.”
I frantically fought the urge to run away as if I was reliving the feelings I had felt at that time while staring back at His Highness.
His Highness relaxed when I received the book. He wasn’t acting. He was really relieved.
“… Elli.”
His Highness grasped my hand again and smiled beautifully as he looked at me.
His sparkling smile, and approaching blue eyes looked as if they were silently urging me to close my eyes.
“Your Highness…” I opened my mouth as usual in this sweet aura.
“――― What is the hidden name of my family?”
His Highness’s face which was on the verge of touching me, sunk… “Can’t you ask that later, Elli?” His mutter sounded somewhat sorrowful.
Did I say something, inexcusable?
He softly sighed sadly. He pressed the corner of his eyes as if to change his mood and aligned his eyesight with mine again.
“Before I tell you that, I will tell you this, so you don’t misunderstand.”
“Okay.”
“I don’t want you by my side because of the Bernstein’s hidden name. I want you to keep that in mind.”
His beautiful blue eyes captured me and didn’t let me go. He has been calling me by my pet name for a while now, but I don’t even care about that.
His Highness’s smile became somewhat intense as I faltered.
“If you don’t believe me, then I don’t mind pushing you down right now.”
What?!
I quickly backed away and nodded like a bobby doll.
He began speaking with a smile.
The hidden name of my family is 『Brains of Southlynd』. Only the royal family and a small number of people know this. The Kings who the Bernstein House have served have prospered equally.
“That… is an honour…”
I was a bit puzzled.
Hasn’t my House just been a group of book-lovers for generations? Even father and brother aren’t the exception…
His Highness’s voice is mixed with bitter laughter, “Both Marquis Bernstein and Alfred have been outstanding ever since they started working in court. But, they didn’t desire promotions because of the Bernstein trait, and just wanted to be surrounded by books. So, the Prime Minister, Alex, and some others wanted to be appointed in their post and are always looking out for the opportunity to do so.”
“Oh…”
It seems that father and brother didn’t take on heavy responsibilities because I was chosen as His Highness’s fiancée.
Once again, I was surprised by the truth that he had revealed, and at the same time, I fully understood that it was because of my House’s hidden name, that conditions were applied to a proposal from the royal family.
However… in spite of this, my House has only weak and puny nobles in political relations.
His Highness laughed, “It’s good that the Bernstein House doesn’t put much importance on their abilities, but it is also a weakness. They’ve been working in the archives for generations because of this.”
No, Your Highness. That is the best job for Bernstein people.
“Elli, you’ve also shown that ability too. Don’t you remember?”
His Highness puffed out as if he was about to laugh as he watched me frown, “Jeez. ――― The embezzlement case in Weimar.”
He hinted, and I traced my memories.
If I’m not mistaken, that had happened when I first became His Highness’s fiancée. I wasn’t used to reading in his office at that time, so I listened in on the conversation between His Highness and Lord Alexei, and that was how it started.
Translator: Blushy
Editor: delishnoodles
I remained in a daze as His Highness kept his hands on my waist, and we walked down the familiar corridor, which lead to his office.
His Highness heard more about the situation at the river from Sir Glenn, who looked tired and gave him further instructions. We joined up with Prince Theodore and Lord Alexei, who was waiting for His Highness half-way to the office.
I finally realised now that these two weren’t present at the stage play. Did His Highness’s close aides all appear because they were worried that it would have looked like a really well-devised plot? In the books that my aunt made me read to her, the main characters were always on the stage.
…… No.
When did this stage begin and what kind of plot was prepared?
Wasn’t my role 『Princess Bibliophile』? Did I misread the script somewhere?
My head was turning in chaos.
Prince Theodore, who was returning a book to His Highness, took a quick look at me in concern, “――― Elli? Are you alright?”
His ultramarine eyes, which were deeper than His Highness’s, looked at me with sincerity.
“I’m sorry. I’m sure Christ told you, but I kept you away from the archives because of the dangers. The staff also kept you away because we were worried about you. They were all worried that you might have been offended by this. There’s nothing to be concerned about anymore, so you can use the archives like you used to.”
This is the same Prince Theodore, whom I know from when we would discuss books. Without knowing, I relaxed and sighed in relief.
“… Okay.”
Prince Theodore suddenly let out a small mischievously laughter.
“Even so… You’ve done it, Chris. I didn’t think you would use that situation to press your marriage forward.”
They must have seen the whole thing from somewhere. His Highness’s changed entirely from somewhat displeased, and he smiled vividly.
“The early bird gets the worm. My last barrier, Viscount Casull, has also been removed. With this, old man Bernstein won’t have anything to complain about.”
I looked up at His Highness curiously when he said my grandfather’s name. Prince Theodore smiled somewhat sadistically.
“I thought it was almost time for the finale, so you should thank me for calling Elli, Chris. ――― Well, personally, I wouldn’t have cared if the situation got worse.”
His Highness suddenly dishevelled as if he was scuffed.
“I’m sure I’ve told you many times to stop acting as if you’re in love with your nephew’s fiancée… How much younger do you think Elli is from you?”
“You lolicon,” I think I heard words that sounded like something His Highness wouldn’t say. I’m sure it was just my imagination.
“It’s common for there to be an age difference in marriages between nobles. Besides, I’m the one who gets along with her the best. But a certain someone always glares at me.”
“It’s because you’re overly familiar with her, Uncle! And, stop calling her in a friendly manner, Elli this and Elli that!”
… Where did His Highness, who had calmly exposed other’s crimes from a while ago, go?
I watched their exchange with my eyes sparkling, and a frosty voice containing displeasure spoke, “Please keep your banter at that. There’s a pile of new work to do thanks to the clean-up and Your Highness’s words.”
“Ah,” Sir Glenn hung his head down exhaustingly.
“Seriously… Give me a break. You can’t just wrap everything up suddenly no matter how much you’re being pestered about the deadline. We collected evidence in three days for a case that we’ve been secretly investigating for a month. Are you planning to work us to death? I’ll freaking resent you if my guards start wanting to change their post one after the other.”
“Geez,” Lord Alexei didn’t try to hide his irritation.
“Isn’t it about time to let the 『Brains of Southlynd』go back to their secluded life after we dragged them out onto the main stage for the first time in several generations? What the heck was the handsome Prince doing when he had four years?” This was the relentless Sir Alexei’s sarcasm. His Highness looked sullen.
“I didn’t want Elli as my partner just because she’s a Bernstein.”
“I know. Please confess your first love to her while you two are alone. It’s absurd, and I can’t stand listening to it.”
Lord Alexei flipped through the bundle of paper indifferently like usual. Then, a new member appeared with a bright voice, “――― Honestly, the handsome Prince is actually such a good-for-nothing. If she had known, Ireeeennne would have taken a different offence.”
It was Alan, the Royal Maestro with honey-coloured hair. He laughed mischievously.
He quickly took my hand as soon as he reached us and dropped his mouth on it. His cunning green eyes captured me.
“Let me introduce myself again, Miss Elianna Bernstein. I’m Alan Ferrera. I’m the one who spread your nickname as ‘Fairy Princess’. I’ll be happy if you treat me as close as Alex and the others from now on.”
Fairy Princess?
I blinked and denied in my mind. What kind of joke is this?
To tell the truth, I had another nickname when I was staying at the fief. It was… 『Ghost of the Library』.
My light blonde hair, which I had inherited from my late mother, was thin and spread out messily. It looks as if my hair faintly floats in the dim-darkness. Also, my skin paler than white because I only read books in a room, and I’m expressionless because I prefer books over people.
Those features of mine further enhanced the image of a ghost.
Children at the fief also used me to test their courage, and whenever I stayed in the study at night when the weather wasn’t good, a new maid would see me, shriek and run away, “I-it appeared ―――.”
… How long was I treated as a ghost? 『Princess Bibliophile』is much better when compared to that inhuman treatment. No, that title might be equal to honour for someone of the Bernstein House.
Therefore book-worm becomes 『Princess Bibliophile』.
When I denied the Fairy Princess nickname in my mind, His Highness Christopher quickly tore Alan’s hand off mine.
“Why didn’t you stop the situation before it turned out like that? Even if the result was good, it would be hard for you to act now that you’ve revealed yourself.”
“Eh?” Lord Alan countered, unabashed.
“Your Highness, you were the one who wanted to call the Viscount and settle things. It didn’t seem like she would break out of her delusions if she weren’t treated in the same way as the Viscount. It was frustrating because we couldn’t create a decisive setting because Your Highness kept Miss Elianna away from the royal palace. It was meant to be.” It sounded as if he was teasing His Highness as he spoke in a straightforward and bright voice.
“Isn’t it the right time to tell people my real identity? The Queen, the women around her and the smart ladies had already found out my real identity a long time ago. More like, whenever I’m around, His Highness gets overprotective and doting…” Lord Alan was roughly silenced. I just fluttered my eyes at His Highness who had done that.
“Excuse me…” Still, I remembered the words that had bothered me and apologised to Lord Alan. I should thank him if he is a trusted aide of His Highness, and keeps an eye on me behind the scenes.
“I’m very sorry for never noticing you up until now. I will be careful in the future. Lord Royal Maestro.”
“…… It’s Alan.”
“So you really didn’t notice me once in these four years, even though you’re supposed to be a woman who evenly matches His Highness… Hahaha,” Lord Alan looked blank as if he had lost some confidence.
I felt awful. I’m not good in high society because I’m bad at remembering people’s faces.
If it is a book, then I can remember it no matter how diverse it is.
Lord Alan looked offended when His Highness scoffed. He half-closed his eyes as if he was at ease.
“Well, unlike some Prince, I wouldn’t ask for her aunt’s help to keep her away from the royal palace and cause misunderstandings that made her want to give up on her love. ――― Well, whatever? When Miss Elianna threw the book you gave her, back at you…, An insignificant someone… looked as white as ash.”
In front of His Highness, who had stiffened, “Oh?” Prince Theodore interrupted amusingly.
“A Bernstein threw a book? That’s like… the sun rising in the west,” Sir Glenn said in a disheartened tone.
“Hey… Give me a break. That was the motive for something descending, or something.” His personality seeped out. This time, Sir Glenn’s eyes became teary, and he stared blankly off into the distance. Was he made to work very hard on this incident?
I, who had learnt consideration and sympathy, reflected. I finally understood now that I had behaved immaturely at that time.
In the end, they were all just my misunderstandings and assumptions. I can’t blame Miss Irene for this either.
Then, “――― Elli,” a voice called from behind me, and I turned around. Brother was the one who was walking quickly towards us, and yet I was being influenced by him.
Without knowing, my tension started unravelling when I saw my family’s face.
“Brother.”
He looked at me when he came closer, and his grey eyes, which were the same as father’s, looked at me questioningly, “I heard there was a commotion… Are you alright?”
He gently brushed my fringe aside in worry. He hasn’t changed since we were little. I loosened up while he was checking my condition.
“Yes.”
Miss Irene had complicated expectations, but if things went the way she wanted, then I would have caused a great deal of trouble to brother and father.
This isn’t a play, it’s reality. I was finally able to realise this when I felt the warmth from brother’s hand.
“Well… I don’t think anything would have happened to you since Prince Christopher was there,” he said as he looked up at His Highness, who had approached us. His Highness regained his sparkling smile.
“Tell old man Bernstein and the Marquis that all the conditions have been met… I would appreciate it if they can close their eyes to the fact that the deadline has passed.”
Brother nodded with an ironic smile. “I’ll tell them, but…” he said. However, his tone changed, “If you make my sister look like that again, I won’t let you mobilise the Bernstein’s brains.”
His Highness’s face twitched a little. “――― I know,” the voice he replied with was also a little stiff.
Lord Alexei interfered with a sigh. He gave some papers to brother, “Now then… about the holiday that you applied for, the Prime Minister will collapse from being overworked in three days if you’re not here, Fred. The finance office is the same. Without Marquis Bernstein, the office would undoubtedly become chaotic, and that would interfere with the recovered treasury again. ――― So, I’ve borrowed His Highness’s authority and turned down both your applications.”
“Well… I thought that would happen,” brother sounded as if he’d given up. I knew that Lord Alexei and brother are both civil officials and that they were on friendly terms.
Brother examined the papers and dropped his shoulders. He probably was the same as father and wanted to snatch a holiday so that he could spend all his time reading. I was the only one who had gained this privilege, and I felt terrible.
Lord Alexei’s icy-blue eyes became sharp as if he’d seen through brother’s motive. “People of the Bernstein House,” he began, and brother interrupted him in a panic.
“Oh, uhh… Your Highness and Elli too. Your Majesty and the Prime Minister has summoned you both. They want you to report the details of this incident.”
This time, His Highness pulled me while flustered.
“Please tell them to give me a little more time since this is urgent. It’s a serious matter related to the survival of the royal family. ――― Uncle and Alex, explain the situation to them first,” he informed them quickly. He kept his hands on my shoulders, and we left as if he was running away.
His close aides looked at us in shock. A question mark floated in my mind again.
A serious matter related to the survival of the royal family…?
Translator: Blushy
Editor: delishnoodles
His Highness took me to his office. The maid served the tea, and then His Highness dismissed her. It was just the two of us in this room.
First and foremost, I have something that I really want to ask him.
… Why are you sitting next to me, Your Highness?
You’re drinking tea gracefully even though you had said that it was an urgent matter regarding the survival of the royal family. He sighed, and it sounded like he was relieved.
He turned towards me and slowly reached out to me. His Highness’s hands which looked on the verge of touching me, or not, was on my cheeks. His fingertips touched my ears, and even my messy hair.
“I’ve finally caught you.”
The sweet smile, which I have never seen before, sent heat running to my cheeks, and even the tips of my ears.
His Highness Christopher smiled wider, and his blue eyes softened.
“Sorry, Elli. I’ve caused you a lot of misunderstandings and anxiety.”
I felt like I was going to tilt my head, but I stiffened because His Highness was still touching me. His Highness laughed mischievously, “Fufu,” and then began talking, “Actually, four years ago… or perhaps I should say, it was actually almost 10 years ago… No, wait, yeah. Old man Bernstein and the Marquis gave me some conditions when I got engaged to you.”
“Conditions?”
“Yes. The first was to get the marriage approved by the nobles without using the Bernstein’s hidden name. The second was… to make you more interested in me than books.”
I was at a loss for words. His Highness laughed, faintly traced my cheeks then pulled his hands away.
“The deadline was four years. It was until you came of age. If the conditions aren’t met by this time, then the engagement would be cancelled, and you, Alfred and the Marquis… would be pulled from court and confined in your fief.”
“Oh…”
I didn’t know this at all. I wanted to say, but it was completely different from what I had initially heard. His Highness sighed a little.
“And even when you came of age, I couldn’t force our marriage. Sorry. I made you feel uneasy.”
He looked me straight in the eyes and expressed his feelings of gratitude. I faltered faintly and tried to calm my fluttering pulse.
“… What if you told me this at the beginning?”
“Well…” his sky blue eyes looked off into the distance and stared at the air.
“If I had told Elli at that time, then you would have definitely replied with 『Why don’t you choose another fiancée instead of doing something so troublesome? 』.”
“……”
I couldn’t reply to him.
At that time, I was undoubtedly lured in by the bait called the royal palace archives. However, if he had told me the circumstances and asked me to agree even with that bait, then I would… refuse.
Free time or the Prince’s fiancée. ――― If I had to choose once, then I would have definitely chosen the first option at that moment. I can’t give up the time I have to read books.
“… I am sorry.”
“If you apologise now, then my position… No, well. Elli did show more interest in me than books in the end. Isn’t that right?”
A little… maybe. This was different from what I had expected. I’m sure my face twitched, and he looked at me while smiling.
His Highness was probably talking about when I went to return that book to him. On that occasion, I certainly viewed books as worthless.
――― I, 『Princess Bibliophile』viewed them as worthless.
“Your Highness…” I hesitated when I spoke. I know that I had misunderstood the situation and made assumptions about it. But not all of my emotions have caught up with me.
Until this morning, I thought that it would only be a matter of time before my engagement was annulled and that His Highness and Miss Irene were in a relationship where they both reciprocated each other’s feelings.
“Yes?” His Highness’s voice was gentle, and it unravelled my feelings. He lightly, but firmly showed me his intent, and held my hands which were on my lap.
“I made you more anxious because of what had happened with Miss Irene, didn’t I? I’m really sorry… I’ve been keeping an eye on her ever since the incident with the Zelga counterfeits. At first, I had let her go because she was only spreading silly rumours. But, I don’t know if she took advantage of this, or her father instigated her, but she started aiming for your life. From that point, I wanted to catch her.”
His Highness changed from serious to annoyed, and then a frown appeared on his handsome face.
“But then, the mastermind, Viscount Parcas, might have feigned ignorance at the expense of his daughter. Alex explained this to me, so I had no choice but to place skilled guards around you and tried to get evidence on Viscount Parcas… But, they showed me their useless talents. They were acting so suspiciously, but I couldn’t find any evidence.”
Watching him glare off in the opposite direction as he recalled this in irritating while pushing his hair back, startled me.
His Highness Christopher behaves in public precisely like his reputation, but sometimes he would even act like this while managing government affairs or when he was with his inner circle. It was as if he was showing his genuine self, and it made women feel as if they were special. He is so sinful.
With me having such an impression, His Highness laughed scornfully for a second. It was the first time I’ve seen him act like this, and I was terror-stricken.
“And they even prepared assassins while I was flustered. The poison used by Miss Irene was not lethal, and seemed like the type that would make someone a bit sick…. But, I thought that I had no time to choose the method.” He ended his sentence with that and showed his anger. His Highness tried to suppress his thirst for blood.
“Glenn and Alex also sounded out Miss Irene, but they couldn’t gather anything special. I know what it looked like when I was investigating her myself… So I had no other choice but to keep you away from the royal palace for a bit, Elli.”
“… So, you got my aunt’s cooperation?”
“Yes,” His Highness sighed and nodded. He got up, took long strides to the desk, picked up a book and looked back at me.
“But in the end, it caused you to come to a misunderstanding. My mind really went blank at that time… Well, but thanks to that, you were made aware of me,” he said, smiled and wholly regained his composure. He continued to smile as he walked back and sat down next to me again.
He stared at me with his kind and somewhat mischievous eyes, and it was like he could see the change in my heart.
I suddenly realised that blood was flowing to my cheeks. To what extent was I under his control?
“But, I really regret that I hurt you enough for you to give me back this book. I’ve been searching for this book for a long time for you. I wanted to see you happy… Will you receive it again?”
He offered me the rare book that I had given back to him the other day.
The feelings of loss I felt when I had parted with this book, and the feelings which had faded was refreshed in my mind. My chest felt tight.
The thoughts, this was a little present to give me, and it wasn’t anything special, swirled in my mind.
But now, those thoughts had been overturned, and His Highness stared at me while looking serious and tense. Feelings that I couldn’t put into words swelled up within me.
He searched for this book for me. He wanted to see me happy.
“Yes… Thank you very much, Prince Christopher.”
I frantically fought the urge to run away as if I was reliving the feelings I had felt at that time while staring back at His Highness.
His Highness relaxed when I received the book. He wasn’t acting. He was really relieved.
“… Elli.”
His Highness grasped my hand again and smiled beautifully as he looked at me.
His sparkling smile, and approaching blue eyes looked as if they were silently urging me to close my eyes.
“Your Highness…” I opened my mouth as usual in this sweet aura.
“――― What is the hidden name of my family?”
His Highness’s face which was on the verge of touching me, sunk… “Can’t you ask that later, Elli?” His mutter sounded somewhat sorrowful.
Did I say something, inexcusable?
He softly sighed sadly. He pressed the corner of his eyes as if to change his mood and aligned his eyesight with mine again.
“Before I tell you that, I will tell you this, so you don’t misunderstand.”
“Okay.”
“I don’t want you by my side because of the Bernstein’s hidden name. I want you to keep that in mind.”
His beautiful blue eyes captured me and didn’t let me go. He has been calling me by my pet name for a while now, but I don’t even care about that.
His Highness’s smile became somewhat intense as I faltered.
“If you don’t believe me, then I don’t mind pushing you down right now.”
What?!
I quickly backed away and nodded like a bobby doll.
He began speaking with a smile.
The hidden name of my family is 『Brains of Southlynd』. Only the royal family and a small number of people know this. The Kings who the Bernstein House have served have prospered equally.
“That… is an honour…”
I was a bit puzzled.
Hasn’t my House just been a group of book-lovers for generations? Even father and brother aren’t the exception…
His Highness’s voice is mixed with bitter laughter, “Both Marquis Bernstein and Alfred have been outstanding ever since they started working in court. But, they didn’t desire promotions because of the Bernstein trait, and just wanted to be surrounded by books. So, the Prime Minister, Alex, and some others wanted to be appointed in their post and are always looking out for the opportunity to do so.”
“Oh…”
It seems that father and brother didn’t take on heavy responsibilities because I was chosen as His Highness’s fiancée.
Once again, I was surprised by the truth that he had revealed, and at the same time, I fully understood that it was because of my House’s hidden name, that conditions were applied to a proposal from the royal family.
However… in spite of this, my House has only weak and puny nobles in political relations.
His Highness laughed, “It’s good that the Bernstein House doesn’t put much importance on their abilities, but it is also a weakness. They’ve been working in the archives for generations because of this.”
No, Your Highness. That is the best job for Bernstein people.
“Elli, you’ve also shown that ability too. Don’t you remember?”
His Highness puffed out as if he was about to laugh as he watched me frown, “Jeez. ――― The embezzlement case in Weimar.”
He hinted, and I traced my memories.
If I’m not mistaken, that had happened when I first became His Highness’s fiancée. I wasn’t used to reading in his office at that time, so I listened in on the conversation between His Highness and Lord Alexei, and that was how it started.
Translator: Blushy
Editor: delishnoodles
