As we were engrossed in conversation, the banquet was drawing to a close.
“Lord Ein, any plans for tomorrow?”
“Nothing in particular…”
Having grown comfortable with each other, we’d begun addressing each other as “Lord Ein” and “Lord Sieg.” I had no obligations tomorrow either, as my father would be meeting with the Crown Prince, and I wasn’t required to attend.
“How about a hunt tomorrow?”
A hunt, huh… In this world, entertainment options were limited, so hunting was one of the popular pastimes among nobles.
“If I’d be a suitable companion, I’d gladly join you.”
“Good. Then I’ll send someone to fetch you in the morning, and we’ll meet again tomorrow.”
With that, we parted ways. He led every conversation, guiding me naturally, always maintaining control. Even with knowledge from my past life, I lacked experience in social settings…
And to think, he’s the fifth son of the Crown Prince… Not once did he mention politics. It had been a long time since I’d had such lighthearted conversation with someone else. I think I understand now why people are drawn to him. In a different time, he would have made a fine king. Then again, in a peaceful era, it would be difficult for the fifth son of a concubine to ascend the throne…
I felt a subtle sense of frustration at the hand fate had dealt him.
Upon returning to my room, guided by a castle maid, I noticed Lady Leila had returned as well.
“Lady Leila, thank you for your efforts tonight.”
She looked over when I spoke, appearing somewhat tired.
“Well…yes… It was a bit exhausting with so many people around…”
She looked like someone overwhelmed by the crowds of Tokyo after coming from the countryside—an amusing sight. I get it, though; I was the same at first.
Putting that aside…
“So, what did you discuss with Lady Carla?”
“The conversation was quite ordinary. Other young ladies were there too, so it was mostly things like how some nobleman’s son is handsome or the struggle of not being able to acquire a favorite tea leaf…”
I thought that even women might have gossipy conversations filled with intrigue about noble relations, but it seemed rather normal. Or perhaps they’d been considerate enough to keep it that way? Lady Carla had given the impression of being cool-headed and thoughtful, after all.
“And what did you discuss with His Highness, Prince Sieg?”
I hadn’t anticipated her asking that in return.
Yikes. Prince Sieg and I had been chatting enthusiastically about our ideal types in women, but there’s no way I could tell Lady Leila that. Of course, my type was a cute girl with silver hair and a laid-back vibe, like her.
Still, I had yet to express any feelings to Lady Leila, even though we were technically a married couple.
Since I hesitated to answer, she began staring at me, as if suspicious.
“Lord Ein…?”
Please stop looking at me with that gaze, as if I’d been unfaithful…
I somehow managed to cover it up, saying we’d just been chatting idly.
