Behind Lady Citroen, the head butler was looking at me with a cold expression, as if to say, “What are you doing?” If there’s any solace, it’s that Lady Citroen was barely managing a forced smile.
“I have known the young master for a long time, but there is nothing between them, so please don’t worry.”
The butler whispered that.
Why on earth must I be misunderstood with this guy?
“Yes, indeed, my lovely young lady. He and I are what you might call schoolmates.”
As if mustering the strength to stand up, Vander’s arm, which had been supporting him, lightened.
Just when I was feeling relieved, that guy… Unbelievably, he made a smacking sound and kissed my cheek.
“This is the extent of our relationship.”
He laughed heartily, so I shouted, “Ugaaaah!” and wanted to punch him. Just a moment ago, he seemed like he would faint, but he gracefully dodged and stepped forward in front of Lady Citroen.
“To the goddess who has pierced the heart of a friend. May I have the honor of greeting you?”
He bowed respectfully.
How pretentious… But this is just how he is.
I was bitterly thinking like that when Lady Citroen nodded with a truly loving smile. She was a remarkable person.
Moreover, today’s dress is super cute. The outfit I saw at breakfast was adorable, but this one suits her just as well.
What is that? Why does she keep hitting my preferences one after another? Is there some commander orchestrating this? For my conquest.
As I was just gazing at her, I remembered that I had heard she was practically confined at Crown Prince Ariel’s place.
In social gatherings or when the crown prince took her out, it was said that it was that woman named Maille.
Surely, King Tania and Lord Barrymore must have provided Lady Citroen with many outfits and dresses.
So she wouldn’t feel embarrassed no matter where she went.
So that no one would say she wore the same outfit twice.
She must have entered the Luminous Kingdom feeling the weight of a whole nation behind her, yet.
I’m sure most of the clothes she’s wearing now have never been seen by anyone in Luminous.
There had been no opportunities to wear them, and no one to see her.
No one would have said, “You look great,” or “How lovely.”
As I noticed all this and felt a bit uneasy, Lady Citroen smoothly extended her right hand to Vander. Vander took her hand. I was suddenly overwhelmed with the impulse to swat it away.
“I am Vander, assisting my father in the Earl of Sheen’s territory. Please treat me kindly.”
He kissed the back of Lady Citroen’s hand.
And that…
It was so picturesque it was infuriating.
“I am Citroen. It is my pleasure to meet you.”
Her pink lips blossomed into a smile.
Ah, such a waste. I want to be the only one to see that smile, yet she showed it to this man.
“I see, no wonder my friend fell for you at once.”
I wanted to punch Vander, who was grinning.
“That’s not true at all. It was I who fell in love.”
Lady Citroen said bashfully, causing me to stare at her.
From her bright red ears to her flushed cheeks, it seemed she was speaking her true feelings.
While I felt a bit happy about that, I also wanted to ask, “Is it really okay? Because it’s me.”
“You have a keen eye to recognize that man’s worth.”
Vander took Lady Citroen’s hand and escorted her to the sofa.
“Tea, please.”
I called out to the butler.
The butler bowed as if to say that the farce was finally over and exited the room.
I sat next to Lady Citroen, with Vander sitting across from us.
“That was a gift from him.”
I leaned in to whisper, and she shrugged her shoulders playfully, looking at where I pointed with my thumb.
“My, is that a whale bone? Or a dolphin’s?”
She widened her eyes, clearly surprised.
“Have you seen whales or dolphins before?”
The Tania Kingdom is mountainous. The sea is far away. I thought seafood was imported from other allied kingdoms.
“No… um… well… it’s a skeleton model. From my tutor.”
Lady Citroen explained in a flustered manner.
“Ah, I see. They were popular, those skeleton models.”
Geology had been a trend a decade or so ago.
Fossils of giant reptiles and bones of massive beasts, whose forms were entirely unknown, had emerged from ancient layers, sparking a huge boom in skeleton models.
In the homes of wealthy merchants and within the royal palace, various skeleton models hung from the ceilings like mobiles.
“I’m glad you liked it.”
Vander smiled.
“Surely, not all the bones are in that box, right?”
I remarked sarcastically, but Vander remained unfazed.
“I think there were furs and dried grass too.”
No, bring something more mundane, you idiot.
“That dress suits you very well.”
Vander rested his chin on his knee and leaned forward to smile at Lady Citroen.
“Thank you.”
Seeing Lady Citroen thank him, I grimaced, realizing I should have been the one to say it first.
As expected, Vander smirked triumphantly. Damn it.
As I was grinding my teeth, I caught a glimpse of Lady Citroen looking up at me with her purple eyes.
I… I must say something!! I must say something!!
“Ah, the morning outfit was lovely, but this one is nice too! It’s… um… how should I put it? It’s very summery! Flower-like, or rather, there’s that tiny, red fruit-bearing flower. It’s similar to the color of that flower, isn’t it? Lady Citroen, your skin is beautiful, so it suits you well, or rather, it stands out. It captures the essence of the season, so to speak? No, that’s not right. Um…”
I desperately spat out words, but by that point, it became jumbled, and Vander was bowing his head, shaking with laughter. That jerk was laughing at me.
But…
Lady Citroen looked up at me and smiled brightly.
Her amethyst-like eyes, her delicate silver hair that seemed like it would vanish upon touch, and her glossy white skin.
All of that flooded into my vision at once.
And then I distinctly realized that Lady Citroen was smiling.
Just for me.
Is there anything more blissful than this?
“I’m so happy. Thank you. I’m glad I wore it.”
After saying that, she blushed a little and adjusted the chiffon part of her dress with her fingers, giving it a slight tug. It seemed like she was trying to make it look better, and it was incredibly cute. Really, it was so good.
I felt that way and suddenly realized.
Ah, I see.
Just thinking about it isn’t enough.
I have to express it out loud like this.
And it’s not just me; others need to convey it too.
I have to create opportunities for people to say it.
It doesn’t have to be any particular words, and it doesn’t have to be perfect; I just need to make sure my feelings are properly communicated.
…It’s a bit irritating that this man is the one who made me realize that.
