If He Can’t Shield Her Completely
This might sound misleading, but while I’m not fond of him, I don’t dislike him either.
I simply thought of him as the efficient, self-centered type, so it was a genuine surprise to see he could be considerate of others.
(... No, no matter how I put it, that sounds awful. Oh well.)
It’s not like he heard me think that.
His silvery lashes lowered.
A cold wind blew, and his silver hair swayed gently.
I continued speaking, trying to bring the conversation to a close.
“That’s why I want her to fulfill her role. If Count Belnett is guilty of corruption, then he must be held appropriately accountable... but that has nothing to do with my personal feelings toward her.”
“As expected of someone who’s been handling royal duties in His Majesty’s place.”
“Was that a compliment?”
“I had no intent to insult.”
He answered plainly, then fell silent for a few seconds, as if in thought, before asking me:
“So... you’ve made your peace with it?”
“… I suppose that’s true. Personal sentiments and public responsibilities are separate matters.”
It was unexpected that I ended up having this sort of conversation with Lord Runken, but it turned out to be a valuable opportunity.
Putting things into words helped me organize my feelings once again.
(As Clementina the individual, I hate Veronica.)
Of course I do.
I know it’s a harsh way to say it, but I’d honestly like to meet anyone who does like her.
That said, as the Queen, I understand her utility—her value as a person.
(It would be a disaster if the royal bloodline ended. Well, I suppose it can’t be helped.)
And so, I’ve come to terms with my own feelings.
“Shall we call it a night?”
The wind was cold.
This seemed like a good stopping point, and it was about time we all headed back.
When I said that, Lord Runken let out a sigh.
“How very you.”
“… What do you mean by that?”
I tilted my head, unable to grasp his intent.
He nodded slightly.
“Yes. In my view, at least.”
Lord Runken seemed ready to wrap things up as well.
He stood from his seat and added:
“I just think... you deserve to chase your own happiness a bit more.”
“That’s—”
In other words, something like “You should just live your life however you want”, right?
I blinked in surprise.
I hadn’t expected him to say something like that.
Lord Runken seemed a little startled himself, as if realizing he’d just let something inappropriate slip.
“… My apologies. That was merely talking to myself.”
While I was still unsure how to respond, he quickly ended the conversation.
“Well then, until tomorrow. Let’s meet at the entrance to Nympée Lake. I’ll have your maid pass along the details.”
“… Understood.”
“Good night, Lady Clementina. Sweet dreams.”
With just those words, Lord Runken walked off.
Left behind were a somewhat surprised me, the knight Kevin, and my maid Sarasa.
As I stood up as well, Sarasa murmured with a hint of amazement:
“That was unexpected.”
“You think so too?”
I turned back to ask.
Sarasa nodded with a wry smile.
“Perhaps, now that the setting has changed, Lord Runken no longer feels the need to keep up appearances.”
“… Huh?”
“Come now, Lady Clementina. Let’s return to the inn. Nympée nights get cold.”
Sarasa said this as she gently draped a light blanket she’d been carrying over my shoulders.
“Sarasa. What do you mean by ‘no longer needs to keep up appearances’?”
Gratefully accepting the blanket, I asked her.
Sarasa tilted her head slightly and replied:
“Just what I said. He’s become quite open, don’t you think?”
“… Was he always like that? So…”
Kind, maybe?
Considerate?
Having someone suddenly be so kind can be, well, a bit scary.
It’s a terrible thing to think about someone, I know.
Unable to put that feeling into proper words, I was left flustered, when Sarasa nodded as if she understood.
“True, he might be hard to read. But from our perspective, observing from a distance—”
She paused briefly, as if debating whether to continue, then did.
“—They say the eyes are more expressive than the mouth, no?”
“… Are you saying he’s always been like that?”
(No way.)
If that were true, even I would have noticed something.
We’ve been working together for the past three years, after all.
To that, Sarasa blinked and tilted her head again.
“I’m not sure what exactly you mean by ‘like that’... but yes. I do believe Lord Runken has always been concerned for you, Lady Clementina.”
Her unexpected words left me momentarily speechless.
(Ugh... no way!)
I couldn’t exactly shout that in front of her.
Instead, I gave a bitter smile and tried to play it off.
“I never realized that…”
“Lord Runken is a strict man, after all. Come now, Lady Clementina, let’s go.”
Prodded along by Sarasa, I finally started to move again.
As for Lord Runken—well, that’s something to think about later.
(If Count Belnett’s misconduct causes Veronica to lose her standing—)
What would His Majesty do?
Would he protect her?
Without a doubt.
I’d bet all my remaining good fortune on that.
(But what if... even he can’t shield her completely?)
“…………”
Just thinking about that what if gives me a headache.
No doubt—it’ll lead to a fight.
Still, for now, I’ll focus on going to that location tomorrow before worrying further.
With that thought, I returned to the inn.
What do you think about this chapter?
