Chapter Nine: Queen Catherine’s Visit

“…”

“…”

“…”

His Highness and Alice were both penetrated by Queen Catherine’s cold gaze. Catherine was 25 years of age. Her straight blond hair, wide eyes, and high bridge gave her a doll-like appearance. She was recognized as the woman who had healed the king’s broken heart following Queen Liliana’s death.

“Your Majesty!” 

His Highness said, his voice trembling.

Why do I feel like this… Something just doesn’t sit right with me. From the perspective of someone who decided to nurture His Highness to be the most refined prince there is, I can only see her as a horrible person for robbing him of his opportunity to grow. It’s trembling, but…

“Zeke, we’re going home.”

I can’t help but feel discouraged. 

After all, Queen Catherine’s voice is so…

“…Anime-like.”

“What did you say, Alice?”

“It’s nothing!”

That was close! 

People had so disregarded queen Catherine’s role inside the game that Alice wasn’t sure whether there were even any images of her, let alone a mention of her voice, which was understandable given the nature of Waku Academy. As a result, she had been unable to comprehend Queen Catherine’s personality.

“Could His Majesty be a lolicon?”

“Alice! Watch what you’re saying?!”

His Highness said, poking Alice’s side with his elbow.

“I’m sorry. It’s just that…”

“I get what you’re trying to say. After all, she could easily pass for my sister.”

Still… It isn’t good, no matter how I look at it. Given that such a childlike woman mended his Majesty’s heart… His Majesty’s choice of women is clearly messed up.

“…”

As Alice pondered that, she turned her eyes to Queen Catherine. 

I know I said she was doll-like just now, but this woman… It’s impossible to figure out her age. She could easily pass for someone in their early teens. My first choice is His Majesty; therefore, if His Majesty leans that way, I could have a shot…

“Though if he’s truly a lolicon, I’ll probably pass…”

“Stop it, Alice. I get what you’re trying to say, but this is far too disrespectful!”

A taciturn, expressionless, childlike woman. I always get angry at Waku Academy when I meet these kinds of characters. Why didn’t they put her in the spotlight more often, urgh…

“What are you two talking about?”

“It’s nothing!!!” 

Zeke exclaimed.

“That’s right! It’s nothing!!!”

Queen Catherine looked at them with a bit of dubious face as the two of them swiftly answered her query. She soon reverted to her usual expressionless look and continued to speak.

“I see. Well then, Zeke, we’re going home. Alice, thank you for looking after him. Zeke, get ready as soon as possible. The carriage is waiting outside.”

Queen Catherine said this before standing up and walking towards the door.

“Your Majesty!” 

His Highness yelled, looking at Queen Catherine’s back. Catherine turned around after being addressed.

“What?”

“It’s… I…”

“What?”

“I…”

As he confronted that unfathomable, expressionless face, His Highness paused.

“We’re leaving if you don’t have anything to say. After all, I’m swamped.”

“…”

Queen Catherine said before turning around once more. Stop there!!!

“Your Majesty!”

“What?”

“I realize that this is impolite, but I would recommend His Highness to study in our house!”

“That won’t be necessary.”

“Not necessary?”

“Zeke doesn’t need to study. Furthermore, Alice, what you did was an actual kidnapping. I’ll let it slip this time because the duke has already apologized. However, there won’t be a second time. Am I clear?”

Queen Catherine asked, tilting her head to the side. That position enhanced her cuteness. However, the things she said were not at all cute.

“That’s…”

“Queen Catherine! Alice hasn’t done anything wrong! I’m the one that came here willingly! That’s why…”

“That’s why I’m not punishing her. And I’m merely warning her not to do it again.”

“…”

His Highness’ visage darkened with sadness and loneliness as he heard that. It was a really sorrowful expression.

“Queen Catherine. Why did you say that His Highness doesn’t need to study?”

Ahh, I’m so annoyed.

“Because it is not.”

“Please tell me the reason!”

“Anything more, Alice, would be insulting. Even though you are the Salvato family’s daughter, this is not the way you should address your Queen.”

“But…”

“To begin with, Alice, what gives you the right to ask that?”

Queen Catherine inquired, her face bored. It implied that she was dealing with someone insignificant, uninteresting to her.

“I do have the right to ask.”

Alice said her rage on the verge of exploding.

“You don’t.”

“I do! After all…”

Of course, I have the right to ask!

“I’m His Highness’ fiancée!!! I can’t stand by and watch my future husband’s stepmother mistreat him!!!”

Ah, I’m so dead. This will definitely get me killed. Still, I couldn’t just stand by and watch. I mean, His Highness looked so sad… I wouldn’t say I liked watching him like that.

“That is why, Queen Catherine, as His Highness’ fiancée, I ask you. Why aren’t you willing to let His Highness study?!”

Alice could see His Highness’ surprised expression out the corner of her eye when she said that. It’s all right, Your Highness!

“I’m astonished. To think that you would speak to me in such a manner.”

Queen Catherine said, her face expressionless as she looked at Alice. On the other hand, His Highness had a worried expression on his face as he glanced at Alice.

“I’ll protect His Highness…”

Alice spoke softly so that only His Highness could hear her. His eyes widened as soon as he did. His current appearance was pretty adorable. 

Ah, this is definitely maternal love! It’s all right, Your Highness! Mama will protect you!!!

“You’re not entirely wrong, Alice.”

“…”

“Regardless of what happens, a future queen should be aware of certain things. Which is why I’ll tell you this once.”

Queen Catherine said before continuing to speak again.

“It isn’t necessary because Zeke is already knowledgeable.”

“…Excuse me?”

“He doesn’t need to undertake his king studies just yet. Even without them, Zeke possesses the attributes required of a king. I feel he should spend his time now having fun instead of thinking about studying.”

“What? Queen Catherine, d-do you really…”

“Hmmm? What’s wrong, Zeke?”

“Do you really believe that I have the qualities of a king?”

“Of course you do. You are brilliant, talented, and have the potential to become the greatest king in the kingdom’s history. Alen, too, would be delighted to serve a king like you. And, even though Alen is your half-brother, I’d like it if you could spoil him occasionally, Zeke.”

“Of course I will. That’s a given, but…”

Zeke was a little taken aback, but he pushed past his feelings and asked.

“Don’t you love Alen, Queen Catherine?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then… Wouldn’t it be better if he became king?”

“Why would it?”

“Even if you ask that I…”

“I’d be happier if you became king, Zeke. After all, you’re the older brother.”

“But you just said you adored Alen!”

“I did. But, Zeke, I adore you just as much as I adore him.”

“…”

“Zeke, what’s wrong?”

Queen Catherine, even if you ask him that…

“Uhm… Uhm…”

Just what in the world is going on?!

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