I visited the Republic of Ninorsk as a representative for the negotiation.

Alex-sama, restrained by the merchants, couldn’t move.

During that time, Elena was acting as my substitute in the mansion.

I needed to take advantage of her position as the crown prince’s fiancée to protect Alex-sama in the unlikely event the presence of the duke’s daughter was necessary.

In addition, I also wanted her to take care of our daughter, Anastasia. From Elena’s point of view, she should be no reason to look after Anastasia. However, she laughed and agreed, “It’s for the sake of my onee-chan.”

I had to do my best not only for Alex-sama, but also for Elena and Anastasia.

Accompanying me were Balakirev, as a consultant, and Alex-sama’s servant, Felix, who was also acting as my assistant.

Our ship crossed through the autumn North Sea. It was a merchant’s ship borrowed from the mayor of Arkhangelsk.

On an old-fashioned steamship, I stood on the deck and overlooked the foggy sea.

The wind froze my skin even though the coldest season had yet to fall upon us.

“What are you doing, Lady Alisa? That’s dangerous!”

The petite Felix approached me, wearing his butler’s garments as usual. He stared at me with his black eyes.

I laughed a little.

“It’s alright. I’ve taken proper measures against failing. Not to mention, I won’t fall into the sea.”

“Still, if anything were to happen to Lady Alisa, His Highness would kill me.”

“I don’t think Alex-sama would do that.”

“He’d definitely do it! How scary!”

Felix trembled in an exaggerated manner.

When I laughed, Felix also broke his charade.

“Well, what I’m trying to say is that’s how much His Highness cares about you. One more thing—”

“What is it?”

“—Lady Alisa is my precious master, never forget that.”

“I won’t forget it.”

“Should an emergency occur, I’ll protect you even if it means risking my life.”

For a moment, Felix became serious. Then, he smirked.

“Even if I look like this, I’m a follower of the Orleans-style chivalry.”

“…O, Orleans-style…?”

“In the old stories of chivalry, the servant falls in love with the lord’s wife—it’s actually quite the common stereotype.”

“What?!”

“Of course, I don’t mean ‘love’ as in ‘that’ way. I mean, it is a love enacted with the spirit of self-sacrifice, one performed while being fully aware that it’ll never blossom in court. Such is the story of chivalry…”

“Isn’t that just an affair?”

“It can be articulated that way, yes.”

Felix shrugged and gave me a mischievous look.

“But, as long as His Highness Alexander never specifies against it, I could be Alisa’s knight… and also her lover.”

Felix said such a thing with a childish expression.

I involuntarily felt refreshed.

“Hmm, although I too am fond of Felix, I only see you as a cute little brother.”

“I see. Boy, that hurts.”

Felix exaggeratedly acted as if he was in pain. Perhaps, he had been making fun of me the entire time.

“Also, I don’t think Felix will betray Alex-sama.”

Felix smiled.

“That much is obvious.”

The ship’s whistle echoed. I suddenly turned my gaze towards the sea.

Although the fog was deep, the opposite bank was faintly visible in the distance.

Ninorsk was on the other side of the North Sea from our Arkhangelsk. The distance was so close that it took less than half a day’s travel by sea.

However, it was the first country I ever visited. Moreover, I was on a serious mission. I was truly nervous.

Regardless, there wasn’t much worrying could do. To distract myself, I asked Felix.

“I’m sorry, Elena is a nuisance, isn’t she?”

“Really?”

“Well, Elena often hugs Felix and calls you adorable… Don’t you consider that troublesome?”

Well, it seemed that Felix wasn’t completely unhappy at being hugged by a beautiful girl such as Elena, nor at being regarded as cute by her.

Still, a problem was a problem. As her sister, it was my duty to apologize in her stead.

Felix put his hands on his hips and puffed his cheeks. I thought that his gesture was both childish and cute.

“It’s true! Elena treats me, a proper adult man, like a child, but…”

“…But?”

Felix muttered a little while blushing.

I seriously stared at Felix.

“Felix, could it be, about Elena…”

“—I don’t have any feelings for her! Oh, crap…”

Felix’s face grew even redder.

I chuckled. I could understand why Elena thought of him as cute.

“It’s alright, Felix, I’ll keep this a secret.”

“W, why should you?! It’s not that important!”

“Then, I shall inform Alex-sama and Elena.”

“T, that’s not good! It’s as if you’re saying I like Lady Elena! I don’t!”

“You keep saying that.”

I laughed while nodding.

The ship was finally approaching Ninorsk.

We had to help both Alex-sama and Arkhangelsk.

With my determination in my heart, I stared at the other side of the sea.

---

***T/N: Now, now, Felix towards Elena, that’s troublesome…

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