“Phil, please raise your face.”

Towards my words, he slowly lifted his head.

Through the gaps in his disordered silver hair, I could see his deep blue eyes.

“Phil, you are a knight, aren’t you? As a knight, don’t speak of dying unnecessarily! —Is what my Ragulen family would say.”

“…Well, your family has a point.”

“As a lord, a momentary weakness will result in your own demise! Not long ago, Count Orfels even tried to target you!”

“He did, didn’t he?”

Phil nodded and mysteriously stared at me.

I slowly took a deep breath.

“Phil, you misunderstand. Sure, I thought that I wouldn’t be able to meet you anymore. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to leave silently. I am going to properly speak with you… However, it seems that my resolve was for naught. For you to speak of dying so casually, then my sentiments for you are wasted!”

I raised my voice.

Regardless, I said what I wanted to say. Feeling refreshed, I smiled.

Confused, Phil blinked.

But before long, he opened his mouth in doubt.

“…Can I make a move?”

“Huh?”

“You don’t dislike me…?”

“Well, I don’t, but rather…”

“Then, may I present all of my fortune to you and ask you to be with me?”

“T, that’s…”

He’s saying—…

I averted my gaze.

“I’m not cunning enough to compete with those of a harem. Therefore, I will have to say no…”

“I know, that’s not what I’m asking for.”

Phil gently reached out and took my hand.

“All you have to do is stay with me.”

“…How selfish! I don’t want to be a kept woman!”

“Why would you be? I’m asking you to marry me.”

Phil’s grip was powerful.

I, who tried to free myself, paused.

“…Just now, what did you say?”

“I love you.”

“That’s not what you were saying—”

“You’re the only one I want to marry. I’ll definitely protect you. I’ll destroy all our opponents. Please, marry me!”

“What are you talking about?! You don’t need to force yourself like this! You’re the successor to the throne!”

“In a few years, I’ll be third in the line of succession! Moreover, my sister has three children! They’ll let me go! I don’t have the slightest intention of succeeding the throne either!”

“You can’t just decide that on your own! Surely, His Majesty has especially selected a good lady for you!”

“What does my brother know about me!? If you reject me, I’d rather die! I’d rather die than see you belong to another man!”

“Don’t say that!”

When I shouted back, I heard a heavy sigh from the door.

“…Philaude, you should heed the lady’s words.”

“Brother…”

Phil turned his face in a hurry.

In the doorway that had been left ajar, there stood his older brother… His Majesty Rosfeld.

He had a bitter expression and was clutching his forehead.

His Majesty Rosfeld, who sighed heavily once again, walked away. Only my brother was left in front of the open door. It should also be noted that Phil was currently embracing me.

“Phil, how much longer do you plan on holding Lucia? Let go of her and come here.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Just come, everything’ll be fine. I’ll ensure it’s a painless death.”

Alves spoke in a low voice. It sounded exactly like the rumbling of earth.

Phil immediately let go of me and stood up. Fully aware of what would happen next, Phil laughed—and bolted straight into the hallway. Alves chased after him.

As I gently peeked into the corridor from the doorway, I could see Phil being beaten by my brother.

---

***T/N: Phil’s being beaten to Phulp.

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