At Sufia’s feet, Saute was dragging Haddy as if escorting him.

When called by Elynsia, Sufia seemed shocked, but soon smiled gracefully.

“With pleasure. Lady Jill, please join us.”

“Ah, yes…! Uh, the continuation of the lesson…”

“Then, me too.”

“As if I’d let you, Hadith! Can’t you see this mountain of documents!?”

Hadith, who tried to follow Jill, was tackled by Listeard.

“W-wait, Jill, help—”

“Good luck, Your Majesty!”

“You’re so cruel.”

“What a cruel fiancée she is.”

With those words, Vissel placed another stack of documents in front of Hadith who had been brought back to his office desk. Hadith looked desperate.

As Jill left, Rho leaped into her arms. Next, Listeard, with some documents in hand, also left the office. Frida turned around.

“I’m fine now, onii-sama…” (Frida)

“I, I know, but…” (Listeard)

“Since I’ll be going, I entrust all the complicated issues to you, Listeard!” (Elynisa)

Elynsia puffed out her chest, and Listeard said resentfully.

“I’d like for my older sister to take care of me, too. Just like what you’re trying to do with my little sister…”

“Let’s go, Natalie, Frida.”

“Ane-sama, stop pulling me!”

Elynsia was the first to leave. Camila, who was waiting in the hallway, whispered to Jill.

“She’s using her sisters as an excuse to escape from the sermon, isn’t she~?”

“I see, so Lady Elynsia isn’t good with domestic affairs…”

“Well, Captain neither.”

For saying something unnecessary, Jill tried to step on Zeke’s foot, but he evaded it. Listeard approached Sufia after seeing off Elynsia.

“Lady Elynsia, I leave my sisters to you. As you can see, Natalie is worried.”

“Yes.”

“I apologize. You must be busy, too. I’m sure you are—”

Halfway through, Listeard was at a loss for words. Feeling something was strange, Jill turned around.

As Listeard stood in front of Sufia, he seemed as if he had only realized something. On the other hand, Sufia was amazed. But soon, her ladylike smile returned.

“What’s wrong?”

“—Nothing.”

While holding the documents, Listeard also returned a smile. How unusual, Listeard usually wouldn’t hesitate, or show such an impeccable smile.

‘Kyu?’

In Jill’s arms, Rho was also tilting his head.

“How about this? Once things have settled down, I’d like to thank you again.”

“Huh? No, there’s no need for you to…”

“You’re Lady Jill’s tutor. As such, it’s only natural for me to thank you, considering that my sisters are getting in the way of your work. Then, excuse me.”

With the documents under his arm, Listeard turned on his heels. He was always quick to make a decision. Puzzled, Sufia put her hand on her cheek.

“I-is this really okay…?”

“Isn’t it nice? Actually, it’s like you were given more work.”

“That’s right, take what you can get, Sufia-chan.”

Both Zeke and Camila, who came to know each other in Veilburg, were friendly with Sufia. While she didn’t know what Listeard had in mind, Jill spoke.

“His Highness Listeard is a gentleman, so I don’t think he’ll do anything weird.”

“That’s… certainly. Fufu, it’s been a long time since I’ve stood before a true member of the Rave royal family, so I was nervous…”

“Sufia-chan, that’s just disrespectful. Recently, you just greeted His Majesty~”

“I’m sorry, but when I saw him in an apron, I fainted…”

“Well, it’s alright. At this point, it isn’t like he’d mind.”

…But he should?

However, Jill refrained from saying that.

I have to do my best, too. I don’t want to lose Her Highness Natalie…

Natalie’s engagement was linked to their marriage. If her marriage progressed smoothly, then she might not need to proceed with the engagement.

In that case, she needed to try and convince her parents.

When she was still 11-years-old, she didn’t have that much common sense. However, after serving in the military, she realized that her family was special. Leaving the country’s problem aside, Jill decided to focus on her family’s motto, ‘Strength is justice.’

Known as a warrior race, the Saber family was straightlaced and wasn’t interested in the authority. Nevertheless, they had pledged their allegiance to the Kingdom of Kratos, lest they suffer the repercussions. At the same time, if her family were to hear that the first Dragon Emperor in 300 years came to greet them, they should be thrilled. But if done poorly, they might not hesitate to start a war.

If the entire family was serious, Jill’s defeat was certain. She didn’t think she could take them on. Even if Hadith was unusually strong, only half of his magic had returned. Above all, he had a weak physique. Therefore, they’d have to consider their position in the enemy country.

Also, a strategy to get family approval for the marriage was also necessary.

That was when she recalled it.

The Saber Family had an old tradition that allowed couples to proceed with their marriages even if the family was opposed to it. Apparently, Jill’s parents also chose that path.

If Hadith and Jill managed to complete the trial as quickly as possible, they wouldn’t be able to complain.

Thus, as soon as Jill arrived in Kratos, following the guidance of the Saber family, she set off for the main residence while dragging Hadith and started climbing.

—and that was how it was.

“Your Majesty is really strong!”

When Jill said that with twinkling eyes, Hadith blushed in front of the campfire.

---

***T/N: 2023 and they’re still as close as ever!

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