“Then, at least let me carry you to a place with a more stable footing. You can think of me as a horse.”

“Fufu, my such a strong steed you are.”

Not to mention, Zeldo was also tall. I was enjoying the higher view.

I didn’t know what destination he had in mind, but Zeldo walked straight ahead as he carried me. I asked him as I looked at his steps.

“You seem pretty accustomed to it. Do you often run on the beach?”

“I sometimes jog in the morning and evening during training camp… My hometown was also close to the sea. When I was little, I used to swim in the sea and look for crabs.”

“Sounds enjoyable. I admire you.”

“…In my country, it’s common for women to play and work just as hard, but… It seems that isn’t the case in this country.”

Oh, did I make him feel uncomfortable?

I smiled.

“I think it depends on the person. I’m in a position where I’ve been asked to become the crown princess. As such, I have to be more elegant than the others, right?”

“This, coming from a girl who swings her sword around every day until her uniform is torn apart?”

Oh, as expected of His Highness Zafield.

Prince Zafield managed to keep up perfectly with Zeldo’s stride.

Zeldo smirked at our exchange and gestured with his chin.

“Can you see those rocks? There’s a small, crescent-shaped beach up there. Apparently, it’s called ‘Lover’s Beach.’”

“Well, that’s romantic. Is there a reason for it?”

“I’ve only heard a little bit about it from a young lady in my class, but… More than a thousand years ago, a couple jumped into the sea and committed suicide. Because of their difference in status, they were going to be separated, so they ran off together.”

“So, a tragic love story…”

“No, that’s not the end of the story. After jumping into the sea, the two miraculously drifted ashore in a neighboring country and were saved. When they were swallowed up by the waves, they saw an enchanting young man with long white hair reaching out to them.”

…Why was I suddenly reminded of god?

But instead of an enchanting beauty, I pictured him as this busybody who was all excited and being like, “I did a good thing☆

Of course, I couldn’t just say, “Sounds like what the god I know would do.”  I decided to wait quietly for Zeldo to finish telling his story.

“After that, the two lived happily ever after in a neighboring country. That was how the beach we’re heading to become known as the Lover’s Beach. It is said to grant any unrequited love.”

So, that’s what it means.

From Zeldo’s perspective, Prince Zafield, who kept glancing at him, might be a nuisance.

Well, he is.

After hearing such a zealous invitation, I figured this was where I should draw the line.

As usual, I mischievously smirked.

“Is there a young lady Lord Zeldo wishes to bring to that secret beach?”

Obviously, I didn’t know who that young lady was or where she would come from.

When a woman told a man such a story, it meant that she was expecting an invitation. Even from the past few hours, I could tell that Zeldo was a proper gentleman. I was sure that he was popular at school, too. …Unlike Prince Zafield, he was more dedicated and serious.

Even though I wasn’t good at love, I hadn’t survived in the high society for nothing. When I said that a bit jokingly, Zeldo finally looked at me.

“I will only invite the one I want to be with… Even if it doesn’t come true in the end.”

“…Oh, my.”

…I was at a loss. His eyes were so sincere that I couldn’t find the right words to say right away.

“—Lady Lelouche!”

At that moment, I heard someone called out to me.

It was from a little distance away.

“Lumiere?”

As I turned around, clinging to Zeldo, I saw Lumiere being surrounded by savage-looking men a small distance away…

Former pirates, I take it?

“Excuse me.”

Alarmed, I jumped off from Zeldo’s arms. When I was serious, I could easily run in heels on the sand. A noble lady was just like that.

I passed by Prince Zafield, who tried to stop me, and in no time, I was right next to Lumiere and the others. Of course, I got a stern, “Who’s this?” But there was no need to lose my cool over something like that.

“Do you have any business with my precious friend?”

Lumiere was so cute as she clung to my arm. Of course, I had something to say to her too.

“How are you struggling to walk on this level of footing? Starting tomorrow, we’ll be increasing your walking training.”

“What—?! Even Lady Lelouche almost tripped just now—”

“That was obviously on purpose.”

Well, leaving that advice aside…

I smiled at the men who had vulgar expressions on their faces.

“I’m sorry, but she’s busy. If you want to play, please find someone else.”

“Then how about you play with us instead, Milady?”

“No thanks—only a god can play with me.”

I was destined to die in 17 days anyway.

To those who still had a long future ahead of them, any time spent with me would be virtually useless, right?

But they had no idea about my circumstances.

There were six of them. Everyone had weapons strapped against their waists. At first, I thought they were a bunch of sleazy men trying to pick up girls, but maybe they were trying to pick them up literally? I needed to reflect on myself.

Prince Zafield, who was acting as my escort, was starting to act strange.

In addition, I seemed to have upset them greatly.

“Cocky bitch—!”

The one at the front drew his sword. And without hesitation, he swung it down—

“Lady Lelouche!”

As Lady Lumiere screamed, I didn’t move a single step. I smiled fearlessly. Because, as expected, the tip of the sword stopped right in front of my nose.

“I can tell if it’ll hit or not. I haven’t trained every day for nothing—right, Teacher?”

“My heart almost stopped!”

Coming out to my sides were Prince Zafield and Zeldo. Maybe be because they saw the guy drawing his sword, the two of them also unsheathed their swords in a display of might.

The sight of those two dignified backs made me cry out in joy.

“I’ll go get my sword from the carriage, so please wait a moment. Hurrah! Actual combat experience!”

“You idiot!!”

Prince Zafield mocked me, but I didn’t have time to listen to him. It was a valuable opportunity to finally put everything I had learned into practice! Also, it was self-defense and therefore, it was legal!

As I eagerly returned to the carriage, I heard the voices of the men from behind me.

“I want to get this over with before Lelouche returns.”

“Easy enough.”

By the time I returned with a spring in my step, short sword in hand—all of the former pirates had been taken away. Not even a single one had been left behind.

Truly, it was such a shame!!!

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