—The next day.

“Good morning, Lelouche. You came a bit late. Are you feeling unwell?”

“She returned home late yesterday, so she probably couldn’t wake up early.”

…Are these people stupid?

When I saw the two waiting for me in an empty classroom like usual, I couldn’t help but think that.

It was a bit misleading to phrase it as “like usual.” It was actually rare to see Zafield and Sazanjill together. He always came with a gift just before I finished my self-study.

There were mountains of handmade notebooks piled up on the desk today, as usual. Along with a paper bag that smelled delicious.

Prince Zafield leaned in and took something out of the bag.

“It’s cold today, so I brought you some soup. Would you like to drink it while it’s hot?”

“Oh my, thank you…”

“I also brought something, Lelouche. Between corn potage and chicken consommé, which one do you prefer?”

“I’ll have the potage.”

“Okay.”

Really, why are they acting as if nothing happened?

Maybe Prince Sazanjill was angry about what happened the other day? I was sure that Prince Zafield was astonished by my foolish actions. This pair of siblings getting along well was good and all… but, I felt like such a third wheel.

“Your Highness Sazanjill… About yesterday, did His Highness Zafield—”

“—I’ve heard about it.”

Prince Sazanjill didn’t even look up from the paper bag. While trying his best to identify the soups in the bag, he spoke the words calmly and matter-of-factly.

“Of course, I received a general report. I’m sorry to hear about the incident with the pirates. I’m glad that neither of you were injured. Also, it seems that you’ve deepened your relationship with Sir Isaac. When he returns to his home country, I plan to send him a letter saying that I’ll personally be there to see him off. Actually, why don’t we see him off together?”

But then, Prince Sazanjill offered me some soup and said, “Here,” and I couldn’t help but look down.

What kind of answer was that…? I threw away your precious gift right in front of your eyes. On top of that, the other day, I flirted with another man. And now you’re inviting me to see him off together? Are you trying to create an example or warn him? About whose woman I am?

Really… I didn’t understand Prince Sazanjill. And because of that, it seemed like I’d really have to lick god’s feet.

As I bowed my head and bit my lip, Prince Sazanjill called my name.

“Lelouche?”

“…No, it’s nothing. Anyway, Your Highness, there’s something I’d like you to explain to me.”

“Of course! Feel free to ask me anything!”

I raised my head and immediately took out my reference book.

The usual scene was warmer than the soup. It was all I could do to keep my eyes from getting soggy.

In the middle of the study session, the door suddenly slid open. A person stood there. I recognized him as a messenger of Prince Sazanjill, someone whom I had seen a few times before.

“Excuse me for interrupting you when you’re busy—just now, Asatida Coast was bombarded by a pirate ship.”

“…Understood. Let’s move to another location and hear the details. I’m sorry, Lelouche. I don’t know what’s happening. In the meantime, please compile all the parts you don’t understand. I’ll be sure to deliver an explanation to all of them later.”

Prince Sazanjill was clearly concerned, as he spoke quickly. He rushed to put away his notebook and other belongings.

As the one who was destined to become his wife, this was the only thing I could say.

“Don’t worry about me. Please do your best to carry out your duties.”

---

***T/N: I think this part in the main story is the most painful

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