245.1: The Battle Maiden Wants to Study Abroad (8)
“Your Highness Listeard—! Is it true that His Majesty threw himself out of the window because he was devastated by Jill’s departure—?!”
“Where did that come from—?! Ah-ahem… no.”
After shouting back, Listeard realized who had burst into his office. Immediately, he cleared his throat.
“Forgive me, Lady Sufia. Hades merely jumped onto a dragon from the terrace. Other than that, he’s fine.”
“O-oh, I see… My apologies… I mean, this is His Majesty we’re talking about…”
Sufia, Hades’ former suitor, was pale and trembling. Just what kind of impression did she have of Hades? Well, admittedly, Hades did have a childish side and could be unpredictable at times…
“But why would he do something so unreasonable? …Actually, Prince Vissel told me that Lady Jill won’t be needing her lecture today. Oh, and that she’ll also be taking a break for the time being. Apparently, she’s preparing to study abroad.”
“…In that case, Lady Jill must’ve have left for the Grand Duchy of Leyca. I’m sure of it.”
Listeard sighed with concern. Sufia blinked.
“That’s a very sudden decision…”
“…I’m sorry. I’ll inquire about Lady Jill’s schedule later.”
“U-understood.”
Sufia was smart, so she didn’t pursue the matter. She was probably aware that he had a reason for keeping it a secret. Since Listeard himself also didn’t fully grasp the situation, he was grateful for her consideration.
“I’m sorry for putting you through all that trouble. I’ll arrange for you to receive three months’ worth of your salary.”
“Y-you can’t! My classes are being put on hold, after all…”
“Don’t restrain yourself, we placed them on hold for our own convenience. Lady Sufia, bad customs are formed when people don’t assert their legitimate rights. If you truly feel guilty, just think of it as preparation for when Lady Jill returns and immediately resume her princess training.”
“…”
“Lady Sufia?”
He tilted his head, suspicious of the lack of response. Sufia, clasping her hands tightly, looked up.
“…Then, how about assigning me as Princess Frida’s tutor for three months?”
“Huh?”
Not understanding the intention behind the sudden offer, he let out a silly noise. Then, he was taken aback.
“No way, did Frida say something?!”
“No, no…”
“Oh, I’m glad… I just didn’t expect you to suddenly bring her up. Then, did someone else say something to you? I think Hades and the others are keeping quiet out of consideration for your position… Was there a leak somewhere?”
“No, there was nothing…”
Sufia replied with a bitter smile. Listeard frowned at her fidgety attitude.
“There’s no need to rush. I’ll wait until you make up your mind.”
After all, if the emperor’s brother, backed by Duke Leirzatz, proposed a marriage, then it was akin to an absolute order, no matter how nicely phrased. Even if Listeard told her to be at ease, those around her would pressure her. If she refused, she’d suffer unjust treatment. Even though Sufia carried the scars of her father’s—Marquis Veil’s—rebellion.
…Although, the emperor and the crown prince might not allow it.
Otherwise, that was the only option. Right now, it wasn’t an option that Sufia could take. In that case, the only sincerity Listeard could show was to stall until Sufia made up her mind.
“I’ll convince Frida. You don’t have to push yourself and worry.”
“Would my becoming Frida’s tutor be troublesome?”
Suddenly, she looked up and asked with a smile. Listeard blinked.
“No, that’s not the case at all…”
“In that case, please! This is my request. I’m sure Her Highness Frida won’t refuse.”
Did he misunderstand, or was it a subtle pressure? Confused, Listeard clarified again.
“…Um, so Frida didn’t say anything?”
“No. Princess Frida was just worried about me. She said that if I was in trouble, she’d help me, and that she wouldn’t allow me to be force into marriage.”
“I was right, then. But that’s something she has almost no right to meddle in…”
“I know. Princess Frida is a wise person. She must’ve said that while being aware of it.”
Sufia smiled gently. She seemed touched by his cute little sister’s consideration.
“—That’s when I realized, this isn’t the time to hesitate.”
But for some reason, cold sweat started to form on his back.
“Please forgive me, Prince Listeard.”
“…Uh, seriously, what happened—”
“—I’ll allow it.”
Vissel entered the office without knocking.
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