Lord Dylan is… my third lover…? Aah—!

The pieces fell into place. The other day, Emilia seemed to have misunderstood that Lawrence, Dylan, and Chris were Avril’s lovers.

That point alone was already strange, but more than that the ranking seemed skewed. While she could understand Lawrence being at the top of the list, shouldn’t Dylan at least be second?

Avril’s eyes shifted around in a panic, but then Dylan’s calm voice echoed out.

“…Your Highness Emilia.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Whatever the truth, I intend to be the foremost man in Avril Allingham’s heart. Moreover, I have never allowed anyone other than her into my own. I would ask that you refrain from such overly harsh words.”

His voice was calm, yet resonant. It changed the courtyard’s atmosphere in an instant. At the same time, Dylan directed his gaze at Avril.

“I always tell her the same.”

“…!”

The complete surprise nearly took her breath away. Avril, whose mindset was fully in diplomatic mode just moments ago, had been left agape.

Chris, having also been included in the so-called lineup of lovers, seized the moment by immediately whispering to Dylan, “I’m not even third, then.”

Emilia, who had excitedly brought up the topic, blushed at Dylan’s unexpected profession of love.

“I-is that so…? Oh my, being a villainess must be quite the ordeal.”

“I-indeed…”

Avril managed to somehow respond, but she couldn’t speak any further.  It was all she could do to hide her blush.

Just the idea of having three lovers as part of my villainess persona would’ve hurt Lord Dylan, but he still supported me like this… He is truly kind…

Dylan’s romantic declaration made the courtyard less conductive to diplomatic discussions. Perhaps Listeard thought the same for he took a sip of his brandy and urged Emilia to move along.

“Today’s tea party is over, then. Emilia, isn’t it about time for your tutor to arrive?”

“In-indeed. Sharing tea with Lady Avril is my greatest pleasure, but I must also respect the time with the tutor my brother went to great pains to summon for me. I shall excuse myself here.”

“I see. Please give my best regards to your teacher, Anastasia.”

Dylan’s hand, which held a teacup, twitched slightly at Listeard’s words. Avril, recognizing the name, couldn’t help but look up at Emilia.

Anastasia… She has the same name as Lord Dylan’s mother. A tutor summoned from the Kingdom of Branwill… Could this be a coincidence?

Without learning an answer to the question, the tea party, which covered a wide scope of topics ranging from diplomacy to Avril’s supposed lovers, came to an end.

******

On the way back from the tea party, Avril headed to the guestroom she had been assigned, accompanied by Chris and Grace. Dylan was absent because he had other matters to attend to.

Far too much happened at that tea party.

The idea of having three lovers suited her villainess persona quite well, or so she had thought. Never had she expected it to take such a turn, though. For Dylan to have been only the third lover… Wasn’t that far too cruel toward her husband?

No matter how late Lord Dylan returns tonight, I must visit his room, explain the situation, and apologize for the ranking.

Firmly nodding to herself, Avril then recalled another topic that had caught her attention during the tea party.

Regarding His Majesty Listeard’s redevelopment of the mines… It sounded like he was saying that the only way to convince the conservatives of this kingdom would be through its own traditions…

Then, she realized it.

“The National Exam…!”

Yesterday at the orphanage, Lynn had mentioned that a National Exam was held once every three years to recruit talented individuals. Whoever passed with the highest score would be granted whatever they desired.

Realization struck Avril. She called out to Chris who was leading the way.

“Chris, there’s something I’d like you to look into.”

“Yes, of course.”

Chris smiled as if he had already anticipated the request.

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