*A/N: I’m having so much trouble coming up with titles that I’ll just skip them from here on out.

After a brief pause, Dylan refused.

“I believe I stated not being interesting in listening to what you had to say. If you continue to press me, though lacking in courtesy, I will ignore you and take my leave.”

Lawrence smiled wryly at Dylan and the exceedingly firm determination he gave off. However, it could also be seen that he had absolutely no intention of giving up. 

“…It’ll only be for a few years. Once the prince is born, there would no longer be any need.  You would merely be filling in a vacant position.  Can you not endure it?”

“I dislike this without even needing to consider it.  I refuse.”

Alexandra immediately gazed at Dylan with sympathy just as he was about to stand up again.

“We make this request of his Grace the Duke of Lancester with great regret.  However, there are no other decent huma— ahem, I mean, no other suitable candidates.”

Alexandra, having shamelessly revealed her true feelings, looked not only at Dylan but also at Avril.  Avril somehow understood that they were being judged as husband and wife yet couldn’t accept it either.

“From where does the assurance come that it will be only a few years?”

Avril’s hesitant question was met with a laugh from Lawrence, one unbelievably lacking in tension.

“I don’t know.  Intuition.  Furthermore, this situation.  Preparations have been made to receive a concubine.  Alexandra isn’t opposed either.”

“Indeed.  As this was a good opportunity, I thought I would personally make a list of ‘clever young ladies who didn’t seem like they would find issue with becoming the mother of the nation.’  That was when—”

“There is no need to say what comes next.”

Dylan, already in a bad mood, was showing even further displeasure.

From the start, Dylan and Lawrence were close friends and often shared candid exchanges.  Even now, in the face of the extremely important topic of succession rights to the throne, the Crown Prince acted as usual.

While Dylan adamantly refused, Lawrence displayed a composed smile.

“Do not be so angry.  Alexandra selected Avril Lanchester as a concubine candidate, and I wish to recommend Dylan as a Crown Prince candidate.  Both are facts.  However, as might be expected, the former is in very poor taste.  She’s your wife, after all.  Therefore, what I want to ask of you is only the acceptance of being a Crown Prince candidate.”

“…!”

Dylan’s beautiful profile contorted.

Most likely, Lawrence never seriously considered making Avril a concubine.  However, in order to make drawing a concession from Dylan easier, he brought it up as a comparison.

With him saying it this way, considering my current position as well, I can’t refuse no matter how I might feel about it.

While feeling relieved that she hadn’t been offered to Lawrence, Avril calmly produced an answer.

“Your Highness the Crown Prince, I believe this matter far too sudden.  Rather than answering in this place, might we be granted a bit of time?”

“You do not refuse from the outset like Dylan, and are understanding.  …Very well, I will give you a little more time.”

“I am grateful.”

In the meantime, I’ll speak with Lord Dylan and come up with a plan. We cannot proceed straightforwardly, not with Prince Lawrecne as our opponent.

With Avril expressing her thanks and bowing her head, the atmosphere changed in an easily understandable way.  Lawrence likely also understood that discussing the topic any further would be pointless.

Within that lingering, delicate, atmosphere, Alexandra signaled the maids to enter and make preparations for tea.

The air of that room which had been desolate began to waft with the sweet fragrance of black tea and baked sweets.  Avril was relieved.

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