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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: A Case of Sudden Tap-Dancing
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“…It seems I've overstepped.”
Tristan also looked uncomfortable. His conscience must be pricking him. He'll probably find it difficult to bring up this topic again.
“I don't think your talents are insignificant in the least. So please, stop belittling yourself.”
How uncharacteristically thoughtful of him. I offered a bright smile.
“You are very kind, Your Highness.”
“Am I? That's the first I've heard of it…”
He seemed to ponder this for a moment before nodding.
“I see. Strangely, I do seem to become kinder around you.”
“Pardon?”
“I’m not particularly kind to anyone else, you see.”
‘…Does this man even realize what he's saying?’
It was a good thing only family was here to listen; anywhere else, this would be an instant scandal.
But Tristan’s expression remained perfectly composed, as if he were merely stating an obvious fact.
‘I suppose so.’
This stoic Crown Prince wasn't trying to make a move on me. He simply recalled a few instances, realized it was true that he had been kind to me, and stated it as a fact.
After working together for several years, I could decipher that much with ease.
I was about to offer a suitable reply when Isaac slammed his hand on the table with a *thump!*
“…No, Head Steward. His Highness's soup has gone cold. Bring a new one at once.”
His voice was difficult to understand, seeping through clenched teeth.
“My apologies. I will have it prepared immediately.”
Of course, understanding even that was a testament to the Head Steward’s qualifications. The flow of conversation was broken as Tristan’s soup was replaced.
‘How rude…’
I snuck a glance at Tristan, but he actually looked impressed.
“It was still warm, so it was fine. Your devotion is commendable, Sir.”
That comment seemed to grate on Isaac’s nerves even more, as his fingertips twitched. Wow, their personalities clashed so badly.
Was this what a battle between an unstoppable spear and an impenetrable shield would be like? My interest aside, any further rudeness would be unforgivable, so Edmond stepped in.
“Then, to welcome Your Highness, allow me to offer you a drink.”
He skillfully changed the subject.
Isaac was still glaring at me with smoldering eyes, and though Yulia said nothing, her displeasure was plain to see.
What’s wrong with them?
When I shrugged, they both whipped their heads away at the same time.
***
“What's going on between you and the Crown Prince?”
“What?”
Yulia’s sudden question made me ask back without thinking. But Yulia only narrowed her eyes fiercely, offering no gentle explanation.
“What’s going on? Hmm… An employer and employee relationship?”
“Hmph. While you're saying things like, ‘You are very kind, Your Highness~’?”
“That was just lip service.”
“So why are you giving him that kind of lip service?!”
Because it’s necessary for navigating social circles… I was about to answer, but I held my tongue.
That’s a skill an unprecedented genius alchemist probably doesn’t need. Born a noble lady, raised to be a talent the world had never seen before.
Would Yulia even be able to comprehend such a thing?
“……”
As I quietly observed her, Yulia ran her hands through her hair in frustration.
“What I mean is!”
“Yes.”
“…I know you’re naturally kind, but I’m worried you’ll cause some strange misunderstandings.”
“So you’re worried about me?”
“No, I’m not!”
Despite her denial, the tips of Yulia’s ears were flushed. Even her inability to be honest was cute.
“I hate it. Who does he think he is, giving you such useless advice…”
Yulia's voice wavered with unshed tears, so I pulled her into a sudden hug.
I used to do this whenever Yulia was about to cry when we were young. She was too proud to ever let anyone see her tears.
“We’re the ones who know you best…”
“So you were upset?”
“I was furious!”
Yulia burst out.
“And you, stop treating me like a child!”
With that, she pulled away from my embrace. Missing the sudden loss of warmth, I rubbed my arms.
“Ugh, anyway. You’re too nice for your own good. That’s why all sorts of creeps flock to you.”
It was true that some young lords, misinterpreting my kindness, had approached me without hiding their sordid intentions.
But they were always dealt with by Hazel or Natalie.
If not them, then Yulia or Isaac would intervene. And if they got any closer, I would handle them myself.
“You shouldn’t give them an opening in the first place!”
As Yulia passionately argued, a long shadow fell behind her. Someone was approaching from the far end of the hallway.
‘The attire isn’t a servant’s. And it doesn’t look like Isaac or Edmond.’
It was probably Tristan.
He had mentioned wanting to take a look around the estate after the meal, so it wasn’t strange for him to appear here in the outer corridor near the garden.
But Yulia didn’t seem to have noticed his presence.
“…So, remember that time? If I hadn’t stepped in when you…”
“Yulia, should we go for a walk later? It’s a bit chilly today, but it should be fine if we wear a light coat.”
“?”
My sudden change of topic made Yulia tilt her head.
-Finally, if I talk about the weather, it means the Crown Prince is nearby, so you should mind your conduct.
Her eyes narrowed, then widened as she seemingly recalled Edmond’s words.
‘Got it?’
When I gave her a look, Yulia grinned.
“What~? You think that’s going to make me feel better?”
“Huh?”
“Ahem. But well, I guess a walk after all this time wouldn’t be so bad.”
But as she wiped a finger under her nose, it was clear she hadn't understood at all. No, we just decided on the signals last night.
“Right. They say the weather will clear up tomorrow, so we could all go on a picnic.”
“Should we bring Andrea? He can skip the academy for a day, right?”
Well, this was a lost cause.
“Yulia, what I mean is… ‘if the weather is nice,’ you know?”
I tried sending a stronger signal.
“Yeah. I know. I’ve been feeling bad because we’ve been keeping so many secrets from Andrea lately and haven’t been paying him enough attention. A picnic should be fine. Surely his wrist won’t…”
“Ah, Your Highness. You must be enjoying the garden.”
“!”
Yulia started in surprise and spun around. Tristan, who had drawn near, returned my greeting.
“We meet again.”
“Where is your knight escort? Are you walking around alone?”
“Perhaps because I’m finally somewhere without prying eyes. I wanted to enjoy a moment of peace.”
“I see.”
As I spoke with Tristan, I discreetly stepped on Yulia’s foot.
It wouldn’t hurt, but she would know I was giving her a signal. Yulia’s eyes darted around at once. It seemed she had belatedly realized her mistake.
“It seems Sir Werner will be accompanying me here as well.”
“Then he will be with you when you go to work.”
“That’s right.”
“That’s a relief, at least.”
“A relief? What do you mean?”
Oh, dear. It seemed Tristan hadn’t thought that far ahead.
“Well, forgive my presumption, but I also report to your office, Your Highness. If others were to see me entering the palace with you, it could lead to unnecessary misunderstandings, don’t you think?”
“……!”
“But with Sir Werner present, there will be less cause for such concern.”
There would still be gossip, but it would be better than arriving together alone.
I was used to being the subject of rumors, so as long as it wasn’t too excessive, it was nothing to worry about.
“I hadn’t considered that. I should have been more considerate of you.”
“Not at all. If we take separate carriages, it shouldn’t be too noticeable.”
Though I’d probably have to kill some time elsewhere and arrive a little later.
“I won’t be staying long, so do not worry. This is merely a precaution against any potential threats.”
“No, not at all. I am simply grateful that you are being so thoughtful, Your Highness.”
I just wish you would disappear from this house as soon as possible.
“I hope we haven’t taken up too much of your precious time. We will take our leave now, so please enjoy your walk.”
I nudged Yulia’s side, and she reluctantly bowed in farewell.
“Hmm. By the way, Lady Yulia. Are you all right?”
“Pardon?”
“Your foot. It’s been stepped on for a while now.”
The moment Tristan finished his sentence, I lifted my foot as if nothing had happened. How long had he been watching? It shouldn’t have been very visible under my skirt.
“Ah, yes. It doesn’t hurt that much.”
“It looked like quite a forceful step.”
But the clueless Tristan didn't let it go and continued with a worried tone.
Yulia looked at me with trembling eyes. Her face was a desperate plea, asking what she should do.
It was awkward for me to intervene here.
‘Yulia, I’m leaving it to you. You can come up with a decent excuse, right?’
I knew she was terrible at this sort of thing, but she had to pull it off somehow. When I nodded, Yulia clenched her fists.
“Well, the truth is…”
You can do it!
“I have an ailment that causes me to break into a tap dance for no reason.”
“……?”
Tristan’s eyes widened, as if to confirm he had heard correctly.
I couldn’t stop myself from slapping my forehead.
There’s a limit to how absurd you can be
