Ojou-sama
Siana’s Side
A tall girl in a black hood appeared before Siana, who was murmuring to herself after speaking with Lux in the role of Third Princess Felisiana for the first time since their meeting at a previous party.
“—Even though today was such an important day for him, instead of thinking about himself, he spent it thinking of me… me, Siana, all alone, until I ended up here. That won’t do, Lux-kun. If you’re that kind to me, I’ll just fall even more in love with you…”
“Ojou-sama, you conducted yourself admirably during your exchange with Rodwell-sama just now.”
The girl in the black hood offered gentle praise to Siana—but Siana, seemingly oblivious, continued her quiet monologue.
“Lux-kun really did what he said he would—he saw me not just as royalty, but as a person. He even knelt before me, so full of respect… But still, I want to grow closer to him. If he stays so formal and stiff, I’ll have to think about how to deal with that. I might’ve been too stiff myself, too… I’ll need to work on speaking with a softer tone next time.”
“…Ojou-sama, you conducted yourself admirably during your exchange with Rodwell-sama just now.”
Once again, the girl in the black hood offered her praise—and once again, Siana remained lost in thought, paying her no mind.
“Our conversation today showed me so many areas I can work on. If I’m going to keep interacting with Lux-kun as Third Princess Felisiana, I need to figure out what’s required—fast. I have to think… I have to—But—Lux-kun said I was beautiful! Haah… Even now, his voice is echoing in my head, calling me beautiful… What was he looking at when he thought that—”
As she rambled on, Siana suddenly noticed the girl in the black hood standing in front of her, her expression tinged with mild irritation.
“Oh—have you been here this whole time?”
“…It seems Rodwell-sama’s words still resonate with you, but mine don’t reach you at all.”
“Can you blame me? I mean, that Lux-kun… Yes! That Lux-kun called me beautif—”
Just as Siana was about to repeat herself yet again, the girl in the black hood—perhaps a little annoyed—did something rare: she cut her off.
“I already heard that during your monologue, Ojou-sama. And I was there for the conversation, so you don’t need to explain.”
“Right… Yes, of course.”
Siana took a calming breath, collected herself, and began speaking with her usual graceful composure.
“From your perspective, how did my interaction with Lux-kun go today?”
“Quite well, I’d say. As you mentioned in your monologue, there were areas for improvement—but given the tension of the moment, one could consider it near perfect.”
“I think so too… If I had to choose the biggest improvement, it would definitely be the moment Lux-kun called me beautiful.”
“Indeed. At that moment, Ojou-sama’s lips curved in a rather… peculiar way.”
At those words, Siana quickly reached up to her face, flustered.
“Really…!? D-Do you think Lux-kun thought it looked strange…?”
“Rodwell-sama didn’t seem to notice anything, so I doubt there’s any need to worry.”
Siana breathed a small sigh of relief, lowering her hand as she spoke.
“I see… That’s one of Lux-kun’s endearing traits—but also something to worry about. Speaking of which, he hasn’t attended the entrance celebration party yet, so I suppose there’s no immediate danger… but has any girl tried to approach him?”
“Yes, just one.”
“Eh…!?”
Siana had only asked out of passing curiosity, but the girl’s answer genuinely startled her. That surprise quickly gave way to a calm, strategic focus as she replied.
“I do want to know what kind of girl she is… but even now, there might be someone else trying to get close to Lux-kun. I’ll follow him and attend the entrance celebration party myself.”
“…Ojou-sama, weren’t you only given permission to greet him?”
“If I call it a surprise visit, I can explain it however I like.”
“…Understood. I’ll continue with my assignment.”
“Yes, I’m counting on you.”
Lux’s Side
I arrived at the entrance celebration party and took a moment to look around the hall.
All around me, people were chatting over food, dancing, enjoying the music—it was a colorful, vibrant scene.
…It really hits home that this is a party reserved for nobles.
But I’m the eldest son of a count’s family, and Siana’s master. I can’t let myself appear weak.
Steeling myself, I made my way toward the lavish spread of food. I picked up a plate and was just about to serve myself—when—
“Well, Lux Rodwell-sama, we meet again so soon.”
A familiar voice called my name from beside me. When I turned toward it, I saw the blue-haired girl I’d met just before the entrance ceremony.
“Ah, hello… um, may I ask your name?”
“Pardon my manners… I am from—”
“Lux-kun, do you have a moment?”
Just as the blue-haired girl was about to introduce herself, another familiar voice called out from behind. I turned around—and there stood Felisiana-sama, smiling warmly at me.