Royal Dignity
“I only came to this room to talk with that person, so there was no other specific purpose.”
I gave that answer to Elizalina-sama’s question, but she continued speaking with a composed expression and tone.
“I see. But this is the Royal Exchange, after all. Wasn’t it a rare chance to interact with people you normally wouldn’t, like members of the royal family and their associates?”
“O-Of course, I had hoped to speak with you, Elizalina-sama… but that person is part of the royal…”
I almost blurted out that she was affiliated with the royal family, but I stopped myself halfway through.
Violet-san had told me to keep her presence here a secret. I didn’t know why she said that, but if she asked me to, then I wanted to respect her wishes.
That was why I just barely managed to stop myself before saying the words “royal family associate,” but…
“So the one who was here with you is someone connected to the royal family?”
“…!”
She figured it out!
But considering I had just said “royal…” and Elizalina-sama was the only royal person present, it was only natural she would deduce the rest.
“…”
I hadn’t said anything that directly revealed it was Violet-san, but I had given away the clue that she was affiliated with the royal family. I’m sorry, Violet-san!
As I silently apologized to Violet-san in my heart, Elizalina-sama spoke in a somewhat gentle voice.
“I figured as much, but you’re really not the type who’s good at hiding things, Lux.”
The way Elizalina-sama said that made it feel like she had met me before.
Then again, that might have just been my imagination. It was also possible she had figured it out from our short conversation. So I chose not to mention that impression.
That aside…
“Is it really that obvious what I’m thinking from my face?”
“Yes. It’s as clear as if I were reading it in a book.”
Come to think of it, Elina-san had told me something similar.
“Someone once said to me that wearing my heart on my sleeve isn’t a bad thing, that it just means I’m honest.”
“…I see.”
Elizalina-sama gave that reply after a brief pause.
I nodded and continued.
“But I wonder… is just being honest really enough to become a lord who can truly protect his people?”
“…”
When I said that, Elizalina-sama stared at me in silence for a moment.
I realized then that I had ended up saying something weak in front of her, and I quickly tried to correct myself.
“I-I’m sorry! That was a strange thing to say!”
As I apologized, Elizalina-sama looked me straight in the eyes and said,
“You don’t need to worry about anything, Lux. Just stay the way you are. Even if you remain honest, I, Elizalina, the Second Princess, will continue to mediate this country so that you can bring happiness to the people and be happy yourself.”
From her strong voice and piercing gaze, I could feel something that resembled true royal dignity.
After sensing Elizalina-sama’s presence like that, I spoke.
“If you, Elizalina-sama, continue to mediate this country, I believe it will remain peaceful. But I also think that supporting the royal family in times of need is part of a noble’s duty. So if there’s ever anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to ask me.”
When I said that, Elizalina-sama rose from her chair and hugged me from behind as I sat there, saying,
“Thank you, Lux. Just hearing those words gives me strength to keep going.”
“H-Huh!?”
I was stunned by the sudden hug from Elizalina-sama, but she looked truly happy as she embraced me from behind.
I still didn’t fully understand Elizalina-sama. I really didn’t, but I was glad to have learned that she, the Second Princess of this country and elder sister to Third Princess Felisiana-sama, was a kind person.