Love Talk
Siana’s Side
“…The other day, when that woman suddenly invited Lux-kun to her house without any prior warning and went into the bath with him, it was completely unexpected. Since she is capable of such impulsive actions, there is no telling what she might attempt at tomorrow’s Royal Exchange Gathering. Naturally, you understand that we cannot afford to lower our guard, don’t you?”
In her chamber at the royal castle, dressed in the gown of the Third Princess Felisiana, Siana spoke to Violet, who stood before her in a black maid uniform.
“Yes, Ojou-sama.”
Violet had, of course, been watching over Lux that day as well, so she had overheard the moment when Lux and Floria decided to bathe together.
However, since she could not risk causing trouble within Duke Florence’s household, she had no choice at that time but to remain a silent observer. But…
“In that case, since Florence already knows your true identity, tomorrow you may act a little more forcefully if needed. For now, just focus on separating Lux-kun from Florence.”
“Understood… Then I shall return to the mansion ahead of time.”
“Yes, please do.”
Nodding at Violet’s words, Siana told her so. Violet bowed, then left the room.
Watching her go, Siana glanced at the documents before her and murmured,
“All that remains is to take this bundle of documents to Rezamiliana-neesama.”
Taking the documents in hand, Siana also left her room and headed toward Rezamiliana’s office.
Once she arrived at the office door, she knocked twice and said,
“Rezamiliana-neesama, the documents are complete.”
“I see. Come in.”
Hearing that from within, Siana replied, “Excuse me,” opened the door, and handed the documents to Rezamiliana, who sat in her chair.
Rezamiliana quietly looked them over and then said,
“Good. Well done. You may relax for the rest of today.”
“Thank you very much.”
With her task complete, Siana turned toward the office door, her back to Rezamiliana… but halfway through she stopped, turned back, and faced her again.
“Hm…? What is it?”
Surprised that Siana, who should have been leaving, had turned to face her once more, Rezamiliana asked. Siana then spoke.
“…Rezamiliana-neesama, may I ask you something?”
“Ah, what is it?”
“You said that the reason for your participation in tomorrow’s Third Royal Exchange Gathering was to speak with some promising swordsmen from the noble academy… but is that truly the only reason?”
“So, after Elizalina, even Felisiana is curious about that?”
At the time of the royal council meeting, she had not felt anything strange, but after several days passed and she reflected on it, Siana realized how unusual it was. That was why she now brought it up.
“Until now, Rezamiliana-neesama has only attended such events when absolutely necessary, due to your many duties. As Elizalina-neesama also pointed out, for you to decide to attend the Third Royal Exchange Gathering for that reason alone seemed unnatural.”
When Felisiana said this, Rezamiliana paused for a moment before replying,
“It is true that, after the last sword tournament, I wished to speak at least once with some promising swordsmen from the noble academy. That is not a lie. However, as you and Elizalina pointed out, that is not the only reason I decided to attend the Third Royal Exchange Gathering.”
“And what exactly is that reason?”
“I have no intention of answering that now.”
“…I see.”
For Siana, simply managing to draw out the fact that Rezamiliana’s reason was not only what she had said was enough, so she decided not to press the matter further.
Then Rezamiliana spoke.
“Next, may I ask Felisiana something that I have been wondering about for some time?”
“Yes, what is it?”
Curious about what Rezamiliana had in mind, Siana asked back, and Rezamiliana said,
“Back when we were traveling by carriage to the Katiswear Empire, I asked if the man from the count’s family you wished to be engaged to was truly someone you would desire to spend your whole life with, even if Father rejected him over a hundred times. You said then that you would surely be engaged to him someday. Do you remember that?”
“Of course. My opinion has not changed even now.”
When Siana answered firmly, Rezamiliana replied,
“I see… Then how did you shorten the emotional distance between yourself and that man?”
“Wh…!?”
At first Rezamiliana’s words sounded ordinary, but Siana was utterly shocked by them.
Rezamiliana-neesama, talking about romance!?