Chapter 16 Prince Sigurt's Concern
"──What an interesting girl."
After leaving Yumie, Sigurt found himself reflecting on her with a certain amusement, deciding he shouldn't be the only one doing the talking.
It wasn't just the flashy display of magic that left an impression; what stood out even more was his exchange with Monica.
──At first glance, their conversation might have seemed perfectly normal.
But if you looked deeper, reading between the lines, it took on an entirely different tone.
──It was like a performance, almost theatrical. If you enjoy such flamboyance, why not perform in a circus? But, no—this was in a noble gathering, where she, a commoner, was stepping out of line.
──That's true though, anyone from his background could probably pull this off; it's not such a big deal. But for someone like her, whose only claim to fame is breaking things with magic, he doubts he could manage even this much.
──Not just your magic, but your clothes? They look embarrassingly common. Perhaps you should learn how to act like a true noble.
──This dress? It's the very image of noble fashion—something your mother probably wore. Don't you even recognize that?
──This childish, outdated dress? I could never wear something like that.
But I suppose it suits a scrawny girl like you.
──I would never expose myself like that, trying too hard to show off nonexistent charm, like you.
If someone were to summarize the conversation in noble terms, it would go something like that.
Of course, if Yumie had heard it, she'd probably throw a fit, furiously denying such a claim.
But Sigurt and Monica both understood their conversation this way, and that was what mattered.
"This seems like it won't be boring for a while. It was worth coming all the way here."
Sigurt had a few reasons for attending the party.
First, to be honest, these types of gatherings weren't exactly something the busy king and queen would attend, but the Granbell Family was a crucial military asset for the kingdom.
Refusing the invitation outright wouldn't look good, so Sigurt, with his free time, had been chosen to represent the royal family.
The second reason? He had developed an interest in his younger sister, Yumie, after receiving countless letters from his longtime friend Neil.
For a while, these letters were filled with complaints about Yumie, but recently, they had completely shifted to sweet, almost nauseatingly affectionate stories.
It was hard not to take notice.
Sigurt found Yumie's presence very pleasant.
She wasn't just cute—there was a certain nobility about her gaze, an absolute confidence in herself.
Most commoners who rose to nobility either became obsequious or vulgar, intoxicated by their newfound power.
But Yumie seemed to fall into neither category.
"Prince, it's almost time for your meeting with Lord Granbell," Sebas, his attendant, interrupted.
"...I was in such a good mood, and now it's already work talk? Can't I enjoy the party a little longer?"
Sebas, an old butler who gave off the impression of a laid-back tea-sipper, was actually a hardcore workaholic.
If Sigurt let his guard down, he'd be bombarded with one political task after another.
And that was exactly why he had to bring him along.
"Oh, you seemed to be enjoying yourself quite a bit. Besides, wasn't it you, Prince, who wanted to lay the groundwork for the meeting on monster countermeasures?"
"That's true, but..."
Sigurt sighed.
He left the venue with Sebas, heading to his final purpose for attending—the meeting with the head of the Granbell family.
The monster threat was always a major concern for the kingdom.
These magical beasts sometimes wiped out entire villages, and countermeasures to handle them were essential.
A meeting to share information and strengthen countermeasures against these monsters would soon be held at the royal castle, and in preparation for that, he was in the midst of laying the groundwork to gain more supporters for his opinions.
In recent years, to suppress opinions suggesting a reduction in the budget for countermeasures against monster damage, which has been on the decline, and to push for disarmament.
"The decrease in monster damage is simply the result of last year's effective measures. But there are some foolish nobles who have resorted to illegal attempts to tame monsters and turn them into weapons. It's likely that many monsters are being overhunted to satisfy that demand. Don't they realize that if we lower the budget for countermeasures now, it could lead to disastrous accidents caused by monsters slipping through the cracks and invading the 'underground'? Idiots."
He loudly berates the corrupt nobles, who he doesn't even know by face or name, his words harsher than the ones spoken in front of Yumie and Neil.
The idea of taming monsters for use as weapons isn't new, but if these creatures were to rampage recklessly through the town, the devastation could be unimaginable.
That's why research into taming monsters has been strictly prohibited for years.
Yet, it seems some have ignored the law and are conducting experiments.
Even worse, live monsters appear to be traded through underground channels.
As a member of the royal family whose responsibility it is to maintain public order, Sigurt finds this a major headache.
His solution? To increase the budget for countermeasures against monsters.
And, naturally, he would need to gain the support of the loyal Granbell Family.
"I want to finish this quickly so I can invite that girl to tea with the royal family."
"You seem quite fond of Granbell's daughter," Sebas remarked.
"Oh, indeed."
Seeing Sebas's eyes widen in surprise, Sigurt smiled.
And then—he added, a line that would surely make Yumie frown if she were present.
"I think I could even consider adding her name to my list of fiancées."
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