Chapter 49 Birth Party Strategy Meeting
Suddenly, the Granbell Family appeared at the Royal Palace, bringing their knights with them, and got into an argument with the prince, demanding to see their daughter.
Naturally, when such a situation arises, rumors spread around the Royal Palace.
──A rift has occurred between the royal family and the Granbell Family──.
"Moreover, it's a well-known secret that Prince Sigurt is infatuated with Lady Yumie, so there's a lot of talk about a romantic entanglement. This is just information I casually gathered from outside, but it will soon spread throughout the kingdom."
"What on earth are you doing, father!!"
In Rifine's private room at the Detached Palace, I buried my head in my hands while listening to the report in a simple tea party setting.
Yes, I was embarrassed by my father's doting behavior, but the fact that the nobility gathered at the Royal Palace was a significant matter in itself.
My workaholic father should have known that, so why did he choose such a conspicuous way to show up this time?!
"I heard that Yumie might be getting bullied, so of course, I had to do something!"
"Of course not!! Elder Brother, you're the next heir, so please take an interest in politics!"
"Young lady, you're also lacking in knowledge about the current power balance."
"Lisa, don't say unnecessary things!"
While lecturing my Elder Brother, who was casually sipping tea as if it were obvious, I silenced Lisa, who was adding unnecessary comments.
Surprisingly, it was Rifine who calmed me down.
"Isn't it good? Considering my reputation, I can understand Lord Granbell's feelings of worry for his daughter, who hasn't returned beyond the planned time. Rather... for him to raise an army to come and retrieve her right away shows how much she is loved. I'm a little envious."
"Rifine..."
While talking with Sigurt, I thought that Rifine, although a bit of a musclehead and childish, is not stupid.
In fact, she probably knows more about the dark side of politics than I do.
Seeing that fragile expression on Rifine, I couldn't help but pull her close.
"Don't worry, if Rifine ever gets kidnapped or bullied, Sigurt will rush over right away. He'll definitely make this face and start rampaging like a demon."
"Pukuku... what is that? I can't even imagine my brother making that face."
As I pulled my face into an exaggerated angry expression, Rifine couldn't help but laugh.
Feeling healed by her cute appearance, I gently patted her head when... Monica looked at us as if she had seen a ghost.
"Really, Lady Rifine has changed... I'm surprised."
"Rather than changed, I think she was just forcing herself until now. Rifine is a good girl at heart."
"Ah, don't praise me too much... it's embarrassing..."
Blushing, Rifine stayed close to me, letting me pet her.
As I smiled at the princess, it seemed Monica shared my thoughts, softening her expression.
"Looking at you two, you really do seem like sisters. If Lady Rifine takes a liking to you, it might be easier to get Ms. Yumie... no, if she end up with the prince, she could really become sisters, and then she'd be rivals...?"
Sisters, huh? I couldn't catch much of what Monica said after that, but I was relieved to see her looking favorably at Rifine.
"Monica, you still think about Yumie...?"
"Hehe, of course. This 'situation' gives me a bit of an advantage."
"Ugh... I thought it would be okay since it would be a bit tough for Sigurt...!"
"...? What are you two talking about?"
""Nothing at all.""
In perfect sync, Elder Brother and Monica turned their heads away.
There's no doubt that something is being hidden, but it doesn't feel like they're trying to be mean, so I guess it's probably something I shouldn't know.
I won't press the issue.
"Well, by now, father must be talking to Sigurt and figuring things out, so we should focus on preparing for Rifine's birthday party!"
Instead, I clapped my hands to change the subject.
It seemed to work out well, and I got right to the point with the two who were obviously on board.
"I want to make sure that Nobility society knows that Rifine is a good girl and gather the guests... Ms. Monica, you're good at that, right?"
"Of course. I'll reach out to the daughters of my acquaintances, so don't worry."
"Thank you!"
I felt reassured by Monica's confident declaration as she placed her hand on her chest, and I smiled back at her.
Then she said, "It's for Ms. Yumie, so of course!" But... um, this is a party for Rifine, okay? You understand that, right?
"Next is Elder Brother... can you invite any friends besides Sigurt?"
I've never seen Elder Brother with anyone other than Sigurt.
When I asked with that intention, he tilted his head as if to say, "What are you talking about?"
"I've been to social parties many times, and when there was an exchange match between knight orders in the royal capital, I went with father, and I even got to know the other noble's son personally! Since I'm close with Sigurt, people naturally come to me."
"...Huh?"
Could it be that Elder Brother is actually very sociable?
I thought he didn't have many connections since he's always so clingy with me.
"...Ah, um... Yumie is still just starting out, so don't worry too much. You'll make a hundred friends in no time!"
I wonder how Elder Brother interpreted my reaction, as he tried to follow up with that.
Of course, hearing those words from Elder Brother, the other 2 would misunderstand.
"It's okay, Ms. Yumie, even if you don't have friends, I don't mind!!"
Yeah, does Monica want to finish me off? In the end, will I cry?
Thinking that, I still hadn't realized.
Rifine was hiding an even more powerful blow than Monica.
"Yumie... you were the same as me! We're matching!"
"..."
I don't want such a sad match──.
In front of Rifine, who had a sparkling smile as if she had found a buddy, I helplessly slumped over the table.
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