Volume 1 Chapter 21 Even If You Tell Me to Relax
"...Y-your Highness...?"
"Yes, that's right. ...Ah, you don't need to kneel, please relax."
Lene and I were about to kneel in panic, but Princess Cecilie stopped us.
It feels overwhelming, but since it's the princess's command, I should just follow it.
"I am currently visiting incognito. Please just call me Cecil."
"...Understood, Lady Cecil."
"Yes♪"
...It's quite difficult what she's saying, but if it's a command, then there's no helping it.
Lady Cecil, meanwhile, looks quite happy with her hands clasped, though Mr. Dietrich's gaze feels somewhat painful.
However, I never imagined I would have an audience with royalty.
Did she say something about a request?
"You mentioned a request, but before that, let me thank you. Thank you for sharing your meal with Lana and Lena."
The two are clearly eating rice.
It must be hard to come by in Sartzstadt, where supplies are delayed, so receiving nutritious rice for the growing sisters is a blessing.
"No, you're welcome. ...Though, it was Dietrich who made it."
"I see... Thank you, Mr. Dietrich."
"No, children can't just eat vegetables. They need to properly have rice and meat as well."
Mr. Dietrich looks a bit embarrassed.
Even though he's a knight, he's making what looks like quite delicious food.
I want to eat some too.
"Little Lana, Little Lena, is the food delicious?"
"Yes! The meal made by the knight is delicious!"
"So yummy!"
The sisters respond happily to Lene's words.
Seeing that, Lady Cecil's face also broke into a smile.
Oh, whoops.
This isn't the time to be relaxed.
I need to confirm Lady Cecil's request.
"Little Lana, Little Lena. We have an important discussion ahead, so we're heading to the house next door. Make sure to chew your food well, and please clean up afterward."
"Yes! Thank you!"
"Okay!"
After confirming the sisters' cheerful response to Mr. Dietrich's words, we decided to head to the house next door.
* * *
"Now, this is our first meeting, isn't it, swordsman?"
"Y-yes! I'm Minori! I'm a Second Rank adventurer!"
Usually not one to get nervous in front of others, Minori was stiff in front of the princess Her Highness.
Well, it's understandable.
"Oh, Mr. Ryuuji is a Third Rank as well, plus even higher, isn't he? I'm surprised.
Though she seemed not that surprised, Lady Cecil said this while placing her right hand on her cheek and gazing at Minori.
"And we must properly introduce Diet as well. He is Dietrich von Steinbach. My knight, and one of the most trusted among them."
"...I'm humbled by your kind words."
Mr. Dietrich, who was spoken to, turned to Lady Cecil and respectfully bowed his head.
Essentially, he is Lady Cecil's loyal knight, it seems.
"...Well then, Lady Cecil. May I inquire what the request is?"
"Ah, Mr. Ryuuji. It comes from my side──"
Lady Cecil stops Mr. Dietrich with her hand.
"No, Diet. Since it's my request, let me explain it myself."
A brief pause. Then—
"...Understood."
Mr. Dietrich goes silent after answering, without defying orders.
"...I'll let you know beforehand that what I am about to explain must never be disclosed."
The weight in her voice sent a ripple of tension through the room.
"Of course," I replied, then turned to Lene and Minori. "You two good with that?"
They exchanged a glance, then nodded, faces serious.
Even so, my gut told me this wasn’t just a simple matter of secrecy.
A request that demanded this level of caution…
Yeah. This was going to be trouble.
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