Outaishihi ni Nante Naritakunai!! Chapter 241

The next day after I met Lady Helene.
Invited by Mother-in-law, I was enjoying a tea party in the courtyard exclusive to royalty.

"I had not felt like having tea outside until you came, but something like this is good every once in a while."
"Yes, Mother-in-law."

Mother-in-law smiled happily.
I was surprised when Clara suddenly came just before noon and said "Queen told me she wants to invite Princess Consort for a tea party", but seeing Mother-in-law enjoying herself I'm glad I agreed.
I was guided to a spot with a particularly good view in the courtyard.
There, a white circular table and chairs have been arranged for a tea party.
It's warm and the weather is good. Although we are outside, it's truly pleasant.
Fruit tea using plenty of dried fruits have been prepared.
There are various kinds, like strawberry, peach and orange, or berry.
Lots of tea confectioneries of chocolate type are served on a plate, even meat pies are lined up in case either of us feels peckish. The served scones… These are probably Head Chef Bart's work.
He must've properly remembered that I said last night that I didn't want dinner since I had eaten delicious scones at Lady Helene's place. But even without him showing off, I know well that Bart's scones are delicious.
Since he did his best, I'll eat one and go tell him that it was delicious afterwards.

I was expecting the possibility, but after all only me and Mother-in-law are participating in the tea party.
Mother-in-law seems to have cleared the place of people in advance as there are no guards.
As the courtyard exclusive to royalty is only accessible from the royalty quarter, the soldiers are probably all at the entrance.

"Come to think of it, Lidi. You met with Lady Helene yesterday."
"Yes."

As Mother-in-law brought up the subject, I put back the cup with tea I was holding on the saucer and nodded.
Today Mother-in-law is wearing a dark red dress, but it suits her calm impression very well. Her hair is unusually down and curled loosely.

"We met at the chivalric order headquarters practice ground by chance. Because I received an invitation, I went with her."
"The chivalric order practice ground? What in the world were you in such a filthy place for?"

Mother-in-law knit her brows slightly. I understand it's a place one wouldn't approach normally.
If not for Freed, I wouldn't expressly visit it either, so while hoping to be understood I spoke.

"Err, umm… I heard His Highness was giving knights swordsmanship practice, so I went to observe it."
"Observe?"
"Yes. I wanted to see His Highness swinging a sword. Um… He was very cool."

When I said that before Mother-in-law could say anything, she only returned "I see".

"You really love my son, don't you… Aah, come to think of it, how has my son been since then? Does he not unreasonably force you as usual?"

Her forehead wrinkled. In a fluster I defended Freed.

"It… It's alright, Mother-in-law. If he forced me, I would not be here now. Don't I look to be in good health?"

In truth, I'm only fine because the Royal Flower has changed.
But, I truly don't think I'm being forced, so it's not a lie.
I hoped I could convince Mother-in-law that I'm full of life with this.
Sure enough, Mother-in-law nodded despite making a suspicious face.

"Certainly, your complexion appears good… No, you must not be careless. They don't understand what patience is. Once you relax your attention, you will be devoured to the bone."
"Y, yes, Mother-in-law. I will be careful."

Although I responded properly, I broke into a cold sweat.
Because, as Mother-in-law says, Freed shows no patience and just as she fears, he devours me with all his might every night.
… But, it can't be helped.
There's no way I can refuse Freed when he tells me "I love you, so let me embrace you".
"I love you too. Embrace me", it always becomes like this.
… Yup, I feel we're frightfully the same in that regard.
Ehehe, while I was laughing to deceive her, Mother-in-law spoke.

"Lidi. There is something I want to ask of you."
"Yes. What is it, Mother-in-law?"

I corrected my attitude and looked at Mother-in-law's face, but for some reason she averted her eyes. While I was tilting my head, Mother-in-law said after a little hesitation.

"Umm… Was Mistress Helene… in good health when you met?"
"Eh? Lady Helene? Yes, she appeared in good health. Every day she visits the chivalric order headquarters during her stroll."

Mother-in-law made a relieved face upon hearing my answer.

"I see. Then it's fine…"
"Umm… Mother-in-law…?"
"It is most important that Mistress Helene is in good health."

Mother-in-law smiled gently. But, seeing her face I understood somehow.
Probably Mother-in-law is worried about Lady Helene sleeping with the matchless King. Even if she hears Lady Helene is doing well, she doesn't know what the truth is.
That's why she must've wanted to confirm it with me.

―― But, I wonder if it isn't painful for Mother-in-law to hear such things.

If I imagine it happening to me, I couldn't stand it.
I must've unconsciously made an awfully miserable face.
Mother-in-law spoke to convince me.

"It's alright, Lidi. I am fine."
"Yes…"
"Fifteen years have passed already. I don't feel anything after such a long time. You truly needn't worry."
"Yes…"

I didn't say Lady Helene's name, but Mother-in-law seems to have seen through my attitude.
If I had to say, Mother-in-laws complexion while drinking tea was completely unchanged.
That's why I couldn't tell what Mother-in-law was actually thinking.
I couldn't read from her complexion whether she was actually wounded or not.

"Lidi? What is the matter? Is there something on my face?"

Mother-in-law must've noticed I was staring fixedly at her face, and so she puzzledly asked me a question.

"N, no. There is nothing."
"Is that do? However… Mistress Helene has considerable stamina. To the extent that I am a little envious."
"Mother-in-law?"

When I looked hard at Mother-in-law wondering what she was saying, she said with a very serious face.

"I heard from royal guards than His Majesty leaves his room every night. It appears he hasn't changed from the past… In the end, that's how Wilhelm men are, don't you agree?"
"Err… Yes, indeed."

Asked for agreement, I hurriedly nodded.
Well, well yeah. Certainly, Freed desires me every day! Since the Royal Flower changed, he's started pushing me down without hesitation, even at noon!
That's how Wilhelm men are.
Her declaration made me lose myself in thought a little… But it's fine. Since Freed says I'm the only one for him.

Having obtained my agreement, Mother-in-law strongly nodded.

"That's right, that's right. They truly are unnecessarily matchless. There is no doubt Mistress Helene is desired every day. Yet she seems in good health despite that…"

As Mother-in-law curiously tilted her head, I told her what I'd heard from Lady Helene yesterday.

"Umm… Lady Helene said His Majesty is gentle, so it's fine…"
"Gentle!?"

Mother-in-law's eyes suddenly widened.
Hii. Scary.

"That His Majesty being gentle? He would force me, be it morning, noon, or evening. Not even once he listened to my meager wish of wanting a little rest."
"Err… umm… His Majesty also reflected a little…"

Why am I defending the King? When I said that while tilting my head in my heart, Mother-in-law exhaled.

Editor: Valeria

Chapter end