At those words, everybody around froze. I was no exception.
For a moment my head refused to understand Freed's unexpected words.
―― Eh. Why is the Eighth Prince of Tarim eating sweets in the Royal Capital of Wilhelm?
I don't get it. I hurriedly recalled what I'd studied in the past.
If I remember correctly, Tarim has a harem with over a hundred women in it. There should be over thirty sons there, but I don't know the exact number. I'm sure Harold is one of them.
Freed wouldn't lie, and Prince Harold didn't deny the words addressed to him either. He smiled faintly and, looking at Freed, said.
"Why, you ask. I'm just searching for someone. But, that's over. In the first place, it's about time I'm expected to return to my country… More importantly, Freed. Did you just say consort?"
"Yeah. Lidi is my princess consort. I would like if you stopped with jokes such as taking her back to your country."
Freed glared at Prince Harold with a truly displeased face.
On the contrary, Prince Harold made an intrigued expression.
"The Crown Princess of Wilhelm runs a café in town. It's a big difference from Tarim where you can't leave the harem until you die."
"I know your fondness for women has no equal, but if you intend to lay a hand on Lidi, prepare yourself. Don't think you'll return to Tarim safely."
The strength in Freed's arms hugging me increased. Under Freed's glare, Prince Harold raised his hands in surrender.
"I got it. I'll give up on your consort. I don't want to die yet. In the first, my principle is to not lay a hand on women with jealous lovers or husbands."
"I wonder."
"… I knew you were married, but say, is it fun to be tied to a single woman? I can't understand it at all. You have the right to polygyny. Why not exercise it?"
"We disagree here. Lidi is enough for me. I don't want anyone but Lidi."
When Freed declared that, Prince Harold stared at him, impressed.
"I see, there's that way of thinking too. But to see you, who had always befuddled others with your artificial smile, crazy about one woman. That alone made coming to Wilhelm worth it."
Prince Harold slowly stood up from the seat.
"I don't mean to cause a fuss… Freed, I'm planning to go to the international conference this year. Let's talk again then. I'd be grateful if you pretend you didn't see this."
"Fine."
When Freed agreed, Prince Harold said while picking up the sack.
"I'm saved. I promise to leave Wilhelm tomorrow by evening. Today it's night already. Please excuse me."
Prince Harold produced the payment for Japanese sweets from his breast pocket and put it on the table.
Then he turned his eyes to me.
"Freed's consort. Unfortunately, I have to give up on bringing you with me. The Japanese confection was very delicious. The next time we meet at the international conference, please treat me to them again."
"Y-Yes."
"I did something as boorish as forcing my way during the closing time. I'm grateful you allowed me in."
"No… You specially came for it from a distant place."
When I answered that, Prince Harold gently smiled, and then left the store without sparing a single look back.
Everybody watched him leave. When his figure completely disappeared, Freed finally let go of me.
I looked back to see him smiling with relief.
"I'm glad nothing happened. But, it was surprising. When I came to pick you up, you were being approached by Harold, Lidi. I wondered what was happening."
"Thanks… But, I was surprised too. I didn't think he'd be the Eighth Prince of Tarim."
I expected him to be a high-ranking person, but I couldn't tell he was a royal.
"Come to think of it, His Highness Hendrik of Irvine was on a journey of self-discovery too. Aren't princes quite free?"
"There's no way."
"… I bet."
After being told so exasperatedly, I thought that he did have a point.
"Princes have many responsibilities. Properly speaking, ignoring them isn't allowed… Hendrik's journey of self-discovery too started with Hendrik rushing out of the castle after fighting with the King. Normally it would be unthinkable."
"Fighting with the King… In other words, he ran from home?"
"Indeed."
"…"
When Freed affirmed with a serious face, I thought, "Prince Hendrik, really…"
"It seems he regularly contacted the castle after running away though. I was amazed when I heard it for the first time. However, Harold said… he's searching for someone earlier."
"Searching for someone, huh."
At those words I suspected just a little that the person he's searching for might be Sion. Sion had been the military tactician in Tarim. It wouldn't be strange if he had a relationship with royalty.
That said, since it was a baseless assumption, I didn't put it into words.
While I was pondering, Freed said.
"Lidi, what is it? Did something suddenly come to your mind?"
"No. I was just thinking that the voting is finally tomorrow."
I changed the subject at once. When I talked about tomorrow, Freed nodded like he was convinced.
"Yeah. It's been a long week."
"Has it? It has passed in no time for me."
I worked to the point of exhaustion and slept dreamlessly every day. I feel like this week passed in the blink of an eye. But Freed said with utmost seriousness.
"How could a week without embracing Lidi not feel long?"
"… Freed. Jeez."
It was so much like him that I smiled wryly. This past week I was getting things ready until late at night and slept like a log when I returned to our room, so I caused a lot of trouble for Freed. I was happy to sleep hugged by Freed, but it must've been hard on him, the walking personification of matchlessness.
"I'm sorry."
"Lidi, don't apologize, okay? It was me who had originally suggested it, and seeing how tired you were, I just wanted you to rest. But, sure enough, I'm slowly reaching my limit."
"I'm sure."
I nodded with a serious face. It's not limited to this time, Freed also holds back when that time of the month comes, but once it's over, things turn quite serious. Because I made him go along with my circumstances, I'll readily associate with Freed when the match ends, but I'm sure it will be a tempestuous play.
"Wait a little more."
I'm sorry for making him endure. When I looked at Freed with that feeling, he nodded.
"I know."
I unconsciously burst into laughter from how serious his face was. Somehow Freed looked so cute that I stood on tiptoes and whispered into his ear.
"Freed, I want to be embraced by you soon as well."
I told him that in a tiny voice only he could hear. He smiled happily and said, "Beat up Wire tomorrow."
There was only one answer I had to it - "Naturally!"
Chapter end
Report
|
Donate
Oh o, this user has not set a donation button.
|