"Now then, let's do my best today as well!"
I stretched my body and left the room. Noticing me, the soldiers outside bowed with a smile. I returned a smile and headed towards Sion's room.
The lottery event, that had been held in a hurry, ended as a success beyond expectations.
There were also a lot of people coming with last place Japanese confection coupons, and some of them became fans. My purpose was to spread Japanese confections to lots of people, so I was immensely happy about that. While eavesdropping from the kitchen, I felt delighted.
Japanese confections have unique taste. I thought the shop would be safe if I increased the number of repeat customers, but I still grinned from the pleasant feeling of my expectations being exceeded.
And so, I'm thinking of increasing the variety of Japanese confections, but we're talking about me with my tendency to get carried away a little.
In the end, despite decreasing the frequency, I still regularly visit the Japanese café that I had acquired.
"Because look, there are still Japanese confections I want to introduce… Okay?"
I know it's not something praiseworthy, but I finally made a place where citizens could eat Japanese confections.
As the director of Wilhelm Japanese Confections Promotion Committee (I'm the only committee member), I can't back down.
Both Freed and my in-laws who came to the store a while ago readily allowed me to go there 1-2 days a week, and unexpectedly Father didn't oppose.
"… Please, don't do anything unnecessary any more."
Although he rebuked me like that, he confirmed that I have an escort and then told me that I can do as I like.
―― What can I say?
What next, will pigs fly?
By the way, when I told that to Brother, he roared with laughter while holding his stomach.
"Ah, it's Duke Pellegrini."
While I was walking through the castle corridors and reminiscing about the conversation with Brother, I saw a familiar figure in front of me.
The one walking with a strict expression was Duke Maxwell von Pellegrini.
The Foreign Minister of Wilhelm and obviously Will and Glenn's father.
Noticing me, he stopped and bowed. When I walked closer to him, he apologized with his head still in a bow.
"Greetings, Your Highness. My deepest apologies for not noticing you. Please pardon my impoliteness."
"I don't mind. Incidentally, I wonder if you have some business with His Majesty to be here in the royal quarters."
I had him raise his face and asked for his business.
I'm away from my and Freed's room, but I'm still inside the royal quarters.
Only specially authorized people can enter the royal quarters, and while I know that Duke Pellegrini has the qualifications, I don't see him here much, so I simply found it strange.
"Indeed. It's an urgent matter. I've been told to come to his private room."
"I see."
I nodded to the Duke's words.
It may be surprising, but it's basically the first time I talk with Duke Pellegrini face to face.
The bad relationship between Father and Duke Pellegrini is famous, so both Father and him avoid each other unless it's necessary. I didn't think anything in particular about him, but as both of them avoided each other, I also had nary a chance to meet him. I didn't particularly want to meet him either, so we didn't have an opportunity to talk until now.
It feels strange that I talk with him because I became the Crown Princess, but I'm impressed that he feels more approachable than I expected.
He hates Father. I assumed he'd hate his daughter and take an unpleasant attitude, but… he's so normal it's disappointing, or rather, he properly treats me as a princess. I understand that from talking with him.
―― I see, of course.
I'm convinced. I'm sure the Duke is an upright person who doesn't mix public and private affairs.
Come to think of it, he's Will and Glenn's father and a person serving as the Foreign Minister. Father has never complained about the Duke's work either, so in that respect he must be a trustworthy, keen person.
While I was overwriting the impression I had on the person called Duke Pellegrini, the Duke said, "Which reminds me," like he had just recalled it.
"Your Highness, am I safe to assume you've heard about a princess coming to Wilhelm from Irvine?"
"That's correct, I've heard about it from Freed."
Prince Hendrik's little sister. I heard about it a while ago from Freed, so I'm looking forward to it.
"Can I take care of the princess? It will be alright. I intend to play the role properly."
I said take care, but I just want to talk with her.
Currently the only royal women living in the castle are me and Mother-in-law. By process of elimination it could only be either of us, but Freed directly asked me, so I'll do my best to get along with her.
This is my job as the Crown Princess. I'm happy to increase the number of my royal friends, so I'm dreaming up various things, like where to show her around or if she'd perhaps like Japanese confections.
"I wonder when she will come. I'm looking forward to it."
It's been some time since I heard the schedule would be adjusted. The concrete date should be decided on soon.
When I asked, thinking that as the Foreign Minister Duke Pellegrini would naturally know, he said, "Actually――" in a slightly lowered voice and continued.
"There are slight difficulties. I was just thinking of reporting them to His Majesty. I've heard about Your Highness taking care of Her Highness, so I would inform you next."
"Is… that so? It's regrettable."
It's the other side who had brought up the princess studying abroad. That's why I thought things would go smoothly.
As my expression clouded, Duke Pellegrini again bowed his head and said.
"Nonetheless, it doesn't seem to be cancelled for now. I believe it will simply take more time. I hope you can understand that."
"I understand."
The adjustment is Father-in-law and Duke Pellegrini's job, and I'll only follow what's decided. I didn't intend to complain, but since it's a topic I have an interest in, I'm grateful to be informed.
"Thank you. I was wondering what happened, so I'm happy to be informed."
"I am sorry for troubling Your Highness. Speaking of which. May I ask one question?"
"? Yes."
When I agreed, Duke Pellegrini said.
"Are you happy to be married to His Highness?"
"Yes, I'm very happy… However, what's the matter?"
Why did he ask that? When I tilted my head, Duke Pellegrini smiled faintly.
"The other day I had an opportunity to meet His Highness. At that time, he said he was very happy that he could marry Your Highness. He spoke fondly about how his wishes came true with a delightful look. It made me want to ask how Your Highness feels."
"…"
What the hell is Freed saying in inappropriate places.
I'm happy, but when he talks fondly about me where I'm unaware, outsiders who are made to listen suffer damage.
When I blinked my eyes in shame, Duke Pellegrini nodded with a smile.
"It's most important that you are happy. By the appearances of it, there's no need to be anxious about a child. As a vassal, it's an utmost relief."
"E-Err, umm…"
It was quite difficult to reply. While I was trying to gloss over it, Duke Pellegrini laughed out loud… How unusual.
"I'm glad that His Highness looks happy, but above all I'm glad that that His Majesty is delighted looking at it. Please be forever happy with His Highness."
"… Thank you."
I thanked him again. Duke Pellegrini bowed his head in silence and began walking towards Father-in-law's private room.
I stared at his back.
―― What, it was anticlimactic.
Going by our talk, he didn't seem like someone who detests Father. His proper attitude was pleasant, and I quite liked his honesty.
I understood he was sincerely happy that I married Freed, so with just this conversation, my impression of him got completely overturned.
"Duke Pellegrini, huh… I've heard he's like cats and dogs with Father, but it didn't feel like that at all."
He was rational, and interacting with him felt pleasant. His every word conveyed his allegiance to the King. I wonder if he only changes in front of Father.
I also want to see that. When I thought so, I suddenly recalled what I was thinking of doing next and became flustered.
"Ah… I don't have time to relax."
I was thinking of giving Rena a letter that had arrived for her. For that I contacted Sion in advance and asked for Rena to be in his room.
"I have to hurry…"
Even if I'm the Crown Princess, I can't be late and make somebody wait.
Maintaining a speed that just barely let me keep dignity, I hurried to Sion's room.
Chapter end
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