Tensei Saki ga Shoujo Manga no Shiro Buta Reijou datta Chapter 114

[Hee, I see. That shrewd Earl of the North has a surprising weak point.]

Ignoring what Emirya had pointed out, I was anxious whether it was good to consult with him this early.

[I think Britney knows only your territory and the capital city, so don't you think it's better to see the wider world? At great pains, you are at a position where you can move freely. If you have various experiences, some things can become visible.]

[Err, but I can't move unlimitedly right? If I migrate, it will incur expenses.]

If I spent money uselessly, my cousin's coldest gaze would be mercilessly directed at me.

[Then, I'll do something about it!]

[No, no, therefore…]

With such conversation, we saw 3 people we knew well in the courtyard from the corridor window.

Ricardo, Lucas and… Merrill!

(What are they doing in such a place?)

Emirya also noticed them when he sideways glanced to that direction.

[Prince Lucas and Princess Merrill. The other person is…]

[That is my friend, Ricardo, the second son of the original Earl Astor.]

[Aa, so that's who he is.]

[Do you know him?]

[He's the friend of my future brother-in-law. I never talked with him, but I saw him once before.]

From outside perspective, they seemed to be on cordial terms.

Lucas as well as Merrill looked happy.

(U-n, they're dazzling.)

The two protagonists of the manga, as well as Ricardo. Looking at the glitteringly perfect three people, I felt somewhat thrilled.

It's as if the story was about to start moving.

[Princess Merrill is a pretty interesting girl.]

[…Is that so. Prince Emirya, what about her that you think is interesting?]

[Her straight personality that's not afraid of anyone. And her actions to try new ideas.]

Certainly, since she's the heroine of a girl's manga, Merrill's personality was straightforward. She's not two-faced no matter who the other party was, and she had a cheerful and lovely heroine temperament.

Just like during the tea party before, she had new ideas.

Though it was somewhat a problem, I believed Prince Marlow and Angela could manage it.

Emirya who was leaning against the window continued to talk.

[It's also interesting that she got a lot of followers so soon after she entered the castle.]

[Followers, is it?]

[Powerful and influential men who adore her. They are headed by Princess Merrill and are supporting her various activities.]

[I see.]

[That said, the wives regard her as a serpent… that's the impression.]

The husband was watered down by a young lass. As a wife, it wouldn't be amusing.

(I… I don't want Ricardo to be madly in love with Merrill.)

While thinking such things, my gaze moved towards the three people again.

Then, I saw Merrill clapping Ricardo's shoulder over and over again.

Reflexively, I looked twice.

(Ee…!? Isn't she touching him too much?)

In this country, men and women of approximate age were strictly prohibited from touching each other. Except for those with intimate relationships, it was highly frowned upon.

For people of this country, those who were close enough to touch each other like that were seen as a close companion equal to that of a fiancee. It was even stricter for a woman who already had her social debut.

I was raised as a young lady of Hakusu earldom for many years, so such a sense was already rooted in me.

(That Merrill… of all things, she was touching Ricardo.)

Inside myself, a little bit of syrupy feeling was bubbling up.

This was jealousy.

I knew it was useless, but my frustration was overflowing.

Meanwhile, Merrill repeatedly touched Ricardo in a friendly way.

Looking at Lucas, he seemed to be a little troubled.

He might be puzzled by the behavior of his fiancée candidate.

Merrill did not have any ill will, but maybe she just didn't care since she grew up as a commoner.

(But…)

I didn't want her to touch Ricardo like that.

I didn't want her to act so suggestively in spite of having a decided fiancée.

Mostly, why was she touching Ricardo. It would be nice if Lucas was sticky with her just like in the manga. Merrill was…

(No good, no good… when I think about that, I will look like the original. I have to calm down.)

I didn't want to think such ugly things.

I took a deep breath and calmed my mind. I felt restless, but I wanted to ignore my irritation.

I took my eyes off the scene, repeatedly took deep breaths, and somehow returned to my normal condition.

[Are you alright, Britney? Do you have trouble breathing?]

[E…? No, they're just ordinary deep breaths!]

[I see, it's good that you're fine. Hey, why don't we approach them?]

[Ee!?]

[Let's go!]

I was pushily coerced by Prince Emirya and I couldn't refuse, so we headed to the courtyard.

TN: Saw this pic, so I posted it. Since it's posted at syosetsu, there shouldn't be any copyrights problem. I hope.

Chapter end