“Speak. I’d like to hear it too,” Christina said with a nod.
She then stood up and sat on the edge of the bathtub. It was her way of expressing her intention to settle down for a long discussion. Then, Flora and Celia also stood up and sat on the edge, and Roanna followed suit.
“Princess Lilianna has accurately verbalized the vague impression I had of him,” she said. “I completely agree with what she said about being unable to see his true thoughts. If I had to add something, then I’ve wondered before if having so much influence yet such unclear intentions makes it easy for him to be misunderstood or suspected by others.”
“Exactly. If I could say something without fear of being misunderstood, I may be wary of him too. Sir Amakawa currently has the same influence as a high-class noble in a key position of the Galarc Kingdom, if not more. If he wished, he could make it difficult for our kingdom to continue its relationship with Sir Masato and Lady Aki...”
As the one who brought up the topic in the first place, Lilianna seemed to think she had to reveal her true thoughts. What she was saying was stepping pretty far over the line.
“I see. Being offered free information and receiving hospitality from someone like that would leave anyone confused about their intentions,” Charlotte said in understanding, the corners of her mouth curling up.
“If anything, I’d feel more at ease if he requested some kind of information in return. Otherwise I don’t know what he wants me to do...” Lilianna said.
“He’s just not the type to seek anything in return when he does things for others,” Celia agreed with a wry smile.
“There’s nothing more expensive than free. Lady Suzune once said these words, and I think they fit this situation perfectly,” Lilianna said.
Charlotte smiled mischievously, enjoying the sight of Lilianna’s mental agony.
This is by no means irrelevant to me either.
Recognizing the similarities between them, Christina pulled herself up with a sigh.
“Why doesn’t he seek compensation? It doesn’t seem like he’s acting out of noblesse oblige either,” Roanna said, peering at Christina’s side profile.
“It’s simple. There’s just nothing he wants from you in repayment. If there was, I’m sure he would ask, but there isn’t, so he doesn’t,” Charlotte answered nonchalantly.
“But isn’t it a waste not to create any favors in noble society? If he does it to the wrong person, they may look down on him for it...” Roanna pressed further.
“If that happens, then that person was rude and deserves no further association. But that’s also what makes Sir Haruto so interesting. He doesn’t like conflict, he’s so kind, and people regularly misunderstand and look down on him, without realizing they’re making an enemy of someone they would never want as their enemy,” Charlotte said with an elated grin.
Roanna shuddered and sank back into the bathtub. “I-I see...”
“He is a gentleman with enough military power and influence to get anyone to do anything he wants—he just doesn’t feel like doing that. And it is my hobby—I mean, duty—to teach gratitude to the fools who fail to realize this on Sir Haruto’s behalf, since he’s too kind to do it himself.”
Charlotte seemed in high spirits as she spoke. The flush on her cheeks from being in the bath made her smile even more charming than usual.
“Since we’re already here, I’d love to hear about Sir Haruto from Lady Celia, who’s known him the longest,” she said, inviting Celia to talk.
“I think Princess Lilianna’s and Roanna’s words were correct. There’s no doubt it’s hard to read his thoughts.” Celia spoke of Rio’s temperament with an almost strained smile.
“But that’s part of Sir Haruto’s charm,” Charlotte said fondly.
Celia nodded without hesitation. “Yes. But he does have true thoughts of what he wants. If he thinks something is necessary, he will convey it. But when he does, it isn’t because he wants someone to do something...”
She paused in search of the right words.
“He respects other people’s wills over his own. If they proceed in a dangerous direction, he’ll warn them. If there’s something they’ve missed, Haruto will tell them even if it leaves him in an unfavorable position. He’ll give us the information we need to avoid making the wrong decisions. That’s what his true thoughts are for. Otherwise, he rarely ever shares what he’s really thinking... It’s a little troubling at times,” Celia said with a small pout.
“Oh? And you’re unsatisfied with that, Lady Celia?” Charlotte asked teasingly.
“Not unsatisfied, but... He puts himself last. He doesn’t care for himself, but he’ll do his best for others. I just wish he would treasure himself more,” Celia answered, looking a little sad by the end of her sentence.
“All of Sir Haruto’s actions are like that, though I’m sure he would deny it.” Charlotte imagined the sight of Rio shaking his head and laughed in amusement.
“Maybe that’s why I want to support him by his side. The problem is that he’s so capable, he doesn’t need any support...” Celia said.
“The conversation turned to Lady Celia bragging about her relationship partway, but how was that? Do you understand Sir Haruto now?” Charlotte summarized everything mischievously and turned to Lilianna in question.
“I-I wasn’t bragging!” Celia objected with a shocked look.
“Hee hee.”
How cute, Christina and Flora thought as they laughed.
“Princess Lilianna, I know you’re worried you’ve caused him trouble, but I’m sure he doesn’t think the same. He’s just doing what he thinks is necessary for Masato’s sake,” Celia said to Lilianna in an attempt to cover up her embarrassment.
“Thank you very much. I think I have a deeper understanding of him now.”
Lilianna smiled softly and thanked her.
It’s no wonder Sir Takahisa couldn’t compete with him.
Takahisa was a man who only cared about himself. That’s why he tried to make others do what he wanted—and lashed out when they didn’t. In comparison, Rio cared about others to the point of sacrificing himself. It was clear who was more widely adored by others.
A shadow of sadness fell over Lilianna’s eyes as she thought that.