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THE four of us ate dinner together that night, making it official that we’d all become proper friends. We gathered around the low table, leaving no extra space. But that wasn’t a problem, since there was no one else to eat with. With two princes already staying at the inn, it wasn’t as if anyone else was—
“Lady Estellise is here?!”
—suddenly going to show up.
An employee delivered the news. I raced straight down to the front desk only to find a figure wearing a hooded cape, just like Prince Adelberd. When she spotted me, she lowered her hood, revealing that familiar light purple hair.
“Hello, Cynthia. It’s been a while.”
“Lady Estellise…! It’s nice to see you again. Are you here to see Prince Adelberd?” I approached Lady Estellise and took her hand. We had been friends for a while now and were quite open around each other.
“Yes, I was worried when I heard Prince Rutherford chased after Adelberd. Viscount Rhuddlan also told me that you and Siraiya were here, so I didn’t waste time sending a messenger in advance. I’m sorry this is so sudden.”
“No, it’s only natural to be concerned for your fiancé. I’ll show you to His Royal Highness’ room. We have things to discuss about Prince Rutherford as well.”
I asked Lady Estellise’s guards and servants to wait in the lobby while I escorted her to Prince Adelberd’s room.
His Royal Highness stood up as soon as she entered. “You came all this way to see me?”
“I did. I was worried about you.”
“Is that right? I appreciate your concern.”
It was a touching reunion between the couple. I’d expected them to at least embrace, but they stood at arm’s length the entire time. Were they embarrassed that we were watching them?
“Rutherford already knows the full story,” Prince Adelberd explained. “He’s going to use his connections in Sanctoria to research curses for me.”
“Heavens! Prince Rutherford is?”
Lady Estellise had been worried because she heard Prince Rutherford followed the crown prince to this resort. I knew how surprising this development must have been to her.
“I’m assisting too, Elder Sister,” Prince Rutherford said. “You must be nervous, since I’m his main political rival, but my desire to help my brother is real.”
“…I see. I have no objections, so long as Prince Adelberd approves. However, it seems I jumped to conclusions when I decided I needed to come here.” Lady Estellise sounded defeated. She turned back toward me with an apologetic look. “I’m terribly sorry for showing up so suddenly, Cynthia. I’d be happy to leave at once, but my horses are quite fatigued, you see.”
“Please, don’t give it a second thought,” I said. “You’re welcome to enjoy yourself here at our resort. I’ll have the employees prepare your room and meals.”
“Thank you, but I only need a room. My servants can prepare my food.”
“But I insist. The Rhuddlan territory is a famous tourist destination, after all. It’s no trouble to procure ingredients here, and I’d love for you to enjoy a raw seafood meal and a honey treat for dessert.”
The two of us took each other’s hands again and smiled.
“Oh, how lovely. In that case, I’ll accept your generous offer.”
“Of course. It will be so much fun to get to stay in the same resort as you, Lady Estellise.”
The mood in the room was pleasant and cheerful. We squeezed each other’s hands.
Lady Estellise was a lovely person whom I found easy to get along with. We’d become good friends in no time at all after our first meeting. Although that was also why I found it a bit strange that she’d exchanged greetings with Prince Adelberd without the two ever touching. They’d already attended balls and danced together in public settings, so physical contact wasn’t exactly a line they had yet to cross.
Afterwards, Lady Estellise and I chatted for a while. We decided to share a room during our stay.
When he heard this, Prince Rutherford insisted that he share a room with Prince Adelberd, too. His Royal Highness decided that the men and women would share their respective neighboring rooms.
My memories were hazy, but I recalled this being similar to what we did during field trips in my past life. Secretly, I was quite excited.
Siraiya had looked a little annoyed when he heard he would have to share a room with Prince Rutherford. For better or worse, his pouting was extremely adorable.
Hang in there, Siraiya.