“What about Baroness Heronia?”
“It seems she’s the same as always.”
Baroness Heronia almost had crimes falsely attributed to her by Viscountess Eirin. As a result, she claimed to be a victim and deserving of sympathy. However, no one consoled the Baroness, and in the end, she irrationally ranted that it was all Bertia’s fault for failing to comfort her.
I frowned naturally as I recalled the face of the woman who had hurt my fiancée.
Joanna continued, “She keeps confronting Miss Bertia, saying disrespectful things—insisting in front of her fiancée that she alone can make you happy, claiming to be your ‘maiden of destiny’ with incomprehensible delusions.”
“What an incredibly annoying situation,” I remarked, feeling a frown forming again. I sighed, relaxing my expression.
Bertia, as always, was still trying to set me up with Baroness Heronia. Without provoking Bertia into overreacting by acting impulsively, I’ve simply been deflecting, but it’s hardly enjoyable.
Furthermore, I have recently noticed that Bertia appears increasingly distressed.
Joanna spoke as if she were echoing the thoughts in my heart. “It’s such a shame. We could have handled it neatly if Miss Bertia weren’t so protective.”
I wasn’t sure where she had gotten it, but Joanna now held an open fan, covering her mouth with it. Perhaps recalling Baroness Heronia’s behavior, she seemed visibly irritated. Yet, she remained passive, likely out of respect for Bertia’s wishes.
As we walked in silence, reflecting on unpleasant memories, a vibrant corner bustling with students drew our attention. “What’s that?” I asked.
“Oh, that? Why don’t we go check it out ourselves?” Joanna’s mood brightened instantly as she urged me to come along. She seemed to be aware of what was happening in that crowd. Though I wasn’t very interested at first, her changing expression made me reconsider. Given her demeanor, it probably involved Bertia, and I found myself intrigued.
I accepted Joanna’s invitation, and we made our way toward the crowd. “Ah, Your Highness!” The students gathered there noticed us. Those at the back of the crowd stepped aside, and those in front followed suit, creating a path for us.
As we walked through the parted crowd, we were met with inexplicable cheers like, “We’re supporting you!” At first, I was puzzled, but I soon understood what they meant.
At the front, beyond the crowd, there was a display featuring caricatures of Bertia and me, my close aides, and their fiancées. From left to right, there were Shaun and Joanna, Nert and Silica, Bard and Cynthia—and then Bertia and me. Additionally, several other engaged couples were showcased.
Joanna, glancing at the board that paired her with Shaun, excitedly explained to me what it was all about.
“The event happening tomorrow night, the finale of the cultural festival, features a vote to determine the best couple from a list of pre-selected candidates, either self-nominated or nominated by others. This is the voting station.”
I understand. This is going to be a very exciting event.
My gaze shifted to the bulletin board, scanning each pair of couples. Shaun, Nert, and Bard, all middle school student council members, are also my close aide candidates.
Additionally, I have other aide candidates, Charles and Kulgan. Charles and his fiancée, Anne, likely weren’t selected because they are both in high school. Kulgan doesn’t have a fiancée.
According to Bertia, these five are potential “capture targets” in the “otome game” who could end up with the heroine. However, Bertia hopes that the heroine and I will end up together. As a result, she has meddled—more like interfered—by arranging relationships between these aide candidates and various young ladies.
Currently, none of them are paying attention to the heroine; instead, they are happily engaging with their fiancées and lovers. Kulgan is the only one without a partner, but it seems he has taken an interest in Bertia. However, since Bertia is engaged to me, Kulgan has chosen to focus on his work without seeking a partner. Even so, there are no signs of him being swayed by the heroine.
Ah, and of course, I have no interest in Baroness Heronia at all.
I turned to Joanna and asked, “By the way, what are the current voting results?”
“It’s frustrating to say, but Your Highness and Miss Bertia are overwhelmingly popular. Miss Bertia doesn’t even realize she’s been chosen—she’s not aware that her name was even put forward, let alone by someone else’s recommendation,” Joanna said, covering her mouth with her fan and narrowing her eyes in amusement.
It seems that not only was Bertia unaware, but the people around her had also deliberately kept it a secret from her to create a surprise.
“Your Highness, you’ll be attending the finale tomorrow night, won’t you?” Joanna asked with a bright smile, to which I responded with a broad grin of my own.
“I can’t let my beloved fiancée stand on stage by herself, especially for such an esteemed award. I’d be thrilled to escort her,” I assured her.
“Oh my! It’s not confirmed yet, you know? Shaun and I are doing quite well in the polls, too. We’ll show you a comeback in the final stretch,” Joanna retorted with a challenging look. I responded with a relaxed demeanor.
“Then we’ll have to do our best too. I’ll ensure everyone sees just how well Bertia and I get along during the festival.” Drawing closer to her for all to see would surely attract more votes. Besides, as usual, Bertia is bound to respond in her amusing… and endearing way.
Shaun and Bertia worked hard to prepare for this festival, and I want to contribute to its success.
“It looks like it’s going to be a fun event, doesn’t it?” I mused, imagining Bertia’s reactions.
Bertia was flustered as I closed the distance more than usual. She blushed and seemed even more flustered when chosen as the best couple at this so-called “finale.”
Yes, both scenarios seem enjoyable. As the future royal couple, it would be fitting for us to become figures of admiration for our people, wouldn’t it? Maybe I should put in a bit more effort.
“Your Highness, your smile looks a bit mischievous,” Joanna observed.
“Come now, you’re wearing a similar smile, aren’t you?”
Joanna and I are cousins. We’re not particularly close, but in that moment, I felt the bond of shared blood anew.