Smiling, I added, “Besides, my interest was only as far as it could be useful if known, so there’s no issue with leaving it unknown.”
“Oh, really? It was a ‘prophecy’ that caught your interest enough to ask about, wasn’t it?”
“It felt like a delusional prophecy. Even if such a person were to genuinely appear, they would likely be nothing more than a nuisance. Managing them is troublesome, so it’s better to ignore them. At most, they could be utilized as a pawn.”
“But it’s the ‘Maiden of Destiny,’ isn’t it?” My father grinned playfully.
I smiled in exasperation. “I have a fiancée, Miss Bertia. That was your decision, wasn’t it, Father?”
As I mentioned Bertia a little sharply, my father looked slightly surprised at first, then his expression softened into a relieved, affectionate smile.
“Ah, that’s right. That was the case… Tell me, Cecil,” he asked.
“What is it?”
“Are you enjoying your life now?”
Caught off guard by the sudden question, I tilted my head, uncertain of his intentions. Nonetheless, my response was already decided.
“Yes, I am. My fiancée always makes sure of that.”
“That’s good to hear… It means there was no flaw in my judgment when I chose her as your fiancée,” Father nodded contentedly, his gaze filled with paternal affection, which felt somewhat uncomfortable.
“… Shall I say, ‘As expected of you, Father’ then?”
“You could praise me more, you know?”
“I’ll leave that role to Mother. You’d prefer that, wouldn’t you?” I said with a playful tone. Father looked momentarily puzzled, then burst out laughing.
“Indeed, that’s true. It would be better to share this with Olivia in bed, where she could shower me with praise. She’d undoubtedly cry with joy.”
I couldn’t help but think that Father’s words, mixing crying and rejoicing, might have carried a different implication. A wry smile escaped my lips as he spoke so casually about such matters in front of his son.
“Father, Mother isn’t as young as she once was, so please, do restrain yourself?”
“Hm? What are you talking about?”
“Don’t play dumb. I’m not a child anymore, am I? And please refrain from bringing up such delicate topics in front of your actual son.”
“I really don’t understand what you mean.”
Despite his feigned ignorance, I responded with a full smile. “Then perhaps I should go and do to Bertia what you intend to do with Mother. There shouldn’t be any problem, right? Of course, if anyone questions me, I’ll proudly say ‘the King has permitted it.”
“Stop that! At least wait until you’re married! Otherwise, between the Prime Minister—who is Bertia’s father—and Olivia, who has feelings for Bertia, I’ll end up getting murdered!”
The Prime Minister was Bertia’s father, and Olivia’s my mother’s name.
At my father’s alarmed tone, I tilted my head, still smiling. “Wouldn’t it be okay to just receive praise?”
“… Sorry. Please, just maintain a proper relationship befitting the Crown Prince until you’re married.”
Father scratched his head roughly, his lips pursed as if annoyed.
I let out a chuckle, “I suppose it can’t be helped.”
While this man appears as a good and dignified king to his people, in my view… when he steps away from his duties, the persona of a simple father seems rather pitiful.
I do not dislike this side of him.
… Although not to the same degree as Bertia, watching him can also be quite entertaining.
“Well then, I should take my leave now.” I hadn’t obtained the information I sought, but I had asked all the necessary questions. I bid farewell to Father as I made my exit.
Father repeated his admonition about maintaining a proper relationship, but I merely smiled and let it go… Naturally, I have no desire to hurt Bertia; I just found it amusing to see Father turn pale, so I poked fun at him a little.
As I began to walk toward the door after saying my goodbyes, a voice called out from behind me. I turned halfway around, wondering if there was something else he needed, and met Father’s unexpectedly serious gaze.
“… Cecil, you are a truly capable son of whom I am proud. However, being capable doesn’t mean you are without worries. There may be troubles unique to those who excel. I may not be the most dependable, but whenever you’re troubled, come to me for advice.”
I couldn’t understand why Father had suddenly said that. However, seeing his expression as a father and hearing his words gave me an unexpected sense of relief. Then, all of a sudden, I realized something.
—Within me resided a quiet sense of unease, a feeling I had never recognized before. My plans for the future, the “scenarios” I had contemplated, did not consider any uncertainties. I was determined to confront whatever arose and was fully equipped.
Dealing with the light spirit could be troublesome, but I doubted it would require the use of flashy powers. Bertia, who viewed this world as an “otome game,” was unaware that magic existed here, likely because no such powers appeared in the game.
Even if some form of power were exercised, we were joined by Zeno and Kuro, high-level spirits in their own right.
—Yes, thinking like this, there appears to be no reason to feel anxious.
So, I had thought that I felt no anxiety.
Still, I truly felt relieved by Father’s words.
That relief came because I felt a slight, unreasonable anxiety within me.
How pathetic of me.
“Thank you, Father. When the time comes, I will rely on you without hesitation, so be prepared.”
“Ah, leave it to me. As your father, I can at least share your burdens.”
“Won’t you tell me to leave everything to you as if I were boarding a great ship?”
“Having a son too capable makes a parent modest.”
“I think that varies from person to person.”
“That’s how it is for me.”
We both grinned slightly and exchanged glances. Then, turning my back to Father, I headed for the door again. Before leaving the office, I bowed and caught a glimpse of him in my peripheral vision.
He had resumed his kingly demeanor, concentrating on the documents I had submitted. In my heart, I silently thanked him once more.