“Lady Tia, are you sure you won’t be attending the welcoming party?” Claus inquired. He was seated upon the sofa in the spacious tea room. As usual, Princess Meltia, clad in a white sheer silk dress, was leaning closely against him. “I saw a group of people enter the venue not too long ago. I believe it’s starting soon.”
“I’m not going,” Meltia replied dismissively. “I’m tired. And I thought you already knew that I don’t attend such festivities.”
“I was just checking with you,” Claus assured her. “But I heard Their Majesties will be meeting a Pakiran prince today. They say he’s a very good-looking man who’s popular with the ladies. And apparently the green traditional outfit he’s wearing is quite the sight.”
Meltia laughed mockingly.
“I can see right through your tricks, Lord Claus. You’re hoping that I’ll change my mind after meeting this prince, right? Unfortunately, I’m a very devoted woman. I don’t care how handsome he is. I’m not interested.”
Claus tilted his head.
“I’ve been meaning to ask, but why have you become so fond of me? I can’t imagine what could make you feel that way.”
“What are you talking about?!” the princess asked in vexation, her body tensing. “You have silver hair and mysterious violet eyes! Whenever you’re troubled, you look like an archangel straight out of a painting! That alone is enough to make me fall for you!”
Claus put on a small, troubled smile.
“But it’s not just about your looks,” Meltia went on. “You radiate elegance and you’re faithful to your fiancée. The more I learn about you, the more I like you. And I think it’s wonderful that you don’t look upon me lustfully. And the way you sometimes say such bitter words is such a contrast to your gentlemanly reputation that I can’t help but love it!”
“I see...”
Claus smiled wryly. It seemed that his firm rejection had the opposite effect on Meltia. Well, I also get fed up with people only caring about my looks, so I get what she means. And I completely understand that she enjoys not being given preferential treatment. His thoughts drifted to his fiancée. Jeanette’s the same. Of course, she does compliment me, but unlike others, she doesn’t do it with ulterior motives. She has no ill intentions whatsoever, which is refreshing.
He had always been surrounded by people who shot him lecherous looks. Those who didn’t eventually revealed they had some other kind of ulterior motive. Even married people often sent him meaningful winks. Among them, Jeanette was the only one who admired him with the innocence of a child.
In a way, Princess Meltia and I find joy from the same sources... Although to me, this coincidence is just an inconvenience.
“Back on topic, I still think it’s a shame you won’t attend the party,” Claus spoke up. “As your tutor, I believe it would be a great source of learning for you. Will you not go even if I ask you to?”
Meltia hesitated as she looked at his smile. But just like when she had refused to drink Dr. Jaquilla’s nourishment tonic, she turned away with a huff.
“I hate those kinds of things and that’s that! I won’t go even at your request. I’m sure my papa wouldn’t allow it anyway. It’d be awful if I collapsed during a party.”
“I see... Well, I must admit that when I heard about the party, it made me crave some recreation myself. Do you mind if I play the piano later on?”
“The piano?” Meltia asked, surprised. “You can play?”
“Indeed.”
“Very well! I permit it! But not later—I want you to play now! I want to listen, so play in this room!”
“All right.”
“Someone bring the piano here at once!” the princess ordered, and the maids rushed out.
Instead of us going to the room with the piano, she’s having it brought here... Classic Princess Meltia. This is exactly as I expected, Claus thought.
A while later, the maids and a few other servants carried the piano into the tea room. The grand piano was extremely heavy, so the maids must’ve asked for extra help. Claus smiled to himself when he spotted a flash of red hair among them.
“There it is!” Meltia exclaimed. “Now, go ahead and play, Lord Claus! What will it be? I can’t wait!”
Claus slowly approached the instrument. While the rest of the maids retreated, one of them stayed in place, her head bowed.
“Huh? You’re in the way. Step back!” the princess demanded.
However, the maid didn’t budge.
“Hey! Didn’t you hear me?”
Right as the princess grew angry, Claus swiftly approached the maid with a grin on his face.
“Ahh, I really missed you, Jeanette!”