The Beloved Fiancee Is Likely to Be the Villain

　The scenario is progressing.

　Harold and I checked “Otoshi” together, and we are currently on chapter 5 of 10. The protagonist is being harassed by a high-ranking noblewoman of the same grade for being from a commoner background, but with her natural cheerfulness and honesty, she is gaining allies.

　Among them, the ones who are particularly concerned about the protagonist and take care of her are several noble sons who are candidates for the Crown Prince’s entourage.

　The hero, who is a man of principle, invites them to his home to thank them for their hospitality. The two men checked each other out and a spark ignited in their eyes, but this is only casually described by the author, and the protagonist is unaware of it because she thinks they are just friends.

　In the end, the heroine meets the Crown Prince through them and falls in love with him for the first time in her life.

“……”

　I closed the book, slightly heartbroken as I recall my own unrewarding approach to the entourage.

　 Right at the moment, there was a knock at the door.

　Harold, who had gone out to check and returned, told me with his usual expressionless face.

“It’s time for dinner. Their Majesties are here today.”

“I want to go ……”

　Or rather, I have to go.

　Both my father and mother are busy with their official duties. They are often away at night attending balls and salons. I must say that it was fortuitous that I could meet them since I wanted to talk to them.

Queen Mother: ‘My son may say this, but, it’s hard to keep track of our time. I guess you know that, so you keep yourselves busy with your own schedules. Tonight was just an occasional get-together.’

　Although this is what my Queen Mother thought, considering the importance of the situation, I’d like to rejoice with all hands, but I’d like to give …… a few days to prepare myself, if possible.

　I changed my clothes and headed to the dining hall, where dinner was already prepared on the table and waiting for the waiter.

　Father and mother had just arrived at the table and were sitting down on chairs at the prompting of the attendants. My father was seated at the top of the table, my mother was diagonally in front of him, and I was seated on the opposite side.

“Father and mother, I am glad to hear that you are well.”

　I bowed and sit down in front of the silver tableware.

　Father and mother were in comfortable silk shirts and dresses, stitched in arabesques with silk threads of the same color. …… couples outfit, huh?

“Long time no see, Vincent.”

“I haven’t seen you much lately, and I was wondering how you were doing.”

　Father nodded his head with a broad smile on his aging, but still fair-skinned face. Mother, too, was wrapped up in her well-fitted dress without a moment’s pause, straightened her back, and looked at me.

　Her expression was soft. But my parents had the air of royalty, as if their smiles would never break, no matter what happened to them.

　Their mouths opened in unison.

“So, how are you and Miss Elizabeth getting along?”

“……”

　I looked down, unable to say anything.

　The King’s face immediately collapsed and a sigh escaped from both of their lips.

　The two of them thought of their son as nothing more than the heir to the kingdom and a pawn of the kingdom, but they were very protective of their daughter-in-law, Elizabeth.

　Of course, I was the cause.

　Their only son, who had repeatedly rebelled against his governess and had stuck out his tongue saying he would never inherit the royal family, changed his mind as soon as he met her, so their impression of Elizabeth was very good from the beginning. Whenever I was scheduled to meet with her, I bragged to my father about it. And each time, I told him how good of a girl Elizabeth was. It’s a very embarrassing story.

　Through my missionary activities, the King and Queen grew up to be admirable fans of Elizabeth, although they did not show it. I wonder if this parent of mine is actually trying to be Elizabeth’s parent.

　Anyway, although I deserved it, my love and respect for my parents is beyond that of most adolescent males.

　After realizing my mistake, I took advantage of my parents’ busy schedule, and even when one of them was in the palace, I didn’t see them much because of my studies.

“I thought that if we spent more time together at …… Academia, we might be able to develop our relationship.”

“Vincent, did you send a letter to Miss Elizabeth?　Did you send her flowers?　And the perfume?”

“……”

　I didn’t say anything, but the conversation proceeded on its own. The waiter, with a dead fish’s eye view, offered me a piece of bread.

　Soup is soon served. The King and Queen handled their spoons gracefully without seeming to mind the ivory-colored silk fabric. They also didn’t forget to shoot their mouths off to their son in between their meal…….

“If you don’t win her heart soon, you may lose her affection. Think of a private date. There seems to be a circus in the castle town. If the situation permitted, I would even invite the Queen.”

“Oh, that’s a very good idea, my dear. And now, you must give me a gift. I want you to put this in my room as a substitute for me.”

“……”

　I have just read Miss Serena’s novel and was excited to have a secret date with her, but now I am not so sure.

　I breathed a sigh of relief as I looked at my parents, who had left their son behind and were absorbed in devising a date plan – and not even a drop of gravy splashed on the floor.

　The fact that they did not talk about it suggests that the “Otohoshi” fiasco at the Royal Academia has not reached their ears.

　It would not be surprising if they would get into the academy if they knew of any suspicious activities around Elizabeth. She(Queen) is a person with that kind of mysterious energy. Some time ago, the family orderly said with a distant look in his eyes, “To avoid trouble, you must keep her busy so that she doesn’t think about unnecessary things.”

　The two of them look calm and composed from the outside, but in fact they are talking with great enthusiasm about the castle town spots that their son’s future wife would be pleased to visit.

　They also say that the King is the one who can order assassinations with an easygoing chess game and a nonchalant look on his face. So my father’s relaxed attitude can’t be read as he is laid-back.

“Then I will do so. Father, after this, I would like to ask your permission to go to the castle and discuss the schedule with you.”

“Yes. Good.”

　I wondered if my nerves were really showing in my voice.

　I moved my hands to eat, pretending not to notice that my heart was beating a little faster than it should.