The Beloved Fiancee Is Likely to Be the Villain

Chapter 07: Approaching and following Miss Ulysses

I repeated the words of Miss Ulysses, as if to confirm what she said.

"I'm going to run out of money soon, because I've to buy everything again and again..."

"Yes, that's right. The textbooks that were supposed to be in the locker have disappeared, sometime she finds them thrown in the trash or, in some cases, ripped...."

Miss Ulysses covered her mouth with her hand and burst into tears, as if remembering was too hard.
She looked exactly like the poor girl who came out of her country estate and was subjected to the insidious bulling of the aristocrats... yes, she was a perfect protagonist for the novel.

Edward gently rubs her shoulder as if to comfort her.

"There are those who do not take pleasure in her being the Star Maiden. I'm afraid it's harassment coming from some girls..."

"... I see."

"Yes."

Hmmm, I don't know what you're talking about. 

Edward, why do you say with such confidence

"You know who I'm talking about, don't you?"

She nodded her head as if to confirm or support his idea.

This is what it's like to be an enthusiastic fan, ehh?
They're going to even pay money to make "Otoshi" into a real world stage production.

I glanced at Harold, who listened to the exchange expressionlessly.

Of course, I don't show my emotions as I was taught, royalty's etiquette, but to be honest, I feel like my face is going to get distorted at this very moment.

It's times like this that I appreciate Harold's iron will and his always ice gaze.
It's a little calming.

Let's try something else, I'm not sure if it's going to work but... I casually dodged his gaze and raised my eyebrows to look grave.

"I'm surprised that anyone would do such a thing in this Academy. What a horrible situation!　"

I was being indirect, but I'm talking about you, Mr. Edward.
And Miss Ulysses too!

It's easy to run away, but you never know what they're going to do.
It would be safer to let them play within my visual range.

"Miss Ulysses."
"Yes."

Calling her name, she clasped her trembling hands, and Miss Ulysses turned a dainty and ephemeral expression like a small animal.

Yes, you're right, she has a lovely face.
And, for better or worse, no noblewoman has ever shown so much emotion.

A chivalrous Edward, for example, could not leave a woman like that alone.

Even saying so, I'm sorry, but I don't have that kindness. I'm sure she'll find a lot of people who you'll be able to control with that but not me.

"This is my personal assistant, Harold. If you're ever in trouble, you can tell Harold."

"My name is Harold"

"...thank you."

What flashed in the indigo eyes of Miss Ulysses for a moment probably was ... Dismay.
Was it disappointment because you were expecting to get a drastic resolution or....
All right, let's not think too much about all what is wrong with her mind for now.

"I'm glad to hear it, right Miss Ulysses?"

The unaware Edward is smiling as if he is happy to have my help.

"Now, if you excuse me."

"Thank you very much, sir."

I nodded to the two of them and quickly went out into the hallway.

I can't keep my expression any more than this, if they talk to me again...!!

It seems that Elizabeth is having a study group with the ladies in the school.

On our way home, I was hoping that I could see her just by chance, but I was too tired to wait more, let's go home already.

I leave the school building and get into the carriage.
After picking him up, Harold sat down across from me.
When the carriage started to drive away, and I was no longer worried that anyone would hear us, I said.

"We must be on guard and watch Lady Elizabeth closely"

"... You finally become a stalker"

"Then, what are you going to do about Lord Norden?"

"Why? His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is in love with his fiancée."

"..."

There is no denying to that, but...

"Edward - never-understand - and Miss Ulysses - smells-like-troubles - . If they're still going to try to move forward with the story's plot, Elizabeth could be in harm's way."

"By the story, you mean that novel His Highness was rambling on about?"

"Yes."

"Do you mean that Miss Ulysses will take direct action against Lady Elizabeth? Is there something like that in the novel?"

I was surprised to see Harold cocking his head.
He always listened to me complain, so I assumed he knew what I was talking about.
So, all this time, he was giving a proper nod to his Lord's affliction without knowing nor even caring about the problem at all.

"You haven't read it, have you?"

"No, sir."

"..."

It's not just on his superficiality, but I can't believe there's a person who hasn't really read "Otoshi".

If you're a trend-sensitive aristocrat, it's something to watch at least once, even if it's an over-exploited story.

"Read it. I'll lend you my book."

"Yes, sir."

When I get back to the palace, I'll read it again to make sure I understand it well.

Then I'll give it to Harold.

I don't think anyone would take "the scenario" from the novel seriously and bring it into reality, but Miss Ulysses who doesn't deny it when Edward introduces her as The Maiden of the Stars is too suspicious.

I looked out the carriage window and sighed.

The Royal Academia is located in the heart of the royal city, close to the Royal Palace.
It was built with royalty's money after all, so it'sin a place where the noblemen would find it easiest to access to.
However, it is far enough to go by carriage.
From the backyard of the school without passing through the town, a path surrounded by trees that led to the east gate of the royal palace.

It's early summer and the landscape view is refreshing for my mind.

I wish I could see this view with Elizabeth... Or rather, I just want to see Elizabeth.

Elizabeth... I could have had more of conversations with you.

In the first few months of my enrollment, I have nearly a hundred hours of lost opportunities, yes, not an hour nor a day... And I'm not delusional!

My heart... It needs something to heal it.

"Ask the Duke of LaMontrievre to send her daughter in a secret mission to the Royal Palace on the weekend... well, tell him it's for a study group."

"Yes, sir."

I thought some kind of complaint would fly to my in response, but surprisingly, Harold nodded his head meekly.
Probably, he sensed that my mental health would fail if I don't give myself a reward soon.
He's a smart guy, this guy...