VBR chapter 22

Translated by lyran1, edited by Minak Amie

Older Brother, protects a friend’s reputation

 

[I am honoured by your praise.] (TN: お褒めに預り光栄です)

For the time being, I accept the praise towards my ability to adapt. (TN: 俺は取り敢えず適応力を褒められた事について返事をしておく)

Without a doubt, Gaspar is a daredevil.

It seems quite fun, being a fiancée. (TN: そして楽しそうというのは、婚約者として、ということだろう。)

However, it is quite troublesome. (TN: 悩みどころである)

Personally, I like the couple of Gaspar and Princess Patricia in the original game, that’s why I will support them as much as I can.

In the beginning, the two of them only see each other as a partner decided by their family, however, when they gradually begin to understand each other, they move on to become true lovers. I thought I would explode from happiness.

However, this is no longer a game but reality.

Personally, I think that if the situation allows me to interfere in the fate of two people… (TN: 俺の個人的な思いで、２人の行く末に干渉することは許されるのだろうか)

If it is Gaspar, I feel like it is common sense to support him as a friend. (TN: ガスパールにその気があり、友人として応援するというのは常識の範疇に含まれるだろう)

More importantly, what kind of relationship do the two of them have right now?

Is this prior to their engagement or could it have already been decided? (TN: 婚約をする前なのだろうか。それとも、既にしたあとなのだろうか)

If it is the latter, then I should avoid changing things because of my sense of morality and the fact that Gaspar is my friend. (TN: そこから乗り換えようとしているのならば倫理観及びガスパールと友人である事を理由に断ることは出来る)

But, does a princess behave in such a manner?

It is maybe just my imagination, but just now it seemed as if Princess Patricia was in the process of finding a potential fiancée.

By calling Gaspar a daredevil, I can’t say I know nothing at all.

After meeting him several times, I think I have a grasp on his personality to a certain extent.

By the way, in this country, it is a common practise for a proposal of engagement from royalty or a noble to come from the woman’s side.

Of course, it is also possible to see the male’s side seeking a proposal as a way to pressure the female’s family. However, it usually comes from the female’s side.

The recipient of the proposal will consider the family of the proposer and then proceed to reply.

Furthermore, it’s needless to say that in our family’s case, Father who wanted to have a connection with the royal family, and Michelin, who was madly in love with Prince Edward, strongly requested for the engagement.

Sometimes the proposal from a woman reflects her family’s wishes, but what about the royal family?

Marquis Lambert’s family is famed for its militants, making them the best choice for the kingdom. Having a firm social standing is what the royal family wishes for. Based on history, a royal princess will be married off once in a few generations, and the time for that appears to have come once again. (TN: 歴史を紐解けばこれまでも数代に一度の割合で王家の姫が輿入れしており、時期的にもそろそろというタイミングではある。)

Although there are other princesses, the first and second princess are the most important to the family, but even so, it’s still too much to become the bride of a marquis. (TN: 第一王女や第二王女ではいかに重要な家とはいえ侯爵家への嫁としては大仰に過ぎる)

So, I wonder if Princess Patricia, the third princess, has a white arrow pointed at her; the fourth princess is probably also the same. (TN: What does it mean? – 第三王女であるパトリシア王女に白羽の矢が立ったのであろうが)

I don’t know how far discussions about engagement have gone, but for now, there is a high possibility that nothing has been concluded yet.

[Marcel-sama, has someone already decided your future yet?]

Princess Patricia who wants an informal conversation, purposely uses honorifics to ask.

[There seems to be several talks with my Father, but I haven’t heard anything specific.]

[Well, if there have already been rumours…] (TN: まあ、これまでの噂を聞けば、そうよね)

Princess Patricia laughs with a smile.

Previously, father had discussed with me about selections taking place, but it was definitely a lie. (TN: 以前父上が俺にも話があるけど選別しているような事を言っていたけど、あれはまあ間違いなく嘘だろう)

In my opinion, though the noble information network is quite good, it would take a while for such a story to come about.

[At the party, in the hall, I listened to your conversation with Edward, and something caught my attention. There is a guy who seems to be quite interesting and furthermore, they say that his identity is that of Marcel Alderton.]

At that time. (TN: あの時か)

Although there weren’t too many people around us, we were still heard.

It might be during the time we reached the end of our conversation.

Or rather, the royal family might have learned of it because of ˾that̚ … (TN: というか、王族にまで「あの」として知られてるのね俺)

[After coming here, it really is as interesting as expected. Better than him—]

[By the way, who is the one you called daredevil a while ago?]

Before I say anything crippling, I somehow manage to shut my mouth.

To my question, Princess Patricia frowns her beautiful eyebrows.

Her emotions, could be felt emitting from her. (TN: 感情、でちゃってますよ王女様)

Whether it is a habit or not, she starts twirling her long silver hair with her finger continuously.

I interrupt what she wants to say because I want to hear about him from her point of view.

[It’s a topic that isn’t very interesting…]

Princess removes her gaze and keeps spinning her hair.

Her face shows that she’s slightly angry, but then she smiles, covers her mouth, and starts laughing immediately.

The expression that had become teary momentarily, was immediately covered up by her acting.

Her switching is quite fast.

Well then, what should I do?

Prince Edward doesn’t join in this discussion; he seems to be anxiously watching me.

As if looking at a person walking in a minefield.

Michelin doesn’t seem to understand the situation well, but she seems to have sensed the atmosphere in which she shouldn’t interfere blindly.

Hmm, from the information told by Michelin’s friends, the engagement proposal of Gaspar and Princess Patricia is advancing.

Thinking about Gaspar. (TN: 俺はガスパールのことを思い浮かべる)

That guy, prior to our match, was at a loss and had a bad temper. (TN: 思い悩んで荒れていた)

With such a personality, even if it is the princess, it would be impossible for him behave properly when meeting her. (TN: I’m not sure if is right: 会って楽しく振舞うということは出来なかっただろう)

Even if I was entrusted with the honour of introducing them, I could easily imagine Gaspar’s facial expression not changing at all. (TN: ムスッとした表情を変えられなかったであろうガスパールを俺は簡単に想像できた)

From her perspective, Gaspar who is only interested in becoming a knight, would appear to be a rude person who has no interest in others.

Princess Patricia, by nature, hates being stiff and prefers a friendlier attitude.

However, one must be careful when determining the proper time to reveal it and when to hide it.

Furthermore, I fully understand my position and role. (TN: 自身の立場と課せられた役割も十分に理解している)

Therefore, when meeting a candidate for engagement, if the partner has the position and the behaviour of a princess, I would match myself with the other party. (TN: 王女としての立場をもって振る舞い、それに見合った扱いを望んだのだろう)

On the other hand, Gaspar’s attitude shows no sign of considering the other party, causing others to believe he is disrespecting the royal family. Well, in a sense, it’s as if he wasn’t paying attention to the princess who is seeking the strength of her knight in a street, so it would be cruel to blame Gaspar. (TN: I don’t think it’s the right translation – ある意味では自分の騎士としての力を求める余り王女様に気を配れなかったのだからその通りではあるのだが)

For a boy who is training hard to pursue his father’s path while wondering if he is going down the right path, it is difficult for him to think about other things.

If that is the case—

[Well then, let me tell you an interesting story from my side. There is a good friend of mine, a person called Gaspar Lambert. I wonder if you have ever heard of him, Princess Patricia.]

Prince Edward’s expression looks as if he has just seen a person step on a landmine.

[…… I do know him. Where are you going with this?] (TN: 耳のはやさを自慢するつもり？)

I wonder if she thinks I have heard of the progression of the engagement.

Princess Patricia’s face is only revealing an ordinary smile.

So far, the development of the conversation seen by the maids is completely different than the truth. The only emotion that can be seen is the smile on her face. Nevertheless, the continuous fiddling of her hair has not stopped, and in fact is increasing in frequency. It is possible the person herself is not aware of it.

[Well, I don’t know as much as my friend, Bruno Vaster. It is merely a simple conjecture.]

I take a sip of black tea.

I’m glad that it’s easier to drink since the temperature has decreased.

[The first time I met him I also thought that he was a daredevil. But now it’s different.]

[– And, then?] (TN: ――と、言うと？)

[That guy, Gaspar Lambert has passed a bottleneck. Worrying about the difference between feelings and reality, while struggling, he has finally found his own way as a knight. As a friend, I can’t leave allow Princess to have an impression of him as a flimsy daredevil.]

I stare straight into Princess Patricia’s eyes.

Really, this is what I should do, no, it’s something I really want to do.

I don’t even know what the feelings between Gaspar and the Princess are, so it is quite bold to push the two together.

Truthfully, I should have left it to the natural course of events.

However, I’m Gaspar’s friend.

As a friend, I can’t leave him to be considered as a narrow-minded man. (TN: あいつがそんなちっぽけな男だと思われたままにしておくのは我慢がならない)

In order to improve Princess Patricia’s impression of him, I will try to convey the truth to her now.

[A friend, eh. I thought you had no contact with him?]

As expected, the ability to gather information seems quite special.

[Just a few a days ago, we competed by chance. At that time, I got to see him pass that hurdle.]

I smile with a hint of confidence.

Furthermore, I put on the expression from a while ago. (TN: 俺の方はさっきから表情をそのまんま出している)

Since the content can’t be understood, I think it is good that they misunderstand. (TN: I don’t know if is right –しゃべっている内容が分からないんだから別にいいんじゃないかと思うのだけれど)

Alright, from here on, I will talk about the impressive confrontation I had with Gaspar.

[We have met several time during tea parties. He always sported an irritated face as if he could not wait for it to end sooner. And today, he didn’t come over to greet me.]

A feeling of dissatisfaction could be felt from her.

Oi, Gaspar Lambert, it’s no good if you act like that.

In the first place, does he even know that discussions are progressing for him to take Princess Patricia as his fiancée? (TN: あいつにパトリシア王女を婚約者にもらう方向で話が進んでる事って伝わってるんだろうか？)

If Gaspar knew about his situation, he would be more careful. (TN: そういう立場だと知っていたらもっと気を遣うと思うんだけどなぁ)

[…That shouldn’t be done.] (TN: それはいけませんね)

I didn’t think of a follow-up for this situation. Regardless, in this case, I have no choice but to agree that my friend is in the wrong here.

[Eh— he didn’t come to greet you!? Even though you are in such a position!] (TN: そういうお立場なのに！)

It’s my younger sister Michelin who reacts to this magnificently.

Princess Patricia is slightly surprised too.

[You are right! Don’t you think it’s cruel?]

[Indeed! I’m happy that my elder brother could make good friends, but such a person who can’t understand a women’s feelings!](TN: そんな女心の分からない御方だったなんて！)

[…… No look, is it possible that Gaspar himself wasn’t told that the discussion was progressing by some mistake?]

I am unable to stay still, I’ll say it just in case.

Although it might be pointless. (TN: 無駄だとは思うけど)

[Even so, it’s impossible to not notice anything after so many tea gathering introductions, isn’t it!?] (TN: あれだけ何度も茶会で紹介されてるのに気づかないとか有り得る！？)

[Elder brother! To not greet the princess, whom he is acquainted with, at today’s party, isn’t it unbecoming?!]

The two people start talking vigorously (TN: ２人はくわっと勢い良くこっちに捲し立てる)

Oi Princess.

Your perfect acting is flying away!

All the maids are waiting as if nothing has happened.

Well, if it’s them, the maids serving the royal family are taught to behave as if nothing happened even if the master shows a slightly strange behaviour.

Michelin and Princess Patricia are talking about something.

I find that the level of intimacy between them is gradually increasing.

It’s obvious that the focus of hate is Gaspar. (TN: 主にガスパールへのヘイトを燃料にしているのは火を見るより明らか)

[Ahh, my poor elder sister!

[You understand Michelin!?]

They became close so quickly!

Prince Edward is perplexed, but, well, the two have a good atmosphere and are getting along.

It will be fine for you! (TN: 君はいいだろうよ君は！)

Well, it is inevitable that a drastic failure will occur even if I try hard to raise Gaspar’s reputation.

I have to do something.

But how?

Ahh, I need someone as reinforcement!

If it’s Bruno, then he can use some confidential information and somehow, things might turn out well!

I suddenly became impatient for my friend’s reputation crisis.

In the meantime, someone knocks at the guest room door.

[Excuse me. There are some guests here to visit Marcel-sama.]

An attendant who is waiting outside the room informs us about the visitors.

[Bruno Vaster—]

Reinforcement has arrived!

Yosh, it’s a reversal from here—

[And Gaspar Lambert.]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!?

The O-bon festival and a funeral have come walking in together!! (TN: I made it simpler but I’m not sure – 盆と葬式がネギを背負って歩いて来やがったあ)

That’s right, I knew it.

Bruno wouldn’t come alone to visit me.

Gaspar is also with him.

We are friends after all!

Princess Patricia, Michelin, and Prince Edward, these three people gaze at me.

Because the two have come to visit me, this time I am the host.

Since I can’t send them away in this situation, I have no choice.

[Seats will be prepared, so I will need you to wait a moment.]

I ask the maid in the guest room and, while the tables are being prepared, I keep thinking about what I should do with the two who have come to visit me.