Haa, I did something awful to Chris-sama, didn't I?
But I think it wouldn't go well even if I accepted Chris-sama's feelings.
What to say… My and Chris-sama's feelings aren't in sync, probably.
While I was exhausting myself with such thoughts, grandfather opened a door to another room.
This room is special, there are two doors that lead into it.
Grandfather opened the door and spoke.
"How long have you been there?"
When we peeked into that room, Allen-kun and Sasuke-san were there.
It's a peculiar situation…
For some reason, Sasuke-san is behind Allen-kun restraining his arms.
"Ah, grandpa. This guy, was thinking of, rampaging. That's why, I, risked my life."
Sasuke-san seems to have stopped Allen-kun with all his strength.
In contrast, it doesn't feel like Allen-kun is putting much power into it.
However, once grandfather raised his voice, he immediately let Allen-kun go.
He left the spot muttering a complaint.
'What's with this? This, stupid grandpa. I, did my best.'
Yup, you really did your best.
I will give you some sweets later.
Allen-kun, after being released by Sasuke-kun, approached me slowly.
Somehow, he has an anxious expression.
"Lillinsama… Are you engaged to Prince Chris?"
Allen-kun seems unusually nervous.
Allen-kun, I…
"I feel sorry for Chris-sama, but I don't plan on being engaged to anyone for now."
Listening to my words, Allen-kun made a complicated expression.
I wonder if this is his troubled face.
And like this he started talking.
"I… see. Right now, it's hopeless no matter who… Lillinsama, I will definitely protect you! No matter who, no matter what, I will stand by you, Lillinsama. So please depend on me more!"
Allen-kun said so and grasped my hand.
… Thank you, Allen-kun.
Incidentally, at that time I could catch a glimpse of Ange-san out of the corner of my eye, and while I'm not sure, she seems to be cheering Allen-kun on.
I heard a quiet 'Good for nothing', but what is it about?
Grandfather and grandmother were looking at our interaction with pleased look for some reason.
"Hmm, it seems Allen-kun will be a knight who protects Lillina. Well, I think he will change into a hunter someday…"
Grandfather said something strange.
A hunter doesn't fit Allen-kun's image at all.
"Now, now, I'm glad Lillina seems to be loved by everyone. Someday the day will come when Lillina comes to love someone. Perhaps you might have already met, and you just haven't noticed."
Grandmother stroked my head with a smile.
Maybe we've already met…
I wonder if I can marry someone I love one day, like grandmother or mother.
I would be happy if that happened.
What happened to the duke and Natashsan after all?
A while ago grandmother said the matter was settled right away.
"Grandfather, in the end what became of the duke and Natashsan?"
"Ah, the duke's house will cease to exist. And since the duke was charged for an excessive number of crimes, he will be sentenced later, but his life won't be spared. Since a lot of evidence and testimonies emerged against his daughter, originally, she'd also receive the same punishment… However, she'll probably be sent to a monastery."
Isn't that right, the more you investigate the duke, the more stuff comes out.
But why send Natashsan to a monastery?
"I understand the duke's sentence, but why send Natashsan to a monastery?"
"Well, it hasn't been decided yet. The other ladies who have suffered at her hands don't wish for her life to be forfeit. In some ways it may be more difficult for that girl than dying. Until now she's selfishly led a life of doing whatever she pleased, and what awaits her is a life in a monastery with strict discipline. Moreover, she won't be able to leave until she dies."
I've certainly heard that there are some very strict monasteries in this country.
Of course, the intention is once you enter you can't leave as long as you're alive.
She'll surely go to such a place.
"It's quite troublesome, but everyone must go to the castle in two days. The king will without doubt throw a tantrum if he doesn't thank you. Even though I told him he doesn't have to purposely do such a thing."
The king will throw a tantrum…
It's the usual grandfather.
Does he give off such an impression wherever he goes?
"Jeez, this guy is already playing with the king.~ Really, are they on good or bad terms? Last time the king already had teary eyes."
What is grandmother saying.
Is she enjoying such a grandfather?
Going to the castle means meeting Chris-sama…
I'm just a little hesitant to face him.