[…That's why, onii-sama has returned to our territory.]
A few days after Ryuze returned home, I was talking with Ricardo who was leaning on a nearby wall when I left the east garden.
A bit away from them, the knights of the castle were conducting their boot camp even today.
While suffering the heat of early summer, they worked hard and trained. Somehow, I remember the face of the knights… why were they smiling at me with eyes like seeing a comrade!?
[Is that so, Ryuze is strong, but… I'm worried.]
[Un.]
Ryuze himself said that it would be all right, but I was worried since it was a dangerous job.
[Britney, to speak at such a time is indiscreet but… that, it seems that somehow I will succeed the Astor earldom. My father nominated me as the next earl.]
[E, really?]
[Aa, my parents will be here to talk to me, so they're heading to the capital city now. My brother stays at home though.]
[Is that so… when Ryuze-niisama returns safely, I want to talk about that.]
[That's right. I want my engagement proposal to be accepted, so I'll try my best.]
As Ricardo extended his hand, I gently grabbed it.
However, a voice came from behind our nice atmosphere.
[Ricardo… I thought you were good friends with Miss Britney. So you have that kind of relationship with her.]
[…!?]
The one who was staring at us with his smiling black eyes was the fifth prince of the northern country Lucas.
[…Lucas, if you know, then can't you be a little discreet.]
It's not that kind of relationship yet. I was excited since Ricardo was affirming our engagement.
[I very much want to do so, but there's news so I want to hurriedly inform you. Sorry I can't wait until you kiss each other.]
[Na, ki, kiss, I won't do it before our engagement!]
[Oya, is that so?]
[A, that's natural!]
Ricardo's face was as red as a boiled octopus.
He was a perfect, considerate gentleman after all.
[E-. It would be easy if you both have a relationship, then you can force to get engaged.]
[Na, Lucas, such a thing…!]
[Because, if you kiss her in public, there will be no other person who wants to be married to Miss Britney, so you will be selected automatically…]
This execution prince was such a low-life rascal.
Ricardo who sighed greatly changed the topic.
[So, what's the news?]
[Ee, there's something I want to tell Miss Britney… in fact, there seems to be some problems in Hakusu territory.]
As if repelled, Ricardo raised his face. I looked at Lucas as well.
[My home country — to exterminate the bandits operating at the border with the northern country, Earl Hakusu has returned to his territory, but he has been unexpectedly struggling.]
[…Lucas-sama, where do you get that information?]
[Since I'm a member of the royal family, I have sent my subordinates to several places. I want to avoid the scenario of our countries fighting each other. Even now, I feel that it's pretty unpleasant.]
[That's right, Ryuze-niisama did say that you're investigating the situation too.]
For Lucas, who was studying in this country as a symbol of friendship, this time's case was a "What's this unnecessary behavior!" that made him indignant.
[So on this occasion, I am on this country's side. I will tell you about the extent I know. This has only been told to Prince Marlow.]
Ricardo and I nodded silently.
[First of all, the ringleader of this case is probably one of my older sisters. Her pitiable head seems to be dreaming, but it seems that the products of Hakusu earldom are too charming, so she wants to interfere. She is originally an ambitious person and has the ambition to go down to south. Meanwhile, my parents are looking into the situation. If my sister's plan goes well, they will ride it together, but if it fails, they will cut it down…]
[Isn't that laissez-faire?]
[Maa… I understand what Miss Britney wants to say. From me, I can only say that I apologize. I will return to the story, my sister's bandit subordinates should have appeared along the northern border. Naturally, Earl Hakusu also has moved on that assumption.]
[Ee, that's right.]
[However, it seems that the southern part of your territory has been damaged. Along with the west coast…]
[What do you mean? The south west…]
Before leaving here, Ryuze has been suspecting a "traitor".
(Is onii-sama's assumption correct… who is it?)
Nonetheless, since it's my cousin, I thought that he could do it. On horseback without any breaks, it's a day and a half from here to our territory.
[I thought that if Ryuze-niisama arrives at our territory, he can solve it sufficiently.]
[Well, isn't that so. Indeed, Earl Hakusu has skillfully responded with instructions… until yesterday that is.]
Lucas' good-featured face became clouded and he murmured something ominous.