Chapter 35: Pay less attention

There are a total of 72 noble families in the Kingdom of Istonia.

This is an extremely small number.

My former kingdom had three times the number of noble families as this one.

On the other hand, the country could get by with only that many.

Because there are so many nobles, the fact that they sometimes forget their real job and live for pleasure has little impact on the future of the country.

His Highness Prince Rayne thinks so, too. I thought it was great.

But if I asked someone from the nobility, they would probably roll their eyes and become angry.

However, I did not believe it was wrong.

A country and an organization can function if we all do our jobs properly.

As is the case with this country, so should it be with countries all over the world.

“But doesn’t that also imply that this country’s nobility are serious, good people?”

His Highness laughed happily when I asked him that.

That is what I believe.

His Highness has faith in the nobles.

They are all deserving of ruling and leading the country together.

However, he laments the fact that some do not.

Those who prioritize their own interests and believe that power is everything… This country must be very uncomfortable for those with an aristocratic mindset.

Today will be my first time experiencing it.

For the first time, I’ll be able to see the other side of the country that has been so generous to me.

***

“Onesama is very beautiful!”

“Thank you very much, Lena-chan.”

While I’m putting on my party dress, Lena-chan says something nice to me.

I usually dress in one-piece dresses that aren’t too flashy and allow me to move freely.

Of course, I never had the opportunity to wear glamorous dresses while working at court.

It was back when my mother and father were still alive that I wore one.

It’s been a long time.

to put on such a lovely and glamorous gown.

“…”

“Onesama?”

“Nothing—thank you for your assistance.”

I stroked Lena-chan’s head gently.

To be honest, I’m a little nervous.

After what His Highness told me, I’m not sure if I can do it.

After that…

Knock, knock, knock.

A knock is heard at the door.

It’s most likely His Highness.

“Please come in.”

“Are you ready, Phyllis?”

It’s His Highness, as I predicted.

His Highness has finished putting on his party attire.

The royal family’s atmosphere, which is usually thin when they are in contact with each other, stands out simply by changing their clothes in this manner.

Leo-kun is standing next to His Highness.

“Sister is so pretty! Right Brother?!”

“……Eh? Yeah, it looks great on you.”

“――T-Thank you.”

Good.

One worry has been alleviated.

He thinks I look good in it.

“From the looks of things, you’re all set.”

“Yes—i’m all set.”

“All right—let’s go—to the party.”

I have the impression that I am on my way to the battlefield.

It’s not entirely incorrect.

As a princess, as the wife of a prince

I’m on my way to the battlefield.

***

The royal palace’s halls are large.

It is commonly used for events such as receptions and conferences.

Today is the big day.

Several tables have already been set up, and the food has been prepared.

The servants appear to be in good spirits.

Nobles from all over the country gather here, not just those from the royal capital.

You must not show shameful behavior.

People are pouring into the room.

Each and every one of them is full of elegance, a party of nobility.

“Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for making time despite your hectic schedules to attend.”

His Majesty addresses the guests directly once a certain number of people have gathered.

a brief discussion of the season and an update on current events.

“——Well, have fun to your heart’s content.”

A round of applause greeted the final words.

More people had gathered by the end of His Majesty’s speech, and a wave of people formed in the hall.

“We’re going as well.”

“Y-Yes.”

The party has begun.

We took advantage of the opportunity and went to the venue.

The nobles’ eyes are all on us at the same time.

“Your Highness, it’s been a long time.”

“Yes, it has been quite some time since the last party.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t come to pay my respects because I live so far away from the capital.”

“Don’t be concerned—i’ve heard good things about you in the territories.”

The nobles flocked to His Highness right away.

His Highness is popular among the people, but is he also loved?

They are conversing in such a casual manner that it is difficult to believe they are royalty and aristocrats.

Then one of them adds…

“Pleased to meet you, Princess Phyllis.”

“Yes. Me too.”

People gather to see me as well.

Of course, I don’t know any of them.

They tell me their names and the locations of their territories one by one, but I don’t think I remember any of them.

If it has anything to do with grantmaking, I can pick it up quickly.

To be honest, I wish they would stop talking to me so much.

“Phyllis-sama.”

“Good morning, Minister.”

Finally, I came across a familiar face.

It was so.

He is also a member of the kingdom’s nobility, which is why he is attending this party.

His position as minister also allows the people gathered around me to move.

“Was this your first time at this party, Phyllis-sama? You must be extremely nervous.”

“A little bit.”

“I know you have a lot on your plate, Your Highness. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.”

“Yes—thank you very much.”

It’s good to hear a reassuring voice.

His Highness is still surrounded by nobles and appears to be struggling.

We had unknowingly distanced ourselves from one another.

I tried to approach His Highness after the minister had left.

But then I hear a voice…

“You must be Her Highness Princess Phyllis.”

red eyes and auburn hair.

The family crest embroidered on his chest matches the one His Highness told me about.

“Yes.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you—my name is Schwigel.”

Schwigel Aizen.

a member of the nobility who disagrees with the royal family

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