𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝟑
I was so surprised that I couldn’t even make a sound.
In a reflex, I tried to lift His Majesty’s head, but my clothes hindered me. What I am wearing now is not like the short-hemmed ones I wore in Valka territory.
No matter how I think about it, my behavior right now is not befitting of a noble lady.
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While grateful that my cumbersome clothes stopped my movement, I opened my mouth. It would have been more than disrespectful if I had touched His Majesty Coleesh on my own!
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“P, Please raise your face! I have only done what is expected of a noble.”
“Of course, there’s the matter with Dyson, but it’s not just that. The gratitude for saving not just me, but my family as well, will continue until death. Besides, I am truly grateful for being by Linus’s side.”
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I am relieved when His Majesty finally raises his face.
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“I haven’t done anything special. This is not modesty, but the truth.”
“However, Linus says that talking to Miss Norchev allowed him to follow his own path. I think so too.”
“Prince Linus had already decided on his path. When I realized that, I was just coincidentally by his side. Rather, he showed me the way. Talking to Prince Linus, I became aware of my own wishes. He told me that I should cherish and pursue what I desire.”
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Thanks to Roa-sama, even though I am a noble lady, I can now say that I want to own my own shop. Roa-sama supported me in that.
At that time, I didn’t know Roa-sama was royalty, but now I think it was amazing. It would have been natural for me to think that he wouldn’t understand my dreams, but Roa-sama never did that.
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“I see. It’s not for me to intervene in each other’s feelings. But I’ll say thank you.”
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It would be wrong for me to deny it when His Majesty has shown such gratitude, even bowing his head.
I smile as warmly as possible, hoping to convey my genuine joy to His Majesty.
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“Thank you.”
“It’s pointless for you to thank me! Really, both Linus and Miss Norchev say the same things!”
“Um. . . Is Prince Linus doing well?”
“He’s a bit tired because he’s busy, but he’s getting enough rest, so he’s fine.”
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My heart flutters upon hearing a little about Roa-sama’s recent situation.
Since coming to the royal castle, I haven’t had the chance to meet Roa-sama or anyone else I came with. I guess everyone is busy.
It’s distressing that I’m the only one at leisure, but staying in my room is probably more helpful to those who are busy than if I were to do something.
There are times when the best thing to do is not to cause trouble for others.
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“By the way, I’ll fill you in on some matters concerning the Norchev family. If you have any complaints, let me know. I’m the one who decides, so it’ll save time if you tell me directly!”
“I appreciate your concern.”
“Firstly, the Norchev family will be elevated from Viscount to Count. The head of the family really wanted to refuse, but after all that has been done, elevation is unavoidable. I even had a hard time suppressing the voices saying you should be made a Marquis. But please, be content with this.”
“Understood.”
“Ha ha! See, you have that ‘I want to refuse’ face!”
“. . .May I speak honestly?”
“Of course!”
“I am feeling quite burdened. . .”
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When I express my trouble in a sugar-coated way, His Majesty couldn’t help but laugh loudly.
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“When humans of the Norchev household hear this, they all make the same face and reaction!”
“I’m terribly sorry. . .”
“It’s well understood that by not clinging to power, you have become an important pillar that supports this country. That’s precisely why we entrust power to the Norchev family. Instead of those who would use it to satisfy their own desires.”
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“The accomplices of Dyson who were caught this time, everyone said they were capable. They must have been working hard.”
“If you catch someone who was involved in the usurpation of the throne, then surely you will be short-handed.”
“. . .Do your best, dad.”
Finally, mom can come home, but now dad might be too busy to return home.
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“Hah, I laughed well for the first time in a while. So, the Norchev family will be busy from now on. You should hear this from your father, but there really is no time. Soon, there will be an award ceremony. We plan to gather as many people as the National Foundation Festival.
At that time, the announcement of the elevation in rank will be made. Not ‘you will become’ but ‘you have become a Count from a Viscount! Congratulations! It’s a report, isn’t it? Your father must be working hard, sparing no time for sleep, on the procedures and networking.”
“So that was it.”
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It’s even more touching that the family came together the other day.
In the midst of their busy lives, they came to see me. . .
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“Then, continue. It’s about the marriage of the Norchev family.”
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My body jerked in surprise. It reminded me of what Rolf had said at the noble school.
If I could catch Dyson, I would become a highly favorable prospect. If a family with more power than the Norchevs proposes an irresistible marriage. . .
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In my desperation to catch Maurice and capture Dyson, I had put my own matters on hold.
. . .His Majesty Coleesh opened his well-shaped lips.