𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭

As Chris opened the door, everyone stood up and bowed their heads.

The sound of the door opening and footsteps approaching could be heard.

ㅤ

“Look up, please! I truly feel bad for intruding on this gathering, but I thought we would never all be together again.”

“Your Majesty, Shiro and Emilia are not present.”

“It would be tactless to summon them here!”

ㅤ

The sound of a bell-like voice could be heard. It must be Queen Pamela-sama’s voice. It’s not loud, but it carries well.

ㅤ

“Come on, lift your faces! I’m the one imposing, so please act as usual without tension. I won’t punish you for anything, and it won’t leave a bad impression!”

ㅤ

Roa-sama encourages everyone to look up and take their seats.

Arthur, who often interacts with His Majesty, quickly raised his face and sat down, saying, “I’ll take you at your word.”

Seeing him, everyone slowly lifted their faces and sat down in their chairs.

ㅤ

Chris brought chairs, and His Majesty Coleesh and Pamela-sama sat down. A strange silence followed.

While trying to sit as properly as possible, I glanced sideways at His Majesty and Roa-sama.

ㅤ

Lined up like this, it’s clear that His Majesty and Roa-sama don’t resemble each other.

Roa-sama has a rugged face due to training, with well-defined features. Originally fair-skinned, his skin is tanned, showing a healthy complexion uncommon for nobility.

His Majesty has deep facial features. His skin is a pale wheat color, likely natural to him. He has an exotic look and a brightness that makes one involuntarily return his smile.

ㅤ

“Actually, we’re here because of Pamela’s whim. Sorry for being a husband who’s weak to his wife!”

“No one can match up to the elder sister-in-law, after all.”

ㅤ

Roa-sama chuckles, and His Majesty Coleesh also laughs.

Unlike Roa-sama’s straight silver hair, His Majesty’s black hair is slightly wavy. Their way of speaking is also completely different.

Though the brothers don’t resemble each other, the closeness between Roa-sama and His Majesty is evident, and it’s somehow heartwarming.

ㅤ

“I’m sorry. I was able to thank the others, but since I couldn’t meet Miss Alice, I really wanted to see her.”

ㅤ

Unexpected words from Pamela-sama made me flinch.

Recalling Chris’s words, I smiled without speaking immediately.

I waited a moment, but Pamela-sama did not speak. Instead, she looked at me with sparkling eyes, waiting for me to speak, and I opened my mouth with fear of being disrespectful.

ㅤ

“I apologize for greeting you late, not knowing that I was in the Queen’s palace all along. I also borrowed jewelry, and I’m not sure how to express my gratitude.”

“It is we who are grateful. Thank you so much. If Miss Alice doesn’t mind, you can talk to me in a familial tone. There are plenty of people who speak formally, so I want to enjoy talking with people I like.”

“It is an honor.”

ㅤ

Pamela-sama says this, but I have no idea where I earned her favor.

ㅤ

Tall and slender, Pamela-sama is frighteningly beautiful. Her long, fine, golden hair is tied up like silk, and her skin is as white as snow.

Being stared at by such a Pamela-sama makes me break out in a strange sweat.

 ㅤ

“The people here are truly trustworthy, and I want to get along with them.”

ㅤ

Pamela-sama greets us with a beautiful smile. It feels reassuring, as if telling us to relax, and I find myself a bit more at ease.

Pamela-sama’s lips, colored a beautiful deep red, slowly part.

ㅤ

“I thought it was absolutely hopeless, even though I believed. After this battle, I hoped to get married, but Linus was setting up such a huge death flag! I couldn’t stand it! I wished he’d at least put a locket with Miss Alice’s picture in his breast pocket as a flag to ward off gunshots, but he didn’t even do that! What’s unforgivable is that he decided to go to the Fourth Knight Order with His Majesty without telling me anything. I can keep secrets too! Linus just decided on his own, which I thought was questionable, but well done, Linus! You must marry Miss Alice, even if it means getting down on your knees!”

“Yes, elder sister-in-law.”

ㅤ

. . .Huh? What?