The Rune Magician Who Lost Everything to Her Older Sister, Becomes Doted On by the Genius Prince – Chapter 15
Chapter 15: No, thank you
“I, I apologize for the rudeness! Your Highness Alectos!”
“What’s rude about it? Not realizing it was me? Or maybe, pressing her with a mean question?”
“――!”
It seems that His Highness was listening to our conversation.
Since when?
I don’t know.
The reason why the Highness, whom I thought I parted ways with, is here…
It’s like he appeared as if to help me, and my heart beats faster.
“Your Highness…”
“By chance. I was in town for a visit and happened to see you guys.”
“…”
“You want to reinstate the engagement, don’t you?”
His Highness smiles while turning his gaze to Jerick-sama.
Jerick-sama, who reacts with a twitch, shows a smile while sweating from his forehead.
“Yes, that’s correct. I showed you something unsightly. However, please don’t worry. This is a matter between me and Meiana.”
“That’s right. Regarding this matter, I am an outsider. I don’t intend to meddle in personal matters between families.”
“As expected of Your Highness, you understand perfectly——”
“However, let me give you one piece of advice.”
Interrupting Jerick-sama’s words of confidence, His Highness speaks.
“She is currently my direct subordinate, which means she is under my protection. If her freedom and rights are hindered, and she becomes unable to fulfill her duties, it may be seen as rebellion against the royal family.”
“…That’s——”
“It’s up to Meiana.”
His Highness looks at me.
Seriously, but kindly.
“Don’t worry. I respect your choice. You can say no if you don’t like something.”
“――”
“You don’t want to hear me out. What do you dislike——”
“I decline.”
I refuse.
Of course, towards Jerick-sama.
With my head bowed.
“What are you…”
“The matter of the engagement. It’s a nice story, but as someone who has already been broken off with, you don’t have the qualifications for it. As for the Pheles family, you’re already engaged to Onee-sama. I can’t see any benefit in getting engaged to me specifically.”
“I understand your intentions. But what will your parents think?”
“I understand. Therefore, I will talk to Otoo-sama and Okaa-sama myself.”
I wonder why?
The Prince is by my side.
Just standing next to me gives me so much courage.
Is it because he’s on my side?
I just feel reassured…that’s all.
Engagements between nobles often serve to deepen relationships between families.
However, personal intentions are not completely disregarded.
Especially if the individual has established a proper position, the family cannot ignore their wishes.
“The conversation is over. I have work to do, so…”
“If you want to interrupt her work, I can be your listener and take my time talking with you.”
“…Damn, let’s talk when we return to the capital, Meiana.”
“If we have the opportunity.”
Jerick-sama shows a frustrated expression and turns his back.
For the first time, I saw him make such a face.
It’s a mean thing to say, but it feels a little satisfying.
At the same time, the tension is released and fatigue floods over me.
“Haah…”
“Good work.”
“Your Highness…”
“That was unlucky. Being bothered by such a bothersome person after coming all the way here.”
He says this and laughs.
If His Highness hadn’t come, I would have been swept away by the atmosphere.
Accepting my unwillingness, I agreed to the unwanted engagement.
While understanding that there is no happiness beyond that point.
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“I didn’t do anything. I just gave him a piece of my mind.”
That little comment was a big push for me.
“Well, while I’m at it, let me give you some advice.”
“Advice?”
“Yeah.”
He raises his right hand and points with his index finger.
That finger touches my forehead.
“Have a little more confidence in yourself.”
“Eh?”
“You were chosen by me. There aren’t many people like you in this country. You should be more confident.”
“Your Highness…”
That’s right.
I became a subordinate of His Highness.
If I show myself in a pitiful state, it will affect His Highness’s reputation.
I don’t want His Highness who chose me to regret his decision.
I don’t want to cause any trouble.
“I will try harder.”
“You’re already doing that, aren’t you? What you need is to recognize yourself for the effort you are putting in.”
“Yes!”
It’s still difficult.
But if His Highness says so…
I’ll try to think that I’m amazing, even if just a little.
