n

n

nIn fact, he didn’t welcome Rieta in the residence very much in the beginning.

nRumors had already spread in the capital that the king’s existence alone was a disaster.

nWith a father who was like that, he thought his daughter couldn’t be a proper person.

n‘From what you say, I’m sure of it.’

nHe heard the butler talking to Rieta again.

n“If you need any help, you can talk to the master anytime.”

nWhat?! Was the butler trying to get him into that girl’s shoes?!

nNoel said, “What nonsense is that?” and then stopped.

nDisrespecting the butler was what only the uneducated did.

nHe didn’t want to look like someone like Rieta.

n

n

n‘…I-I’m not trying to look good. I’m trying to show her the dignity of the Duke.’

nThis was a noble dignity that could never be imitated in a kingdom indulged in desires.

nA moment later, he heard the butler leave the study room.

nNoel quickly shoved his head deep into his books.

nIf he pretended to be focused like this, even that stupid princess wouldn’t be able to talk to him.

n“….”

nHowever, his study was quiet, contrary to his expectations that Rieta would run to him straightaway.

nHe was a little prepared to see her be lazy.

n‘Did you find a book to read?’

nThere was no way, she couldn’t even speak, how could she read?

nHe couldn’t overcome his curiosity and looked up.

nBetween the two books, he could see the side of Rieta’s book.

n‘…Huh?’

nNoel looked carefully at the book that Rieta had taken out and laughed.

nShe was nine years old, and it was ‘Sweet Squirrel.’

nThe small princess looked like a squirrel, and the book she chose was so cute.

nIf the princess’s hair was a common brown, not a rare pretty blond, she would have looked like a real squirrel.

n‘Pretty gold?’

nHe laughed at his unconscious thoughts.

n‘The princess’s clothes are shabby, so her hair stands out.’

nEven with the addition of an excuse, the boy’s glancing at Rieta was a little longer.

nWas it curiosity about a strange girl from another country?

nHe didn’t know. But he thought it was fun to watch her anyways.

nSuddenly, she lifted her head.

nHe suddenly heard a cheerful voice that he had never heard before.

n“That’s meant to be sweet!”

n…How could she suddenly yell in the Kingdom language?! She startled him!

nAfter trying to rein in his surprise, he berated her for nothing.

n‘When you come to the Empire, speak in the Imperial language. You stupid princess.’

nHe turned to the book he was reading again.

nHowever, he couldn’t read a single line properly because he was paying attention to the sounds coming from beyond the bookshelf.

n“You’re sweet… sweet, you’re sweet. Sweet, sweet.”

nIt was a little amusing to hear her repeat the word “sweet” in the flat pronunciation of the kingdom’s language.

nWhat the hell was she doing?

nShe stopped her clumsy practice after a long time.

nWas she satisfied enough thinking she had mastered her pronunciation?

nIt was still a mess.

n‘Well, it’s none of my business.’

nNow, he turned the pages with the idea of reading the book again.

nHe determined that no matter what she did, he would never look back.

nAt first glance, he heard her muttering something in the language of the kingdom.

nOf course, Noel didn’t care. Not a bit!

n“….”

nNo, he was actually paying attention.

nBut of course that’s natural.

nIf anyone in the world finds a noise maker in a bookshelf, they would be interested.

nBad attention.

n‘I can’t help it.’

nHe rose from his seat.

nIt was just to warn her to be quiet.

nHe didn’t know what it was like in the Kingdom of Liz, but this was the capital.

nIn the capital city, it was ‘etiquette’ to not disturb others’ reading.

n“….But what is paper in the Imperial language?”

n

n

nThen a blurry voice suddenly cut in.

nJudging from how he didn’t understand, it must have been in the kingdom’s language.

n‘I don’t know… what she’s saying.’

nHowever, the words conveyed deep emotion for some reason.

nMaybe it was because he didn’t know their meanings, so he felt this way.

nHe stood up and looked back at her again.

nRieta stayed where she had just stood.

nShe held a book with a squirrel that resembled her closely.

nA sense of vanity could be felt in her blue eyes, slowly passing through the air.

n…Vanity?

n