n

n

nIt was time for lunch and Zoemi led his master to the tearoom as Horeo was already waiting there with Teo and Veo at his side.

n

"I've been watching your examination my love, and you were stunning as always.

"

nThe first prince's trained until perfection affectionate voice could make anyone's heart throb – and it did exactly what it was supposed to.

n

"...you heard that...!

"

n

"...oh... I am so jealous...!

"

n

"Eh...? don't you have a fiance...?

"

n

"I do, but he is still such a brat at heart..!

"

nThe other students present in the tearoom blushed without exception and started whispering amongst each other.

n

"It was nothing, my dear prince, I know you will do even better.

"

nMiriette answered her fiancé with a curtsy.

n|They are so close~!|

nSeeing the heartwarming scene even Zoemi's migraine lessened.

nWith such a strong bond, what could the heroine possibly do to push herself between the two lovebirds?

n...still, the charming compliments and pleasant smiles were only for show...

nThe future royal couple knew the true meaning behind their sweet words.

n|Show-off|.

n|Aww, the little prince is jealous? Show something better if you dare!|

nBy the table reserved especially for the future royal couple, a tea set and plates with food were already waiting for them, prepared by Teo ahead of time.

nSince the day of the examination was a time during what something unexpected might suddenly happen, Zoemi wanted to be by his master's side as much as possible and he agreed to the offer made by Teo and Patishi.

nThe two of them promised that they would be the ones to prepare a meal for his lady.

nOf course, Patishi and Teo made a portion for Zoemi too- and don't tell anyone, but Patishi tried a bit harder when making the food for their big brother than they did while making the food for the first prince and lady Espine.

n

"So, Zoemi, how well do you think you've scored?

"

nAfter helping his fiance sit down and taking his own seat, the first prince asked the black-haired attendant as if he wasn't secretly watching his examination process from a safe distance using the light spell augmenting his sight...

n

"I did my best, but some gaps just can't be breached that easily.

"

nZoemi responded humbly and returned to his meal by the other table together with Teo and Veo.

n|This is amazing! Maybe I should ask Patishi to make the meals for my lady instead of me? I could spend more time on training that way...!|

nThe scarred attendant thought to himself taking another forkful of a delicious dish.

n

"My prince, what about you, your exam starts soon after the lunch break, isn't that right?

"

nThe silence between the first prince and his fiancee that followed seemed a bit heavy for some reason so the black-haired attendant hurriedly gulped down the bite he had in his mouth and asked.

n

"My turn will come around two hours after the lunch break.

"

nHoreo responded to Zoemi's question with a benevolent smile and turned to Miriette – who was glaring, jealously, at Teo and Veo who had the privilege of sharing a table with her beloved attendant.

n

"My love, will you come to watch me?

"

nWorried about his attendants' safety, Horeo leaned forward and spoke in a low voice to get Mireitte's attention.

n

"I'll always have time for you, my prince.

"

n

"...aaaahhhh...! They are soo dreamy together~!

"

n

"Shhhhh! Quiet! They'll hear you...!

"

nThe weaker-hearted maidens present in the tearoom felt faint from the fluffiness of the romance in the air and had to fan their flushed faces with their hands.

n---

nAs they were walking through the hallway Miriette looked at her reflection while passing by the windows.

n

"Zoemi, my hair looks terrible! Why haven't you told me before!

"

nThe dark-haired girl gasped in disbelief.

n

"My lady...?

"

nZoemi tilted his head confused.

n

"Just look at me! Completely disheveled! Oh! How could I have shown myself to the prince like that!?

"

n|That bastard must have laughed his ass off seeing me like this!|

nShe frowned and put her hands to her hair that in all actuality looked as if she was exposed to the strongest of winds - which couldn't be a more accurate description.

n

"Ah! Forgive me, my lady!

"

nZoemi instantly kneeled before her on one knee and apologized.

n

"I didn't hold any ill will!

"

nHe bowed his head deeply, honestly scared that his master might send him off for the rest of the day. If some unexpected event would happen out of order when he was away...!

nZoemi shuddered at the thought.

nNo matter what, Miriette's safety and happiness were in the first place!

n

"Forgive me, my lady, I didn't say anything because you just look so lovely with your hair like... UMPF!

"

nBecause Zoemi was worried and nervous he spoke his true feelings and only when he said them out loud did he realize how inappropriate they were - so he hurriedly shut his stupid mouth with own his hand!

n|Damn it! So even though the mana is refilled, some of the symptoms of mana depletion are still present...!?|

nHe cursed himself.

nHis lady was in love with the prince, he might be her attendant but they are not that close!

nThe black-haired attendant felt as if somebody has punched him right in the guts!

nHis master was very prideful, wouldn't such an overly-friendly act coming from her servant prodded her noble's honor?

n

"...

"

nMeanwhile, Miriette's body was shaking from the blazing emotion.

n|D-did he say lovely...? I look lovely...? Lovely? L-love? Does this mean that he loves me!? He loves me!|

nHer heart was beating furiously and not only her face but also her ears and even her neck glowed red as if she was using the fire enchants!

n

"I-I meant to say that... I th-thought that the prince... would... find it lovely...! Not me! I wouldn't dare to...!

"

nHer reaction – that in all honesty looked like she was trembling from held back anger - prompted the scarred attendant to go on his knees and start kowtowing at his master feet while explaining hurriedly.

n...making a really awkward scene – truly, the aftereffects of the mana depletion and mana hangover were as severe as they were unexplored....

n