After Putting the Slayer of the Night to Sleep, I Ran Away - Chapter 45

“How about learning the role of the mistress of the house in advance?”

“The role of the mistress?”

“Leo has been officially granted the title of Grand Duke for his contribution to the subjugation of the Southern Magical Beasts. If you marry him, you’ll become the Grand Duchess, so there’s no harm in learning the role of the mistress in advance.”

“If you would teach me, I would be grateful, but I wonder if I would be a burden.”

“I’ve felt sorry for not doing as much for you as I have for Schuel. I would be happy if I could do even this much for you.”

Ayla bit her lip at Tatiana’s affectionate tone.

After a moment of contemplation, she made a decision and replied to Tatiana.

“I will study hard, Your Majesty. Thank you for taking such good care of me.”

“Oh, you. It’s nothing.”

A maid, having finished the preparations, poured hot water into the teapot to brew the tea.

As the teacups filled, the fragrant scent of tea tickled the tip of her nose.

“It smells lovely.”

Tatiana, having tilted the teacup and set it down, continued hesitantly.

“I heard that you managed the estate in Saint. You’ll be good at managing the household affairs on your own…”

“…”

“Yes, that would be good. The National Foundation Day preparations will begin soon. There’s the hunting competition, the banquet, the festival, so many events to take care of. It seems like it would be a good experience for you to do those things together. What do you think?”

“National Foundation Day preparations? It seems like a good opportunity. I will study hard.”

“Let’s do that. What have you decided about the wedding? I’ve been so out of it that I haven’t heard yet.”

“We’ve decided to hold the wedding in Eisenfelt.”

“Is that so? That’s the usual thing to do.”

The conversation flowed smoothly, with occasional laughter mixed in.

Just as the atmosphere was warming up and the corners of their lips were softening, an unexpected figure appeared, making a soft pattering sound.

“Mother.”

“Oh, Edward.”

The sunlight falling on the blonde hair, so similar to Emperor Friedrich, sparkled as if shattered.

Ayla rose and curtsied beside Tatiana, who greeted him with a welcoming smile.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

“It’s been a while, Lady.”

At Edward’s greeting, the Empress gently chided them.

“Such formal titles between cousins. Well, you haven’t been able to see each other much, have you?”

“It seems like this is the first time I’ve seen you this close.”

Ayla smiled and replied to Edward’s frank tone.

“It’s because I haven’t been very active in society. I tried to find an opportunity to greet you at several banquets, but it was difficult because there were always so many people around Your Highness.”

“I’m just like that. I’m unnecessarily popular.”

Tatiana laughed as if she couldn’t help it at Edward’s easygoing manner and offered him a seat.

“Don’t just stand there, sit down.”

“Then, may I be excused for a moment?”

Edward smiled and sat down, asking for permission.

A maid who approached prepared another teacup and then stepped back.

“I didn’t know you had a guest.”

“Was it today? I didn’t even know and called Ayla here like this. I guess I’m getting old.”

“What are you saying? It’s because you have so many things to worry about. The imperial palace affairs that Mother has to take care of are not just one or two.”

“Thank you for understanding. Ayla, I’m sorry to you too. Are you uncomfortable?”

“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I’m not uncomfortable at all.”

“Is that so? Well, what’s uncomfortable between family members? It’s better this way. You’ll be entering the palace often from now on, so get along with Edward. Ayla is a year older than Edward, isn’t she?”

“Yes, Mother. I’m a year younger. But you said she’ll be entering the palace often?”

“That’s right. I asked her to help with the National Foundation Day preparations while she’s in the capital.”

“I see…”

Edward’s gaze turned to Ayla.

A faint curiosity sparkled on her pretty face, which resembled his mother, Tatiana.

“I heard the story that you’re marrying my brother. I couldn’t attend the banquet that day because I had a schedule, so I’m late in greeting you. Congratulations on your marriage.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

“To be honest, I was a little surprised when I heard the story. I knew that you had no contact with my brother, but suddenly you’re getting married. As far as I know, weren’t you engaged to the heir of the Esteban family? I heard there was a small commotion that day…”

She was inwardly embarrassed by the rather direct and rude question, but she didn’t read any bad intentions from him.

Ayla continued to answer with a calm smile.

“It happened after I requested the dissolution of the engagement with the Esteban heir in advance. I happened to meet His Highness Leomond, and somehow it turned out that way.”

“You wouldn’t have decided to get married for the same reasons, ‘happened to’ and ‘somehow’……. So, my brother must have been a pretty good man, right?”

“Excuse me? Ah…”

Ayla’s eyelids fluttered quickly.

She tried to figure out Edward’s intentions, but it wasn’t easy.

She didn’t feel any particular intention in his eyes or tone.

Ayla, vaguely thinking of Leo, began to answer slowly.

“Um……. He’s a good person. He may seem rough at first glance, but he’s more kind than he looks…”

“Is that so? Is my brother kind?”

“Excuse me? Yes. He’s kind of like that…”

Why did she feel an incomprehensible sense of delight in Edward’s expression?

Just as she was feeling embarrassed, Tatiana interjected in a soft voice.

“Edward? It’s rude to ask about their private stories.”

“Ah, I’m sorry if it was a rude question. I was just happy to hear about my brother.”

“How about the National Foundation Day story? How is the hunting ground inspection that I asked you to do going?”

“Most of the reviews are already finished. However, the hunting ground hasn’t been opened for five years, so the facilities need to be replaced. I can check the hunting ground side, but the viewing seats need to be discussed. Since many ladies will be staying there, Mother should check it.”

“Is that so? That’s difficult. I don’t have time to pay attention to it right now…”

Tatiana, who was worried, looked at Ayla and widened her eyes.

“Ayla, would you like to try it?”

“Me, Your Majesty…?”

“It will be a good opportunity to make your name known to people. You can help Edward and take charge of it, but just report to me. If there’s a problem, I’ll teach you. There will be hunting competitions in the North too, right? It seems like a good experience?”

“…Yes, I will do it.”

“I’m so glad you came at the right time. Leomond, not because he’s my nephew, but how did he find such a pretty wife? Our Edward should find a good match soon too…”

“Haha. I’ll try hard to find my match, so don’t worry, Mother.”

“Oh, dear. If only you couldn’t talk.”

“You promised. If I find a lady I like, you’ll unconditionally allow it.”

“I just hope you find that lady a little faster. That way, this mother can teach you a little more, right?”

The corners of her lips naturally turned up at the sight of the two people in a friendly atmosphere.

She already knew that the Empress’s affection for the Second Prince was special, but she didn’t know that they were so close.

Edward, who was soon to be eighteen, had a bright expression and attitude and was full of confidence in everything.

It was obvious that he had been raised with a lot of love, and he also had the status of a prince, so it was only natural.

However, it was hard to imagine in this aristocratic society that the marriage of a prince, not just a common nobleman, would be left to the prince himself in that way.

She couldn’t help but feel a sense of deprivation at Tatiana’s actions, which seemed to want her son’s happiness rather than taking care of her own desires.

“The Empress is a very good mother…”

“Oh, is that so? Thank you for seeing it that way, Ayla.”

“I’m just saying it as it is. With a mother like this, His Highness Edward must be very happy.”

“Haha. Is that so? Lady, you are also loved by your uncle enough to be spoiled, aren’t you?”

“…Yes, that’s right.”

A bitter smile spread across the corners of her lips as she lowered her gaze.

The world is so unfair.

Edward, who was smiling so happily, would never know.

What kind of marriage parents who value their own desires more than their children’s happiness force on their children.

That his half-brother was almost killed at a young age because his mother was different.

Edward’s clear smile, as if he didn’t know the shadows of the world, was a little envious.

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