Am I Really Wanted by Anyone? - Chapter 21

The next day, a letter arrived from Lord Olga.

It contained an apology and the words, “I was happy to see you. Let’s go out together again during our next break.”

…I’m happy.

I found myself reading the words in the letter over and over again, ruminating on them, unable to calm down.

I never thought I’d be the type to get so easily swayed by small things.

“Katie, Lord Olga wrote that he was happy to see me. And then…”

I chattered excitedly to Katie. She listened to me, responding with “Uh-huh” and “I see.”

“My apologies for interrupting while you’re lovestruck, my lady, but Lord Joseph is calling for you.”

“Father? Understood. I’ll go right away.”

It was unusual for Father to be at the mansion since morning. Perhaps something was moving among the nobility. I steeled myself and headed to the study.

“Father, good morning. You called for me?”

“Ah, Ginette. Good morning.”

Father was having breakfast while looking over some documents.

“The date for Lady Mira and Viscount Leo Barbet’s wedding has been decided.”

What!?

I was shocked by the sudden news and my eyes widened.

“Um, Father. Did you say wedding, not engagement?”

“That’s right. Even with the royal family’s backing, she’s still a baron’s daughter. If we’re to marry her into a higher-ranking noble family as His Majesty wishes, there’s no one else suitable around her age.

Besides, Lady Mira seems to like him, so it appears they’ve judged there won’t be any problems. Ginette, are you still concerned about Leo?”

“I see. If Lord Leo is happy, that’s enough for me.”

“Is that so? And what about Viscount Olga Saraphis?”

“I believe Lord Olga and I are maintaining a good relationship.”

“I see, that’s good. His Majesty ordered Princess Celestina’s guard to remove Vice-Captain Olga, but the princess seems to be refusing. She’s even throwing a tantrum about wanting to take him with her to the neighboring country.”

“That’s rather…”

“Yes, it’s absurd. Currently, the princess has about five knights besides Vice-Captain Olga attending her, but they’re targeting him as an enemy because he’s engaged. He’s in a situation where he could be attacked at any moment.”

“…Then we have no choice but to eliminate the enemies.”

“Indeed. I’m heading to the palace now to take measures. After all, he’s an important son-in-law.”

It seemed like a settled matter in Father’s mind. When it was Lord Leo, he called him a potential son-in-law, but Lord Olga is already treated as a son-in-law.

I’m happy he’s been recognized by Father.

“Is there anything I should do?”

“No, not particularly at the moment. But be careful, the princess and her followers will likely target you.”

“Understood.”

So, it seems because of Princess Celestina, there will be people trying to attack me. I’ll make sure they regret it.

After that, I returned to my territory for a while, eagerly awaiting the day I could see Lord Olga again.

During that time, we continued exchanging letters.

We talked about things we liked, about our territories, and even about dragons. I was also happy that he said he’d like to meet Marilyn.

It seems these days he has fewer days guarding Princess Celestina and is doing more of his original work as vice-captain.

After returning to my territory, I helped Father with his duties as usual and devoted myself to subjugating magical beasts.

The only slight change was that letters from Lord Olga started arriving every three days.

Their contents were updates on his situation and words of concern for me. Lord Leo hardly ever wrote back, but I think Lord Olga is the diligent type when it comes to correspondence.

“Lady Ginette, Lord Joseph is calling for you.”

“I’m coming.”

When I entered Father’s study, he had a troubled expression.

“Father, you called for me?”

“Ah, Ginette. We received a report from the servants at the townhouse. Well, here, read this first.”

I took the letter from Father and read it.

The letter contained news that “Princess Celestina has been in contact with a merchant guild in the royal capital that has a bad reputation.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“I’m afraid it’s exactly that. And coincidentally, an order has just arrived from Princess Celestina ‘commanding your attendance at a tea party.'”

“Does that mean I’m being targeted?”

“Hard to say. I’ve given orders to investigate from various angles on our end too, but the princess’s objective is still unclear.”

“…Understood. I’ll prepare carefully, just in case.”

“Sigh, honestly. I wish the princess would rein in her selfishness already. And His Majesty who permits it is no better. Even when we offer stern advice, he tries to brush it off when it comes to his daughter.”

Princess Celestina’s selfishness has reached my ears too.

She acts sweet and coquettish with the young lords who dote on her, but treats young ladies who offer criticism with cruelty.

Because of this, only those who praise the princess remain around her.

Her willful behavior is partly tolerated because she’s the youngest princess, but this year is also a debutante year.

Princess Celestina debuted first, but Lady Mira’s news overshadowed the princess’s, so she must be inwardly frustrated.

Amidst this, Vice-Captain Olga’s sudden engagement might have prompted her to act.

Is this an attack aimed at Lady Mira, or at me?

What a nuisance.

My heart felt heavy with dread.

Sighing deeply, I began writing him a letter.

I hope Lord Olga is alright.

Worrying about him, I began preparing for Princess Celestina’s tea party with Katie.