I Became the Replacement Fiancée for My Childhood Friend Who Went Missing, but Apparently He Has Been Found - Chapter 7

“Ellis, I heard about the tea party the other day. It was quite successful, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, I was able to have a very enjoyable time.”

“Mmm, mmm. If you enjoyed yourself, that’s what matters most. According to the nobles who attended, there was nothing awkward about your behavior either. It seems you’re finally getting closer to becoming the true Ellis.”

“Yes! Thank you.”

Lord Schnaud probably meant those words as praise for me, but to me, they brought no joy at all.

Who would be happy to be told that pretending to be someone else is something wonderful?

“Lord Schnaud, you must be exhausted from the long royal council meeting.”

“Ah… The negotiations between noble houses and discussions about new policies dragged on. If everyone involved were competent, things would proceed smoothly, but with so many who aren’t, it becomes quite troublesome.”

“Nevertheless, I heard you maintained a polite atmosphere throughout the meeting, always considering the other parties. That’s just like you, Lord Schnaud.”

To be honest, I wasn’t really thinking about what I was saying.

After being scolded by Lord Schnaud daily, after enduring his harsh words every day, my body had started automatically selecting words that would please him.

“…Ellis, you always know just what to say. Right now, I truly feel from the bottom of my heart that choosing to be with you was the right decision.”

“You’re the one who chose me, Lord Schnaud. If anything, I’m the one who feels endlessly grateful.”

“Is that so… Is that so…”

Whether my words had struck a deep chord within him, Lord Schnaud wore a pleased expression as he savored the feelings in his heart.

…Even though all of this is exactly what you instructed me to say, to be moved by such artificial words from someone unrelated to you—how pitiful can you be.

When I respond with words that don’t meet your standards, you speak with a tone as if your personality has completely transformed.

“The nobles were saying they envy me, Lord Schnaud. That to have such a beautiful and understanding partner, one must have exceptionally good conduct and behavior in daily life. That they, still immature, could never hope to achieve such a thing. That’s what they said.”

“Is that so? What wonderful perspective.”

“Ellis, I want you to grow much, much more. I want you to heal me much, much more. That’s why I chose you as my fiancée. Please don’t betray my expectations.”

Calling it “choosing me as a fiancée” might sound nice, but ultimately what’s expected of me is just to be a substitute.

The one he loves isn’t me. It’s merely the phantom of Ellis that he sees behind me.

…But opposing this, refusing this—none of that is permitted to me now.

“I’ll work hard to be able to heal you more, Lord Schnaud.”

“Ellis, remember me more and more! You’re already becoming Ellis! You can do it now!”

“……”

“Your memories and personality from before becoming Ellis are completely unnecessary! Nobody wants those things! Here, you’ll respond to my demands and leave only Ellis behind! I believe you can do it! Don’t betray the expectations of me, the First Prince!”

…Perhaps Lord Schnaud was particularly high-strung today, as he spoke with quite an excited tone.

Overwhelmed by his intensity, I couldn’t manage any response.

…Seeing me like that, Lord Schnaud muttered in a low voice:

“…Ellis, you may rest for today. If we continue this conversation and you say something unnecessary, everything will be ruined, so I’ll content myself with the beautiful memories we’ve made today. Until tomorrow then.”

Having unilaterally declared this, Lord Schnaud quickly disappeared from my presence.

…It was a departure typical of someone who doesn’t really think about me at all, yet in his behavior today, I couldn’t help but sense something I’d never seen in him before…