I Will Break Off the Engagement Because I'm Jealous - The Untalented Villainess Who Rejected the Prince Searches for a Safe Haven with the Cheat Heroine - Chapter 6.6

Several days had already passed since arriving at the imperial capital.

“…Impressive. You’re quite knowledgeable about Western arithmetic as well, Emilia.”

“Yes. I wanted to start a business. I came to the imperial capital while selling small goods along the way.”

After submitting additional inventory reports to Garret, Emilia shrugged her shoulders.

“By some twist of fate, I ended up living in the castle.”

Emilia was effectively under house arrest in the castle. She’d been told she could leave if she wanted to quit, but otherwise she couldn’t leave the castle during her “trial employment” period.

“That’s right. Speaking of which, your work is fine, but are you feeling unwell?”

“Why do you ask?”

“Then what’s bothering you?”

“That’s what I’m asking.”

“It’s written all over your face. Is your makeup different today to hide that dissatisfied expression?”

Told this with a wry smile from Garret, Emilia loosened her cheek with a squishy, squishy motion using one hand. She expected to be scolded for such unladylike behavior, but Garret instead wore a gentle smile.

“…I brought a ‘talentless’ child with me. I gave her enough money, but I’m a bit worried.”

As if giving up, Emilia voiced her dissatisfaction. Of course, it wasn’t actually worry. The real reason was that she hadn’t been able to see Iris much lately.

“Worried she might run off with the money?”

“We’ve been together since our hometown. But if running away would make her happy, maybe that would be better.”

“That was a careless remark. Please forget I said it.”

“Don’t worry about it. In the empire, everyone would probably think we’re just master and servant anyway.”

Emilia gently lowered her eyes.

(Iris…)

Iris would sometimes come to her room. But they couldn’t meet every day. Quite often, notes were left in hard-to-find places. She was happy when Iris visited, but…

Not being able to see her.

(No, no. Just a few days like this. It’s not like I’m lonely or anything.)

The girl she’d met just half a year ago. But since meeting, they’d been together every day. From a certain point, they started living together. Sleeping and waking, never apart. Not being able to meet for over a full day. She had no memory of that ever happening.

“I’ll get back to work. There’s still more, right?”

“There is, but you should rest.”

“But—”

Told to rest, Emilia panicked. She wanted to complete her work, become officially employed, and invite Iris as soon as possible. But Garret was shaking her head. Before the confused Emilia, she opened the book she was holding, turned the pages, and quietly declared.

“Based on the work assigned to you so far and estimated break times, you’re clearly overworking. I may assign you work that utilizes your ‘Skill.’ Rest your body.”

(Utilize… Since my certificate lists ‘Sword,’ that means combat. City patrols, perhaps. Monsters probably still appear, right?)

She hadn’t received any word from Iris about “destroying the dungeon.” Though she didn’t know the city’s situation, Emilia managed to… swallow her anxiety. If it was monster extermination, she could make significant contributions and possibly earn recognition. She’d be able to leave the castle too. It wasn’t a bad prospect.

“Understood. I’ll return to my room for today.”

“Yes. See you tomorrow.”

Parting from Garret, Emilia began walking. After proceeding a short distance, she glanced back. A maid was following her quietly.

“Shiantsa. It’s just ahead, so please stop following me now.”

“But, Lady Emilia…”

“I’m not in the mood for tea. Please.”

“…Understood.”

Surprisingly obedient, the maid bowed and withdrew. Emilia let out a small sigh and continued walking toward her room.

Turning one corner.

“It’s Emilia, right?”

Her shoulder was pushed, and she was pinned against the wall.

(The First Prince…!? I let my guard down!)

His large frame and sturdy arms blocked any escape route. His long red hair swayed near Emilia’s chest, and looking up, she saw the prince’s shadowed face up close.

(A wall slam, damn it… huh?)

Emilia swallowed the sound that nearly escaped. Her eyes, which had been ready to glare, wavered in confusion.

Gentle, moist eyes.

Staring intently.

“My apologies for the other day.”

(Ugh. Apologizing at close range with that handsome face and nice voice is… kind of unfair, isn’t it?)

Emilia unintentionally averted her eyes. Her face turned slightly red. She felt a hand swiftly stroke her hair—but it happened too suddenly to shake off.

“Ah, and for now too. Being this forceful but please forgive me. I remembered.”

“Remembered what?”

“——You resemble her. A beautiful woman I saw in the kingdom.”

Hearing the prince’s low voice, the blood drained from Emilia’s face.

(Oh no!? He’s met me before too! He remembers! Or rather—)

She gritted her teeth and looked away, desperately trying to escape the gaze of the peering man.

(I really let my guard down. Today’s makeup is closer to my usual… this isn’t ‘Emilia’s’ face.)

It wasn’t quite a disguise, but recently she’d been changing her makeup to “look younger.” But the real Emilia wore makeup to appear more strong-willed… and today, out of habit, she’d reverted to that appearance. Perhaps fatigue was accumulating, making her careless with the details.

“Strong, noble… hehe. Reminds me of my sister and mother. Not that it means anything. I remembered, saw you, and just had to apologize. That’s all. Just—”

(————!?)

The low voice tickled her ear. A sweet shiver ran through her, and Emilia desperately swallowed the sound rising in her throat. A tingling sensation intermittently ran across her back and shoulders, making her body feel weak. Shame and weakness assaulted her, and her chest gradually began to pound.

“Just a little longer, please stay like this. Emilia. If Dian doesn’t want you, then I————”

The lips that tried to voice a protest.

Released a weak sigh.

“I don’t recall saying anything of the sort, brother?”

“Dian, you…”

At the addressed voice, Emilia flinched and shuddered. Herrick’s face lifted, and Emilia hurriedly escaped from his embrace. Then unintentionally, she hid behind the man’s back that came into view. Somehow, she didn’t want anyone to see her face. Her ears were red… no one.

(What’s happening? Like this. My chest… my heart is so loud.)

Until leaving the kingdom, Emilia had lived solely for her fiancé, Prince Sieg. Though her father was an exception, she’d never been captivated by any other man. Never, but…

Peeking just a little from behind Dian’s back where she hid. Looking up at the emperor’s profile… then at Herrick. He wore a stern expression, but when Emilia stared, he noticed her gaze and relaxed his cheeks. Their eyes met, she unconsciously looked away, and hid behind the emperor’s back again.

(These romance game targets with their baseline handsome faces! What gives, showing that face to the villainess!)

She cursed inwardly. Carefully watching the two glaring at each other, making sure they stayed out of her direct line of sight.

“You don’t lay hands on women. Wasn’t that your motto? Your Majesty.”

“I never stated it clearly. That’s what protects them. I want you to understand, brother. All this love and romance.”

Their words seemed mocking, yet somehow, there was a strange softness to them. They should be opposed due to their positions, but perhaps they weren’t as hostile as they claimed? As Emilia pondered this.

“There are those who are tired of such things too.”

(Dian…)

The emperor’s words. Strangely pierced deep into her chest.

“You took my fiancée from me, and you have the nerve…”

“Then take her back, openly. Or at least properly discard her before approaching Emilia.”

Herrick’s voice was less resentful and more filled with anguish. Dian’s words, while seemingly mocking, carried a strong tone of admonishment.

At the edge of her peeking field of vision.

“Emilia, I’m sorry for frightening you.”

“No, it’s fine.”

Apologized to, Emilia unintentionally let the words slip. She thought she should naturally feel accusatory, but for some reason, no such feelings emerged from within. She watched Herrick leave with lowered eyebrows.

A large palm was placed on her head. Emilia’s eyes widened, and she nearly jumped. She hurriedly covered her mouth with her hand.

(Whoa!?)

“Busy dealing with vassals, my apologies for not being more attentive. But as long as you’re in my garden, I’ll protect you both. Of course.”

Dian’s hand patted her head gently, twice, three times—pon, pon. Pouting at being treated like a child, she looked up to see a gentle smile directed at her from beyond his hand.

“From even myself. Feel at ease and live comfortably.”

While vaguely thinking “come to think of it, he’s older anyway,” Dian also slowly walked away. His broad back seemed slightly hunched.

(Ah. That’s right, if my true identity is known then he probably figures out that Prince Sieg and I broke up.)

She had been receiving consideration all along.

Realizing that fact.

Emilia’s face turned bright red.

Probably from embarrassment.