The Villainess Who Looks Like a Little Girl Is in the Arms of the Ice Prince (Who Is Sometimes Cute) - Chapter 9

 

“Haaah…”

Lying on my bed in my detached palace room, I let out a deep sigh while staring at my bandaged ankle.

“Does it hurt?”

The concerned voice belonged to Magot, my personal maid.

“No, I’m fine.”

The pain had mostly subsided by now. I was just being cautious.

“If it’s not the injury troubling you, is it about Prince Etogal?”

“That’s part of it but I also forced Hal-sama into a difficult position.”

It would be difficult for a mere princess, even if she’s the Crown Prince’s fiancée, to overturn His Majesty the Emperor’s decision.

So, I deliberately appealed to emotions instead.

‘I’m bored and lonely. Why don’t we reconcile and you can keep Prince Etogal company?’

Even His Majesty couldn’t refuse the young princess’s request, deciding to observe the situation first. If Prince Etogal showed no signs of reform, he would be sent north as originally planned.

As for Prince Folkhardt, while he respected my opinion, when we discussed it he became so displeased he looked like he might summon a blizzard any moment.

Is it really that problematic for the Second Prince to interact with me?

In any case, it was finally agreed that all aspects of my time with Prince Etogal – duration, location, and content – would be under Prince Folkhardt’s management.

“Ya don’t need to worry ’bout that. He’s just jealous.”

After Magot left the room to do laundry, the grinning guard used a word I didn’t recognize.

“Jealous?”

“Ah, right. Um… it’s nothing.”

“Mmm~ En?”

Normally he’d explain things properly, but he wasn’t telling me? As I looked at him curiously, Enzo sharply lowered the corners of his eyes.

“Things are going well, aren’t they?”

“Going well?”

“Ria-sama, you’re living peacefully now, right? Thanks to the Ice Crown Prince.”

“Peaceful I suppose. Because he’s not cold-hearted at all, right?”

Rather, I feel he treasures me.

Keeping his promise from the tea party, I think he’s an upright person. He must have an honest character.

“But here’s the thing, His Highness is only gentle with you, Ria-sama~ Kukihi. Why don’t you go see him at work sometime? That guy’s really terrifying.”

“Is that so? I’d like to see how he handles his duties!”

Enzo was grinning from ear to ear, making me tilt my head.

“What’s wrong?”

“Alrighty. Then I gotta set up flags for the doting route and collect ’em. And follow up to raise affection points. So many tasks, I’m boiling with excitement!”

“…Could you say that in a way I understand?”

“I was just thinkin’ I might finally get to see Ria-sama find happiness.”

My cheeks suddenly grew warm – it was my first time experiencing this.

“Whoa, so cute!”

“Don’t tease me!”

I threw a pillow with all my might, but that detestable guard easily dodged it, then quickly picked it up and returned it saying “Gotta get fancy if we’re going’ to the office! I’ll go pick out a dress!” before bouncing out of the bedroom with springy steps.

“Happy… can I become happy? Me?”

Alone in the quietened room, I murmured the words to myself, but I still couldn’t quite believe it.

◆

Prince Folkhardt’s office became the first venue for Prince Etogal and me to begin our interactions.

A heavy mahogany partners desk stood at the far end of the room, with a waist-high window surrounded by an intricately carved wooden frame behind it, adorned with navy blue curtains. Currently open, the window revealed a clear blue sky, brightening the interior. The luxurious woven rug before the desk depicted the empire’s emblem, the ‘Galloping Horse’. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined the walls, and the fireplace used matching mahogany, creating a unified, tasteful room.

The two princes stood facing each other across the low table of the reception set, beneath the chandelier hanging in the center of the room. Otherwise present were Prince Folkhardt seated at his desk, with his attendant Michel standing behind him. Enzo stood behind me.

“Prince Etogal. I hope you are in good spirits.”

“…Mm.”

Seeing the greeting that consisted only of moving his jaw, Prince Folkhardt immediately reprimanded Prince Etogal.

“What kind of greeting is that?”

“Guh.”

“Don’t you know that’s only permitted for His Majesty? To think you haven’t even learned the etiquette expected of an imperial prince. Ria gave a splendid curtsy.”

Prince Folkhardt’s merciless criticism froze the atmosphere.

Prince Etogal bit his lower lip, standing resolutely. Seeing him desperately swallowing his retort made the corners of my eyebrows droop involuntarily.

(Is he still not convinced?)

I decided to help him. Even if he’s a prince, he’s only seven years old. I thought it was understandable for him to be stubborn.

“Hal-sama. I’d like to see an example.”

“For Ria, of course.”

Prince Folkhardt rose smoothly and silently, his movements devoid of waste. Today he wore a navy-blue waistcoat with minimal ornate decoration, a white shirt and cravat, navy blue breeches, and black boots. His tall stature and well-proportioned build made him appear even more refined.

As I walked to where he stood before the desk and stopped to properly meet his gaze.

“Etogal, watch carefully.”

Prince Folkhardt demonstrated the ‘Bow and Scrape’ – drawing back his right foot, placing his right hand against his body, and extending his left hand horizontally sideways.

I returned a curtsy to him, then naturally extended my right hand.

“I hope you are in good spirits, Hal-sama.”

While maintaining eye contact, he slightly bent his knee to take my small hand, gently scooping it up as if to pretend-kiss the back.

I felt genuinely happy at this greeting of mutual respect. Wasn’t this exactly the attitude of respecting authority and social hierarchy?

Watching our exchange, Prince Etogal finally vented his emotions.

“I don’t know that! I’m not the Crown Prince!”

“You’re still on about that?”

“Please wait, Hal-sama.”

We mustn’t corner him. Having been constantly cornered myself, I well understand the pain of having nowhere to escape. In my case, it was good that a rebellious spirit to learn and improve sprouted.

But otherwise, one might abandon thinking by relying on power and come to enjoy bullying the weak like that Marquis’s daughter.

“Prince Etogal. When I heard I was to become Hal-sama’s fiancée, I worked hard.”

His large, moist aqua blue eyes, so different from Prince Folkhardt’s sharp gaze and aura, stared at the floor as if they had nowhere else to go.

I wanted to trust my intuition that those eyes, sparkling brilliantly in the sunlight from the window, were still pure.

“If you work hard, you can do it. Let’s work hard together.”

“……”

“It’s just practice. It’s okay if you can’t do it.”

“It’s okay if I can’t?”

Finally, our eyes met.

“Yes. It’s natural not to be able to do it at first.”

“Did Miss Rianne also?”

“Yes. Your Highness, please call me Ria.”

His eyes widened.

“I can call you that?”

“Yes.”

“Ria.”

“Yes.”

“You can call me Gal.”

“Gal-sama.”

Prince Etogal attempted the Bow and Scrape that Prince Folkhardt had demonstrated earlier, doing his best to copy it.

“For your first time, you’re very good at it.”

When I praised him, he immediately took my right hand and – peck – directly kissed the back of my hand. I mentally noted that I should inform him that with anyone other than spouses or fiancées, a pretend kiss suffices.

Somehow, I sensed my guard shaking with suppressed laughter behind me, but it must have been my imagination.

“Ria! I’ll work hard!”

Yes. Though a terrible blizzard has begun swirling behind Prince Etogal, let’s do our best.

 

“Haaah…”

Lying on my bed in my detached palace room, I let out a deep sigh while staring at my bandaged ankle.

“Does it hurt?”

The concerned voice belonged to Magot, my personal maid.

“No, I’m fine.”

The pain had mostly subsided by now. I was just being cautious.

“If it’s not the injury troubling you, is it about Prince Etogal?”

“That’s part of it but I also forced Hal-sama into a difficult position.”

It would be difficult for a mere princess, even if she’s the Crown Prince’s fiancée, to overturn His Majesty the Emperor’s decision.

So, I deliberately appealed to emotions instead.

‘I’m bored and lonely. Why don’t we reconcile and you can keep Prince Etogal company?’

Even His Majesty couldn’t refuse the young princess’s request, deciding to observe the situation first. If Prince Etogal showed no signs of reform, he would be sent north as originally planned.

As for Prince Folkhardt, while he respected my opinion, when we discussed it he became so displeased he looked like he might summon a blizzard any moment.

Is it really that problematic for the Second Prince to interact with me?

In any case, it was finally agreed that all aspects of my time with Prince Etogal – duration, location, and content – would be under Prince Folkhardt’s management.

“Ya don’t need to worry ’bout that. He’s just jealous.”

After Magot left the room to do laundry, the grinning guard used a word I didn’t recognize.

“Jealous?”

“Ah, right. Um… it’s nothing.”

“Mmm~ En?”

Normally he’d explain things properly, but he wasn’t telling me? As I looked at him curiously, Enzo sharply lowered the corners of his eyes.

“Things are going well, aren’t they?”

“Going well?”

“Ria-sama, you’re living peacefully now, right? Thanks to the Ice Crown Prince.”

“Peaceful I suppose. Because he’s not cold-hearted at all, right?”

Rather, I feel he treasures me.

Keeping his promise from the tea party, I think he’s an upright person. He must have an honest character.

“But here’s the thing, His Highness is only gentle with you, Ria-sama~ Kukihi. Why don’t you go see him at work sometime? That guy’s really terrifying.”

“Is that so? I’d like to see how he handles his duties!”

Enzo was grinning from ear to ear, making me tilt my head.

“What’s wrong?”

“Alrighty. Then I gotta set up flags for the doting route and collect ’em. And follow up to raise affection points. So many tasks, I’m boiling with excitement!”

“…Could you say that in a way I understand?”

“I was just thinkin’ I might finally get to see Ria-sama find happiness.”

My cheeks suddenly grew warm – it was my first time experiencing this.

“Whoa, so cute!”

“Don’t tease me!”

I threw a pillow with all my might, but that detestable guard easily dodged it, then quickly picked it up and returned it saying “Gotta get fancy if we’re going’ to the office! I’ll go pick out a dress!” before bouncing out of the bedroom with springy steps.

“Happy… can I become happy? Me?”

Alone in the quietened room, I murmured the words to myself, but I still couldn’t quite believe it.

◆

Prince Folkhardt’s office became the first venue for Prince Etogal and me to begin our interactions.

A heavy mahogany partners desk stood at the far end of the room, with a waist-high window surrounded by an intricately carved wooden frame behind it, adorned with navy blue curtains. Currently open, the window revealed a clear blue sky, brightening the interior. The luxurious woven rug before the desk depicted the empire’s emblem, the ‘Galloping Horse’. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined the walls, and the fireplace used matching mahogany, creating a unified, tasteful room.

The two princes stood facing each other across the low table of the reception set, beneath the chandelier hanging in the center of the room. Otherwise present were Prince Folkhardt seated at his desk, with his attendant Michel standing behind him. Enzo stood behind me.

“Prince Etogal. I hope you are in good spirits.”

“…Mm.”

Seeing the greeting that consisted only of moving his jaw, Prince Folkhardt immediately reprimanded Prince Etogal.

“What kind of greeting is that?”

“Guh.”

“Don’t you know that’s only permitted for His Majesty? To think you haven’t even learned the etiquette expected of an imperial prince. Ria gave a splendid curtsy.”

Prince Folkhardt’s merciless criticism froze the atmosphere.

Prince Etogal bit his lower lip, standing resolutely. Seeing him desperately swallowing his retort made the corners of my eyebrows droop involuntarily.

(Is he still not convinced?)

I decided to help him. Even if he’s a prince, he’s only seven years old. I thought it was understandable for him to be stubborn.

“Hal-sama. I’d like to see an example.”

“For Ria, of course.”

Prince Folkhardt rose smoothly and silently, his movements devoid of waste. Today he wore a navy-blue waistcoat with minimal ornate decoration, a white shirt and cravat, navy blue breeches, and black boots. His tall stature and well-proportioned build made him appear even more refined.

As I walked to where he stood before the desk and stopped to properly meet his gaze.

“Etogal, watch carefully.”

Prince Folkhardt demonstrated the ‘Bow and Scrape’ – drawing back his right foot, placing his right hand against his body, and extending his left hand horizontally sideways.

I returned a curtsy to him, then naturally extended my right hand.

“I hope you are in good spirits, Hal-sama.”

While maintaining eye contact, he slightly bent his knee to take my small hand, gently scooping it up as if to pretend-kiss the back.

I felt genuinely happy at this greeting of mutual respect. Wasn’t this exactly the attitude of respecting authority and social hierarchy?

Watching our exchange, Prince Etogal finally vented his emotions.

“I don’t know that! I’m not the Crown Prince!”

“You’re still on about that?”

“Please wait, Hal-sama.”

We mustn’t corner him. Having been constantly cornered myself, I well understand the pain of having nowhere to escape. In my case, it was good that a rebellious spirit to learn and improve sprouted.

But otherwise, one might abandon thinking by relying on power and come to enjoy bullying the weak like that Marquis’s daughter.

“Prince Etogal. When I heard I was to become Hal-sama’s fiancée, I worked hard.”

His large, moist aqua blue eyes, so different from Prince Folkhardt’s sharp gaze and aura, stared at the floor as if they had nowhere else to go.

I wanted to trust my intuition that those eyes, sparkling brilliantly in the sunlight from the window, were still pure.

“If you work hard, you can do it. Let’s work hard together.”

“……”

“It’s just practice. It’s okay if you can’t do it.”

“It’s okay if I can’t?”

Finally, our eyes met.

“Yes. It’s natural not to be able to do it at first.”

“Did Miss Rianne also?”

“Yes. Your Highness, please call me Ria.”

His eyes widened.

“I can call you that?”

“Yes.”

“Ria.”

“Yes.”

“You can call me Gal.”

“Gal-sama.”

Prince Etogal attempted the Bow and Scrape that Prince Folkhardt had demonstrated earlier, doing his best to copy it.

“For your first time, you’re very good at it.”

When I praised him, he immediately took my right hand and – peck – directly kissed the back of my hand. I mentally noted that I should inform him that with anyone other than spouses or fiancées, a pretend kiss suffices.

Somehow, I sensed my guard shaking with suppressed laughter behind me, but it must have been my imagination.

“Ria! I’ll work hard!”

Yes. Though a terrible blizzard has begun swirling behind Prince Etogal, let’s do our best.

“Haaah…”

Lying on my bed in my detached palace room, I let out a deep sigh while staring at my bandaged ankle.

“Does it hurt?”

The concerned voice belonged to Magot, my personal maid.

“No, I’m fine.”

The pain had mostly subsided by now. I was just being cautious.

“If it’s not the injury troubling you, is it about Prince Etogal?”

“That’s part of it but I also forced Hal-sama into a difficult position.”

It would be difficult for a mere princess, even if she’s the Crown Prince’s fiancée, to overturn His Majesty the Emperor’s decision.

So, I deliberately appealed to emotions instead.

‘I’m bored and lonely. Why don’t we reconcile and you can keep Prince Etogal company?’

Even His Majesty couldn’t refuse the young princess’s request, deciding to observe the situation first. If Prince Etogal showed no signs of reform, he would be sent north as originally planned.

As for Prince Folkhardt, while he respected my opinion, when we discussed it he became so displeased he looked like he might summon a blizzard any moment.

Is it really that problematic for the Second Prince to interact with me?

In any case, it was finally agreed that all aspects of my time with Prince Etogal – duration, location, and content – would be under Prince Folkhardt’s management.

“Ya don’t need to worry ’bout that. He’s just jealous.”

After Magot left the room to do laundry, the grinning guard used a word I didn’t recognize.

“Jealous?”

“Ah, right. Um… it’s nothing.”

“Mmm~ En?”

Normally he’d explain things properly, but he wasn’t telling me? As I looked at him curiously, Enzo sharply lowered the corners of his eyes.

“Things are going well, aren’t they?”

“Going well?”

“Ria-sama, you’re living peacefully now, right? Thanks to the Ice Crown Prince.”

“Peaceful I suppose. Because he’s not cold-hearted at all, right?”

Rather, I feel he treasures me.

Keeping his promise from the tea party, I think he’s an upright person. He must have an honest character.

“But here’s the thing, His Highness is only gentle with you, Ria-sama~ Kukihi. Why don’t you go see him at work sometime? That guy’s really terrifying.”

“Is that so? I’d like to see how he handles his duties!”

Enzo was grinning from ear to ear, making me tilt my head.

“What’s wrong?”

“Alrighty. Then I gotta set up flags for the doting route and collect ’em. And follow up to raise affection points. So many tasks, I’m boiling with excitement!”

“…Could you say that in a way I understand?”

“I was just thinkin’ I might finally get to see Ria-sama find happiness.”

My cheeks suddenly grew warm – it was my first time experiencing this.

“Whoa, so cute!”

“Don’t tease me!”

I threw a pillow with all my might, but that detestable guard easily dodged it, then quickly picked it up and returned it saying “Gotta get fancy if we’re going’ to the office! I’ll go pick out a dress!” before bouncing out of the bedroom with springy steps.

“Happy… can I become happy? Me?”

Alone in the quietened room, I murmured the words to myself, but I still couldn’t quite believe it.

◆

Prince Folkhardt’s office became the first venue for Prince Etogal and me to begin our interactions.

A heavy mahogany partners desk stood at the far end of the room, with a waist-high window surrounded by an intricately carved wooden frame behind it, adorned with navy blue curtains. Currently open, the window revealed a clear blue sky, brightening the interior. The luxurious woven rug before the desk depicted the empire’s emblem, the ‘Galloping Horse’. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined the walls, and the fireplace used matching mahogany, creating a unified, tasteful room.

The two princes stood facing each other across the low table of the reception set, beneath the chandelier hanging in the center of the room. Otherwise present were Prince Folkhardt seated at his desk, with his attendant Michel standing behind him. Enzo stood behind me.

“Prince Etogal. I hope you are in good spirits.”

“…Mm.”

Seeing the greeting that consisted only of moving his jaw, Prince Folkhardt immediately reprimanded Prince Etogal.

“What kind of greeting is that?”

“Guh.”

“Don’t you know that’s only permitted for His Majesty? To think you haven’t even learned the etiquette expected of an imperial prince. Ria gave a splendid curtsy.”

Prince Folkhardt’s merciless criticism froze the atmosphere.

Prince Etogal bit his lower lip, standing resolutely. Seeing him desperately swallowing his retort made the corners of my eyebrows droop involuntarily.

(Is he still not convinced?)

I decided to help him. Even if he’s a prince, he’s only seven years old. I thought it was understandable for him to be stubborn.

“Hal-sama. I’d like to see an example.”

“For Ria, of course.”

Prince Folkhardt rose smoothly and silently, his movements devoid of waste. Today he wore a navy-blue waistcoat with minimal ornate decoration, a white shirt and cravat, navy blue breeches, and black boots. His tall stature and well-proportioned build made him appear even more refined.

As I walked to where he stood before the desk and stopped to properly meet his gaze.

“Etogal, watch carefully.”

Prince Folkhardt demonstrated the ‘Bow and Scrape’ – drawing back his right foot, placing his right hand against his body, and extending his left hand horizontally sideways.

I returned a curtsy to him, then naturally extended my right hand.

“I hope you are in good spirits, Hal-sama.”

While maintaining eye contact, he slightly bent his knee to take my small hand, gently scooping it up as if to pretend-kiss the back.

I felt genuinely happy at this greeting of mutual respect. Wasn’t this exactly the attitude of respecting authority and social hierarchy?

Watching our exchange, Prince Etogal finally vented his emotions.

“I don’t know that! I’m not the Crown Prince!”

“You’re still on about that?”

“Please wait, Hal-sama.”

We mustn’t corner him. Having been constantly cornered myself, I well understand the pain of having nowhere to escape. In my case, it was good that a rebellious spirit to learn and improve sprouted.

But otherwise, one might abandon thinking by relying on power and come to enjoy bullying the weak like that Marquis’s daughter.

“Prince Etogal. When I heard I was to become Hal-sama’s fiancée, I worked hard.”

His large, moist aqua blue eyes, so different from Prince Folkhardt’s sharp gaze and aura, stared at the floor as if they had nowhere else to go.

I wanted to trust my intuition that those eyes, sparkling brilliantly in the sunlight from the window, were still pure.

“If you work hard, you can do it. Let’s work hard together.”

“……”

“It’s just practice. It’s okay if you can’t do it.”

“It’s okay if I can’t?”

Finally, our eyes met.

“Yes. It’s natural not to be able to do it at first.”

“Did Miss Rianne also?”

“Yes. Your Highness, please call me Ria.”

His eyes widened.

“I can call you that?”

“Yes.”

“Ria.”

“Yes.”

“You can call me Gal.”

“Gal-sama.”

Prince Etogal attempted the Bow and Scrape that Prince Folkhardt had demonstrated earlier, doing his best to copy it.

“For your first time, you’re very good at it.”

When I praised him, he immediately took my right hand and – peck – directly kissed the back of my hand. I mentally noted that I should inform him that with anyone other than spouses or fiancées, a pretend kiss suffices.

Somehow, I sensed my guard shaking with suppressed laughter behind me, but it must have been my imagination.

“Ria! I’ll work hard!”

Yes. Though a terrible blizzard has begun swirling behind Prince Etogal, let’s do our best.