Though I Don’t Recall It, I’ll Take Responsibility - Chapter 16

＊＊＊ Lara’s Diary ＊＊＊

Today was the freshmen welcome party.

The Crown Prince’s fiancée—the biggest obstacle on his route—was just as glamorous as I imagined. Her aura is on a completely different level.

But I am the Heroine. Having “knowledge” gives me a bit of an edge. Hehe.

I stood in a spot that wasn’t too conspicuous and waited for an event to “spontaneously occur,” and the Prince noticed me right on cue. When I gave him a modest smile, I felt like he was momentarily entranced.

＊

We “accidentally” met again in the courtyard by chance.

In the game, this is a branching event that boosts affection levels significantly. When the Prince lamented that “everyone is too considerate,” I focused solely on being a supportive listener. A classic move.

The fiancée is probably bad at this kind of delicate emotional labor, right? Or rather, she’s so perfect that she isn’t the type to pick up on the Prince’s complaints. The Prince told me, “You’re easy to talk to.”

Perfect. Proceeding exactly as planned.

＊

I “accidentally” found some research materials the Prince had dropped. Of course, it wasn’t an accident; I have knowledge of the original work.

The Prince was surprised and bashfully told me, “I haven’t even shown these to my fiancée.” Since picking the wrong reaction here breaks the flag, I made sure to wear an “honored yet surprised” expression.

When he said, “I end up telling you everything,” I did a mental fist-pump, but kept my outward appearance to a reserved smile. You have to pretend to be happy at the same temperature as your partner. Too hot or too cold is a no-go.

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At the garden party, the wind swept away the Prince’s handkerchief. This event is a golden opportunity to appeal to him.

I ran to pick it up and handed it back, and he looked truly happy. The fiancée said, “Running is unladylike. That is what guards are for.” Hehe, she just doesn’t get it. That difference makes me stand out naturally. I made sure never to let a “look what I did for you” face show.

＊

At the ceremony, the fiancée was perfectly and slightly guiding the Prince. There was no malice in her guidance, but the Prince must feel stifled by it.

When I casually stood by him and asked, “Are you not tired today?” he replied, “Talking to you puts my mind at ease.”

I knew it!

The fiancée is charming, but she isn’t designed to support the Prince’s weaknesses.

＊

The fiancée’s inner circle is whispering, and they are so annoying.

“You lack manners,” “Don’t approach someone who is engaged”… the classic bullying, honestly.

The accessory the Prince gave me disappeared somewhere. I’m the only one who hasn’t received the assignments, and the other day I almost “fell” down the stairs.

When it happens in reality, it’s actually pretty depressing.

The fiancée’s plastered-on smile is scary, too. She never says anything to me; she just smiles from a distance. Those eyes… the eyes of a predator dwell within that smile.

If she threatened me directly, I could deal with it, but the way she’s watching and waiting like a tiger is truly terrifying.

If this were a standard story, I’d snitch to the Prince here. Then he’d say, “I can’t just stand by and watch you suffer.” At that moment, the conquest would enter the final stage.

But it’s too scary.

When I really think about it, even if things go well, the education for a Crown Princess will be brutal. I’m not good at studying and I’ll have to expand my social network, won’t I? It’ll cost money, too. My family, a mere Viscounty, doesn’t have money. I’ll probably just feel out of place and humiliated at the Royal Palace. Pressure from high-ranking nobles? Oh, that’s a guarantee.

Alright, I’ve decided.

I’m quitting. The Crown Prince route, that is.

Yeah, that’s for the best. Next time I see him, I’ll say: “Your Highness… if I cause misunderstandings among the people, it will not be for your benefit. I do not wish to be a shackle to you. Please, find happiness with your fiancée…”

I’ll say that and end it.

＊＊＊＊＊

Side: Aira

…Brother, I’ve done it. I’ve finished reading the “Crown Prince” volume of the diary.

Soft light filtered through the thin curtains. In the silent room, only the faint chirping of birds could be heard from outside.

I let out a sigh, gathered the finished diaries, and tossed them into the fireplace.

The dry paper crumbled, and the next moment, the fire flared up as if it had been waiting. The orange flames crackled, swallowing the memories of the diary in an instant.

“Your Highness, if I cause misunderstandings among the people, it will not be for your benefit. I do not wish to be a shackle to you. Please, find happiness with your fiancée.”

“…I never intended to make you say such things.”

Is that so?

The Crown Prince—the future King. I’m worried about him falling for honey traps.

…Does he still think of Lara?

There’s no way or so I’d like to think. But if, by some miracle, he does, then I’m worried for his fiancée—no, the Crown Princess.

And what on earth were those “eyes of a predator” mentioned in the diary? Just imagining it makes a chill run down my spine.

The fireplace crackled.

The Viscounty is safe for now, and I escaped being sent to a convent. Was it because she quit halfway through? However, if I’m to become a Countess, social life is unavoidable. The reality is that I’ll have to associate with people I’d rather avoid.

If the Crown Princess becomes the Queen, the impact will ripple down to Ral and Liz’s futures.

If I offer a flippant apology, she’ll undoubtedly demand to know “exactly what I am apologizing for.” I can’t afford a clumsy move.

So, how should I act? It’s difficult.

For now, I should ask Leonard-sama, who works at the Palace, to do some digging. I can’t form a plan without grasping the situation.

Before I knew it, the world outside the window had grown faintly bright. The quiet light of the moment when night turns to morning.

…I’ll sleep, just for a little bit.

Tomorrow—no, it’s already today. I’m sure it will be another long day.