CH 18

Chapter 18/77│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

“Dinner is ready, Your Highness Dietrich, Marguerite-sama.”

“Oh. Right.”

Despite the intrusion of Oscar and Josephine, Marguerite had regained her composure and was conversing with Hanna, who approached her and encouraged her.

“Your Highness Dietrich is constantly concerned about everyone…”

“…No, I’m embarrassed to admit it, but it was only after I got engaged to you.”

I’m not an admirable person, to be sure.

This transformation was brought about by Marguerite’s clumsy support and prayers for me in my previous life.

“No, you wouldn’t have prayed with me, a little girl who has no idea where she came from, if you didn’t understand people’s feelings.”

With a straight face, Marguerite tells me… It’s a little embarrassing because I’ve never had anyone say such a thing to me before.

“But if I’m the reason you’re looking for me in this way, I couldn’t be happier. There’s no denying it. I am who I am today entirely because of you.”

“Eh?!”

Marguerite, who had been so persuasive on my behalf, flushed red at my words and let out another cute voice.

“Haha.”

I’d been too clumsy to see her like this before, but the real Marguerite was so simple to grasp…

This is a turnaround from clumsiness, and her reactions are too straightforward.

“…Your Majesty, please stop laughing so loudly.”

“Did I end up laughing? Please accept my apologies.”

But, unlike the last time, “pleasant” may be a more appropriate sentiment in this case.

“…Already.”

I retract what I previously stated. I’m still convinced that my smile is caused by my undying affection for Marguerite.

“… Your Highness Dietrich, Marguerite-sama, the food is starting to get cold…”

“Ah… T-That’s right…”

“L-Let’s eat…”

With a slightly cold look from Hannah, Marguerite and I cleared our throats, joined hands, and made our way to the dining table.

—○█○—

“Did you enjoy the food?”

“Yes… All of the food was delicious… and they’re all my favorites.”

When I ask Marguerite how she feels over tea after the meal, her face relaxes and she smiles happily.

So… I was right in letting Hanna check Marguerite’s preferences.

I pump my fist under the table.

“Well, lessons with Her Majesty the First Queen and training with various tutors will begin tomorrow…”

“Yes, but I’ve been working on becoming a queen since I was a child, so I don’t think I’ll have any problems.”

“From a young age?!”

Marguerite’s words prompted me to ask a counter question.

Yes, I am aware that Marguerite’s knowledge and abilities were particularly impressive in her previous life. But didn’t the engagement happen a month ago?

“I-I’m ashamed to say this, but… I’ve always wanted to be His Highness Dietrich’s wife, so, I…”

“… “

Marguerite responds in a fading voice.

Her face is red.

My heart is pounding.

D-Does this mean she’s been thinking about me since we prayed to the fountain…?

And she doesn’t aspire to be a queen; she aspires to be my wife…

“Y-Your Highness… Dietrich?”

“… P-Please accept my apologies. I can’t even begin to express how happy I am to hear what you said…”

“Fuaaa!?”

Isn’t it against the law to let out such a sweet voice?!

Sigh…I really regret not having noticed her cuteness in my previous life, but more than that, I’m grateful to be with such a wonderful woman again…”

“Cough…then, you don’t have problems with your studies or manners.”

“I-I think so…”

To maintain my cool, I coughed at the end of the conversation.

But..

“…Queen Teresa, despite being my mother…is not a simple woman… be careful.”

I don’t mind if I’m the only one who suffers, but…if Marguerite goes through the same thing!

“Y-You don’t have to worry. Thank you so much for being so concerned about me.”

“Without a doubt. You’re my one and only precious fiance.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

Then we finish our first meal as an engaged couple and accompany her to her room.

“U-Um, Your Highness Dietrich…thank you kindly.”

“It’s not just today… I’m going to do this for the rest of your life, all right?”

“Fufu, okay…”

Marguerite beams with delight at my words.

I need to give her a break right now, but I don’t really want to part with Marguerite…

Then…

“…Your Highness…Um, you see… May I make a selfish request?”

“Anything you want.”

“Then, when you call my name from now on, can you call me “Marguerite” instead of using honorifics?”

Her selfishness was surprisingly endearing.

“Okay, but there is one condition.”

“What is it?”

“…From now on, you can also call me “Dietrich” without any honorifics.”

“Fuaa?!”

Marguerite, taken aback by my words, and makes another lovely sound.

“N-No, that’s not possible… Your Highness is royalty so…”

“No, I want you to refer to me as that. Even if it’s not possible in an official setting, I still want you to call me that, even if it’s just the two of us.”

I drop to my knees and say this to the perplexed Marguerite.

—To show her how badly I want it.

“A-Alright! Please stop! Then at least let me call you Dietrich-sama…”

“…Okay, Marguerite.”

For the time being, at least…

“…I’m sorry to leave you, but I have to leave now.”

“Yes…thank you very much for sending me.”

“Have a good dream, Marguerite.”

I took Marguerite’s white hand in mine, kissed it softly, and walked back to my room, waving her goodbye.

“…I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight…”

As I placed my right hand on my racing heart, I muttered to myself.