Digital Exclusive Special Short Story
Under the pretext of moving the Grace Frontier Army, First Princess Elina achieved her long-awaited assignment to Ardren.
Immediately upon arriving at the Ardren manor, she devised various plans with Ryuu and decided on the future policy. Afterward, she was shown the villa she had been curious about and caught a small glimpse of the essence of the person known as Ryuu.
When Airisu and Rena returned home, she went back to the guest room of the main manor.
After pushing Ryuu's back and forcing him out, it was time for girls-only talk.
Sitting on the sofa with her long legs crossed, Elina smiled happily opposite Airisu, whose expression was also relaxed, and Rena, who looked incredibly nervous.
Since they had already finished introductions, Elina made a direct declaration.
"I want you two to listen carefully. I like Ryuu."
Hearing those words, the two showed contrasting reactions.
"Oh my. How nice~How dazzling~ Ufufufu."
"M-M-M-M-My Ryuu-niisama Ryuu is... m-m-m-m-marrying...!?"
Airisu placed her hand on her cheek and showed her support for Elina's love, while Rena, who was suffering from a severe brother complex, unconsciously jumped to conclusions and was in a total panic.
(Ryuu seemed to have a good impression of Elina-sama, too, so I don't think it's bad.)
However, Airisu seemed to have some concerns.
"When your love for my son is realized, what do you intend to do, Elina-sama?"
"Of course, I intend to move here as the first wife of Ardren."
"...I'm truly grateful that you like our home, but if that happens, I think Elina-sama yourself will be pointed at by the many high-ranking nobles who wanted to marry you."
"That’s the thing. I don't care what people say about me, but I feel like that criticism will surely spread to the Imperial family and the Baron Ardren family, too."
According to the customs of the Astoria Empire, princes and princesses who do not inherit the throne have a role to marry into powerful domestic noble families or the royalty of allied nations to increase national power. The Empress has only two children: the first prince, who is expected to be the crown prince, and Elina. If someone in such an important position were to marry into a lower-ranking rural noble family like Ardren, it wasn't hard to imagine that much criticism would be voiced.
Airisu apologized instinctively, and Rena, sensing the atmosphere, bowed her head.
"We are truly sorry that the Ardren territory is so weak..."
"It’s not for you to apologize!! Both of you, raise your heads!!"
Just as the atmosphere turned awkward, Sebas brought in tea.
Sebas placed cups in front of Elina, Airisu, and then Rena, and asked:
"If you have any problems, though I am but a mere servant, I will lend you my strength."
When Airisu explained the situation to Sebas, he rubbed his well-groomed beard.
"Hmm... Then, before the engagement with Princess Elina, why not develop this Ardren into a noble territory about which no one can complain?"
"""!!"""
The three women's eyes went wide at the simple yet bold proposal.
"It’s just as Sebas says. Having absorbed Baron Manntester, Ardren now boasts a territory and population equivalent to a Viscountcy. If we develop it into a territory on par with a Viscount... no, an count before the engagement, surely no one will complain."
"I-Is it okay...? I'll cooperate too, but I think it'll be a thorny path."
To the somewhat confused Elina, Rena said with full confidence:
"Please don't worry, Princess. Ardren has my Ryuu-niisama Ryuu."
—Those words were enough to convince everyone present.
Afterward, the three of them, having hit it off, decided to bathe together.
Currently, the three are soaking side-by-side in a large open-air bath.
"Phew~, feels good. The water temperature is perfect. Also, not to be rude, but this is an incredibly magnificent bathhouse for a Baron’s house. I'm starting to want to live here even more."
"Ufufufu. It’s our family’s only pride. According to what I've heard, several generations ago, the head of the family built this large bathhouse out of a desire to have something in the otherwise empty Ardren."
"It’s a luxury unique to the frontier where water and magic stones are plentiful. I like that kind of thing."
While Iris and Elina chatted, Rena was staring intently at Elina's body, comparing it with her own and suffering a shock.
(A glamorous, perfect body!! Plump fruits that I don't have are floating there!!)
After leaving the bath, Elina and the others headed to the dining room and enjoyed the colorful local dishes lined up on the long table.
Next to Ryuu was, of course, Elina.
"Um~, Elina-sama. What were the three of you talking about earlier?"
"It’s a se-cret."
"Eh..."
"Ufufufu."
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