Chapter 55

Magnolia’s Engagement

“Yes… Angela, the viscount’s daughter, right? I heard she’s Magnolia-sama’s cousin.”

When I nodded, Prince Lian raised his eyelashes slightly, as if surprised.
Then, as if convinced, he repeated the name.

“Angela… Now that you mention it, that was her name.”

“…Did you forget?”

“I didn’t have any particular interest in her.”

There seemed to be no falsehood in his emotionless response.

(In other words… Nnnn?)

Oh?
If I recall, Magnolia—

‘You don’t even know that? …Well, for Prince Lian, that’s a past he’d rather forget, isn’t it? Judging by the fact that he didn’t even know her name, he probably hates even mentioning it… or something like that, right?’

…Didn’t she say something like that!?
As I widened my eyes, Prince Lian lowered his eyelashes, as if recalling something unpleasant.

“For me, who oversees the Ministry of Magic, which primarily focuses on magical research and development, to fall behind in anything magic-related is an unthinkable humiliation. I still don’t even know how to break this curse. It’s true that I have some feelings about this curse.”

He gave a sardonic smile.
Then, crossing his legs, he began to speak slowly,
as if organizing his own emotions.

“But… her, Angela, was it? I’m grateful to her. Thanks to her, I’ve encountered a new mystery. I’m annoyed about having magic cast on me without consent, but I don’t feel anything toward her personally. If anything, I’d like her to tell me how she performed this magic—its mana circuits or magic circles.”

He said this calmly.
From the emotionless tone, I could tell it was his true feelings.
I was left speechless.

(Even though he was subjected to a unique charm magic (something like that)—)

He didn’t seem to feel any anger about the act itself.
I had faintly suspected it, but…

(Prince Lian is really… incredibly! Unbelievably! Strange…!!)

No, it might not just be Prince Lian.
Perhaps all the royals of Lumos are strange.

Incomprehensible, or in one word…

(Eccentric)

…No, that’s far too rude!!
But I really do think they’re strange…!!

As I thought all sorts of rude things, Prince Lian let out a sigh.

“The ladies of the Everett family are, frankly, a hassle. I dislike having things forced upon me. Being coerced, too.”

“…W-Well, Magnolia-sama can be a bit pushy, but…”

“A bit? It’s more than that.”

He furrowed his brows and glared at me.
Not knowing how to respond, I gave a vague smile.
But he probably wasn’t seeking a reply.
Lowering his eyelashes, Prince Lian said,

“However, I understand your position. It must be difficult for you if the Everett ducal family glares at you. But that concern is unnecessary.”

“Unnecessary?”

“Haven’t you heard? She’s getting engaged.”

Prince Lian said it so casually.
His golden hair swayed lightly.

“Eh!!”

I instinctively covered my mouth.
Then, I quickly looked at the person in front of me.

“With you, Prince Lian?”

“No way.”

He denied it with lightning speed.
Of course.
He had just said he found Magnolia difficult.

(W-What…!? Then who—)

Prince Lian gave me the answer immediately.

“The other party is someone you know. It’s Zacks, from the Valkyrie ducal family. The one currently serving as your escort knight.”