Chapter 24: Engagement Party (2)

It seems that this royal castle has several grand halls, but today’s venue is the smallest among them.

(However, it’s the Shinwood Empire, after all. The original scale is completely different.)

Leefe had received something like a princess education. So, she believes she understands the difference in national power between the Distoria Kingdom and the Shinwood Empire.

(I heard that the numerical scale representing the economic activities of the Shinwood Empire is several times that of the Distoria Kingdom…)

Even though she is a temporary fiancée, she needs to handle things appropriately. Leefe, who reached the entrance of the grand hall with Oliver’s escort, reflected on the knowledge she held while concealing the magic potion in her chest.

“In addition to Leefe’s father, the two people I want you to pay attention to at today’s party are Duke Belz and Marquis Mayer. Both are prestigious families with a long history in the Shinwood Empire. I can’t let them be ignored, but… ”

“Do you have reasons to keep your distance?”

When asked about the circumstances, Oliver nods with an exasperated expression.

“Yeah. Both of them have daughters around Leefe’s age. There have been multiple marriage proposals. Leefe, will you stay close to me?”

“I understand. I’ll keep that in mind.”

(It makes sense now. Oliver-sama didn’t want to disturb the balance in that regard and was looking for a temporary fiancée. As a duke’s daughter from another country, I won’t stir up domestic issues. That’s why he went so far as to offer a fake engagement to help me.)

Oliver proposing the engagement had been a mystery for a long time, but she finally felt like she found a satisfying answer.

“Whether it’s ‘liking’ me or ‘wanting me by his side’ or ‘wanting me to call his name,’ I don’t understand the meaning, but it’s probably something like that.”

“Will Rene also watch over Leefe?”

“That’s a good idea, Oliver-sama.”

Rene, who had been standing by, respectfully responded to Oliver’s words, and Leefe felt a sense of freshness.

This was because, fundamentally, in this current world, Rene never showed himself to anyone other than Leefe. Unless there was a special mission, he lived in the Duke of Tarrant’s residence, erasing his presence. This was to avoid letting others perceive that Leefe had a high-level spirit with her.

However, since coming to the Shinwood Empire, Rene started appearing and behaving as if he were human. Unless one was well-informed, it would be hard to tell that Rene was a spirit.

(They are too dazzling when standing together…)

Although Leefe was about to be captivated, the fact that they were completely indifferent about it was somewhat annoying. Rene, who seemed to notice Leefe’s gaze, grinned.

“Are you okay? Don’t come back crying. Do your best as much as you can.”

“Oh, come on. I know!”

Today’s party’s main characters were Leefe and Oliver. As soon as they entered the venue, several young ladies approached them.

“Prince Oliver, congratulations on your engagement.”

A particularly lovely young lady among the group greeted them. She had loosely tied chocolate brown hair in a half-updo, adorned with a dazzling hair accessory, giving off an elegant aura. The material and design of her dress were of high quality at a glance.

(They must be noble figures to be invited to this small party.)

Smoothly, Oliver returned with a formal greeting.

“Miss Sonia Mayer, thank you. I will also greet Marquis Mayer later.”

“Well, if it’s my father’s place, I’ll guide you.”

“No, there’s no need for that.”

(Sonia Mayer)

While listening to their conversation, Leefe glanced at Oliver. With just a glance, he nodded, confirming Leefe’s suspicion.

(This person here is the one who proposed the engagement to Oliver…)

Handling situations like this was a bit of a specialty for Leefe. In her previous life, she had experiences where baseless accusations like “entangled with someone” were thrown at her incessantly. Well, of course, all she needed to do was quietly exit the scene by erasing her presence.

However, there was no sign that the young lady named Sonia in front of her was about to make baseless accusations. She spoke to Leefe with a graceful smile.

“My name is Sonia. I am close friends with His Royal Highness Oliver.”

“I am Leefe Quinn Tarrant, Lady Sonia.”

“… Leefe. This is fine; let’s go over there.”

After a few greetings, Oliver is about to leave the ladies’ side. Leefe bowed slightly to Sonia and was about to leave, but as she passed by her, she heard a click of her tongue.

“Tch. How did a mere duke’s daughter from a small country manage to captivate Prince Oliver?”

(…!? !?)

Surprised, Leefe turned her gaze in that direction, catching a glimpse of a demon-like face for a moment. Thinking it might be a mistake, she took a second look, but the demon was gone. Sonia, who had appeared as a demon, now just smiled gracefully and tilted her head.

“Hehe. Is something the matter? Lady Leishe.”

“Well, it’s Leefe.”

Just a little while ago, she fell for Aria’s trap, but she has not yet forgotten about it.

As expected, people are not always what they seem.