In the end, Leo’s misunderstanding that Rishe was the Crown Princess’s substitute was left unresolved.

His eyes were brimming with conviction, and no amount of excuses from Rishe made him believe her.

When Rishe returned to the shrine, she took a small breath in the dining room alone. Then she remembered the exchange she had just had with Leo.

[Um, I-I’m not a substitute.]

When Rishe refuted in confusion, Leo responded with all seriousness, [That’s what all substitutes say. I believe so.]

[You may be right, but! In the first place, I don’t think His Highness would go out of his way to replace his fiancee.]

[Don’t worry about it. You said earlier that you wouldn’t tell anyone that I was in the forest, right?]

Leo looked straight into Rishe’s eyes and gave her a sincere look.

[So I promise you, too. I won’t tell anyone you’re a fake.]

[…]

With him vowing so strangely solemn, she had no choice but to reply with a vague word of thanks.

Well, there’s no particular reason for me to correct him. Leo might be essentially curt, but he’s surprisingly caring.

With that conclusion, she moved her fork and knife.

The dining room was too huge for one person, but Arnold never showed up. Apparently, the ruckus that Myria had caused in the evening delayed his official duties.

At long last, as Rishe finished her meal and was drinking her after-dinner tea, Oliver came to apologize.

“My apologies for not being able to accompany you to dinner… And Rishe-sama, I have received a plea from the Order and His Excellency the Duke of Jonal.”

“Is it about Myria-sama?”

“Yes. As you’ve probably guessed, they are asking for your help in preparing for the festival.”

Standing at the entrance to the room, Oliver continued with his hand on his chest.

“Above all, Myria-sama herself expressly demanded for Rishe-sama.”

Oh, Young Miss!

She felt a surge of excitement in my heart and wanted to agree immediately.

However, due to her position, she couldn’t give an answer at her own discretion.

“Have you told His Highness Arnold about this?”

“No, I thought I’d ask for Rishe-sama’s wishes first.”

“You mean we have to contrive how to tell His Highness about it, lest we’d sure displease him, right?”

“Ha-ha-ha.”

“…”

Oliver smiled refreshingly, having failed to entirely fool her.

Rishe smacked her forehead and placed her teacup on the saucer.

I don’t know what the reason was, but His Highness didn’t want me to have any contact with the Order. I wonder how he would react if he knew they were asking me to help with the festival…

In any case, it wouldn’t be a pleasant sight.

Rishe contemplated for a while before telling Oliver.

“Oliver-sama, I would like to speak to His Highness about this.”

“No, I’m not going to allow you to take on such a role.”

“But…”

“I’ll take care of his anger. If anything, I would like you to help me recover afterwards.”

“Recover?”

She parroted, failing to grasp his meaning.