If You Take the Enemy Prince as Your Knight – Chapter 86

Author: alyalia

Now that I think about it, I remembered that Ciel had fallen to the very bottom and stayed in place for a while before recovering and rejoining the race. At that time, Regen had passed by, and I had sponsored him with a potion and a sword.

“Ciel, Ciel. Hurry up and thank him too!”

Ciel bowed his head politely. “Thank you, Sir Regen. If you hadn’t treated me back then, I would have either bled to death or failed to reach the finish line that day. Based on the precedents of the princes’ competition, I would have been eliminated in the end. Sir Regen and Princess Silver Bird have saved my life twice now.”

“It was nothing.”

After that, Ciel expressed his gratitude about five more times. I thought this was enough, but apparently, that was just my opinion.

Shumel sat even closer to Regen than before, chatting away. “Shushu prepared things that Shushu likes, but Shushu isn’t sure if they’ll suit your taste. Is there anything you can’t eat?”

“Nothing at all.”

“That’s a relief! Would you like to try this honey cake first? A maid made it, and it’s really delicious. Shushu loves it, and it’s only served to special guests.”

“Thank you for your kindness.”

“There are also macarons and dacquoise. Another maid went to a famous pastry shop in the capital early this morning to buy them. Do they taste good?”

“Yes, they’re delicious.”

Though his response was short, Regen’s expression and tone toward Shumel were incredibly gentle. As time passed, it seemed like Regen was getting more comfortable with the conversation. His responses became more engaging, and his answers grew longer.

“And this is Shushu’s favorite dessert!”

“Pudding, I see.”

“Yep! People say it’s too simple for a princess, but Shushu doesn’t care. Shushu loves this the most. The caramel syrup on top is the same color as Shushu’s hair, and it’s sweet too. What about you, Sir Regen? Do you like pudding?”

“I remember eating it often when I was young.”

“Then you haven’t eaten it since becoming an adult? Shushu can’t live a day without pudding. If it’s your first time in a while, it’ll taste amazing. Go on, try it! How is it? Is it good? Sweet?”

“Being invited alone is an honor, but with such care taken, how could it not taste sweet?”

I doubted my ears for a moment. Was this really the Regen I knew, saying something like that to someone else?

“Hehe, Shushu is so happy you’re enjoying it. How’s the tea?”

“It has a soft and sweet aroma that reminds me of Your Highness.”

…Is this really Regen?

“Oh my, really? Actually, Shushu blended it herself! That makes Shushu so happy!”

Shumel clasped her hands near her chest, clearly delighted. And Regen, watching her, smiled warmly. It was a sociable and harmonious scene. But honestly, as I watched them… Why does this feel so unpleasant?

Regen’s demeanor toward Shumel was incredibly natural. Well, up until half a year ago, he was the beloved prince to everyone, so it makes sense that he’d save social manners and conversational skills. But the way he treated Shumel felt like it went beyond mere manners.

The ideal older brother I had in mind looked exactly like that. Someone who would willingly adjust to things that weren’t to his taste for his little sister. Someone who found everything his little sister did so adorable and lovable that he couldn’t help but smile.

What bothered me the most was the faint smile lingering on Regen’s lips. Have I ever made him smile so naturally and comfortably like that? I don’t think so. He and I have always been cautious around each other.

Why are they getting along so quickly? The half a year I spent with Regen feels like it’s been completely overtaken by Shumel in an instant.

Now that I think about it, even during the first competition, Regen didn’t show much interest in the other princesses, but he did give Shumel a long glance. Well, if someone cute was his type, even I would look. How could anyone ignore such an adorable princess with twin braids, a big ribbon, and round Mary Jane shoes that suited her so perfectly?

I get it. I can understand. I should understand… But I still feel awful. Feeling this down over something so trivial must be because I have a bad personality. For example, unlike me, Ciel was watching Shumel’s hosting with a pleased expression.

“Princess Silver Bird, your cup is empty. Let me pour you another.”

“…”

It wasn’t until Ciel spoke that I realized I’d been holding an empty cup this whole time. No wonder my throat felt dry, no matter how much I brought it to my lips.

For some reason, Regen turned to look at me with slightly surprised eyes. Since I had been staring at him the whole time, our eyes inevitably met. I tried to act like it was nothing, but without realizing it, I avoided his gaze.

At that moment, Shumel scolded Ciel. “What are you doing, Ciel? You should also treat Sister Sasha with utmost care, just like how you treat Shushu.”

“Ah, yes!”

“Don’t just answer well, feed her the macaron. Like you do for Shushu.”

“Huh? Like I do for Your Highness? T-That’s a bit…”

“Why? You always feed Shushu with your hands. Shushu likes it, so Sister Sasha will probably like it too!”

A chuckle escaped me, though I wasn’t sure if it was really laughter. It was so absurd that I ended up laughing, and the gloomy mood I had just moments ago lifted a little.

“Uh, um, P-Princess Silver Bird…”

“…”

“Wo-Would you like to have some…?” The apricot-blond boy knight nervously offered me a macaron with trembling hands. He seemed unsure whether he should carry out his master’s command or not.

I turned to look at Regen.

“…”

Regen, who was watching me, no longer had the smile he had shown Shumel earlier. So I made up my mind. I took the macaron Ciel offered and bit into it. Covering my mouth with my hand, I swallowed the rest of the macaron and spoke. “It’s delicious.”

“T-T-Thank you.”

“I should be the one thanking you. I’ve been treated with such care.”

“Y-Yes…”

For some reason, I felt like I had done something terrible to Ciel. To show my apology, I personally refilled his teacup. Suddenly, I felt a sharp gaze prickling my cheek.

“Do you have something to say?”

“…Nothing.”

For some reason, a cold tension lingered between Regen and me.

“Si-Sister?”

“Sir Regen?”

Shumel and Ciel were glancing at us nervously when the door suddenly burst open. Unexpected people barged into the parlor.

“I’m here.”

“Me too!”

Sister Orlette and Nanaen stormed in uninvited and took the seats that Regen and Ciel had been occupying.

The moment Shumel saw Nanaen, she freaked out. “Eek! I didn’t invite you, so why are you here?”

“I thought you were holding the second princesses’ regular tea time, so I came.”

“No, I’m not!”

“Oh, it’s not? Well, since I’m here, you can’t just kick me out. Pour me some tea.”

“Uugh…”

Not just Nanaen, but even Sister Orlette had shown up. With the elder princess present, Shumel couldn’t afford to be rude. Though trembling with frustration, she reluctantly welcomed the uninvited guests.

Her maids, looking apologetic, attended to their duties and quietly whispered to Shumel. “We’re sorry. It was beyond our ability to stop them…”

“It’s fine. What could you possibly do… even Shushu couldn’t stop it.”

“Oh my, our Shushu turns out to be such a good shield, doesn’t she? Your sister is so proud.” Nanaen seemed particularly annoying today.

Sister Orlette took a sip of tea and spoke. “I invited Sister Vivi and Lilli too, but unfortunately, they said they couldn’t come.”

“What was the reason?”

“They said they’re sick.”

“I can see that with Sister Vivi, but Sister Lilli too?”

“Yeah.”

“Hmm.” Nanaen let out a skeptical snort.

More chairs were added to the table. Not only the princesses but also their personal knights took their seats.

“Since we’re all here, let’s take this chance for the princesses and their personal knights to get closer.”

“Shushu is allergic to deer…”