CH 34.1

(Feld’s POV)

I was able to successfully execute that vile woman, Violet.

With that, a sweet life with my beloved Mia awaited.

At that time, I, who was awashed with happiness, fully believed that.

A week after Violet’s execution.

When I was about to go out on a stroll in the city with Mia as usual, my father summoned me. Then, he confronted me with a lot of invoices.

“Over the past few months, you’ve spent a ludicrous amount…”

“It was for my beloved Mia.”

“Don’t be absurd! Stop using the kingdom’s finances for personal reasons! I’ve had to raise taxes quite a lot on the people and aristocrats to cover for you!”

“As people of the Rolaud Kingdom, it’s only natural they pay their taxes, regardless of how high they are.”

“Over taxation can lead to a rebellion! For the time being, cease your needless spending! I’ve instructed all the stores in the royal capital to refuse service to you!”

“What!? That’s absurd! I’ve already promised Mia I’d buy her a new dress!”

When I inadvertently raised my voice at my father, he looked at me in shock.

“…Feld? What ails you? How can you talk to me like this?”

“Nothing, I’m being myself. This is the real me.”

With that remark, I left.

My father was about to say something, but I ignored him.

—Because I’m right.

That was proven during the condemnation at the graduation party.

Everyone doubted us. However, we didn’t let that stop us. Sagius, Brown, and I, we believed in ourselves and continued to act—that was how we were proven to be right.

I still couldn’t forget the exhilaration I felt at that moment.

It was all thanks to Mia.

I remembered Mia’s smile, and I found myself smiling as well.

Mia would always say that everything I did was right.

She was different from my parents who always complained.

As I left the royal palace, my mother stopped me.

“Feld, where are you taking Baroness Abazn? It’s time for her princess education…”

Towards my mother, who stared at me with blame, I only sighed and shook my head.

“‘Princess Education’, you say? We’re still continuing with that old practice? From now on, we should let the excellent aristocrats take care of those matters and supervise them from above.”

“What are you talking about!? If we did that, those aristocrats would come up with rules that’d only benefit them!”

“Still, it can also lead to improvement! The old custom is terrible! Because of an education like that, a villain like Violet was born!”

When I said that and glared at my mother, she trembled in shock and shut her mouth.

I was sure she no longer had any courage to say anything.

After glancing at her, I ran out of the palace.

***

After leaving the royal palace, I met Mia and explained what had happened earlier.

“How amazing of you, Feld! To be so brave to speak up against the king and the queen!”

“It’s nothing.”

While I blushed at Mia’s words, Sagius only shook his head.

“It is as His Highness often says— the princess education is ancient. Mia doesn’t have to do it.”

“Thank you, Sagius!”

“Mia…”

After his cheeks turned crimson, Sagius turned to me.

“Your Highness, if you and Mia became the king and the queen of this kingdom, I’ll gladly support you.”

“Sagius, you’re a good friend. I consider you my best friend.”

When I extended my hand, Sagius squeezed it tightly.

Then, Brown also spoke.

“Both of you, please include me, too.”

“Haha, of course, Brown.”

After I had said that and laughed, Brown smiled and put his hand on top of ours.

Our friendship had reunited us.

Meanwhile, Mia seemed disappointed.

“Haa, I thought we could all have fun shopping together.”

Puffing her cheeks, Mia said that. I felt sorry and bowed my head.

“I’m sorry, even though I promised you…”

“Eh? Ah, no, it isn’t Feld’s fault. Or rather, it’s Mia’s own fault for saying such rude things, I’m sorry…”

Mia was in tears as she lowered her face. The painful sight caused my heart to ache.

Then, Sagius said with a smile.

“Then, let me pay for today.”

“Wow, Sagius, really!?”

“Gladly.”

“Fufu, it seems that Sagius is still as charming as usual.”

“I’m sorry, Sagius.”

“No, it’s alright. I just want to see Mia smile.”

Sagius lifted his glasses gently as he nodded to me.

The corners of my eyes stung.

…I’ll repay you someday, my best aide.

I vowed in my heart and nodded to Sagius.

***

“You won’t sell it to us?”

When I entered the store and immediately tried to look at some of the dresses, the owner rushed over in a hurry and apologized, saying that the dress couldn’t be sold to us.

“I’m sorry. The Duke of Samaria instructed out company to refuse any service to you…”

“My father? What do you mean?”

“The other day, when our company sent an invoice to him, he said that he couldn’t afford it. Therefore, for the time being, our company can’t sell you anything…”

“…What?”

Stunned, Sagius tumbled onto the floor.

Honestly, I didn’t think that Sagius would also be banned from shopping. Then, Brown finally said.

“This time, I’ll pay for it.”

“Brown, are you sure? Aren’t your parents really strict?”

“…It’s for Mia’s sake. Also, it’s those who support me that I rely on, not my parents.”

“By that, you meant the marquis and viscounts who helped you take down Violet?”

“Yes, I’m sure they’ll be happy to give me some money. After all, Mia is their future queen.”

Brown smiled at Mia, and Mia jumped happily.

“Thank you, Brown! Mia is truly happy with you!”

“Think nothing of it, hahaha!”

Brown happily scratched his head while watching Mia jump up an down.

Sagius bowed to Brown.

“Thank you, Brown. You prevented Mia from becoming sad.”

“Sagius, I’ve already said it—I’ll support you!”

“I’m glad!”

The two fist bumped and laughed at each other.

I also smiled when I saw that a scene.

“How wonderful.”

I muttered that, and Mia nodded, too.

***T/N:

After I had said that and laughed, Brown smiled and put his hand on top of ours.

Our friendship had reunited us.