CH 21.2

To the Capital

Aletheia asked me with a serious face. That’s the most serious face she had made ever since we met.

“This is really not the problem of trust, and you wouldn’t understand even if I told you, so I don’t feel like saying anything.”

I’ve never doubted Aletheia or my parents. They care about me, and I love them as well. But that’s a different problem, and I don’t want to make them anxious by telling them about me.

Aletheia seemed to realize that I wouldn’t tell her, and she recovered quickly. Well, I’m not going to hide if they ask questions.

“Is that so, I understand.”

I’m glad you do.

“By the way, what do you plan on doing with this carriage? We are definitely going to stand out too much.”

It will certainly stand out, but I have a good reason for it.

“We will say that we are test-driving a carriage that will be presented to Father… to His Majesty. It’s something that had never been seen before, so it’s okay to say that we were sent here for a test ride. If I’m honest and say that I’m on it because I was the one who made it, it won’t be that unnatural…”

The problem is whether people will believe me. I’m a little girl, after all.

“… It’s conspicuous, but then it’s only a little unnatural. We will get rid of those who approach the Young lady with evil thoughts… Are you indirectly saying that you will continue doing similar things when we get there?”

What is she asking so late? I don’t intend changing no matter where I am.

“Of course, I’m still the same.”

Aletheia, who began to tremble and shake again, came closer to me while emitting a black aura. And then my cheeks that were already red…

“Let’s restrain ourselves, okay♪ If you keep living like this, I’m actually going to collapse. And please remember me when you go on a long vacation. I’m going to report all of your problematic behavior to Her Majesty, so she can spank you again♪”

“Owowowowwowowww? Owie htuserrkvjs.”

She pulled on my cheeks again‼ Stop it, it will stretch and make me have a stupid face. It hurts so much that I’m crying, okay? I’m not sorry, but stop it.

“You are reflecting about this, right? You are definitely reflecting, right? If you don’t want me to continue, then swear not to do something like this in the future.”

“I wefuze.”

I’ve been trying to escape, moving as much as I can while tied up, but Aletheia’s hand never left my cheek. Also, I have no intentions of restraining myself.

“Hehehe… how stubborn you are… you really do take after your father~ strecthy~ strechy~ strech~”

“Fuaaahsaacvnvrvd.”

In the end, Aletheia couldn’t stop me. Hehe, only my Mother can stop me. And I won’t be seeing her for a while. Even if I get my cheeks stretched, she would never listen to me… Aletheia, I will never forget this humiliation. Even though I adore you like a big sister, this unwarranted attitude is unacceptable. I’ll retaliate sooner or later.

“I sense something evil coming from you, Young lady. Did you not have enough?”

“I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry… I’m not.”

Ah?…

“Hmm, your real intentions leaked, you know?”

Crap, are my cheeks in a big pinch? Is there anything I can do to get out of this situation… is that?

“A… Aletheia, is that a wall I’m seeing? Is that the Capital city, Orthoa?”

I’ll do my best to divert the conversation. It’s the only way I can protect my cheeks! Then I need to turn her attention to that thing I saw, the wall, and defend myself!

“Hehe, let’s talk about this matter later. That is certainly Orthoa, and at its center is the Royal Castle, and next to it, near the tower, is the Academic District, where you will be going to the academy. You will have an audience with His Majesty the King at the castle first, so you will have to change into a dress as soon as we get there.”

Ddddddress?

“I pass, too bothersome.”

“It’s the duty of nobles. When a noble from another country comes to study abroad, it’s polite to greet the royals at the Royal castle first. If you don’t like it, why don’t we go back to our country? Her Majesty is surely waiting for you, you know?”

Hiiiiiiiiiii Mother… indeed, I don’t know what she will do to me if I go home now, I’m sure there are many lectures waiting for me, so I’ll just obey quietly.

“Alright.”

“Makes sure to mind your manners, please. You can handle yourself rather well, so I’m sure you will be fine as long as you don’t let your guard down.”

I’ve learned a lot about etiquette and manners, and I look like a little girl, but my brain is probably in my teens, maybe even my twenties? So I have a good memory. And I also learned quickly because of my original knowledge and a child’s unique ability to absorb things. I mean, if I didn’t learn, I would have less time for myself.

“It’s a bother, so I will get it done quick. I don’t feel calm in a dress.”

Aletheia’s head snapped towards me with my remark. It’s tough.

“You are such a quiet girl, but on the inside you’re a combination of His Majesty and Her Majesty, huh. And you’ve also inherited a lot of the bad parts… Where did I go wrong in raising you, I wonder… No, it’s not too late, I’m going to make Young lady a great lady…”

She seems to have some unfulfilled dreams. I’m not that quiet on either side, though.

“I believe that would be impossible, but do your best.”

If I could have moved my hands, I would have waved them in the air.

“Mhm, let’s start with the insides of your head. Let’s brainwa… let’s have a short course about what a first-rate lady really is.”

Huh? Wasn’t she about to say brainwash?

“I don’t think that’s possible, though.”

“I’m used to it, so please think of your current self as a stain on the ceiling, Young lady. I’ll be done in no time.”

She will give up anyway, so let’s leave her alone. By the way…

“You should release me soon.”

“You will stay like this until we arrive.”

I knew it~~