After finishing the morning practice, Rachel told me she’d want me to stay home today, even though Vinz was already here to invite me out.
—besides… Lia will be waiting for us since her uncle and aunt got a new hire, so they wouldn’t need her help anymore.
“No, can do Rachel~! We promised Lia to hang out today!” Vinz said with a smile.
“…Lia this Lia that!? You like her, don’t you?! Prince Vincent!” Rachel replied.
She was pointing her fingers at Vinz, and her reply made him speechless as he stood there—his face was completely red as he fumbled over his words, retorting, “W-What!? Th-There’s no way I like that girl!
…oh, that’s a possibility.
I glanced at Vinz with curious eyes. Although he averted his eyes from mine while blushing…
—I see, so he likes Lia? She’s cute and has a good personality, although… she’s more playful than her innocent look suggests.
“Hmph!” Rachel expressed while crossing her arms while she turned her head. And with a glance from the side, she asked, “Besides, who is this ‘Lia’ girl to begin with?”
*Pff*
As I chuckled, the two glanced at me, and they both seemed a little confused.
—Well… I would, too, if someone just chuckled out of nowhere.
“B-Brother…? What’s the matter?” Rachel inquired with concern.
“…Leon’s laughing, a-are you sick!? Sylvester! We need a doctor! Fast, a doctor!”
—what…?
“Th-That’s right! Did Brother eat anything funny today!? Are you sick?!”
Rachel panicked and overreacted the same way Vinz did…
“It’s not like that,” I replied to the two. “…It’s just that—I feel happy…? As you can probably tell, I’m bad at expressing myself and thought I’d always be in a quiet and calm atmosphere, but ever since I met Vinz, my life has gotten more lively. And when Rachel joined our family, it’s been more fun as well.”
—I see… that’s how I felt. I didn’t really understand until I expressed it in words…
They seemed relieved based on their expressions, but Mother and Father—as well as the servants, held a handkerchief looking like they’d sobbed.
…now that I look back. From their point of view, my seven years have been pretty lonely, has it not?
I’ve been studying, practising, and occasionally spending time with my Mother and Father when they were free. Otherwise, I didn’t make time for myself to have fun…
—such doting parents…I blush just thinking about it!
“Whaaat? It was just that?” Vinz said.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
He then walked up to me and hugged me, saying, “Don’t worry, Leon! We’ll always be friends, and there are no more quiet days ahead!”
—I do want a few quiet days, Vinz…
“…will the Royal family be all right if this goes on…?” Rachel asked.
At that moment, everyone froze on the spot except for Sylvester, who sighed instead.
“Perhaps I come off as rude, Prince Vincent. With regard to my earlier statement, I ponder how the future Queen would feel would His Highness always prioritise a friend over her.”
Vinz just stood there bewildered, but as if an idea sparked in his head, he said, “Then I don’t need a wife!” with a smug face.
…no…Vinz, think it through, you’re a crown prince—ah wait, he’s a kid, he doesn’t need to think about that now…
*Sigh*
At times like this, it makes me wonder how these two talk to one another were I not around. Even now, the way Rachel acts formally—rather, adult-like?
“Hmph, I knew that was how His Highness would respond. But that in itself is a problem, no? But fret not, as I shall be by Dearest Brother’s side, a-always! Thus His Highness needn't worry about Brother Leon’s days being quiet!”
“But what if Leon got a wife? He can’t always prioritise you then, now, can he?” Vinz fired back.
“That is…”
“…you two, that is still far into the future. Moreover, we’re children, and it’s still forgiven to act as such. Why not save the adult talk for when we’re adults?” I calmly said.
However, the two of them were staring at me with blank expressions.
““Said the one that’s least self-aware!”” both of them retorted.
They glanced at one another, and Rachel said, “Seems like we agree on something.”
To which Vinz replied, “He’s always been like this since I met him…”
—did…they find common ground…?
“So?” Rachel coldly asked while glaring at Vinz.
“So?” Vinz replied, reiterating her words.
“Y-You! When are you getting off ‘MY’ brother!?”
“Never…?” Vinz replied while tilting his head.
“WHY YOU!?”
—the two seem to act normal again. I’m glad, but…
“No, please let me go, Vinz…”
“See! Let him goooo!”
“What!? Is it uncomfortable!?” Vinz flusteredly asked.
“…no, it’s just a little…embarrassing because Mama and Papa are recording…”
“…”
Vinz suddenly let go when he realised my parents were recording. Not only that, we could hear them say, “Aww, they noticed!” as well as, “Well, let’s just show this to Lukas and Elina before we head back!”
Since our families are close, Vinz and I realised they went over our recordings when we were out. We discovered it when we got home from our first trip out in the city… It was things like first steps and other stuff…
…The King and Queen even saw me trip that day… How humiliating!
Still… I didn’t know that the ties between our families were more than political partners… In fact, both our families are from the old bloodline. Which would make Vinz a relative. Though I’m sure Rachel knows about it, I wouldn’t want to mention it—afraid she’d be hurt. I’m sure Vinz thinks the same and keeps quiet because of it. Hence, he only mentions us being friends.
“…I’ll be heading to my room,” Rachel said.
But before she went back, she stopped and glanced at me. She looked lonely.
“Please don’t be back too late, Leon—”
Before she could finish her sentence, I hugged her. I didn’t know what to say or how to comfort her. But whenever Mother and Father would show affection. This is what they did, and so I’m doing the same. I’m sure she understands even if I don’t utter a word.
She smiled and didn’t say anything herself. As she let go, she turned to our parents and said, “I won’t allow Brother Leon to marry a woman less capable than me!” before running inside.
…is she trying me make me single for the rest of my life…?