Meanwhile, Renato rested his elbow on the window frame, gazing outside.
“Huh. So in the end, everything worked out. That means you’ll remain crown prince after all, Your Highness.”
For some reason, Renato pouted slightly.
“I would have been fine with being disinherited.”
“What nonsense are you saying?”
Though polite, the aide sighed in exasperation.
Originally, he was supposed to publicly condemn Renato and remove him from succession.
Yet, even if Renato had been disinherited, I had a feeling this aide would have stayed by his side.
He didn’t seem like the type to betray him.
It was all incredibly convenient, but… perhaps this was how a great kingdom protected itself.
As someone from a small, rural nation, I kicked my legs idly, watching the passing scenery.
Feeling a gaze on me, I turned—
and locked eyes with Renato.
“Oh my, Your Highness. You look much better. Did you manage to get some sleep?”
“Yes. Thinking about you before bed warmed my heart… and for the first time in years, I slept soundly.”
With a dreamy sigh, Renato placed a hand over his chest.
The aide jerked his head toward him in alarm.
Why would you phrase it like that?!
I frantically waved my hands.
“No, no! I just taught him a bedtime trick I use to help put my little brother to sleep! That’s all!”
“Ah… I see.”
Renato covered his mouth, chuckling softly.
Damn it. He was teasing me.
The carriage came to a stop.
Peering out the window, I found myself staring up at an enormous mansion—a building so grand it could be mistaken for a palace.
Despite its humble-sounding name, “Malbarl’s Tavern” looked nothing like an ordinary eatery.
Inside, we were escorted to a private dining room larger than my bedroom back home, lavishly decorated with luxurious furnishings.
“As expected from a prince’s choice of restaurant.”
“Since it’s just the two of us, you don’t need to worry about etiquette. Eat as much as you like.”
“You too, Your Highness. Make sure you eat just as much.”
“Hah, I’ll take you up on that.”
At first, I found the vast yet impeccably maintained dining room a little overwhelming, but thanks to Renato’s skillful conversation, I soon found myself relaxing completely—or rather, talking non-stop while he listened attentively.
The prince, who turned out to be an excellent listener, had recommended an amazing steak, which was absolutely delicious.
As I was enjoying dessert, Renato’s aide entered.
Judging by his demeanor, it was clearly an urgent matter.
I gestured for him to proceed, and Renato stood up and left the room.
Left alone, I continued indulging in my dessert, sipping on a freshly brewed second cup of tea prepared by the attendant.
Then, another knock came at the door.
Before I could even respond, the door swung open, and a man dressed in a knight’s uniform rushed in, looking flustered.
“My lady, His Highness Renato had to leave urgently due to an emergency. I have come to escort you back in his place. My apologies, but please prepare to depart at once.”
“Oh? How busy he must be.”
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