In response to Reibella’s question, he held up the book he was holding.

“So you were reading. Did you enjoy the book?”

Reibella looked at the book he was reading. It was definitely the book she had recommended to him.

‘It seems he hasn’t found the note yet.’

If he had found it, he would have asked about it.

“Just, well… I’m reading it because I have nothing else to do.”

“Yes. I know.”

When Reibella responded curtly, he glared at her with his red eyes. Even just that glance somehow made her a bit happy. When she first met him, he would remain silent no matter what she said, which had made her sad inside, but now he would ask what was wrong first and show his emotions.

There was definitely a slight vitality in his face that had seemed to have given up on everything. That clear change was delightful.

“Even if I can’t come in the future, please don’t forget that I worry and care about Your Grace from wherever I am. Understood?”

“……Why are you suddenly saying such things.”

“Just because. My situation could suddenly change, you know.”

It was fair to say the freedom currently given to Reibella was due to the princess’s goodwill. It was true that her situation had become more comfortable than before because the princess viewed her favorably and considered her a valuable talent.

She didn’t have to hide from people’s eyes anymore, and there were fewer occasions where she had to wear a hood or walk with her head down.

But if the princess’s heart changed and turned away from Reibella, she would return to her previous position.

If that happened, even coming to meet him wouldn’t be easy. If any misunderstandings arose, it could cause him trouble too.

“Understood? I always wish for Your Grace’s happiness. I truly mean it.”

“……You really say such things so casually.”

“Then please tell me how I should say it.”

“Never mind.”

“Then at least tell me your name.”

When she quickly changed the subject and demanded his name, he closed his mouth and turned his head away. His merciless attitude made her laugh again.

“You’re really like a cat.”

“What?”

“I should call you kitty from now on.”

He was about to turn his attention back to the book but shot her a dissatisfied look. When Reibella laughed again, he made a somewhat indignant expression. The way he turned his eyes away in annoyance was particularly prim and cute.

Reibella rested her chin on her hand and said while looking at the boy,

“When you grow up more, you’ll get used to receiving compliments and words of encouragement. Because you’ll receive them often.”

“……”

“I’m looking forward to it. If you grow up just as you are, you’ll surely become a wonderful person who will captivate the hearts of countless women in the empire.”

He was already a child with looks befitting the Grand Duke of the North, and if he grew up just as he was, he would probably become the most handsome man of the century. He would undoubtedly steal the hearts of all women across not just the empire but the continent.

“Your Grace will definitely be among the top two men in the empire.”

“……Top two?”

Not hearing his muttered words, Reibella added.

“I think you won’t lose even compared to Young Lord Vicheravali.”

“Young Lord……?”

His brow furrowed slightly as his voice dropped a tone lower than usual.

Oh?

It was the first time he had shown curiosity about another person. Reibella, somehow excited, chattered with a bright smile.

“Yes! I hear Young Lord Vicheravali is truly outstanding in appearance. There are widespread rumors that his silvery hair bright enough to dazzle and mysterious purple eyes are a work of art! It would be nice if you two became friends.”

If he became friends with the man chosen by the princess, the protagonist of this world, his chances of survival would increase too.

Sincerely hoping the two would become friends, she eagerly shared all the stories she knew about Young Lord Vicheravali.

However, as she talked more, displeasure clouded the boy’s expression.

Then, as if he could no longer endure it, he snapped.

“You leave.”

With a sharp dismissal for the first time, he went off to another room like a cat that had finished eating snacks and had no more business with its owner.

……Why?

‘Why did he get angry?’

I meant it in a good way.

Reibella recalled her conversation with the boy as she walked along the moonlit path.

There was no reason for him to dislike becoming friends with Vicheravali, but he got irritated even when given a hint.

‘Not understanding my feelings either.’

He was really too much.

‘Just like a cat, I’m telling you.’

The way he would hiss and push away just when they seemed to be getting closer was exactly the same. And how even when he does mean things, he’s still cute and lovable so you end up coming back again.

‘Next time I should suggest going to see the rainbow-colored fish in the lake.’

Though he tries not to leave the palace much due to being wary of the emperor, it should be fine if it’s at night and in a place where people don’t frequent.

As she smiled brightly while looking forward to next time, the princess’s palace had drawn near.

Only then did she feel the fatigue and relief that she could rest soon. The moment she realized this, she felt strange.

Wondering if she was thinking of such a place as home.

‘No way, that’s ridiculous.’

How could this be home.

As she shook her head denying the thought that had occurred to her……

‘Hm?’

There was a golden-haired girl near the fountain inside the princess’s palace.

It was the princess.

The child standing in front of the large fountain where moonlight poured down, wearing her nightgown, looked like a painting.

‘Why is she standing like that?’

Somehow the princess’s figure standing with her back turned looked powerless. The fact that she was out at a time when she should have been asleep suggested she might be troubled about something.

Looking around, there was no one else. But she already knew that just because someone couldn’t be seen didn’t mean they weren’t there.

‘I didn’t see anything.’

She was aware that the princess had been avoiding her recently. There would be nothing good from approaching her, so it seemed better to just pretend not to have seen her and pass by.

She was about to go on her way like that.

When suddenly, the princess approached the fountain and leaned her head close to the water.

‘What if she falls in?’

If it were someone else, maybe not. But this was the princess. The protagonist who gets caught up in all sorts of strange incidents and accidents.

Though she wanted to ignore it, she became worried about what might happen there. If she actually fell into the water, there was a high chance it would be reported directly to the emperor.

‘Ah, this cursed life of an extra.’

Reibella sighed and quickly approached the princess. The princess showed no sign of noticing even with the sound of footsteps. So she was about to call out first from a distance so as not to startle her.

“Wah!”

Suddenly the princess stood up straight and turned around. Reibella, startled, opened her eyes wide and drew in her breath as the princess laughed brightly.

Her clear laughter rang out.

“Were you surprised?”

“……Yes.”

Really surprised. Especially since she hadn’t expected the princess to play such a prank.

As she approached while unnecessarily rubbing her startled chest, the princess spun around as if finding her reaction amusing.

At that moment, the princess staggered and her body started to tilt.

Reibella hurriedly reached out to the princess and grabbed her arm that was floating in the air. And pulled hard.

Fortunately, the princess was pulled by Reibella’s hand, but instead, Reibella fell as if exchanging places with the princess and ended up falling into the water.

“Reibella!”

“Are you alright?”

Reibella jumped up immediately and asked the princess. The princess nodded with a dazed expression looking at her. Relief flashed across Reibella’s face.

“You’re not hurt anywhere? You didn’t fall?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Really? How’s your wrist? I pulled quite hard. May I take a look for a moment, Your Highness?”

When the princess quietly held out her arm, Reibella’s gaze carefully examined her wrist. Not satisfied with just that, she thoroughly inspected from head to toe.

There was nothing wrong. Everything was fine. Only then did relief flow from Reibella’s lips.

“Thank goodness. Really thank goodness, Your Highness.”

“Thank goodness?”

“Of course! How worried was I that there might be even the slightest flaw on Your Highness who is perfect from head to toe.”

She meant it sincerely. The moment she saw the princess about to fall, her head had spun and chills had run down her spine.

If she had fallen like that, if she had fallen into the water, what would have happened…….

As she shuddered like a wet dog shaking off water, the princess burst out laughing.

Then with a face full of laughter, she said,

“Reibella. I’m more worried about you. Are you okay?”

“I’m always fi…… ah.”

Only then did Reibella look at herself. She was completely soaked and looked terrible.

“Aren’t you cold? I touched Your Highness’s body with my wet hands……”

“It’s fine. I’m really fine.”

“Just in case, you should go inside right away.”

“Rather than that, I think you should get out quickly. You’ll catch a cold, Reibella.”

“Ah. Then please step aside for a moment. Water might splash.”

When Reibella gestured to push the princess away, she moved far back. Worrying that even a single drop of water might splash, Reibella carefully came out.

And as she was wringing out her clothes any way she could, the princess who had been watching muttered,

“As expected. Reibella is my idol.”

……Huh?

“Me?”