The Six Kings’ Executives hold one of the highest positions in the vast Demon Realm, and even nobles cannot easily interact with them.

In fact, merely having connections with one of the Six Kings’ Executives can become a status symbol. For example, Marquis Hamilton, Eris’ father, has some ties with Fafnir, one of the Four Great Demon Dragons, the Dragon King’s Executives. Although these interactions only happen once or twice a year, Fafnir has attended parties hosted by the Marquis family, earning them respect from other nobles.

Eris herself has exchanged brief greetings with Fafnir on several occasions, but that is the extent of her contact with the Six Kings’ Executives. So when five of the Seven Princesses appeared before her…… Eris’ heart nearly stopped from the shock. However, she managed to hold on with sheer willpower.

(……I- I- It’s alright…… I’m a strong lady of a Marquisdom…… A lady must not panic even in unexpected situations. T- This is the moment to use the method my father taught me……)

Though her flawless smile was strained, Eris recalled her father’s advice when withstanding pressure.

————-Listen closely, Eris. We are not Omniscient Gods…… Unexpected situations are bound to occur. In fact, the true strength of a noble is tested by how they handle such situations. Never act while still confused———– that is the one thing you must avoid. Actions taken out of panic will never yield good results. First and foremost, you must calm your heart.

————-Yes, Father. But specifically, how do I……?

————-This is just my own method, but in your mind, strongly imagine a calm and composed version of yourself. That other self should remain unshaken, no matter the unexpected events…… Hold that image firmly and ask yourself: What would she do here……?

Recalling her conversation with her father, Eris immediately put his advice into practice. She strongly envisioned herself as a calm, dignified, and perfect lady. She created a powerful image of this composed version of herself within her mind and asked this serene and flawless self: What should I do next…… And what happened next? The ideal version of Eris, whom she had strongly envisioned in her mind…… “just shook her head with tears in her eyes”.

————-Impossible, can’t deal with this.

Feeling as though she had heard this reply, Eris gazed at the far distant skies.

(Impossible huh…… I should have known. Encountering five Executives at the same time is not something I ever imagined…… It’s over. I’ll just have to go with the flow. Father, Mother…… I’ll do my best not to tarnish the Hamilton name……)

Realizing she couldn’t do anything about the situation, Eris decided to let things run their course. Though her mask of a lady was already crumbling, she maintained her smile and watched as the conversation unfolded.

[What a coincidence. What brings all of you here?]

[Tir and everyone were all headed to Nifty cafe~~]

[Thanks to Rosemary———– In other words, since Rosemary had a priority reservation card, we’re all benefiting from that. We moved immediately———– In other words, since all five of us happened to be free yesterday, we were able to make the reservation right away.]

Yes, the five of the Seven Princesses had gathered for tea the previous day due to work commitments. During their meeting, they learned that Rosemary had priority reservation rights. And at her suggestion, those who were interested decided to visit Nifty café.

As it happened, all five of them were free the next day as well. So, they decided to visit Nifty café together. That’s when they unexpectedly ran into Kaito.

(……A- As expected of Kaito-sama, to be so familiar with the Seven Princesses…… B- B- B- By the way…… A- Am I just imagining things? It seems like Rosemary-sama is glaring my way…… I- It’s definitely not my imagination. She definitely is looking my way…… H- Have I done something wrong……?)

With her sharp eyes———- one resulted from her expression stiffening from the presence of someone she wasn’t familiar with, Rosemary leaned close to Kaito’s ear and whispered in a voice Eris couldn’t hear.

[……U- Umm, Kaito-kun? Who’s that girl? She seems kind of tense……]

[Ahh, this is Eris-san, someone I got to know a little while ago……]

[ ! ? ! ? ! ? ]

Rosemary’s words were inaudible to Eris, but hearing Kaito’s response made her straighten up in shock.

(Eh? Ehhhh, umm, ummm, Kaito-sama!? You’re introducing me now!!!? I’m just a Marquis’ daughter, not the head of a noble family…… Umm, I’m in no position to casually exchange words with the Six Kings’ Executives…… B- But still, it would be rude not to greet them in this situation……)

Realizing that Kaito was about to introduce her to the five Princesses, Eris’s face turned pale at the thought of having to introduce herself to such important figures. Unconsciously, she placed a hand on her stomach———– perhaps as a form of self-defense against the overwhelming anxiety.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [I’ve been hearing about this protagonist out there who relentlessly punches a Marquis’ daughter’s stomach like he’s doing a Dempsey Roll…… Is he a devil or what?]