Chapter 116.2: Approach with a modus operandi she’d been hoping to avoid

“Hai! I’m sure that in the sequel, we’ll learn more about the general’s past…! I’m looking forward to seeing him play an active role in the future.”

“………………”

Rishe smiled and chose her words carefully.

I never imagined that the General would die protecting Jean in the next volume either.

Rishe knew the future.

This meant that she knew the “unpainted future developments” of the stories that existed in this world.

While chatting with Harriet, she must tread carefully for her not to realize it.

Once you know what’s going to unfold, you can’t go back to the time when you knew nothing!! I didn’t want to talk about ongoing books with someone who loves to read, but…

This was also the only topic that Harriet seemed to be open to.

As expected, Harriet seemed to be much more relaxed than before, and talked to Rishe.

Then, she whispered very quietly.

“Uh, I’m so glad. In Fabrania, I’ve been told to look through more practical books, not fictional stories…”

“How long have you been in Fabrania for bride training, Harriet-sama?”

“Well, a year and a half.”

“Wow, so long? So has it been a year and a half since you’ve seen your brother?”

“T-That’s right…! I’m sure my brother has read the Cradiette Adventures, and I’m looking forward to talking to him about it…”

After saying that much, Harriet took a big deep breath.

“Ah, that, Rishe-sama.”

“Yes, what is it?”

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“…Thank you for letting me meet my family.”

She said so in that same inaudible voice.

The maidens waiting some distance away probably couldn’t hear her. In a voice that was probably strained by design, Harriet continued.

“Cough, I don’t mean that in a weird way! But I – if it wasn’t for your wedding, I wouldn’t have been able to see my brother until my own wedding ceremony. That’s next year, and it’s a long way.”

“…Don’t you go back to your country during your bride training? It’s not like Fabrania and Sigwell were very far apart.”

“T-That’s because I’m married, even if I’m just engaged…Unless there is a celebration or mourning, it is a shame to return home.”

When Rishe blinked, Harriet said, somewhat wistfully.

“I don’t want to be a nuisance, at least not to you. I’ve been training to be a bride for a year and a half now, and I’m still a complete mess.”

“That isn’t true, Harriet-sama.”

“No, I am. Because the only use for a useless princess is in a political marriage!”

Her small hands covered her face over her bangs.

“I’ve been kept alive and nurtured by the people’s taxes. If I’m not useful to my country, not only is there no meaning to life, there is no meaning to being born…”

“Harriet-sama…”

Looking closer, Harriet was trembling.

“I’ve got to do it right…I’ve got to-do it right…”

It was not something she intended for Rishe to hear, let alone the maidservants.

You think your role can only be fulfilled through a political marriage.

This mentality was quite familiar.

She’s just like the old me.

If that were the case, there was no way Rishe would tell her here and now.

The potential that lies within you would always be an unreachable longing unless you find it yourself.

For Harriet now, it was as distant and unrealistic as a story written by someone else.

So instead, she told her something that could comfort her.

“――Harriet-sama, the carriage just passed through the gate.”

“!”

Harriet gently looked down at her from the window.

A few moments later, the carriage stopped and a man got out from inside.

His golden hair, the same color as Harriet’s, was cropped short.

He was tall, with a supple, slender body. He was dressed in simple but elegant clothes, and wore a cloak as formal attire.

The person looked up and smiled as if he was relieved to see Harriet.

“Brother Curtis…”

“…”

Rishe looked at the eyes of the man that Harriet called.

Thanks to the glimmering moonlight, she could see him clearly even at a distance.

…I see. So that’s how it is.

The man’s eyes were red