It was initially a scheme to separate Arnold from the current emperor.

Three years later, he would kill his father and start his path to war.

And that detached palace was a villa that she hoped would help prevent his father’s murder.

A castle like that was too big for Rishe alone. With these thoughts in mind, she stared at Arnold.

Arnold looked surprised for some reason, but eventually his expression melted into a smile.

“I see…”

His gaze seemed to see right through to her heart.

“It seems that you’re up to something fun again.”

“Hi, don’t make it sound so scandalous!”

But in a way, he hit the nail on its head. Could it be that he really could read her mind?

Or was I too aggressive calling him?

If Arnold became wary, he might not be able to move into the detached palace.

While she was inwardly impatient, Arnold stood up and said, “Fine.”

“I’ll take you up on that offer. You’ve put me in a good mood.”

“Eh~ Who’s in a good mood?”

“Me. — Let’s go.”

When she looked at Oliver, for some reason, he nodded to her with a wry smile.

He mouthed the words, Thanks for saving me.

Does that mean His Highness was in a bad mood before I came here?

And now, for some reason, his mood seemed to have been restored.

As she was wondering, she heard him call out.

“Rishe.”

“Ah, yes!”

Rishe rushed after Arnold to show him around.

****

“–This is Your Highness’ bedroom.”

Rishe stood at the door, and told Arnold at her side.

At the end of the corridor some distance away, the maidservants were peering in anxiously. Perhaps they were wondering how he found the office she had already shown him earlier.

When they met Rishe’s eyes and she smiled and nodded, the girls clasped each other’s hands and broke into huge smiles.

“Get in.”“Yeah.”

The bedroom, with its blue tones, was immaculately polished from corner to corner.

A dark blue canopy and soft pillows. The sheets were stretched tightly, and there was a candy-colored round desk.

The carpeting was of the highest quality, with a smooth, tightly knit pile of wool that didn’t produce a single sound of shoes, but not a single dust particle was on it.

“This…”

Arnold gave her a surprised look.

“What do you think? Isn’t it a wonderful room?”

“Yeah, looks like it.”

Rishe was delighted hearing his honest words of affirmation.

“I’ve discussed this with Oliver, and we’ve decided to keep the furniture to a bare minimum for now. The bookshelves and everything else will have to be brought in when you move out of your current room.”

“That’s fine… But I’m surprised.”

Arnold stood in the center of the room and scanned the room with interest.

“This detached palace has been neglected for years. It would have been impossible to complete it in three weeks even if it was just your room, right?”

“Hmm. Aren’t they amazing? My maids!”

“Totally. This is a huge deal.”

Arnold turned and looked at Rishe.

“You’ve trained the rookies to this point from scratch, haven’t you? If they have set up the castle where the royal family resides and their work has been approved by the Crown Prince, they will never be without work in the future.”

“Your Highness is right. If these girls were to live elsewhere, they’ll be free from future uncertainties.”

“There’s more to be gained.”

Rishe inclined her head, as he continued.

“It’s pride. — The pride that comes from knowing that you’ve done a solid job and that you’ve been recognized by others. It’s not directly related to the life and death of a person, but sometimes that pride can keep a person alive.”

“…Your Highness?”

Arnold slowly lowered his eyes.

He didn’t show much emotion, yet his expression was somehow gentle.

He looked down at Rishe with a gaze as if he’s looking at something precious.

“You have a gift for making others proud.”

“…!”

Rishe’s eyes rounded at this unexpected compliment.

That didn’t occur to her at all, what the heck was that all about? Arnold’s shoulders shook when Rishe stared blankly at him.

“Pfft~”

It was a nuanced breath that irresistibly spilled out.

“Is that the kind of look you get when I praise you?”

Rishe sighed at the sound of his amusement.

“You said that out of the blue to tease me, didn’t you?”

“What a shame. I mean, that was a sincere compliment.”

That didn’t sound sincere at all. Nevertheless, after a sigh, Rishe replied like this.

“What a shame. Even if it’s false, it’s nice to hear you praise me.”

“…”

After all, this was a man whom she has always considered “unbeatable”.

Arnold’s eyes widened a bit. Feeling as if she had gotten even, Rishe laughed.

“By the way, did you notice?　This is the sunniest room in the villa. With the windows open, the breeze is so nice and refreshing, it’s perfect for a nap.”

“…Unfortunately, I rarely return to my bedroom during the day. You could have used this room instead of giving it to me.”

“Uhm, I’m like a hostage, right? I mean, it’s not going to be pretty if I were to languish in this castle. A princess who does nothing shouldn’t have a nice room like this.”

“The ‘idle’ queen?”

“?”

What did that twinkle in his eyes mean?

She was curious, but she decided not to delve too deeply.

“Come to think of it, is your room right next door?”

“Yes. It will be easier for the guards if our rooms are close.”

“It’s easier for me to do that too. I might be able to detect your recklessness before it happens.”

“What recklessness! I’m going to be laying low from now on. I won’t do that.”

“Hmm.”

“… Just a little bit?”

“Idiot.”

He said softly, dumbfounded.

“You can take liberties, but don’t do another one of those things that make you sick like the other day.”

“Yes. I’m sorry…”

She took it as a normal scolding.

Rishe reflected on it and remembered that she wanted to ask Arnold for help.

“Speaking of which, Your Highness. I have a favor to ask of you in this matter.”

“What?”

She smiled at him, who looked a bit wary.

“Do you remember what you promised me before?”