“I am Raphael Ordis Callant, Regent Duke of Daiern.”

…Still, this guy has decent manners for a member of the royal family.

“Regent Duke, I didn’t expect to be called that.”

“As you are acting on behalf of the Duke of Daiern, shouldn’t you rightly be addressed as Your Grace the Regent Duke?”

It’s quite refreshing, as this is the first time someone has called me Regent Duke.

Of course, I haven’t met many people since the ban on going out was lifted, so I haven’t attended many formal social events.

‘Besides, a royal family member showing respect to me.’

I like people who know how to respect others. Regardless of whether they are younger than me or of lower status.

In that sense, Prince Raphael’s character passes my standards as a decent person.

…That is, if all those words were sincere.

“To be honest, I know that my visit may not be very welcome from the Regent Duke’s perspective. Nevertheless, I had to come here at the request of Her Highness the Crown Princess… that is, my mother.”

He added, “You know the temperament of Her Highness the Crown Princess, don’t you?”

Hmm, so it was the Crown Princess, not the Emperor or Crown Prince.

“Then I take it that Your Highness Prince Raphael has no personal intention to propose?”

“That’s correct, but please don’t misunderstand my intentions. I am well aware that the Regent Duke is extremely beautiful and highly capable, and I have admired you for a long time.”

Admired, even?

“I just want to say that I know I’m not a suitable match for the Regent Duke. I’m still too young, and inadequate to stand by the Regent Duke’s side.”

It was a very strange feeling to hear such words from a descendant of the arrogant Callant bloodline.

It made me wonder if this was actually some kind of loyalty test.

“Your Highness is undoubtedly the future Emperor two generations from now, so how could you be inadequate? You must be teasing me.”

“No, really. This is my honest opinion. I would consider it an honor to have the Regent Duke of Daiern as my mentor, but it would be preposterous for me to step forward as a husband.”

For a moment, I almost laughed out loud.

‘Mentor? Me?’

That’s really not funny at all.

But who wouldn’t feel good hearing such words? And seeing him blush even with that large frame shows sincerity.

The satisfaction of having my ego stroked feels quite thrilling?

‘It’s a bit of a shame. If Prince Raphael were ten years older, I might have seriously considered this proposal.’

No, wait a minute. Then I would have to become the future Empress, wouldn’t I?

Cancel that. I’m already busy enough keeping Daiern fed.

“Hmm?”

Suddenly, I noticed Prince Raphael looking intently at his teacup. I saw him take a sip earlier, is there a problem?

“Is something the matter?”

“Ah… It’s nothing. I was just surprised by the unique taste of the tea.”

“It’s made from tea leaves grown in the Duchy of Daiern. Although it’s a high-quality product, it’s difficult to harvest enough for distribution, so currently it’s only enjoyed within the duchy.”

“I see. That’s a bit of a shame.”

His expression is quite peculiar. I suppose it must be because it’s his first time tasting this tea.

Since he seems to like it, I should prepare some as a return gift when he leaves.

I noticed earlier that he brought an enormous amount of proposal gifts, enough to fill a wagon.

“In any case, due to procedural matters, I will leave the proposal gifts here, but please don’t hesitate to send a rejection letter to the proposal.”

“I am reassured by Your Highness Prince Raphael’s words.”

Despite my worries from the day before, the conversation flowed in a not-so-awkward atmosphere.

I liked Prince Raphael’s subtle thoughtfulness, and he didn’t seem to harbor any ill feelings towards me either.

No, it was closer to him subtly expressing fondness.

He occasionally asked me about the Duchy of Daiern, and even mentioned some of the notable anecdotes of how I was able to greatly develop the duchy.

By this point, I could be certain that his earlier talk about mentorship and admiration wasn’t just empty words.

‘But looking closely, he’s really quite adorable.’

I’m talking about Prince Raphael.

He’s so big that it’s hard to believe he’s only nineteen years old.

The tallest person around me until now has been my brother… no, Lord Joseph.

‘He seems to be at least 10 centimeters taller than Lord Joseph.’

Moreover, his build is truly as robust as a lion’s.

So much so that the refined shirt he’s wearing neatly and the cravat adorning his neck seem burdensome.

And yet, he displays impeccable manners without any flaws.

How can he not be adorable?

“Why are you smiling like that?”

“I apologize. It seems I’m finding my conversation with Prince Raphael quite enjoyable as well.”

“Ah…”

For a moment, I wondered if he was feeling embarrassed.

A gentle smile appeared on Prince Raphael’s face, and his cheeks turned red.

“…I too find my conversation with the Regent Duke very enlightening. I’m learning a lot today.”

But now that I look, the reason for his flushed cheeks seems to be the red shadows starting to fall across the sky.

‘Has it already gotten this late?’

According to social etiquette, one should end their visit and return home when the sunset begins.

Not only because it will get dark if one stays longer, but more importantly because everyone needs to return home to participate in the evening banquet.

Prince Raphael also had to return. But his face looked quite regretful.

“You say you’re learning. I’m honored even to hear such words.”

“It’s true. When I return to the imperial palace, I’ll have to immerse myself in dry studies from books instead of the vivid stories the Regent Duke has shared with me. Especially the study of kingship.”

I’ve never studied kingship, but just from the name, it sounds like it can’t help but be old-fashioned and boring.

“Your Highness Prince Raphael, it seems you find the imperial palace quite stifling.”

“Even so, I know I’m not in a position to complain. I am a member of the royal family, after all.”

“Then I suppose it must be difficult for you to go out as well.”

“…It depends on the destination. Since I’ve already had my coming-of-age ceremony, there are no restrictions, but I try not to insist on outings that my mother doesn’t approve of.”

I suddenly found Prince Raphael adorable, complaining about studying like children his age.

It also reminded me of our children.

Especially the always mature Kardiel.

…Hmm. Then how about this?

“Come to think of it, there are three children in Daiern around the same age as Your Highness.”

I casually brought up the topic of the children.

I thought it wouldn’t be bad to introduce them to my children, given his character.

“Ah, I’ve heard. But I understand they’re not yet old enough for their debutante.”

“Yes. The eldest is fifteen, the daughter is fourteen, and the youngest is eleven, so they’re still too young for a debutante.”

“I see.”

Up to this point, he didn’t seem very interested. I continued speaking.

“However, these children have never made any friends before. So I was quite worried. I wondered what would happen if they couldn’t make friends even after their debutante.”

“Ah…!”

Only then did Prince Raphael’s eyes show understanding of what I was trying to say. I narrowed my eyes in a smile and continued.

“I heard that Your Highness also grew up without playmates. So, if Her Highness the Crown Princess allows, perhaps you could visit Daiern occasionally and spend time with the children. What do you think?”

At first glance, it might seem like I’m trying to curry favor with the prince. But Prince Raphael keenly realized that my intentions weren’t so vulgar.

“If Your Highness visits, I would have to make time to enjoy tea with you as well.”

Expectation rippled in his golden eyes, bright as the sun.

“Then, regarding the proposal I presented today…”

“I will give you an answer after a very, very long time of deep contemplation.”

This gives Prince Raphael a reason to visit Daiern occasionally.

Moreover, if rumors spread that I’m contemplating the prince’s proposal, it would have the effect of filtering out proposals from most other families.

Additionally, it would give Prince Raphael a chance to breathe for a moment, and my children an opportunity to make a good friend.

‘Wouldn’t this be a satisfactory deal for everyone?’

A radiant smile I had never seen before spread across the face of the nineteen-year-old prince, which had brightened considerably.

His innocent smile, showing his teeth, had a charm that made even me smile.

Ah, I really am weak to people who stimulate my protective instincts.

“How strange.”

“It’s odd.”

“It’s really strange.”

After Prince Raphael left.

The servants of Daiern who were tidying up the reception room tilted their heads in confusion.

Especially the reception maid, the tea maid, and the butler had peculiar expressions.

More than half of the prince’s tea remained. Meaning, the tea didn’t suit his taste.

Of course it didn’t.

The servants had all worked together to ruin the prince’s tea. They had deliberately put in an excessive amount of sugar.