“Thank you very much, Princess. Receiving an unexpected gift like this, I don’t know how to express my gratitude.”

I could see a complex emotion briefly entwined in her eyes.

‘Alright, it’s a success. With this level of sincerity, she probably won’t suspect that I’m doubting her.’

In fact, pencils were very hard to come by in the kingdom.
Developed in a small territory beyond the borders of the Empire and recently imported, it could be considered an item known only to those sensitive to trends. A gift that, even if received by a child, comes at an affordable price and stimulates a collecting urge too irresistible to refuse. Utilizing the samples secured through the upper channels operated by Rayla proved to be quite useful. Guided by a servant, I enjoyed the dinner without any hesitation.

While Charlotte occasionally glanced at me with an uneasy look during her meal, I remained oblivious and cleanly emptied my plate.

“The food is really delicious! It seems that Prince Wilhelm’s palace has many skilled chefs.”

“Thank you for the compliment, Princess. By the way, I realize my congratulations are a bit belated. Seeing you grow splendidly brings joy to my heart.”

“Charlotte mentioned it, and I’m really pleased. Lately, I’ve been growing a bit taller, so it’s a source of pride.”

“I heard that Princess is already skilled in magic and has excellent academic achievements. Truly remarkable. It’s like seeing the old Wilhelm again.”

Hmm, is this an attempt to gauge my reaction?

To completely dispel her guard, I answered cheerfully with food smeared around my mouth.

“Oh, how can I be compared to Oppa? That’s what people say! Oppa is truly an amazing person.”

“What do they say?”

“Because he resembles Dad, he’s handsome, good at swordsmanship, and smart. Moreover, he even received a medal directly from Dad the other day! It was incredibly cool.”

As I praised him with applause, Wilhelm’s lips, who continued his meal without changing his expression, slightly quivered.

His ears seem a bit redder.

Is this just my imagination?!

“Thank you for favorably viewing my son. Princess, you are much more charming than I thought. You seem generous in both heart and mind.”

“I often hear such stories. Hehe.”

“If there is anything I can do to support you, Princess, it would be wonderful. Do you have any discomforts in palace life? For example, anyone approaching you.”

As if trying to probe whether I understood her true nature, Charlotte seemed to be investigating whether I was related to the recent rumors.

I put down the cutlery in my hand like someone with great concerns and sighed deeply.

“Although I receive plenty of letters and gifts, no one actually comes close to me. If this continues, rumors might spread that I’m popular only among assassins!”

“…That’s regrettable.”

“I have no idea what I did wrong to be targeted for assassination. Charlotte, you must feel the same way, right?”

When our eyes met, the color drained from Charlotte’s face.
I don’t know much about her, but it seemed like she wasn’t the type to skillfully tell lies.

Right now, Charlotte looked visibly flustered.

I was about to ask a few more questions to capitalize on this momentum, but a man who seemed to be one of Charlotte’s subordinates approached her quickly and whispered something in her ear.

I couldn’t hear what he was saying, but judging by Charlotte’s reaction, something significant seemed to have happened.

“Princess, I apologize, but I think I should leave first today. Can I leave the rest of the entertainment to Wilhelm?”

“Well… It’s a shame, but I guess it can’t be helped.”

“Thank you for your understanding. Wilhelm, I’ll leave it to you. Take good care of the princess.”

As Charlotte hastily exited, the remaining two in the dining room felt a chilling atmosphere akin to midwinter.

The clattering sounds of utensils were so distinct that it was becoming embarrassing for me.

Even after finishing dessert with no conversation, unable to withstand the prolonged silence, I spoke first.

“I’ve finished eating, can you show me around the palace? I saw many splendid buildings earlier.”

“If you’re with me, it might not be very interesting. Are you okay with that?”

Receiving neither acceptance nor rejection but an ambiguous answer, I quickly nodded.

Since Charlotte had left in a hurry, it was more about grasping Wilhelm’s disposition as my rival.

“I have a nice library in my palace. There are not many places worth visiting at this hour. If it’s okay with you, I’ll take you there.”

“A library? Great! Despite appearances, I really like books.”

Following Wilhelm, the library we arrived at was much more enormous than I had thought.

A three-story building was entirely filled with books, and there were endlessly valuable volumes that could not be measured in terms of money.

Expressing my admiration and walking absentmindedly, I unknowingly reached the central part of the building where the light from the ceiling was shining brightly.

“There is a special magic on the ceiling of this building. It not only keeps the light on all day but also automatically regulates temperature and humidity to prevent books from deteriorating.”

“Incredible. So, are all the books in here yours, Oppa?”

“Not really. Most of the books were collected by Lord. Even if I said I bought them, it wouldn’t even fill a few bookshelves.”

After that, Wilhelm continued to explain about the library with a slightly excited demeanor.

I thought he was a blunt person with no words, but it seemed that he was extremely passionate about books.

“Now that we’ve roughly finished the tour, let me show you my favorite place last.”

The place Wilhelm took me to was a solemn room with a serious atmosphere.

Among the portraits of past Lords displayed on the wall, Dad’s handsome face was prominently placed where it could be seen best.

“I often come here when I’m having a hard time. Looking at Father’s portrait gives me strength.”