“Eh? Eeeeeeeeh!?”
The voices of the two echoed.
It was loud enough to be clearly heard by those around us, even amidst the commotion.
“Princess Olivia! What is that!?”
“Well? Ray and I have vowed our future to each other, right? Right?”
Princess Olivia was piercing me with her gaze.
At first glance, she might seem carefree, but everything she does is calculated.
Being a member of the royal family, Princess Olivia has already mastered the art of understanding people’s hearts at this young age. She also possesses charisma. There is a certain elegance inherent in Princess Olivia.
And the fact that she boldly declared this in public means something significant.
In other words, by making such a declaration here, she is trying to create a near-established fact.
Of course, the people around us began to stir upon hearing Princess Olivia’s words.
“Princess Olivia’s fiancé?”
“Is there really someone like that already?”
“Who is the other person?”
“Who is that…?”
“Do you know them?”
“No, I don’t. It looks like they’re wearing the uniform of Arnold Magic Academy… a student?”
“A student is Princess Olivia’s fiancé? I’ve never seen a noble like that…”
“A noble…? But is it?”
“No, that must be… could they be commoner…?”
As the people around began to look at me and say such things, I quickly grabbed Princess Olivia and took her to a corner of the venue.
“Princess Olivia.”
“Hm? What is it? Did I do something?”
“You know what I’m talking about…”
“Hehe, it’s because Ray keeps ignoring me, you know”
Her expression was wrapped in a seductive atmosphere. With a mischievous smile, she seemed to be watching my reaction with glee.
—This is why dealing with Princess Olivia is truly challenging…
Even though I was exasperated, what had happened was unavoidable.
I decided to give Princess Olivia a warning.
“…I would appreciate it if you could keep the fact that I am the Ice Blade under wraps.”
“Yeah, yeah. I understand that.”
“Then, saying that I’m your fiancé here is problematic. A mere student being the fiancé of Princess Olivia is…”
“That’s true, it’s problematic. I think so too, you know? Mmhmm.”
Princess Olivia continued to smile as if it were someone else’s problem.
It was as if she were playing with a favorite toy.
I had known her personality was like this since we first met, but I never expected her to go this far, so I tried to manage the situation.
“I will respond to your letters from now on, so please refrain from making unreasonable statements here.”
“Eh? Really? You won’t ignore me anymore?”
“Yes. I will definitely reply to your letters promptly.”
“Will you not agree to the engagement?”
Princess Olivia asked this with an obvious upward glance. However, even with that, there are lines we cannot cross.
Our positions are that delicate.
The Ice Blade, one of the Seven Great Sorcerers, and the second princess of the royal family.
If it becomes public, it would certainly cause issues.
“That… involves not just my circumstances, but yours as well.”
“Well, that’s true. But you know, I really do like you, Ray. And I don’t think anyone would complain about the Ice Blade. If anyone does complain… I’ll make sure they can’t say anything. Hehe.”
Her smile, enchanting yet cunning, was truly the hidden face of a princess.
At first glance, one might be deceived by her adorable appearance. But Princess Olivia is a clever person. She surely knows how to prevent others from complaining.
I really can’t read her mind… As I thought this, Princess Olivia continued speaking.
“Well, never mind. I’m sorry, Ray. I got so excited to see you after such a long time. Will you forgive me…?”
With her eyes glistening and looking up at me with a watery gaze, Princess Olivia awaited my response.
I understand that this is also a calculation, but I can’t just dismiss it, so I quickly respond with words. She probably understands what I’m saying too.
“I understand. Please make sure that this kind of thing doesn’t happen again in the future.”
“Yes, yes!”
As I raise my right hand, Princess Olivia and I head back to Amelia and Ariane.
“Ahaha! Were you surprised? Just kidding, just kidding! I’m a bit acquainted with Ray. I just wanted to surprise you!”
“J-joking…?”
When Amelia says that, Princess Olivia responds with a cheerful smile.
“Yep! For now, anyway…”
“I-I see…”
Princess Olivia stares at Amelia with half-open eyes. However, Amelia also doesn’t look away from her. Rather, there’s a tense atmosphere between the two, and I can’t help but wonder if something happened.
“Well then! I’m off!”
“A-and I shall take my leave as well.”
With that, Princess Olivia gracefully leaves the scene. Following her, Ariane moves away, looking a bit flustered.
—I always think this, but she really is like a storm…
As I turn my gaze away from Princess Olivia, Amelia comes close to me and roughly bumps her shoulder against mine.
“What’s wrong, Amelia? Why so rough?”
“N-nothing? I don’t care who Ray is engaged to… hey!”
Amelia keeps hitting my shoulder, and I can feel anger in her voice.
“Y-your tone is rather strong… Did I do something to upset you…?”
“Not at all, hmph!”
Amelia’s mood was clearly at its worst. Even though we’ve only been together for a few months, she was openly expressing her displeasure.
—W-what should I do in a situation like this…?
As I fumble around in confusion, a single elegant woman approaches me.
Our eyes meet for a moment. The woman has crimson hair, and her eyes are the same shade of crimson. At first glance, she appears young, but the aura she exudes clearly indicates that she has aged.
But this woman, yes… she looks a lot like Amelia.
“Are you Ray White?”
“Yes, I am Ray White.”
“I see. Fufu, I am Eleonora Rose. I am Amelia’s mother.”
“Oh, you are Amelia’s mother. Thank you for helping out.”
I bow respectfully on the spot. The gazes of those around us turn toward us, drawing even more attention, but at this point, it couldn’t be helped. It was mostly Princess Olivia’s fault…
“No, no. It’s I who should be thanking you. It seems my daughter is truly in your care. Right, Amelia?”
“M-mother!”
Then, I exchange a handshake with Amelia’s mother.
Unlike Amelia, she has a very gentle demeanor, but her appearance is strikingly similar to Amelia’s. Just a glance is enough to tell that they are related by blood. However, the elegance she possesses is something only an adult can exude.
“So, I see… you are Amelia’s…”
“Yes. We spend time together as friends at the academy.”
“Appearance-wise and in behavior, you pass. But you are from a commnoner background, aren’t you?”
“Yes. It is true that I am not from a family of sorcerers; And I come from a common background.”
“I see. No, I already knew that. Even so, I wonder why Amelia praises you so highly. In terms of ability, it is clear that my daughter is superior. Amelia possesses exceptional talent among sorcerers. Therefore… your presence feels somewhat out of place. I apologize, but Ray White, I have looked into you.”
Amelia’s mother states this matter-of-factly.
It seemed devoid of emotion, just calmly stating facts.
“…I can understand. It is important to know who is around your beloved family.”
“Yes. And I found out that… you are the current…”
“…”
“Ice Blade, aren’t you?”
That statement was made in a voice just loud enough for Amelia and me to hear.
After saying this, Amelia’s mother continues to smile gracefully.
“Mother, that is! Um…!”
“Amelia. It’s fine. I knew this kind of moment would come eventually.”
Amelia tries her best to defend me, but it seems there’s no way to do so now.
In any case, it’s clear that I am the current Ice Blade. It’s not something I absolutely need to hide. Right now, I’m just doing it to lead a peaceful school life.
Nobility.
I thought it was only a matter of time before the three major noble families found out about me. The higher-ranking mages were already aware of my existence.
In other words, the fact that I am the current Ice Blade means that anyone with some knowledge of this magical world could easily discover it if they looked into it.
That’s why I respond to Amelia’s mother with a resolute attitude.
“Allow me to introduce myself again. I am Ray White, the current Ice Blade Magician.”[TN: Sorcerer is better term but hey I used Magician in my title]
“Hehe, I see. That’s wonderful. I really like you. I’ve told Amelia as well, but I would love for you to come to our home and tell us more about yourself… would that be alright?”
“Amelia has invited me before, so I would definitely like to accept your invitation.”
“…Hehe. Is that so? Then I look forward to seeing you again, Ray White.”
“Yes. I too look forward to meeting you again.”
After bowing deeply, only Amelia and I remained in that place.
However, Amelia’s face was completely red, and she was looking down. Was something wrong?
“Amelia. Your mother is a good person.”
“Eh!? W-well, yes, but… it’s just a bit embarrassing, you know? My mother… is in such a good mood.”
“In a good mood? She certainly didn’t seem unhappy, but is that so?”
“…Yes. It seems she took a liking to you.”
“That’s very pleasing to hear.”
“Ugh… that’s the problem, though…”
“? What do you mean by that?”
“…No, it’s nothing.”
Amelia and I parted ways at that point. The day to visit her family had already been decided, so I would likely see her again then.
And now, I headed towards the last person I should greet at this party.
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