第５３５堀：真実とさらなる苦悩 (Part2)
However, since they wouldn't understand even if I spoke in circles, I was at a loss as to how to even ask.
"Um... well, you see..."
"“Unyu?”"
Would they even understand if I asked them to act as intermediaries between me and Ratz-sama and the others? Was there a simpler, easier way to put this? As I pondered this, George-dono spoke up from the side.
"Princess Carrie wishes to be on good terms not only with Aslin-dono and Firia-dono, but with Ratz-sama as well. However, having taken Yuki-sama to Baide, she finds it a bit difficult to approach her."
"Ah..."
"I understand."
Phew, it was a relief to have George-dono there, but I’ve incurred a debt to him now. I’ll have to find a way to make it up to him later. But for now, I need to focus on deepening my relationship with these two.
"It is as George-dono says. As you know, I took the liberty of inviting you both to Baide. Regardless of the reasons, I am well aware that this is unforgivable to the other wives. However, I cannot allow Haiden to be put in danger due to my own negligence. Could you please act as intermediaries between me and Ratz-sama and the other wives?"
"Hmm. I don't think you need to worry about that. My sisters wouldn't try to do anything to the Princess's country over something like that."
"That's right. My sisters aren't the type to lash out like that."
I want to believe those words, but as a princess of a nation, I need a proper safeguard. Though, they probably wouldn't understand if I said that... Hmm, should I just say I want to be friends personally? But that wouldn't...
As I was thinking this, Kagura spoke up.
"Um, you know, that thing."
"That thing?"
"Huh?"
"Look, it's weird to call someone a friend when you haven't even played together, right?"
"Ah, that's true."
"Indeed, that would just be knowing each other's names."
"Exactly. That's why the Princess wants to be proper friends, not just on the surface. Besides, the first meeting was a bit awkward, wasn't it? That's why it's hard for her to say 'let's be friends' on her own."
"I see. True, even if there was a reason, kidnapping is bad."
*Ugh!* To have my sins pointed out by such a young child—my conscience stings terribly.
"But, from what I heard from Kagura-sama, the Princess couldn't help it. The Princess was doing her best for her friends. Firia would be angry too if Aslin were killed."
"That's true. Since we haven't heard the story directly, my sisters might still be processing their feelings."
"Yeah, I think so too. Even I still feel the cold gazes directed at me, haha..."
That’s right. Even when I was playing the fool, Kagura was the one facing the brunt of it. ...It seems I still have a part of me that relies on others. Even now, I unconsciously dragged George-dono and Kagura into my negotiations. This is not something to be proud of.
In the first place, this entire incident was the responsibility of us royals for failing to manage Haiden. And regarding the summoning itself, it was the result of me choosing to use all my magical power to prevent the summoning tool from being used for capture, rather than using it to replenish my own mana. The blame is mine alone.
...This is no time to be showing off my ugly royal pride. As a human being, I must do what needs to be done. I had looked at them as easy to manipulate simply because they were young, even though I hadn't even apologized to them yet.
"Aslin-sama, Firia-sama, it is late, but I am truly sorry for my negligence. I am deeply sorry that my apology was so delayed!! And please, I ask for your help so that I may be on good terms with the other wives."
As I bowed my head, I heard a different voice.
"Hmm, hmm. I understand that Princess Carrie has apologized sincerely and wishes to build a proper relationship with us."
"Eh, Ra, Ratz-sama!?"
When I looked up, Ratz-sama had returned before I noticed.
"Well, I will intercede with the other members to a certain extent. If you face them with the same sincerity you showed just now, I don't think they will blame you too harshly."
"Thank you very much."
"Well, more than that, let's enjoy Weed first. If you want to get along with the others, you need some easy conversation topics."
"That is true. I look forward to it."
"Yes, yes. Leave it to Ratz. After all, I am the vice-representative of the commercial district. Now, it looks like food is ready, so please come this way."
Being told that, we headed toward a place called a pasta specialty shop. ...So, this is how we start to get along. I will do my best!!
*The Princess learns a small truth and holds her head in her hands.*
*As everyone knows, there is an even more surprising truth, but that is a story for another time.*