Observation Record of a Self-proclaimed Villainess’ Fiance

Chapter 1: Bertia ( 8 years old)

The first time I, the first and crown prince of the Alfostar Kingdom, Cecil Glow Alfostar meet my fiance was when I was 10 years old.

Bertia Evil Nochesse (バーティア・イビル・ノーチェス yes, she has Evil as her middle name)

Crimson hair with lapis blue eyes, the white plump……. nah, lets just be frank here. With a round snowman like body that wears a fluffy dress as a distinctive figures, she is the prime minister’s pig….. Let me take that back, she is prime minister’s daughter.

After having an audience with my father, the king, she, being 2 years younger, declared this while pointing a finger at my face as soon as we went out to the garden.1

” Prince Cecil!! I am actually a villainess!! My Role is to destroy the relationship you have build with the heroine you meet after enrolling at Halm Academy, and at the end of that is to be beaten to a pulp and having our engagement cancelled.” (TN : This feels quite weird…. any help) (Berdia)

Yeah… what the hell?

Hearing that her maid’s face went pale…. no wait let me rephrase that. They seem to have this [Aaaaa, she went and did it as expected] expression on their face.

” But, even if its to deepen the relationship between you and the heroine, as a daughter of a marquis, my pride won’t allow me to show this unsightly figures. Which is why I have decided to become a first class flowers of evil. That being the reason, the prince should become a wonderful person so that I will feel fine even after being beaten to a pulp ” (Berdia)

What should I do? I actually have no idea what she is talking about.

Is this because I am still not mature enough to understand?… nah It doesn’t feel like so.

Even all my retainers were opening their mouths and at their wit’s end. (TN: They basically dont know what to do)

Ahhh, but first I still have to…

”Lady Berdia, rather standing around, why don’t we sit while having some tea?”

I smiled while reaching out my hand towards the tea prepared on the table while inviting her to take a seat.

Even if I am a child, I am still someone who will bear this country on my back someday.

Lets calm down and organize the situation.

Even Father said that when one is troubled, the most important thing is to take a deep breath and calmly organize the situation.

“That might be so” (Berdia)

Surprised by my composed attitude, Berdia quietly accepted my proposal while having a blank look on her face.

“Isn’t prince Cecil too composed opposed to your age? Are you perhaps also a reincarnator too? ” (Berdia ) (TN: here comes reincarnator prince!! just joking)

With a gaze that seems to be observing me, she gulped the aromatic red tea and finished the cream cake that’s made by a popular shop while not noticing that some of the cream stuck to her cheeks.

…. being my fiance, does she forgot that I’m a royalty?

It’s our first time meeting, but isn’t she way too relaxed? (TN : as in the meaning being careless)

Well I must admit, this way is more interesting than having her being too nervous.

” I don’t know about reincarnator or whatso, but me being composed must be because I am a royalty. Being a royalty, Isn’t it natural that I’m composed since I was taught that since young age?”(Cecil)

I replied to her with a smile pasted on my face. She looked at me with a [ Is that how it is ] expression pasted on her round face.

…. At my back, Zeno, — my personal attendant that always rambling about [Isn’t your highness way too philosophical even though you’re a royalty? ] [ Why don’t we play something more childlike?] [I think that at your being childish is also important!] — was shaking his head, but of course I ignored him.

“That being so, would you mind explaining what you mean by [villainess] , [heroine], [cancelling our engagement] and [being beaten to a pulp] in a way that I can understand?” (Cecil)

I requested her explanation as she reached out her hand for a second serving of cake.

Well, I don’t really mind,but even though it’s a master-retainer relationship, isn’t her maid too lenient with her?

“Of course, I must have you completely understand my situation and be a wonderful person that will reject me”(Bertia) ( TN: she basically says that she’ll be troubled if the prince didn’t become wonderful enough by the time he refused her)

She declared as she gripped her fork and looked at me seriously.

Well even if she looks serious, with the cream that’s all around her mouth, it doesn’t look the least convincing.

It seems like I have been overestimating myself all this time.

Even if this is coming from me, I thought that I have a brighter head amongst my peers.

Even if I’m going to Halm Academy, the main purpose of attending that academy is to learn on how to make connections with my fellow peers and not to study there since I have already learned everything that is being taught there.

I think of myself as having a bright head, being 10 years old and understanding everything that’s taught up to 18 years old at the academy. (TN: he basically says he knows every subject taught at the academy and the academy is attended until up to 18 years old)

But what is actually happening? I don’t understand anything that this 8 years old maiden sitting infront of me is saying.

This goes ways beyond saying she sucks at explaining things.

“What I’m saying is, your highness will meet the heroine and will be drawn to that naivety and fall in love.Seeing that I will become the incarnate of jealousy and will start bullying her, once my bullying been brought to light, the furious you will break our engagement which eventually would lead my family to ruins” ( Bertia )

So basically what she is saying is about [What will be happening from now on].

With her memories of her past?? She seems to be getting all these information from the light novel she read in that past life.

There are still some details here and there but today I’ll just leave it at here.

Honestly. I don’t think I’ll be blinded by the thing called love and break this engagement that has a strong political influence. Furthermore I still cant believe that the maiden in-front of me will become the incarnate of jealousy.

In reality there are a lot of unrealistic places where I want to retort , but my head is starting to hurt.

Well today’s plan was [ To meet My Fiancee], and there is not much time left for our meeting. Even if she told me all the details, I don’t think my mind can process it all.

Oh but there is one thing that I need to ask.

“Lady Bertia, is it alright to ask you one question?” (Cecil)

“Of course, since I regained my memories, I have always wanted to talk about all of these with your highness.” ( Bertia)

As she leaned forward, I let out a wry smile.

In truth, I don’t care about it even if its imagination or precognition.

The problem was…

“What do you mean by becoming a first rate flower of evil?” (Cecil) (TN: flower of evil seems to be talking about those girl villains that’s hot but bitchy at the same time)

This is the most important things.

No matter what everyone says.today she had become my fiancee.

Being my fiancee means that in the future she will become the queen of this kingdom.

I don’t know what kind of being a heroine is but, she being a [flower of evil] does not seem to be appropriate as the future queen of this kingdom. She should be traine…. I mean she should be led to the proper way, and even if that is proved to be impossible, It should be discussed with father as soon as possible.

No matter how you put it I’m still the future king.

“That is without saying being awe-inspiringly beautiful. No matter what others may say, to push through my own path. An flower of evil that will not falter even if the path leads to one’s ruins. That is the kind of being I strive to become!” ( Bertia)

“Awe-inspiringly [beautiful] huh” (Cecil)

Please let me make an excuse.

At this time, I have just casually looked at her stomach.

I just somehow wondered how she think when she looked at her own-self,does she not realize..?

I don’t want to discourage her while she is being dead serious. (TN: he’s implying that she’s not even have the B in Beautiful)

Indeed, I thought that looking at her belly when hearing this seems rude so I quickly looked at her face and smiled.

But it seems to be too late.

She seemed to have noticed where I’m looking.

After realizing it her face turns beet red.

“It’s not what it looks like!! In the first place Bertia Evil Nochesse is an underdog like existence and a character that has a subtle face.” (Bertia)

“[Underdog]?? that is….. so pitiful. Are you alright with that?” (Cecil)

“Of course it’s not alright. In the end That’s Bertia. I am…. different from Bertia Evil Nochesse, I am me. I will aim to become a purer and proper evil flower!” ( Cecil)

Did she blow her fuse? (TN: something like doesnt know what she’s saying and panicked)

I feel that becoming purer and proper evil flower seems to be quite contradicting, but she doesn’t seem to notice it.

Beet red in embarrassment , she stood up with a loud sound.

“That’s why your highness, I will properly make a fresh start and retrain myself. Please excuse me , I bid you well” (Bertia)

She bowed in a fluster and run away without giving me a chance to stop her.

Following that her maid bowed down hurriedly and followed her.

I absent-mindedly looked at them until they left.

“… What the hell was that?” (Cecil)

“Your Highness , Is there any problem?” (Zeno)

Zeno asked in response to my mutterings.

If asked what seemed amiss, the answer would be [ Being engaged to her]

Since being engaged with a royalties have a strong political influence, if I told father that [She doesn’t seem to have the disposition to become the queen] even if it doesn’t come immediately, the talks of cancelling the engagement will surely be brought up sooner or later.

But….

“That girl is kind of interesting. Being a noble born, her personality is not twisted and since she’s so straightforward its easy to manipulate. Lets just observe for a little while.” (Cecil)

I haven’t had so much fun in a long time

Its not like I liked her as a man, but how do I phrase it…? She’s stupidly cute or should i say I found a new toy….? I don’t really get it but I have never been this excited before.

To me that can do almost anything after 1 try, this world is a boring place. (TN: he’s just bragging now isn’t he?)

I don’t feel the sense of accomplishment that other’s have, and the world seems like a colorless dull place to me.

But having met her today, my world started to be filled with colors.

This feeling of [not knowing what will happen] that I haven’t felt before had made me excited.

“Fufufufu”(Cecil) (TN: Laugh sfx)

Without noticing, I started to laugh.

[Laughing naturally] is something that I rarely do.

“Your highness, you seem to be having fun” (Zeno)

“Yeah,I think this unpredictable feeling is not bad, Its making me feel excited” (Cecil)「あぁ、この予測不能な感じは悪くないかなって思うよ。気分が高揚する」

(TN: I KNOW THIS SOUNDS WRONG I NEED SUGGESTIONS!!!)

“Its fine having fun… but how about having something more childlike kind of fun?” (Zeno)

“I am having fun like a normal child though?” (Cecil)

“Oh right…. I forgot that you left your childness in the queen’s belly. Sorry for asking for something impossible”(Zeno)

“As always you always say the rudest thing. Well I’m in a great mood today so I’ll let you off the hook.” (Cecil

“Thank you very much”(Zeno)

After Giving a glance to the dissatisfied bowing Zeno, I shifted my gaze to the direction she left.

I wonder how much fun she will bring me being my fiance?

“Don’t disappoint me alright?” (Cecil)

After whispering that, I looked up and closed my eyes.

Chapter 2: Bertia (9 years old)

The next time I met Bertia was the next year’s winter.

Nevertheless we are still in engaged. (TN: kind of like unsatisfied feeling? its like they are engaged but they didnt see each other in a year. anyone know how to rephrase this to have that kind of feeling?)

I have invited her over countless times to deepen our relationship, but she’s always confined in Nochesse family territory mansion to [cure her disease].

Everytime her father the prime minister, Douglas Evil Nochesse, attended the court was asked how her daughter was doing, he would always have that expression of biting hundreds of bugs and laughed dryly and replied [My daughter is caught with incurable ‘stupidity’ disease].

…….. [stupidity] was muttered in a small voice , but having learned on how to read lips that has no meaning on me whatsoever. (TN: I really want to know what else can he do maybe use the force…?)

If that happens to be incurable, then it might be hard for her to become my fiancée.

Even as a child I at least know that much.

Furthermore, since after that happened she shut herself on her family mansion, isn’t it more or less [my fault]?

To probe more about this I sent an [Envoy] to investigate.

The report that came from the [Envoy] now and then had recently became my No 1 amusement now.

That’s why I know that every day, on day and night, she’s been wearing a boyish like clothes and running around her mansion.

Usually a young maiden on treatment won’t be screaming [2 Kilometers left!] while running around drenched in sweat right?

She has finally shown her appearance before me on the day before my 11th birthday.

“It’s been a long time, your highness Cecil. You don’t know who I am? I am your fiancee, Bertia Evil Nochesse. I look different right? I bet you don’t recognize me anymore….. Ouch! What are you doing, father?” (Bertia)

“Your highness, please excuse this stupid daughter of mine, I shall have her reeducated” (Douglas)[

Marquis Nochesse and his daughter was waiting in the meeting room, and once she saw me, she smiled and greeted(?) me.

In a sense it’s a cuteness akin to a children, but being the daughter of a Marquis and the crown’s prince fiancée that’s definitely an out.

I unintentionally smiled wryly as Marquis Nochesse brought his fist down to her head and small beads of tears appeared on her face.

By the way raising a hand in front of royalties should be problematic too but being a child I don’t have the guts to point that out to the Marquis that has a compelling smile pasted on his face.

But having him take her back and if that leads to her confining herself again is kind of problematic to me.

After all she is the entertainment…. I mean fiancée that I haven’t seen in a year.

“Don’t mind it Marquis Nochesse, Isn’t she childishly cute?” (Cecil) (TN: cute like small child)

“As always your highness don’t have any childishness in you” (Douglas)

“I’ve been told that often” (Cecil)

As I tried to replied with a childish smile, and Marquis Nochesse let out a snicker.

(TN: I mean laugh snicker not snicker bars in case you’re hungry and dont know it :P)

Still touching her head that’s hit by her father, she looked at me with a slight tinge of red on her cheeks.

I’m not trying to brag, but girls would look at me like that sometimes. (TN: all real lifers should just explode)

Well, instead of [I worry if you’re gonna be a womanizer in the future] or [Sly kid] they shower me with [I have great expectations to your deeds as the king]

“Your highness, can you repeat, I mean could you please repeat that?” (Bertia)

Having lost all her momentum, she began to fidget around.

I tilted my head since I don’t really get what she’s saying, until she embarrassedly muttered [Earlier you called me cute…]

So to her being [‘Childishly’ cute] is a compliment.

No wait, who knows if she had a strange filter that interprets things as they please on her ears.

Still, with a tinge red cheeks and fidgety looking at me with upturned eyes, I have to admit that she’s quite cute as a woman.

“Bertia, you don’t have to trouble your highness with that request, didn’t I always compliment you that? Just put up with that.” (Douglas)

In response to Bertia, the Marquis hurriedly stopped her.

But isn’t asking her to put up with that sounds impossible since its coming from her dad instead of fiancé? (TN: you know its different when you’re called cute by parents and by somebody else that kind of feeling)

“But but… everytime you praised me you would always add a [Like a stupid child] at the end and it won’t make me feel happy. In addition…, getting praised by a hottie feels different!” (Bertia) (TN: hotties should really explode right now…)

“Bertia ….” (Douglas)

The way Marquis Nochesse looked is like looking at a regrettable children. (TN: beyond savings… look at darkness from konosuba and you’ll understand)

Seeing the two sorry state parent and daughter, I tried my best to hold my smile.

I don’t really know how she processed everything but I know that [‘Stupidly’ Cute] and [‘Childishly’ cute] can’t be seen as a praise…. Right, Marquis Nochesse?

If it is during the talk between parents it may sound like a praise but saying it in-front of the people can’t be seen anything as an insult.

“Your highness, I really think that I should have a talk with my daughter and re-educate her, I will take my …” (Douglas)

“Don’t worry about it, Marquis Nochesse, since it’s also one of her characteristics, isn’t she adorable?”

The Marquis trying to separate us by using re-educating as an excuse was stopped by me.

I don’t know if it’s to prevent her daughter showing her crude side in front of a crown prince or it’s [I won’t let you have my daughter] feeling that parents have, Regardless I won’t let you do that you know?

After all if I can’t see my fiancée I will feel bored…. I mean lonely.

On top of that I need to know if she has the disposition to become my fiancée and the future of the queen before I reach adulthood.

“” Your highness”” (Douglas & Bertia)

They both replied me at the same time.

But somehow…. I feel that the feeling brought by that reply is subtly different. One is the feeling of revering and being happy and the other one is like acting sorry while bei1ng vexed. (TN: the daughter-con is strong with this one…)

Even if Marquis Nochesse does brilliantly at jobs, it seems he can’t hide his feelings if it’s about his private life.

More like he doesn’t feel like hide his feeling.

“Marquis Nochesse has an audience with father scheduled later right? Is it alright if I invite her to a tea while you do so?” (Cecil)

“Absolutely no………” (Douglas)

“Gladly” (Bertia)

Just as the Marquis refused with a frowned face by reflex, Bertia interrupted him and accepted.

Marquis Nochesse, no matter how you pasted that smiling face, I heard that you clicked your tongue earlier you know?

“Thank you very much, incidentally why don’t we make our plans for tomorrow too?” (Cecil)

I acted as if I didn’t hear the Marquis’s refusal.

Since I also added [plan for tomorrow], the Marquis probably can’t refuse now.

Tomorrow is my birthday.

Since I and Bertia is still young, we still haven’t made our social debut. But since I’ll be the lead in tomorrow’s birthday party, I need to have my fiancée to fulfill her role as my partner.

In a sense this will also be a practice for when I grow up.

Well since it’s the crown prince’s birthday party, it’s going to be a public event. Since I haven’t made my social debut, slight crudeness in my behavior will most likely be overlooked, and getting used to these kinds of things before the real thing is not a bad idea.

By the way I did make sure to investigate if she could behave properly at public places but she seems to have mastered it. Although this is going to be the first time she appeared in public.

Being the more experienced one, it’s a given that I would follow up on any misses that she made but I still think that I need to discuss this with her in advance.

Since I made a hint of doing that, the Marquis can’t really refuse me now.

Of course since it’s a favor from a royalty.

“As your highness know it’s my stupid, incompetent, and useless daughter so please take care of her. There might be unsightly behavior but since she’s still young, please overlook her” (Douglas) (TN: he actually said 不束な、不束な、不束な娘です but since it can mean that 3 things I just put it there at the moment…. I don’t know does it sound right?)

In short – [ You know she’s a sorry for a children right? But the one that’s saying it’s alright is you, you know? That’s why even if she did something stupid just take it as something [ a child will do] and overlook everything – kind of thing, right?

Whatever since I wanted to chat with her, I intend to do that anyways. As long as it kept me entertained anything goes.

“Of course, I am after all her fiancé. Rest assured that no matter what happens, I will try my best and follow up on her.

Hinting that I understand what he meant, I looked at the Marquis’s eyes and nodded with a smile.

“I am relieved since the brilliant… genious you had said so. Bertia, even if your highness Cecil had said so, make sure to behave yourself!” (Douglas)

The Marquis looked at me worryingly for a while, but I tell him from my gaze that I understood what he’s hinting (TN: I know this looks like a repetition of earlier but just think of it as the author trying to describe what the Marquis is feeling at this moment)

Whilst giving a glance at his uselessly energetic daughter, he bowed his head and left after saying [Please take care of her].

“Now then, since the preparation for the tea is finished, let’s be on our way”

“Yes, thank you very much your highness”

After looking at the figure of the leaving Marquis, Bertia smiled merrily and approached me. To escort her I reached out my hand and she happily took it. (TN: this prince is smooth as f…)

Being pure and all is good but isn’t she uselessly energetic?

Now that I think of it isn’t she aiming to be an [Flower of Evil]?

It’s true that she has slimmed down, and her face is looking better and better… but isn’t her personality the complete opposite of what she’s aiming to be? Is this alright…?

Chapter 3: Bertia (9 years old) (2)

“Please have a seat.” (Zeno)

As Zeno pulled the chair to guide Bertia, I sat myself directly in-front.

As if to match our movement, the maid started to prepare for the tea.

Bertia stared at the tea and snacks that has been served on the table. Like a dog that’s being ordered to [wait], she waited until I tell her [Go on].

Suddenly the maids made a cough.

Hearing the cough she realized and muttered [diet…..]

I made a wry smile as she had an expression like a dog with a laid down ears feeling down.

“I originally am not good with snacks that are too sweets…… the cakes here don’t have that much sweet in them you know?”

Saying that, I made a gestures to the maid, asking them to separate the cakes that have lower calories and sweetness in them.

“Less sugar cakes!!”(Bertia)

Looking at the cakes that had been separated, I can almost see a hallucination of her ears started to standing up, and wagging her tails excitedly……

Miss Bertia, I know you like cakes, but please don’t be too happy that you started to regress into a kid alright?

Since now she’s still young it’s cute but if this happens when she became a queen then it’s a no go. People around would start treating us awkwardly.

It’s alright if it’s only in-front of me though, since it’s more interesting this way.

As I said [Please help yourself], she started devouring the cakes in a big mouthful.

The way she eats the cakes makes me think that the cakes is especially delicious today. I took a bite on the cake but as expected the taste was the same as always.

Drinking the tea to wash away the sweetness in my throat, I started asking about the thing that made me curious.

“By the way lady Bertia, aren’t you wearing a quite peculiar scarf today?” (Cecil)

It’s a black fluffy fox fur coat scarf.

We’re indoors so wearing a fur coat scarf was somewhat strange but there are stranger things that’s occupying my mind.

If I’m not miss-seeing things, that scarf was not a [Fur] but a [Fox].

…… furthermore it’s alive.

“Your highness has keen eyes, it’s a lovely fur coat right?” (Bertia)

She took her eyes off from the cakes and smiled ears to ears.

No I know it’s a lovely scarf, but I think the important point wasn’t that.

I stole a glance behind, Zeno still tries hard to maintain his usual smile though the end of his mouth has started twitching.

“Indeed that’s a lovely fur coat, still I saw it moving slightly from time to time you know?” (Cecil)

“Ah, you found out? This is strange, even father didn’t notice it” (Bertia)

The thing that shouldn’t be able to ride on her shoulder looks like [it’s floating] and somehow coiled around her neck as a scarf.

She doesn’t seem to notice that it’s been moving slightly as she titled her head.

The maid’s serving her has that blank look while tilting their head but only the head maid was diverting her gaze away.

“Well that looks interesting so it’s fine as it is. Although wearing that during my birthday party might attract attention so don’t do it okay? Later I’ll go and have a talk to father so that you can bring it not as a [scarf] but as a [fox]. (Cecil)

“Wearing a fur scarf in an indoor party does seem to be weird. Alright I got it. Being able to bring kuro as a pet really helps a lot. This kid, after I pick it up doesn’t want to separate from me. No matter how I tried I couldn’t make it stay at home thus I decided to camouflage it as a scarf.” (TN: holy ….. she’s a natural born trainer” (Cecil)

….. It’s not completely camouflaged though?

And she picked it up…? A fox?

“You picked it up? Did your father know about it? What are his thoughts?”(Cecil)

“In a forest beside our territory. There was a place with a strange looking stone there. I would pass it during my runni…. taking a walk time everyday and as I rested there it would look at me. Since the stone resembles a [Torii], I thought it was an [Iinari God]. Thus making use of my past life memories, I tried to offer a [Iinari sushi]. It seemed to like it and had since been following me.” (Bertia)

[Torii]?

[Inari God]??

[Inari sushi]???

Today I also couldn’t understand what she’s blabbering about.

Whatever.. for now I’ll just interpret it as when taking a walk instead of running, she met this fox and she offered something.

“At first like a villainess, I thought of taking its fur, but this thing is just so cute and polite. When I fall down and scratched myself during the journey home, it even licked my wounds. Then I unintentionally gave it a name and became attached. I wanted a fur scarf but I guess coiling it like this is also fine. Then when I told father I want to keep it, though his face went pale and said [Put it back on where you took it!!], after I told him about how it licked my wounds and I became attached after giving it a name, he decided to let me keep it. After that he always keep nagging me to [Please cherish it dearly]. Really does father think I will mistreat it?”

Licking her wounds(blood) and even got it a name huh.

Yeah I believe your father can’t say anything other than [Please cherish it dearly].

It seems interesting so I’ll investigate about its type later. (TN: as is type of animal etc etc)

“Is that so, that’s a relieve. I also think that you should cherish it ….. for future’s sake” (Cecil)

“I got it, I will cherish it” (Bertia)

Behind me Zeno muttered [You must also cherish it too], but of course I ignored him.

“Well since I’ve asked what I want to know, let’s start talking about tomorrow” (Cecil)

“Please leave it to me! I will be your highness’s partner like a haughty villainess.”

…..How should I put it even though her words seems reassuring, I felt uneasy.

Just in case I’ll just warn her in advance.

“….How reassuring. But the thing about being a villainess, let’s just keep it as a secret between both of us. Of course your past memories too. Since the society that we would soon enter is a world where you won’t know what would happen. If you want to become a first rate flower of evil, you should be able to hide your talent. I mean if you show too much openings, won’t you become a normal mob?” (Cecil ) ( TN: I say abilities but its more like the thing that you have and others don’t have. Openings as in letting people know what you’re good at and letting them take advantage)

“That makes sense, I understand! Without showing an opening and crush your opponent while grinning is the true first rate, whilst running off your mouth and digging your own grave is a third rate. After all I’m different from the original Bertia and will become a prideful flower of evil, I’ll show you that I can keep myself from speaking unnecessarily and simply grin!” (Bertia)

“………………. Thank you for understanding.” (Cecil)

Somehow I felt that there are some misunderstanding…. I guess I’ll observe for now and follow up on her mistakes.

“By the way, Did marquis Nochesse explained on tomorrow’s general proceeding?” (Cecil)

“Yes I have heard of it. We would be entering the hall together. After your highness have finished your greeting with the king, I was tasked be your first dance partner. I think that is everything” ( Bertia)

“It’s roughly correct. Since we haven’t finished our social debut, being able to do all that seems fine. Still if there happens to be any hard or unclear situations, you must first consult with me. Never make a judgment on your own” (Cecil)

“Will your highness do a follow up on me?” (Bertia)

“You are my fiancée, I will help you as much as possible” ( Cecil)

“Fiancée….. that actually doesn’t sound bad. Ahh but I understand, after fulfilling all my roles, I will be brilliantly be beaten into a pulp after all.” (Bertia)

“Huh..? Anyway make sure to try your best to fulfill your role as a fiancée. I will also be trying my best to fulfill mine” (Cecil)

Feeling down for a moment, she made a fist as if to cheer herself up…. I think that something is really wrong there.

“I feel happy to be able to pass my 11th birthday with you” (Cecil) (TN: smoothhhh)

Continuing the misunderstanding seems to be more interesting so I didn’t bother to correct her and smiled to her.

“I too am happy to be able to celebrate your 11th birthday together…… wait 11th years old? Your highness you are turning 11th?” (Bertia)

“Hmm? Yeah, you didn’t know that?” (Cecil)

“No, I knew it. But…. Since you’re turning 11 tomorrow, my last birthday should be my 9th birthday. So that means my next birthday would be my 10th” (Bertia) (TN: I think since she recover her memories late and didn’t know how old she is)

Seems like she knew of my 11th birthday, but realized something right after that.

Her face ashen as she continued to mutter alone.

At that moment, at that sky blue eyes, beads of tears began to appear.

“Your highness, my mother will!!!!” (Bertia)

Finally she couldn’t keep her tears any longer and started to sob.

Ehh?? What happened? Is this my fault???

But she clearly stated [My mother will].

I wonder what it is? I don’t understand.

Seeing her suddenly burst into tears, her maids started to panic and tried to wipe her face with a handkerchief. Suddenly they stopped panicking, and put the handkerchief on the table.

Could you please don’t look at me with that [ I leave it to you ] gaze??

I’m still 10 … I am turning 11 tomorrow though, but still I’m not omnipotent you know?

Besides isn’t she your master?

Following up on her should be your job…… Okay I got it already. Stop looking at me with that clinging look. I will try my best to do it.

“What happened miss Bertia, could you please tell me about it? I would help you if you needed assistance.” (Cecil)

“You.. Your highness” (Bertia)

Hearing my words, her tears intensifies and started to explain while sobbing.

Understanding her difficult to hear words, I was shocked at the unbelievable talks.

According to her, in the [Game?] that I was the main character’s setting, just before she welcomed her 10th birthday, her mother passed away.

Horrifyingly, that is due to the epidemic that assaulted the capital 3 months before.

The disease was also never seen before…… to be accurate, the epidemic was caused by an evolved disease and it took almost a whole month to find the cure.

What makes it worse, the herb that’s being used to make the cure, it’s not only hard to grow, it’s also rarely used as a medicine, thus it has a shortage of stock.

Furthermore, the different in harvest season makes it harder to find the naturally grown grass, leaving the stock to be in dire state. (TN: the plot is strong)

Importing the grass from other kingdoms takes time, resulting the death of most people inflicted with this disease.

“When mother was bedridden with the illness, father searched frantically for the medicine, but it is all in vain…. But in the royal family, there are extra spares for the ruona herb. Father knew it was futile but he still went and begged the king but, the king didn’t spare us some leading mother to her demise. I understand that the king is a fair king thus he is unable to give preferential treatment to his subject and your highness Cecil’s younger brother was also ill with this disease thus he needed to keep some of the herb if anything happens and unable to spare us some.” (Bertia) (TN: wow…. That’s like 4x plot trying to kill her mother)

The tears didn’t stop. When the sobbing stops, her face looked pained.

“That became the trigger and father start becoming strange. Even though he understand that it couldn’t be helped in his mind, his heart couldn’t accept it. Eventually it led to him being corrupted.” (Bertia)

I looked at her and thought.

…….. It’s happening in a year, if I started preparing now, wouldn’t I make it?

Even though it’s not the harvest season, if we started preparing now, no matter how hard it is to grow we should be able to grow quite an amount of it.

If I worked now not only her mother, I could even save lots of my citizen.

That is of course assuming if what she is talking is true….

“Hey miss Bertia, if what I heard is the future, if we started preparing the cure now couldn’t we be able to save your mother? “ ( Cecil)

“If we did that your highness, the scenario would …..” (Bertia)

“Scenario..? that and your mother which one is more important?” (Cecil)

“Of course it’s my mother, but…. But….” (Bertia)

While mumbling incomprehensible things such as [ the counter force ] and [scenario would go awry] I consoled her by telling [ If that somehow becomes trouble we’ll just find a solution together later]

Looking uneasy, she realized that crying wouldn’t solve anything and nodded to my proposal. Wiping her tears, she started to eat the cakes. (TN: she could eat cakes after that?!)

When her tears stopped, we discussed about tomorrow’s proceeding until Marquis Nochesse came to fetch her.

His breath seems to be ragged, it seems like he hurried back here.

Just how much did he distrust his daughter?

“Your highness, I am sorry. I don’t care about falling to ruins but I can’t sacrifice my mom. I’ll work hard to prevent that. If somehow the scenario changes, I’ll do something and make up for it” (Bertia)

….. Why did she care so much about that scenario thing??

Hearing [Falling to ruins] made marquis Nochesse startled and stiffen up.

[Don’t worry, I’ll lend you a hand]

To calm her down, I smiled. She left after thanking me.

Marquis Nochesse standing beside kept asking me [It’s not about helping to make us falls to ruins right? Right????]. I just stood there silently and smiled.

I looked at Marquis nochesse went to chase after miss Bertia with a cramped face.

Then…

“Since that’s that, I’ll go to visit father now.” (Cecil)

“You mean to the king’s place?” (Zeno)

Beside me Zeno asked to confirm.

“Yeah, tomorrow’s my birthday you see. I’m going to tell father who’s hugging his head saying [Since he never asked for anything I don’t know what to give] to relish me authority to use green house and ruona grass’s seed .” (Cecil)

“Didn’t he already prepared a present for you?” (Zeno)

“Although he prepared some candidates, he still couldn’t make a decision. He wanted to make this year was supposed to be a surprise gift, so he couldn’t ask me about it”(Cecil)

“If it’s a surprise gift where did you get a hear of it?” (Zeno)

“Hmmm? I don’t know? Did you say anything?” (Cecil)

“No.. I didn’t)(Zeno)

As I tilted my head and grinned at him, he hugged his head saying [ I don’t like this dark prince].

I don’t know how much her story about the future is true. Going along with her stories to challenge the growing of the grass seems interesting so I’ll do just that.

Furthermore if the future is going to be like her story, we could make an estimation on where the general location of the start of the epidemic and contain it before it spread.

That could saves a lot of lifes.

Rather than not taking action because of a shady information and regretting, I rather have all preparations ready to deal anything that might happen.

In the chance that the future didn’t go as her story….. well exchanging the present for my fun wasn’t a bad idea.

“Let’s go Zeno” ( Cecil)

Saying that I lifted my mood and head to father’s place.

If I said that I’m interested in herbalism, father wouldn’t suspect anything and would prepare all of it.

How should I put it, I felt happy having a lots of things to do.

That is also thanks to lady Bertia, I should thank her someday.

Chapter 4: Bertia (10 Years Old)

“Welcome, it’s been a long time your highness Cecil” (Bertia)

“Thank you for the invitation, it has indeed been a long time, miss Bertia” ( Cecil)

It’s the 10th birthday of miss Bertia.

Unlike the usual, I’ve been busy in these 3 months and couldn’t find the time to meet miss Bertia but now she looks quite… haggard.

“What happened, are you feeling unwell?” (Cecil)

Even if the party held later is a private ones and attended only by close relatives and family, she’s still the leading role in the party that’s currently being prepared.

She’s already finished her preparation even when I used my status as her escort and fiancée as an excuse to visit the Nochesse mansion earlier than planned.

Like my dark gold hair (milk tea) like hair that looks quite mature on a ten years old, her dress that seems to emphasize the beauty of that hair make her looks cute though she seems to be leaking an exhausted aura around her.

Although somehow only her blue eyes seem to radiate a condemning looks toward me.

“Your highness, you’re cruel” (Bertia)

“Hmm?” (Cecil)

Being guided to the guest room, as soon as she finished her greetings, words of condemn came out from her mouth.

Despite this, I’m still the crown prince you know, if you say this in a public place, the people around me would look really pale right now…….. The only one’s here in this room is her 2 maids that seems to be quite used to this and was just calmly serving the tea though.

The black fox curling up on her knees is just nonchalantly swinging it’s tails too.

“Miss Bertia, did I do something to cloud your beautiful face?” (Cecil) 1

Tilting my head to ask, she started to scream [] whilst starting to hit the cushion beside her into the sofa.

On top being obvious, it’s a harmless and efficient way to show a tantrum.

The fox on her knees seem to be quite troubled though.

“….. ahem, excuse me” (Bertia)

Her maids made her drink the tea to calm her down, after about 30 seconds she seemed to have calmed down and with a face that looks like she screwed up, she put back the cushion to it’s original place and coughed.

“You’re also in the wrong your highness. As promised, I didn’t mention about [my past] to anyone other than you. That’s why, that’s why, the only one I can discuss in regards to my mother’s situation is only you at the moment, but you didn’t even come and visit me during this 3 months. Today is already my birthday you know? If this follows the original story, my mother would have been dead by now. During the times we didn’t meet I even sent a lot of letter to you but you would just replied [no problem] every-time. I don’t know what should I do….”( Bertia) 2

Her maids standing here knows about that story too…… Somehow she just filtered them as [haven’t heard anything] huh….

Since its Nochesse family’s maids, they probably wouldn’t leak the rambling of their master to anyone else, even my [Envoy] doesn’t notice any sign of leaking so there should be no problem.

Thinking that, I listened to her condemn and suddenly she started to cry.

As expected even I was flustered.

Without making a sound, I put the tea back into the table and hurriedly moved beside her, putting my hand on her back.

For an unmarried couple, this distance is a bit to close, but we’re already engaged so there should be no problem.

Rather than that, the first priority now is to console her.

“I’m really sorry miss Bertia. I didn’t think that you’re so stressed about that thing. Since I thought it was going to be fine I only replied [No problem]. It’s just that to make sure there’s no loose ends, the investigation of the side effect took quite a bit of time. And I also intended it to be your birthday present thus the delay….” (Cecil)

In truth the contents of her worries in her letter has already been taken care of so I only replied [No problem]. Looking at this, her worries seems to be caused by my lack of explanation.

Like now, since I already foresee [It’s going to be alright], I only replied [no problem]. But it seems to have caused quite a lot of unease for everyone around since they couldn’t foresee it the same way I do.

If you just organize the information at hand, I thought It’d be easy to foresee this but this doesn’t seem the case for everyone.

For me it’s a given to know so I just replied using simple words which leads to misunderstanding.

This seems to be a bad habit of mine.

I need to be more careful from now on.

“What do you mean by it’s going to be alright? Since I’m changing the scenario, I was thinking of saving more people in the process. I tried my best to gather ruona grass but it’s volume isn’t even enough! There are also a lot useless ones that had failed and cultivating and preserving process you know? Furthermore for some reason, the epidemic didn’t even start to spread, and my mother who should have been dead by my 10th birthday was still healthy now. I don’t even know what should I do now!] (Bertia)

“I see, now miss Bertia, you don’t have to cry, there is no problem after all” (Cecil)

“There are a lot of problems!!” (Bertia)

“There was no problem you know? It’s just as you’ve said The epidemic did indeed spread. It’s just that by using the information we had got from you, I estimated what kind of cure we need, when and where the epidemic might start and made a preparation to isolate and cure the infected as soon as the epidemic starts. Thus there are almost no victims this time” (Cecil)

“No way, making the cure, isolating and curing the infected as soon as the epidemic spreads, there is no way that could work…….. Wait what? Cure? Isolating them? Curing?!” (Bertia)

“That’s right, that’s why the epidemic was suppressed in no time, making the chance of infecting your mother considerably lower. Ah, just in case here’s the cure. I bring it with me just in case anything happens.” (Cecil)

Finding the correct timing, I approached her and gave her the cure that I got from Zeno.

“Cure? Eh? What? Eh? Wait a second, I couldn’t understand…” (Bertia)

“Now, that’s why I told you there was no problem. With this, the capital being hit by epidemic that led to a lot of civilians’ death and your mother’s demise had been prevented.” (Cecil)

“HUH??????”(Bertia)

Her tears filled eyes were wide open as she screamed in surprise.

Ah, one of her maid silently went out of the room to deal with the people coming from the scream.

What a brilliant maid.

“Wait a second your highness? What actually happened? Please explain it to me!” (Bertia)

In a fluster, She shook my shoulder back and forth.

This kind of treatment is a first to me…

It’s not a good one though since my head are getting shook vigorously.

“I understand, could you come down first?” (Cecil)

Grasping both of her wrist, I stopped her with a smile.

“I am calm right now! Just explain it to me already” (Bertia)

Thinking [yare yare]…. I started explaining the course of happenings to her, that is in a momentum like trying to devour me.3

After listening to her story, I got the authority to use the green house and managed to gain ruona grass seed from my father.

Because it was told to be hard to cultivated, I researched the books noting the cultivation method and from the grass’s characteristics, I just made adjustment to the places where I thought [Isn’t it better to do it this way?], and it turned out to be successful.

Since the cultivation was easily achieved, why don’t I try my hands on making the medicine? Then I requested father to hire a medical and pharmaceutical teacher, and went through the books in the royal house library.

I researched as much as possible anything related to the symptoms of the illness I heard from miss Bertia.

…. Since she earnestly requested my help during the tea, I didn’t even realize that I started to prepare these things seriously.

From the symptoms, this year’s weather, the location of the epidemic, and other things considered, I arrived at one possible disease.

Since she said [It’s an evolved disease], and it requires the use ruona grass, I used trial and error to make the medicine.

Reverse engineering the formula from the known answer is easier than doing it from the scratch and unexpectedly it was also easily done.

But well, whether the solution I got was accurate need to be tested when the disease had actually happened.

Anyways, I’m not a researcher and just a kid born in royalty so it took quite a lot of time, luckily it’s smooth sailing until now. 4

Yeah until now…

All of this of course based on the assumptions that the future miss bertia had spoken is the truth.

To satisfy my curiosity I did it while thinking that it might be fine even if it’s not the truth but the adults won’t be satisfied and worked for that.

There is not enough materials to convince them and there are no basis for them.

As a desperate measure, I used coincidence as the reason.

The crown prince, I [by coincidence] had interest in the epidemic, and hired a doctor as a teacher to research it.

[By coincidence], I discussed the possible use and effect of ruona grass that I’ve been cultivating to my teacher.

It might also be because I’m a crown prince, my teachers were all ears on our discussion.

We discussed our opinions on the case,

But it doesn’t seem to be progressing.

To lead them into the answer without being discovered of having prior knowledge is unexpectedly hard.

I don’t even know how many times did I thought [How did they not notice such an obvious things?].

After repeating the process patiently, finally they discovered the solution to the cure.

What’s left is to let them know when and where will the epidemic happens.

In the first place, the discovery of the highly probable epidemic occurrence should be their specialty.

I thought that if it’s in-front of the infected they should notice it immediately, so during their stay in the capital, I assigned them to stay at the place with highest probability of epidemic occurring that just [By coincidence] is uninhabited at the moment.

Having finished the preparations, I just observed the situation until everything had been taken under control.

It might be late when I have done things to this extend but, I’m 80% in doubt in the story foretold by lady Bertia.

Nevertheless the chance of the spread of the epidemic still exist, so countermeasure needs to be taken, and I also have learned a lot through this experience, I’ll just have to be content with it.

That’s why when I visited my teacher’s lodging using the pretense of looking at his library, I was surprised at my discovery of what seems to be the first symptoms of the epidemic.

It really happened….

Everything was already been prepared, there’s no need to rush it up.

I just need to make a connection of it [By coincidence] and make a [miracles] happen.

The doctor’s started to work when they noticed the first symptoms of the epidemic.

Of course I also provided the ruona grass that I happen to cultivate [by coincidence].

Everything works out according to my scenario then.

All of These happened about 2-3 months ago.

“Wa… wait a second there! Nothing you said make sense?!” (Bertia)

“Really, which part of it?”(Cecil)

Hearing heard everything, from the start of the disease, making the doctor involved in creating and researching the cure, isolations of the infected, and the actual curing process of the disease, lady Bertia hugged her head and screamed.

She did say [Nothing I said make sense], but since everything went according to my plan, it’s not really that weird isn’t it?

Oh of course I did not tell her the fact that I didn’t actually believe any of her story until my discovery of the infected.

Putting aside believing or what not, in the end because I acted in accordance to her words, the civilians had been saved from a dreadful epidemic.

There is no need to be too honest and lower my value by saying unnecessary things to her.

“W.. why did your highness did such a thing?” (Bertia)

“I did told you that I’m willing to cooperate right?” (Cecil)

“You did actually say that … but” (Bertia)

“Leaving aside my fiancée to worry, and even though there is a slight chance, overlooking the chance of impending death that my future mother in law might have is something I couldn’t do. Even more so if it’s something that I can do only just by trying a little” (Cecil)

“… No matter how I see it that’s not [a little]. Normally, a 11 years old kid won’t be able to do all of these you know?” (Bertia)

She looked at me with a conflicting looks.

“Hmm? I’m already 12 though…?” (Cecil)

“12 years old too !!” (Bertia)

“Hmm, it might be impossible for a normal 12 years old, but you see, I’m a crown prince. I have been given the educations and resource that I can freely use in the royal library. It certainly had been a long time since I fell asleep while reading, but its fine its in own way. And even if I couldn’t [do as I like], with father’s permission, there’s a certain of degree of people that I can move.” (Cecil)

The things happening this time might have too many [By coincidence], somehow father started to doubt me. When I feign ignorance by saying [ It’s a coincidence] while smiling, father just shakes his head while saying [yare yare] with a tired looks on his face.

“Is that how it is…?” ( Bertia)

Looked with a flabbergasted face by miss Bertia, I smiled and nodded.

In front of me lady bertia put her hand on her chin and murmured [Is this even possible? This kind of opportunism? It’s not possible right? No way its possible right? Ah but if it’s this willful genius prince that has the second name of ‘[android]’ prince it might be possible after all… but…]

….. I wonder what does [Android] prince.

As expected even today I still can’t understand what she is saying.

“Marchioness Nochesse and the kingdom’s citizens are fine so let’s just leave aside the details alright?”(Cecil)

“I…It’s just as you said! Mother and the kingdom’s citizen are unharmed by the hands of the epidemic this should be a celebrating occasion” (Bertia)

She finally gave up on thinking after overloading his brain capacity.

That’s helpful for me too.

If she asked how I managed to do all those, I can only tell her that I did it somehow.

“Oh yeah lady Bertia, The gift from the king and crown prince will be coming at a later date, this is just my personal gift” (Cecil) 5

I changed the topic since she seemed haven’t fully gave up on thinking about the epidemic and gave her a square box with a velvet cover.

The size is perfect for both hands. Of course there is no way it can fit into the pocket so I took it from Zeno before giving it to her.

“Wha, what is it?” (Cecil)

Even though she decided to gave up thinking about it, in the end she couldn’t fully gave it up. She looked at the box full of caution.

That expression must be [Is it another surprise?!] face.

“It’s a gift from me personally to celebrate your birthday. It’s hand made by me so it’s not really valuable though” ( Cecil)

Saying that, I opened the box and show her the inside of the box.

“My… how wonderful!” (Bertia)

It’s a necklace with a sky blue heart shaped stone, with delicate intertwining vines shaped silver on it. Actually it’s not a [Stone] but a delicately cut glass filled with blue solution inside it. 6

“This is the by-product when I made the cure for the epidemic”(Cecil)

“huh? the cure’s by-product you say?” (Bertia)

Without fully understanding, she tilted her head.

“Yeah, while researching the ruona grass,I found that ruona grass has the property to enhance other medicinal effect, but there is only a limited application on it. The cure developed this time is one of the compatible one”

She nodded while listening.

But it’s a mystery on whether she really understand it.

“Since I had expressly do all the research, I thought there might be other application on it and further delve into the royal library, then I found an interesting book. In it noted that by extracting the medicinal characteristics of ruona grass, it can elevate a lot of medicinal effect. Thus using that as a base, I made a panacea.” (Cecil) 7

Rather than saying it’s an interesting book, it’s more like a forbidden book since it’s kept in a hidden passage inside of the royal library.

Since I felt something awry about a place in the library I investigated a bit and found a hidden door.

The gimmick is a board style puzzle where you aligned words to open the door, after a great pain, it finally opened.

I mean isn’t people a kind of living beings that like to do things if its forbidden? It’s even more so for a [child] like me.

By the way the alignment for the key is my mother’s birthday.

It must be set that because father wouldn’t forget mother’s birthday. But I think that it’s a risky combination since everyone in the country celebrate the queen’s birthday you know?

“….. hah? A panacea?” (Bertia)

“Yeah, the blue stony thing, it’s actually a glass filled with a panacea. By mixing several antidote and further enhancing the effect with ruona grass, it’s effect is tremendous” (Cecil)

I have tested it quite a few time by consuming poison in a barely lethal dose, repeat the process once I gained resistance on it while drinking the panacea so it can’t be wrong.

Of course if I tell anyone that I experimented on it I might get reprimanded for it so everything is a secret.

“You being my future wife, have the danger of being targeted. I made that medicine to prevent the possibility of losing you when I’m not there to protect you. Would you please accept it?” (Cecil)

I smiled at her, took the necklace out of the box and put it on her tiny neck while she’s still bewildered.

Like a magic casted on her, her check turned bright red.

“Yeah this suits you” (Cecil)

“Tt, Thank you vvv very much”(Bertia)

I felt satisfied looking at her happily caressing the necklace with a bright red face.

That medicine is somewhat hard to made.

Thinking that it might be useful, I tried to make it because I’m interested, but I might have overdone it a little.

The substance extracted from ruona grass has a [compatibility] and it has both good and bad use.

The good is that it will increase the medicine’s effect.

The bad use is…. If you put it on poison and anesthesia or etc, the effect produced will be greater.

If we use it for good then it’s alright but if it were to be misused it would be pure violence.

After weighing on the pro’s and con’s, I decided not to announce this to everyone.

Instead of announcing it, I made this into a secret medicine of the royal family, giving it to her as a birthday present because she stood by my side since the start and might be exposed to danger.

It’s to become a shield to protect my precious fiancée (toy) from being destroyed by other people.8

“miss bertia, this necklace is a secret between us both alright?”

If this medicine were to came out in public a lot of troublesome things must happen…. father might also notice it during the coronation ceremony.

Furthermore if this things got stolen then it lost it’s use as a protection.

Putting aside how much people around her trust her from her usual behavior and speech pattern, its best to hush her in advance.

“I… I promiseeee”

Hmmm… lady bertia, your speech pattern seems weird..

It worked to well that I started feeling unease.

Infront of me that’s pondering what should I do, lady bertia hold the necklace in both hands and shaked with a red face.

But soon after

“Your highness Cecil” (Bertia)

She suddenly called my name and looked at me with a face full of resolution

“I, Bertia Evil Nochesse swear upon the necklace you gave upon me. As a gratitude for all of this, I shall return the scenario to it’s original state, and become a proper villainess”(Bertia)

“………… wha?”(Cecil)

“For that sake, My father who should have been joining the dark side because of this case will be lead by me into the dark side!” (Bertia)9

“no I mean is that alright?” (Cecil)

I mean Marquis nochesse is a brilliant man, letting him serve the country is better than having him become a villain.

“Please don’t be reserved, that is the way for you and the heroine’s happy end. I from the bottom of my heart shall thoroughly become a villainess”(Bertia)

“No I am not being reserved you know?”(Cecil)

“I’ll show you, I’ll brilliantly lead myself into ruin!”(Bertia)

“………”

Yeah I don’t think she’s listening to what I’m saying

This is troubling….

But well, marquis nochesse wont be so easy to fall into her scheme, so I’ll just leave it at there.

And it sounds interesting….

I just need to stop her when it starts looking bad right?

I can only laugh silently to ignore she who is pledging god knows what while looking at me with glittering eyes

Chapter 5: Bertia (11 years old)

“Your highness, finally this day has arrived!”(Bertia)

Wearing a pure white dress, with a yellow rose on her crimson hair, bartia made a fist in front of her chest.

In her chest, the pseudo necklace coupled with a few gemstones attached to its chain are shining.

There are no one else but us both in this guest room

No to be precise there is both of her maids and Zeno stand-bying at the side, but since they are erasing their presence it may as well be only us both in this room.

“That dress really suit you lady bertia, you look fabulous”(Cecil)

“Thank you very much. That white knight uniform suits you too your highness. So that’s your formal attire? ……… standing beside you I might look transparent.” (Bertia)

As I compliment her attire, She looks unbelievably happy. But as she started to compare it with my attire, she started looking down.

She doesn’t need to look like that though, she’s pretty cute in that attire.

By the way, I wonder since when did my compliment of her appearance being [pretty] or [cute] started to came from my heart?

At least for the first time I met her, my compliment were just flattery.

When I met her the year after, her appearance changed so much that I felt like I’m looking at a different people, but it’s still not as pretty as now.

As she grow up, her cheeks started to become rounder but,… those scarless porcelain like pure white skin, red hair that shined brightly, and the slightly growing body that let make her feel womanly. Of course I know that all these are the fruit of her hardworks.

“……You become prettier” (Cecil)

I ended up repeating what I said in a small voice unconsciously.

Today at this that I feel like I noticed a new her.

She really changed…

“Did you say anything? Leaving that aside, your highness, did you want to ask any favor from me? Although now the timing is a little bad. I’m going to my commemorable social debut party now and commence my [Turning father into the dark side plan,Revenge] plan right now. Even if it’s a favor from you, I don’t have the extra energy to help you on anything at this important stage”(Bertia)

……correction, her inside is still in such a story state and nothing has changed.

Today, as her word implies is the once in a year party held by the royal family to comerate for younging who made their social debut.

When we attend the party, we were already recognized as a member of the social community.

Social debut are usually attended by kids around 13 – 20 years old.

The range of age attending this party is wide as there are difference in each family for preparation, the attending person’s teaching or school circumstances and etc.

Lower class nobles would need to prepare quite a sum of money for their attire thus delaying their social debut. In the case of students, since students need to stay in the dorm, they are either attending the party earlier or later.1

In my case, because I’m a royalty and quite a brilliant one at that, furthermore since I’ll be attending the halm academy’s middle school section next year, I attended my social debut right after I had my 13th birthday.

That in itself were not such a rare occurrence.

But the problem now lies in miss Bertia.

She is 2 years younger than me which is 11.

Being my fiancée, she was expected to attend with me as my partner at any occasions, but no matter how you see it it’s still too early for her to do her social debut.

But since I’m going to do my debut, Bertia would need to attend the party too, as I needed a partner in this occasion.

So it came to the choice of her doing the debut earlier to become my partner,…… or to find another lady to be my partner for this occasion.

If I had an older sister that itself wasn’t a big problem, But currently in my family there is no one that could be my partner.

There is of course the choice of finding relatives to be my partner…… since it’s possible to get married if our blood is too far apart, there is a high chance that it might turn troublesome.

Moreso if it’s not a relatives’ daughter that became my partner.

… even thinking about the possible outcome smells trouble.

If I’m still not engaged, there is still the possibility of changing partner each time in the pretense of finding the right wife, but since I have miss Bertia, I can’t and don’t want to do that.

Thus the my choice now is limited to ask a favor from miss bertia to do her social debut earlier and follow any mistakes that she will make or to delay my social debut until —she had reached the age of 13— I am 15.

To be honest I wanted to choose the later ones.

15 year’s old debut wasn’t particularly late and there should be no problem.

That only means that until I’m 15 I can’t do participate in any formal work. 2

Its just [I want to help earlier since I’m ‘brilliant’], thus even if I delay my debut there is no real disadvantage.

Thus I was thinking of waiting for her to be fully prepared

That somehow changed because miss bertia wished for it.

If she were to make her debut at the age of 11, of course I would need to follow any missed that she made but the burden on her is still bigger.

For me there is not much change in the merits and demerit.

If she wishes for it, I have no reason to decline.

…… for example, if she were to plan something that might be interesting.

“please look your highness! My plan to persuade my father has been nothing but a failure all this time but today everything will change!” (Bertia)

She struck out her fist to show her determination. I smiled while looking at her.

Come to think of it, after declaring that she will make her father take the dark path, she has been trying to achieve that non-stop until now.

That.. I feel sorry for marquiss Nochesse but it’s really interesting.

“Come to think of it, a few days ago, marquis nochesse gave me [Villains 101! ~ Path of villainy from 0 ~] book that you made, I gave it a read, it’s quite an interesting one “ (Cecil)

“EH,,, no way! Father let you see that thing? Since when?! What have he done…. I feel embarrassed now”(Bertia)

Surprised by my words, she put her hands on both of her reddening cheeks to cover them.

That expression looks like……… — To kill some time I went to zeno’s room. I didn’t mean any harm but when I found a book hidden there, I read through all of them and put them tidily on top of his bed. After that he rushed to me while complaining [What have you done!? Now the cleaning maids have seen all of it!] with an embarrassed face.—Zeno’s face at that time.

That time I was still young and playing pranks to kill time so I [Accidentally] did that. Now that I think about it, it’s really bad to do that.

But I still think the fault lies at zeno since he let that be found.

Wouldn’t putting a safe box inside the floor below the bed an obvious thing to do?

Even the key is stored at the books that’s put in the bookshelf. All of this is too obvious.

It’s like asking to be found.

“Marquiss nochesse has been my drinking (tea) friend lately. Sometimes after the council with my father, he would come by my place and talked a lot. At that times, the talk was about you, and he said it’s a present from you so I asked him to show me.” (Cecil)

To be honest, he came to my place to seek advice for miss bertia, but I didn’t actually lie here.

I just didn’t tell her the details that’s all.

That was a few weeks after miss bertia announced that she will persuade marquis to enter the dark side.

Suddenly, marquis nochesse invited me to a tea.

It’s my soon to be father in law’s invitation, I agreed since I have no reason to refuse it anyway.

Thus we both have a tea at the royal garden.

With a disheartened face, marquis nochesse was silent for a while until with a heavy voiced what he said was….

“Your highness cecil, recently I don’t understand my daughter anymore.”(Douglas)

Behind me, I can feel that zeno let out a small pfft, while I trying my best to appear calm asked [What happened] while smiling to him.

Roughly summarizing it seems that, [my idiot cute daughter bertia seems to be encouraging me his father to do some evil deeds.]

Without thinking I almost blurted [ I know everything from the perpetrator, my ’Envoy’ also did write a report to be about it] but I managed to hold that and calmly nodded while saying [hm… I see].

I have a solid reason for this. I have told miss Bertia not to divulge to anyone about her past memories so I can’t be the one doing this, and the [envoy] is secretly giving me information so I can’t say it too. That’s why I have no other choice than to gloss over it.

“Your highness cecil, I will feel shame if anyone in my family commited a crime. But somehow my daughter didn’t have the same feeling. She did say that killer, robbery and hurting people shouldn’t be punished more than making their family fell into ruin. But, scamming other territory, misusing your authority and oppressing, and anything that didn’t involve anyone’s life seems to be recommended to me. Few days ago she even made this document for me…… Ah the basis of this book is wrong but the content was wonderful you know? It’s highly organized and easy to understand. She even did some illustration on it. As a reading material its quite interesting though……”(douglas)

Saying that he took out a book.

With a neat girl like writing, the title of the book was [Villains 101! ~ Path of villainy from 0 ~].

After asking him to show me, I look through the book that’s wound up untidily. I don’t know where she got all these information and whether it’s all legit but its content include a normal wages of a prime minister and the rough income they got while oppressing their nearby territory and the interview of those who actually did it.

Furthermore, showing which part of their crime is done brilliantly. Those were portrayed with a unique illustration of a girl explaining, making the books even more interesting.

“……… marquis nochesse, I wanted to make a close investigation on this content, do you mind lending it to me?” (Cecil)

“……… yes of course, please take it “(Douglas)

To the me that’s grinning, marquis nochesse smiled with a tired face.

Yeah, if as an original story it might just be an interesting read. If by some chance there were any informant though, there is a need to utterly deal with them.

Since there is a small chance that it need to be dealt, I borrowed the book. It’s not like I did it because I thought the book was interesting OK?

I just want you all to at least understand that.

“nevertheless, how do it put it… what a waste of talent. A book this interesting, if only it’s content is about the tourist point of the capital, I’m sure it will sell” (Cecil)

“Yeah that surely sounds good. It’s a never seen style but the drawings have that kind of charm in them and it’s cute. I’m sure the people would love it”(Douglas)

“I’ll try to take the talk to father, if there is a chance could I request for your help?” (Cecil)

“That doesn’t sound bad. Recently when I was asked about my daughter’s good point from the king he would always tell me [That’s only because you’re a doting parent]. I wonder why did the king couldn’t understand that idiot’s cuteness”(Douglas) 3

“I see… I shall refrain from commenting on that case. First I’ll try to bring this talk to father. Since there is no way I can show this book to him, there is a need to ask miss bertia to make another one.” (Cecil)

“I will try to seek the right time to ask my daughter to draw another one. But first the problem at hand…… My daughter is desperate to make me into a villain. Everyday, day and night that’s all she would say. Without finding a solution, I don’t think I have the energy to do other stuff”(Douglas)

“how should I say it…… my condolences” (Cecil)

It’s lady Bertia we’re talking about, I’m sure she’s a woman of her words. From the report of my [Envoy], I know about the general proceedings of the things……… but hearing it from the person involved, I feel kind of bad for not stopping her

From the one observing it was certainly entertaining…… I mean I can’t do anything but worry about other people’s problem but I think that it’s not intolerable for the person involved.

At this time, I feel that marquis nochesse was looking considerably older.

Now then what should I do

If I could, I wished for miss bertia to keep being like this for a moment since its entertaining…….. providing us usefull information. But left alone I fear that marquis nochesse would fall ill and the management of the country will suffer.

AH… I know, why don’t letting marquis nochesse gain some resistance to her rampage (idioticy).

A fiancée that rampages around is more entertaining…… easier to communicate with is preferable. Since it’s him we’re talking about, I’m pretty sure marquis Nochesse can manage to do it somehow.

Then there is only one advice I can give

“Marquis Nochesse, if she really did something that’s over the line, I as her fiancé will of course stop her, but shouldn’t we just let her be as she is right now? I’m pretty sure it’s the puberty working. She must be at the age where she admire a man who do misdeed.”(Cecil)

“If that’s the case wouldn’t she be pestering your highness about it?”(Douglas)

“It must be because she loves her father. I’m sure she interpose the image of the man she admire to you”(Cecil)

“That kind of thing is im…… no it might be possible”(Douglas)

…… I praised myself for not blurting out [you daughter-con].

“In addition, I’m still young, I won’t have the image of a delinquent. I’m it’s also your dandy charisma adding the charm”(Cecil)

“I see. Since your highness are already giving the image of a delinquent naturally, I think she deemed that she doesn’t need to purposely pester you on that matter.” (Douglas)

“Marquis Nochesse……………?”

Just now, didn’t you just blurt out something very rude nonchalantly?

Oh yeah, Zeno, I know you’re nodding strongly with a bright look on your face behind me.

“Oh I’m sorry, it seems I misspoke. Recently, I think I have too much things to worry because of my daughter’s circumstances. I seem to have blurted some rude things without realizing. Even earlier in front of the king I blurted out [If you want to talk about your love affairs, to it when we’re free, you blockhead. Quickly finish the job]. Hahahahahaha”(Douglas)

Regaining some of his vitality, he laughed hapilly……… Marquis nochesse, No, Nochesse father and daughter, what do they think we royalty is?

I should have a chat with them about this soon

“Then, In short I should just treat my daughters current behavior as love, if she somehow overstepped her doings, then give her some punishment. Hah…… It pains me to say this, I’ll try to endure it for a while. If she did something bad then I’ll just ask your highness to do something about it.”(douglas)

After somehow regained his cheerful face, his face clouded again thinking about the things that could happen from now.

Did he just throw all the responsibility of taking care of all miss bertia’s troublesome action to me?

Shouldn’t he be trying his best to take care of her deeds and just consult me on it to gain some advice?

Even if I look like this…… From my appearance I’m still a 12 year old kid that hasn’t made his social debut you know?

“If it somehow became unbearable to hold it, why don’t you discuss it with your wife? Since it’s the daughter of both of you, I’m sure she’ll be willing to help you on it. Furthermore since its between 2 ladies, wouldn’t it be easier for them to communicate?” (Cecil) 4

“That not a bad idea. But as a man, I have a conflict feeling to whine about my daughter’s circumstances in front of my wife. I’m pretty sure my wife would be annoyed…….”

That’s what I’m saying, I’m still a kid you know?

Do you think it’s alright to whine and ask me for cooperation?

……… If I retreated here, I’m sure he’ll push all the troublesome things to me, I should proceed the talk so that his wife can work hard a little.

“What are you talking about marquis nochesse. If a guy that’s usually cool and strict on the outside only show their weak and fragile side to them, won’t that woman feel [Special] and love him more? Even father would go to mother’s side to whine about things after I had fell asleep. At the next day, they would be all the move annoyii… lovey dovey you know? Father would always say, having time for your wife in the midst of busy is the secret to a happy family.” (Cecil)

“What… so that kind of things do exist. That’s outrageous… but no if my wife would be happy about it, having to handle that shame is not unthinkable. Also if I were to be consoled by my wife I would feel… but still…” (Douglas)

Surprised by my words, marquis Nochesse became unsettled.

It’s interesting how he’s alike with miss bertia at things like this.

“Marquis Nochesse, we as a man sometimes would need to healed right? Isn’t it granted that as a couple you should help each other? All the more so since you’re bearing the country’s work at your back, it’s important to have that someone to spoil you at your own home.” (Cecil)

“Your highness really think that way? Alright, I’ll muster up my courage and try to let my wife spoil me.” (Douglas)

I smiled and assured the happily nodding marquis Nochesse.

The objective seems to have changed from consulting about miss bertia to getting spoiled by his wife… but since there won’t be any harm to me I’ll just let it be. 5

Seeing both of my parent’s in law deepen their relationship is also not a bad idea.

“Then your highness, I shall take my leave here. No matter what happen I’ll finish the job earlier today and go back home. Then I will sneak into my wife’s…… ahem…. I mean I must discuss this thing with my wife.” (Douglas)

Your motive is in plain sight marquis Nochesse.

The young and pure me of course wouldn’t have any slight idea on what that means.

I posed as if I don’t have any slight idea

……

Chapter 6: Bertia (11 years old) (2)

“Yeah, since it’s about my precious fiancée, please take your time for the discussion” (Cecil)

“That’s right, since it’s an important discussion, It might even take the whole night for the discussion” (Douglas)6

“That might be right.. do your best….”(Cecil)

………… mainly for marchionnese nochesse though.

Thinking of it, that happens about 1 year ago.

In the end, he would still come to see me, to speak fondly about her wife and to whine about miss bertia, but I still pass my days peacefully.

By the way sometimes, miss bertia would also come to see me to whine about [My father just wouldn’t get corrupted!!].

………… this pair of nochesse, they really don’t care about my position do they.

I’m not your house’s personal consultation room you know?

Leaving talks about the past, now I should first care about miss bertia that’s infront of me.

“That document was really well made, the illustration was lovely too” (Cecil)

“That’s not really such a great thing to be praised as such.”(Bertia

Saying that, her face reddens. She really can’t hide her feeling.

“I even think that you should make use of that talent and create one for the tourist guide book for the capital…… By the way is the information inside the book all truth? Who did you get the information from?” (Cecil)

While smiling from ears to ears,I asked about the things that I’m most curious about. Since the book has no connection to leads to any source of it’s infomartion, there is no way to investigate except asking for her.

An information that is way too well made for a mere fantasize.

It’s just too wasteful to leave it as a mere source of reading if there is a real source of information as a base when she wrote this, no matter how interesting the content is.

It’s someone that could finally be caught after all, we should gather the evidence so that we could catch him

“The content is half truth, half speculation. There are some parts which I made use of my past memories to write, and some parts were from using the memories to create a collaborator to get me the source of materials.”(Bertia)

Leaving aside the first half of what she’s saying, the last part seems like she’s walking on a thin ice.

“heeh… Who do you get it from?”(Cecil)

To not fan her cautiousness I pasted my smiling face and asked in a gentle voice.7

“It’s viscount Raleigh . konsarvuth. He once came and visit father. At that time I remembered [This guy is one of the guy who pulled father into the dark path, and he’s also the guy who became my husband in one of the routes.]” (Bertia)

To be honest, There is some doubt in me that she wouldn’t tell me her source of information, but that’s just a needless worry.

She doesn’t have any ill intent when taking the information. That’s the reason why the perpetrator didn’t take extra precaution and tell her. But how did viscount konarvuth tell these things to a girl as loose lipped as…… I mean as adorable as her.

It can’t be seen as anything but suicidal.

But well, she is still a child, whatever she said nobody would even take her seriously without proof.

Marquis nochesse didn’t even take her seriously

“There are lots of things that interest me… but can I first ask how did you befriend viscount konarvuth until he tell you all of these things?”(Bertia)

“Ara, It’s not just on the level of friendly you know? Since there is a route of me being his wife, she must have liked my appearance for a certain degree… then I just use the innocence of youth and try to fan him with an upturning eyes, And by no time he let me sit on his lap, gave me some snacks , and talked a lot of things.” (Bertia) 7

“…… so it’s honey trap” (Cecil)

“What are you talking about? I wont do something so immoral!”(Bertia)

“Hey miss bertia, Did you know that viscount Raleigh . konsarvuth is quite famous as a lolicon… I mean a pervert that has feelings of love to a child?”(Cecil)

“…….HUH?” (Bertia)

“Did you get touched by him?” (Cecil)

“now that you mention it, He did praise me that I’m like a doll, and he would hug me tightly, caress my feet, and to my chest he would………” (Bertia)

Miss bertia’s face ashen as time passes.

It seems she understand that she was involved in a dangerous situation.

“After that?”(Cecil)

“We would exchange letters, Recently, he wanted me to go meet with him unnoticed by father and mother………… NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” (Bertia)

Talking about her own situation, she couldn’t take the fear anymore. She crouched while pressing her head with both hands.

I sat right beside her, caressing her shaking back and glanced at her maids. Her maids also has a pale face on them.

It seems like even the maid didn’t expect that she got into such a dangerous situation.

Although its famous in the rumour, at front, viscount Raleigh . konsarvuth is just a kid loving nice uncle.

I really wished they would notice that something is wrong by the amount of letters he sent, or maybe some of the letters were given to her by other people.

“No worries, I’ll do something about it. I’m not such an idiot that would let someone who touch my fiancée get away freely.”(Cecil)

“Your highness…”

Like a small critter that’s full of fear, as I caressed her back, she started sobbing.

“That’s why to protect you, can you tell me? Which other dangerous guy has made contact with you?” (Cecil)

“there is no one else. I didn’t have any chance to make contact with Earl conmorno and baron sagil who’s supposed to brainwash father. I thought that after making my social debut, I would let them meet my father.”

…… at this time I don’t even want to retort [why would you let your father meet all these bad guys?!]

At least I know the reason is not wanting the marquiss to catch them or asking them to not misuse their powers anymore.

“Miss bertia, would you please not do anything dangerous anymore?”(Cecil)

If there is no danger to her, I’ll probably just watch from the sidelines and just enjoy myself. But things progressing to this stage without me noticing is bad.

If it progressed to irreparable state, I wont be able to feel entertained and interested anymore

Its because she’s unharmed, doing something that wont bore any fruit…… Trying her best that I can observe her while having fun… watch over her.

“Of course your highness! I don’t want to be frightened again like this time. That’s why from now on, I’ll make contact while being careful!” (Bertia)

With tears falling from her eyes, with a shaking body, she made a fist

…… Why wouldn’t she gave up?

“No, I mean making contact is dangerous you know?”(Cecil)

“ No problem! After they made contact with father, I’ll run away right away!”(Bertia)

“That’s not the problem……” (Cecil)

“If I were to lose here, your bright future will be gone. I will do my best!” (Bertia)

“That’s why”(Cecil)

“Since that has been decided…” (Bertia)

“Can you don’t decide it?”( Cecil)

“Oh my god, no! it’s going to be the party soon, but my make up is in tatters!”(Bertia)

“…… did you listen to what I say?”(cecil)

“ Your highness, I’ll mend my make up and come back. I’ll make sure to come back before the appointed time, so please excuse me.” (Bertia)

“She really wasn’t listen to a single thing…… have a safe trip” (Cecil)

Picking up her dress, she took her maid away and left the room in a hurry.

……… now then what should I do

As expected I can’t leave this at it is.

“Your highness, what should we do?”(Zeno)

“hmm… that’s right, first would you immediately catch marquis Nochesse here?”( Cecil)

“Marquis Nochesse..?”(Zeno)

“Then, I’ll write a letter to father, after you take marquis Nochesse here, immediately and sneakily deliver that to father.”(Cecil)

“…… I understand” (Zeno)

“I’ll say this repeatedly but, its immediately and sneakily alright? Before she came back, I would like to finish all the preparation. This time because her contact seems to be moving troublesomely.”(Cecil)

“As you will. Immediately and sneakily it is.”(Zeno)

Zeno with a professional butler face made a bow and left the room.

Seeing that I started to write the letter for my father.

“If I make use of the current happenings wisely, wouldn’t I be able to eradicate all the poison that’s been corrupting this country?”

Following my instructions, marquis Nochesse would probably come her.

Since I need to finish writing it before he arrived, I didn’t include any formal greeting and went straight to the topic.

From a certain route, there is a rumour that earl conmorno,baron sagil, viscount had illegal dealings.

It seems they have plans to make contact with Marquis Nochesse.

I’ll be requesting marquis nochesse, to use that against them and try to make contact with them, and try to get the evidence.

More or less this is overstepping my bounds, but since we’re basically doing the same thing there should be no problem.

After putting it into an envelope a knock can be heard.

“Come in” (Cecil)

As soon as my sound was heard, marquis Nochesse hurriedly enter the room.

“Your highness, may I know what happened?”(Douglas)

Since my orders is to immediately bring him here, it seems he has some sort of unease.

“Zeno, take this to father. Marquis Nochesse I have some important thing to tell you, please have a seat there.” (Cecil)

Giving zeno the letter, I sat down facing marquis Nochesse.

“The thing is…”

After that I tell the same content that I wrote to father to marquis Nochesse. And at the end…

“Viscount konsarvuth seems to have already made contact with your daughter, miss bertia. Furthermore he seem to have done something improper to her…” (Cecil)

“What did you say?” (Douglas)

“Now is still at the stage of lightly toucher her body but…… from the rumor I heard, viscount konsarvuth is a pervert that has feelings of love towards children. I assume he’s making contact with her with that as motive.”(Cecil)

“Un–Unforgivable”(Douglas)

“Miss Bertia has confessed this to me earlier and she cried while shaking furiously. That’s why, if possible I don’t want to talk about any of this in front of her. I’m sure it will bring some painful memory to her” (Cecil)

“Bertia……”(Douglas)

“The people that may bring further harm to miss Bertia, if possible without her making any contact with them, in the near times…… to be dealt with by us. Of course I did write a letter to father so that he wouldn’t misunderstood. Will you cooperate with me?” (Cecil)

With a pained face, marquis Nochesse think about the feeling that miss bertia must have faced, His eyes then lit up by the flames of rage.

“As you will your highness. Those maggots will be squashed thoroughly by me, and I will cut them off personally.”

Grasping his fist, there was not even a single speck of doubt in his face.

It’s more like he’s more than happy to be able to participate.

“I don’t want to ask what you’ll be cutting off but…… thank you for cooperating. Since we have finished our talk before miss bertia came back could you please leave the room?” (Cecil) 8

“You’re right, if my daughter were to notice this, she would start worring and remembering all the pained things she went through.”(Douglas)

Nodding greatly to my words, with a frowned face, marquis Nochesse left the room.

For now the preparation was done.

In between the 3 people, there must be someone who’s participating the party, I hope there won’t be any problem.

I think before anything can happen count nochesse would just crush them though.

Even if he’s like that, he’s still the prime minister.

He wouldn’t lose himself with his private matters, and in a public place too.

…… probably.

“For a short while, it seems there’s a need for me to pay attention.”

I heaved a sigh and lay my back on the sofa.

What’s left is just the social debut.

I do feel a little bit tired, so I’ll take a rest until miss Bertia came back.

It seems like my fiancée (Toy) is getting a little bit too tomboyish recently.9

--TN--

1 . It means before they attend the school at age 13 or 19 when they finished. ↩

2. as in attending the council etc etc you know those prince work. ↩

3. you daughter con…… ↩

4. I’m sure he’s just trying to watch from the sidelines and have all the fun… ↩

5. this prince is way too evil… I feel sorry for nochesse family ↩

6. insert ifywim gif here ↩

7. im pretty sure there is a lot of you was surprised because she can use her head to think ↩ ↩

8. what else but that lol ↩

9. どうやら、私の婚約者(玩具)は最近少々お転婆が過ぎるみたいだ。I tried googling お転婆 and it means tomboyish… I’m not so sure about that though… ↩