The Duke's Daughter Goes Her Own Way
[Beyond the Dream Garden! ~The Princess's Pilgrimage to the Holy Land~]
Translated by: ME
Reincarnated into another world, with memories of my past life.
For someone like me, who loves light novels and manga and has a bit of a reality-escaping tendency, this is a scenario I've dreamed of countless times.
And it's *the* other world that served as the setting for my favorite game I used to play. It's a dream come true.
***
There was an otome game called "Dream Fantasy Flower Garden."
It was a game released quietly, without much fanfare, and never became particularly popular. It was somewhat rare for a modern otome game, rated A for All Ages.
But I loved that game.
It was a simple game where the heroine, the daughter of Count Fluorite, Mariebell, meets various handsome men at a place called Cockford Academy, slowly builds friendships, and falls in love.
The scenarios had no depressing twists, no romantic rivals appeared, and it was just story after story with a gentle, peaceful atmosphere.
It had a lot of cliché developments, and on a certain message board's otome game thread, it was called things like "as conveniently plotted and predictable as a period drama," but I, on the contrary, was happy with that sense of security. I'm just not the type who enjoys "unexpected tragedies for the heroine!!" or "upcoming turbulent developments!!"
What's wrong with convenient plotting? Hooray for predictability! There are people like that, you know.
There are people who find catharsis in a story unfolding exactly as they predicted it would.
And there are people who stop playing if the development betrays their expectations.
Isn't it fine if things go conveniently and peacefully for the protagonist in a story, at least?
...After all, reality is full of things not going your way. Isn't it okay to want to dream a little in stories?
So, I made it a habit to check message boards and reviews before purchasing games or books.
And this "Dream Fantasy Flower Garden" was a perfect match for my tastes.
***
Being reincarnated into another world was fine, but the status of Princess was constricting. Sadly, thanks to my knowledge from my past life, I couldn't help but understand the responsibilities and my position tied to that status, whether I liked it or not.
I am a person kept alive by the citizens' tax money, for the sake of the country. There is nothing I can afford to neglect.
Well, it's my precious second chance at life.
I'll do my best without being too overly serious. ...Though my "best" is quite limited, I'm sure.
I've lived with that mindset.
Fortunately, my family members are all good people. My father, the current King, and my mother, the Queen, have a happy marriage. My elder brother, the next King, is a serious and diligent person. I have a younger brother too; he's a bit mischievous but understands what it means to be "royalty."
The courtiers around us are also mostly calm and serious people.
I'm happy to have been blessed with such a good environment.
However, I was a little disappointed that it wasn't the "world of a game I'd mastered or a story I loved," which I often saw in light novels and manga...
If only I could have been reincarnated into a gentle, peaceful world like "Dream Fantasy Flower Garden."
Not that my current life isn't sufficiently "gentle and peaceful."
Then, one day, as I was living my life, my brother was scheduled to travel to that country to sign a trade agreement with a friendly nation.
Apparently, to build a bridge to the next generation, the next King—my brother—would sign instead of the current King, our father. And in that country, the Crown Prince would also be attending the signing ceremony.
As the day of my brother's departure approached, the topic of the signing ceremony came up during dinner.
[The Crown Prince Leonard will be presiding on their side as well, correct?]
My brother nodded at my mother's words.
Huh? Wait a minute.
Crown Prince Leonardo?
Well, it's not an unusual name, but still, wait a minute.
[Um... the Crown Prince of that country is named Leonardo...?]
When I asked, my brother smiled and nodded.
[That's right. I believe it's 'Leonard Francis Belkraine,' if I recall correctly.]
[Is... that so...?]
As I stood dumbfounded in shock, my brother and younger brother teased me, saying things like [What's wrong? Do you have a crush on Prince Leonardo?]
But my mind was elsewhere.
Leonard Francis Belkraine.
I know that name.
It's the name of a character from "Dream Fantasy Flower Garden."
It's the name of the Crown Prince, the main romanceable character.
Eh!? Could it be that this world really *is* the setting for that game!?
Then, does Mariebell Fluorite, the daughter of Count Fluorite, really exist!?
And Lord Robert!? And Sir Alphonse!? And Lord Elrick!?
And the Cockford Academy that was the setting, and the event locations within the academy!?
What is this?
I truly had been reincarnated into the "world of my favorite game."
...But that country and mine are about as far apart as two ends of the continent. With horse-drawn carriages being the primary mode of transport, it takes about two weeks one-way.
It's not a distance you can just pop over to.
I was disappointed, thinking that even though I was in the game's world, I couldn't even go to its setting...
***
From that day on, my dream became [I want to go to that country, the setting of the game, someday.]
It's not that I want to replace the game's heroine or anything.
I am a Princess, and I will probably have to marry someone for the benefit of this country someday. I've thought that way since I was little, so I don't have any particular complaints.
But it's fine to have a dream for myself, right?
I don't want to become involved with the romanceable characters or anything.
After all, the timeline is different.
In the game, the Crown Prince was seventeen. Currently, Prince Leonard is twenty-two, already married, and should have an heir.
If the main character is like that, one can guess the current status of the other romanceable characters.
And I know my place. By any measure, I am not heroine material.
I just want to see my "holy land."
It's just like how fans of a certain manga gather every summer at a certain station on the JR Iida Line, bringing their prized bicycles.
I want to go. I want to feel the atmosphere there. That's all.
***
That dream came true two years later.
It was proposed that the women's undergarments handled by the family of the game's heroine, Lady Mariebell, be exported to our country as well.
Initially, a diplomatic official was supposed to go to that country.
But I, who desperately wanted to visit that country, forced my way into the delegation.
I had almost no experience with diplomatic work, but given the nature of the product, it was judged that sending me would be better than sending a middle-aged man.
Furthermore, having a royal family member visit would show our sincerity.
My wish and the country's plans aligned, and it was decided that I would go to that country.
The journey of over two weeks was certainly tough, but just thinking I was getting closer to the land of my dreams made it bearable.
And then, the day of the meeting arrived.
***
As it turned out, I was told a slightly sad truth.
According to Lady Elizabeth, the wife of Prince Leonard, this world is not the "world of the game itself," but rather the "world that likely served as the source material for the game."
So, the heroine Marie-san's personality is different, and the environment is different. Naturally, the personalities of the romanceable characters are also completely different.
That's what I was told.
Certainly, the Mariebell Fluorite I met had a different personality from the heroine in the game.
Her appearance had traces of the game's character. But she was brighter and more cheerful than the Marie-san in the game, and gave a friendly impression. She seemed to be very good friends with Lady Elizabeth, who never appeared in the game at all.
That's right.
In the game, there were only about ten named characters at most. But in reality, everyone has a name, a life, and a life to live.
Even if this world *were* the "game itself," it probably wouldn't unfold exactly like the game, would it?
Once I realized that, I felt that it didn't really matter if this world wasn't the "game itself."
It's the setting of my favorite game, and the model for it.
Isn't that enough?
It's no different from people in Japan who make pilgrimages to the holy lands of anime and manga.
They don't expect the exact characters from the anime to be there either. (They aren't, right?)
They just want to see the places that appeared in their favorite works.
I'm the same.
Once I could think that way, my disappointed and deflated feelings lightened considerably.
In their place, my fan-girl heart swelled up.
Alright! I came all this way! I'm going to enjoy myself to the fullest before going back!
...Oh! I'll do my work too! I'll negotiate hard to get those cute undergarments exported!
***
The second day after arrival.
Lady Elizabeth has made time for me again today.
My brother is still single, but a "Crown Prince" is just busy no matter what. His wife must also be incredibly busy.
And yet, is it really okay to indulge my fan-girl curiosity...?
[...My apologies, Your Highness. You must be very busy, and yet I'm imposing my silly fan-girl curiosity on you...]
When I bowed my head, Lady Elizabeth laughed and said, [It's quite alright.]
[I've reduced my official duties for now, so I have time. Please, don't worry about it.]
[You've reduced your official duties...?]
I wondered if she was unwell.
Did my concern show on my face? Lady Elizabeth gave me a reassuring smile.
[I gave birth about three months ago. My body has recovered, but Prince Leonard has asked me to rest a little longer.]
Oh!
In this world, where medicine isn't as advanced as on Earth, childbirth is a very difficult ordeal. While hygiene concepts are somewhat developed, it's still not uncommon for women to die from puerperal fever.
Prince Leonard's concern is perfectly understandable.
But Lady Elizabeth, to be a mother of two with such looks...
Even considering that people in this world marry and have children early, it's still a bit surprising.
She is very petite, with a lovely, well-proportioned face that suits the term "beautiful girl" perfectly. She's actually older than me, but one might easily mistake me for being the older one.
Guided by this Lady Elizabeth, I was led into the garden.
[It's amazing...! It's so beautiful!]
In the vast garden, various roses were blooming in glorious competition.
In the center was a delicate-looking table set.
I may be a princess living in my own country's castle, but our castle doesn't have such a splendid large garden.
As expected of a country that serves as the setting for an otome game. It's gorgeous and beautiful.
As I was gazing enchanted at the garden, Lady Elizabeth let out a small sigh, [Hoh...]
[Your Highness? Is something the matter?]
[No... It's just, seeing a 'typical young lady's reaction' like that makes me acutely aware of my own lack of feminine charm...]
...I don't really understand.
Lady Elizabeth glanced around and called out in a small voice, [Alphonse.]
The knight standing behind her replied with a short [Yes.]
Wait! That was Sir Alphonse!?
Startled, I turned around, and there stood Sir Alphonse, with his soft-looking golden hair cut short, giving a somewhat more rugged impression than in the game.
Calculating, about seven years have passed since the game's time. The romanceable characters have aged accordingly.
But even so, Sir Alphonse was still handsome.
[...It's nothing serious.]
At Sir Alphonse's words, Lady Elizabeth nodded, [I see.] I wonder what that was about...
[Lady Luciana, please, this way. Tea will be served shortly.]
Urged along, I headed towards the table set.
Sitting in the chair, I could see the roses of the garden all around. It's a very beautiful garden.
The maids prepared tea and sweets and left, leaving just Lady Elizabeth and me at the table. Sir Alphonse stood behind Lady Elizabeth, as if waiting.
In the game, he was the flirty, lightly-spoken, sexy older brother type. But in reality, he was the one who faced the existence of being a knight more earnestly than anyone else.
His character setting was that of a man searching for [Something to protect] and [Someone to pledge loyalty to].
And he finds these in the heroine, telling her, [I've found what I truly want to protect,] leading to the ending.
The real Sir Alphonse certainly has a sensual appearance. But his straight posture and the way he stands don't suggest someone lost in [the way of the knight].
...Or rather, he's just really cool. What do I do? He's really cool.
My country has knights too. But the knights in my country tend to be a bit rougher around the edges.
Here, there are several other knights stationed besides Sir Alphonse. They all, without exception, don't give off the slightest impression of roughness.
The knights in this country, they're all so cool! ...I'm jealous... I want to be guarded by cool people too! ...Well, the knights in my country are all reliable people too. But can't they do something about the high rate of stubble...?
***
After having tea with Lady Elizabeth for a while, someone came from the direction of the building.
Looking over, it was Marie-san and a man.
[Good morning! Lady Elizabeth!]
Marie-san greeted in a very bright voice, but is that greeting really appropriate!?
[Good morning, Marie-san.]
Eh!? Lady Elizabeth is responding normally too!? Is that how it is!?
Shouldn't the greeting be more formal, given that the other party is the Crown Princess?
[Good morning to you too, Lady Luciana!]
Spoken to with a cheerful, bright smile, I inadvertently replied, [Good morning.]
Marie-san is... something else...
The man next to Marie-san bowed to me.
[It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Paul Fluorite.]
[He's my husband.]
Marie-san laughed, looking a little embarrassed.
Ah, I see.
"Mariebell Fluorite, daughter of Count Fluorite" was the only daughter of the Fluorite family, right...?
Eh? Wait, that means, hold on a second. I know it's late, but just a moment.
In the game, if you took the Prince Leonardo route or the Duke's son route, what happened to the Fluorite family afterwards!? ...Well, it's just a game, so probably nothing.
But first, I must greet Paul-san.
[Please, raise your head. I am Luciana Ametis. It's a pleasure to meet you.]
[Likewise. Our Fluorite merchant house doesn't even have a branch in the Ametis Kingdom. We are very grateful for this opportunity.]
Paul-san said with a smile as he raised his head, but...
Somehow... I feel like I can see '¥' signs in his eyes... Or maybe '$'? Or '€'...
Marie-san jabbed Paul-san in the side with her elbow. *Gossu*. Jabbed... or rather, it's probably more accurate to say she punched him hard. It really made a good *thump* sound, and Paul-san let out a strange gasp, ["Gufu!"]
[Paul! Your eyes have turned into money-grubbing eyes! It's rude to the Princess!]
[You can't say that, you love money too, Marie!?]
[I do! But that's not the point!]
[...The fact that you're having this conversation out loud is problematic in itself...]
I found myself nodding in agreement with Lady Elizabeth, who muttered this beside me.
[Money is certainly important, but...]
[It is, but those two have a tendency to be a little too greedy about 'earning money'...]
I see...
Marie-san is an unpredictable person...
As Lady Elizabeth and I watched the two still arguing with distant eyes, someone else came from the direction of the castle.
Noticing this, Marie-san and Paul-san bowed.
That means the person approaching is royalty!
I must bow too! Just as I thought that, Lady Elizabeth gave a small laugh, [Fufu.]
[It's alright. There's no need for formal bows. Today is just a place for 'me to enjoy tea with my friends.]
Hearing this, Marie-san, who had been bowing, turned only her face towards us.
[Then, can I stand up straight too?]
[Marie-san, you should probably keep bowing. Lady Luciana is the princess of a nation, so it's unnecessary for her.]
Marie-san clicked her tongue softly at this, and Lady Elizabeth scolded her in a low voice, [Don't click your tongue.]
Marie-san is truly an unpredictable person...
Although I was told bows were unnecessary, I stood up from my chair to await the visitors.
Shortly after, a few men approached from that direction.
Wow! Wow! The real thing!
The one walking at the front must undoubtedly be Prince Leonard. Ridiculously handsome, with sparkling golden hair and bright blue eyes. I thought my brother was handsome too, but compared to Prince Leonardo, it's like the difference between a Hollywood star and the most popular boy in class! He definitely has what it takes to be the main hero of an otome game...
The ones behind him are probably Duke Robert Aristoll and Lord Hendrick Orchard.
Amazing...!
What is that handsome unit...?
They're so dazzling...
A bow...! I must bow...! I can't just stand here straight in front of this dazzling Crown Prince...!
[No, a bow is unnecessary. You two over there, stand straight as well.]
Stopping me as I tried to bow, and saying the same to Marie-san and Paul-san, who were also bowing, His Highness smiled at us.
See, I told you he's dazzling...
[You've come a long way. I am Crown Prince Leonard Francis Belkraine.]
[I am Luciana Ametis. It is the highest honor to meet you.]
Truly...! What an honor! And what a dazzling person he is...!
[Princess Luciana, welcome to our country. My apologies for the late greeting.]
[No, not at all. It is I who should thank you for permitting my stay.]
[It's nothing worth thanking us for. We are friendly nations. Providing this level of convenience is a trivial matter.]
[Leon-sama, thank you for your time.]
When Lady Elizabeth said this, His Highness looked at her and smiled.
That smile! It's several times more dazzling than before! Lady Elizabeth, how can you remain so composed!?
[It's no trouble at all. It means I get to have tea with Ellie. For that, I'd make time whenever.]
[Whenever' might be impossible, I think.]
Prince Leonard laughed cheerfully at Lady Elizabeth's wry smile.
Haa... What is with these two...? They're so dazzling...
And the people around them were watching them with what seemed like lukewarm, smiling eyes.
...Ah, this is a usual occurrence, I see...
Prince Leonard moved smoothly and, with a very natural motion, stood next to Lady Elizabeth, placing his hand around her waist.
Wow... It feels like they're really showing off...
And sure enough, the people around them had those lukewarm eyes. This is one of those things that's best not to pay attention to, I see.
[Your Highness, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Robert Aristoll.]
[I am Hendrick Orchard.]
Lord Robert is a handsome man with sharp, intellectual features. He gives off a much more intellectual vibe than Leonard-kun, who was the intellectual type in the game.
In the game, Lord Robert was the "healing type," alongside Lord Elrick.
But the real Lord Robert gives an impression far from healing. He seems clever and calm. That kind of feeling.
Or rather, his intellectual aura is so strong it's intimidating...
Lord Hendrick is a man with a soft smile, exactly as Marie-san described, a "nice big brother" type.
While His Highness is on a different level of handsomeness, and Lord Robert is intimidatingly handsome, Lord Hendrick feels like a "friendly, approachable handsome man."
...Why was he the tsundere type in the game...? He seems super smiley and kind...
And behind them is a man who is probably one of His Highness's guard knights.
He never appeared in the game at all, but he's also a sharp-looking handsome man.
What's with this country? Isn't there too many handsome men!? Couldn't they share some with us...?
What's with the high rate of rugged, stubbly men in my country? I'm sure some people like that type, but I prefer the sparkling type of handsome men...
***
Everyone sat down at the table to have tea together.
Although the gentlemen, starting with His Highness, said they only had about an hour.
It's a gracious offer, all for my silly selfishness.
Lady Elizabeth sat next to me, and next to her (or rather, very close) was Prince Leonardo.
A little further from us were Marie-san and Paul-san, and then Lord Robert and Lord Hendrick.
The sheer sparkle factor at this table is incredible...!
It's sparkling like a Big〇man shiny sticker...!
Is it really okay for me to be mixed in here...?
[The architectural styles are different from the Ametis Kingdom, but is your stay comfortable?]
When His Highness asked, I inadvertently looked around.
It's true, this country is typical medieval European style. In contrast, my country has a somewhat Oriental style. I think our buildings are beautiful too, but European castles definitely have a stronger appeal for girls.
[It's wonderful. Both the castle and the garden.]
[I see. That's good to hear.]
[Our royal castle doesn't have such spacious gardens, so I find this very interesting and splendid. The roses are very beautiful too.]
[Is that so.]
Nodding along, His Highness gave a small laugh and looked at Lady Elizabeth. Under his gaze, Lady Elizabeth looked somewhat awkwardly towards a completely different direction.
I wonder what that's about?
[Could you tell us about the Ametis Kingdom? I'm very interested.]
Lord Robert asked with a smile.
Even if he asks about my country... I'm not sure what to talk about...
[Any kind of story is fine. For example, things that feel different to you, Lady Luciana, compared to this country.]
Lady Elizabeth threw me a lifeline.
I managed to haltingly talk about things I had noticed.
His Highness Prince Leonard and his aides listened to my clumsy stories, interjecting with questions.
What is this sparkling legion? Aren't they too handsome, not just in looks but in character too?
My brother would definitely laugh mockingly every time I stumbled over my words! Learn from them, Brother!
That's why you're only at the level of "the most handsome boy in class," Brother!
It's this kindness that makes a true handsome man!
***
While we were talking about various things, it seemed His Highness's time was up.
A chamberlain spoke to him, and His Highness rose from his seat.
[Well, my apologies, but I must take my leave.]
[Thank you very much for your time.]
His Highness gave a small smile as I bowed my head. Haa... Dazzling.
[No, it's fine. I hope you enjoy your stay.]
[Thank you very much... And thank you all for your company as well.]
When I bowed to the aides as well, Lord Robert, as if representing them, said, [Please, there's no need to bow your head.]
[Well then, Ellie.]
Saying this, His Highness gave Lady Elizabeth's cheek a *chu* kiss.
Hya~ ///
But I was the only one blushing... I see. This is also part of the daily routine...
Prince Leonard's devotion is even greater than I'd heard...
***
After the men left, one of Lady Elizabeth's maids handed something to her.
Lady Elizabeth placed the document-like item she received on the table.
It was a small portrait.
[I had this prepared for you, Lady Luciana, who came all this long way, thinking you might at least like to see a painted image of my brother...]
Peering at it, I saw the figure of a man sitting in a chair. He had very beautiful features, perhaps even more beautiful than Lord Elrick in the game. He was a dazzlingly handsome man on the same level as the exceptionally handsome His Highness.
But that wasn't all.
The man had a woman on his lap, holding her body firmly in his arms.
[Um... this woman, who looks from every angle like Lady Elizabeth, is...?]
Marie-san asked in a tone that sounded very difficult to voice.
Yes.
The woman on the man's lap was, without a doubt, Lady Elizabeth. She just looked a bit younger than the Lady Elizabeth currently before us?
[It is the young master's 'My Ellie Doll (Age 18 · Summer)'.]
...Eh?
[When having portraits painted, the young master absolutely refuses unless it's with his 'My Ellie Doll' or with Lady Elizabeth herself, throwing tantrums.]
...Maid-san, your words...
[Wait, Marina. I haven't heard about this.]
[Yes. I was instructed by the Master and Madam that there was no particular need to inform you.]
[I see... Hearing about it would only endanger my sanity anyway...]
[Yes. Please forget this story, Lady Elizabeth. There is no need for you to remember it.]
[This... is a doll...?]
Marie-san asked, sounding shocked.
Indeed, although it's a painting so the details are unclear, the quality is astounding.
[It is a doll. Handmade by the young master. And somehow, upon investigation, all its measurements match Lady Elizabeth's exactly.]
[Stooop...!]
Ah! Lady Elizabeth!
The maid patted Lady Elizabeth's back and said in a very gentle voice.
[It's alright. You have His Highness, Lady Elizabeth. It's alright.]
[Uu... That's right... Brother can't enter the royal castle, can he...]
[Yes. In fact, if he *did* break in, it would give us a pretext to crush him...]
...Just what is Lord Elrick's standing in the Macnagan Ducal house? She's talking about crushing him...
While the story about Lord Elrick was nothing but shocking, his appearance was indeed exceptionally handsome. I'm still a little jealous.
No, but I'm glad my brother isn't a siscon! If he were a "super cool siscon" like in some novels, I'd be genuinely envious. But Lord Elrick seems to have far surpassed that level in a completely different direction...
...Or is it a downward direction? ...Whatever.
***
I stayed for about a week and then set off on my return journey to my own country.
[It was so much fun,] I thought, reflecting on this visit in the carriage.
The setting of the game I had longed for.
But the people living there were "just people living their ordinary lives," unrelated to the game...
Even so, the heroine, Lady Mariebell, was a bright, fun, and wonderful person... Though a bit unpredictable.
I secured a contract to import lots of cute undergarments. And they also promised to open a branch store in my country.
Later, Marie-san and Paul-san together will visit my country.
I'm looking forward to it already.
Prince Leonard was a calm, quiet person, very different from the expressionless character in the game... And his beauty was more dazzling than those beautiful game stills... That such a person really exists...
I heard his marriage to Lady Elizabeth was political, but they are so lovey-dovey it makes you think, [Eh? You're kidding, right?] And from what I saw, His Highness is the one head over heels.
Whenever Lady Elizabeth was in his field of vision, he would inevitably go to her side.
At first, just watching them made me blush, but to get used to it in just about a week... No wonder the aides just watch with lukewarm eyes.
Lord Robert was a super-elite intellectual type, as if he'd left the "healing" aspect of the game behind somewhere.
I heard he is married to Prince Leonardo's sister, and I saw them together, but... somehow, there was no romantic atmosphere...
Maybe I think that because I only ever saw them briskly discussing "work-related matters." It felt like the daily life of two capable elite employees of a major corporation...
But they are both so good-looking, so it was a wonderful feast for the eyes.
Lord Hendrick was, as expected, a very cheerful, considerate, and kind person who had discarded the game's "tsundere" aspect somewhere.
He was attentive to my surroundings as well, and when I thanked him, he smiled wryly and said, [I have a younger sister, so I tend to fuss over younger women...]
No, I was truly helped. I was happy that you cared so naturally and effortlessly.
Sir Alphonse, who in the game had various conversations with the heroine, was a very serious knight who didn't speak unnecessarily while on duty.
...Well, that makes sense. It would be strange for a guard knight to neglect his charge to chat with a girl.
He always suppressed even his presence, staying behind Lady Elizabeth.
Thinking he was quite different from the somewhat rough, stubbly knights of my country, I let this slip to Lady Elizabeth, who seemed to relay it to Sir Alphonse.
Later, Sir Alphonse told me, [What Your Highness speaks of is likely just a difference in 'their role,' nothing more.]
According to Sir Alphonse, their job as "guard knights" is simply to "protect" their lord. Therefore, they prioritize learning techniques to eliminate all threats over rough tactics.
That's precisely why their job is to suppress their presence, always be aware of their surroundings, and "simply be there."
In contrast, the "rough knights" I mentioned have the job of "eliminating enemies of their lord." So, whether they are rough or uncouth, as long as they can accomplish their duty, it's fine.
[I see,] I said, convinced. Sir Alphonse laughed a little amusedly and said, [Our country has rough knights too. Everything has its right place and person, I suppose.]
Indeed, it might not be the best strategy to take overly rough people on external diplomatic missions.
I made a firm mental note to tell my brother that when I got back.
And as for Lord Elrick...
Lord Elrick was...
...A truly indescribable person who seemed capable of utterly shattering any fan-girl desire to meet him...
***
Just before my departure, Lady Elizabeth said to me, [Please do come again.]
[If possible, next time, please come as 'our friend,' just for sightseeing.]
Friends! I'm so happy! Both Lady Elizabeth and Marie-san laughed happily at my delight.
I made wonderful friends. And we can understand each other's Japanese stories!
***
I returned to my country in high spirits, and a few days later, I shared many souvenir stories with my family.
***
Falling in love with a young Marquis I met at an evening party in that country and marrying into that family happened several years after that.
***
I, in the present, do not yet know of that happy future.
***
Author's note:
Thank you for reading this far.
I consider this to be completely "concluded," and I am writing side stories under a different title.
They will mostly be stories about people who had little to do with the main plot, so they might feel less like "side stories" and more like "different stories that just share the same worldview"...
If you'd like to read them, please check the list on the "Author's My Page" or use the link at the top of the table of contents for "The Duke's Daughter Is~".
They have a slightly different flavor from the main story and are less comedic, so I think they might not be for everyone.
ME's note:
I will post them here under the same title but it will be separated under to different section, Side Story and Extra Story.
Thank you for reading. If you want to help my hobby please download and install LDP9 with my link down below. Just Click the small yellow LDPlayer Banner.
OR
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
-Horizontal.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment