I Didn’t Save You To Get Proposed To - Chapter 9

As soon as I saw the two with their mouths open and surprised expressions, I decided to leave the capital.

 

Now that the original work has been twisted, everything will change, and I thought it would be difficult to take on the role of “sage of the era.”

 

“Thank you so much for providing that information. So, how do we split the profits—”

 

“I’m not in need of any revenue allocation.”

 

I tried to ignore my heartburn by speaking calmly. Freedom, not money, was the most important thing to me right now.

 

“Instead, once my disposition is known, you can assist me in negotiating my release with the Duke of Geoffrey.”

 

“Princess,” Irene said, her eyes wide with confusion.

 

“If this information is correct, I’d be honored to have you as my VIP for the rest of your life.”

 

“Thank you for your offer, but I believe it is sufficient for you to accompany me to the meeting. I have no plans to stay in the capital.”

 

“And then—” Irene had a confident expression on her face as she looked at me.

 

“Is it okay if I help you just a little bit? Simply in good faith.”

 

“Wait, what?”

 

Now that Irene doesn’t have any money, she can’t buy me anything, but I didn’t know what she was going to do, so I shook my head.

 

“Because Ridan is someone who only reads books, this kind of fighting

power is very bad for him. He’s so noble that he has no sense.”

 

“What do you mean, fighting power?”

 

Irene caught my eye because I was feeling uneasy.

 

She gave a bright smile. “I’ve seen how the Princess is treated in the palace.”

 

I’ve been getting a lot of attention because of my role as Princess of the Enemy Country and my banquet events.

 

Young Lady and nobles like Irene had no choice but to inquire about my whereabouts in the imperial palace.

 

“I’m going to educate them on things below.”

 

“…Wait, what?”

 

“My aunt is the Empress. You do realize I’m her favorite niece, don’t you? I’ll be back soon, so please continue to talk. It won’t be long before we’re done.”

 

“P-princess!”

 

I couldn’t stop Ireme from asking Sera for the names of the maids involved in me, she rolled up her sleeves and disappeared in an instant.

 

******

 

This was so easy for Irene, who was born into a noble family and raised for 22 years to be a perfect aristocrat.

 

It would have been preferable to return to the person in charge, hold them accountable, speak to them about their responsibilities, and shed some tears.

 

Elsia was a Royal Princess who, in theory, stayed in the Imperial Palace no matter how many times she was held hostage. It was against the rules not to treat her as a person.

 

They couldn’t even ask the Princess because no one at the Imperial Palace knew Irene was the Empress’s favorite niece.

 

“You’ll be in a better position now.”

 

Irene smiled as she returned to Elsia’s room.

 

Since the last banquet, she’s thought Elsia was pretty cool.

 

She explained that it had been a lifelong dream of hers, and she invited the cold-hearted Prince to dance!

 

At the time, Elsia’s messy hair and funny dress seemed to be a tool for shining Elsia’s heart. Everyone laughed or cursed at the incident, but Irene’s heart actually throbbed at the time.

 

‘Yeah, if it’s a lifelong wish, you shouldn’t be concerned with anything else. That way, it’s a real wish. I’ve never experienced such a wonderful love in my life.’

 

She was very interested in business, but she was always hesitant due to her father and brothers’ opposition.

 

However, I realized that a lifelong wish, like Elsia’s, necessitates the determination to disregard other people’s opinions and customs.

 

‘It’s even simple. It’s not about love, it’s not about meeting, it’s just about wanting to dance again. She was aware that the Prince was approaching marriageable age, so she thought that this was her last chance.’

 

Irene also noticed Elsia’s crush on Ixion at the victory banquet three years ago. But she had no idea she was such a cool person who knew how to act.

 

It was also a big help to the Duke, but Irene, who has strong feelings for people, like Elsia right away. Perhaps because she’s lost more weight than she’s ever seen at a banquet, and she thinks she’s cute and pretty.

 

She couldn’t wait to make money and buy her a new dress and give her accessories as a gift.

 

As she reentered Elsia’s room while thinking that she should get acquainted in the future, she witnessed an amazing sight.

 

Ridan was pushing a small box to Elsia.

 

“I know it’s late, but thank you.”

 

Elsia, who checked the elaborately decorated brooch, was surprised and returned it to Ridan.

 

“It’s also my small apology for the Eastheim Empire’s rudeness.”

 

“Young Master, I’m not the owner of this place, so please don’t be so polite.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“It means you can be open and honest.” With a smile, Elsia said.

 

“You can just say you brought one out of regret to see it in person.”

 

“S-still—”

 

“I, too, had to mature at a young age. I’m saying it’s as if I’m staring at myself.”

 

“…..”

 

“And you don’t have to give me this. If you help me as promised, that’s enough.”

 

For a moment, Irene seemed to be in a daze. This is because she noticed Ridan’s ears were turning red.

 

Irene was confused as to what context he was embarrassed of.

 

Ridan took the brooch back and said cautiously.

 

“I have been in the habit of being polite since I was young, so it will be difficult for me to speak comfortably, but I sincerely appreciate your understanding and consideration.”

 

Irene opened her mouth wide.

 

She doesn’t know about Elsia, but it was the first time Ridan showed an interest in something other than academics.

 

******

 

As I previously stated, Irene prepared for the endemic disease of Artise by having the support of the Duke’s servants.

 

The collected petals quickly rose in value hundreds of times over, preventing the Duke’s bankruptcy.

 

“C-can I come visit you often? I want to get closer to the Princess.”

 

After that, if nothing happened, she came to my room almost every day.

 

I assumed it was for me since I was stuck and lonely, but that didn’t appear to be the case.

 

We chose to chat to each other because we were the same age, and we immediately became friends.

 

“If so, then I would like to join her as well.”

 

‘Irene, let’s just say, why is Ridan here?’

 

Ridan came with Irene every time she came to play, and he wondered whether Irene and I chatted, but he merely listened silently and didn’t say anything special.

 

“Elsia, what is this book?”

 

“I told Sera to borrow it. It’s an atlas.”

 

“What are you going to do with the atlas?”

 

“I’m thinking about where I’ll go once I leave the castle.”

 

Ixion stated that the Imperial family would do everything for me, and I was promised the help of three nobles.

 

The battle will finish soon, and my freedom is near.

 

I was looking forward to spending the rest of my life lounging around doing yoga in a beautiful location far from the capital. Because it was always the retirement I dreamed of.

 

“What, but why are they all looking at the surrounding areas?”

 

“I don’t like crowded places. I like the quiet countryside.”

 

The complicated content of the original story had nothing to do with me.

 

‘When my freedom is decided, I’ll leave as soon as possible. I won’t even step into this terrible palace.’

 

Ridan, who was listening to what we were saying, frowned and said.

 

“Almost all of the neighboring regions are within walking distance of the monster’s habitat. Did you know that?”

 

“It’s a place where people live, so it’ll be fine.”

 

Ridan opened his mouth again, clearly concerned about my response.

 

“However, the capital is the safest place to be.”

 

I sighed and shrugged. It would be a location I could live in if people lived there, whether it was near to the animal’s habitat or not.

 

“Elsia, I—”

 

Irene was about to say something, but her lips were shaking and she didn’t say anything.

 

“Why?”

 

“I just want to do a lot of things with you in the capital when you’re free, so—”

 

I gazed at her in surprise.

 

Irene kept going, wriggling.

 

“We’re going shopping, drinking, or doing stuff together.”

 

“Ah, you can’t.”

 

Ridan was the one who responded to the question. Ridan shook his head and pushed up his glasses.

 

“There’s a rumor that whenever Princess Irene drinks, she transforms into the dog of Eastheim. Do you realize who you are?”

 

“Isn’t a dog good enough? It’s cute!”

 

Irene replied grumpily.

 

After all, she meant that she knew her nickname.

 

‘No, I don’t think so—’

 

I didn’t want to go to a drinking party with a hot-tempered woman since I assumed she was drunk.

 

******

 

Ridan and Irene, who were supposed to visit every day, did not show up a few days later.

 

Sera stated somberly as she delivered lunch.

 

“It is said that the Duke of Roziad died today. Still, I thought it would be a month or two…”

 

“Is that so?”

 

I knew the Duke of Roziad’s days were few, but I hoped he could live a little longer because I had spared him from bankruptcy.

 

However, the chronic condition may have been fatal, and he died as a result.

 

“I have to go—”

 

I mumbled something gloomy. It was absurd for me to attend a funeral outside the castle while under my custody.

 

“I’m certain that the Young Master will be alright.”

 

Sera responded kindly, not even thinking about lifting a spoon as she looked at me.

 

“The Duke of Roziad hasn’t been feeling well for a long time. I’m sure Young Master Ridan was already prepared.”

 

Perhaps what Sera says is a public evaluation.

 

“He becomes the Duke at the age of 19, although he has long been acknowledged as a capable successor.”

 

“That’s even sadder.”

 

With my eyes closed, I murmured.

 

This is because I had an obsession with growing up quickly because both of my parents died when I was a child.

 

Ridan was three years younger than Irene and myself, yet he always appeared nicer and more mature.

 

He respected politeness and avoided using direct speaking.

 

Perhaps it’s because he’s felt a lot of responsibility since he was a child.

 

“Just because he’s prepared doesn’t mean he’s not sad. I’m sure he’s holding it in because of his position.”

 

Ridan had never complained about his father’s risky investment.

 

It was in strong contrast to Irene’s daily blaming of her father and brothers.

 

Even a parent like that may have provided a foot in the door.