Chapter 118: Manami-sama
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「「「Ren-sama, congratulations for being promoted to A-rank!」」」」
“Ah, thank you very much everyone.”
“Black Flower Princess… That nickname really suits Ren-sama.”
“Haha…. Thank you…”
The next day after we stayed the night at the inn, we hung around the inn until afternoon and returned to Fer-san’s mansion in the evening. When we arrived there, Theo-san and the other servants were already standing in line, waiting for us. They congratulated me for getting promoted in unison.
Theo-san complimented me about my nickname but I didn’t feel happy hearing his compliment in the slightest.Well I was still an adult so I still smiled and accepted his compliment while chuckling softly. I hoped my smile didn’t look too forced…. But still, as I expected, my nickname was already spreading everywhere…Haah…
“Ren-sama! What a lovely nickname you have! From now on, during your stay in the royal capital, I will make sure you have the hairstyle and clothes fitting to be called a ‘princess’!”
“… I will leave it all to you.”
When I returned to my room to get changed, Corey-san came to bring me tea. I already gave up on a lot of things so when Corey-san said that, I only nodded in agreement.
On that very day, we had an extravagant meal as usual but in today’s menu, the people of this mansion had put more care into the meal. The thoughtfulness of everyone in this mansion really made this night a pleasant one.
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“Ah… I’m so nervous…”
“It will be alright. Our meeting this time is an informal one. We’re only going to meet my family in their residential palace. My family is happy enough to know that I’m going to get married anyway…”
“Even so, still…”
I couldn’t help but let out a sigh escaping from my lips as we ate breakfast. After all, today we were going to meet with Fer-san’s family…. In other words, we were meeting with the royal family of Aspel. Of course, it wasn’t that I didn’t want to meet them. I truly wanted to meet them and was really looking forward to it but still…Haah… I still felt nervous.
“We’re going to meet during tea time, so more or less at 15:00. It looks like my older brother’s children are going to be there too so we can expect a big crowd to be gathering there. I’m sure they’re going to ask you a lot of things but if you feel uncomfortable answering, you can just ignore their question….”
If I wasn’t wrong, Ed-sama did say he already had 8 nephews and nieces? Errm… Fer-san had 4 parents including Manami-sama and he had 6 siblings… There were 8 nephews and nieces so maybe Fer-san’s sister and brother in law were going to come as well…? Uwah…Perhaps, I really was going to meet with a lot of people.
“No, no. Even if you said that, it’s still going to be difficult for Ren. We’re not in the position where we can say anything we want. That’s why Fer, you need to do something about it later okay?”
“That’s right, you know? My family is only a duke family too… I’m not in the position where I can say anything against His Highness and Her Highness~”
While silently listening to what Sig-san and Chris-san had to say, I desperately nodded my head in agreement.
“I will have to do my best then… Though I’m not sure I will be able to stop them…”
“I’m starting to feel anxious, wondering what kind of person they are….”
For Fer-san to feel unsure if he could stop them… Just what kind of person they were?
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“Fer-san’s mansion is truly magnificent but… As expected, the royal castle is in an entirely different league.”
A carriage came from the royal castle and we all hopped onto it but… As we arrived at the castle, I could see a dazzling white castle surrounded by imposing castle walls. The castle reminded me of the castle from medieval European castles.
Uwah.. It’s so beautiful…
Since Fer-san was sitting together with us, we easily passed the face-check and entered the castle’s premises.
“Now then, we’ve arrived at the castle. Let’s get off now.”
“Yes…”
The carriage was traveling slowly for 5 minutes after we passed the castle’s gate before we finally arrived in front of the castle. The door opened from the inside with an audible clank. Fer-san got down first and offered his hand to me, in which I accepted and then I quickly got off from the carriage.
“Feeeerrr!! It’s been a long time since I last saw you!!!”
“Haah… Right as soon as we arrived… Manami-sama… It’s been a while.”
As we were stepping out from the carriage, one person came running from the castle while raising his voice. He kept on running and threw himself at Fer-san, hugging him tight.
Huh? Manami-sama…? Huh??? Manami-sama is a man?!
I had assumed Manami-sama was a woman but it turned out he was a man who was about 10 cm taller than me. Just like me, he also had a black hair so without any doubt, this man must be Manami-sama, a fellow otherworlder.
“Yeah! For real! It’s been 5 years I think?”
“That’s about right. Manami-sama, can you please let me go first? Also, did you tell father and the others that you were going to come here to greet us?”
“Geez, as always Ferdinand is still very shy. Hm? You mean Mathias? Why do I have to tell Mathias when I’m only going to meet with my own son?”
While I just stood there, flabbergasted, Manami-sama kept on hugging Fer-san tight and violently slapping his back. The sound was pretty loud too, it must’ve hurt…I guess I needed to check later whether Fer-san’s skin turned red or not. It’d be bad if it became a bruise.
Fer-san asked Manami-sama to let him go and then Manami-sama did so while still laughing. I guess Manami-sama didn’t look at Fer-san’s face carefully? Fer-san was smiling but his eyes weren’t smiling at all, you know…? Also by Mathias, Fer-san must be talking about his father, which meant the king himself? There must be a need to have an escort coming with him so Manami-sama shouldn’t have greeted us so nonchalantly like this? Maybe Manami-sama was the type that couldn’t read the air? Or maybe he deliberately ignored it completely?
“Haah… So father and the others are in the parlor?”
“Ah! We have to go! Oh, that guy over there looks cool too. Come on, let’s go!”
“Huh? Your Majesty?!”
“Come on, come on!”
Already giving up, Fer-san sighed and asked Manami-sama another question. Manami-sama then pulled Chris-san’s hand with a big smile on his face. Chris-san then had no choice but to follow along as Manami-sama dragged him by the hand.
“I’m sorry…”
“He’s really unstoppable, huh…”
“Somehow he’s amazing in a way. Chris-san got completely dragged along.”
“I’m really sorry… Let us follow them too.”
Fer-san apologized. His expression looked truly sincere but I think the biggest victim here was Chris-san, who got caught by Manami-sama. If we let things be, I was afraid Manami-sama would be dragging Chris-san to meet with the king without any warning first. We also needed to catch up with them quickly!
“I already told you! This is the guy that Ferdinand brought with him!”
“Your Majesty, even if you said so, I still can’t let a stranger meet with the king so easily like this!”
After running through the dazzling castle and opening so many doors, we finally caught up with Manami-sama. He was arguing with several people, who I assumed were the soldiers, in front of a door. Chris-san just stood there as Manami-sama still gripped his arms tightly. Chris-san was smiling but just looking from his complexion, I knew he wasn’t feeling good.
“I am the king’s spouse! You still dare talk to me like that despite knowing that?!”
“…. Nevertheless, we still have our pride as the soldiers of Aspel to dutifully protect our king…”
What should I do… I haven’t talked properly with Manami-sama but I already knew I can’t handle this type of person well. I thought I wanted to have a conversation with him as a fellow otherworlder but now… Yeah…
“Manami-sama, please calm down. These people are just doing their job. In this room, there are not only my father and my mother. There are also my brothers and the little princes and princesses, right? It’s only natural for them to take extra precautions.”
“But!”
“I’m sorry. Certainly I’m the one who brought this man along. Can you please take us to my father?”
“Yes! Please wait for a moment.”
Fer-san stopped Manami-sama from making a fuss and then addressed the soldier properly. He then asked the soldier to bring us to meet with the king.
Yeah, that’s right. It’s only natural for them to become extra vigilant. Umm… Manami-sama already has a 17 year old kid so he must be around 40 years old but he’s still acting so childish. He looks like he’s only 35 years old? Or maybe younger? For someone like him to become the queen of this country, I guess he must’ve caused some trouble to the others because of his antics?
“Thank you for waiting. Please come on in.”
“See! I told you it’s going to be alright!”
“Manami-sama… Let’s just go inside.”
When the soldier returned, Manami-sama started to put out an act. He began to emphasize, “I told you so!” to the soldier.
Ah… I really can’t handle this kind of person…
Fer-san, who looked like he was already feeling tired, tried to calm Manami-sama down and ushered him to go inside instead.
“Geez… Come on, you too! Let’s go inside too!”
“Your Majesty, may I ask you… To please let my hand go?”
Manami-sama tugged Chris-san’s arm forcefully but Chris-san wouldn’t budge. Of course, Chris-san wouldn’t want to come inside with Manami-sama clinging to his arm. Chris-san then politely asked Manami-sama to let him go.
“Manami-sama, you can’t bring Chris in like this. Father is going to get jealous, you know? We will come in turn so please, go on first.”
“Ah, you’re right! Then, I’ll be going ahead!”
Somehow Fer-san was able to convince Manami-sama. He then let Chris-san’s arm go and quickly rushed inside.
“… Haah… Thank you, you really helped me there. I didn’t know Manami-sama is like this.”
“I’m sorry. It seems because I haven’t met him for a long time, he becomes more forceful. Manami-sama doesn’t have much public duties. He rarely appears in public so not many people know about him. If he just sits still and doesn’t say anything, people would immediately assume he’s the calm, graceful type because of his small stature… All of her duties as a queen are carried by my mother and Mother Esther…”
I see… So Fer-san’s mother and Queen Esther are the one in charge of any public activities. Well, I guess you certainly can’t leave that kind of important duty to someone like Manami-sama.
“So that was why Fer-san said it’s difficult to explain…”
I remember Fer-san said that when I asked him about Manami-sama. Certainly it was easier to see the person for himself rather than explaining about his… antics.
“Yes but with mothers and father around, they will be able to placate him somehow so I’m sure everything is going to be fine. Now then, we can’t keep them waiting for long. Let’s go in.”
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Name: Manami Hikaru
Age: 40
Height: 185 cm
He has black hair and black eyes. The third Empress of Aspel. Just like Ren, he’s also an otherworlder. A very free spirited person that can’t read the air. She and the first queen, Sophia, are on bad terms. Their relationship is akin to that of cats and dogs. He’s very selfish and egoistic but in the eyes of the king, who was far older than him, his selfishness looks adorable.
Chapter 118: Manami-sama
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「「「Ren-sama, congratulations for being promoted to A-rank!」」」」
“Ah, thank you very much everyone.”
“Black Flower Princess… That nickname really suits Ren-sama.”
“Haha…. Thank you…”
The next day after we stayed the night at the inn, we hung around the inn until afternoon and returned to Fer-san’s mansion in the evening. When we arrived there, Theo-san and the other servants were already standing in line, waiting for us. They congratulated me for getting promoted in unison.
Theo-san complimented me about my nickname but I didn’t feel happy hearing his compliment in the slightest.Well I was still an adult so I still smiled and accepted his compliment while chuckling softly. I hoped my smile didn’t look too forced…. But still, as I expected, my nickname was already spreading everywhere…Haah…
“Ren-sama! What a lovely nickname you have! From now on, during your stay in the royal capital, I will make sure you have the hairstyle and clothes fitting to be called a ‘princess’!”
“… I will leave it all to you.”
When I returned to my room to get changed, Corey-san came to bring me tea. I already gave up on a lot of things so when Corey-san said that, I only nodded in agreement.
On that very day, we had an extravagant meal as usual but in today’s menu, the people of this mansion had put more care into the meal. The thoughtfulness of everyone in this mansion really made this night a pleasant one.
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
“Ah… I’m so nervous…”
“It will be alright. Our meeting this time is an informal one. We’re only going to meet my family in their residential palace. My family is happy enough to know that I’m going to get married anyway…”
“Even so, still…”
I couldn’t help but let out a sigh escaping from my lips as we ate breakfast. After all, today we were going to meet with Fer-san’s family…. In other words, we were meeting with the royal family of Aspel. Of course, it wasn’t that I didn’t want to meet them. I truly wanted to meet them and was really looking forward to it but still…Haah… I still felt nervous.
“We’re going to meet during tea time, so more or less at 15:00. It looks like my older brother’s children are going to be there too so we can expect a big crowd to be gathering there. I’m sure they’re going to ask you a lot of things but if you feel uncomfortable answering, you can just ignore their question….”
If I wasn’t wrong, Ed-sama did say he already had 8 nephews and nieces? Errm… Fer-san had 4 parents including Manami-sama and he had 6 siblings… There were 8 nephews and nieces so maybe Fer-san’s sister and brother in law were going to come as well…? Uwah…Perhaps, I really was going to meet with a lot of people.
“No, no. Even if you said that, it’s still going to be difficult for Ren. We’re not in the position where we can say anything we want. That’s why Fer, you need to do something about it later okay?”
“That’s right, you know? My family is only a duke family too… I’m not in the position where I can say anything against His Highness and Her Highness~”
While silently listening to what Sig-san and Chris-san had to say, I desperately nodded my head in agreement.
“I will have to do my best then… Though I’m not sure I will be able to stop them…”
“I’m starting to feel anxious, wondering what kind of person they are….”
For Fer-san to feel unsure if he could stop them… Just what kind of person they were?
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
“Fer-san’s mansion is truly magnificent but… As expected, the royal castle is in an entirely different league.”
A carriage came from the royal castle and we all hopped onto it but… As we arrived at the castle, I could see a dazzling white castle surrounded by imposing castle walls. The castle reminded me of the castle from medieval European castles.
Uwah.. It’s so beautiful…
Since Fer-san was sitting together with us, we easily passed the face-check and entered the castle’s premises.
“Now then, we’ve arrived at the castle. Let’s get off now.”
“Yes…”
The carriage was traveling slowly for 5 minutes after we passed the castle’s gate before we finally arrived in front of the castle. The door opened from the inside with an audible clank. Fer-san got down first and offered his hand to me, in which I accepted and then I quickly got off from the carriage.
“Feeeerrr!! It’s been a long time since I last saw you!!!”
“Haah… Right as soon as we arrived… Manami-sama… It’s been a while.”
As we were stepping out from the carriage, one person came running from the castle while raising his voice. He kept on running and threw himself at Fer-san, hugging him tight.
Huh? Manami-sama…? Huh??? Manami-sama is a man?!
I had assumed Manami-sama was a woman but it turned out he was a man who was about 10 cm taller than me. Just like me, he also had a black hair so without any doubt, this man must be Manami-sama, a fellow otherworlder.
“Yeah! For real! It’s been 5 years I think?”
“That’s about right. Manami-sama, can you please let me go first? Also, did you tell father and the others that you were going to come here to greet us?”
“Geez, as always Ferdinand is still very shy. Hm? You mean Mathias? Why do I have to tell Mathias when I’m only going to meet with my own son?”
While I just stood there, flabbergasted, Manami-sama kept on hugging Fer-san tight and violently slapping his back. The sound was pretty loud too, it must’ve hurt…I guess I needed to check later whether Fer-san’s skin turned red or not. It’d be bad if it became a bruise.
Fer-san asked Manami-sama to let him go and then Manami-sama did so while still laughing. I guess Manami-sama didn’t look at Fer-san’s face carefully? Fer-san was smiling but his eyes weren’t smiling at all, you know…? Also by Mathias, Fer-san must be talking about his father, which meant the king himself? There must be a need to have an escort coming with him so Manami-sama shouldn’t have greeted us so nonchalantly like this? Maybe Manami-sama was the type that couldn’t read the air? Or maybe he deliberately ignored it completely?
“Haah… So father and the others are in the parlor?”
“Ah! We have to go! Oh, that guy over there looks cool too. Come on, let’s go!”
“Huh? Your Majesty?!”
“Come on, come on!”
Already giving up, Fer-san sighed and asked Manami-sama another question. Manami-sama then pulled Chris-san’s hand with a big smile on his face. Chris-san then had no choice but to follow along as Manami-sama dragged him by the hand.
“I’m sorry…”
“He’s really unstoppable, huh…”
“Somehow he’s amazing in a way. Chris-san got completely dragged along.”
“I’m really sorry… Let us follow them too.”
Fer-san apologized. His expression looked truly sincere but I think the biggest victim here was Chris-san, who got caught by Manami-sama. If we let things be, I was afraid Manami-sama would be dragging Chris-san to meet with the king without any warning first. We also needed to catch up with them quickly!
“I already told you! This is the guy that Ferdinand brought with him!”
“Your Majesty, even if you said so, I still can’t let a stranger meet with the king so easily like this!”
After running through the dazzling castle and opening so many doors, we finally caught up with Manami-sama. He was arguing with several people, who I assumed were the soldiers, in front of a door. Chris-san just stood there as Manami-sama still gripped his arms tightly. Chris-san was smiling but just looking from his complexion, I knew he wasn’t feeling good.
“I am the king’s spouse! You still dare talk to me like that despite knowing that?!”
“…. Nevertheless, we still have our pride as the soldiers of Aspel to dutifully protect our king…”
What should I do… I haven’t talked properly with Manami-sama but I already knew I can’t handle this type of person well. I thought I wanted to have a conversation with him as a fellow otherworlder but now… Yeah…
“Manami-sama, please calm down. These people are just doing their job. In this room, there are not only my father and my mother. There are also my brothers and the little princes and princesses, right? It’s only natural for them to take extra precautions.”
“But!”
“I’m sorry. Certainly I’m the one who brought this man along. Can you please take us to my father?”
“Yes! Please wait for a moment.”
Fer-san stopped Manami-sama from making a fuss and then addressed the soldier properly. He then asked the soldier to bring us to meet with the king.
Yeah, that’s right. It’s only natural for them to become extra vigilant. Umm… Manami-sama already has a 17 year old kid so he must be around 40 years old but he’s still acting so childish. He looks like he’s only 35 years old? Or maybe younger? For someone like him to become the queen of this country, I guess he must’ve caused some trouble to the others because of his antics?
“Thank you for waiting. Please come on in.”
“See! I told you it’s going to be alright!”
“Manami-sama… Let’s just go inside.”
When the soldier returned, Manami-sama started to put out an act. He began to emphasize, “I told you so!” to the soldier.
Ah… I really can’t handle this kind of person…
Fer-san, who looked like he was already feeling tired, tried to calm Manami-sama down and ushered him to go inside instead.
“Geez… Come on, you too! Let’s go inside too!”
“Your Majesty, may I ask you… To please let my hand go?”
Manami-sama tugged Chris-san’s arm forcefully but Chris-san wouldn’t budge. Of course, Chris-san wouldn’t want to come inside with Manami-sama clinging to his arm. Chris-san then politely asked Manami-sama to let him go.
“Manami-sama, you can’t bring Chris in like this. Father is going to get jealous, you know? We will come in turn so please, go on first.”
“Ah, you’re right! Then, I’ll be going ahead!”
Somehow Fer-san was able to convince Manami-sama. He then let Chris-san’s arm go and quickly rushed inside.
“… Haah… Thank you, you really helped me there. I didn’t know Manami-sama is like this.”
“I’m sorry. It seems because I haven’t met him for a long time, he becomes more forceful. Manami-sama doesn’t have much public duties. He rarely appears in public so not many people know about him. If he just sits still and doesn’t say anything, people would immediately assume he’s the calm, graceful type because of his small stature… All of her duties as a queen are carried by my mother and Mother Esther…”
I see… So Fer-san’s mother and Queen Esther are the one in charge of any public activities. Well, I guess you certainly can’t leave that kind of important duty to someone like Manami-sama.
“So that was why Fer-san said it’s difficult to explain…”
I remember Fer-san said that when I asked him about Manami-sama. Certainly it was easier to see the person for himself rather than explaining about his… antics.
“Yes but with mothers and father around, they will be able to placate him somehow so I’m sure everything is going to be fine. Now then, we can’t keep them waiting for long. Let’s go in.”
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
Name: Manami Hikaru
Age: 40
Height: 185 cm
He has black hair and black eyes. The third Empress of Aspel. Just like Ren, he’s also an otherworlder. A very free spirited person that can’t read the air. She and the first queen, Sophia, are on bad terms. Their relationship is akin to that of cats and dogs. He’s very selfish and egoistic but in the eyes of the king, who was far older than him, his selfishness looks adorable.
