72

Its been a while, Christina Noir. I see you still look displeasing and impudent as ever.

Viscount Igusa?

Hey, dont ignore me.

I ignore the idiot even further, and beg an explanation from Viscount Igusa with a stiff smile.

Viscount Igusa, my apologies for being unable to grasp the situation. Please kindly explain it to me

H-hey, Christina Noir. Im talking to you here.

Shut up. I didnt come to greet an idiot. The one Im expecting to see is Charles. Its only normal to want an explanation when an idiot has come in place of my fianc. I have no intention of talking to Endo until Im satisfied.

His Highness Charles has been feeling unwell. The doctors said that its just a slight cold and that his fever will most likely dissipate by tomorrow. Even then, His Highness insisted on seeing you, Lady Christina. And somehow His Highness took on the role of representing him

Why the h.e.l.l?

An idiot isnt fit to be a replacement for Charles.

Hey, stop ignoring me the least you could do is look at me, you little!

Still ignoring Endo, I stare at Viscount Igusa to convey my dissatisfaction. He averts my gaze, perhaps because he is unable to bear it.

Well my apologies. I could not have brought Charles here if it meant affecting his health. There was also the possibility of you getting infected, Lady Christina That was when His Highness Endo offered to come in his stead, since his schedule was open.

Thats how it was. Now that its settled, look at me already. Or are you too much of a filthy coward to face me?

I want to grab the collar of the arrogant idiot who looks like hes begging for an apology and throw him out with my own hands.

But as long as Viscount Igusa is present, I have to resist the urge and continue the role of a perfect Lady Christina. I have to keep in mind that its not a daily occurrence for the crown prince to visit so unexpectedly, no matter how much I may dislike it, and no matter how disagreeable we are with each other.

I see

Im about to sigh, but hold it in and turn it into a smile instead.

It was certainly an unexpected turn of events but I suppose it cannot be helped. Very well, I understand.

It could have been helped, but I dont have the right to tell him.

Viscount Igusa sighs in relief to my a.s.sent. I can also tell hes a little exhausted.

The maid looks at me as if shes seen a rare beast as Ive been flaunting my image as a proper lady. I ignore her for now and entice Viscount Igusa with a wide smile.

Well then, you are going to greet my father now, are you not? I shall have the maid escort you to him. As for His Highness Endo Yes, I shall entertain him. Is that alright with you?

Yes, please. Thank you very much. I shall take my leave from you.

Following my suggestion, the maid guides Viscount Igusa into the house.

Now its just me and Endo. I survey my surroundings once more to make sure no one is watching, then sharply turn my face toward him.

Hey, idiot. What are you doing here?

Hey, idiot. Youre finally looking at me. Ill make sure to teach you some respect and manners.

We exchange words with our brightest smiles.

Of course, its not from friends.h.i.+p or love. Its pure enmity. Were merely expressing it through our words, or in his case, grating voices.

Hahaha. Respect, huh. Yeah my performance as a lady might have been too dazzling for a prince who cannot even speak politely. Hehehe.

Shut up, youre creeping me out.

Huh?

Is he trying to dig his own grave in this courtyard? Even his displeased face is getting on my nerves.

I send him flying for insulting my second form.

Seriously, why are you here? Hmm? Did you come to win an argument? I can win easily with money from the family, you know?

Youre short-tempered as always. Its as Igusa said. Im here representing Charles.

So why does it have to be you?

I frown at him because I cant accept him of all people.

Charles insisted on coming along even when we left him alone, and he only calmed down when we told him we would represent him. Hes stubborn that way.

That was unexpected.

Hes really doing it on behalf of Charles.

It took a lot of convincing, you know? Hes persistent for a guy who seems flexible.

I know.

I nod while pouting in response to his accurate judgment of Charles.

It seems that he and Charles have gotten along much better than before. Before, it was His Highness Endo who disliked Charles. I wonder if his hatred has disappeared.

If thats the case, then Ill stop being aggressive towards him.

Oh well. Ill show you to my room, but you should go home right after that. Oh, yeah. Ill write a get well soon letter to Charles. Once Im done with it, you can take it and go.

Thats fine with me. I dont plan on staying too long anyway.

Now that were finally on the same page, I guide him to my room while thinking this task is beneath me. The maid escorted Viscount Igusa earlier. I dont think its a good idea to let Father and Endo meet, since hes already seen the way Endo and I interact. He might throw a fit if he saw us, so I plan to make Endo leave as soon as possible.

In any case, what made Charles ill all of a sudden?

No idea. Its just a fever anyway, and its so slight that he should be fine by tomorrow. He probably snuck out of his room at night and caught a small cold, anyhow.

Hmm.

Its possible.

But Im disappointed by the bad timing. Charles was still healthy last time. He was fighting with Michelie as usual, so I interfered and held his face with the gloves Michelie gave me. He was energetic enough to break free. I wonder what happened.

Im on enemy territory myself. Maybe Ill go home after exploiting one of your weaknesses.

Huh? I dont have any weaknesses to exploit.

He says that while were walking in the hallways, as if hes trying to do reconnaissance. I dont think of asking him directly. First of all, Im a flawless genius, so theres no way I have any weaknesses.

I snort at his foolish words.

As always, youre an idiot. A genius such as I-

Big sister?

I freeze as Michelie suddenly shows her face from the corner of the hallway.