No Sweets, Only Jelly

Mia had just a few days ago thought, Really, Esmeralda? You didnt even ask where your possible husbands family is from, did you? How scatterbrained can you be?

Even if she was sure she was going to turn down the offer, she still had to do some research. Definitely, knowing the guys name was a part of that. This carelessness was embarrassing for a young woman who had been raised in a noble family.

Now, this thought was coming back at her like a boomerang.

Y-You want to know what father said? Uh

Even though Esmeralda made mistakes, she was still a proud Etoile. It was a big deal for her to be asked to marry. It was right and likely that the emperor had already been asked for his opinion and given it. On the other hand, if the ruler didnt know, that would throw a lot of doubt on the whole thing. In the same way, before turning down such an offer, one should also talk to the emperor.

In fact, Mia had not talked to the emperor. In her defense, she had been fighting hard against his stubborn desire to go on the trip with her, so she didnt have much time or brain power to think about other things.

Thats no good reason! I cant believe I was so careless.

She realized that this was her own fault, so she thought about what she could do. It was a big no-no to lie to Ludwig. At the same time, she couldnt just say that she hadnt told the emperor about the problem.

I, uh, wasnt able to get that information out of him.

Her answer was right on the line between saying she was wrong and saying she was right. It could mean because I didnt ask or I asked, but I still couldnt. At least, it wasnt a straight-up lie. She stole a look at Ludwig while feeling safe behind a wall of possible lies.

Which could mean that His Imperial Majesty wasnt told, he mumbled with his arms folded. Orthe emperor doesnt want Your Highness to become empress himself? No, thats impossible He dotes on you so much. Why would he fight against his own child? Unlessthis love is stronger. As a dad, he doesnt want his dear daughter to walk the same thorny path to power that he did.

Mia breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that Ludwig was no longer interested in her.

But what did you mean when you said, That may be hard, Ludwig?

Esmeralda brought the conversation right back on track.

I couldnt believe she knew his name. Does that mean she thinks hes pretty enough for her to notice?

It wasnt a secret that Esmeralda liked pretty boys a lot. Even her usually huge ego shrank a little when she was with them.

I mean, Ludwig isnt that bad-looking, but she really should be more picky.

Mia frowned at her friend and then looked at Ludwig, who was still looking sad.

A wedding between an Etoiline and the second prince is important for the whole nation. You cant say enough about how important this union would be for international relations. It means that Tearmoon and Sunkland are getting closer to each other.

In other words, the size of the problem made it so that Esmeraldas feelings and Mias political views didnt matter.

And, as Im sure Your Highness already knows, our enemies plan to use this to their advantage. The fact that they picked this moment to reveal the identity of the suitor is enough proof. Given our situation, its hard to say no to this marriage offer now, Ludwig said before turning to Mia. I think you asked me to look into Prince Echard because of this, right?

Mia knew it wasnt, but she still agreed.

Pretty much, yes.

Mias inner jellyfish was smart enough to see that a wave was coming and decide to ride it. As much as a jellyfish could ride, in any case. Most of the time, it was just going with the flow.

Ludwig didnt know that Mias answer was made of gelatin, so he took it at face value.

It goes without saying that, as things are now, letting this marriage happen would deal a major, if not fatal, blow to our empress group. How Lady Esmeralda feels about Your Highness is very important. He turned toward her. I believe we can put all of our faith in you, Lady Esmeralda.

Yes, of course. I wouldnt betray Mia-sama. That would never happen! she said, putting her hand on her chest and tilting her chin up.

If this was the old Esmeralda, Mia would have taken what she said with a grain of salt, but lately, she had been starting to trust her friend more. Enough to make her stop and think about the possibility of putting a lot of her hopes on Esmeralda.

Even if I do get married, Ill do my best to influence my father and brother, but I cant promise theyll listen.

Then we should try to stop the marriage talks from going any further. Well need to make a plan. And since Your Highness asked me to look into Prince Echard, Im guessing you already have one in mind, Ludwig said as he turned back to Mia.

Oh, really? Mia-sama, you do?

Uh huh Well, kind of

With so many people looking at her, Mia had no choice but to be a jellyfish.

Thats great. If thats the case, Ill try to find out as much as I can about Prince Echard. Your Highness can move forward with your plan as you see fit in the meantime.

Ludwigs eyes shone with a respect that was almost awe, while Esmeraldas shone with a deep confidence. Mia looked at each of them for a split second.

All right. Then Ill leave you to your work, she said with a slow nod before adding, I think Ill go for a quick walk

After saying that, she quietly left the room.

Whatwhat should I do now? I told them that I had a plan, but I dont have one. I really need to clear my head, but I dont have any sweets! I need sweets!

She started to walk slowly down the hall because she was too tired to think during the long talk.

Oh, Your Majesty

She looked up when she heard a voice.

My, youre awake, Tiona. How did your nap go?

Most of the time, the Rudolvons worked like laborers. They got up early in the morning and went to the fields with their farmers, where they oversaw the work and sometimes did it themselves. Then theyd take a short nap in the middle of the day. Even after she started at Saint-Noel, Tiona stuck to this routine and took naps every day at noon.

It was good, thank you. I got a lot of sleep.

Well, thats good to hear. Oh, well, if thats the case, do you happen to have some time to spare? Im thinking about going to town to clear my head, and Id love for you to come with me.

So, Mia took Tiona and Liora with her to look for sweets, which are good for the brain.