Outaishihi ni Nante Naritakunai!! Chapter 210
He and the Tactician 2
ā€œI seeā€
I showed a nod to the man who told me he’d never trained. Sion turned his eyes to the practice sword I was holding.
ā€œDoes Your Highness train? You seem considerably trained, after all the people who stand at frontline are differentā€
ā€œNoā€
I deliberately paused after that.
Even I thought that I was malicious, but the words smoothly rushed from my mouth.
ā€œThere is no need to go that far for just commanding at the frontline. Just… between you and me, Lidi seems to have taken a great liking to my abs. She wants to touch them every night. I do my best for her sake… Would you laugh if I said that?ā€
ā€œā€¦ No. I respect how Your Highness spares no effortā€
Hearing the words that could be taken a revenge for some time ago, Sion became speechless for a moment, but the next moment he regained his calm.
He said in a small voice.
ā€œā€¦ Your Highness is quite maliciousā€
ā€œNow, what might you be talking aboutā€
When I smoothly sidestepped it, saying ā€œWe are both just as childishā€ Sion wryly smiled. I too laughed that it certainly is just like that.
Probably… No, certainly, Sion loves Lidi.
A man who’s not yet officially become my subordinate.
A man who was probably more than friends with Lidi in her previous life.
I understand from his attitude that he’s given up on Lidi, but I think there’s a decent possibility he’d bare his fangs if I showed weakness. As a proof, once in a while as we face each other I can feel a prickling sensation.
Of course he’s not saying anything concrete, but I can tell he’s got a bad nature from how he feels to be sizing me up.
It’s at times like these that I think intelligent men are troublesome.
Thinking his response is a test for me, I couldn’t carelessly let myself lose focus.
… Really, I’m troubled by Lidi’s disposition to be loved by bothersome men.
Worthless men wouldn’t be opponents, but every single man who wants her can’t be dealt with by ordinary means.
I constantly make them recognize my existence. This is what’s demanded from me.
Of course, I have no intention to hand Lidi over to anybody. That’s why even without being told I will scatter them all.
The spot next to Lidi is mine forever. Whispering my love to her, kissing and embracing her, everything is a right only granted to me.
To protect that I can do anything.
Phew , Sion spilled a breath.
ā€œā€¦ Excuse me. I only went for a stroll wanting to grasp the complete picture of this castle. It would only cause inconveniences in the future if I had no grasp on the place where I’m stayingā€
ā€œI seeā€
ā€œBe that as it may, originally I was the Tarim tactician. If you don’t like it, I will behave myselfā€
I don’t doubt Sion. He’s saying he’ll enter under my umbrella. It’s correct to demonstrate trust here. While looking straight into Sion’s eyes, I told him.
ā€œNo, as you could expect I can’t give permission for royalty quarter, but you can see other places as you like. I will inform the soldiersā€
ā€œā€¦ Thank you very muchā€
It seems my intention was properly conveyed. Sion’s mouth slackened as he nodded.
ā€œAfter all you are considerably different from the King of Tarim… It may be a matter of course that she’s chosen youā€
ā€œSion?ā€
When I reacted to the words he muttered, he shook his head.
ā€œNo. It is nothing. Then, I will take you on your word and inspect as I likeā€
ā€œYeahā€
ā€œLet’s go, Renaā€
ā€œYes, Lord Sionā€
Urged by Sion, she finally appeared from behind Sion and bowed towards me.
Indeed, just as I heard from Lidi, she seems to be seriously receiving the court lady training. Although shoddy, she’s got the basic form down.
ā€œLidi seems to have taken a great liking to you. If possible, I’d be happy if you didn’t run awayā€
I heard it from the soldiers, but apparently when Lidi sees Rena, shouting ā€œRena!ā€ Lidi rushes to her. I think it can’t be helped that Rena is frightened, but I once saw Lidi make a very happy face as she hugged Rena while clamoring ā€œFluffy! Fluffy!ā€, so I’m sorry for Rena, but I want her to endure.
When I spoke to her, although Rena stuttered, she clearly said.
ā€œUmm… It doesn’t really bother me… Princess Consort is a very gentle person. She always gives me delicious sweets… And there’s nothing unpleasant about her hugging me. It’s just… I can’t get used to being treated gently… So I feel sorry that I may make her feel unpleasantā€
Apparently Lidi’s feeding strategy seems to be bearing fruit.
Rena’s face when she said delicious sweets was truly spellbound.
If she’s like this, she will take to Lidi in a not-so-distant future. Just by thinking that Lidi will be pleased, I felt happy. I too am considerably simple.
When I nodded that it’s alright to Rena who was worriedly looking up at me, relief clearly showed in her expression.
ā€œI’m gladā€¦ā€
ā€œRena? Do you like Princess Consort so much?ā€
When Sion asked Rena, who before I noticed stood at his side, she innocently smiled.
It seems she can talk honestly with him.
ā€œOf course, I like her. After all, she is the person Lord Sion cares about. I like everything and everyone Lord Sion likesā€
… This straightforward manner of speaking unsurprisingly left not only me but also Sion speechless.
Beyond astonished, Sion said troubledly.
ā€œā€¦ I’m beatenā€
ā€œLord Sion?ā€
Rena looked up at Sion. Sion put a hand on top of that Rena’s head.
ā€œIt’s nothing. Really, Rena watches me properlyā€
ā€œYes! Of course!ā€
I was praised! While stroking Rena’s hair as she said that, Sion turned to me.
ā€œIt’s a childish joke. Please don’t take her seriouslyā€
ā€œOf courseā€
ā€œThank you very muchā€
Taking him on his word, I decided not to raise an objection.
It’s the truth that for the better or worse he was dumbfounded by Rena.
As I accepted, while shifting his gaze behind me, Sion said.
ā€œNow then, I apologize for keeping you for a long time. The knights have grown impatient, so I will excuse myself with thisā€
Sion gracefully bowed and turned away from me.
Although I do feel bad for the quietly waiting soldiers, I stopped Sion.
ā€œWait, Sion. As I said before, there’s no problem if you tour the castle. But, supposing your eyes catch anything strange, that’s fine too. I want you to notify me directlyā€
At my roundabout words, Sion stopped walking and his eyes widened a little.
He nodded like he thought of something.
ā€œā€¦ I see. I understand. Let me show I can be helpful once in a while. If I ever feel a sense of discomfort, I will directly report to Your Highness. Is that fine?ā€
ā€œI’m counting on youā€
Yeah , with that acknowledgment Sion left while urging Rena.
I breathed out.
Thinking he’s a person who was involved with Lidi in the past, even if we just talk I can’t relax.
In that case the question is why I felt like employing such a troublesome man – but it’s of course because Sion is capable.
It’s the correct decision as the Crown Prince. And I don’t think I made a mistake when I made that decision.
In fact, he immediately understands what I leave unsaid, just like some time before. He’s a plenty useful man.
It’d be regrettable to lose than man over absurd jealousy, and just as she tells me, Lidi can only see me. So, I don’t need to worry about anything.
No matter who comes, I only have to keep demonstrating how suitable I am at her side, like I’ve done until now.
ā€œYour Highness, may we?ā€
Sion left, and one of the knights fearfully talked to me.
ā€œYeah, I’ve kept you waiting. Sorry. Shall we startā€
ā€œYes! Thank you very much!ā€
When I nodded, the knights happily gathered.
While practicing with them… I worried whether I would really be able to finish tomorrow’s work before the day ends.