extra 17

Outaishihi ni Nante Naritakunai!! extra 17

She and the Secret Valentine’s Day

“Hmm… I wonder what I should do…”

“Princess? What’s troubling you?”

One afternoon.

While I was groaning with a difficult face by myself, Cain nimbly dropped from the ceiling.

“Uwah! Cain! Jeez, don’t surprise me…”

Seeing me bend backwards as far as I could, Cain laughed amusedly.

“Princess, you’re too surprised every time… And? What’s troubling you? Could you at least not do something strange this time?”

“What’s with something strange. That makes it sound as if I’m always doing something bad”

It’s a terrible false accusation.

When I scowled at Cain in vexation, he stared at me in wonder.

“… Uwaa. To be so unaware, your nature is too bad. How unmindful can you be…”

“Can, you’re rude”

I got just a wee bit angry, so I lightly whacked him.

Really, Brother says that, Freed says that, and now even Cain.

Everybody is a little too rude to me.

When I looked at him reproachfully, while holding his head Cain roughly apologized.

“Ouch. I understand, my bad… Really, you’re always raging as you please, even though that’s how you really are…”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing, nothing”

“Jeez…”

Looking at each other we smiled. It’s clear we’re being frivolous.

When I giggled, with And? Cain returned to the talk.

“What were you actually thinking about, Princess?”

“… Hmm”

I hesitated for just a moment, but after all decided to talk. I thought it might be easier to progress if I get his help.

“Err, listen? It’ll be Valentine’s Day soon, won’t it…”

“Now that you mention it, there was something like that… What about it?”

Cain wouldn’t guess just from the event name, so although I felt a little embarrassed, I continued the explanation.

“… That’s why, on Valentine’s Day. For Freed, right…”

“Aah… That kind of thing”

All it took is for Freed’s name to come up to convince him.

… Amazing. Hearing his knowing voice, I regretted saying it a little.

But, I really am troubled.

―――― It will be 2/14 soon. The world is at the height of Valentine’s Day sales battle season.

In my previous life it was said to be the scheme of sweets manufacturers, and well, in this world it’s similar.

The event called Valentine’s Day had already existed by the time I became aware of things around me, it’s believed to have been spread by the Trade Guild.

The event itself is very similar, the gist of it is to give chocolate to people you are grateful to or to your beloved.

In Wilhelm it’s common for it to go from women to men, but certainly in Sahaja――――.

“Hey, Cain. In Sahaja valentines are from men to women, right?”

“Yeah. It’s strangely different from country to country”

“You’re right. Hey Cain, have you ever gifted anybody?”

Cain too is of that age.

When I tried asking since my interest welled up, he made an incredibly displeased face.

“There were no women in the assassins guild. In first place, I was on the side that kills. Who’d be happy to say they received chocolate from Shinigami”

“… Sorry, I was imprudent”

I forgot. He belonged to an assassin guild.

When I hurriedly apologized for my rude conduct, Cain waved his hand to not mind.

“It’s fine, I don’t really mind… Well, that’s why I think I’m useless. It’s that, right? Princess wants to say that aside from chocolate, you want to give your favorite Crown Prince a present, right?”

“Y, yup. That’s right. Good job figuring it out”

“… No way I wouldn’t”

When I vigorously nodded that it’s indeed like that, Cain breathed a sigh.

―――― Right, since a while ago I’ve been troubled about the upcoming Valentine’s Day.

What should I prepare for Freed, about that.

It goes without saying that I and Freed are betrothed, but before that we are lovers with feelings for each other.

Every day we spend a very happy, fulfilling time together, but exactly for this reason I naturally can’t ignore an important event like Valentine’s Day.

Of course I’ll give chocolate to my family and people I’m grateful to, but I want to give something particularly elaborate to my newly-made lover.

I want to give him chocolate… and something extra.

“But, you know, it’s quite difficult. After all, it seems Freed has everything… I have no idea what he could want”

When I complained, Cain nodded with, I bet .

“Of course, he’s the Crown Prince. There’s nothing he can’t get”

“Right? That’s why I’m troubled… But, if possible, I want to give him something he’ll be pleased with?”

“Princess, you’re totally a maiden in love…”

“Shut up…”

When I glared at Cain for his impressed tone, this time he laughed, Don’t be shy .

“Rather than consulting with me. Why not try asking those who are closer to the Crown Prince?”

“Nn?”

For a moment I was flabbergasted, but when I understood the meaning I grandly nodded.

“Aah, I see. I could ask my Older Brother and co.”

Certainly. If I think about it, Freed has three childhood friends, moreover they are close with each other.

One of them might know what Freed wants.

Deeply convinced, I gave Cain thumbs-up.

“Cain, nice idea! I’ll use it. I’m off to ask at once”

“Eh? Princess, you’re going now?”

“Of course!”

I returned an affirmation to Cain who looked confused.

There’s no time to waste. There aren’t many days until Valentine’s Day.

I want to quickly gather information and go shopping.

When I left the room to go meet those three, the guard addressed me.

“Princess Consort? Are you leaving?”

“Yeah, for a moment. I have business with Brother and Will”

“With Lord Alexei? I understand. Please take care”

“Thank you”

When I brought up Brother and Will, they easily backed down.

From the start I was told that I can do as I like inside the castle, besides my purpose is clear.

I separated from them who nodded in relief, and set out for the general area.

I didn’t ask him, but Cain should be following me in hiding as usual.

That’s why I decided to not mind that and first of all thought about who of the three I should go meet first.

◇◇◇

“Muu…”

I left the royalty quarter and for now came before Freed’s office.

I thought if things went well, I’d meet someone, but ultimately without meeting anybody I arrived before it. It seems luck’s not with me.

I looked at the door and breathed a sigh.

… As one would expect, I have no intention of knocking.

I know Brother will be there if I go inside, but naturally so will Freed. I can’t ask before the person in question “What do you think Freed wants?”

“… Hmm. It can’t be helped. Should I ask Will or Glenn first”

I came here first because it was simple to get here, but it’s an out since Freed is here. While amazed by my thoughtlessness I made a U-turn, when I heard a voice.

“Lidi? What are you doing? And in such a place”

“Older Brother?”

The owner of the voice was Brother. Holding documents with both hands, he was looking at me with a blank face. I immediately realized he was coming back to the office.

Lucky! Thinking so, I rushed up to Brother with pitter-patter.

“Older Brother, you’re just right. Hey, may I have just a little of your time?”

“Sure, no problem. However, you’ve come to see Freed, haven’t you? I saw you before, yet you didn’t enter the room?”

Apparently, I was seen. While thinking that I wish he had called out to me, I nodded.

“Ah, yup. I don’t really have business with Freed”

“Nn?”

I don’t have business with Freed. When I declared that, Brother blinked his eyes.

Surprise was written all over his face. I felt just a little offended.

“What. Is it strange I have no business with Freed?”

“That ain’t it… Recently, if you only have time, you’re all over him. Business, or should I say… I thought you were lonely, so you came to see Freed”

“Ugh…”

All over him , told so I turned red.

Because it’s not like I’m completely unaware, I became embarrassed. I hurriedly denied.

“T, there’s no way, right… I saw Freed in the morning”

“I see. But, your lover doesn’t seem to think so”

“Eh”

When I asked back about what he meant, Brother said like it’s bothersome.

“That Freed guy, every single day he’s noisy in the office that he wants to meet you. Saying he wants to go back even if a little sooner, he never does overtime”

“Oh… Come to think of it, it seems he comes back earlier recently…”

“Right?”

… I have an idea all too well.

Certainly, before there were times he returned late at night, but recently he always returns to the room in the evening.

Thanks to that, the times he gets tired of waiting and comes to pick me up on days such as when I work in the kitchen have increased.

Often I’m told by Head Chef “Master, His Highness has come for you” and I have to hurriedly suspend work.

Of course, I’m very happy about Freed specially coming to pick me up.

The person I love very much cares about me and acts on it. It’s impossible I wouldn’t be happy.

When I’m whispered things like “Let’s go back quickly” with a sweet smile, it feels I’ll melt with that alone.

“Master, your face has slackened”, every day disciples point that out and tease me.

But, I can’t help it.

Because I actually am happy.

As I was reminiscing, while adjusting the papers in his hand Brother said.

“To change Freed so much, the power of love is amazing. Grumbling that he wants to spend as much time as possible with his lover, he finishes government affairs with amazing vigor”

“He, hee…”

“Thanks to that I get swallowed up in it… Well, I am happy that we finish early… Aah, my bad. I digressed. And? What the hell do you want from me?”

I hurriedly reported the important matter to Brother who looked a little exhausted.

It’s clear to see Brother is busy. I don’t want to disturb him more than necessary.

“Ah, yup. Errr. Older Brother, any idea what Freed wants?”

“Ha? What are you saying. That guy only wants you, right?”

“Eh?”

I became speechless upon that immediate reply.

Brother complained.

“Because, look. Ain’t nothing that guy is obsessed except you. In fact, he only thinks of you”

“No no no, isn’t it strange. That”

“It ain’t strange. He’ll be the most delighted if you let him embrace you all he wants, right?”

“…”

Even though I didn’t intend to, for a moment I became convinced that it might be so.

Certainly, Freed will be delighted by that, but…

“That’s somehow wrong…”

Unconsciously I made a low voice.

Brother met my eyes and grinned.

“I don’t think it’s wrong. And? Why did you suddenly bring that up?”

“… Because, Valentine’s…”

When I muttered these words, Brother nodded like he was convinced.

“Aah. I see. So that’s why you were waiting for me without entering the office… That means, you asked for what Freed wants for the Valentine’s present?”

“Yup”

“That makes it difficult”

As he finally understood my aim Brother nodded and, with his face suddenly turning serious, he pondered.

He said troubledly.

“That childhood friend of mine really has no materialistic desires. That’s why, what he wants in that sense… It’s honestly difficult”

“… I see”

“As far as I know, what he actually wants is just you?”

“… Muu”

I was really troubled to be told that.

Then just what I should give him as a present. While I was at a loss, Brother said with a groan.

“… What he wants, or how should I put it, recently that Freed guy looks like his fatigue is accumulating. How about you try thinking in that area?”

“He’s tired? … Is that so?”

I suspiciously asked back.

… It’s the first time I hear about Freed getting tired.

Because, even last night I was desired until the day changed. I didn’t see any sign of him getting tired.

If he’s tired enough for Brother to point out, he didn’t have to do it so many times.

Sweet moments with Freed is also what I desire, but I don’t want him to make effort until he’s fatigued.

“I see… Thank you. Yup, I’ll try thinking a little”

“It’s fine I could be of use… Hey? Where are you going?”

When I was about to start walking, Brother called me to a halt. Having nothing to hide, I informed him of my next destination.

“Eh? Just in case, I’m thinking of going to ask Will and Glenn. I want to hear as many views as possible”

When I brought up their names, for some reason Brother made a face like he swallowed a bitter bug.

“… I understand your feelings… But, as usual you’re a demon… Well, fine… Even so, that guy will be delighted”

“Older Brother, what in the world are you saying…?”

“Lidi”

I tried to ask Brother about his words I didn’t understand well, but before that the door to the office opened with a clank.

Of course, Freed appeared from inside.

When he recognized me, he gently narrowed his eyes.

“After all it’s Lidi. I thought I felt a presence outside”

“Oi, what you mean by presence?”

Brother retorted to Freed saying things like presence, but Freed completely ignored it.

He reached out his hand for me.

“Come, Lidi”

“Yup, Freed”

I obediently nodded and settled in his arms.

“Ehehe…”

“It’s been a while, Lidi. I felt lonely that I couldn’t see you”

“… Me too. I’m happy we could meet”

When I answered with a smile, another retort came from Brother.

“Oi, you lovebirds. Weren’t you together until morning”

“Alex, be quiet”

Shoo shoo , Freed gestured to chase off Brother.

And then he strongly hugged me.

Happy to be hugged, I rubbed my cheek against his chest. I wrapped my arms around his back, and with my whole body enjoyed his scent.

“Hee…”

Aah jeez, it’s immensely calming.

While I was embracing Freed feeling soft and warm, I heard Brother’s voice from behind.

“Lidi, you still have business left, right. Freed too. You still have work to do, so if you want to flirt, finish it first”

I could tell Freed wryly smiled at Brother’s words.

“I know that, however since it’s a precious meeting with Lidi, you could let me off a little, right? Lidi, won’t you drop by the office? It’s a little early, but let’s enjoy teatime together”

“… Bastard. Recently you intently work while saying teatime is unnecessary, and yet…. When Lidi is here, you act like this”

“Isn’t it fine once in a while. To work efficiently a proper amount of rest is necessary”

As Freed declared so while hugging me, Brother once again groaned “Bastard…”

But, to my great disappointment, I couldn’t accept this invitation.

There aren’t many days until Valentine’s Day.

If possible, I want to hear from Will and Glenn by today. I’d be grateful for any information.

I very much want to have tea with Freed, but I chocked back my tears that I must give it up at least for today.

“Listen, Freed. Sorry… It’s awfully unfortunate, however at least today is no good. I have to go”

“Eh… Do you have something to do?”

“Yup, I’m really sorry….”

When I refused him with heartbroken thoughts, Freed made a visibly dejected face.

My heart throbbed with pain.

Freed slowly separated from me and turned bitter eyes to me.

“… Is it so important to neglect me?”

“… Ugh. It’s not like that, but well, there are various things…”

It’s for the investigation into what Freed wants! Because I was unable to say that, I spoke vaguely, when for some reason Brother backed me up.

“Hey. It’s a meaningless jealousy. If you’re so worried, I’ll go with Lidi. There’s no time so, here, the documents you requested. I brought them, so please do them first. I’ll be back once we’re finished”

―――― Eh?

Surprised, I turned head towards Brother with all my strength.

Certainly, with the current condition of not knowing where Will and Glenn are, I’m grateful that Brother will come with me. I’m grateful, but I never would have thought he’d come up with that.

“… Going together with Alex, huh. In that case well, I’ll be relieved…”

Maybe thanks to Brother saying he’ll go, Freed reluctantly nodded.

Deep down I felt incredibly relieved to not be questioned for the reason.

“Right? Then, I leave the rest to you”

Brother pushed the documents he’d brought onto Freed, and while looking back said to me.

“Hey, Lidi. Let’s get it done right away”

“Y… yup.  Sorry, Freed. Then, see you at dinner”

“Ah, yeah. I’ll finish as soon as possible”

“I’ll be waiting. Do your best at work”

“Oi, Lidi, we’re going”

“Yeees”

“Lidi”

“Nn…”

With a pull on my arm I was kissed.

It was only a light peck, but with the location being what it is my cheeks flared up.

Seeing my response, Freed narrowed his eyes with true satisfaction.

“Be careful”

“… Yup”

“Oi, enough of that. You!”

“Wah, sorry… Then, see you. Freed”

Prompted by Brother again, I hurried to his side. Then I gave him a little thanks.

“Thank you, Older Brother. Otherwise it’d get exposed to Freed”

“You guys… Well, the reason is like that. I’ll cooperate once in a while. You want to please Freed, right?”

“Yup”

Then it can’t be helped , with that he placed a hand on my head.

“Let’s finish it quickly. They’re probably together today. Hey, this way”

“Ah, wait for me”

Brother quickened his pace.

I specially came here at the cost of a teatime with Freed.

I again fired myself up that I want to obtain useful information no matter what and trotted after Brother.