Chapter 384

Outaishihi ni Nante Naritakunai!! Chapter 384

She and the Irvine Kingdom 2

When the light disappeared and I opened my eyes, I was already in Irvine.

As I was surprised by the air different from Wilhelm, I heard a voice from the front.

“Welcome. I’m glad you’ve come.”

We were welcomed by the Crown Prince of the Irvine Kingdom who had visited Wilhelm a while ago, Prince Hendrik. Slightly behind him was my friend and his wife, Ilya.

Maybe transfer gates are located in mostly similar places in every country? The room was simple and not particularly spacious. I was surprised to arrive in a similar place, but the high temperature surprised me even more.

“… Hot.”

I said so unconsciously.

I knew that the Irvine Kingdom was now at the height of summer, and that the average temperature here is five degrees higher than in Wilhelm, so I chose a fine, but short-sleeved and light dress to be as cool as possible, but I still felt hot. The hand still connected with Freed sweated.

“The climate is very different from Wilhelm’s, right? Especially in the current season, Irvine is hot.”

“Yup… It was beyond my expectations.”

Knowledge is completely different from personal experience.

When I nodded to Freed’s words despite my surprise, Prince Hendrik also said.

“I’m sorry, Princess Lidiana. Our country doesn’t use the magical art to control temperature. Instead, buildings are well ventilated, so you shouldn’t feel too uncomfortable.”

“N-No. It’s I who should apologize for saying that it’s hot…”

I apologized for being rude, but Prince Hendrik said with a smile.

“It’s true that Irvine is hot, so you don’t need to worry. All foreign visitors say that it’s hot at least once. It’s a rare opportunity, so I hope you can enjoy the difference in climate.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

I wonder if I’ll have lighter dresses brought. Sleeveless ones might be good.

I decided to change clothes later and stepped down from the magic formation escorted by Freed. When I looked at Ilya standing behind Prince Hendrik, our eyes met.

“Lidi!”

“Ilya!”

With her eyes enthusiastically sparkling, Ilya smiled at me. She came out from behind her husband’s back and walked up to me with short steps. As always, Ilya was small like a girl and violently cute. Ilya blushed happily and looked at me.

Understanding that she was happy to see me, I felt moved.

―― Ilya is… Ilya is incredibly cute!

Her dress full of frills suited her very well.

Her cat ears weren’t visible, hidden with a magical art, but I felt like I saw them.

“Lidi, I’ve heard that you were coming from His Highness. I was looking forward to it very much.”

“It was sudden, so I couldn’t contact you. I’m sorry.”

I wish I could’ve at least sent a letter, but I was so busy with preparations that I had no time for that.

Ilya shook her head.

“No. Lidi, you came because of His Highness’s selfishness, right? I must apologize for that. Um… I’m sorry for what His Highness did.”

“Don’t apologize. This is an official visit. Besides, I was thinking I would only meet you at the international conference in fall, so I’m happy to meet you earlier, Ilya.”

“I’m happy too…”

We tightly grasped each other’s hands. While I was enjoying the reunion with my friend, next to us, the fellow Crown Princes were similarly renewing their friendship.

“Honestly, Hendrik, it’s really like you to freely call for a foreign Crown Prince during such a busy time.”

“Why, thanks for the compliment. I believed you’d come.”

Prince Hendrik who ignored Freed’s cutting remark was the same as ever. I wonder if that’s how long-time friends are. No, Brother behind us said, “Incredible. Freed’s cutting remark was like water off a duck’s back to him,” with serious admiration, so probably it’s correct to say it’s because he’s Prince Hendrik.

“I was surprised when I read that you settled the matter with our fathers.”

“Ahaha. It’s because I was impatient. Even I am surprised by my energy.”

Freed glared at the frivolously laughing Prince Hendrik. Then perhaps having given up on that, he got straight to the point.

“Hendrik, in the end, what was that about? I couldn’t grasp the details from the letter alone.”

“Nn? It’s terrible. Ophelia completely resisted going to Wilhelm. Actually, my little sister started ignoring me after I broached that subject. Even though I apologized, she wouldn’t forgive me, so I thought that it was beyond my capabilities. I called for you since you are involved.”

“Don’t involve us as you see fit. In the first place, it’s you who came up with her studying abroad.”

“Sure, I did, but listen. Your friend is in a pinch. Help me?”

“Don’t involve foreign royalty in a trifling quarrel between siblings.

“Aren’t we close? Please get involved.”

“What close. I firmly refuse.”

Prince Hendrik’s eyes went round from Freed’s clear answer.

“Eeh? Then, what did you come to our country for?”

“Lidi had never left Wilhelm. She’s brimming with curiosity, so I thought she’d be delighted to observe another country. Just that.”

“… Whoa. I thought that would be it, but you really only came for Princess Lidiana’s sake…”

“I wouldn’t take action for anybody but Lidi.”

Prince Hendrik dryly laughed at Freed’s shameless declaration.

“Yup. Of course. I knew. That’s why I invited Princess Lidiana. But, isn’t it fine? In the end, you came all the way here.”

“I don’t care about your problem with your little sister.”

“Don’t say that and help me~.”

Freed stared in amazement as Prince Hendrik feigned tears and breathed a sigh.

“… Lidi is looking forward to meeting Princess Ophelia. But, don’t get your hopes up too much. We accepted your invitation, but it wasn’t for the sake of your little sister. Understand?”

Prince Hendrik’s expression tightened at Freed’s words, and he nodded.

“I know that. My father is looking forward to talks with Wilhelm, and there are various things to go over. I’ll be grateful if Princess Lidiana just meets Ophelia.”

Then he turned to me and grinned.

“Princess Lidiana. Thanks for coming. I really didn’t know what to do anymore. I’ll show you to my little sister’s room later, so for now, could you meet her?”

I came for that, so naturally, I firmly agreed.

“Yes. Of course, that won’t be a problem. Um… Ultimately, what should I do?”

“For now, just humor Ophelia. I’m sick of being ignored. Of course, I want her to go to Wilhelm, but that’s a different problem for now.”

“Haa…”

“Really, why is she so sulky? She seemed interested in the Crown Prince and Princess of Wilhelm, so I was sure she’d be pleased. I don’t understand her.”

I stared at Prince Hendrick as he sighed. He feebly said, “Sorry.”

“I feel bad for getting you involved, but at the same time, I think it’s a good opportunity. If Princess Lidiana becomes friend with Ophelia, Ophelia won’t dislike going to Wilhelm either, and then my plan――”

“Hendrick. I told you that I don’t care about your silly plans.”

Freed interrupted Prince Hendrik’s words. Prince Hendrik laughed to gloss over it.

“I know that.”

“Don’t think of taking the chance. I won’t forgive you if you use my Lidi.”

“I know veeery well that you’re infatuated with Princess Lidiana, so I won’t do that.”

“I wonder.”

Freed stared at him coldly, but Prince Hendrik didn’t seem to mind at all.

“Well, anyway, just relax for ten days. A welcoming evening party is scheduled for tonight, so I’d be happy if you enjoyed yourselves.”

“U-Um, Lidi. I’ll also attend the evening party. Um… Could we talk at that time?”

“Yup, thanks. Ilya. I’m looking forward to it.”

I smiled at Ilya, who announced her participation in a fluster. Prince Hendrik told me and Freed.

“Then, would you meet Ophelia? I’ll show you to her room.”