Chapter 329

Outaishihi ni Nante Naritakunai!! Chapter 329

She and the Crown Prince of the Southern Country 3

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“Older sister? Your older sister?”

“Yes.”

While I was so surprised by Princess Ilya saying little sister that I didn’t know what to say, she began to talk little by little.

“To begin with… the reason that I met His Highness Hendrik is my older sister’s kidnapping.”

Princess Ilya’s story was as follows.

Around twenty years ago, beastman started getting kidnapped. Although the issue lessened once beastmen started hiding their ears and tails with a magical art, it still continues.

Especially children are slow to learn the magical art. Children being kidnapped out of adults’ sight was already an everyday occurrence, so everyone is on the edge to frantically protect them, but a certain number still disappears each year.

In the middle of it, around five years ago, the wolf beastmen family, Nova clan, had its successor son, Aeon, leave the island in search for his bride.

There was no woman on the island whom he desired. Hoping to find a wife on the continent, he disappeared.

Ilya’s sister was devastated by it.

She loved Aeon. While grieving that she wasn’t chosen, she disappeared one night.

“When my older sister disappeared, everyone was sure she chased after him. However, I didn’t think so. Certainly, my older sister loved Aeon, but she was not a laudable woman who’d chase after a man after getting rejected. Besides, she left no note.”

Ilya thought that she didn’t chase after him but was perhaps kidnapped.

After a few years of worrying, Ilya finally resolved herself and left the village to search for her older sister.

There she was called out to by a human man.

He said that he knew of her older sister’s whereabouts. That if she liked, he’d take her there.

Ilya rejoiced and tried to follow the man. However, they were stopped by Prince Hendrik who was on a journey of self-discovery. He showed up in front of them and said with a severe face.

“You are a slaver, right? I’m not impressed by your plot to sell her off using her gentle feelings of concern for her family.”

Having been exposed, the slaver drew his sword at Prince Hendrik. Prince Hendrik looks androgynous, so he doesn’t seem strong, but he’s a royal. He’s more or less studied sword.

He easily turned the tables on the slaver, then smiled and said.

“And? Where did you sell her older sister? You’re the culprit, right?”

Frightened by Prince Hendrik’s intimidating smile, the slaver answered he didn’t remember something from so many years ago while trembling. Just that he was certain that the man who bought her at the auction had dark skin.

Prince Hendrik tied up the slaver and told Ilya, who was in a daze.

“It was close. But you better hide your ears whenever you leave the village. You can use the magical art, right?”

“Y… Yes. U-Umm… Thank you very much.”

Having realized she had been so frantic in her search for her older sister that she hadn’t hidden her ears, Ilya hurriedly nodded.

Then, unable to leave be the benefactor who had saved her, she brought him to her village.

Upon noticing Ilya’s disappearance, the village was in an uproar. When she entered the village accompanied by Prince Hendrik, the man who was both her father and the clan patriarch rushed out with a desperate expression.

“Ilya! Where did you go! We were so worried when you disappeared after that child…! I was worried to death that you might have been kidnapped!”

“I’m sorry, Father. Umm… I was certainly kidnapped, but this person saved me…”

“What!? A human saved you? Ah, no, that doesn’t matter. A benefactor is benefactor, even if they’re a human… Excuse me. Thank you very much for saving my daughter. You have my gratitude.”

“No… I just happened to pass by.”

Despite being perplexed by Ilya’s father’s quick change of attitude as he bowed his head, Prince Hendrik showed a friendly smile.

The patriarch, grateful to Prince Hendrik for saving his daughter, held a banquet and that night asked Prince Hendrik if he wanted any reward. Prince Hendrik answered that by saying, “I want to marry her.”

“It’s embarrassing, but it was love at first sight. I’m the Crown Prince of Irvine. I promise if I receive her, I will treat her properly as my princess consort. I apologize, but I won’t reveal… that she’s a beastman. Even so, I swear to treasure her with all my power. I want to take her as my wife.”

As Prince Hendrik spoke of his intention without hiding anything, the patriarch nodded after thinking for a moment.

“… I understand. My daughter will also be satisfied by marrying her benefactor. Ilya, devote yourself to this person.”

And so, it was decided that Prince Hendrik would take Ilya with him.

◇◇◇

“P-Please wait a moment.”

“Eh?”

The story was still going on, but I reflexively interjected.

“Err. It’s marriage, right? What about Lady Ilya’s will…?”

Princess Ilya made a face like she didn’t understand my question and said.

“The patriarch’s will is absolute. We obey patriarch’s decision… Besides, I was happy to hear somebody wanted somebody like me, so I didn’t really…”

Then she blushed. Seeing that, I became convinced.

―― I see. Beastmen society is the same as nobles. It’s natural to obey father’s or chief’s orders.

I interrupted the story since Ilya’s will wasn’t involved at all, but it seems it’s the same everywhere. When I nodded, Princess Ilya said, , a little sadly.

“I was a spinster in the village. I think His Highness’s wish was a godsend to my father. For beastmen, men fall in love with women at first sight. I was an adult nobody had chosen… I knew my father lamented that if things continued, I’d simply be forgotten, that I was pitiful… My older sister was an oddball though, even if a suitor appeared, she rejected them not wanting anybody but the man she sought.”

It seems every place has its own rules.

Princess Ilya was dejected that she hadn’t been chosen, but I honestly want to ask the men from her village what they disliked about her. Because, she’s so lovely.

Both her fluffy ears and her charming appearance that makes me want to hug her have seized my heart and don’t let go.

That feeling must’ve appeared on my face as Princess Ilya smiled happily.

“Thank you, Lady Lidiana. Umm… They didn’t seem to like the pheromones I secrete at all. Beastmen are attracted to smell. It’s not an exaggeration that males decide on their mates based on the female’s pheromones.”

“Pheromones…”

While I was surprised, Prince Hendrik stood up and went to Princess Ilya’s side. He placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Ilya smells so good, yet it seems this scent is unacceptable for beastmen. I understand humans and beastmen prefer different things, but I can’t understand hating this flowery scent.”

“Your Highness…”

“But, I obtained Ilya thanks to that, so I can’t complain.”

“Me too… I’m happy I can be with Your Highness…”

“Ilya!”

Prince Hendrik looked happy and hugged Princess Ilya from behind. Although she flushed, she smiled happily.

I have no doubt that for her, marrying Prince Hendrik was a good turning point.

“Hendrik. The talk digressed. Hurry up and continue.”

While I was looking at them with a warm feeling, Freed said harshly. Prince Hendrick complained.

“Listen, you. You nonchalantly flirt with your wife, and yet you stop me?”

“Naturally. I’m only interested in Lidi. I don’t want to see other people flirting.”

“Wow, you’re radical.”

Prince Hendrik smile wryly and turned his gaze to me.

“Hey, isn’t Freed troublesome? I had no idea, but he seems to be quite a heavy man, right?”

“No…”

He really is a person who boldly asks things that are quite difficult to answer.

But, I had not once thought Freed was troublesome, so I clearly answered.

“I think I probably am also, umm… a heavy woman, so we’re the same in this regard.”

At the time I told Freed, a royal, that he can’t marry a woman other than me, I must’ve been quite troublesome and heavy. When I honestly said so with that in mind, Freed’s complexion changed.

“Lidi! I’ve never thought you are heavy!”

“It’s alright. I know that.”

“I’d be happy if you were heavy though.”

“… Eh?”

I reflexively looked at Freed at his unexpected response. He declared with a serious face.

“Lidi, you don’t obsess over me at all. I always wish you’d look only at me more.”

“I think I love you enough though.”

I’m confident I love Freed enough to at least astound our surroundings. But he said sullenly.

“It’s not enough. I can never have enough of your love, Lidi.”

“I-I see…”

I’m happy to be asked, but how should I respond?

While I was troubled, Prince Hendrik said while laughing.

“Whoa. After all, Freed, you’re an incredibly heavy man.”

“Shut up.”

“You love Princess Lidiana so much. How nice. I don’t hate such things. After all, it makes you appear very human.”

“What do you mean?”

“Misogynist His Highness Friedrich. There had been no warmth in his smile. All over the country there were rumors about what kind of woman defeated him, you know? Now that you’ve married, everybody is immensely curious about your consort. I’m sure you’ll be the center of attention on the next international conference.”

“… How troublesome.”

Freed frowned, but Prince Hendrik looked to be having fun.

“I’ll also be saved if you bear the brunt of it. I’m the same as you about it being my first international conference after marrying. With you there I won’t stand out.”

“Do you intend to make me a sacrifice?”

“Yup. I do? Isn’t it obvious?”

Freed glared at Prince Hendrik who affirmed while cackling, but he’s not a person who’d be bothered by that much. Prince Hendrik said while laughing.

“Our conversation digressed a lot again. Err, let’s get back to the subject. If I remember correctly, I got to marrying Ilya.”

“Ah, yes.”

Really, it digressed incredibly. In a hurry I returned to a proper listening posture.

Prince Hendrik happily talked while remembering that time.

The story of his adventure was quite interesting, but… Anyway, cutting the details short, Prince Hendrik safely brought Ilya to Irvine. Then while hiding that she’s a beastman they married and afterwards searched for her older sister’s whereabouts.

“This is about all we can say. Both I and Ilya did our best, but the country Ilya’s older sister was taken to was not necessarily Irvine, and my power doesn’t reach other countries. So if possible, I’d like you to cooperate in searching for Ilya’s older sister. It would be reassuring to borrow Wilhelm’s power.”

“I see…”

“Of course, it’s alright if you cooperate within your capacity. I don’t intend to get the whole country involved in it. I don’t mind if it’s on the level of helping a friend, so I’d be grateful if you helped me search for her older sister.”

“So that’s what it was.”

Seeing Freed nod with a difficult face, I also understood.

Certainly, she couldn’t hide her identity if she wanted to ask us for cooperation in looking for her relative. I understand why Princess Ilya expressly came to Wilhelm with her husband and revealed that she’s a beastman.

“Ilya’s older sister’s name is Philia. She has the same dark brown hair and golden eyes. However, she’s strong-willed, and her appearance isn’t similar either. I’ve never seen her, but unusually for beastmen, Ilya’s older sister seems to look like an actual adult. Moreover, I think she’s probably hiding her tail and ears――”

“Hendrik. Isn’t it just a little too hard to search with that?”

“… I know, right?”

I reflexively agreed with Freed’s astonished words.

Because, if she’s hiding the fact that she’s a beastman, it will be hard to even find her. Golden eyes with dark brown hair is by no means an unusual combination. It’s almost indistinguishable from ordinary people.

When we naturally pointed that out, Princess Ilya nervously took out a necklace from her bosom and said.

“Umm… My older sister has the same ring as this. Our father made these rings himself, so there are no other.”

Hanging on the necklace was a simple thick silver ring. The ring had a characteristic engraving, perhaps some curse. Anyway, it looked like a magic seal.

“I understand… that I’m asking for something difficult. I’m not really asking you to send out a search party. Just… as long as you keep it in mind, that’s fine. If you learn anything about my little sister while abroad for diplomacy, I’ll be grateful――”

“I understand.”

As Princess Ilya desperately said so while grasping the ring, Freed nodded firmly. I also nodded many times.

“It’s the request of none other than Hendrik’s consort. I will keep it in mind―― Isn’t that right, Lidi?”

“Yup.”

Honestly, it’s a little difficult with the only hint being the ring, but it’s better than nothing. I want to help, even if a little.

“It’s worrying when a family member is missing, right? I’ll also keep it in mind.”

“Thank you, Your Highness Friedrich, Princess Lidiana.”

“No. We should help each other in times of need.”

She expressly came all the way to Wilhelm and exposed her identity to make the request. There’s no way I’d say no, and I want to cooperate with searching for her family.

When Princess Ilya smiled with relief, her body suddenly leaned forward. As she was about to fall on the floor, Prince Hendrik hurriedly supported her body.

“Ilya!”

“I-I’m sorry, Your Highness… It seems I lost strength from relief…”

“Aah jeez… Here, I’ll support you. No, I’ll lift you in my arms, so wrap your arms around my neck.”

“Your… Your Highness!”

“Freed. I’ll borrow that sofa.”

“Yeah.”

Having confirmed that Freed nodded, Prince Hendrik lifted Princess Ilya in his arms. In the spacious guest room, there were a few long sofas along the wall. Prince Hendrik sat her on one of them.

“For now, hide those ears. We finished what we came for. You have to hide them properly.”

“… Yes.”

In that moment, the cat ears on her head disappeared.

I felt just a little bit disappointed that the sweetly shaking cat ears disappeared.

―― Aah, those ears were incredibly lovely.

While I was being dejected on my own, Prince Hendrik turned to me and said.

“Princess Lidiana. I’m sorry, but can I leave Ilya to you? I very much would like to do it, but I still have to talk with Freed.”

“I understand.”

That much is no problem. When I accepted, Prince Hendrik walked up to Freed. Right away they began talking.

Freed’s expression when talking with Prince Hendrik was natural. That alone showed that they are indeed close. Not wanting to disturb their conversation, I headed towards Princess Ilya as told.

“Lady Ilya.”

“Lady Lidiana. Umm… I showed you something unsightly.”

“No. Can I sit next to you?”

“… Yes. Feel free.”

Having received a brief permission, I sat next to her.

“… About Rena, supposing you are reluctant, you don’t need to force yourself to meet her.”

“Eh?”

As Princess Ilya looked at me, I softly continued.

“I presume that you don’t want too many people to know your identity. Lady Ilya, by talking to Rena, there’s a small risk your identity will become known, so I wondered if you really should do it.”

I’d never heard about Prince Hendrik’s princess consort being a beastman. There’s a possibility that only both of them know. It’s not good to increase the number of people who know that secret.

It’s a shame about Rena, but I don’t think she wants to place a woman of her clan in a predicament.

But Princess Ilya shook her head.

“I’m happy to meet someone from the same clan in such a distant place, so… I won’t say that I won’t meet her. But… Thank you for thinking about me.”

“Ah!”

Seeing Princess Ilya hang her head with a blush, I felt my chest squeeze.

―― What is this person? Why is she so cute!?

Rena is like that too, so are all cat beastmen so lovely? Princess Ilya, with her fluffy atmosphere that make me want to pet her even when she doesn’t have cat ears, made me strongly understand the meaning of the word ‘moe’.

Somehow, I felt like shouting out. While I was shivering, Princess Ilya said.

“But, umm. If possible… I’d be glad if you cleared out people. After all… having others watch is a little…”

“Of course I will.”

There must be many things fellow beastmen from the same place must want to talk about. When I accepted to clear out people, Princess Ilya looked down.

“Lady Ilya?”

“No… Um, I’m sorry. Somehow… I’m very happy.”

“Happy?”

When I looked at her in puzzlement, she nodded many times.

“His Highness told me it would be okay, but honestly, I was worried… How would you and His Highness Friedrich react to learning my identity? Especially you, Lady Lidiana, as you are from the preeminent ducal house… It was rude, but I worried you may look down on me for being a beastman. I’m happy that you are kinder than I thought.”

“Lady Ilya…”

“After marrying into Irvine, nobody other than His Highness knew my identity. I think it’s good for His Highness’s sake, but… it feels extremely lonely sometimes. That’s why… I’m very satisfied today.”

Princess Ilya muttered in a voice like she was about to cry. Somehow, I couldn’t stand it, so I tightly grasped both her hands and said with a serious face.

“I-If you are alright with me, please be my friend.”

“Eh? Lady Lidiana?”

As Princess Ilya blinked her eyes, I piled up words.

“It’s not because I was asked by His Highness Hendrik. It’s embarrassing, but I have few girl friends. Especially among royalty I have none. That’s why I’d be very happy to make friends with you, Lady Ilya.”

It’s not because I was asked to be her friend. It’s of my own volition.

When I clearly said so, Princess Ilya blinked her eyes.

“Am… I… alright?”

“Of course. If possible, please call me Lidi.”

“Umm… I’m a… beastman?”

She said it quietly, but I properly heard her. I grinned and said.

“I’d be delighted.”

Rather, I want to be friends with her because she’s Princess Ilya. When I nodded with that feeling, Princess Ilya hung her head, and began spilling tears.

“Eh… Eh?”

―― No way. I made her cry?

As I became flustered, Princess Ilya raised her face and showed a very beautiful smile.

Then she grasped back my hands and assertively said.

“Thank you. Thank you, Lady Lidiana. Certainly. Certainly, please be my friend.”

“Ilya! What happened!?”

Perhaps surprised by his wife suddenly starting to cry, Prince Hendrik, who had been talking with Freed, came here in a fluster. Smiling through tears, she answered.

“No, it’s just that Lady Lidiana told me she’d like to become friends with me… So I was very happy. ―― Lidi, please call me Ilya too.”

“Yup. Thanks, Ilya.”

When I called her name, Ilya shed tears again.

While listening to our conversation, Prince Hendrik’s expression turned gentle.

“I see. Yup, isn’t it great, Ilya? I’m happy too… Thank you, Princess Lidiana.”

“N-No. I didn’t do anything to deserve thanks. I just wanted to be friends with Ilya.”

“I see.”

As he understood the situation, relief showed on Prince Hendrik’s expression.

“But you see, Ilya looks very happy. So as her husband, I think I should thank you… Freed. Your wife seems to be a very good child. I’m glad you brought her. I didn’t think Ilya would be so happy.    “

“I’m glad to hear that. I’m also happy that Lidi is praised, since she’s my dear wife.”

“Yup. Both of you, take care of us.”

Prince Hendrik said so with a gentle smile, and Freed responded with a small smile.

―― And as for me, I was exhilarated that I obtained a splendidly fluffy royal friend.