As we moved away from Sigren, Livya murmured.

His highness, unexpectedly he has that kind of side too, doesnt he?

Hes not usually like that.

Then it must be only for Lady Fiona.

Livya and I had moved to a more secluded place. It was a womens lounge. But there was no one except me and Livya.

Is there something you want to say to me?

Livya grinned. Lady Fiona is surprisingly straightforward, arent you?

Ah, right. I had to use the way how nobles speak. In my defense, Ive been used to being in the middle of battle, I had to be direct in my speech we would die if we were to talk in a roundabout wayso this kind of mistake happened sometimes.

Umm.. is something wrong?

Do you remember the agreement we had before?

Yes, I do.

It was the agreement we made during the hunting competition. However, because the monsters attacked, it ended in vain.

Could I renew that agreement?

Renewal?

Why? I asked curiously.

NowadaysWell, theres nothing I can say other than Her Majesty, the Empress, has been giving me too much attention.

I wondered what that empress did. The only impression I had of the empress was that she had an argument with Abel.

Ah, but I hope you dont mind listening to it first.

I cant do anything to the Crown Prince, though?

Well, I did kick him at that time when there were no people around. Ugh, I got heated when I thought about it!

Ill pay back higher.

But I was not sure if I could be that helpful to Livya.

I know, thats why, in this case, its more like Im betting on Lady Fionas future possibilities.

I rolled my eyes. What was she expecting?

Isnt it better to bet on His Highness, Prince Sigren, than me?

Livya responded with a blunt answer. I like strong people.

His Highness Prince Sigren is also strong.

I know. But what my own two eyes have seen clearly is your strength, not the princes. Ive seen your strength twice.

Two times?

The first time was when you saved me from the Crown Prince, and the second time was what you did at the hunting competition.

Oh, right.

The prince. I dont think hes bad. Hes definitely not. Ive also thought about him positively even without Lady Fiona mentioning him. However.

However?

Livya suddenly made an angry expression.

I dont like people who cant remember my face and even associate me with other women.

What?

I think that part needed a little explanation.

Previously, I met His Highness, Prince Sigren, accidentally. But when he saw my face, he said, oh, youre familiar with Fiona..

Uh.., so she didnt like that? Apparently, Sigren had slightly hurt Livyas pride.

Livya raised her chin and continued her words.

Theres never been a man who hasnt been thinking of me after they saw me for the first time.

She was completely confident. And being confident without looking hateful was also an ability.

Besides, isnt it the same thing whether choosing Lady Fiona or Prince Sigren, anyway? Seeing Prince SIgren earlier.., I think it would be even more beneficial to bet on you

She was not wrong. Sigren and I were on the same side, regardless.

I sorted out the information I had for a second.

So, you mean youre looking forward to my future possibilities and helping me, right?

Thats right.

Does this also mean the request is not from the Priscilla family?

Thats regrettable, but yes, thats correct. I cant ask my father to change his political position for the sake of my greed.

It was unfortunate, but there was nothing I could do about it. I kind of wanted to ask her to persuade her father, but I knew it was not possible. I knew her nature. If I force her to persuade her father, it would only backfire.

Im not getting help from the Lady of Priscilla, but from Lady Livya.

Correct.

It was really a personal request. It was a bummer, but at some point, I could understand her. Also, it seemed to me that there was another reason why she chose me instead of others to help her with her problem with the crown prince.

How can I help you?

I wanted to know what plan she had, not because of profit but out of pure curiosity. I wanted to know what we were going to do in this contract.

Lady Fiona and I are becoming more intimate openly in noble society.

To sum it up

Isnt that just being friends?

.

Livyas expression darkened. She looked like she had never thought of it that way.

Could..could it be interpreted that way?

Uhh, first Sigren, and now this girl, were both weak in an unexpected way.

This weakness of hers makes her look cute, though.

Anyways, there was nothing wrong with being friendly with Livya. Apart from this contract, well, I was not close to girls of my age, but sometimes Im bored, so I think this was a good contract.

.

.

We were engulfed in an awkward silence for a moment. Livyas attitude made me strangely awkward.

Ugh, how should I end this kind of situation?

I finally broke the silence, reaching out my hand.

Um, please take care of me from now on.

Livya coughed a bit and soon regained her usual bearing, smiling.

Please take good care of me too, Lady Fiona.

We shook hands.

As expected, the unique confident attitude was the best match for this girl.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep