Is It Really All Right To Be This Happy?

“L-Lucien-sama, Lucien-sama?!”

“Ah, there’s no need to worry. He’s just realized a certain possibility and gone into a daze—but that possibility is zero for now.”

“…Is that so?”

Lucien, who seemed to have regained his senses, shot Noel a sharp look. Faced with the sudden, almost hostile atmosphere, Marguerite could only flusteredly look back and forth between the two.

Noel nodded pleasantly.

“Lady Marguerite.”

“Yes?!”

For some reason, it was Marguerite whose name was called.

“You were being harassed by House de Broy, weren’t you?”

“!”

“Why didn’t you tell my mother?”

So he knew—both Lucien and Marguerite showed small signs of surprise. Lucien, in particular, understood the gravity of it.

If Marguerite had openly spoken of her mistreatment back then and denounced House de Broy, no matter how much the house tried to defend itself, the royal family would not have listened.

The fate of House de Broy had been entrusted to Marguerite.

That Marguerite, tense alongside Lucien, met Noel’s gaze directly and smiled with the same expression she had worn then.

“Because there was no need.”

“No need?”

“As I said, everyone in House de Broy treated me kindly.”

“Kindly, hm.”

It may have been harassment, but it was within what she could tolerate.

Besides, Marguerite believed that if she were to accuse anyone of cruelty, she should first accuse her own family, House Clavel.

As long as she did not denounce House Clavel, she had no right to blame House de Broy.

“Prince Noel.”

Noel continued to smile pleasantly. Yet the feelings behind that smile were impossible to read.

‘Then I will simply convey my own feelings’

Marguerite decided, facing him directly.

Queen Emilenne that night, and now Third Prince Noel—had they been dealing with other nobles, those nobles might have trembled and been unable to maintain a composed attitude.

But to Marguerite, the mere fact that they were willing to listen already made both Emilenne and Noel very kind people.

“No matter the reason, people can hate others, and no matter the reason, they can forgive. So I decided to look for the good points instead—yes, that is what I chose.”

Ever since her mother passed away and her family began to fall apart.

Otherwise, Marguerite too would have broken, together with a father and sister who could only live by picking at every small fault and blaming others.

Preserving her sanity had been her utmost form of resistance.

And Marguerite believed that resistance had been rewarded.

“My life now is wonderful. …So wonderful that it frightens me, wondering if it’s truly all right to be this happy. This dress, too, was a gift from Lucien-sama.”

As she confirmed the feel of her new dress, Marguerite showed a smile that seemed ready to melt.

Noel turned to look at Lucien.

There stood Lucien, cheeks flushed red, barely managing to keep it from showing on his face.

“…All right—thank you. That answer exceeded my expectations.”

“?”

Noel laughed at Marguerite’s blank expression.

“Well, personally, I think you should show a bit more anger.”

“Do you think so…?”

“It’s about not confusing forgiveness with running away, perhaps.”

Without waiting for Marguerite’s reply, Noel patted Lucien on the shoulder.

“Lucien, you should smile a little more. And then—”

Lowering his voice so Marguerite could not hear,

“I’d say physical affection works better than gifts.”

“!”

“See you. Invite me next time you host a tea party.”

Having said only what he wanted to say, Noel headed off toward the residence alone. Lucien and Marguerite hurried after him.

Just like Queen Emilenne the other day, the royals seemed adept at thoroughly stirring people’s hearts before leaving, Lucien sighed to himself.

But even if he complained inwardly like that, it was futile.

As Noel had the carriage prepared at once and climbed in, Lucien bowed deeply, and Marguerite followed her husband’s lead.