The Girls' Skirmish

“Ah… that is…!?”

“Oh…!”

The doors were flung open, and what appeared were a small boy and girl holding hands.

――Jonah in white ceremonial attire, and Marguerite Hagenberg dressed in a black-and-red gown prepared for today.

“Huhu… Look. Everyone in the hall is looking only at me and Jonah.”

“Ah, ahaha… I don’t really want to stand out, though…”

“What are you saying? At such a splendid occasion, it would be meaningless not to stand out.”

Marguerite spoke somewhat proudly to the wry-smiling Jonah.

She acted as if she were used to this kind of social setting, but in reality she’d only attended such events a handful of times. In short, she was showing off.

Partly because their domain was far from the Imperial Capital, but more so because Marquess Hagenberg had actively kept her away to prevent bad influences.

“Ehehe, really?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Many nobles in attendance were watching them, but the two walked through the hall without paying it much mind.

“More importantly, I’m starving. Let’s go get something to eat.”

“Y-yeah!”

Jonah was led by the hand by Marguerite toward the tables lined with various dishes.

As expected, it seemed he was being dominated already.

Then.

“Jonah!”
“Jonah!”

“Wah!?”

Two women burst forth at the cry of his name.

One was First Imperial Princess Patricia, and the other was Titancia, the daughter of the head of the Elf.

“P-Princess Patricia… and Titancia too!?”

“G-good grief… I was worried about you…!”

“…I’ve finally found you.”

Patricia showed a relieved expression upon confirming he was safe, and Titancia looked deeply moved.

Jonah was surprised the two had suddenly appeared before him, and his expression became complicated with both guilt for having run away and joy at meeting them again.

Meanwhile.

“…Jonah. When did you become acquainted with Her Highness Patricia? And who is the beautiful lady by your side?”

“…!?”

Marguerite tightened her grip with a grinding motion; though her face smiled, her crimson eyes weren’t smiling at all.

( D-did I do something to Marie…?)

Jonah was completely bewildered, not knowing the reason.

Before he knew it, cold sweat was pouring down like a waterfall, and he looked to Patricia for help.

“Oh… I never imagined Jonah had such a lovely girl.”

Patricia placed a hand on her chin and nodded happily.

She didn’t notice Jonah’s glances at all, but that one remark turned the situation around.

“O-oh, really…?”

“Indeed. She seems to be from some noble family.”

“Y-yes! I am Marguerite Hagenberg, the eldest daughter of the Marquess Hagenberg family!”

Marguerite’s face flushed slightly as she made a somewhat awkward curtsey.

It’s not because Patricia is the First Imperial Princess that she was so nervous. She was simply overjoyed at being treated like Jonah’s lover.

“Hmm… Jonah, when did you get a girl like this…?”

“Um, well…”

Facing Titancia, who shot a look like a curse and scowled, Jonah became even more confused, wondering if he’d said or done something to anger her.

“Huhu… Jonah, then who is this lady?”

“Huh? Uh, um… She’s Titancia, someone I became friendly with in Aubern…”

“I see.”

Marguerite glanced once at Jonah, whose voice trembled at her unsettling smile, and then stepped forward in front of Titancia.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Marguerite Hagenberg, Jonah’s dearest companion.”

She placed a hand on her chest and made an elegant curtsey, then showed a confident expression.

Moreover, she was flaunting that she was Jonah’s number one.

However, she didn’t have the nerve to lie and claim to be his lover or fiancée.

That said, if Jonah hadn’t been standing beside her, she probably would have claimed it.

“Mm… I am Titancia Figbloom. I’m the one who slept with Jonah.”

“…Is that so?”

“I-it’s a misunderstanding!?”

Jonah cried out with all his might to the smiling Marguerite, who slowly turned around with a grin as if a grinding sound could be heard.

Even if he said they slept together, it was only that they shared the same tent during a camp on the way to the Elf village—there was nothing improper.

Then.

“Oh? If she slept with Jonah, then I did as well.”

“Princess Patricia!?”

As if adding insult to injury, Princess Patricia poured oil on the flames.

The fact was true, but Jonah wished they’d picked a better time and place. Either way, the air in the cramped hall had become explosive.

“Hmm, so you thought you could leave me without a word and were doing things like that, huh.”

“I told you, that’s not it!”

“We’ll see about that.”

Jonah tried to explain himself as Marguerite blatantly pouted and showed her displeasure.

First Imperial Princess Patricia gave a wry smile at the scene, and Titancia turned jealous.

But what the two felt was that this little boy and girl made a very good match.

Thinking that, Titancia bit her lip slightly in frustration.

Then.

“Jonatan…”

“Brother…”

Who appeared were Duke Langheim and his younger brother, Sieg.