The Holy Maiden And The Bottom-Lash Noble Son (2)

She desperately tried to recall a hero categorized under the “intense lower-lashes category,” but none fit. …Putting aside whether such a hero even existed, having too many heroes was troublesome, Cordelia sighed inwardly before speaking.

“So… Samuel-sama, you came to look for Hina, correct? I am terribly sorry, but she is currently in a meeting with me. Could you perhaps return another day?”

“Ah, no, no — certainly for Hina-sama as well, but I wished to take this opportunity to properly greet you too, Cordelia-sama. — I have long wanted to grow closer to you.”

With a sharp gleam in his eyes, Samuel stepped closer.

“I have been frustrated I could not approach you, yet standing before you now, you are dozens of times more beautiful than from afar! Your dignified presence evokes a winter goddess, your clear voice pleasantly tickles the ears, and above all, those deep blue eyes that seem to swallow everything have pierced my heart—”

As if feverish, Samuel marched closer and even reached his large hand toward Cordelia.

(Wait! What is this man thinking!?)

Apparently he could not see Isaac or anyone else in the room. Just as Cordelia began backing away, Isaac swiftly stepped in front of Samuel.

“…Son of Count Lavori. If you have business with my fiancée, I will hear it in her stead.”

His voice was like a midwinter wind — freezing to the core.

Cordelia looked up in shock. An aura of anger stronger than she had ever seen surrounded Isaac. The fury clearly reached Samuel as well.

“O—oh! My apologies! Prince Isaac was here as well! Ahahaha! I was so captivated by Holy Maiden Cordelia-sama’s beauty that I noticed too late…”

“Indeed. Cordelia is beautiful.”

Isaac’s voice was frighteningly low. Though his expression could not be seen from behind, Samuel’s stiff face and cold sweat made it easy to imagine.

“And… I do not recall granting you permission to enter the eastern palace. Who exactly did you consult before coming here? My father?”

“Th-that is… um, to search for Hina-sama…!”

“Then from next time onward, before coming to the eastern palace, you will always obtain permission from me. …Understood?”

Emphasizing each word slowly in a threatening tone, Isaac pressed Samuel.

It was the first time anyone there had seen him like that.

“O-of course I shall! Ahaha… I had many matters to discuss today, but it seems better for another time! Until next time!”

The moment he said it, Samuel fled like a startled rabbit — faster than when he arrived, disappearing instantly.

When his large figure finally vanished, everyone present let out a sigh. Hina, who had been hiding behind the sofa, timidly peeked out.

“…That person comes every day no matter how many times I refuse.”

“That… must have been extremely difficult.”

Cordelia sympathized from the bottom of her heart.

Although servants and guards were always stationed in the Holy Maiden’s room preventing violence, being persistently pressed like that would be unbearably irritating.

“I told him so many times I don’t want to meet noble old men, but he never listens.”

“Count Lavori would rather push the two of you together…”

The count aimed for the throne. He surely did not expect himself to be chosen by the Holy Maiden, but his conveniently aged son was another matter. It was easy to imagine him urging that lash-heavy young noble to win the Holy Maiden’s heart.

(Still… having those two as the closest allies… how unpleasant.)

The mere thought exhausted her. Cordelia sighed softly.

“…If you ever want to escape from him, you may come here anytime. Thanks to His Highness’s warning, I doubt he can come anymore.”

At Cordelia’s suggestion, Hina blinked in surprise, then chuckled.

“…Kana-chan, you’ve always helped me no matter what.”

“Have I?”

“Yeah. Back in high school too — when that scary upperclassman called me out, you were the one who protected me.”

“Now that you mention it, that did happen… though there were so many things like that I forgot…”

Cleaning up after Hina had almost always been Kana’s role. She had wanted to distance herself because she disliked it so much… yet now, things had changed a little.

(Hina is trying to move forward now.)

The old Hina would have refused the Healing Gathering outright. But now, though still somewhat spoiled, she was trying to find what she could do.

(If that’s the case, maybe helping her a little longer is fine… Is that too soft of me? Still, I’m the type who wants to be kind to girls…)

While thinking that, she glanced at Isaac — he still seemed angry about Samuel, more sullen than usual.

Seeing him, she smiled.

Cordelia knew that if anything tried to hurt her, Isaac would protect her just as he had moments ago.

(The person you love protecting you… that truly is happiness.)

Just thinking about Isaac gently warmed her heart. Cherishing the joy she had learned for the first time, Cordelia held it quietly to her chest.