A Barbaric Proposal Side Story 19

※A Man in Love※

[Dief] "I still don't understand, Shellan."

He whispered with a wide, excited grin.

[Dief] "How did you know? I only switched seats, so why did they decide not to go on their trip?"

[Shellan] "Human psychology is perhaps too multifaceted and profound for an ordinary eight-year-old to understand."

[Dief] "Mmm… sometimes I have no idea what you’re talking about."

[Shellan] "It means you don't need to know. You just have to do exactly as I say."

[Dief] "Do I have to switch seats again?"

[Shellan] "That’s obvious—no, wait. There won't be another opportunity like that. I’m almost certain of it."

His eyes went round.

[Dief] "There won't be any more meals together? Why? They aren't going on the trip anymore."

[Shellan] "Because they don't want to see you with Lady Seira."

[Dief] "Huh? What?"

His wide eyes stretched even further.

[Dief] "Why?"

[Shellan] "I told you. It’s too deep a matter for an eight-year-old."

[Dief] "Umm…?"

[Shellan] "So, from now on, stay close to her. Insist on doing everything together. Eat together, walk together, and tell her she’s beautiful constantly."

Dief tilted his head in confusion.

[Dief] "But… won't they think that’s strange? That’s something you only do for someone you… You know, specifically like."

[Shellan] "Exactly."

[Dief] "Huh?"

He pointed a finger at his own face.

[Dief] "Me?"

[Shellan] "Yes."

[Dief] "But I don't. Calling Lady Seira pretty was just a mistake. She looks so different from the rest of the Alito family. Even if she is pretty, that doesn't mean I actually like her. That would be a lie."

She grabbed his finger and pressed it against his forehead.

[Shellan] "Only if you do this will they stay home."

He gently pushed her hand away.

[Dief] "But they already said they aren't going. I don't want to lie. And Lady Seira would be upset if I lied to her."

[Shellan] "How naive."

She clicked her tongue.

[Shellan] "They didn't depart today. Don't you know Father? He is a man who becomes incredibly persistent when he wants something."

[Dief] "I… I’m not sure. Father is a good man. Because he’s Father."

Her clicking grew louder.

[Shellan] "I can't believe we’re so out of sync. Dief, do you actually want them to go on the trip?"

[Dief] "No! Of course not. That’s why I switched seats."

[Shellan] "Then it’s simple. If you do as I say, they will never go on a trip again."

He shook his head stubbornly.

[Dief] "They already said they won't go. And I don't want to lie."

She narrowed her eyes.

[Shellan] "You…"

...idiot.

She bit back the word, not wanting to call her own brother an idiot. Compared to the children of Alito, Dief was far from stupid.

[Shellan] "Then do this."

Besides, she was clever enough to manage even an "idiot."

[Shellan] "If they say they’ve canceled the trip when we wake up tomorrow, do nothing. But if they say they’re going, do exactly as I told you."

[Dief] "Do you really think they’ll say they’re going tomorrow?"

[Shellan] "Yes."

Her blue eyes glinted in the moonlight.

[Shellan] "If I were him, I certainly would."

That night, neither of them found it easy to sleep.

And by the following morning, Dief gained a newfound conviction that Shellan was always right.

---

It was a perfect morning.

Having stayed in the bath until late, the couple hadn't reached their bed until dawn. Unlike her usual self, Liene overslept, and Black spent the time watching her sleep until he was satisfied.

The things he held dear were simple. It was moments like this morning.

However, playing the part of a King was no easy task; there was always work to be done. It was the same for Liene. More often than not, they had to postpone their personal desires to protect what was precious.

Today was a rare exception, which made his mood terrifyingly good. Having spent the night using his entire being to persuade her, he had finally won Liene’s consent to go on the trip. Of course, she had added the condition that they observe Dief for a few days, but he felt that was unnecessary.

He intended to throw Dieren out before the morning was over.

The morning sun was brilliant, and the breakfast table was lavish, mirroring Black’s mood.

Liene even suggested calling the children—who had already eaten—not wanting such a fine spread to go to waste.

Until that moment, it was a perfect morning. That is, until Shellan asked about the trip.

[Shellan] "So, when are you leaving for your trip? Have you decided not to go at all?"

Black was careful not to let an unnecessary smile slip. He didn't want the children to see him as a father who took joy in leaving them behind for a private getaway. They would hate it, but more importantly, Liene wouldn't appreciate it.

[Black] "No. We were merely delayed yesterday by some business. Once I finish my remaining tasks, we intend to depart soon."

[Shellan] "Ah, I see."

Liene looked at the children with a shy, apologetic smile.

[Liene] "I’ll buy you both wonderful gifts when we return. Is there anything you’ve wanted? Anything from Bellisa you’d like me to bring back?"

It was then that a statement ruined the perfect morning—and it came not from Shellan, but from Dief.

[Dief] "La—Lady Seira!"

[Liene] "…What was that, Dief?"

Judging by his urgent expression, the name seemed to have slipped out past his control.

[Dief] "The… the Lady… ah, I mean, I think the Lady would like Bellisa."

[Liene] "And why do you think that?"

[Dief] "Well… because they are both beautiful? The sea is beautiful, and Lady Seira is beautiful."

Dief’s words were a bit rambling due to his fluster, but fortunately, it wasn't overly obvious.

[Liene] "Is… is that so?"

Liene was actually more flustered than Dief was.

At that moment, only one thought crossed Black’s mind.

I should have broken his legs back then. Then he wouldn't have the heart to go wandering around with children hanging off him.

---

And so, the trip was canceled once again today.

It was because Dief, having finished his meal, declared he would go for a walk with Seira. Liene settled the situation by suggesting they all pack snacks and go on a picnic together.

The brilliant morning sun turned out to be a curse. Everyone else wore excited faces, claiming it was the perfect weather for an outing.

[Flambard] "Oh, I can just imagine how jealous he’ll be."

Madam Flambard accompanied them on the picnic. Since Alito's side had two nannies, it was only polite for someone from Nauk's side to attend as well.

Word had it that Madam Renfel, the Head Maid, was practically biting her handkerchief in envy while overseeing the snack preparations.

Madam Flambard smiled happily as she uncorked a glass bottle filled with cold apple juice.

[Flambard] "The weather is marvelous."

[Liene] "It isn't as if this is our first picnic. Madam Renfel has joined us before."

[Flambard] "Oh, but this is the first time we are hosting royal guests, isn't it?"

To mark the occasion, they had set up a large tent and prepared several parasols and cushions.

The children were currently riding ponies. Veteran knights stayed close to them, holding the reins and ensuring they didn't catch too much wind, so the nannies had little to do.

This leisure was also possible because Black and Dieren were absent. Black claimed he had business to attend to, and Liene had pointedly not invited Dieren. She reasoned that too many adults weren't necessary for children’s play, but in reality, she didn't want the ordeal of dealing with Dieren without Black present.

[Flambard] "The kitchen was quite busy thanks to this. And I was occupied preparing everyone’s outfits."

There was a reason Madam Flambard remained so proud. Upon hearing that guests from House Alito were arriving, she had tailored new clothes for the twins, who had grown significantly since last year. They looked remarkably well-suited in them.

Preparing the riding clothes in advance had been her masterstroke. No one—not even Liene—had thought the children would need new riding gear, but Madam Flambard had acted as if she knew a day like today would come. Her mood was soaring.

[Flambard] "Since we have guests, they must wear their new clothes. Don't you agree, Your Majesty?"

[Liene] "Mmm… I suppose so. I hadn't realized. They certainly do look good on them."

Among the group of similar-sized children, Dief was undeniably the most striking. He had grown nearly a palm’s width since last year, and as he grew, his hair seemed to darken slightly, offering a glimpse of Black in his appearance. While his eyes still held Liene’s vibrant green, his jawline, the bridge of his nose, and especially the shape of his lips were increasingly resembling Black’s.

[Liene] "They suit him so well it’s almost frightening."

[Flambard] "…Your Majesty?"

Madam Flambard watched her expression, sensing that the comment might not have been a pure compliment.

Liene was following Dief with a very serious gaze.

[Liene] "Tell me honestly, Madam."

[Flambard] "Whatever is the matter…?"

[Liene] "Regarding Dief. Does he look like a man in love to you, too?"

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