Book 3: Chapter 24: DLC: The Sea Part 1
Roughly a week had passed since the First Prince’s birthday party. Today, the usual council members were scheduled to meet up in the Student Council’s office.
Lady Sophia, Alicia and Prince Alforth were already gathered inside. Apart from me who was also a Student Council member, there were a few other servants. In other words, all the old and trusted members.
However, when looking at the situation from another angle, the atmosphere was getting increasingly tense. There was Lady Sophia and I, who had become her marriage candidate, which was officially acknowledged by her parents. In addition to us, there was Alicia, the Viscount’s daughter who had shown her affection for me without any concealment and who, at last, had approached me via her parents with a marriage proposal. And finally, there was also our country’s Second Prince, who was in love with Lady Sophia.
In other words, we were in a love square.
A weird kind of relationship where political marriage and love intertwined. But, Alicia was much more mature than in the original story and also very stubborn. Prince Alforth too, was growing up to be a splendid prince, just like in the original story. They wouldn’t do anything to expose their inner thoughts and sour the atmosphere.
So, on the surface, everything was as usual. However—no, perhaps I should say that because of it—no one was choosing to speak, causing the atmosphere to grow tense. Hence, to those who were able to read the other’s concealed inner thoughts, the mood in the room was unbearable. It was extremely unfortunate that all the servants present were able to guess what their inner feelings were.
And so—
“Miss Sophia.”
Alicia called out to Lady Sophia. She sounded like nothing was out of the ordinary, a gentle smile being the only thing gracing her face. However, all the servants—including me—immediately stiffened. Alicia continued to speak calmly.