The Incompetent Bratty Prince is out (1/3 chapters)

 

 

(Relentless) Arrival of Party Invitation

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“Phew… My partner gets to eat such delicious food…” (Casparleague)

Casparleague, who I now called ‘Cas’, looked delighted after finishing the prepared fish dish. Apparently, it was only natural for partners to call each other by nicknames, so I agreed to Cas’ request.

My nickname? I have them call me “Haru,” which is my name from my previous life. It’s familiar to me. However, Alexandra or ‘Xandra’ was not pleased by this. She had wanted to be the first to call me by a nickname and got quite sulky about it. The cuteness of sulking Xandra makes my chest ache just thinking about it, but that’s a privilege only I have, so I won’t tell anyone (especially any guys).

So, Xandra and I also started calling each other “Haru” and “Xandra.”

“Cas, is it good?” (Harold)

“Yeah!” (Casparleague)

From what I had heard, magical beasts primarily consume mana. The way they obtain mana varied. Some absorbed it from nature and the earth like Cas, while others consumed living beings that contain mana. Of course, humans were included. In that sense, it was fortunate that we were able to defeat Henwen before any damage was done. There were hardly any creatures Henwen could feed on in Moone Island, and it was obvious it would have attacked the nearby town of Bangor next.

While I was thinking about this…

“Your Highness Harold.” (Monica)

“Hm? What’s up, Monica?” (Harold)

Monica approached, looking somewhat troubled. It was unusual for her to show any emotion, as she usually just teased Xandra and me.

“Actually…” (Monica)

According to Monica, during the month we were away, invitations to a party had been arriving daily. And they were all from the same person.

“Um, who’s the sender?” (Harold)

“…The House of Duke Marshal.” (Monica)

Well, this is a problem. The House of Duke Marshal was founded by the brother of the former king who was demoted to a noble family.   Although it doesn’t match up to Xandra’s family, the Chevalier Household, their roots trace back to the royal family. I can’t afford to be disrespectful. But I’ve already been quite rude by ignoring their invitation for a whole month. What should I do? 

More importantly… the eldest daughter of the House of Duke Marshal, Frederica, is the fiancée of the first prince, Cardis. If I attend a party hosted by the House of Duke Marshal, I’ll inevitably run into Cardis. I definitely want to avoid that. 

“What will you do?” (Monica)

“…Is it not possible to just not reply?” (Harold)

“That would be quite difficult.” (Monica)

“Yeah, I figured.” (Harold)

If I decline, it will cause a rift, and if I show up, I’ll run into Cardis. Leaving it up in the air is the best option, but that’s not allowed either. I’m stuck. But this is a mess of my own making.

Harold is Cardis’ real brother and has always been trying to curry favor, so it’s understandable that they are being considerate. In fact, Harold had always attended parties hosted by the House of Duke Marshal. But I’m not the same Harold as before. I don’t intend to continue being Cardis’s lapdog. I want to distance myself from him completely. 

“Moreover, even though Your Highness Harold has always been on good terms with them, there’s likely a reason why they’ve been so persistent with their invitations. Keeping it pending might be more dangerous.” (Monica)

“Hmm.” (Harold)

Well, what should I do? I really don’t want to go, but I also want to know why they’ve been sending so many invitations. 

“Milady will be here soon, so why not consult with her then?” (Monica)

“Good idea.” (Harold)

Even if I can’t come up with a good idea, the clever Xandra might have the perfect solution. Yup. 

“The House of Duke Marshal’s party?” (Alexandra)

“Yes.” (Harold)

“Nyahaha, good luck!” (Casparleague)

I quickly consulted Xandra, who was watching me train. Naturally, I was in the middle of training, and her sword’s tip just grazed my cheek as I dodged it. I resented Casparleague for his carefree cheerleading.

“Actually, I also received the same invitation. It seems they want to meet us now that we are engaged. Their future brother- and sister-in-law, that is.” (Alexandra)

“Gah!? Ah, I see… that’s the reason…”  (Harold)

I get it. Frederica wants to meet the family she’ll be living with in the royal palace.   But there’s no benefit in meeting me, the so-called “incompetent bratty prince”. 

“Xandra-dono, what do you…”

“Harold-sama, please just call me Xandra. No need for ‘-dono’ or any such honorifics.” (Alexandra)

“Ah, sorry. So, what do you think we should do, Xandra?” (Harold)

“Of course, we should attend. I also want to meet Frederica-sama in person and see what kind of person she is.” (Alexandra)

If that’s the case, the decision is made. 

“Then, may I escort you as my fiancée to this party?” (Harold)

“Yes… I would be delighted.” (Alexandra)

While gasping for breath after taking a strong blow to the stomach, I knelt before her to ask. Xandra responded with a radiant smile that was so sweet.

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