The Incompetent Bratty Prince is out (2/3 chapters)

 

 

Protagonist Appears at Party

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

“Monica, is everything alright with my outfit?” (Harold)

I looked at my reflection in the mirror and asked Monica, who had helped me dress. Today, I would be escorting Xandra to the House of Duke Marshal’s party. I couldn’t afford to embarrass my fiancée.

“Rest assured. I, Monica Ashton, am confident that Your Highness Harold will be the star of tonight’s party.” (Harold)

Monica announced this with a formal bow and brimming confidence, but I was filled with anxiety.

Xandra is the star tonight and I’m just her support. You understand that, right?

“Well, okay. If you say so, I’ll trust you.” (Harold)

“Your Highness, isn’t that a bit rude?” (Monica)

Apparently, my words didn’t come across well, and Monica turned her face away with a pout.

Well, I’ll apologize when we get back.

“Alright, I’m off.” (Harold)

“Nya!? A-am I not coming with you!?” (Casparleague)

It seemed Casparleague assumed he’d be coming along too.

“No, pets aren’t allowed at the party.” (Harold)

“I’m not a pet!” (Casparleague)

“Even if you’re a magical beast, it’s still a no.” (Harold)

“Muuuuuuuuu!” (Casparleague)

Oh boy, now even Cas is sulking. What a hassle.

Leaving one disgruntled girl and one sulking beast behind in the palace, I took a carriage to the Chevalier Household’s townhouse. The royal capital was still bustling at dusk, with large crowds everywhere.

“I wonder if Xandra will like it.” (Harold)

I touched the item hidden in my coat, something I had prepared for tonight, and imagined her delighted face, causing me to smile. Because I was thinking only of her, we arrived at the Chevalier Household’s townhouse in no time. However…

“Thank you for coming to pick me up, Haru-sama.” (Alexandra)

Xandra, dressed in a gown the same blue as her eyes, was far more beautiful than I had imagined—no, many times, many tens of times more beautiful. As a result, my heart was pounding incessantly.

“Haru-sama…?” (Alexandra)

“Ah, sorry. You were so beautiful, I couldn’t help but stare.” (Harold)

“Wah… thank you.” (Alexandra)

Did you hear that? Xandra made an adorable little sound, ‘Wah’. She’s incredibly cute.

“Shall we go then?” (Harold)

“Yes.” (Alexandra)

I knelt down and extended my right hand, and she gently placed her small hand on it. The escort had already begun.

“Xandra, for tonight’s occasion…” (Harold)

In the carriage heading to the House of Duke Marshal’s townhouse, I handed her a special gift I had prepared in advance.

“May I… open it?” (Alexandra)

“Of course.” (Harold)

Xandra blushed while carefully unwrapped the gift and opened the lid.

“It’s beautiful.” (Alexandra)

“Do you like it?” (Harold)

“Yes. Thank you so much for this wonderful hair ornament. The only regret is that I can’t wear it to tonight’s party.” (Alexandra)

Xandra held the hair ornament close to her small chest, her cheeks flushing even more.

Yes, getting Monica’s advice was worth it. I’ll make sure she gets a raise. But there’s something that’s been puzzling me for a while. Why does Xandra go to such lengths to guide me and get so happy over even the smallest gifts?

As you know, I’m the ‘Incompetent Bratty Prince’. My reputation is the worst. Yet, she sees me for who I am, and during the Henwen subjugation, she helped me without regard for her own safety. Of course, being my fiancée plays a part. But I’ve received so much more from her than that title alone would warrant.

Hey, why do you go to such lengths for someone like me? Hey, what do you really think of me? I want to know the answer, but right now, I don’t have the courage to ask.

“Haru-sama, it seems we’ve arrived.” (Alexandra)

“Oh, right.” (Harold)

I shouldn’t get lost in thought when she’s here.

“After you.” (Harold)

“Hehe… thank you.” (Alexandra)

I hurriedly got off first and helped her down from the carriage.

At that moment, I said…

“Xandra… I’ll do my best. I’ll work hard, so hard, and become the man worthy of you, just as I promised on our engagement day.” (Harold)

“Yes… I will wait for you, no matter how long it takes.” (Alexandra)

Xandra answered my determined words with that. Unlike before, she said she would wait ‘forever’, not just for three years until the main story of Enhaz begins. Of course, I won’t make her wait forever or even for three years. I’ll become the man worthy of her much sooner. When that time comes, I’ll ask her my question. And then, I’ll tell her those words.

“There are indeed a lot of guests, as expected of the House of Duke Marshal’s party.” (Alexandra)

“Huh? Oh, yes, you’re right.” (Harold)

Sigh… It’s good to be determined, but I shouldn’t forget that I’m escorting Xandra. I need to focus on her properly.

“Your Highness Harold, Alexandra-sama, welcome. Please, this way.” (??)

Guided by a servant of the House of Duke Marshal, we entered the venue.

“Wow.” (Harold)

I couldn’t help but gasp in awe at the dazzling sight.

After all, this is the first party I’ve attended since regaining my past life’s memories. My personality is from my past life, so in that sense, it’s like a first experience.

“Haru-sama, could this be your first time attending a party?” (Alexandra)

“Yes, it’s the first party I’ve attended with you.” (Harold)

“I see. I’m glad.” (Alexandra)

Xandra’s cheeks were flushed red, and she bowed her head with a purse in her mouth.

What should I do? My fiancée is more beautiful than a goddess.

As I was admiring her…

“Huh? What’s that?” (Harold)

“It seems rather noisy over there.” (Alexandra)

At the far end of the venue, a group of nobles were gathered, almost as if surrounding something and observing from a distance. Their comments, such as ‘Why is that person here?’ and ‘They don’t seem to fit in here…’ indicated a less than welcoming atmosphere.

Um… Since they’re not looking this way, it can’t be about me, right? Then who…?

Through the gaps between the nobles, I caught sight of a familiar young lady in a red dress and a boy beside her wearing a white tuxedo matching his silver hair.

No doubt about it. That is—

—Wilfred Weil Dehaubartz, the protagonist of ‘Engage Hazard’.

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