The Inner Palace Tale of a Villainess Noble Girl

- Four days have passed since Khai secretly left Ifthane to move the "strategy" to implementation.

Good morning, Dear Deanna.

"Morning, Rita.... well, today's more modest than usual, right?

"Yeah.... well, I don't even know why."

Waking up at the same time as usual, she dressed up and went out every morning to confirm the usual "harassment", Diana blinked her eyes in the hallway where the garbage in the cage was properly scattered. Louis, who helped Diana dress herself, looked down the hallway and said, "It seems easy to clean today."

"To this extent, we can do it without Diana's help. Rita, make Deanna some tea over there."

"Thank you, Yuri."

prompted by Yuri, who brought in a sash for the maid, Diana went back with Rita and took a seat for dinner. Rita, the maid who can do it, moves and prepares without waste, and immediately brews warm tea. --A calming herbal tea brought from the Kingdom of Elgrand.

Drink as prompted and Diana breathes quietly and deeply.

"... delicious"

"Thank you for that. Enjoy your stay."

"Thank you, Rita.... it's nice weather today."

"It's getting cold in the morning and evening, but it's still getting hot during the day."

"Yeah.... it may be hard for the people of this country to get less rain. Thinking about traveling and staying in the wilderness, the country's climate, which is sunny and rainy, can help without worrying too much about flood control."

"If you lack the knowledge and technology to find water, you're worried about the other way around, but... well, you won't have to worry about that."

"I see. That one's fine.... wherever he was, whoever he was with must be fine."

Four days... only four days. It has only been four days since I could feel no sign of him.

And yet - just in four days. Looking up at the sky blurrily with thoughts on the far side has become a complete habit.

"... do you miss me?

Rita asked Deanna, staring at the sky from afar. A single ambiguous question can be deceived or flushed if it bothers you. Normally, it's as if you don't hesitate to poke at the pain, but when Diana falls so far as you can tell, she'll never block the escape route, and Rita is still gentle.

Gratefully accepting Rita's care... Diana accepted.

"I miss it. I miss it more than I thought.... I was going to be ready."

"... when I think about it, I've never been so far away from Deanna since I completely left her."

"Somehow, you're just showing me your face.... but I see. It hasn't been a year since last year's descent festival (Les Armenis Arts)."

When we met, we were enemies. Words were exchanged to make him neither an enemy nor an ally.

Know his kindness and compassion as he interacts. I learned that a light attitude is a person with a strong will, like steel, that is deeply affectionate to the back and does not waver once this is decided.

Every time I find out about him, I was really happy when he reached out to me beyond the point of view, because I took care of him personally, regardless of the enemy's side.

... yes, I was happy. At first, the name "Dee" was just a pseudonym, but it became an irreplaceable special name because Sheila cherished it and recognized it as "Diana" when he was secretly listening to it.

That's how you share the same time. Sometimes it's a trivial thing, sometimes it's bullshit to fight.

It hasn't been that long since I started spending time with him. I can't remember what it was like to spend his absence before I met him...

"... do you want to send a letter?

Rita asked unexpectedly. Rita smiles slightly at Diana, who doesn't understand the meaning of aggression and just looks back at her.

"If you ask Rick, he will find Kai and deliver the letter. In a few days, the mountains of the operation should be over. If Deanna writes in a letter saying," I miss you so much, come home soon, "he'll fly back."

"Don't be silly. I asked you to give me a plan, but you can't come back because you're so lonely."

"If it's Deanna's wagamma, I'd be happy to accept it.

"It's not selfish like Wagamama. I'm probably wacky, but that's why I'm not so ashamed of myself swinging around.... even though I feel like I'm always hitting my selfish wagamma, I can't ask for any more."

By his tenderness and strength to defend him, his presence grew so much in Diana.

... still. We can still make it now.

"... maybe it was just right."

"... Dear Deanna?

"That guy... Khai is by my side because of his pure generosity. Don't lean against it and let the presence of Kai be taken for granted."

"That's...."

"It's a miracle you're here with him in the first place. It's too arrogant to take it for granted that you're here."

……

"One day... when you find something more you want to do than be by my side, you can smile and drop Kai off. I'm glad I took him for granted before I tied him up on my own."

In just four days, I can't see my face, and I'm attacked by an unexpected loneliness.... I know he had so much in his heart.

Now that you are aware of it and have been able to reflect on yourself, you should still be able to stop. --I can think of his happiness first and be prepared to accept the choice to leave.

"I miss you, but...... you have to get used to it."

Dear Dear Deanna,

Rita opens her mouth wide to say something.

But - just before the words came out of my mouth.

"Dear Deanna!

Mia, who was supposed to be cleaning the hallway, rushed in in a hurry.

"I'm sorry to have to relax. Something urgent came up and said," I received this letter from the outside... "

Basically, the beginning of the day is a slow stanza palace, and this is enough of an anomaly to receive a letter from the "outside" this early in the morning. Immediately turning her head, Diana opens a letter from Mia.

The contents are: -

Dear Deanna, what did the letter say?

"... His Highness wants you to wait in your usual room because he's visiting the rear palace (Halem) now."

"The usual... room where you can meet the Crown Prince when Deanna is away?

"If you look at this way of writing, yes.... if I'm not in my room, I'll pick you up from the Emperor's permission to the rear palace (Halem)."

"What do you mean...?

"I don't know, but if His Majesty is aware of this, it would be a bad idea to ignore it."

I haven't had breakfast yet, but I can't help it. Diana drank the tea Rita had brewed and stood up.

"Rita, help me change. Mia, how's the hallway cleaning going?

"It's rough. All you have to do is wipe it down and clean up the tools."

"That's right. So, what if Mia leaves?

"I thought it was okay."

"Then Mia, come with me. Maybe it's a diplomatic case."

If it's a diplomatic matter, it would be more comfortable if Mia, a woman, was there.

"Yeah. Rita prepares breakfast with Yuri and the others."

"What are you talking about? I'll come with you."

But without Rita, we need an interpreter.

"--It's okay, Dear Deanna. After I went to Stanza, I found some time and Rita taught me the initial Stanza language, so I could manage with a gesture if I communicated with her on a daily basis. Especially since Rosalee seems to have a good language talent and has been able to listen quite well in the last few days."

Yuri, who seemed to have heard Diana's words, came in with a cleaning kit. As it stood, she turned towards Rita.

"I'll do it myself, Rita. Stay by Deanna's side."

"Thank you, Yuri."

"Yuri....."

... was Diana down recently enough for Yuri to worry about? Even though I was aware that it was falling, I still thought I was fixing it, but as far as her attitude was concerned, it seemed that it wasn't fixing it.

"... okay. Rita, come with me."

"Of course. I'll follow you even if you tell me to stay."

― ― The designated room is outside the rear courtyard (Halem), where soldiers are housed. The backyard of Stanza (Halem) is so spacious that it can't be too long. Rita helped her get dressed in a hurry, and Diana walked to her room on a quick stroll.

- Oh, Princess. Good, I was just about to pick you up.

As Diana reached the outer gate of the rear palace (Harlem), Exiga had already given her life to the guarded soldier in front of the gate. The atmosphere of the letter, his condition, apparently in a real hurry.

Good morning, Your Highness. Sorry to keep you waiting.

No. I apologize for calling you so rudely in the morning.

Never mind. Was there anything important about the Elgrand Mission?

As the greeting was cut out there, Exiga kept quiet for a moment.

- Princess, why don't you take a little trip?

Are you going away?

Our Embassy of the Kingdom of Stanza guided us all the way to the King's Capital of the Kingdom of Elland. But the princess hasn't seen a stanza other than Ifthane yet.

...... huh

Only a few days remain for the princess. As it stands, it doesn't go too well with the hospitality we received in Elgrand. --It is about the prestige of the Empire.

... but I don't know what you're talking about. The King's City of Elgrand is in the interior, so even if you ship to the nearest port, you will pass through some land until you reach the King's City, where you will inevitably be entertained. On the other hand, since Ifthane is the imperial capital and the largest port city of the Stanza Empire, there is no need to ship anywhere else. If the number of lands visited and the hospitality received are inferior, it is certainly not very equal, and I understand the concern that "the Kingdom of Elland gave great hospitality to foreign emissaries, but the Stanza Empire was quite poor."

(... but that sounds like a very excuse.)

It is as if the Stanza Empire respects the Kingdom of Elland as a reciprocal country, such as worrying about the level of hospitality. It is better not to suspect that the Stanza side, which was aware of the consequences of the war and looked like a substantial hostage, would say such a thing.

... I appreciate your feelings, but don't worry too much. Interacting with the people of Ifthane is also very meaningful as a national envoy. Even if the direction of entertainment is different, I do not intend to find out about the Stanza Empire in such a way.

Try to avoid going far with a gentle aristocratic rhetoric.... as far as the prince's expression is concerned, rather than his complexion, I can't admit that he's doing well.

(... I can't leave Ifthane right now)

The Stanzas don't know anyone but Brad, but the Elgrands are now in the middle of an important operation. --- There's no way you can leave the one entrusted with the front line and go far away.

... no, no. There is certainly a responsibility as an outspoken one, but more than that.

(I'll call Kai...)

"... is that why you can't leave Ifthane?"

For some reason, Exiga suddenly changed her language to Elgrand.... are you going to tell me something I don't want to hear from the Stanza guards nearby?

"The upper echelons of the Elgrand Kingdom probably don't trust us.... even if our stanza doesn't let you go home, did he say that he will definitely pick you up? - To the king."

"No, I don't think so...."

"It's been nearly ten days since you came to our country. It's about time you missed your country. Especially these days, the princess seems quite distant."

As the Crown Prince pointed out, it was frustrating.... when we were acting together with Exiga, we were trying to behave as usual so as not to be distracted, but Diana is still more unstable than she thought.

"- Princess, if you were smart, you would have noticed. The king does not care more about you than he does about politics when you leave the country and feel lonely. In the sky beyond which the princess looks up, the king will not look at the sky in the same way.... there's only a side room in front of his eyes called his beloved Sheila."

"I, I...."

"Wait for the King without love, and do not remain in the Emperor's City in dismay. Although it is a low-rainfall country, there are plenty of green lands in Stanza that princesses like, one of which I admire. It's a good place to change your mood. If you stay here for a few days, you'll feel better."

... I know. Though somewhat aggressive, Exige is basically not a bad person. I'm sure that this offer is genuinely caring to encourage Diana, who is concerned about seeing it.

She picks up Diana every afternoon at a set time and takes her wherever she wants to go. No matter who Diana interacted with on the way out, she probably didn't share the details with Stanza's leadership. Although there may be some disappointment that Diana's testimony was quite bad on the first day, perhaps without it on the first day, he did everything he could to keep Diana at stanza.

Exiga thinks Diana loves Juke. Looking at Diana, who has become more frustrated, it is natural to associate homesickness - perhaps it is not impossible to be frustrated if you do not feel depressed thinking of a thin king.

(... if I was truly tied to the back of Elgrand, both physically and mentally. I'm sure you found the impetus of His Highness unreliable.)

But it's not. That's not true.

Diana is just plain right now.

(I want to wait for Kai. I want to say "Welcome back" to Kai when he comes back. "Thank you"....)

... no, no. The story is simpler.

(I want to see you. I want to meet Kai as soon as possible. That's why I don't want to leave Ifthane.)

What is this? This, unmingled, pure, incredibly instinctive,

--This feeling is horribly fierce and intense.

This feeling from within is definitely yours.

I can't control it with my own reason!

"... let's go, princess"

When I realized it, Exiga's face was close by. While he was stunned, he was stuck at a distance.

Without a break, he takes his hand and holds it in his shoulder.

--I desperately gathered my thoughts.

"Please wait, Your Highness. If you're going away on a getaway from home, you'll need to get ready first. I didn't bring any clothes or groceries."

"The other way is my palace. We can take care of your clothes and belongings without any shortage."

"Well then... at least the maids are together. I will bring those who have been left in the room, so please take a moment."

"The one who takes care of the princess is in my palace. I will leave your luggage here, so you will also need someone to take care of the backyard (Harlem). ― ― I was wondering if it would be enough if either of these two accompanied us.

... if this is just a distraction and Deanna, the chief, leaves the palace, Mia, in her official capacity, will have to remain an interlocutor with Stanza. With the erasure method, Rita is the only one we can take.

If we give Diana time and return her to the rear house (Halem), Exhiga will be wary if she does something to avoid going far away. From the hands placed on Diana's shoulders, she felt a firm will not to return to the posterior palace (Halem).

"- I beg your pardon, Your Highness. I want you to let go of the red rose."

In the stiff air, a voice of quiet and strong determination echoed. --Behind Diana, it's Mia, who's been watching.

"... let's be modest."

"With all due respect, please stand down. ― ― Dear Red Rose, I have no intention of going away.

"Can't you hear me? If you do not want to be a disgrace to the kingdom of Elgrand, be respectful."

"Shame, disrespect, and scolding. As a servant of the Red Rose, it is my duty to protect the Lord.... it's too bad for Red Rose to leave Ifthane right now."

(Ahh....)

What are you doing?

Were you disqualified as an aristocrat and a person before as such a "red rose" by swinging your emotions and exposing Mia to danger?

- Remember, what is Diana's top priority?

(― ― I am "Red Rose". Now a quasi-royal of the Kingdom of Elland, carrying the name of the country)

Becoming a bridge between the Kingdom of Elgrand and the Stanza Empire, and the safe return of all of them to their country, is the mission that Diana has been given and must fulfil.

And for that -!

"... okay."

Breathe slowly, deeply.

Diana looks up at Exiga at close range.

"Let me sweeten your words and take care of you for a while."

"Princess!"

Dear Deanna!

"It's okay, Mia. Stay and visit the Stanza Empire, not Ifthane. There's nothing dangerous in Your Highness's territory."

"But...."

"The Eighteenth Prince Realm has a reputation for good security. --Your Highness is in possession of this natural abundance... is it Torno or Lars?

"It's an honor, Princess. Torno is a little far away, so I'd like to show Lars around this time."

"Lars, if we leave now, we'll be there by today."

"Princess Hamako, you are very knowledgeable."

With a gentle smile, Diana sees Mia again.

"Right? It's okay."

"Dear Dear Deanna...."

"I'll leave Mia alone. If you hear from the Kingdom of Elland, please respond."

"No, Dear Deanna. I don't know..."

"Suddenly I'm sorry, but will Rita follow me? No matter how much you look after His Highness's palace, the maid hasn't kept a single one because it sounds bad."

Rita stared straight at Diana's eyes and looked angry and sad. With deep passion in her eyes, Rita bows quietly.

"I understand."

"Rita!"

Mia-san. I will protect Deanna even if I change my life. "

"Rita....."

― ― So please keep Mia away. I'm going to be unable to say hello, but I'd like to thank you. "

With a crying face, Mia kept her mouth shut. The story seems to have come together, and Exiga walks outside without taking her hands off Diana.

"Mia! I need the National Embassy until I get back..."

Tell him to leave while looking back.

In an unexpected way, Diana travelled to Ifthane.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

In desperation and desperation, Mia rushed back to the room of the rear palace (Harem) in a state of selflessness. I can't care less about that, because my legs aren't graceful.

When she opened the door with a loud bang, Yuri and the maid of the royal palace cleaned the table.

... that's it.

"Mia-san...? Hey, what's up?

"Deanna...?

Ruli and Yuri's questions easily overflowed what they desperately endured.

"I'm sorry, please. I'm sorry!"

"Mia-san!?

"I couldn't stop it. Whatever it was, I had to stop it...!

"Calm down, what happened?

Yuri supports your body, which collapses with words. Lori, Aina, and Rosalee rushed in.

Mia looks up in front of her friends to repent for her helplessness.

"Dear Deanna, Prince Exiga took me out."

"... early this morning? Anything in the Imperial City?

"No, to land away from Ifthane."

Everyone's eyes turned round, and they all looked sad. --Everyone immediately thought the same thing about Mia.

"Oh no! Because Kai's coming home soon?

"If there is a problem, I will send a letter through Lik, and I have never heard from you before, so if you are on schedule tonight or tomorrow morning....."

"Dear Deanna, I've been waiting for Kai's return...."

Mia nodded over and over again to Aina, Rosalee, and Louis.

"So... I definitely shouldn't have let Deanna go. I had to protect Deanna so she could welcome Kai properly...."

Always following Deanna, hidden from the unknown, Kai. Mia doesn't really know that he was initially hired by the "Peony Room" as a secret.

But he loves Diana more than anything else in the world. As soon as you look at Diana's life, of course, you will know that she is trying to protect it with everything wrapped up in her heart.

And... so is Deanna. Instead of relying on Kai because he was a man who protected himself, he simply thought of Kai himself and kept his heart. It was unconscious, but... no, because it was unconscious, I was devoting my unmistakable love to it.

--As for the side room, it is a contraindication. A long time ago, love for a man other than the king would never have been forgiven.

But Mia. The maids of "Between Red Roses" did not think that if they affirmed Diana's thoughts and supported her, they would be able to deny the taboo.

There are circumstances behind the fact that the King is already moving to get someone he loves, abolish the rear palace and make her the righteous queen - but more than that.

"Deanna... I want you to be happy. I had to sacrifice myself to stop Kai and his further escape."

"Mia-san....."

"If you look at it, you'll see. I can't believe who Deanna is thinking about. And that Diana's thoughts and prayers are always only in Diana's eyes."

"... I see. It's easy to understand, those two."

"Because thoughts overlap, there's no need to dare to leave. Because you are always about other people, Deanna, you want to be happy without letting go... that's what I've been serving you!

There must have been a better way to get around. There must have been something we could do to protect Diana.

My helplessness is grudging... I regret that there is no way to advance power.

"... everyone feels the same way."

Yuri, who supported Mia, spins his words with a deep voice.

"Deanna, who is talking to Kai, was surprisingly adorable and gorgeous. I'm sure there's no one but Kai who can give Deanna such a happy smile."

"... eh"

"As a maid of the royal palace who serves your side room, I know a hundred things are wrong. Still, I was secretly determined to support Kai and protect him for Deanna's happiness."

Me too, Yuri.

"Of course we are."

I knew somehow, but the maids had one heart.

Although pale on the surface, Yuri inspires Mia with deep affection at the edge of her words.

"Deanna has something that Deanna wants to protect, so it's not a story that has just begun to leave us worried elsewhere. - Then even if we do a little crosstalk for Deanna, it will be mutual."

"Yuri....."

"-Lully, did Kai leave a whistle to call for an emergency call?

It was Diana who decided not to contact her unless a serious matter involving life or death broke out so as not to disturb Kai, so she may be angry if she finds out later, such as reporting a few days away.

But - yes, Yuri is right. What are you going to do, foolishly and honestly, to keep the commandments of the Lord, who spares no effort in himself, under these circumstances?

--So please keep Mia away. I'm going to be unable to say hello, but I'd like to thank you.

Rita's words came back to life before we broke up.... I'm sure that's the best message you can send to Kai, ignoring Diana's instructions.

Asked by Yuri, Louis brought a whistle from the storage area, followed by Aina with writing equipment.

"What should I write? Since Prince Exhiga has taken Deanna away, should I write that I want her back immediately?

"From our point of view, yes, but the fact is, it's a bit of a flaw...."

"It doesn't mean I wrote it in front of the building."

Mia stepped forward with certainty before Eina and Rosalee argued. --Knowing the hearts and minds of my friends, I could see what I had to do, and at some point my body stopped trembling.

"- No, both of you. I have a better script."

"At the behest of Prince Exhiga, Deanna and Rita left the Imperial Capital and went to a place called Lars. He said he would stay for a while in the Imperial Palace in Lars.

Please hurry to Deanna. Protect Deanna…

A letter of prayer from everyone was tied, and Lik flew to Khai with his wings flapped.