49
While
thinking there was no way he would be this kind to her, Candice floated
a sweet smile.
「I-It is very delicious, isn't it!」
「……It is not bad once in a while.」
She
had jumped to the conclusion that she would be scolded and executed, but it
seemed Candice's neck would remain connected for now. She had absolutely
no idea why she was summoned to his room and given cake even though she was
supposed to be hated by him, but as long as she could return alive, that was
fine. Candice let out a breath of relief from a sense of security, but
it was short-lived, as Valentin asked her about what happened yesterday.
「Why did you cry yesterday?」
「……hk!」
Never
expecting to be asked at this timing, Candice stiffened her body.
Candice frantically thought of an excuse.
However, as she hesitated, unable to come up with a good excuse, she felt the
pressure-filled gaze once again. Even though he had seemed to be in a good mood
after eating the cake, he was now sending a sharp gaze in her direction.
（I don't want to be killed just like
this without being able to resist at all……!）
The
panicked Candice thought she had to say something, but as expected, she
couldn't say or explain that she was hated to death in the previous timeline
and had memories of her head being cut off. But she understood one thing: she
wouldn't be released unless she gave a proper reason. Opening and closing her
lips, she squeezed out an excuse.
「Th-The reason I cried was……」
「……?」
「───Because His Majesty the Emperor's
face was scary!」
「Pfft!」
Hugo, who had been soundlessly in the
room by the door, burst out laughing. Candice didn't know what Valentin
thought after hearing her words. However, she clamped her
mouth shut, thinking that saying anything more would only bring death closer.
「…………I see.」
However,
while relieved that an unexpectedly weak reaction came back, she remained wary
of what he would say next, but he kept his hand over his mouth and didn't say
anything to her. Now, conversely, it was a total mystery why she wasn't being
scolded.
（This is strange. Why is he so kind?
No, this must be some kind of test……!）
As
if to back up that thought, questions were asked one after another. A cycle of
being asked a question and returning an answer…… was repeated. Perhaps waiting
for the moment Candice finished drinking her black tea, Valentin
stood up.
After
pointing at Candice and sending some sort of signal to Hugo and
the maids, he turned his back. Thinking he intended to leave just like that, Candice
got off the sofa and chased after Valentin.
「Please wait, Otou-sama……!」
Without
even realizing she had unconsciously called him Otou-sama, she tugged the hem
of his clothes. Seeing Valentin more surprised than he had ever been,
she realized what she had said and covered her mouth. However, deciding this
was no time to be embarrassed, she looked him in the eyes and thanked him,
saying, 「Your Majesty the Emperor,
thank you very much for the delicious cake this time.」
（Because Jeanne taught me to
say thank you when someone does something for me!）
Candice looked proud of herself for being
able to say thank you. However, Valentin turned around slightly before
leaving without saying a word. At that, she was quite shocked, as expected.
（Does this mean…… he doesn't need
thanks from me!?）
Candice stood rooted to the spot until she
was called out to by Hugo.
「Imperial Princess-sama, will you be returning to your
room now?」
Candice swallowed with a gulp and slowly
looked at Hugo.
「Hugo, I…… survived.」
「…………Excuse me?」
「I wasn't killed!」
「Just what kind of resolve did you come here with?」
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