I Don’t Care About the Story, I Want a Cat ～Transmigrated into an Otome Game～ - Chapter 43

In the Carriage (Part 1)

Edward was supposed to return the day after, so why was he here now?

Before Amy could grasp the current situation, the Prince’s guards also arrived. 

Darius, who was decked out in travelling gear, got off his horse with a worried look on his usually fearsome face. 

“Your Highness!”

“Ah, Darius. Was I a little too fast?”

“It wasn’t just a little. Besides, how can you go off the beaten track through a deserted road?”

It looked like Edward hadn’t come here from the main road but had taken a less traveled path. 

Amy was a little relieved that he hadn’t rushed through the middle of the Capital, creating a ruckus around him. Actually, she already knew he wasn’t a person who would do something like that. 

She would have been a bit concerned about his safety but she thought  it was fine if he was accompanied by Darius. 

Edward turned back to Amy, bringing her out of her thoughts.

“Nevermind that. It’s time for you to go back, right, Amy? Can you wait for a little while? I’ll accompany you back.”

“But you just arrived and you’re already going to leave?.”

“Yes, it’s fine. But I can’t ride together with you dressed like this.” Edward said with a shrug.

Looking at him again, Amy noticed that he was indeed covered with dust and sweat.

This was the first time she had seen him like this. As a ‘Prince’ he was always dressed impeccably. 

He must be really tired and yet……

How hard did he push himself just so he could make it in time to meet her? Amy suddenly felt alarmed when she recalled her words from earlier. 

She should have politely declined his offer and told him to get some rest. That would be the proper response in this situation.

She understood that very well, but the words wouldn’t come out of her mouth.

Edward sensed her hesitation so he spoke up cheerfully in order to put her at ease.

“Don’t worry about it. I came back a day early so I don’t have any plans for tomorrow. I’ll make sure to rest properly once I get back.” 

“I…… see. If that’s the case then it’s fine.”

He nodded in satisfaction at Amy’s reply. Then, after telling the coachman to postpone the departure, they made their way back to the stable. 

After drinking a glass of water, Edward left the parlour to change his clothes. While he was doing so, Amy decided to ask Darius about the situation.

“So Hannah and the others will come back separately?”

“Yes. A carriage would slow us down which is why His Highness and I headed back first on horseback. Everyone else will come back tomorrow, as planned.”

“Since you guys came back early, does that mean your work ended sooner than expected?”

Amy was a bit worried that she had distracted Edward from work. But he wasn’t the type of person to neglect his official duties.

However she wanted to confirm it just in case which is why  she asked Darius. The man in question put down his glass and let out a laugh at her question.

“He finished all the scheduled inspections and visits. Actually, the territory that was added to the schedule was a bit different when we went there.”

“Different?”

“We didn’t even have a chance to carry out an inspection.”

“…… Ah, so the lord of that area was problematic.” Alissa replied in understanding as she refilled Darius’s glass.

Amy also nodded.

It must be related to a faction dispute…… Prince Edward doesn’t like that sort of thing.

Edward didn’thate anything more than the infighting between factions over the succession of the crown. It wasn’t a surprise that he left the place leaving behind his attendants to take care of matters.

The King of Rudusia had already decided on the First Prince as the next successor. 

The Second Prince had a big influence in the military, but even so he had made it clear that he wanted nothing more than to support his elder brother.

With such a rock-solid attitude towards succession among the younger generation, there was no noticeable enmity between the nobles who supported the First Prince or the Second Prince.

And, generally speaking, succession was based on rank and order of birth, so there was no merit in currying favour with the Third Prince who was the lowest in line to the throne, and also had no plans to take on an important role in the future.

However, no matter how weak, the chances of making connections with the Royal Family must be an attractive prospect to some nobles. It could be possible that Edward met an aristocrat with such intentions on this trip, who must have proposed an alliance to support him with succession. 

Indeed, most people would be pleased at such an offer.Even Edward might have been content with it had he decided it was something he needed.

However, he had instead wrapped up his schedule ahead of time and left early.

“……but…”

Although Rudusia had a King as its ruler, it was not an absolute monarchy. The intentions of the Court Officials and House of Lords was also taken into consideration when making decisions during times of peace. Managing schedules and diplomacy was also undertaken by the officials at court. 

Amy would sometimes see them at the Palace. All of them were outstanding individuals with excellent abilities.

These people who took pride in their work may not look favourably on someone who did as they pleased, and went against the planned schedule. From the Third Prince’s viewpoint, it wouldn’t be good to clash with these officials who manage so much of the business around the Palace.  

“We took care of the basic requirements so there shouldn’t be any problems.”

“I see.”

But even after being reassured, Amy’s expression didn’t improve. Looking at this, Darius smiled and nodded at Amy.

“His Highness actually wanted to leave even earlier yesterday.”

“Huh?”

“He kept saying how you were finally visiting the Palace after a long time and yet he couldn’t see you.”

“W-wait a minute, Darius…”

She had finally calmed down a bit but was hit by this surprise attack.

She could feel her face heat up so she quickly brought her hands to her cheek and lowered her head, but her hands were getting warm too so there was no hiding her blush.

Both Darius and Alissa chuckled good naturedly as they saw Amy fluster about. It was at this point that Edward came back with Marvin. 

“You guys look like you’re having fun.”

“Ed, you’re back.”

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Shall we leave then?”

“Huh, already? It’s alright if you want to rest for a bit.”

“No, it’s fine. If it gets too late then the Count would worry as well.”

Besides, he could also rest in the carriage while he accompanied her, Edward assured her and then, taking her hand, pulled her to her feet from the sofa.