I’ll Be the Heroine’s Competent Divorce Partner - Chapter 54

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 54

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“Wow, there’s a place like this in the imperial palace too.”

Elodie looked around with a surprised expression.

After passing the library building and walking a bit further, they came upon a garden with no people around at all.

Welcoming the ripening spring, the trees had changed into fresh green attire.

Various flowers were blooming brightly in the flower beds.

Was it just her imagination?

The rushing wind seemed to carry the sweet fragrance of flowers.

And even the coffee aroma mixed in the air.

‘Wait, they do takeout coffee?’

Though it wasn’t packaged in paper cups like in her previous life, but rather served in mugs with lids and placed in a basket.

Apparently, administrators often bought multiple portions at once for others.

They could only drink it in the meeting rooms attached to the library, and the coffee house would collect the cups later.

‘This is totally… didn’t they introduce this on purpose to work the administrators to death…?’

I looked at the Crown Prince with a dubious expression.

The Crown Prince met my gaze with that mysterious look again.

“That look again.”

“No, it’s nothing…”

I gave him another insolent look, stop it.

I hurriedly composed my expression and took a sip of coffee.

The coffee, which had cooled to just the right temperature while being carried here, flowed pleasantly down my throat.

“Your Highness was right.”

“About what?”

“You said I would like it.”

I smiled softly while admiring the surrounding scenery.

“It’s really beautiful.”

At my words, the Crown Prince also smiled along with me.

Then he turned his head to gaze at the tree branches swaying gently in the breeze.

“When Father was still healthy, he often played with me here.”

“His Imperial Majesty did?”

“Yes.”

The Crown Prince’s expression when talking about the Emperor was very complex.

An expression that seemed both bitter and longing.

‘Well, that’s understandable.’

From what I heard, the Emperor had been in a coma for a long time.

His body had recovered thanks to an ancient relic, a treasure of the Grand Temple, but strangely he couldn’t regain consciousness.

So the Crown Prince had started participating in state affairs from his mid-teens.

‘In the original story, it was described as no problem since the Crown Prince was so capable.’

But it must have been very difficult.

Especially since the Empress had passed away when the Crown Prince was born.

That meant he had nowhere to turn for support.

Perhaps that’s why.

I suddenly felt a bit sorry for the Crown Prince.

“It must have been difficult.”

The Crown Prince looked at me with puzzled eyes.

Ah, was that too out of the blue?

I hurriedly added more words.

“Um, I don’t mean anything strange by it. It’s just that His Imperial Majesty has been unwell for a long time, hasn’t he?”

“That’s…”

“Your Highness must have had to bear many burdens because of that.”

The Crown Prince’s eyes widened slightly for a moment.

I shrugged my shoulders.

“I heard Your Highness began managing state affairs in your mid-teens. You were still young, and I think it must have been difficult.”

“No matter how young I was, I have my position. I must take responsibility accordingly…”

“But difficult is still difficult.”

Having replied thus, I slurped my coffee.

Meanwhile.

‘Why is he staring like that?’

Those strangely bright, sparkling eyes, as if a child had just received praise from their parents…

Feeling rather burdened, I subtly changed the topic.

“By the way, how did the comprehensive investigation of the orphanages go?”

“There were indeed several malicious organizations.”

At that question, the Crown Prince returned to the face I usually knew.

Taking on the countenance of a capable monarch, he answered in a cold voice.

“We’ll recover all the support funds they received so far, and the Security Bureau will thoroughly investigate those with serious crimes. We’re also planning to hold a meeting.”

“A meeting?”

“Yes. Since the majority worked honestly. We plan to invite several people to hear their opinions on any difficulties they face and see if there’s anything that needs improvement.”

Oh.

I nodded inwardly.

The Crown Prince certainly had the qualities of a wise ruler.

Should I say he’s a man worthy of being the Male Protagonist of a world?

“That’s impressive.”

“Well, it’s just what I should naturally do as Crown Prince.”

“Well, of course that’s true.”

A monarch who rules over everyone should naturally cherish and love all people.

The Crown Prince’s rights exist to fulfill that duty.

…Still.

“Actually putting that into practice isn’t easy.”

I concluded with sincerity.

“Your Highness is truly a wonderful person.”

“…”

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince who heard my words looked quite surprised.

Hmm, had I been too stingy with praise until now?

…That seemed to be the case.

‘I should give more praise from now on.’

Even because of the contract related to the New Trade Route development, he’s someone I’ll see often in the future.

If I can maintain an amicable relationship with just a few words of praise, isn’t that profitable?

“Oh right, that’s it.”

Just then, remembering something, I asked the Crown Prince.

“The cravat I gave you as a gift, how was it?”

That cravat was, after all, the first item produced by our Bella Dress Shop.

I should take this opportunity to hear from a customer.

The Crown Prince answered politely.

“It was an excellent item.”

“Oh, honestly, it’s not quite that good.”

“Why do you think so?”

“Well, that’s because I made that cravat myself. My craftsmanship isn’t that excellent.”

The Crown Prince’s eyes widened slightly for a moment.

“You made it yourself, Princess?”

“Yes, though my sister-in-law did help me a lot.”

……Actually, saying I ‘received a lot of help’ isn’t quite accurate.

Isabel and Abigail ‘almost’ made it for me.

‘Ah, my conscience hurts.’

Nevertheless, I maintained a shameless smile on the surface.

Meanwhile, at my answer, the Crown Prince’s face clearly brightened with joy.

“I see. I had no idea you made it yourself.”

Ugh.

Sorry, Male Protagonist.

In the future, when you and Isabel become madly in love, Isabel will make you much more wonderful clothes……

I quickly threw out a question with clouded eyes.

“Please tell me honestly. In a way, this is our dress shop’s first product, so I’m trying to actively listen to customer opinions.”

“Well, I truly think it’s an excellent item.”

The Crown Prince continued with a voice full of sincerity.

“Rather, I never imagined that you had made it yourself, Princess. It’s comparable to products from established dress shops.”

“Ah, that’s…”

Isabel and Abigail and the seamstresses and so on and so forth……

I ignored the pangs of conscience washing over me once again and smiled broadly, narrowing my eyes.

“I’m glad you liked it.”

Right, well.

If the Male Protagonist likes it, that’s what matters!

* * *

After parting with Elodie, Joshua was reflecting on his own behavior today.

‘Why did I tell the Princess about that place?’

The garden where he and Elodie had sat side by side drinking coffee today.

That place was actually extremely precious to Joshua.

It was one of the few places that held memories with his father.

Only a few close relatives and his longtime friend Richard knew about that garden.

‘Still, it wasn’t bad.’

The gentle spring breeze flowing by.

Pink hair like flower petals swaying over snow-white cheeks.

Bright blue eyes that looked straight up at Joshua and.

‘It must have been difficult for you.’

That gentle voice.

Why was it?

The reason his heavy shoulders felt lighter, even if just for a moment, when he heard those words.

Everyone had taught Joshua that he must have a sense of responsibility as Crown Prince.

Joshua had also tried to live up to those teachings.

Sometimes the countless expectations placed on his shoulders were overwhelming, but he thought he shouldn’t think it was difficult.

But then.

‘I heard Your Highness began participating in state affairs in your mid-teens. You’re still young, and I think it’s natural that it would be difficult.’

It was the first time.

That someone had told him ‘it’s natural for things to be difficult.’

Those words just wouldn’t leave his mind……

“……”

Joshua unconsciously clenched his fists tightly.

This sensation of his tongue becoming sweet as if he’d put a spoonful of sugar in his mouth.

……However, that sweet feeling didn’t last long.

‘Still, please don’t worry too much, since I no longer harbor impure feelings toward Your Highness.’

‘I mean I won’t bother Your Highness the Crown Prince anymore.’

Because Elodie’s resolute voice suddenly flashed through his mind.

It was really strange.

If Elodie no longer had interest in him, he should have been happy.

Her moist yet earnest gaze had been burdensome to him deep down.

But why.

‘Do I feel this regretful.’

Suddenly Joshua felt as if he’d been struck in the head.

‘Wait. Regretful?’

When exactly had it started?

……When he began feeling this way about Elodie.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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