Apparently, Her Highness Princess wants to keep her relationship with me a secret (what does she even mean by 'her relationship with me'?) - 3-7

3-7

The Earl’s Daughter (Emma Princess’ Perspective)

In that endless wide stretch of the blue sky there was not even a speck of cloud.

“Hmph, as I thought, what a disgraceful man, Itose Orgott. Accepting the position of third hand just for some money? Is he planning to stain Westminster’s long held pride?”

The circular arena built for combat arts—commonly referred to as the Second Arena—was packed with students eagerly awaiting and students whose turn had arrived for their next duel. The arena, which was typically designated for students having wide-range magical quirks, had been especially assigned for matches like this, due to its overwhelming popularity.

Every seat was occupied, with many standing. Countless students had skipped class just to witness the battle.

“A baron’s family being designated as the third hand for a earl’s family—this must be a first!?”

“Does that girl have no pride? Relying on a baron’s house… Sure, Orgott is strong, but still…”

Itose Orgott versus Harold Hardy. Although the true protagonist of this match was someone else, no one seemed to care. The whole commotion had started when Julianne Transport appointed a baron’s family member as her third hand.

—Finally, those two would clash with each other. This was the fight everyone had been waiting for.

“Julianne is here! Look, she’s bringing Orgott with her!”

“Hey, Orgott! How much did she promise you! Tell us!”

As Julianne appeared from the entrance gate, with Itose Orgott following behind, the crowd erupted in harsh jeers. Julianne walked with her head down, her expression unreadable— at least, she’s quite nervous.

The stain of having appointed a baron’s family as the third hand would never be erased from the earl’s house for all time to come.

“Hey, fatso in front! Lower your head! I can’t see Itose-kun properly!”

“Yeah Yeah, that’s right! Aren’t you taking up two seats just by yourself!”

Unlike the male students, a handful of female students were cheering with excitement, their voices were all filled with praises for Itose Orgot.

“Y-You girls must be quite disappointed! After all, Orgott’s winning streak had already ended!”

“That match was rigged! It was obvious Itose-kun was holding back! Anyone could tell that! Rather, those who can’t should just drop dead, don’t you think too!”

[TL: Scary… Girls… Scary…]

With pale skin—a rarity among Westminster’s sunburned male students—and slanted upward leaning eyes that gave him a cool demeanor, the unsociable baron’s son had somehow earned the admiration of some girls, which further ended up souring the male students’ opinion of him.

“Accepting a position to be the third hand? That guy has no pride as well! And it’s not like Julianne’s magic quirk requires a third hand in the first place!”

Clad in an ochre cloak, Itose Orgott muttered something to his downcast employer. His words were lost in the commotion, but Julianne finally raised her head. It was as if she finally steeled her resolve.

“….”

But Emma found the scene displeasing. Watching the girl who currently held his special position and attention made her stomach churn.

Emma Sati Roman observed it all from a special seat, distanced from the crowd.

“—Emma sama. Your mood seems displeased.”

“N—nothing like that… I’m not displeased. I’m perfectly fine!”

“Is that true?”

Beside Emma sat her maid—Rose—the deep navy-haired girl who had once visited Itose Orgott as the masked lady.

Emma pouted at Rose’s deadpan expressionless observation.

“You went through the trouble of making him a lunchbox, and yet he didn’t bother to give even a single comment on it. Also, if you’re upset about that noble from your class asking him out on a date—you should just say so.”

“…Don’t spell it specifically like that.”

“Don’t worry, Emma sama. Itose-sama must definitely fancy you.”

“…Really?”

“Without a doubt.”

[TL: Oh God, the brainwashing… Even better than washing machine…]

Such an absolutely pleasant statement, so pleasant to hear. Although, the man in question would himself protest furiously, ‘don’t joke with me!’ if he heard that.

“It’s obvious if you think about it. He makes your heart flutter on purpose. It’s all a ploy to keep you interested.”

Itose Orgott had been long wondered. Why is it that he is in love with Princess Emma. Why is Emma mistaking that as an undeniable fact.

The culprit behind that misunderstanding was none other than her own maid, Rose.

[TL: Well, if he marries Emma, even Rose gets to slip into his robes, one-night or another.]

“I spoke with him many times as the masked lady. He’s a very shy guy—a guy who would never reveal his inner true feelings, which is in the depths of his heart. But, Emma sama, please think about it calmly: he spent a town-stonemason’s entire month’s salary, just to rescue you from the Greyjoy Marquis’ men. Even though that part is far outstretched from his contract-content bound with you—the reason why he worked so hard, is only because he loves you. He is deeply in love with you.”

“’D-Deeply in love’ don’t say that… It’s embarrassing…”

“Ah, Itose-sama, he just looked this way!”

“Eh, R-Really?!”

Of course, Itose had his own faults.

During the Greyjoy Marquis incident, where he saved Emma from his minions, he had been overly conscious of Dan Westminster’s request and ended up showing off more than necessary.

Those actions taken by Itose Orgot had left a far deeper impression on Emma’s heart than he even realizes.

“Here he comes, the other baron’s son! Just for today, I’ll cheer for you!”

And then, as the physical-enhancing magic wielder stepped into the arena, the crowd’s excitement peaked even further. Despite having already fought five matches that day, Harold Hardy showed no signs of fatigue.

“Hey, Hardy! Don’t go easy on him just because he’s your close friend!”

After all, the audience could finally witness what they wanted to.

Well for them, it doesn’t really matter whoever it is, be it Itose Orgot or Harold Hardy.

After all, they want to witness the baron’s sons beaten to a pulp.

That simple desire had drawn this massive crowd, revealing just how much Westminster’s students resented and despised the two baron’s family’s going on a continuous winning streak.

“Well then, let the Combat Arts begin!”

That earl’s daughter whispered a desperate small prayer under her breath.

Among the storm of cheers and jeers, the battle involving two baron’s sons finally began.