The Villainess Enjoys Her Seventh Life as a Free-Spirited Bride (hostage) in a Former Enemy Country

“You are a distinguished guest, and there is no need for you to kneel, even as a courtesy greeting.”

“…I see, I see.”

Raul’s eyes narrowed as he smiled.

“Arnold-dono unexpectedly treasured your wife.”

W-Why are we talking about this right now?

It was ironic by all accounts, but Arnold didn’t blink an eyelid.

Although he wasn’t dealing with him, he was looking at him with some kind of cold intent.

“It’s only natural that I should be considerate of my wife.”

“You don’t say. I heard that your marriage is a political one, but you are actually very protective of your fiancée. This is wonderful.”

“Um, you two…”

When Rishe looked at each of them, Arnold suddenly looked at her with a huff of disinterest.

“…I’m sure you are tired from the long boat ride, Curtis-dono. We will be showing you around the city tomorrow. I suggest you take the day to rest.”

“Thank you for your concern. The sound of the waves is soothing in this castle, so I’m sure to relax and enjoy myself.

That is to say, His Highness Arnold and Raul are planning to go their separate ways today.

It was probably Arnold’s goal, but even Raul would take advantage of the opportunity.

Rishe had no idea what the two of them were up to, but she was now on the side of Garkhain. Even if she couldn’t tell him that Curtis was a fake, she wanted to keep a certain degree of caution.

With that in mind, she looked up at Arnold standing next to her, and her eyes met with blue eyes.

“…”

His well-proportioned face was so close that she gasped reflexively.

Arnold bent down, looking as if it was nothing at all, and whispered quietly in Rishe’s ear.

“…I’m sorry, but I need you to take care of the princess.”

“!”

His scratchy voice and breath touched her ear, startling her with its ticklishness.

Rishe nodded slowly, refraining to show any of it with her best.

“Since Curtis-dono will be remaining in the castle, security will be tight. If there is any inconvenience, please do not hesitate to ask.”

You’re gonna keep an eye on Raul, too?

Perhaps it was also an explanation for Rishe. She understood what he was trying to tell her, even if he didn’t say it out loud.

Rishe decided to switch gears for the moment and carry out the mission she had been assigned.　

“Harriet-sama!”

“!”

Rishe smiled and called out to the woman who was hiding behind Raul.

“Now that my role as your escort has come to an end, I hope we can chat about various things today. May I join you?”

“Huh? A-Um…?!”

Harriet faltered and shrank away in a fluster.

“Well, I-I’m afraid that’s too much for me to ask of you…! I’m going to stay where I won’t be disturbed, so, you know, don’t worry about it, really…Errr…”

“I’d love to discuss books with you, Harriet-sama.”

“A-Are you sure about that?!”

Harriet looked up quickly, then flinched and looked down.

“Ah, b-but…”

“Doesn’t it sound lovely? Take my word for it, Harriet-sama.”

“Brother…”

At the urging of Curtis, who was dressed as Raul, Harriet nodded cautiously. She must explore a bit more to see if she was aware of Raul.

“Well then, let’s start with…”

As Rishe went on with her talking, Harriet increasingly shrank.

***

“Nice to meet you, Princess Harriet. My name is Kane Tully, and I am the chairman of the Aria Trading Company.”

“Ha-Hai…”

Tully was always smiling as greeted when he visited the reception room.

He has always left his beard unkempt, but now he has shaved it off.

The black formal attire he wore for the business meeting suited his brown skin well, as befitted a top-notch merchant.

As expected of Chairman Tully.

Rishe was inwardly surprised by her former boss.

The items arranged in the room were all top-grade. And yet, they were not unnecessarily extravagant, and there was a wide variety vibe for each.

Jewelry for adults had lace dainty looking embellishments. There were mysteriously transparent stoles and brightly colored shoes that could cheer someone up.

It was only after Rishe had decided to assist Arnold that she asked Tully to peddle.

It was no small feat to gather so many items in such a short amount of time, especially when they had to travel to this city.

“Princess Harriet, by all means, come here and take your pick.”

“Please leave this to us.”

“Hi-Hii…”

Despite Harriet’s frightened appearance, the executives of the Aria Trading Company began their sales pitches. Behind her, the chief maid nodded satisfactorily.