6. After the Party

6. After the Party

I was absolutely drained after that night’s get-together. I mean, I’d been tired after going to other social events, but this was on a whole other level. How is it that the biggest impression I had of the entire thing was “some selfish crown prince who wouldn’t listen and couldn’t read the room—and his sister, too—went on a rampage”? The two of them were absolute idiots. Were they even right in the head? Especially that prince! Now that I’m calmer, I’m just so angry.

But regardless, I was completely out of energy. Even just putting my feelings into words was too much effort. Mr. Fisalis and his parents were in the carriage with me, but I couldn’t even muster the energy to put on a polite smile. Instead, I was slumped in my seat, wearing a distinct frown. Luckily, no one was getting on my case about it, and I was so thankful for that.

But I wasn’t the only one who was angry. While I seethed in silence...

“What is wrong with them?! That’s their crown prince?! Why in the world would the Aurantians send someone so stupid to deal with another country? Are they making fun of Flür? And what was with that sister of his, too? She even managed to get Her Majesty the Queen, who’s basically seen everything, to stiffen up like that... Ahh~ Just thinking back is making me upset all over again. Cercis, go back and attack Aurantia again! That country needs to be burned to the ground!”

Mother Fisalis’s beautiful eyebrows were so deeply furrowed in anger that they were nearly vertical. The folded fan in her hands creaked as she squeezed it with all her strength. It’s bending—you’re gonna break it! But it kinda felt nice, having her say exactly what I was thinking.

I was silently stewing in rage, Mother Fisalis was fuming, and both Mr. Fisalis and his father looked cranky. The mood on our carriage ride home wasn’t great at all.

“I’ve always thought they were complete fools, but I didn’t think they were this bad. I understand that with both their king and second prince under house arrest, that group was all they could send, but... The foreign ministers must be at their wit’s end, bringing them along... Or at least, they should if they’ve got any brains in those heads of theirs.”

“You mean Flür’s foreign ministers?”

“Both Flür and Aurantia’s,” Father Fisalis said, exasperated.

To think that a foreign prince (the crown prince of a country that we just defeated, to boot) would publicly propose to a married woman! Worse, he wanted Mr. Fisalis and I to divorce “for our country” and remarry the Aurantian royal siblings. No matter that I’d only ever heard of him secondhand, I didn’t think he’d be that stupid. He’s their crown prince, for goodness sake! How the hell was he raised?!

“If that prince’s divorce plan was ever somehow accepted officially, we’d still be absolutely against it, so don’t you worry.”

“Of course, father. If it ever happens, we shall raise the flag of revolt!”

“Great idea!”

Mr. Fisalis and his father were getting really worked up, to the point where they were talking about starting a rebellion. The scary thing was that they’d actually do it too.

My husband still looked upset, but he squeezed me a bit closer, his arm still around me from when he’d first pulled me away. Normally, I’d get embarrassed about it, but I didn’t have the strength left in me to resist. I was just letting him do as he wished, but at the moment, I found it kind of calming.

His other hand was holding mine tightly. It was the same hand the crown prince had been gripping, but this felt completely different. The prince’s gnarled hands had been overbearing, as if he was trapping me without hope of escape, but Mr. Fisalis’s hands were strong, but a gentle and soothing kind of strength. Back then, I’d missed his hands, which were elegant despite wielding both a pen and a sword. It was like he was surrounding and protecting me, maybe? The feeling of relief I got just cuddling up beside him was amazing... I might end up falling asleep.

When that now-familiar manor finally came into view through the window of the carriage, all of the tension just left my body. Once I’m inside, I’ll be safe! It’s my sanctuary! I was really completely exhausted.

I sighed in relief just seeing the faces of the servants who came to meet us, and after seeing my in-laws back out to the cottage left me feeling even more at ease, I completely ran out of energy in the entranceway. My legs just gave out!

“Whoa?!”

“Viola! Are you alright?!” Mr. Fisalis said, catching me just before I crumpled to the floor.

“I’m just so relieved to be home that I went a bit weak at the knees~” I tried to smile to smooth things over as Mr. Fisalis picked me up in his arms... although what I said was actually true.

Seeing me so exhausted, Stellaria and Dahlia both rushed up to me, their faces pale pale.

“Madam looks incredibly tired. Did something happen?” Dahlia asked Mr. Fisalis.

“Yeah, a lot happened today. I’ll bring Viola to her room. We’ll talk more later. Stellaria, look after Viola for now.”

“As you wish.”

“Rohtas, Dahlia, come to my room. Ah, and call for Father as well.”

“Yes.” Mr. Fisalis was giving orders as he ascended the staircase, carrying me in his arms. They’re probably gonna be talking about what happened tonight. Sorry, I’m too tired to participate, so I’ll leave it to you guys!

My bedroom was all set for me to drift off to sleep. I mean, it always was, but seeing how much the servants cared really warmed my heart at that particular moment.

Setting me down gently on my bed, Mr. Fisalis said, “Okay... I need to go talk with Rohtas and everyone else. You just get some rest, okay, Viola?”

“Okay.”

“I’m leaving everything to you, Stellaria.”

“All right.”

After giving both of us a few words, he left the room. And once I heard the door latch shut behind him...

“Ughhh! I’m exhausted! I’m gonna have a bath and then get to bed. I really want to sleep, like, forever!”

I’d love to go straight to bed, but I need a bath first! I’m gonna relax, soaking in my nice, warm tub! As I hobbled towards my bathroom...

“Should I assist you with your bath tonight?” Stellaria said, rushing to support me.

Oh no, I’m fine! No matter how tired I am, I can at least bathe just fine. Don’t roll up your sleeves like that!

“I’ll be okay! I’m a big girl!”

I was so tired I wasn’t quite sure what I was saying, but I gently pushed Stellaria away as I politely(?) declined. Doing my best to avoid meeting her worried gaze, I stepped into the bathroom. She didn’t follow me inside, but it seemed she was going to wait just outside the door. Usually, she just waited in my room. Oh, but I do remember getting dizzy in the bath once when I was exhausted, and everyone got super worked up about it. Gotta watch out for that.

Once I’d washed myself all clean and sunk into my nice-smelling bath, I was in paradise.

“Mmmm... This feels so nice... Oof! Ack! Whoops, nearly fell asleep there!” It felt so nice that I actually lost consciousness for a second, and woke up when my face hit the water. Whoa, that was dangerous. Getting dizzy in the bath has nothing on nearly drowning in it! That would end up causing way more trouble than last time. What am I doing? I literally just told myself to watch out!

“Madam! Are you all right?!” Stellaria cried, slamming the door to the bathroom open as she did.

Gyaaah, don’t open the door! I’m naked!

“I-I’m okay! Just got a bit of water to the face, that’s all☆”

“Really? All right, then.” Giving me a suspicious look, she went back outside. Whew...

After narrowly avoiding falling asleep in the bath yet again, I headed straight to bed. I’m just gonna stop thinking about everything that happened. I can do all that thinking tomorrow! For now, I just wanna sleep... Zzz...

The next morning, my in-laws joined us for breakfast. It was unusual that they took the trouble to come to the main manor from the cottage.

“Today, His Majesty and I will be speaking to the Aurantian crown prince. Well... Less speaking, more lodging a complaint.”

“I see. I’ll leave it to you, then.”

As we drank our post-meal tea, Mr. Fisalis and his father started continuing their talk from last night. Mr. Fisalis was wearing his uniform this morning as well, so the complaining was probably gonna be done during working hours. Father Fisalis was just nodding along; apparently he wasn’t going to the palace today.

Then, Mr. Fisalis looked at me. “Viola, you are not to go outside until they finally leave.”

“Okay? So business as usual, then.” Why was he pushing that so hard? Who did he think he was talking to? I’m the great Madam Shut-In. Where does he think I’ll go, when I’m nearly always here in the manor? Also, Mr. Fisalis is just calling the Aurantian’s “them” now?

My husband looked pleased with my answer, nodding before he continued. “If that crown prince tries anything—coming for a face-to-face meeting, trying to give Viola a personal letter, etcetera, throw him right back through the door,” he said to Rohtas. “There’s no need for you to be hospitable.”

“As you wish.”

“Don’t worry. If he comes to complain, I’ll deal with him myself!” Father Fisalis said, thumping his chest. Reliable as always!

“But what about that party in three days? Will we just be leaving Vi home?” After listening to the rest silently, Mother Fisalis chimed in with her question.

What? There’s another party in just three days?! And the way she worded that sounds like I’m supposed to attend! I did a double take at this new information. What’s with these parties so close together?!

...Oh, yeah. Going to parties is just like breathing for most aristocrats. Duh.

But still, it was just three days away. What was this party about? I’ve never gone to two parties one after another before! And no one ever told me about this one! Since I didn’t know anything about it, I’d just have to listen to everyone else to find out.

Mr. Fisalis raised his eyebrows at his mother’s question. “Of course we will. She doesn’t have to come,” he replied seriously.

Yay! I still didn’t know what the party was for, but I got an official okay to skip out! Lucky me☆ “Okay! I’ll take care of the manor while you’re all gone!” I said, giving them my brightest smile as I announced that I’d be a good girl while they were away.

“Lord and Lady Fisalis will be staying in the main building for a period, so you cannot act like you usually do.” After returning to my room once breakfast was finished, Dahlia put the last nail into my coffin.

What? So my in-laws are gonna be moving into the main house from the cottage?

“What, really? When was this decided?!”

This was totally news to me. Hadn’t they been having a grand old time having the cottage, all by themselves in their married bliss?

“It was decided last night, by Master and his father. Master wanted to raise the manor’s security while he’s at work. Please do try to behave yourself, at least for a while.”

This was probably what Mr. Fisalis called his father and the servants into his room for last night. So Father Fisalis is babysitting me?

“Is that why they were talking about turning that prince away at the door?”

“Yes. We need to be prepared for any possibility.”

“...Okaaaaay.”

I know it’s a bit late to be asking this question, but... If I have to behave myself, what I’m I supposed to do all day?