Chapter 30: Cute Is the Strongest

As I walked down the hallway, I recalled Princess Elmedia.

The prince was a lust-addled, unreasonable brute, and the princess was a rampaging deluxe lump of meat.

“This is just too much…!”

Is the Kingdom of Sandis really okay?

And both of them are children of the queen.

I’ve seen portraits of King Lauzes and Queen Mesalin.

The king had gray hair streaked with white and intelligent green eyes, with a dignified yet gentle presence.

The queen was a beautiful woman with blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing an elegant sapphire necklace and royal attire bearing the kingdom’s crest.

But those were only paintings.

Not photographs.

They could be altered.

At least Lucas truly was a handsome young man—but the others, who knows.

The princess I knew from paintings had been… heavily modified.

Slimmed down, softened features, refined proportions—

In short, she had been depicted as an entirely different, stunning beauty.

“Sister? If you’re unwell, I can go alone.”

“No… Even if dreams are shattered, there are times when one must face reality!”

“What happened, Sister!?”

“I merely held a small dream of what a real princess would be like… It was my own illusion!”

“Sister, if you want to see a beautiful princess, you can just look in the mirror every day.”

“I’ve grown tired of that.”

“That’s far too extravagant!?”

Jibril clung to me, exclaiming how beautiful I was.

But it’s my own face.

I’m not that attached.

At first, I thought, “Wow, this girl is gorgeous,” but after a month, the novelty wore off.

Father is absurdly handsome, the attendants are all handsome, even my stepbrother is ridiculously handsome.

And instead of fading with time, they only become more radiant.

Meanwhile, I work hard on beauty, and yet the men shine effortlessly.

Isn’t that unfair?

This may be an otome game world, but what about the effort of me, Jibril, and Mother Lati?

While escaping reality like this, I was led by knights toward the king.

It felt like being led away like cattle—emotionally speaking.

I came to stop a proposal, so why are Their Majesties involved too?

“Albert.”

A deep voice reached me.

When I looked up, Michaelis—still in his knight attire—was looking at me with concern.

He approached quickly and placed his hand on my shoulder.

His hand was large—easily covering my shoulder.

“Are you injured? I never expected the princess to act so impulsively…”

“I’m here as well. I wouldn’t let Sister be harmed.

If needed, my right straight punch that defeated my brothers will come into play.”

“I’m not sure that’s appropriate, Jibril.”

Michaelis’s expression shifted from concern to exasperation.

I agree.

Even if she’s… overwhelming, she’s still royalty.

“Jibril, violence toward the princess is not proper. We must act with decorum.”

“It’s their fault for charging recklessly.

They wouldn’t want to anger Duke Lattiche further.

All major conflicts have been crushed—everyone is trembling, waiting to be next.”

“My, Father…”

I hope he doesn’t overwork himself.

“Michaelis… Princess Elmedia is certainly… very flamboyant.

Quite… robust and passionate.”

“You can call her a gaudy lump of hysterical excess and not be wrong.”

“Jibril, that’s too much.”

Jibril pouted.

“Jibril, your angry face is cute, but your smile suits you better.”

“Yes, Sister.”

She clung to my arm affectionately.

She’s so cute.

Cute is justice.

Why did I come here again?

Ah, right.

“Albert, please don’t spoil her.”

Michaelis’s voice snapped me back.

“I can’t help it. Jibril is adorable.”

The boys all grew tall and left me behind.

But Jibril remained cute.

She embodies cuteness itself.

“Why don’t you understand that?”

I puffed my cheeks and glared at Michaelis.

He averted his eyes.

Victory.

Cute is justice.

But why did his grip tighten slightly?

“Sister, Brother is currently battling his youthful impulses.

Please refrain from provoking him further.”

“Youthful… impulses?”

Michaelis turned away completely, eyes shut.

After a long sigh, he stepped back.

“…My apologies.”

“It’s fine. If you’re unwell, you should rest.”

“Honestly, this is why you’ll never surpass Julius or Lord Kishtarial.”

“Jibril, that’s rude.”

“It’s loving encouragement!”

“Be quiet.”

Michaelis suppressed her with a tired expression.

Why do the knights look so stunned?

It was just a normal conversation.

Then suddenly—

Michaelis wrapped an arm around my waist.

Escort position.

“Is that necessary…?”

I don’t understand noble etiquette.

“If I were a man, I’d crush them all and take what I want!”

“…I’m relieved you’re not.”

“Also, I want a proper warhorse. A strong black one!”

“Then I’ll give you one for your birthday.”

Jibril would look amazing riding one.

As I happily thought about it—

“Wait, Albert. That would be bad.

Jibril will never find a husband.”

“Why? She’s so wonderful.”

“If she keeps defeating suitors in duels, they’ll disappear!”

“Duels…?”

“Why should I marry someone weaker than me!?”

Jibril declared proudly.

…Is that normal?

My understanding of noble marriages is collapsing.

“Should I learn swordsmanship too…?”

“Absolutely not. You’ll get hurt.

Your hands are far too delicate.”

Michaelis immediately shut that down.

As my thoughts spun, I noticed a sharp metallic sound nearby.

Jibril smiled sweetly.

Cute.

Very cute.

Sir Carreras collapsed, clutching his shin.

I hugged Jibril tightly.

She raised her hands victoriously.

Adorable.

But soon, Michaelis pulled me away again, and we continued down the hallway.

For some reason, I felt sympathetic gazes directed at him.

…Why?