One week after the spring garden party, requests of new dresses and jewels, repeated tea parties, on top of that room redecoration, etc, the extravagant spending of Bellard never ceased.
"Seriously, if only she could not come back from the South forever."
Sitting at his office, Keithfalt sighed from irritation while checking the budget statement in front of him. This budget had the signature of the King on it, Keithfalt could no longer change it. Lionel too agreed, having the same expression.
"Seriously, indeed. At this rate, it will impact the defense expenditure. Her extravagant spending after returning home reached new height each time."
"Haa, but the a.s.sistance funds for the towns damaged by the war with Lidea must be paid at all costs. The lifes of our people are at stake."
"I know. …if your Highness could ascend the throne quickly, this country would be much better…"
Actually, his authority was higher than the King, since Keithfalt became in charge of most of the kingdom affairs, the usurpation and injustice improved one by one, money was poured into businesses for the people, and their life improved. Hence, his popularity from the people was high, they were expecting that Keithfalt quickly ascends to the throne. But amongst aristocrats, the Marquis of Conderna having a great influence, almost all of them supported the power of the current King. The persons supporting Keithfalt in secret are someone who is treating the Marquis of Conderna as his chief to obtain the position of general in charge of the troops, and only several people with social status who are resolute not to be influenced by the Marquis of Conderna.
While dealing with the mountain of doc.u.ments piled up in front of the ma.s.sive desk, Keithfalt suddenly looked through the window. The warmth of the spring sunlight was increasing, the fresh verdure of the trees and the flowers were reflected vividly in his eyes.
He wondered if the flowers around the arbor will start to bloom soon…
＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
After handling the important doc.u.ments, the feet of Keithfalt who wanted to rest for a short while, led him to the arbor as usual. And then, his thoughts went to the young woman who would surely be ahead.
The day after the garden party, Keithfalt was relieved without knowing it when he presently saw a familiar silver color near the arbor. In this place, it became a natural color now. Tinaria does not flirt with him unlike the other young women, and always have a delightful, gentle smile. The place where we are together is not unpleasant, rather…
But according to Clianna"s report, it is possible she only tries to entice me. The possibility of that att.i.tude being an act is high. Therefore, I often go the arbor simply because I am pleased with that place. Regarding the Princess of Lidea, I just have no reason to drive her out. That is all.