My Dear Husband, Let's Keep It Business-Like! ~Countess Anastasia, Raised in The Downtown, Won't Give Up Her Way~ - Episode 72

The princess slowly sipped her tea, smiled sweetly, and then said,

“Because, it’s boring, isn’t it? To get engaged just because His Majesty asked, saying ‘Alright, then.’ If I’m going to marry Alex, I want him to properly woo me with his own words.”

Oh, is that so?

“Your Highness, the Princess, we are in front of my sister-in-law and brother-in-law. Please forgive me for that.”

“Really? Hehe, the fate of the nation is at stake, you know? Make sure to woo them properly, okay?”

Whoa! So cool!!

This is someone who can’t say it unless they have absolute confidence in themselves!!

If I were to say something like this, I can only imagine myself recoiling and saying, “I’m so embarrassed!!” and my husband flustered and saying, “H-how do I even flirt with her!?” The country is doomed.

“Well then, regarding that, we’ll have Lord Alexander take care of it. Anything else…?”

My husband somehow restores the atmosphere of the room.

That’s right. There are still things I need to check.

“Brother-in-law, it’s about Christina…”

To me, Christina seems like the embodiment of malice, but to my brother-in-law, she is a cute little sister.

It’s a bit hard to ask, but if we don’t deal with this here and now, that guy is definitely going to cause trouble again.

“Yeah. Since the name Christina came out of His Highness’s mouth, a proper hearing was conducted. However, there are many discrepancies between His Highness’s account and Christina’s. For now, she is under house arrest at the ducal residence.”

As expected, you won’t admit it that easily, huh?

In reality, all Christina did at the party was pour wine over herself and leave.

That’s embarrassing in itself, but it’s not something that warrants punishment.

“However, the ducal family is now facing another separate suspicion related to that.”

“Anastasia, you are suspected of abuse.”

My husband and I gasp at the same time.

I never dreamed that this issue would be brought up again at this timing.

…or rather, I thought it was something that would definitely be buried in darkness.

Well, personally, I do think that someday I’ll get back at them.

“Anastasia, I’m sorry.”

Suddenly, my brother-in-law bows deeply to me.

“I thought I should properly apologize before having this conversation. Even though I didn’t know… no, I didn’t even try to find out, I made Anastasia suffer. I’m really sorry.”

“That’s not true! Brother-in-law, you haven’t done anything wrong, please lift your head!”

“Yeah, I’m sorry. I thought Anastasia might be troubled by me apologizing like this, but I really wanted to make amends.”

Saying that with a wry smile, my brother-in-law lifted his head.

Your brother-in-law must have been in a difficult position too, but I don’t know what to say in response.

“I think there will be an interview with Anastasia herself soon. …It might bring back painful memories, but are you okay with that?”

“Oh, that’s fine. In fact, I clearly and firmly remember everything that was done, so I can report it all perfectly!”

My brother-in-law and husband look taken aback by my response, but it’s too late for that.

I’m not that weak, you know.

“Ah, ah… is that so?”

“Yes! I was definitely planning to get back at you someday!”

Upon hearing that, the princess, who had been quietly observing the exchange until now, burst out laughing.

“Haha! Lady Hamilton is the best, after all!! Hey, is it okay if I talk about my side for a bit? Actually, my partner has been itching to greet Lady Hamilton for a while now!”

Partner?

As my husband and I were confused and didn’t understand what was happening, a light suddenly burst in front of us, and a small, sparkling figure appeared from within.

A spirit!?

What floated and flew in front of us was undoubtedly a spirit.

But, with the spirits in the count’s territory and with Foss and the others, something is clearly different.

“Nice to meet you, Lady Anastasia, Sir Eugene. I am Euphoria, the contracted spirit of Carmilla. Please feel free to call me Ria.”

I received such a solid greeting!!

“I’m Anastasia Hamilton, but you can call me Ana!”

“It’s Eugene Hamilton! I’d like to be called Eugene there.”

Before we knew it, my husband and I also stood up and bowed in greeting.

“Oh, that’s nice, Ria! Hey, Countess Hamilton, can I call you Ana too?”

“Eh? Ah, yes, of course, please go ahead!”

“Could you also tell me your names?”

When Princess Carmilla raises her voice like that, Phos, Kuntz, and Kaia float over from somewhere.

“Ana, can I ask your name?”

“Huh? … Yeah, sure. Go ahead and greet them!”

For a moment, I was taken aback, but then Princess Carmilla’s contracted spirit introduced herself first.

It would only be proper for us to introduce ourselves as well.

Phos, Kuntz, and Kaya lined up neatly on the table and gave a small bow.

“It’s Phos!”

“It’s Kuntz!”

My name is Kaiya.

Princess Carmilla’s eyes sparkle with delight when she sees the three spirits.

“Cu-cute! You just contracted them, right? Contracting three spirits at once, Anna, you’re an amazing spirit user!”

Spirit, servant?

“Your Highness, what is a spirit user?”

“Huh, is that not it? Oh dear, I just blurted out state secrets. …Well, whatever.”

N-No, this is not good!!