The Villainous Young Lady Would Even Risk Her Life for Her Beloved ～ Her Fiancé, the Prince? By All Means, Please Be Happy with the Heroine! - Chapter 1.13

Now that I thought about it, when did Geoffrey first appear in the story?

By the time he entered the academy at fifteen, he was already Prince Leonhart’s right-hand man. Given his childhood friend status, he should have shown up around this time.

Following Lady Lione’s advice, I started listing the differences between this world and the story I knew.

The cure for Frozen Stone Disease had been discovered, which increased the survival rate of House Flores. My relationship with Prince Leonhart had improved, and I was no longer treated like garbage. Luca’s magic level seemed suspiciously advanced—was he already better than me? Lord Finley had stayed in the royal capital longer, and I hoped he would remain here permanently.

And yet, Geoffrey still hadn’t appeared.

Why?

I didn’t have an exact date for his introduction, but Prince Leonhart and Geoffrey’s initial meeting should have followed the same pattern as Luca and Lord Finley’s.

At this point in the story, noble children close in age to the first prince were gathered at court, regardless of rank, thanks to the Otis family’s wealth and influence. Geoffrey, coming from an impoverished viscount family, had been mocked by other nobles. Prince Leonhart, witnessing this, had reprimanded those who belittled him. Over time, the prince came to appreciate Geoffrey’s diligence and integrity, while Geoffrey, in turn, admired Prince Leonhart’s sense of justice and kindness.

In a court where trustworthy allies were scarce, their bond of loyalty and friendship had formed naturally.

“I’ve never met anyone named Geoffrey Otis.”

So Luca didn’t know him either? Then where on earth was he?

“I kept an eye out during those gatherings since you mentioned him before, but… His Highness got busier, and those meetings became less frequent.”

“Wait, what?! That’s happening?”

“Yeah. You see him at least three times a week, don’t you?”

“Wait—are you saying it’s because of me?!”

Oh no—did I mess up a major story event?

Because Prince Leonhart was spending time on my princess consort training, he had less time to meet with other noble children.

And because of that, the fated meeting with Geoffrey never happened?!

“Geoffrey Otis? I know who that is.”

“What?! Really?”

Crap! I totally forgot to filter my words!

During our usual tea time, I casually brought up Geoffrey’s name—and found out that Prince Leonhart actually knew him already.

Thankfully, he didn’t seem to register my outburst as something a noble lady would say. Instead, he just looked at me strangely, as if I had spoken in a foreign language.

So he does exist. But wait… what does this mean?

Did they not become friends?

“What, is he another one of your favorites?”

“No, my only favorite is Lord Finley.”

That was important, so he needed to remember it clearly.

“Just so you know, I’m far more handsome than Geoffrey.”

Had I been complimenting his face too much?

Lately, he’d been acting more narcissistic.

What if Iris stopped liking him because of this? Should I be worried?

Although, to be fair, he was ridiculously good-looking.

Especially when he smiles… But still, Lord Finley is superior.

“Geoffrey is definitely in the handsome category! His glasses and that beauty mark are irresistible.”

And the contrast between his serious personality and unexpected combat prowess had won him countless fans.

“…Where did you meet him?”

Oh, great. Now he was pouting because I had complimented another guy.

But I had never actually met Geoffrey, so how was I supposed to answer?

“Oh… I heard other ladies mention him at a tea party once.”

Yep. That was a lie.

I hadn’t received any tea party invitations in a while. The Frozen Stone Disease outbreak had caused social events to be canceled, and even before that… well, I had messed up too many times.

“When did you meet Geoffrey, Your Highness?”

“…Back when you were bedridden with Frozen Stone Disease.”

Oh.

Prince Leonhart still felt guilty about his past treatment of me, and he looked uncomfortable bringing it up.

So he had met Geoffrey back then.

“I hear he is a brilliant man.”

“Indeed. That’s why I invited him to the palace for a follow-up meeting, but… other matters got in the way.”

Wait. He looked guilty again.

Oh no.

“That day… It was the same day I found out the truth about our engagement and called for our discussion.”

Of all the timing…!

That was so long ago!

Is it too late?

Geoffrey was the brain of this story.

He was Geoff-pedia—the indispensable strategist.

If Prince Leonhart became king without Geoffrey by his side, they would definitely struggle.

I had to get him involved no matter what.

“Your Highness, I sincerely regret any inconvenience caused to Geoffrey. Please, would you arrange another meeting with him?”

“That would be… difficult.”

What do you mean difficult?!

Suddenly, Eliza, who had been standing by, joined the conversation.

“The Otis family returned to their territory just the other day.”

“Wait, seriously?!”

“Seriously.”

Seriously… I really messed up this time.

I had been so caught up with Lord Finley that I had put Geoffrey on the back burner. He had always been at the back of my mind, but I just kept postponing it.

The truth was, I had been reluctant to deal with Geoffrey. In the original story, he was the one who clashed with Lydiana the most. He had relentlessly opposed her for the sake of protecting Prince Leonhart and Iris.

Even though I knew I needed to address it, I had kept avoiding the issue.

“What should we do…?”

I turned to Prince Leonhart. He gave me a suspicious look as if asking, Why are you asking me?

“Why are you so concerned? He’s not your favorite, is he?”

“B-because the more talented people Your Highness has by his side, the better!”

“I am already sufficiently talented.”

“You can say that after you’ve been officially named crown prince.”

“Hah! By then, it’ll be too late for you to beg me not to break off our engagement!”

There were no royal attendants nearby, which meant Prince Leonhart could joke around like this. It was clear that he enjoyed these casual conversations.

“He’s the third son of a viscount! If he gets the opportunity to serve you, there’s no greater advancement for him.”

“That much is true… but why do you care so much?”

He was still skeptical.

Well, of course he was. From his perspective, it must have seemed strange for a duke’s daughter to be so invested in a viscount’s third son.

I couldn’t exactly tell him the truth—that I was worried as a fan of the original story.

“We ruined a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him. Naturally, I feel guilty.”

“You do?”

How rude. I had been drowning in guilt ever since my past memories returned!

“Your Highness, this is a plea from your adorable fiancée. Please, meet with Geoffrey once more.”

Don’t look at me like that. Your adorable fiancée deserves at least that much!

“…Fine, but it’ll have to wait until spring. The cold is only going to get worse, and the Otis territory is buried in snow this time of year. Traveling to the capital will be difficult.”

Would that delay affect their friendship? I was worried, but there was nothing I could do about it.

This world wasn’t like my previous one. Travel wasn’t so easy here.

“There’s still time to catch him!”

“Huh?!”

This time, it was Maria who spoke up.

“I doubt they’ve reached their territory yet! I have a good idea of where they’d be staying along the way. If we send a fast rider now, we can still reach them!”

Maria’s quick thinking was a lifesaver. She was from a village near the Otis territory, so she had a good grasp of the area.

With this, we wouldn’t have to wait until spring!

“Your Highness! You still feel guilty about the way you treated me, don’t you?”

“Fine, fine! Just stop getting so close!”

I leaned forward, pressing him for action.

If there was ever a time to use the first prince’s authority, it was now!

Geoffrey was this country’s future strategist—the brain that would support the kingdom.

Using a bit of royal influence to ensure that outcome was absolutely justified.

“Hurry up and make it happen!”

“You sure have some nerve saying that when I’m the one feeling guilty here!”

Muttering complaints under his breath, Prince Leonhart began giving orders to his attendants.

Good.

Now, Leonhart, go and forge that lifelong friendship with Geoffrey!