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Ekaterina and Aleksei also spoke about the days they had spent since coming to the Jurnova territory.
That said, Aleksei’s account was extremely concise.

“I have been fulfilling my duties as duke.”

That was all—but Mikhail smiled.

“Has it been going well?”
“Yes.”
“I see. That’s good.”

Precisely because it was so brief, one could say it carried far too much depth.

Prince…just how much does he understand when he says that? Come to think of it, during the Edo shogunate, the bakufu sent covert agents into each domain to grasp internal conditions. Does the imperial family do the same sort of thing?
No, even if they did send covert operatives, only His Imperial Majesty would be receiving and fully grasping those reports. The prince shouldn’t know about the complete purge of the old faction led by Novadine and the others. I’m overthinking it, right? Generally speaking, governing a vast territory at such a young age comes with difficulties, so that’s probably all he meant… probably.
But this air of knowing everything… as expected of an imperial prince.

When I think back to sixteen-year-old boys in my previous life—first- or second-year high schoolers—I only remember them chatting about soccer matches, how hype the latest manga chapters were, or what toppings were supreme for okonomiyaki. They were kids. And that was fine—an important, happy time, in hindsight.

When I think of my classmates at the academy, they’re much the same as in my previous life. Which just means that it’s Onii-sama and the Prince who are the odd ones out.
They grew up too fast—so impressive it makes my chest ache a little… the kind of impressive that makes you admire them wholeheartedly.

.

Ekaterina talked about the journey to the mountain temple. When she mentioned slaying the one-eyed bear and receiving the oracle of eruption, they were surprised and the conversation grew lively—but she did not mention the Maiden of Death, the God of Death, or her encounter with the Demon Dragon King. Each time the topic edged close, she exchanged glances with Aleksei to check whether it was all right to speak—and when it reached that area, Aleksei smoothly stepped in.

“Her journey was filled with many astonishing events. There were even matters I formally reported to His Imperial Majesty.”

…Right. I had described the Black Dragon as “a force comparable to a nation’s army.” An encounter with such a being—and forging amicable relations with it—was something that could alter not just Jurnova’s, but the Empire’s military balance. It wasn’t something to be discussed casually as part of a friendly status update.
Onii-sama is already a full-fledged duke, but the Prince, though the heir to the throne, is not yet a true wielder of power. There is, after all, a clear and undeniable difference there.

Ekaterina smiled softly at Mikhail and Flora.
Mikhail nodded calmly in return.

“Ekaterina really does seem to have a knack for encountering unusual things. It reminds me of when you fought that magical beast at the academy.”

Mm. A refined version of “I won’t ask, okay”—as expected.
And Flora-chan simply smiled, refraining from interjecting at all. Born and raised a commoner, yet possessing this level of discretion—she’s clever. Her potential really is high.

She’s the Heroine of the otome game, so I want her to successfully capture the prince. It leads straight to my Doom if she doesn’t, so I really wish they’d get together already.
If Flora-chan ends up in love with the prince…then she would eventually become crown princess, and then empress? That would be incredibly tough…
But she certainly has the potential to overcome it.

In any case, this villainess supports the Heroine and the Prince!

.

“I was reminded anew during that journey that Jurnova is truly a fine land. Though your stay will be brief, we shall do our utmost to welcome you.”

With those words, Ekaterina shifted the topic and began explaining the reception events planned for their stay.

There were two main events.
First, a welcome banquet at Jurnova Castle. Compared to the recent celebration for Aleksei’s appointment as duke (which also served as the debut of Ekaterina as the Lady of the House), the guest list would be much more tightly restricted—but correspondingly more lavish.
To be invited to a banquet with the future emperor as the guest of honor would be a tale to boast of for generations—a great honor. Requests for invitations had reportedly flooded in from all corners of Jurnova. Carefully selecting the invitees would place them in Aleksei’s debt, greatly benefiting his governance.

Second, a full-day hunting tournament. This too would be held on a grand scale with selected participants. East or West, hunting is the foremost pastime of the nobility.
More than mere amusement, it also serves a practical purpose: securing food during summer, preserving it, and preparing for the harsh winter. It’s entirely different from the trophy hunting that drew criticism in my previous life.

At the end, everyone would enjoy part of the catch together. Meat procured on the spot—a wild barbecue party, basically.

“The ladies will participate as well. Some women do take part in the hunt, but many spend the time by a cool stream, enjoying birdsong, having sweets, and chatting. It will be my first time as well, but I hear the hunting grounds are quite beautiful. I thought it might be a rare sight for you, Lady Flora, living in the imperial capital—such rich natural scenery. Let us stroll together in the shade.”
“Wow… sounds wonderful. I’m really looking forward to it.”

At Ekaterina’s words, Flora smiled, her cheeks tinged with color. Aleksei then said to Mikhail,

“The game in the hunting grounds is mainly deer, but there are also boar, and occasionally edible magical beasts such as great horned-cattle. The villagers nearby are accustomed to acting as beaters, so they should drive the game skillfully.”
“I hear that in Jurnova, the game is shared with the villagers. That explains why they cooperate so enthusiastically. Chasing rare prey sounds exciting—I’m looking forward to it.”

Mikhail’s eyes gleamed.
Ekaterina was a little surprised. The prince likes hunting? Now that I think about it, he does have a hunter’s disposition—but still, that kind of wild side is unexpected.
Or so she thought—but the next thing Mikhail said left her too stunned to think about anything else.

“By the way, about the welcome banquet you’re hosting. Would it be all right if I asked Ekaterina to be my partner for the first dance?”

Huh!?
What are you saying, Mr. Rabbit—!?