The Reincarnated Archmage

It's been days since the incident in the palace garden. I heard from our maids that father punished the Idel household by banishing them in the kingdom. I was worried that I was the cause of that, but it turns out the Idel household had committed a lot of crimes. As for Lady Linielle, she was brought to a church in our neighboring kingdom and will be banned in this kingdom for the next five years. I think that would be a better punishment than removing her in the noble society.

As for me, I was currently stuck in our mansion. Not that I mind it though, but my father is being suspicious, especially when a servant comes to our house and gives a letter to my parents. I just recently learn the reason of his action. It is because after that tea party, I am receiving a lot of engagement letters from the other nobles.

It seems like I got their interest after I showed my capability on that party. However, all of them were naturally declined. I usually now heard father saying 'As if I'll give my daughter that easily.' everytime he burns the letter on his hand using magic.

I didn't object my father's action. I also have no plans of deciding my fiancee. Not when I'm still a little kid. If I'll be having a chance to get married in my new life, I should be the one who will choose my partner. That's why I'm supporting my father's decision.

-//-//-

"Please have a good conversation, okay? I'll be leaving the two of you so the both of you can discuss the topics you want."

"Let's go, My Majesty. We don't want to disturb them, right?"

"That's right. We'll be taking our leave now."

This situation is making my head hurt. Right now, I am sitting on a table together with the Crown Prince. The King and Queen just left us now and silence filled the whole garden. Well, it's my fault why I'm stuck in this situation.

Earlier, my parents received a letter from the Royal Palace. The King is summoning them, including me. The letter indicates that it's an urgent matter. My father gets suspicious of it. It is the same for me. If it's an urgent matter, why do need for me to go to the Palace also? What can a mere child like can do for them? Nevertheless, since it's a summon from the King, we go to the Palace reluctantly.

After arriving at the Palace, my parents left me in a parlor room and instructed me to stay here until they come back. A minute after they left, Her Majesty saw me so I naturally greeted her. She suddenly holds my hand and told me to come with her. At first, I politely refuse her. I am a good little girl so I won't disobey my parents. But Her Majesty has a trump card in her hands.

She told me that they hire a new pastry chef in the palace and she wants me to taste the newly made sweets today. And so, I come with the Queen and left the parlor room. She brought me in the garden and a table full of sweets was already there. Not only that, His Majesty and the Crown Prince were also there.

When I greeted them, I saw a hint of excitement in His Majesty's eyes. I just ignore it and give him a smile similar to what I show to my father. Because of this, he nods his head and mutters 'I made a good decision.' I didn't get what he is saying so I just acted as if I didn't hear anything. And after that, the King and Queen left me and the Crown Prince alone.

So what are we going to do now? The both of us are not talking. Even the maids and guards on our sides didn't dare to make a sound. I also don't know what to talk about with this Crown Prince. Why do they leave us here alone?

With no one to answer my question, I let out a soft sigh. My companion is just sitting on the chair while his eyes are staring at the flowers. Since the Crown Prince doesn't have an intention to talk to me, I choose to ignore him too and decided to choose on what to eat.

A variety of desserts were displayed on the table. There's macaroons, jellies, cakes, cookies and pudding. I first choose the pudding. The jiggly pudding is too soft that it quickly melts in my mouth. I can also taste the cream used to make this delicious dessert. I didn't notice that I've already eaten all the pudding on my plate. That's a shame.

Since I'm not yet satisfied, I choose the macaroons next. The different colors of it indicates the flavor of macaroons. I first chose the red macaroon. The moment it touches my mouth, the combination of smoothness and sweetness of the macaroon spreads in my mouth. I can also taste the fresh strawberries hidden inside this treat. Ah. I want to praise the pastry chef who made it personally. This is like a dessert given by the gods and goddesses.

Hmm? When I lift my gaze, I saw the Crown Prince staring at me with his mouth slightly open. Even the maids and guards are staring at me with vigor. What? What did I do? Are the desserts here only for display? Then why did no one try to stop me eating it?!

"Lady Vivione... You..." The Crown Prince called me.

"...Yes, Your Highness?" I said as I lower my head.

Huu... Maybe he's mad? But why? Because of the desserts I ate? Or maybe because I'm ignoring him? But he's the one who ignores me first! Is he going to order the guards to capture me? How can you capture a cute little girl like me?

"...Pfft..."

When I lift my head to look at the Crown Prince, he is trying to look decent. But he's just trying to stop laughing in front of me. Those maids and guards are also fidgeting on their posts. Why? Why are acting like this? And why am I full of 'why' today? Ugh...

"Do you enjoy it so much?" The Crown Prince asked me.

"Huh?"

What is he talking about? The moment I tilt my head, the Crown Prince can't control himself any longer and let out a laugh. He's laughing so much as if he any moment from now, he'll die from suffocation. Then suddenly the maids squeals of delight and the guards were blushing too much. I frown at them. It's either they're the weird ones or is it me?

"Pardon me. It's not right to laugh in front of a lady like you." The Crown Prince said once he calms down.

He wipes the tears in his eyes. Even the people around us starts to calm down. I'm still frowning at them.

"Once again, I apologize. I know it's rude, but I can't help myself from laughing seeing the expression you're making a while ago."

"...What expression?" I asked.

"The expression of someone who is too delighted while eating those desserts. It's quite obvious from the cute smiles your showing earlier."

Cute smiles? Did I really smile? But I don't plan to smile in front of these strangers. Or maybe I'm doing it unconsciously? Huu. I should control my facial expression as early as now. With my status right now, I don't want to establish a friendly atmosphere around me. I hate it when nobles will try to befriend me just because they find me beneficial.

"Then Aly apologize for doing it. Aly will be careful from now on." I said and bow my head.

"NO!"

A simultaneous shout from the maids and the Crown Prince can be heard in the garden. I was taken aback from their strong objection. What do you mean by that? Then the Crown Prince let out an awkward cough and acts as if nothing happens. It's the same with the maids around us and let out a soft apology before returning to their positions.

"I'm just saying that you don't need to be too guarded around me, Lady Vivione." The Crown Prince said. "And you also don't need to be so formal in front of me."

"...Okay. If the prince said so, then Aly will obey."

"So obedient. Not to mention, too adorable." I heard him whispering to himself.

I just ignore him and stand up from my seat. Then I lift my dress to show him a curtsy.

"Aly should excuse myself. Aly should find my parents to avoid making them worried." I said and started to leave.

But the Crown Prince also stands up and follows me. He even follows my pace. As expected from the Crown Prince, he knows the etiquette of a gentleman.

"I just told you not to be so formal in front of me, right?"

"Aly can't do that."

"Yes, you can. We're friends now!"

No, we're not. I can't remember being friends with you. I don't even want to have a kid like you to be my friend.

"Since we're friends, you can call me Lars. Can I also call you Aly?"

"...If that pleases Your Highness, then it's alright."

Ugh. I don't want others to call me by my nickname aside from my family. But I can't do that. Who knows what will happen if I decline from a royalty like him? I'm just starting my new life and I don't want to encounter any troublesome situations. I heard the Crown Prince sighs, but I ignore him and keep on walking. I was surprised when he suddenly stops me from walking by holding me on my wrist. Then the Crown Prince kneels in front of me and carefully holds my hand.

"Let me introduce myself again. I am the Crown Prince of Kingdom of Lapir, Larson Saviel Reliria. But you can call me Lars. It's a p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e to have you as my fiancee, Aly." He said and plant a soft kiss on the back of my hand.

Hey! What are you talking about? And who are you calling your fiancee? As far as I remember, my father declines all of my the engagement letters. I was about to give him my piece of mind when I heard someone shouting at us.

"I am not allowing this!"

My father shows up out of nowhere and pulls me away from the Crown Prince. Ah. It's a good thing my father arrives at the right time. Acting as a cute daughter, I hide behind his legs while hugging his waist. He pats my hair lovingly before looking at the dumbfounded Crown Prince.

"I apologize, Your Highness. But I don't consent for my daughter to be your fiancee. Please understand." My father said and lowers his head.

"But I want Aly to be my fiancee."

"You can choose another noble girl to be your fiancee."

"I will still choose Aly. She will also suit to be a princess."

"My daughter is not interested to be a princess."

"But Aly is the one I want."

"This brat..."

Ugh... Father, are you sure you can talk to the Crown Prince like that?

"Hmm... Then I'll just make Aly to fall in love with me!" The Crown Prince declares with a smile.

In your dreams, Your Highness. You are still young to pursue a hundred year old woman trapped in a child's body like me. When he saw me looking at him, he shows me a boyish grin, but I frown.

So annoying.