The Emperor Is My Brother’s Best Friend

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On the other side of the greenhouse were the barracks for men.

When the Honeywell siblings and Ilya arrived, many eyes fell on them.

Rose, who would normally have been intimidated by numerous eyes, didn't have time to pay attention to the stares as she was looking for Stanley's whereabouts.

Unfortunately or fortunately, Stanley was nowhere to be seen, as if he hadn't attended the hunting festival.

Wells approached Rose, who let out a small sigh of relief.

“Sister, women have to go that way.
After His Majesty's speech, we will have a short preparation time, and then we will disperse to the mountains and greenhouses.
At that time, follow the ladies to the greenhouse.”

“Huh? What about you?”

“I have to be on the side of the barracks.
If something happens, call the knights and find me right away.”

“Okay.”

Rose briefly said goodbye to Wells, then headed to the place where the noble ladies and young ladies were gathered together with Ilya.

She was welcomed by the wife of a family that was familiar with the Honeywells.

Rose, along with Ilya, greeted the lady and welcomed Ilya when they heard a voice from afar announcing Russell's appearance.

Russell appeared on the podium prepared beforehand with the knight's loud cry.

His silver hair was still brilliant, and his eyes shone beautifully.

Rose stared at him blankly for a moment, then turned her head at the sound of a small exclamation heard around her.

Unmarried young ladies of Rose's age were looking at Russell on the podium with their faces reddening.

No.
Judging from the fact that the already married women have the same expression, Russell's appearance is indistinguishable from his age and seems to mesmerize everyone.

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Russell started by giving a speech on the safety and origins of hunting.

After his short and bold speech, the ladies and young ladies alike went to their partners.

Before the hunting festival started in earnest, during the preparation time, they handed over the handkerchiefs they made and prayed for safety.

Rose looked at Ilya, who was standing next to her, and carefully asked her thoughts.

“Lord Stanley…
Guess he's not attending today.”

Ilya smiled a little weakly.

“Yes, I can't see him.
Maybe I'm lucky.
Actually, I didn't bring that handkerchief.”

“Is that so? I made it hard on you.”

Ilya laughed without answering.

Soon after, the hunting festival began with the sound of a flute ringing out. 

The men attending the hunting festival jumped onto their horses and rode out in an instant.

“Ah.
Then, shall we go to the greenhouse and get out of the cold?”

One of the ladies gave a suggestion once the men left.
Following her advice, everyone headed to the greenhouse, and Rose followed suit and looked around.

…I'll have to take a break with Ilya sometime later and confess.
Then, I can tell her about Stanley and what he did.

The greenhouse was smaller than the one in Alison's annex, but it was well decorated.

As the number of people was not small, there were several tables that could seat six people.

Rose sat at the same table with Ilya.

At the table Rose sat at, there were many young ladies her age.
As soon as they sat down, they started chatting with one another.

Their topic, of course, was about the partner who accepted their handkerchief.

“What embroidered handkerchief did Lady Roberts give?”

“I embroidered the pattern of our family.”

“They say they released a lot of ferocious beasts this time.”

“I can't wait to see who will win.”

“That's right.
The winner will dance with their partner for the first time at this year's coming-of-age banquet.”

Their mouths didn't rest. 

Ilya naturally melted into their conversation, and Rose only answered the questions that were directed at her. 

“By the way, has everyone seen this?”

While continuing the conversation, a young lady pulled out a small bottle the size of a finger.

While everyone was wondering about its contents, someone recognized it.

“Oh! Isn't that a pheromone drug to attract prey?”

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“That's right, actually, I bought some in the hope that my lover will catch a lot of game.”

“They say it works great, but wouldn't it be a big deal if a savage beast took over?”

“Do not worry.
He said he hunts with others.”

“Come to think of it, those who hunt alone are amazing.
Isn't Duke Proud like that?”

“That's right.
But this time, will Duke Proud dedicate the hunt?”

“Who will it be? Honeywell's Young Lady is in attendance.”

This time, the topic of conversation turned to Rose and Elliot.

Rose, who was quietly listening to their story, made a surprised expression when her name was called out.

In an instant, the eyes of those at her table poured out.

“Lady Honeywell, did you give your handkerchief to Duke Proud?”

“Did you mention that Duke Proud should sacrifice his game to you?”

“Tell me about the duke, please!”

Rose lowered her gaze, feeling burdened by the gazes that burned into her.

How would everyone react if I said that I didn't give him the handkerchief?

And what if Elliot happens to not sacrifice his game?

Rose touched her fingertips on her lap, and she thought of a reply.

Let's make a small statement here and say that I will call off our engagement to Elliot.

Then, even when I really broke up with Elliot later, they might easily accept it, saying that everyone knew about it and he can't object.

…Okay.
When we're gathered like this, I'll say it in an insinuating way.
Then they will surely go back to their respective mansions and talk about what happened today.

Rose took a deep breath, exhaled, and looked up.

“I—I have something to say to everyone,” she said.”

“Yes? Please speak, Lady Rose.”

The eyes of the young ladies who wanted to hear about their relationship with Elliot shone.

Rose took a break and opened her mouth.

“Actually, Elliot and I—“

Elliot and I don't get along as well these days as we used to.

The beginning of her tale would start as such.
With that, Rose was going to imply to everyone that she would cut ties with Elliot.

But before she could finish her words, Rose was cut off by a small knock on the table.

The glances that had been directed at Rose turned to a different person.

It was Ilya who cut Rose off by hitting the table.