Chapter 636
Chapter 636
"I have no particular preference for race or family background. Someone who is sincere, kind, and dedicated, I suppose. But why do you ask?"
"Well, I was just wondering what a wonderful woman like Danae might look for in a partner."
Both Mel and I have been taken care of by Danae, and honestly, I don't want her to end up with some strange man.
Alex seems to be smoldering with unexpressed feelings, but his personality seems to match Danae's preferences, so I hope things work out for him if they can.
Love is a matter of personal freedom, so it's up to Danae to decide.
But I think it's fine to secretly cheer for Alex.
"Well, Lord Ridd, you're as smooth as ever."
Danae smiles happily but quickly turns serious and glares, saying, "But..."
"It's not proper to ask about another woman's preferences in front of your wife."
"Ah..."
"Then, excuse me."
She bows and quickly walks away, but I feel an incredibly cold gaze from behind, sending a shiver down my spine.
"Lord Ridd, do you prefer someone like Danae?"
"N-no, not at all. That's not the case. There's a bit of a scheme behind this."
Feeling an overwhelming pressure from her cold voice, I stand stiffly, unable to turn around, and somehow respond in polite language.
I also sense that if I lie, I'll be turned into ice.
"Oh, a scheme? What kind of scheme is that?"
"W-well, that is..."
Danae's figure is still visible down the hallway.
If she hears this by any chance, it would be unfair to Alex.
At the very least, I should explain after she's out of sight.
Right after I think that, my right shoulder feels cool... no, it's gradually freezing.
When I cautiously look, a cute brown-skinned hand covered in white frost is resting on it.
"Can't you say it while Danae is still in sight?"
"Y-yes."
"Why?"
Fara leans in close to my left ear and whispers as if giving a final warning.
"W-well, that is..."
This is bad, I might really be turned into ice.
Right after I think that, Danae's back disappears from view.
I take the hand on my right shoulder and quickly turn around, embracing Fala in a flowing motion, bringing my face close to her ear.
"Um, I think Alex might like Danae. So, I thought I'd secretly cheer for him."
"...W-what?!"
Fara's eyes widen in surprise, but she quickly leans in.
"I had no idea. Asuna, did you know about Alex and Danae?"
"No, this is the first I've heard of it."
When Asna shakes her head in response, Fala puffs out her cheeks and narrows her eyes suspiciously.
"Are you sure you're not just using Alex's name to cover something up?"
Once again, a chilling aura emanates from her, and I frantically wave my hands, immediately replying, "It's true."
"I haven't heard it directly from him, but from what I've seen, there's no doubt about it. Right, Capella?"
"...Why are you asking me that?"
Capella raises an eyebrow slightly, her expression unchanged.
"Well, you know. Capella married Ellen, so Alex is your brother-in-law. Haven't you heard anything?"
Desperately seeking help, I glance at him, and he sighs with a resigned look.
"Indeed, it seems Alex has feelings for Lady Danae as well."
"See? Just as I said."
"Wow, so Alex really does have feelings for Danae."
As Fara blinks, the cold aura subsides, and the surroundings warm up.
I breathe a sigh of relief, thinking the misunderstanding has been cleared, but something about Capella's words bothers me.
"Capella. What do you mean by 'as well'?"
"Exactly what it sounds like. Alex is indecisive... no, he's at that age where he's prone to falling in love. It seems there are several people he's interested in."
"W-what, really?!"
I can't help but let out a surprised voice at the unexpected revelation.
Now that I think about it, Alex once asked me to deliver handmade decorations to several maids.
Could it be that he has feelings for all of them?
"Is that what they call two-timing?"
Fara mutters, her eyes tinged with curiosity.
"No, Alex isn't in a relationship with anyone yet. So, it's not two-timing. No need to worry."
"O-oh, I see. That's a relief then."
Capella bows politely, and Fala nods with a mix of relief and disappointment.
"But that makes me curious about the others. Capella, who else does Alex have feelings for?"
Tink whispers in a low voice, her hand covering her mouth.
While Fala seems curious, Tink's eyes are clearly sparkling with excitement.
"I haven't heard the details, but it's certain that they are maids serving the Baldia family."
"I see. Considering Alex's age and the maids close to Danae's age..."
After hearing Capella's answer, Tink ponders and then smiles.
"Got it."
Fara leans forward slightly.
"Who is it?"
"It's just a guess, but it's likely Nina, who is Danae's peer, and their juniors, Marcio and Leona."
"Just to confirm, what's your basis for that?"
Even though it's about Alex's love life, it's a topic that could affect the maids' motivation and relationships.
As a member of the Baldia family, it's better to ask.
This is definitely not out of mere curiosity.
Tink clears her throat with a confident expression.
"Danae and the others are close in age to Alex and have frequent interactions with the Second Knight Corps barracks. In other words, they've had many opportunities to interact with Alex."
"I see."
I can't help but nod.
I thought Tink was just guessing, but her insight into their work was surprisingly accurate.
Danae often goes to the Second Knight Corps barracks for training with Mel.
Nina has recently been assigned to take care of Claude, but before that, she worked at the barracks.
Marcio and Leona have taken over Nina's duties and still work at the barracks.
Alex is the head of the Second Production Technology Development Department of the Second Knight Corps and frequently visits the barracks.
As Tink pointed out, he's had plenty of opportunities to interact with them.
But not just Danae, also Nina, Marcio, and Leona?
They are well-regarded by Head Maid Marietta and Deputy Head Maid Frau, and my parents have high hopes for their future.
If Tink's guess is correct, no matter who it is, Alex will have to prove himself worthy.
His path to love might be quite challenging.
"And there's one more person, though the possibility is low."
"Eh, one more?"
As we tilt our heads at Tink's meaningful tone, she looks towards Fala.
No way, surely not.
If that were the case, even if it's Alex, I don't think I could allow it.
I might have to send him on assignments to the Foxkin territory or the Christy company to keep him away from Fala and me.
Whether she knows my thoughts or not, she narrows her eyes, places a hand on her hip, and points.
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