The Doll and The Prince - v3 Chapter 20, v3 Chapter 21, v3 Chapter 22 (Patreon)

Hitachimaru (3)
Ichinose was unable to turn away the visitor, who seemed to be a high-ranking noble. Nodding, Otoha quickly headed towards the entrance, with me following close behind.
Prince Hiiro does not allow anyone, other than recognized relatives, to step foot into this palace.
No matter the rank, even royalty cannot enter without Prince Hiiro's permission.
Coming unannounced is a poor strategy.

At the front door, today's guard was glaring at the visitor.
Today's guard for the detached palace was Lord Himari. Perfect.
Even the princess from the Sanjou family couldn't do anything reckless against Lord Himari.
Otoha made Lord Himari step back a bit and bowed her head politely.

The Sanjou princess, seemingly determined to force her way in, had brought three bodyguards.
Lord Himari is a deadly fighter on the battlefield, but not particularly skilled at subduing without killing.
Since there were three of them, I decided to help a bit and began warming up a short distance away.
The bodyguards seemed nervous. How unexciting.

"Currently, the Master is not present. I will relay your message, so please state your business here."
"How rude. You intend to have me stand at the entrance and convey my business?"
"Yes. No one may enter this palace without the Master's permission, not even Royalty."
"I have business with His Highness. I will wait inside for his return. Step aside."
"I apologize. Please follow the proper procedures and obtain Prince Hiiro's permission before coming here."
"Is an attendant like Senmonin going to obstruct my way?"

The Sanjou princess tried to remain calm but failed.
Just as I thought negotiation was impossible, I saw a figure approaching.
Rikimaru stepped forward sensing the unusual situation, and there was Prince Hiiro looking pleased, holding Naruhito in his arms!

"I'm back."

Otoha's face lit up at the sound of Naruhito's voice.

"Naru, welcome back!"

///////////////
Akari (5)
A report arrived from a spy that Sanjou Uika was heading to the detached palace.
That was quick.
When she was engaged to Sekitora, she had just followed her family's orders.
Now, she must be ecstatic at the perfect opportunity to rekindle a love she had once given up on.
The thought of marrying the person she loves probably makes her restless.
Perhaps that's how she feels.
It's a cute, supportive kind of love.

As I walked towards the detached palace, I let out a small sigh.
If she loves him that much, she should look at him properly.
She needs to understand where her most important person's gaze is directed.
If she doesn't understand that, she's just a child who longs for love.

I arrived at the detached palace at an extraordinary moment.
Hiiro was holding Naruhito, who had a bandage wrapped around his head.
Naruhito's complexion was pale. Did he just get discharged from the hospital?
Surely, Hiiro didn't bring him home without permission.
The guard was Rikimaru? Maybe they're just here for a visit?

Hitachimaru, dressed in casual clothes, was standing a little distance away, probably protecting Otoha.
When I glanced around, my eyes met Himari's.
Since he was in his military uniform, he must be on duty.
The formal guard was Himari. I saw him frown slightly when our eyes met.
I do have good eyesight, after all.

I stood in a position where Uika and her guards wouldn't notice me, hiding my presence to avoid causing any trouble.
The guard who had followed me also kept his presence hidden from the start.
Ichinose Muramasa, my guard, was making eye contact with a servant at the entrance.
On closer inspection, the head of the Ichinose family was serving as a servant in the detached palace.
Akemi, you're using the head of the covert ops incorrectly. Your overprotectiveness towards Hiiro is severe.
Even without Uncle Kujou, the forces here could take down one or two castles...

Sanjou Uika beamed at Hiiro.

"Good day, Prince Hiiro. I have come to speak with you."
"I see. Then, perhaps I should arrange a room for you at the Royal palace. I'll let you know once it's arranged."

I was a bit surprised by Hiiro's proper response. Relieved that it seemed to be ending without issue.

///////////////
Akari (6)
Otoha, who had been keeping Uika company until Hiiro arrived, ran towards the returned Naruhito with tears in her eyes.
Naruhito, cradled in Hiiro's arms, leaned weakly but smiled warmly at Otoha.
They were as close as ever.
The two of them together were just adorable.
Soon, everyone began walking towards the entrance.

Uika was flustered.

"Your Highness. I would like to discuss matters here and now."
"That's impossible."
"I will wait until you have time."
"There will be no such time today."

Did she not notice Hiiro's worsening mood? Or was she doing it on purpose?
No, she wouldn't want to be disliked by the person she loves.

"I have come to request that you accept my engagement proposal, Your Highness."
"I told you recently that I am already married."
"I investigated, but found no such fact anywhere."

Everyone except Sanjou's guards looked at Uika in astonishment.

"Allow me to introduce you. This is my spouse. Naruhito, greet her."

Hiiro shifted Naruhito in his arms to face Uika.
The head wrapped in a white bandage bowed slightly.

"What?"

No one answered Uika's question.

"Are you mocking me? Are you so desperate to dismiss our conversation that you'd go so far as to call that child your spouse? You call a boy your wife just to avoid speaking with me!"
"I have no such intention. This is my spouse."
"... And you expect me to believe that? That is impossible. Even if you claim to love that child, what is the point of a marriage that cannot produce children?"

Uika's shrill voice echoed, and a heavy silence fell over the area.

"I, too, am thought to be unable to bear children."

Otoha's voice cut through the silence, her expression serene.
In the blink of an eye, Hitachimaru had wrapped his arms around Otoha from behind and was glaring at Uika.
Otoha quietly gazed at Uika.

"You do not understand. Marriage is a vow to live the rest of your life with the person you love the most."

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