Given That I've Become a Villainess, I'd Like to Live Freely

Ch. 95 to 96

[Chapter 95]

[Rinoa]: "So you don't like Routh?"

[Rose]: ".....I'm, not sure. But, I'm always happy and feel safe whenever I am with him, so I think I might."

Seemingly convinced of something, Rinoa-sama muttered, "As I thought," under her breath before focusing her gaze once again squarely on me.

[Rinoa]: "I like Routh. That makes you and me rivals!"

(Huh? What what what? Where is this sudden rival declaration coming from!?)

I was suddenly made into someone's rival.

I'm only just coming to terms about my own feelings and already I have a rival challenging me.

(Well I might've never understood those feelings if it wasn't for Rinoa-sama. No, but, suddenly calling someone out as your rival is still a bit......)

[Rose]: "U-Um, did you say rival?"

I had to double check, but Rinoa-sama was off in her own little world.....

[Rinoa]: "Heh. Heh. Heh. This is delightful! I put all that work into getting into this school. But how can you claim to have had a fulfilling school life without any romance!? And what is love without a rival to compete with!? We didn't have things like this in Ashtel. I am so happy!"

.....happily hopping around where she stood.

There was no trace of the sharp atmosphere she carried with her before or the sweet gestures she used the first time we met, almost as if she were moving entirely on instinct right now......I was seeing for the first time what Rinoa-sama is really like.

[???]: ".....sa, ma~......Ri......sama~.....Rinoa-sama~!"

Before things could get back on track, I noticed that there was someone calling for Rinoa-sama a little further away.

[Rose]: "Rinoa-sama, somebody is....."

However the people calling for her were on top of us before I could bring it up.

[???]: "Hm? Roselia is here too?"

[???]: "How strange to find Rose and Rinoa alone together."

It turned out to be Prince Eric......and El, the very topic of our conversation.

[Rinoa]: "Routh! You wanted me?"

That movement she did of entwining her arm around El's while coyly questioning him was so cute, I'm sure even I would've had my heart racing if she had done it to me, and I'm a girl.

[El]: "Prince Eric was looking for you. Weren't you told not to go off on your own without permission?"

El furrowed his brow but didn't move to pry her off of him.

(.....now that I know how I really feel, seeing them like this is.....a bit difficult.)

I desperately forced myself to keep my trap shut. If I were to open my mouth as I am right now, I might end up shouting something along the lines of, "Why are you letting her just hang off of you like that!? Is El in love with Rinoa-sama!?"

[Eric]: "Rinoa-sama, I can guide you around."

[Rinoa]: "Your Highness will be my guide? Then that leaves room for Routh to be my escort."

[El]: "No, I had business with Rose. Besides, Prince Eric is to be acting as your escort while you're here."

El gently removed Rinoa-sama from his arm after saying that and walked over to me.