At this point, Shien basically understood.
(This princess might look like she’s just playful, but in reality, she’s not just playing around.)
She was testing Shien.
She uses her playful attitude as a weapon to numb others’ guard and hide her own intentions. Then, she’ll attack at just the right moment. That is the person known as Liadella.
(No matter what, she’s still royalty huh?)
As royalty, of the direct line at that, if she didn’t have some capabilities, then there’s no way that she could have become the first place in the line of succession, right?
Even if Lucy had given up on the throne of her own accord, if Lia really was a princess who only knew how to play around, then there’s no way she could have been handed the position as first in the line of succession.
Perhaps Lia wasn’t a match for Lucy when it came to strength and talent, but when it comes to brains and strategy, Lia should be above Lucy.
After understanding this point, Shien withdrew his uncaring attitude and instead looked deeply at Lia.
Lia was also paying a strange amount of attention toward Shien. There was an interest that’s hard for others to understand in her eyes.
The two simply stared off like that, making the atmosphere weirder and weirder.
Given all that, how could Lucy possibly not understand just what’s going on?
“Big sis Lia.”
Lucy spoke up.
The voice was passive and calm, but it also carried with it an unfathomable amount of pressure.
With the interjection of that voice, the strange atmosphere shook, as if it was on the verge of shattering.
Charl, standing behind Lia, also started. She almost couldn’t hold herself back from reaching for her sword.
Lia also started before letting out a bitter laugh.
“It looks like Lucy’s mad.”
Lia showed a resigned expression as she raised her hands in surrender.
Shien looked at Lucy with a slightly surprised expression.
Lucy however was still as calm and passive as always.
“I know what you’re worried about.” Lucy pursed her lips as she spoke quietly, “Given my situation, for an unfamiliar man to suddenly get so close to me. I understand full well what kind of worries and considerations you might have toward that.”
“However, I’m not a child. Nor am I ignorant.” Lucy moved her gaze to Lia as she clearly spoke each word, “I had chosen to have contact with him with the full understanding of the situation. So can you please withdraw your concerns?”
In response, Lia fell sitlent.
Shien also fell silent while letting out a small sigh in his mind.
He could understand the situation as well.
It’s because Lucy was just too special, so a lot of people will try to get close to her for various motives. In that case, as her family and as royalty, it’s only natural for Lia and her father to be worried over this.
What if Shien really is trying to approach Lucy with impure motives?
If Lucy ended up getting hurt by Shien because she put too much faith in him, then what?
As Lucy’s family, and as royalty, Lia and the King has no choice but to consider this question.
Thus, when Ancil tried to pull Shien in and give him a noble title, it’s not impossible that he wanted to use that to bind and monitor Shien. Lia attempted to test Shien for the same reason.
Unfortunately, both of them somewhat underestimated Lucy.
Lucy was telling Lia that the things that they could think of, she too could as well.
Even so, she had still chosen to continue her relationship with Shien. That means that she, after understanding all of the issues and concerns with it, still made that choice.
Given that, if Lia and them still held worries over this, then that’s equivalent to suspecting her judgment.
That’s what Lucy wanted to say.
Lia understood.
Thus…
“Alright, I’ll admit that father and I were overthinking things.” Lia relaxed like she really has surrendered this time and let out a bitter laugh, “Thinking about it, that’s true enough. Since he was able to gain your recognition, then that basically proves that Shien is trustworthy. We’ve long since stopped doubting your talent.”
With that, Lia stood up.
“Sorry about that just now for trying to test you there. Please forgive me.”
Lia so apologized to Shien and even bowed.
“Your highness!?”
Charl was shocked and tried to do something in a panic.
But Lia stopped her.
“This apology must be given. It’s also for Lucy, so don’t go trying to stop me with some reason like a princess shouldn’t lower her head to an adventurer. Otherwise, I’d be the one to doubt your quality as a knight, Charl.”
Lia’s words had completely shut the cold female knight down.
It’s obvious that the knight’s belief is that her mistress shouldn’t lower her head so easily.
Not even Lucy imagined that Lia would end up going so far, so she too was struck speechless for a moment.