Eris’ ideal scenario was to quietly wait in the background like a maid guarding from afar until the conversation between Kaito and the Seven Princesses ended. In fact, that’s what she expected would happen.
Eris had no direct connection with the Seven Princesses, and as she was merely a Marquis’ daughter, she couldn’t initiate a conversation with them. So, the only way she could participate in this situation would be if the Princesses spoke to her first or if Kaito introduced her.
The former was highly unlikely. The Six Kings’ Executives were not people with whom connections could be made easily, and the Seven Princesses wouldn’t introduce themselves to a mere Marquis’ daughter like Eris, unless her father, Marquis Hamilton, was involved……
Therefore, if Eris were to speak with the Seven Princesses at all, it would be through Kaito’s introduction…… However, that was also unlikely. After all, Eris and Kaito had only just introduced themselves to each other, and they were not close enough for him to introduce her to the Six Kings’ executives…… or so she thought.
(W- Why is this happening? If other nobles see this, they might misunderstand and think that Kaito-sama has taken a liking to me! If that causes him any trouble…… what will happen to the future of the Hamilton family……)Eris wanted to flee from the scene immediately, but since she had already been introduced, it would be strange and disrespectful not to introduce herself.
Desperately holding on to her fragile smile, she gracefully performed a curtsy.
[I humbly greet the beautiful princesses of the Demon Realm. As introduced by Kaito-sama, my name is Eris Dia Hamilton.]
She refrained from mentioning that she was the daughter of Marquis Hamilton. Mentioning that could be misconstrued as the Hamilton family seeking connections with the Seven Princesses, so she kept her introduction as brief and personal as possible, as an individual introduced by Kaito.
[Nice to meet you. I’m one of Lillywood-sama’s followers…… Camellia. Introducing everyone individually would take time, so I will do it on behalf of us all. Here are Tirtania, Ariel, Rosemary, and Jutia.]
In response to Eris’ greeting, the Seven Princesses exchanged a quick glance before Camellia stepped forward to return the introduction on their behalf.
The reason she took charge was that introducing each one individually would be difficult, as Rosemary could not manage a proper introduction to a stranger like Eris, which could lead to an awkward atmosphere.Additionally, from Eris’ name, they deduced she was a noble and were trying to figure out how to interact with her.
[Kaitokun-san, Kaitokun-san, is Eris-san your friend~~?]
Watching Tirtania casually ask Kaito that question, Eris felt a wave of relief. The Seven Princesses, including Camellia, were well-versed in dealing with nobles and were maintaining an appropriate distance, treating Eris like a noble lady they had coincidentally encountered.
(If Kaito-sama denies it, this can end as a brief conversation with us being people that met by chance. I made it through…… The Hamilton family might even leave a small impression on the Seven Princesses, which would be more than enough.)
Eris, feeling relieved that she had navigated the situation safely…… would surely have been looked at with pity by Lilia if she had been present.
[Ah, that’s right. We’ve only just met, but I consider her a friend.]
[ ! ? ! ? ? ! ? ]
The moment she heard those words, Eris nearly dropped her lady-like composure and screamed.
(K- K- Kaito-samaaaa!? What are you saying!? Please, I beg you, be aware of the influence your words carry!! By saying that, you’re completely changing the dynamics of this conversation!!!)
Indeed, Kaito’s words had shifted the situation. Up until that point, Camellia had been speaking on behalf of the group, and the introductions had been kept minimal because the Seven Princesses were treating Eris as a “Marquis’ daughter they had coincidentally met for the first time”.
However, Kaito’s statement had changed Eris’ status to “Kaito’s friend”. This change meant…… that the way the Seven Princesses interacted with her would also have to change.
[So that’s how it is! If you’re Kaitokun-san’s friend, then Tir would love to be friends with you too! Eris-san, nice to meet you!]
[Ah, y- y- yes! It’s an honor, Tirtania-sama.]
[Ah, Tir wants you to just call Tir Tir.]
[Y- Yes…… Tir-sama……]
The moment she heard Kaito’s words, Tirtania flashed a bright smile and eagerly spoke to Eris. Tirtania, being naturally sociable, had originally wanted to befriend Eris, but she held back due to her position as one of the Seven Princesses.
However, now that Eris was introduced as Kaito’s friend, the situation changed. With no need to hold back, Tirtania happily engaged with Eris.
[I’ll introduce myself too…… In other words, even though Camellia already did it for us earlier, once again, I’m Ariel, nice to meet you.]
[Oya oya, oya oya, if Tir and Ariel are reintroducing themselves, I suppose I should too? I’m Jutia, nice to meet you, nice to meet you.]
[…………………………..]
Following Tirtania’s lead, Ariel and Jutia also reintroduced themselves. This was a clear sign that they now recognized Eris as Kaito’s friend rather than just a noble lady.
Well, as usual, Rosemary remained stiff, her face frozen and her gaze sharp…… but needless to say, Eris was screaming internally.
<Afterword>
Serious-senpai : [What outstanding talent, she could be a potential Stomachache Warrior on par with Kaori…… But putting that aside, it seems like only Rosemary noticed how intimidated Eris was at first and understood the situation.]
? ? ? : [Rosemary-san is incredibly sharp, so she had probably accurately sensed Eris-san’s feelings and is genuinely concerned. Though, in the end, she just looks like she’s glaring at her……]
Serious-senpai : [Her extreme shyness is backfiring at full force!?]
