12 Years Old J of Hearts

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I think I became interested in Camille fairly quickly after we met. Had I not, the young me would not have concerned himself with a stranger to that extent.

I gazed at Camille who was sleeping inside the carriage. Her silky pink hair isnt curled today, probably because of her job. A small, well-featured face, eyelashes fine like smoke, and lips like cherry blossoms No matter from whose perspective, Camille is a beautiful girl. Having reached twelve years old, her beauty has become outstanding, and overwhelms all the other girls. Were it not for her unfortunate behaviour, theres no doubt that shed be considerably popular. I have fun watching the disappointing Camille, so its fine though, you see. When I stroked her straight hair while she was fast asleep, she suddenly stirred. In surprise, I pulled my hand back, but Camille didnt wake, and immediately her regular sleeping breath could be heard again.

Even though shes alone with a man, shes way too relaxed.

I realised my feelings because of what His Highness said. Up until then, she had been just an eccentric childhood friend to me, but because of His Highness unnecessary words, that day I became more conscious of Camille than necessary. Honestly, I didnt want to admit it. Getting wrapped up about a woman was something that a fool did, and I knew how to use the other sex Even though thats how it should have been I got close to Camille because I was interested in the position of marquis. Even though thats how it should have been

Why did it turn out like this?

This isnt how it should have gone I was at my wits end. But, this alone was something that was purely a matter of emotions, so there was nothing I could do about it.

After realising my own feelings, I was quick to act. Since I was aiming to marry into the marquis family to begin with, wouldnt it be fine to be positive about this? And so, under the pretext of making sure Camille was studying right, I frequently showed my face at the marquis house. I think Ive caught the hearts of the servants All of them see me favourably. In particular, the maid with the large build, Aime, even went as far as telling me Please become the groom!. Just according to nerai [tl: nerai means aim]

As for the fact that Im diligently removing the obstacles in my way, Camille hasnt noticed in the slightest.

It was the day of the aforementioned dance party. It was held in the banquet hall of the castle, and dressed up nobles and foreign guests were gathered there.

Royce-sama So wonderful, hahh hahh[/pant pant].

After going around once and greeting everybody, Camille was glued to His Majesty. Without forgetting to threaten the other nobles daughters when His Highness wasnt watching. Camille whose breathing was rough as she licked His Highness all over with her gaze, looked like a degenerate no matter how you saw it.

Huhu You look very cute too, Camille.

Ehehe~, if you praise me that much Ill get excited and have a nose bleed.

What Camille, who was in high spirits at being praised, was wearing tonight was a navy blue dress with few puffy parts. Since its Camille, she probably stressed ease of movement in her choice of dress. The skirts of Dborah and Dsire who were at the other side of the room were super puffy, as though it werent already enough. Once it gets that big, honestly, theyre just blocking the road.

Ah! Dborah, Dsire!

Noticing the two of them, Camille waved her hands while she approached the sisters who had turned into walking lanterns. Mysteriously, those two were on good terms with Camille. It seems they became acquainted once Camille started visiting my house.

Camille, the dessert that you love is over there, you know.

Shall we get some together, Camille?

Lets, lets~

After the lively girls had moved away beyond a certain distance, I was called out to from behind, with calculated timing.

Achille-sama, may we have a dance together?

Upon turning my head, I found a whole line of young ladies Im feeling dizzy.

Yes, of course.

I wish they would give me a break, but I cant just refuse. Among them are some nobles daughters that are higher ranked than I am.

I continually dance around like an idiot How many people has it been now? After its done, shall I take refuge in the break room? While I was being fed up, in the corner of my eye I saw a man courting Camille. To court Camille whos plastered with magic tattoos as always, what an incredible hero. Since Im curious, Ill take the lead of the dance and move that way. Doesnt Camilles expression seem kind of stiff?

Like I said, Im willing to partner with a woman covered in magic tattoos like you.

Not a single person wants to marry you anyway, right? If you hand over the marquis seat to me, I dont mind making you my wife yanno?

So what do you think?

Ummmm.

Camille was looking at the man like she had found some strange new organism. The mans words and behaviour was probably incomprehensible. I recognise the face of the guy talking to her; hes the recently upstart barons delinquent second son. With glittering clothes of bad taste, and a greasy pimpled face, hes probably around sixteen or seventeen, huh Truly a nobody. From a while ago, hes been smirking at Camille while appraising her. Its incredibly unpleasant.

I decline! I too have the right to choice, after all. I do not like arrogant men.

Said Camille, casually replying with cruel words. But, well done.

What was that!? Even though youre covered in tattoos, youre going to refuse my kind offer? If you refuse me, not a single man will approach you for the rest of your life, you know!

The indignant man grabbed Camilles arm. Even like that, Camille is still the daughter of a marquis, though. If you do something violent like that things will get scary afterwards, you know?

Soorry to say this even though you love me so much, but please look for somebody elseee.

Aahh, Camille has started having fun by provoking the man. It looks like the guys attitude has woken up the sadist in her. Dborah and Dsire have been watching the whole thing from a little distance away. Those two enjoy watching others fight, after all.

Looking down on me!

The mans face was bright red, and he tried to twist Camilles arm, but she didnt move at all. And little wonder, since among Camilles magic tattoos is one that has the effect of automatically defending herself. Automatic defence, automatic regeneration, high speed strike reinforcement, magic reflection etc. etc. Right now Camille whos smeared all over in tattoos is close to invincible. Only I, who gets shown them each time she gets a new tattoo, knows this.

Achille-sama

The young noble lady whos my dance partner looks up at me confused. With good timing, the dances song ends.

No, it is nothing

I reply with a smile to reassure her, but If you asked me if that was on my mind, then yes it was.

Please excuse me for a moment.

After leaving the ring of dancers, I head towards Camille.

You damned woman! Ill freaking send you flying!

The man grabbed at Camille. It looks like hes finally run out of patience. Its something very brave to do to a woman who killed a dragon by herself. But, because of the power of Camilles automatic defence, the man couldnt do a thing to her. Everything was blocked by an invisible barrier.

Having noticed the noise, there were people gathered there and watching. Its about time that I have to stop this, huh

Camille, what are you doing? Looks fun.

I walked straight into the group of people. Seeing me, she smiled happily.

Achille! It seems that this person wants to be my fianc, but I refused him

My, my

Looking from up close, the man looks increasingly of bad taste. All of his fingers are covered in glittering, gaudy rings.

I approached the man, and announced something to him.

I am sorry, but shes already taken.

Eh?

The marquis daughter, Camille Rhodolite, is my fiance.

Ehh?

Camille blinked her eyes.

Thats how it is, so please excuse us.

I pulled her by the arm, and immediately left the scene. The man was still making a fuss, but the people in charge of security had an eye on him and dragged him away somewhere. At this rate wed catch the attention of others in the hall, so bringing Camille along, I headed to one of the break rooms prepared for today for a rest.

Camille and I entered the small-ish room. In the corner of the room was a white sofa and table prepared. For now, I had her sit down, and took the seat beside her.

Achille Whats going on what why?

While tilting her head blankly, Camille asked about my earlier words.

It was an excuse to shut him up, you know? But I sure said it in front of a huge group of people huh I wonder what will happen.

Of course, I declared it in front of a crowd on purpose.

Camille lost her words. It seems like the composure she had while dealing with that barons second son has been blown off somewhere.

Achille You At this rate, isnt it possible that youll end up myfianc? This isnt the time to be acting so carefree, you know!

It seems like shes truly worried about me. But, its misdirected.

I dont really mind, even so.

Thats no good! If its you Achille, you can aim for any number of better girls, so you mustnt settle for me!

Eh?

Ill, try talking to father[/otousama] about this! Dont worry, itll be alright, okay!?

After making some sort of determined expression, Camille strongly grasped my hand.

Huh?[Are?]