Chapter 2 - A Visit from the Imperial Princess
Marriage is a tool of political strategy for royalty and the nobility.
You may ask why. After all, it’s a significant milestone, but it doesn’t shackle people together physically. It just means that all concerned parties recognize the couple is married. Why would this be a political problem?
It is this recognition that is what’s important. This information can alter circumstances and become a catalyst for change. Even feuding families will have reason to shake hands if their children marry, offering respite from immediate threats of violence and putting the public at ease. Such guarantees allow everyone to return their full attention to business and agriculture and causes the economy to boom. This all might sound like a joke, but the marriages of royalty and the nobility have the power to bring this to life.
Which was why people recognized the seriousness of this affair. And the potential for profit naturally gave rise to the concept of political marriage.
It was perfectly normal for a meeting with the senior vassals to be called to discuss a possible marriage between Wein and the Earthworld Empire’s Imperial Princess.
“It’s a fine arrangement.”
This matter was well-received for the most part.
“The Imperial Princess is a suitable candidate for Prince Wein. If this union is established, it will secure the alliance between our nations and promise further prosperity.”
“It won’t be that simple.”
Of course, there were those ready to give their honest opinion.
“Without their Emperor, the Empire is on fire right now. We’ve been able to keep our distance as an independent ally, but that won’t be the case if we have ties to the Imperial family.”
There was some truth to that, but it wasn’t enough to convince the others.
“There’s already a good chance that we’ll be wrapped up in their mess regardless of marriage. Wouldn’t it be better for us to unite now?”
“Aye. Turmoil or not, the authority of the Empire is alive and well. With Cavarin to the west, we must exercise great caution, so at the very least, we should establish strong relations with the East.”
“But just look at the difference in strength between us and the Empire. If our relationship with them ends up going south, they’ll annex us.”
“You sure you aren’t saying that because you want your own daughter to be the princess?”
“What was that?!”
“Now, now, let’s calm down. This isn’t the time to argue.”
This was the way the meeting continued for a while. One of the vassals turned to Ninym, who had been standing in the corner.
“Lady Ninym, is the Imperial Princess going to meet us here of her own accord?”
Ninym nodded and took one step forward with documents in hand.
“With their request to discuss marriage, we received word that the Empire wishes to send an envoy to Natra before the winter sets in—under the pretext of confirming and strengthening our alliance. But the representative is Imperial Princess Lowellmina herself, which means this will mark the start of their courtship, giving Their Highnesses a chance to meet one another.”
The vassals looked at each other.
“I suppose you can call this ‘proactive’ on their part.”
“No, it’s recklessness.”
“Did none of her retainers advise against this…?”
It would have been one thing if there was an official engagement, but they were still in the preliminary discussion stages. To extract a royal from a heavily guarded palace to meet an unfamiliar member of a foreign royal family on their land? It was as ill-advised as walking into a forest at night in nothing but underwear.
Though the Empire was going through some internal turmoil, their power had to have been well anchored—strongly enough that they must have been certain nothing scandalous would happen in this situation. But place an alluring woman in front of any healthy man, and he’ll give in to temptation, no question. It’d be ludicrous not to consider the risk of a premarital affair.
Indeed, the Empire must have calculated this possibility. And yet, Princess Lowellmina was still going to pay them a visit.
“Hmph… What are your thoughts, Your Highness?”
The senior vassals’ attention turned toward Wein, who had remained silent at the head of the table.
“Hmm…” Wein looked at each vassal in turn and shrugged his shoulders comically. “We should fix the cracks in the outer wall before Her Highness gets here.”
The room erupted into laughter.
“Yes, we do have to keep up appearances, more or less.” “Where’s the money for the paint gonna come from?” “Why not try covering it up with snow?” “Good idea, then it’ll just melt away on its own in spring.”
The vassals joked and bantered with one another for some time. Once they finally got a hold of themselves, Wein continued.
“I’m sure this has been a shock to everyone. Honestly, I felt the same way. I’m thinking word might come even tomorrow that this was all a mistake.”
Stifled laughter threatened to break out among the vassals again.
Wein pressed on. “But if there is no mistake, I want to look into this with optimism.”
Their faces tensed. Wein had only expressed his opinion, but as their master, he had enough power over all concerned to put them in their place.
“There’s an undeniable concern that we’ll be dragged into the Empire’s mess. But forging a connection to the Imperial family would provide huge advantages. We can’t let this chance pass us by.” Wein paused to give a wry grin. “That said, I have no idea if I can even handle being a married man yet.”
“Well, there is no one more blessed by wisdom and benevolence than you, Your Highness.”
“I’m certain the princess will realize upon her arrival that she’s made the right decision in choosing you.”
The vassals nodded in unison, and Wein beamed.
“Well then, let’s make sure we give a warm welcome to Her Highness. I’m counting on you all.”
““Understood!””
With that, the preparations for the arrival of the Imperial Princess went into full swing.
A little later.
“I SERIOUSLY WANNA TURN HER DOOOOOWN!”
Wein was back to clutching his head in his office as usual.
“This is a trap, one hundred percent! It’s plain weird that the princess would want to discuss marrying me! Geez, like, think about the gap in power!”
Let’s look at an example of two earls.
In the context of the greater peerage system, both are the same rank, but depending on their individual assets and military might, it’s not at all rare for the more powerful one to be treated with more reverence.
The same principle is true for royal families.
Royals have a one-of-a-kind status in their country and a bloodline that puts them above every other citizen. But their true value is largely dependent on the might of their nation. If the gap in power between nations is astronomical, it will be reflected in the standing of their royal families. And this was undoubtedly the case between Natra and the Empire. Anyone with common sense could see the Imperial Princess was out of Natra’s league.
Yet, the reality was that a marriage proposal had been dropped in their lap.
“In other words, there must be a serious political reason behind this decision,” Ninym said.
Wein groaned. “Yeah, that makes the most sense… What do you think that motive is?”
“My guess is that it has to do with the disputes among the factions backing the various Imperial princes.”
At present, the three princes of the Empire were vying for the throne. They hadn’t resorted to the use of force yet, but there didn’t seem to be an end in sight, and there were rumors that it was only a matter of time before civil war broke out.
“I’m guessing the princess aligned herself with one of those three factions. Maybe they’re sending her to form a tie with Natra in the hopes of giving their faction a leg up in this race?”
“Seems legit,” Wein agreed with a nod. “—Well, that’s gonna be the lie that they want us to believe.”
Ninym shot him a puzzled look. “A trap… You’re saying there’s greater reason?”
“Yeah. And to take it a step further, I’d say they have no plans of going through with the marriage at all.”
Wein observed Ninym widen her eyes in his periphery as he continued on bitterly.
“I’m sure you agree, Ninym, that coming here before the marriage is set in stone is bonkers.”
“It does seem suspicious.”
“Well, why are they acting this way? Because there’s an underlying reason why they want to reach Natra before winter. They prepared an envoy as a pretext for laying the groundwork and even set up the talk of marriage to further their hidden agenda. If they’re taking it this far, we can’t possibly refuse their arrival.”
“……” Ninym folded her arms.
As Wein said, if it’d been either an envoy or a proposal, they might have been able to deny the Empire’s offer—but not if they were pushing both at the same time. To do otherwise would be to allow their alliance to fall to pieces.
“And the major red flag is that the marriage hasn’t been settled yet. If the ultimate goal is to align Natra with a faction, they should be stubbornly pushing this marriage on us rather than dragging things out. It’s not like we can refuse. Think of the power difference,” Wein went on.
“But they haven’t done that. Even though they’re taking on a huge risk—I mean, their princess is visiting a foreign land—they’ll definitely make some excuse, like incompatible personalities, to let them back out last minute. Starting to sound fishy?”
Ninym involuntarily moaned. When he put it like that, there was a ring of truth to it, but it did raise one question.
“…Then why would they go so far and come all this way to Natra?”
Wein grinned. “ I have no idea!”
He continued as Ninym glared at him reproachfully.
“Well, what do you want me to do? I’ve looked at it from every angle, and I can’t figure it out. My best lead is that they specified their arrival to be before winter, so I can only assume it has to be pretty urgent.”
Wein grumbled as he put his chin in his hands. “If the marriage was a wash from the very beginning, it’d be ridiculous for us to scrape together a budget to wine and dine them. I just wanna tell ’em to stay home.”
“But your position won’t allow that.”
“Sadly.” Wein clicked his tongue in annoyance. “Geez, these pranksters have rotten personalities for sure. We’re already in a bad state after going to war. How are they expecting us to come up with more money?” Wein looked up at the ceiling irritably.
“Is it all right to keep this from your vassals?”
“I plan on telling a few, but I’ll let the majority simply prepare for their arrival. We’ve got to show the official envoy proper respect, no matter their endgame. If I’m being totally honest, my vassals don’t know how to employ psychological tactics to uncover ulterior motives and remain outwardly hospitable at the same time.”
“That’s… Well, I suppose it’s not completely untrue.”
Ninym didn’t dislike Wein’s vassal lords, who were what some might call simple, honest souls—for better or worse.
“By the way, is there a chance that you’re overthinking things?”
“Sure. But that doesn’t explain why the princess is coming to see me directly.”
“Hmm…” Ninym thought for a moment, then hit a fist against her palm in a sudden revelation. “Like, for example, she could have fallen in love upon seeing you looking all hot on the battlefield and… Whoopsie. I was about to voice something impossible.”
“I would have liked you to finish that thought, Miss Ninym! I have feelings, too, you know!”
“Oh, don’t get it twisted. You’re the young crown prince regent who led us to glorious victory in the battle against Marden. Loved by your subjects, myself included, you’re a magnificent…average-looking guy.”
“Oh, come on! If you’re gonna hype me up this much, the least you can do is call me hot!”
“As the lead retainer, committing slander would be indecent of me.”
“You’re always lying to me! Who do you think you are?!”
“Me.” Ninym squished up the corners of her mouth with her fingers into a smile without the slightest hint of fear.
Wein gave a low Grrrr and retorted. “…All right, I’ve got an idea!”
“An idea?”
“I’m going off your idea! The princess has fallen in love with me because I’m a hottie!”
“Wha…?” Ninym’s face was a mix of exasperation and confusion.
“You know, my luck has been terrible lately, now that I’m thinking about it: The Emperor passed away at the worst possible moment; the mine is all dried up; Marden got destroyed!”
“You had shoddy luck before all that, too.”
“Shut it! Anyway, it’s about time I bounce back! Lady Luck is smiling down on me, and I’ll be blessed with an innocent princess who finds me totally irresistible—and a life of leisure and luxury!”
“ Hyah.”
“Ugh.”
Ninym’s open hand jabbed Wein in the rib cage.
“Have you calmed down?”
“You didn’t give me much of a choice…”
Ninym continued as Wein rubbed his side. “In any case, let’s sound things out as we fine-tune our plan with the Empire. We can rethink things once we’ve gathered more information on what the Imperial Princess could be up to, if anything.”
“Yeah. I’ll think about where I can scrounge up some funds.”
With their plan in order, Ninym turned on her heel.
Wein called out as she was walking away. “Ah, by the way, Ninym.”
“Yes, whatever could it be?”
“Am I really not hot?”
Ninym stared blankly for a moment, then gave a small smile as she turned up her mouth with her fingers.
“Your Majesty is a magnificently average-looking guy.”
Since ancient times, there hasn’t been a way to make people stop talking—this was especially true when it came to the sensational topic of the crown prince’s betrothal.
It was major enough to spread like wildfire, following talk about Natra’s victory, from the palace to the town at the snap of a finger.
Most people welcomed it with open arms as a stroke of good fortune in their alliance with the Empire, enhancing their favorable perception of Wein.
“Our alliance with the Empire is gonna be rock-solid.”
“I’m certain this will put the ill king at ease”
“I wonder what their child’s name will be?”
“Ha-ha-ha, don’t get carried away.”
The marriage hadn’t even been officially announced, but the townspeople were already on the verge of celebration. And this conversation was on the rational side of things to boot, especially since no one in this country knew the appearance of this Imperial Princess. Naturally, that meant she was the subject of a host of speculations and dramatizations.
Rumors flew across town: The tamer ones were about how the princess’s voice was more beautiful than any jewel, her looks more stunning than the gods’. The wilder ones guessed that the princess and prince had a past while he was studying in the Empire and had rendezvoused in secret.
It was all nonsense, of course, but Wein didn’t want to rain on their parade, so he gave orders to leave the matter be. Even Ninym found no reason to object.
And object she didn’t—but the situation had changed lately. It wasn’t the townspeople, but those in the palace who had taken things in an odd direction.
Ninym was the reason for this change.
After all, it was the undeniable truth that Wein had relied on Ninym heavily. As the aide of the crown prince, everyone in the palace assumed her to be his favorite concubine. Which is why they began to question: What would become of her once Wein was married?
“Will she run from the palace in despair?”
“No way! To think our Lady would leave his side…”
“But the Imperial Princess may not forgive him for keeping a mistress, depending on her disposition, and she could even try to push Lady Ninym away.”
“Hmm… This is his aide we’re talking about. I’d like to think the princess won’t be able to do anything rash.”
These hushed whispers making their rounds through the palace were the reason Ninym looked troubled. She was considering how to approach it while still dealing with government affairs, but…
“What do you make of the situation, Lady Ninym?!”
“Really? Are you seriously asking me this to my face…?”
Upon closing their discussion with the Empire, Ninym was catching her breath in the hallway when a few young ladies of the court caught up to her.
“Of course, I am. Everyone is curious, after all.”
“That’s right. The love triangle between His Highness, the Imperial Princess, and Lady Ninym is too irresistible to pass up.”
“I don’t recall being in a love triangle…”
How exaggerated had the rumors gotten?
With astonishment and confusion, Ninym replied, “I shall make it known that I have no intention of leaving the palace. I am certain whoever His Highness’s betrothed will be, she and I will get along well.”
These were her true feelings. After all, she confronted a mountain of political challenges that stacked up against her on a daily basis. How could winning over a sheltered princess possibly be any more difficult?
“Now that I have made this clear, let others know and do not allow these strange rumors to spread any further. It is difficult to say how His Highness would feel if they were to reach his ears.”
This was what made Ninym nervous. She didn’t particularly care about the rumors about her. But Wein was human, too, meaning he could unleash his wrath if provoked. There was a decent chance that the whispers circulating throughout the palace could set him off.
“Tch, fine.” “You’re no fun, Lady Ninym.” “Now, now. What did you expect?”
Ninym sighed internally at the court ladies, who reluctantly obeyed her wishes. As a frequent mediator between Wein and his vassals, she was aware of her position and treatment of others: To those who were revered, she was as polite as possible. To those receptive to her brutal honesty, she was more casual. Her relationship with the ladies of the court was harmonious for the most part, but she regretted not taking on a more commanding and cool presence in this situation.
That said, it was difficult to please everybody.
Ninym quickly changed the subject. “Well, I’ll be returning to work. Let me repeat that you should avoid invoking His Highness’s wrath. I’m sure you’re aware of what happened to those who provoked him in the past. I’ll let you know that even I won’t be able to stop him.”
Upon hearing the direct threat, the ladies nodded uncomfortably. With that settled, Ninym turned on her heel conclusively.
Now that I’ve hammered that down, this should quiet down, she thought, half filled with wishful thinking.
That said, with their excitement… If Wein’s right and this is a trap without any actual plans of marriage, everyone is going to be bummed out.
As she strutted down the hallway, she mulled over his hypothesis in her mind. She knew the depth of his prudence. A glimpse at the wisdom in some of his remarks was enough to send a chill down her spine and remind her not to take them lightly.
At the same time, she wondered in her heart if calling it a trap was taking things too far. Even Wein had said he was unsure of the Empire’s true motive.
But if Wein is mistaken, and it really is someone’s ploy to strengthen their faction…
…then just as he’d told his vassals, he would marry the princess without fail. It was all political. She understood that. He was a member of Natra’s royal family, which meant he could never take a woman without wealth and status as his wife.
“……” Ninym slapped her cheeks lightly. “I better get back to Wein.”
She quickened her pace down the hallway toward the office, exchanging pleasantries and chatting briefly with the occasional vassal or guard, when
“Ninym.” A stern voice called out from behind her.
Ninym stopped and turned on her heels. Not many in the palace called her by her first name alone. There was the king, Prince Wein, his younger sister Falanya, and—
“Master Levan.” She bowed deeply as she addressed him.
Levan had a stiffness about him that was obvious at a glance. His features were severe; order and discipline were evident in his gait; and he gave off an impression of forged steel.
But more unique were his hair and eyes, which were white and red, respectively. In other words, he was a Flahm, just like Ninym.
“We can walk and chat at the same time. Do you have a minute?” he asked.
“Of course. Could this concern the proposed marriage?”
“Naturally.”
The two spoke as they walked side by side down the hallway.
“News has reached the ears of His Royal Majesty. He wishes to know the details.”
“If that were the case, I would have gladly come if called upon.”
Levan snorted. “Heh, I can’t ask anything unreasonable of the next family head.”
Ninym chuckled wryly. “Says the current head, Master Levan.”
Since ancient times, the Flahm had been persecuted across the continent—particularly in the West. Those who had settled in the Kingdom of Natra after wandering through many lands were only a subgroup. The king at the time had accepted the oppressed Flahm and welcomed their deep insight from a life of traveling the continent. Among them was the leader of their people, a Flahm named Ralei, who had been in the king’s favor and served as his lifelong aide. From then on, a successive line of talented Flahm descendants had been appointed to new generations of kings.
Three traditions were born in the process.
First, the Flahm were to be carefully selected by the royal family to serve as their aides.
Second, those Flahm would be given the surname of Ralei.
And finally, the aide to the one who ascended to the throne would become the head of the Flahm.
Levan Ralei had served as the aide to the current king, which meant he was the current head of the Flahm living in Natra.
“And how’s that discussion actually going?”
“In terms of the reports of the emissary, the offer appears legitimate. The Imperial Princess Lowellmina herself will visit Natra before the official discussions.”
“Oh my. I guess it’s not a joke.”
“But His Highness believes something else may be going on…”
“Hmm… Have you any heard reports on Princess Lowellmina from subordinates?”
As with other countries, Natra had a network of spies. But it was special in having a second network spread across the continent via the diasporic Flahm. Levan had once managed it, but that duty was now left to Ninym.
“Nothing of substance. The princess usually shuts herself away in the palace, but she’s appeared at ceremonies and soirees on occasion. But no information has proved especially useful.” She shook her head. “With the political fighting among the three Imperial princes causing chaos, the reports say more research into the princess will take time.”
“I see… I have to wonder if someone urged this sheltered girl into marriage.”
“Do you think someone is pulling the strings behind the princess?”
“That’s what I’m inclined to think… Well, it might be different if His Highness and the princess are already acquainted with one another. Are they?”
Ninym shook her head. “No. It would seem that way from the rumors, but in reality…”
Wein and Ninym were essentially two peas in a pod, coordinating constantly. This had been true even while he was studying abroad in the Empire. Of course, there were times when they worked separately—but it was impossible to think that he could have met and become familiar with the princess in these short bursts of time. Plus, Wein himself said he didn’t know her.
“I see… And he hasn’t turned down the offer yet, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct. He intends to follow through with it.”
“Then all is well. It would be a disaster if he angered them because he didn’t feel like it.”
“……”
As she’d expected, other people were under the impression that Wein couldn’t turn it down. They saw nothing odd about that. Wein’s words about Natra getting lured by the Empire crossed the back of her mind.
I wonder if there’s another motive here as Wein suspects…
As she considered this, Levan continued as if delivering a soliloquy.
“But I’m certain His Highness understands that would be an impossible undertaking—especially being who he is. Even at a young age, he controls his own emotions and excels at seeing the whole picture… Looking at His Royal Majesty and His Highness makes it clear our royal family comes from a truly monstrous lineage.”
Ninym paused her thoughts and frowned. “Master Levan, I don’t think I would go as far as calling them ‘monsters.’”
“—I’m not wrong.” Levan’s tone was surprisingly brusque. He stopped in place.
A beat passed before Ninym turned to look back at him. He had a far-off expression.
“It’s been about two hundred years since the founding of the Kingdom of Natra. His Royal Majesty is the fourteenth king, and he has been wise and great since his youth, as has Wein… But it’s impossible for a royal family to maintain the authority necessary to run a nation for this many generations.”
“That’s…”
It was true. Even if someone flipped back through the entire history of the continent, there weren’t many countries that had lasted as long as Natra. Those with an iota of wisdom and a succession of kings who were proactive in leading the nation numbered even fewer. In most cases, kings from long dynasties had no interest in politics and were liable to sink into hedonistic self-indulgence. Their authority and political might would weaken and at last be eaten alive by the beast known as “ruin.”
“Power corrupts people. The first generation that builds the country with blood and sweat can withstand that temptation. The first and second generations have a sense of discipline. But then they hit a roadblock. If the nation becomes solid as a rock, past hardship becomes history, and all the sweat and blood is wiped away. They become a long line of nobility and royalty who lack any awareness of pain or anguish.” Levan gave a heavy sigh.
“They have no knowledge or experience of fighting for something. Everything has been handed to them on a silver platter from a young age. And during their developmental stages, when they’re still not in control of their emotions and egos, they hear others tell them, ‘You’re special,’ and ‘You’re of noble birth,’ like a curse.”
“You’re saying it’s natural for rulers to become twisted?”
“That’s right. To be perfectly honest, even royalty are human. It makes sense that they would grow warped. It’s odder to have authority and not abuse it.”
This was what made Wein and his family monstrous.
To not become warped, extravagant, or lax. Levan was commenting on the ability of the long line of royals that continued to carry out their duties honorably as if it were a matter of course.
“Considering even the founding King Salema had an unorthodox past himself… Yes, perhaps it was passed down in the blood. Our ancestor Ralei had a keen eye in choosing Natra. By supporting this nation, I’m certain our wish will one day be—”
“Master Levan.” Ninym interrupted the growing passion in Levan’s words.
He got a hold of himself and issued a slight cough, catching his breath. “In any case, I now understand the situation. I’ve taken up much of your time. I’ll be returning to His Royal Majesty.”
The current king was recuperating from an illness away from the palace, and his care had been entrusted to Levan. Because of that, both had rarely made any appearances recently.
“I understand he’s busy, but please tell Prince Wein to visit sometime soon. We can get Princess Falanya to visit him almost every day, but His Royal Majesty wishes to see his son on occasion.”
“I understand.”
“Good day.” Levan turned on his heel and left to return to the king’s side.
As she watched him leave, Ninym gave a single grievous sigh.
“You’re finally done talking.”
“AaaaAACK?!” Ninym physically leaped into the air at the sudden voice behind her.
She turned around to face the surprise newcomer—a boy around her age, maybe a little younger. He didn’t have much of a presence, but he did have white hair and red eyes, indicating he was another Flahm.
“You’re too inattentive, Ninym. And to think you’re supposed to also serve as Wein’s guard.”
“…I would have noticed if it wasn’t you.” Ninym steadied her racing breath. “And, Nanaki, stop calling him ‘Wein’ where other people can hear.”
“We’re the only ones around.”
“Your pride will get you in trouble.”
“Geez, Ninym. As annoying as ever.”
“You… Never mind, just forget it.”
Upon realizing they were getting nowhere fast, Ninym squashed down her true feeling as her cheeks twitched slightly.
“Well, what do you want? Something you can’t say in front of Master Levan?”
“No, I just didn’t say anything earlier because I don’t like dealing with him.”
“…Well, what is it?”
“I want you to see Falanya.”
“Princess Falanya?” Ninym blinked back.
Falanya Elk Arbalest. The crown princess for the Kingdom of Natra. With a cheerful and kindhearted disposition, she was two years younger than Wein and beloved by everyone in the palace. And this boy in front of Ninym, Nanaki Ralei, was the Flahm chosen to serve as her guard.
“Come to think of it, I’ve been so busy that I haven’t been able to see her lately… Did she ask you to call for me?”
“No.” Nanaki shook his head. “I’m not sure why, but she’s been bummed out lately. Holly said it’d be good for her to see you.”
Holly was the chamberlain who primarily cared for Falanya, and she was excellent at picking up on people’s emotional states, unlike Nanaki. Ninym considered for a minute why Holly might call her before coming to a conclusion.
“…I see, so that’s it.” She looked at Nanaki. “Where is Princess Falanya now?”
“This is around the time when she studies in her room.”
“Come on. Let’s get going.”
Ninym and Nanaki made their way to the princess’s room.
“The temperate climate of the area surrounding Weiulles Lake in the southeastern part of the continent has blessed it with fertile lands, causing it to change hands often since ancient times due to conflict.”
A hoarse voice droned on through the room.
“This fighting was put to an end sixty years ago when a country with enough military might to suppress the entire region was formed. That country became known as ‘Earthworld.’”
The owner of the voice was an elderly man named Claudius. Originally a jurist from the West, he was a wise scholar who had also been Wein’s childhood instructor.
He’d grown more skilled and aware of justice in his old age. But since he had no fear of criticizing even the royals and nobility that he judged as evil, most of his life had been spent receiving invitations from those of influence, only to be driven out once he incurred their wrath. More than one assassin had gone after him. But this man wasn’t only intelligent: He was a top-notch swordsman. He continued to turn the tables on his attackers until he finally arrived in Natra. And because Natra suited either him or his old age, he quit his antagonizing ways and took up a career of educating children.
“But their attempt to forcibly suppress other countries resulted in bloodshed, leaving disorder and chaos in its wake. To prevent these countries and their tribes from revolting, the Empire chose to use force and military power to establish its strength domestically and abroad.”
On the receiving end of this lecture was a girl with a baby face. Her name was Falanya Elk Arbalest. With a middle name reflecting that of King Elkrad, who led the resurgence of the Kingdom of Natra, she was the nation’s crown princess.
“The Empire absorbed nations big and small, with the most notable ones being Burnoch, Codlafy, Fufart, and Todrelan. Also the Gairan State, which shares an eastern border with Natra and was originally known as the Kingdom of Antgadull. But unlike the other nations, when the sovereign was offered vassalage—” Claudius brought his lecture to a sudden halt.
With a small sigh, he warned with a piercing voice: “Princess Falanya.”
“Whhhaaa?!”
Bang. Hitting the desk, Falanya snapped her head up in a panic and straightened her posture as if she’d been paying the utmost attention to his lesson the entire time.
But Claudius had seen this same trick hundreds of thousands of times.
“It seems that your mind is elsewhere today.”
“Ack… I’m sorry,” she apologized, instead of making up an excuse. She was pure of heart.
But as the royal tutor, Claudius had to dish out the brutal truth.
“As royalty, you must remember that your words and actions are inherently political. Haven’t I taught you not to apologize so easily?”
“Ah, I’m sor…I mean, yes, of course. I remember.”
“Very good… There’s no need to be formal with me, but until you can separate your public and private spheres, you must put on your best face even with me to familiarize yourself with appropriate behavior.”
“I understand. Thank you, Claudius.”
The elderly man smiled. “All right. Let’s stop here for today.”
“What? But…”
“It’s pointless to try to learn if you’re not in the mood to listen, Your Highness. If you’re concerned about cutting our session short, I advise you to try to resolve whatever is on your mind before our next lesson.” Claudius looked past Falanya. “Perfect timing. A guide has come to lead the way.”
When she turned around, Falanya saw Ninym standing in front of the door.
“I’ll leave the rest to our esteemed aide. Good day, Your Highness.” Claudius gathered his materials and excused himself from the room.
Ninym approached Falanya and kneeled. “Princess Falanya, I received word that a shadow has been cast over your heart. I’ve come to pay you an overdue visit.”
“Ninym… Um.”
“I understand. Am I right to assume it concerns Prince Wein’s marriage?” Ninym speculated.
“……” Falanya nodded.
I knew it, the aide mentally noted.
It was no secret that Falanya revered her brother—to the point that she’d become dispirited when he’d studied abroad in the Empire. Now faced with the possibility of an upcoming marriage, Falanya was worried he might leave her side and go far away.
“No need for concern, Princess Falanya. Even if His Highness chooses to marry, there is no way he’d leave the country. After all, he is the crown prince of Natra.”
Ninym didn’t realize that Falanya had stopped responding until she was done talking.
“Princess Falanya?”
“I know he’ll stay here even if he get married…but I doubt things will ever be the same,” she admitted in a strained voice. “It’s like, right as I managed to wrap my head around Father being ill and Wein becoming the regent, there’s this new possibility that he’s going to get married…”
Falanya lowered her gaze, staring fixedly at her fingers. Her eyes reflected two small hands holding nothing at all.
“It feels like everything is changing. And I’m the only one being left behind.”
“……”
Falanya wasn’t playing the victim or being paranoid.
In fact, the Kingdom of Natra was opening itself to the possibility of a revolution—with Wein as its epicenter. Falanya couldn’t be the only one who felt lonely and anxious about this situation.
Ninym knew Falanya didn’t need to be persuaded, and she called upon her own heart to answer her.
“You’re right. Our country is undergoing great change. Even I’d drown in this raging torrent if I lose focus.” Ninym clasped her hands over the princess’s fingers. “But it’s not like everything is going to be different. We all have things that remain constant in our lives, no matter what.”
“Like…?”
Ninym beamed. “Like, how you and the prince hold each other very dear.”
With an assertion this forward, Falanya couldn’t hold herself back from blushing, which warmed the aide’s heart.
“Let’s say this courtship leads to Prince Wein forming a union. Even then, he’d never neglect you, Princess Falanya. I think you are just as precious to him as he is to you.”
“……”
“Don’t you believe in Prince Wein?”
“I want to, but I have my doubts… Is that strange?”
“No, not at all. And I know how to resolve them.” Ninym took her hand. “Let’s pay the prince a visit to share your anxieties and talk it out. What you need more than anything is time together with him.”
“…I’m worried I’ll get in his way.”
“If I may borrow his words, ‘Any big brother who thinks his little sister is a bother is a failure of a sibling.’ Well then—”
Urged on by Ninym, Falanya stood up timidly and shyly spoke to Ninym as if she were a younger sister asking to get spoiled.
“Will you come with me, Ninym?”
“Of course.” Ninym smiled gently and set out alongside the princess.
“—I see your point.”
Wein had been listening quietly in his office to Falanya.
He gave her a small nod. “I’m sorry, Falanya. I made you feel all alone.”
“You have nothing to apologize for, Wein.” She shook her head from side to side.
Wein stroked his fingers through her hair. “You felt like you were being left behind, huh.”
He was turning the issue over in his mind. It was easy to comfort her, but this was temporary. It wouldn’t solve anything when she needed a rock. She needed emotional support that could keep these feelings of alienation and powerlessness from crushing her.
…I was hoping to hold off until I had more political power, but I guess there’s no helping it.
Wein shot Ninym a quick glance, which she immediately understood, and she gave a small nod in agreement.
“All right. In that case, Falanya, do you think you could help me with some of my work?”
“Your work…acting in Father’s stead?”
“That’s right. As you know, the Empire will be sending an envoy to Natra in the coming days, and I imagine I’ll be spending all my time hosting them during their stay. But it’s not as if my to-do list and problems will hold off in the meantime.”
It was more like, bad things tended to trigger each other and pile up, one after another. In light of that, Wein wanted as much help as he could get.
“Of course, Ninym and the vassals will be taking care of everything else while I have my hands full. But I imagine there will be things that call for my approval or presence.”
“And would I…?”
“Exactly.” Wein nodded. “It goes without saying, but you don’t know enough to take on complex problems in national politics. I’ll have my trusted vassals stay by your side if I need you to do something for me. If something needs my consent or comment, ask for their opinion and follow their instructions. In other words, you’ll be a figurehead.
“However,” he continued, “your status as royalty is enough to get things rolling in situations that prioritize authority and procedure. And you could gain some experience by simply participating and observing things for yourself. What do you think? Wanna give it a try?”
It was a rhetorical question. He already knew her answer, based on the resolute spirit he had just witnessed breaking out across her face.
“—I’ll do it. No, I insist that you let me, Wein.”
Wein gave a satisfied nod. “I’ll hold you to that. Then I’ll move forward with my plans with that in mind.”
He concluded, “Falanya, let me say one more thing. In this world, determination isn’t enough to guarantee your desired outcome. But it takes courage to take the first step through sheer will. As your big brother, I’m proud to see you possess this strength.”
“ ”
Falanya was taken aback for a moment before her whole face lit up as she beamed from ear to ear.
Ninym and Falanya walked down the hallway side by side. Falanya had a spring to her step and seemed to be humming.
“Ninym, did you hear him? Wein said he was proud of me.”
“I did. I’m happy to witness your growth before my own eyes, too, Princess Falanya,” Ninym answered with a grin.
“I’ll do my very best, Ninym! I’ll make sure I won’t let him down!”
“I may not be able to do much, but I’ll assist you in any way that I can. But be careful not to overexert yourself. We need to conserve our energy until the envoy arrives,” Ninym pointed out.
Falanya calmed down a notch. “You’re right. I start once the envoy and the Imperial Princess arrive—”
She stopped short of finishing her sentence, going totally silent for a few seconds as if considering something before looking at Ninym.
“…There’s one thing I’d like to ask you.”
“Ask me anything.”
“How do you feel about Wein’s marriage, Ninym?”
“……”
This question. Ninym knew it’d come sooner or later. With the last traces of worry banished from her heart, Falanya now had enough peace of mind to consider Ninym’s situation.
And if she were to comment on it at all, Falanya’d approve—no question.
Of course, the truth of the matter was that it was hard to tell what the Empire was thinking. But setting that aside for the moment, it was undeniable that a union between the princess and the prince meant Natra’s relationship with the Empire would become stronger than ever and would bolster Natra itself.
But it went without saying that Falanya wasn’t asking for Ninym thoughts as a lead retainer.
“I assumed he’d marry you,” Falanya continued before Ninym could answer. “I mean, you’re always together. You get along and care about each other… That’s why I was sure that you would exchange vows with him one day. Plus, that would make you my sister-in-law, which I would love. But…”
But Wein had accepted the foreign princess’s proposal to discuss tying the knot.
It was expected for a ruler to sleep with women other than his wife to ensure an heir, but it was also possible that the Imperial Princess could ban concubines and mistresses.
“…I’m honored that you would think so highly of me, Princess Falanya,” Ninym started softly. “But under no circumstance would I be joined with Prince Wein in marriage. Even without this situation with the princess.”
“Why not?”
“Because he is Wein Salema Arbalest, the crown prince, and I am Ninym Ralei, a Flahm.”
The Flahm were a persecuted race in the West, used as slaves and detested in some regions. With Natra sharing a border with the West, it would spark outrage if the crown prince took a Flahm as his princess.
“If the prince said he would marry me, I’m afraid I’d have to slit my throat—as punishment for seducing him.”
“No… Are you okay with that?”
“Yes,” Ninym answered with no hesitation.
She couldn’t leave any room for Falanya to hope otherwise. Ninym had replied with this resolve in mind, but it crumbled the instant she saw Falanya on the verge of tears.
“Ah. I wouldn’t actually kill myself! It’s a metaphor.” Ninym scrambled to find the right words. “This is for your ears alone, Princess Falanya: There’s a part of me that’s sad I can never become his consort. But I’ve already been bestowed a greater honor.”
“What…?”
“—I am his heart.” Ninym placed an open hand on her chest. “The prince will be married one day. And that’s absolute. It may be with one, two, or perhaps even three wives. And with his beloved chosen princesses, he’ll have children and love them as well.”
Ninym smiled. Somewhere along the way, her words had grown more passionate.
“But no matter the number of wives or children…he only has one heart. Just as there’s one moon and one sun. And until the day his long journey comes to an end, only I may ever fill that position.”
“…I don’t think I get it.” Falanya’s brows creased in confusion.
Her reaction brought Ninym, who let out a small cough, back to her senses.
“W-well, just think of it this way: Marriage isn’t the end goal for all relationships with the opposite sex. Now, let’s retire to your room for the day.”
Upon forcibly changing the subject, Ninym hastened her pace as she shooed Falanya along.
And so, the day of the Imperial Princess’s arrival drew closer.
In the Kingdom of Natra, the short autumn season was drawing to a close, and it was already beginning to snow. Within a month, the townspeople would become used to seeing a world of silver outside.
“All right, I’ll explain one more time.”
Ninym was speaking next to Wein as he stared out at the landscape slowly getting coated with snow.
“The Imperial Princess Lowellmina Earthworld. The second daughter of the late Emperor. She’s the youngest of his five children: three princes and two princesses. According to official documents, she’s the same age as us. On the day-to-day, she shuts herself in the palace, and she’s seldom seen by others. There are more than a few vassals who’ve never seen her, but it’s said that she’s a peerless beauty who charms gentlemen whenever she makes a rare appearance at a soiree.”
“She sounds more fairy than human.”
“Agreed. But with several nobles enamored by her, it’s clear she’s no fantasy or mirage. A few of her most well-known suitors include the sons of Count Lubid and Marquis Antgadull.”
“Geez, both are basically prodigal sons—stubborn and uncompromising to the point that we’ve even heard the rumors about them in Natra. The princess must have her hands full dealing with those suitors… Ninym, I told you these clothes would be too stuffy.”
“Bear with it. You’re welcoming Imperial royalty. You have to look the part.”
Wein fiddled with the collar of his formal outfit. As Ninym had said, it was all in preparation for the arrival of the Imperial Princess later that day.
“Well, as for the three princes vying for the throne…I did some digging and found she’s distanced herself from the political chaos. And they’re scrambling to do damage control, since this arrangement apparently caught them by surprise,” she continued.
“Which means this wasn’t planned by one of the sons. The proposal is getting more suspicious by the minute… Didn’t any of the factions try to stop her?”
“I think they were planning on it, but the only one with the authority to stop her is the Emperor. Now that the throne is empty, there’s only so much they can do.”
“So nobody could stop the princess from leaving. Which brings us to today.”
“They pushed to expediate this process under the pretext of reaching Natra before winter sets in, but I’m guessing her true motivation is to get here before one of the princes becomes Emperor and ends the feud. She won’t be able to make decisions for herself when that happens.”
“Which means this is her only shot, whatever her aim. You know, I wouldn’t have guessed the Empire would be in shambles for this long…”
It’d been six months since the Emperor had passed away, and there was still no ruler to take his place, which even caught Wein by surprise—and he was a foreigner. He couldn’t imagine how worried and impatient those in the Empire were feeling about this whole ordeal.
“The factions have become more hostile toward each other. And their individual provinces are divided in their chosen candidates for the throne, too.”
“It’s been going around that each faction is starting to stockpile weapons, right?”
“Yes. At this rate, they’re en route to civil war. If one of the princes withdraws and unites with another, this would be settled in a flash, but it’d be hard for any of them to back down with the throne dangling in front of them.”
“I mean, if there’s someone else who can get the job done, I’d rather have them do it.”
“You’re the only one who thinks that way, Wein.”
He shrugged his shoulders as if to say You’ve got me there.
“Anyway, I guess unrest in the Empire is here to stay…” Wein complained before letting out a wry chuckle.
Ninym cocked her head to the side quizzically. “What?”
“Just thinking that those guys must be having a hard time.”
“By that, you mean…”
“The three from the military academy.”
Ah. Ninym understood immediately.
Back when the duo studied in the Empire for two years, Wein had lied about his identity to enter the military academy. He’d dropped out of school right before graduation, after the Natra king had fallen ill, but unsurprisingly, he was well-liked, particularly by three people.
Their names were Glen, Strang, and Lowa.
“If all went according to their respective plans, I bet Glen is in the Imperial troops by now. And Strang must have returned to his hometown in the provinces to work as a bureaucrat…which means they both must feel uneasy about the struggle for the throne.”
“And what about Lowa?” Wein asked.
“I’d like to say she’s probably secured her position as something, since she’s as an aristocrat…but her family are low-ranking nobles from the countryside. She told me she’d return home after graduation. Out of the three, she’s the most removed from this whole ordeal.” Ninym giggled. “What if she’s tossed the turmoil aside and is fumbling around with the subject of marriage, just like you?”
“Someone coming to Lowa to ask for her hand in marriage? Point me to a guy who would want that nuisance for a wife. Any guy.”
“I mean, she was popular at school. She’s beautiful. Plus, she did a great job hiding her true personality. Well, no one really went near her since she was associated with us—troublemakers.”
“And now that we’re not there to shield her from the world, I’m sure guys are falling for her left and right. It’s their own fault for being a poor judge of character, but oh boy, my condolences to the guy who ends up married to her.”
Ninym sighed. “There you go, gossiping again… What if I told you I thought she and you had a lot in common?”
“Us? Seriously? How?”
“I mean, you’re both good at acting innocent. You put yourselves first and aggressively go after your goals. You get others wrapped up in your business, plus—”
“Hold it. You think I’m a cocky jerk who feigns innocence and drags people into my problems?”
“Yeah, and what of it?”
“But that’s… Oh…” Wein replayed his past actions in his head, and “…not true” was left unsaid.
A knock came at the office door, and a palace official walked in.
“Your Highness, the envoy for Her Imperial Highness has arrived.”
Wein and Ninym met each other’s gaze.
“It begins.”
“Yes. Let us set off, Your Highness.”
Accompanied by Ninym, Wein headed out of the room. Their destination? The front entrance of the palace. If they listened closely, they could hear distant chatter.
The two arrived at last. In the reception hall, an unfamiliar group was lined up in the large space. The Imperial delegation.
And standing front and center was a girl in a dress and a veil that concealed her visage.
“—Thank you for coming all this way. Welcome to the Kingdom of Natra,” greeted Wein, stepping inside the grand hall.
Everyone in the room turned in his direction.
The envoy examined him with a look of caution and appraisal. There were a handful in the audience that derided him as inexperienced. Their collective gazes were enough to pierce through Wein.
Well, any normal person would lose their composure, but he brushed off their glares as if they were nothing more than a gentle breeze. He sauntered forward until he was right in front of the girl.
“In the stead of my ill father, I offer you the warmest of greetings. I am the prince regent, Wein Salema Arbalest.”
“…I am Lowellmina Earthworld,” she responded in a dignified voice. One might call the tone silvery.
Even the officials observing them with bated breath let out an involuntary sigh of wonder.
……Hmm?
Meanwhile, Wein had a completely different reaction upon hearing her voice. There was no mistaking it was lovely. But that aside, it felt as if he’d heard it somewhere else before.
“Is something the matter, Prince Wein?”
“Ah, no. Pardon me. Your voice is so lovely that it almost captured my heart… But it feels strangely familiar. Have we met before?”
Wein was drawing on every memory, trying to think of a time when they could have met, and he came back empty. Which meant it was all a mistake, and she’d correct him…or that’s what should have happened.
“—Oh my. You caught on fast.”
“Huh?” he croaked out pathetically.
The princess slipped her veil up, fully revealing her face.
It was one that Wein had seen before—along with Ninym, who was standing behind him.
“It’s been a while, Wein,” she whispered for his ears only.
And then Lowellmina Earthworld, who was also known as Lowa Felbis, grinned at him.
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