Chapter 43
The northern lighthouse.
The moment those words were spoken, even the faintest murmurs quieted down.
“Was the journey from the North to the capital not difficult, Russell?”
“Thanks to the Mother Wolf’s blessing, it was manageable.”
“Thank goodness. Still, you must be tired, so spend tonight resting and hold the engagement ceremony tomorrow.”
“Yes. I will obey.”
Even though it was a brief exchange, one could sense how they treated each other. Russell’s tone was businesslike, while His Majesty’s voice carried a faintly pleased nuance.
“It pleases me greatly to see the princess in good health.”
“Your Majesty.”
Now it was my turn. I bowed my head in response. Compared to when we met briefly in the North, his presence now felt heavier, more imposing.
“Hmm! Princess Piana, I have high expectations of you.”
“I will live up to those expectations.”
“I believe you will handle it well. Indeed! Your guide will be the Crown Princess.”
At those words, my blood ran cold.
In this empire, the title of Crown Princess referred to only one person.
“I will obey your command.”
Crown Princess Fera.
She had appeared before me.
Crown Princess Fera.
Before gaining that great title, she was the First Princess. I had seen her before, not in the slums but in the capital, riding a horse during her procession.
Even considering her young age, her tall stature, straight posture, and commanding presence were impressive. Her dazzling golden eyes and long blonde hair tied high in a ponytail made her appear extraordinarily majestic.
‘Stay calm. I’m here as the prospective Grand Duchess…’
I mustn’t be shaken.
His Majesty was a woman who had once clashed one-on-one with Russell and had earned the title of the empire’s strongest magician.
‘There’s a high possibility she is not an ally.’
Tap, tap.
Only the sound of the staff striking the floor broke the silence. They were so different that it was hard to believe they shared the same bloodline; no words were exchanged.
“Russell, guide her to that side. If you go straight, you’ll reach your room.”
No response came from Russell.
Instead, the sound I heard was disturbing—my own heart pounding fiercely.
‘This sound… he seems angry…’
A soft chuckle escaped His Majesty.
“Why? Are you afraid I’ll harm your lady?”
Before I could react, His Majesty suddenly embraced my shoulder.
“Don’t worry. I won’t lay a hand on such a cute little lady like a squirrel. Go on.”
A squirrel?
I wondered if he was underestimating me when a voice stepped forward.
“Princess Piana, I will accompany you.”
“So you are her attendant. You possess a very unique kind of magic.”
“My humble thanks, Your Majesty.”
“Your greetings are fine… But more than that, there is much I wish to say to Princess Piana.”
“I’m sorry, but the Grand Duke ordered that no matter what happens, I must not leave his side.”
“Is that so? Russell has always been insolent, both in the past and now.”
Despite calling him insolent, the tone and manner were surprisingly straightforward.
‘What is His Majesty’s intention?’
As I tried to gauge it while walking, His Majesty spoke to me.
“I truly didn’t expect Russell to cherish you.”
“Russell… cherishes me?”
“Hmm? Judging by that reaction… you didn’t know?”
His Majesty stopped walking, so I stopped as well. I could feel Asha nervously watching us.
“I thought you were forced to become the Grand Duchess-to-be because your father pushed you into it. But today, seeing you, I realize it is truly your choice. I’m surprised.”
He grasped my hand. I was flustered.
‘Asha cannot join this conversation.’
I am publicly the prospective Grand Duchess and Princess of Lucianos. The other is the Crown Princess of this country. Asha can only watch.
“By the way, have you heard of the duel between Russell and me?”
“Not everything.”
“Of course. That event was entirely unexpected for everyone.”
His Majesty released my hand, stepped back, and began chanting something.
Suddenly, I felt a wave of heat.
“Princess, the magic I wield is fire magic.”
“Fire…?”
That would be directly opposed to Russell’s magic. Fire could burn flowers or vines.
Seeing my hesitation, His Majesty smiled reassuringly.
“Your father was right. You truly are a virtuous lady.”
“But… why are you telling me this?”
“I wanted to show that I am not hostile toward Russell. Even if I told him, he wouldn’t believe me anyway.”
I could not deny the truth in His Majesty’s words. Russell would not believe him no matter what, and that was the right approach.
“But I want to win Russell over to my side.”
I flinched. I could sense Asha’s shoulder twitch slightly beside me.
“If I lose to Russell, my father and I had decided to give the North to him. There is military tension there, so I wanted to grant him autonomy.”
“So you doubted Russell’s ability?”
“Doubt sounds unpleasant. My father and I simply wanted to see how Russell would govern the North.”
Even I, ignorant in politics, could tell this was being framed in favor of the Crown Princess.
‘No matter the outcome, Russell could not have posed a threat to Her Highness.’
I stepped forward and asked.
“But if Russell had shown unexpected political skill, wouldn’t he have been a threat to you?”
“Well… If he had intended to challenge the throne from the start, he would have ordered me to be dethroned and named him Crown Prince after I lost.”
Perhaps she is surprisingly bold.
‘A natural politician. Now she is trying to win over Russell, who was a thorn in her side…’
By granting autonomy to the North, Russell could gather forces and challenge the throne. Since that was no longer an issue, she now aimed to bring him onto her side.
A tension ran through my whole body. His Majesty noticed and spoke in a gentler tone.
“So when I heard that a fiancée had appeared, I didn’t believe it.”
He gave a bitter smile.
“The Russell I saw… looked like a starving wolf.”
“A wolf?”
It was unimaginable now. Russell was polite to me and composed.
“Hmph. Seeing there was nothing left to bite, he eventually advanced to the capital.”
“But didn’t Russell grow up in a noble family?”
“Hm?”
There was a note of confusion in his voice.
‘Of course, it would be strange.’
If Russell had grown up in the slums, it would be strange if I didn’t know.
“Princess, do you not know? Russell’s mother—”
“Ah, Your Majesty, you are here? I have been looking for you.”
Another voice came from behind. Likely a servant, as I did not recognize the voice.
“It was very late, and you hadn’t come, so I went to find you.”
“Oh, did I take too much of your time? Sorry to make you worry.”
“W-wait! Your Majesty!”
“Princess!”
I shook off Asha’s hand and pressed my staff to the floor.
“I haven’t heard what I want to hear yet! Please continue…”
“Princess, it’s time for you to go in now.”
His Majesty placed a hand on my shoulder. It was not a hostile touch, but a friendly one.
“You will soon uncover Russell’s secret, so don’t worry.”
“Your Majesty…”
I heard their footsteps fade. A strange mix of unease and alienation churned in my stomach. Asha walked beside me.
“Princess, it’s late. Let’s go in.”
“Okay… understood.”
He said I would soon know Russell’s secret. What could that mean? What is he hiding from me?
With only questions lingering in my mind, I fell asleep that night.
The morning of the engagement ceremony had dawned.
