Chapter 88

The day after next.

Finally, the day arrived when Princess Latisha would come to the royal palace.

Cordelia and Leonhardt were responsible for the welcoming.

They would comfort and converse with Princess Latisha, who had traveled a long distance.

This important role was entrusted to Leonhardt, who had become the crown prince, and Cordelia, his fiancée.

(In other words, His Highness Leonhardt and I will represent this country.)

Determined to fulfill her duty, Cordelia straightened her back, and the hem of her dress swayed slightly.

She wore a pure white dress.

It was the formal attire of the "Holy Lioness," a dress she rarely wore.

She chose it to show her welcome to the delegation from the great kingdom of Alphazar.

Beside her stood Leonhardt, dressed in the crown prince's formal attire, which was a combination of white and red.

His golden hair shimmered like a crown in the late autumn sunlight.

Cordelia and the others were standing in the square in front of the main castle of the royal palace.

The Alphazar side had requested that the welcome be held outdoors if possible.

As they waited with the guards, the sound of festive music approached.

The high and low notes of flutes, the tinkling of bell-like instruments, and the smooth melodies of stringed instruments.

A carpet, accompanied by a band playing foreign music, flew in from the sky.

(That must be Princess Latisha.)

Sitting comfortably on the carpet, she played a flute.

Her wavy black hair flowed, and her gold and silver ornaments sparkled.

Compared to the people of Ryorbern, her skin was darker, and her eyes were a vivid green, reminiscent of malachite.

Her long, upward-curving eyelashes cast shadows on her skin.

(Just as I heard, she is very beautiful.)

Under Cordelia's watchful eye, the carpet descended gently.

Princess Latisha removed the flute from her lips and stepped down from the carpet.

Even this simple action exuded grace and revealed her solid upbringing.

"It's been a long time, Princess Latisha. Thank you for making the long journey to our country."

After bowing in gratitude to Leonhardt, Latisha smiled.

Her lips, painted red, were lustrous.

"I am the second princess of Alphazar, Latisha. It is an honor to meet you again, His Highness Leonhardt."

"I am also pleased. Your flying carpet was magnificent."

"I am glad you enjoyed it. It was worth all the practice."

The royal family of Alphazar had inherited several carpets over the generations.

These carpets were special emblems with magic stones sewn into them, and they could fly freely using magic with the sound of a flute.

While they were inferior to dragons and pegasi in speed and flight distance, flying emblems were extremely rare.

The method of manufacture and detailed operation were closely guarded secrets, and only the Alphazar royal family, who could manipulate magic, were allowed to use them.

They would fly them in ceremonies and festivals, gathering admiration and praise from the people.

(Princess Latisha is known as the 'Princess of Princesses,' excelling in magic, intelligence, and beauty.)

A born noble, a flawless princess.

Even in front of the crown prince Leonhardt, she conversed smoothly in this country's language, which was entirely different from her native tongue.

For Cordelia, who had struggled to learn Alphazar's language, Latisha was someone to admire.

As she watched with a social smile, her eyes met Princess Latisha's.

"Welcome, Princess Latisha. I am Cordelia, the fiancée of His Highness Leonhardt."

"Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you. You are the 'Holy Lioness,' aren't you?"

Her malachite eyes narrowed slightly.

Her expression was a smile, but her inner thoughts were unreadable.

"Yes, that is what I am called. It is an honor to know that my name has reached you, Princess Latisha."

"I've heard that you've accomplished many great deeds in the past year. Could I meet the Holy Lion Beast you are said to be associated with?"

"I'm sorry, but the Holy Lion Beast only appears when the country is in crisis."

The true identity of the Holy Lion Beast was Leonhardt.

To prevent any leaks, the Holy Lion Beast would not appear before the people unless absolutely necessary.

To avoid further probing about the Holy Lion Beast, Leonhardt subtly changed the subject.

"We have also heard many praises about you, Princess Latisha. Your flute playing and command of our language have improved since the last time we met."

"Thank you. It is an honor to receive your praise."

Latisha raised the corners of her mouth in a refined manner.

Her smile was perfect, leaving no room for any hint of her true feelings,

but for some reason, Cordelia felt a flutter in her chest at the smile directed at Leonhardt.