Chapter 6

...It's going surprisingly smoothly, isn't it?

It's only been two days since I spoke with the imperial prince, yet the people around me have already changed.

First, my guards increased. The guards are knights from the empire.

There's still one knight who seems lackadaisical, but he looks uncomfortable among the strict imperial knights.

I plan to leave this knight in the Duchy of Dunié.

By the way, Marie decided to come with me.

“Marie, I'm going to the empire. What do you want to do? Stay in the kingdom or come with me? The prince said it's fine to bring a maid.”

When I asked, Marie surprisingly answered immediately.

“I'll go with you, Lady Saya! I'm angry. I can't forgive the kingdom that treated you so badly!”

I was a bit surprised by the usually timid Marie's clear response, but I was also happy.

“That's great. It's my first time going to a new place, so I was feeling a bit lonely. I'm glad you'll be coming with me.”

“Lady Saya... I, I will serve you even in the empire!”

“Yes, thank you.”

So, I told the prince about this. He simply replied, “Understood.”

It seemed he already knew I would bring Marie. After learning about my situation, the prince started inviting me to meals every day. Thanks to that, I had a proper meal for the first time in three weeks.

I'm still just a candidate for engagement, but he sent knights to protect me. The knights even helped with chores like cleaning the room along with Marie, which was a great help.

When I helped with the cleaning, they were surprised, but the prince stopped me when he came.

“That's the job of the servants.”

Apparently, servants have specific duties, so I shouldn't interfere. I wondered about the knights, but they are also supposed to help with the servants' duties.

...That's why there was a female knight.

“Hey, eat more.”

When I was spacing out, the prince said this. I had stopped eating because I was thinking about something else. However, I don't think I can finish the meal anyway.

“No, I'm already full.”

Not only because of the corset, but also because I've been on a poor diet for three weeks, my stomach can't handle a sudden rich meal. I put down my knife and fork, and the prince's brow furrowed.

“Isn't that too little?”

“Well, since I came to this world, I've mostly had bread and soup, so I can't eat a lot all of a sudden.”

“I see...”

His frown deepened. ...That frown might not go away anytime soon. He then slid his plate towards me.

“Can you at least have dessert?”

There were a few bites of cake on the plate. I took it, and his frown eased a bit. As I slowly ate it, the prince spoke.

“I'm returning to the empire the day after tomorrow.”

“Yes, I see. I'll prepare to go. ...Well, I don't have much to bring.”

Maybe just the clothes I was wearing when I was summoned? Marie, who seemed to know, said, “I, I'm already preparing.”

“Once we arrive in the empire and get the emperor's approval, you will become my fiancée.”

I nodded in response.

“Yes, and what exactly does a prince's fiancée do? I haven't learned much since coming to this world, so I'd be at a loss if suddenly asked to work...”

“There's nothing specific.”

“Huh?”

I stared at the prince's face.

“Nothing at all?”

I don't think that's possible...

“As a prince's fiancée, there's nothing to do. I'm busy with military duties, the social scene is managed by the empress, and the emperor and empress already have two children, so the succession issue is settled. You don't have to do anything.”

“So I can just relax?”

“Yes, do as you please. But don't overspend. The royal family's living expenses are funded by the people's taxes.”

“I understand. I'm satisfied as long as I have decent food, clothing, and shelter, so I don't think I'll overspend.”

The prince looked at me and nodded, seeming to understand.

“However, once we return to the empire, we need to get you some dresses. It wouldn't do for a prince's fiancée to look shabby. You'll need appropriate attire.”

“Huh, I have to wear dresses?”

This dress is the most comfortable to move in.

Marie exclaimed, “Yes, you should wear dresses!”

“Lady Saya should wear dresses. Wearing my old clothes is not appropriate...!”

“But I think this is fine. It's comfortable and good enough, right?”

“No, it's not! In the kingdom, it's already outdated, and in the empire, it will be treated as an antique...!”

The knights, who had been standing by, nodded in agreement. ...It's quite cute, though. But considering my position as the prince's fiancée, I probably need to dress appropriately. Since I'll be treated better there, I'll follow their instructions.

...Kagetsu looked like she was about to cry. She probably felt anxious about me leaving the Duchy of Dunié, being from the same world as her. But I don't want to be oppressed here forever, and even if my treatment improves, I'll still be called a "bonus" to the holy maiden. I hope it won't be as bad in the empire.

“I'll have you stay in my palace in the empire, but don't leave the building for a while. Stay quiet until we officially announce your engagement.”

I nodded. I've been wandering around the castle every day since coming to this world, but it's been exhausting. If I can stay in, I'm more than happy.

“Also, keep your maid and guards with you at all times. ...Many people desire the position of a prince's fiancée.”

“I'll be a target, huh?”

“It's good that you understand.”

...Hmm, well, I'll manage. I don't plan to leave the prince's palace. If I don't have to do anything, I'll just take it easy.

“I won't go out on my own.”

I might as well enjoy a reclusive life.

“By the way, can I ask you something?”

When I asked, the prince nodded.

“What is it?”

“Could you write your name on a piece of paper? I can't remember it because it's so long.”

The prince fell silent for a moment. His red eyes narrowed slightly.

“Alright.”

He raised his hand, and a knight behind him handed him a pen and paper. The pen flowed smoothly across the paper, and he handed it to me.

Dizak Christhardt Weierstrass.

As I looked at the slightly rough handwriting, the pen and paper were offered to me again.

“I want to know your name too.”

I took it, wrote my name, folded it in half, and handed it to him.

“Nice to meet you again, Prince Dizak.”

＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊

Dizak returned to the VIP room assigned to him and sat on the sofa. He took out the paper given to him by Saya Shinoyama, the girl he had decided would be his fiancée.

The small paper had unfamiliar characters written on it.

They were quite complex, probably from her original world. The unique shapes had a mysterious beauty.

Incidentally, Saya's magic felt mysterious. Normally, when magic is transferred, it comes with a slight pain due to the difference in elemental attributes between the giver and the receiver.

Dizak has attributes in fire, wind, and earth. So, if he receives magic from someone with fire, wind, or earth attributes, there's no pain. But if it's from someone with water, darkness, or holy attributes, there might be a slight pain.

Saya's magic caused a slight pain, but it also felt comfortable. The amount of magic was significant, and since Dizak felt comfortable, it means she has one of fire, wind, or earth attributes.

The pain suggests she also has one of water, darkness, or holy attributes. So, Saya has at least two attributes.

...With two attributes and that much magic, she has the potential to be an excellent mage. If she's willing to learn, proper training could benefit the empire. It would also be good for Saya to find her place through her own abilities.

He folded the paper with her name and put it in his pocket.

“Is it really okay, Prince Dizak?”

His adjutant, Arnaud Ebers, asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Is it really okay for that girl to be your fiancée? Even if the emperor ordered it, you have the right to choose.”

“So you think she's not suitable?”

Arnaud shrugged slightly but didn't deny it.

But for Dizak, Saya's presence was just right. His brother, the emperor, has children and will likely become the crown prince in a few years. Dizak has no intention of competing for the throne with his brother or his children, but if something happens to them, the empire would be leaderless. So, he plans to renounce his succession rights once the prince is officially declared the crown prince.

However, the position of the prince's wife is still attractive. He was tired of being recommended for arranged meetings, even though he kept refusing.

...If I'm going to marry, I'd prefer someone who doesn't fawn over me. Saya doesn't seem to be that kind of person. She didn't change her expression or attitude when she learned he was the emperor's brother.

Physically, she might be a bit frail, but her mental fortitude is impressive. She didn't break even when summoned to a different world and treated poorly. Dizak actually thinks she's amazing.

“I felt she might be a bit too much for the position of the prince's fiancée.”

Dizak couldn't help but smile slightly.

“To be summoned from another world, realize she's unnecessary, and still hide her abilities to approach the empire's envoy...”

“Well, that was surprising...”

“Don't be deceived by appearances.”

Saya looks frail, but her spirit is strong. When she said she wanted to go to the empire and agreed to be his fiancée, she never looked away from Dizak. He knows he can be intimidating, but Saya answered normally and looked at him straight in the eye. Her black eyes showed no fear or desire, only calmness. She might be a bit older than he thought, maybe in her late teens.

“She's not affiliated with any country, wants to go to the empire, has black hair, has magic, and likely has more than two attributes. She's not interested in politics. She's a suitable match.”

Arnaud sighed.

“Is it really okay for you to marry her, Prince Dizak?”

“As long as she can converse with me, I have no complaints.”

Many of the noble ladies he met for arranged meetings were either scared or couldn't make eye contact. Compared to them, Saya, who can look him in the eye and speak normally, is much better.

“Besides, if we're talking about the right to choose, Saya has that right. We and the empire should be the ones asking her to come to the country.”

“That's true, but...”

“I should be the one to make an effort not to be disliked as a fiancé.”

He must ensure she doesn't feel uncomfortable. She's probably had a hard time in this kingdom, so once they arrive at the palace, he'll secretly call in dressmakers, provide her with the necessary number of maids, and make sure she eats properly. ...Saya is thin, and using magic requires physical strength. If she's too thin, she won't have the strength to use magic.

“I'll have her see a doctor first when we return.”

Before that, he has to meet with the emperor.