Chapter 45

Today is short.

When Garibas arrived at the prepared guest room, he sat down on the sofa. He had told the maid, who had been instructed by Ruberia to guide him, to return for the time being. While he couldn’t send back the knights left to guard the room, it seemed the maids were not bound by the same restriction. This suited Garibas just fine; it would be easier to talk without anyone from the Ruberia Kingdom around. Just thinking about what was to come made the corners of his mouth twitch into a smile, which he couldn’t stop.

"Brother, your expression is slipping. If you keep that up, even that young lady will be put off."

"I've been looking forward to today, so can't you at least allow me this, my dear sister? I'm sure you were looking forward to it too?"

"I won't deny it... but my decision was based on practical considerations. I'm different from you, brother."

Karianne sighed, exasperated. Her expression was tinged with fatigue. It was no wonder; the distance from the Marana Kingdom to the Ruberia Kingdom was considerable, even for neighboring countries. They had stayed at inns along the way, but the body still tires from being in unfamiliar surroundings.

However, they had just arrived in the Ruberia Kingdom. For Karianne, the real challenge was yet to come.

"The Prime Minister's request is a stroke of luck for me. I will certainly fulfill it."

"I pray for the success of your first love, brother."

"There's no way I could refuse such a request. I can already picture the tears of joy on his face."

"...Brother, we are here as guests. Please do not forget your manners."

She was here as a representative of the Marana Kingdom. This was a gathering where not only the Ruberia Kingdom but also dignitaries from other countries would be present. As a member of the royal family, she could not afford to be impolite. Moreover, the Queen of the Suvania Holy Kingdom was also attending. She couldn't afford to make a bad impression. In that sense, the mission assigned to Karianne was extremely difficult. One wrong move could turn the Suvania Holy Kingdom into an enemy.

"I understand. I'll leave it to you to handle Lord Alvis. Well, unlike Lord Maglia, Lord Alvis seems quite straightforward."

"Lord Alvis's older brother?"

"Yes. Don't be fooled by his appearance. His cunning is truly impressive."

"...I think that's just because you're simple-minded, brother..."

Garibas had visited the Ruberia Kingdom several times during his childhood. The Belfias Duke's family had been his hosts during those visits. In particular, Garibas and Alvis's older brother, Maglia, were the same age, so they often met whenever Garibas visited.

This was Karianne's first visit to the Ruberia Kingdom, so she didn't know Maglia personally. However, she had a one-sided understanding of him from the frequent stories Garibas told. According to Garibas, Maglia had a bad character. Whether this was true or not, Karianne couldn't judge, as Garibas was prone to strong impressions and couldn't keep secrets. The one thing she was sure of was that Garibas found Maglia difficult to deal with.

They would meet at today's party, so she would have to greet Maglia. Alvis, whom she had just greeted, seemed like a gentle person. However, the Marana Kingdom's Prime Minister had spoken highly of his skills as the Crown Prince, even in the short time he had been in the position.

Ignoring Garibas, who had retreated into his own world, Karianne reached for the cup that had been prepared. She stared intently at her own reflection.

Karianne, known for her beauty in the Marana Kingdom, was petite and confident in her appearance, which was popular with men. This time, she would have to use it to her advantage.

"Will that person be swayed? Let's make it a challenge, shall we?"