Chapter 47

In the reception room of the royal castle.

The two of them spent their third meeting in a room that was luxurious but not too large, feeling a bit awkward.

Ortymeti and, sitting opposite her, Iena Grande, the second daughter of the Grande Marquis family.

Her black hair was tightly tied up, giving an impression of being without any flaws. Her eyes were a deep green.

Ortymeti gathered her courage and spoke.

"Today... there's something I need to tell you."

As the tea time was about to end, Iena, who had suddenly become serious, stopped her hand that was about to take a sip of tea.

They had met multiple times as potential marriage candidates, and if things went smoothly, they were supposed to be introduced to the nobility soon.

Iena braced herself, thinking Ortymeti might be here to decline the proposal, given her repeated opening and closing of her mouth.

It must be something very difficult to say.

"Please, don't hesitate."

"Iena... "

Their tea times had always been spent with hardly any words exchanged.

Iena had thought Ortymeti was a frail and timid woman, but perhaps that wasn't the case.

She seemed to be trying to lighten Ortymeti's heart, sensing her hesitation.

"I am often told that I am inadequate. So, Your Highness—"

"Wait. Who said you were inadequate?"

"That would be my father and mother."

"How terrible. You are a fine woman."

Iena was a talented woman. The same age as Ortymeti at 21, she had advanced from the academy to a research institute, published a paper on land reform, and received high praise from professors.

—She had not married until this age because she was busy with her studies. She must have been criticized by her family for this.

"Thank you."

Iena's words sounded like a social formality, but Ortymeti added,

"I have no complaints about you. —No, it's presumptuous of me to say I have complaints. I also want to learn many things from you. But... I'm sorry, my indecision is making you worry. —Today, I want to talk about my father."

"The King...?"

Ortymeti nodded solemnly.

"Actually, he's not well... So, I think we will have to take the throne immediately after our marriage."

"Oh. —Is it that serious?"

It was completely new to her.

She had thought that the government was running smoothly. She had heard that Ortymeti, as the crown prince, was already handling many official duties. Moreover, she had seen him looking energetic at recent balls.

Could his condition have deteriorated so suddenly that he needed to pass the throne?

"It's been going on for a long time. So, there's no immediate rush, but—"

Seeing Iena's worried face, Ortymeti raised a hand to reassure her.

But, he was not in a state to handle official duties. They were planning to have the coronation ceremony immediately after the wedding.

In other words, Iena would become the queen, not the crown princess, and the nature and role of her duties would change significantly.

He thought he should tell her this.

Iena seemed to understand the implications immediately.

"May I ask one question?"

Iena spoke hesitantly, almost as if squeezing out the words.

Ortymeti braced herself.

Was it about her father's condition or the terms of the marriage with the Grande Marquis family?

"Ask anything."

Ortymeti nodded. She didn't want to hide anything from the woman who would be her life partner.

"I haven't yet heard the reason why you chose me."

Since the proposal as a potential marriage candidate, Iena had no right to refuse.

They were the same age, but Iena had only participated in the minimum social events, so they had hardly spoken to each other.

But thinking about the future, she wanted to know what this person expected from her.

Was she to be a formal queen, the second daughter of the Grande Marquis family, or—

Ortymeti straightened her posture. Iena liked this person's sincere nature. Even on their third meeting, she found no reason to dislike him and thought he was a wonderful person.

"Of course, there is the consideration of the balance between the noble faction and the royalist faction due to the political changes. The Grande family, which has maintained neutrality since ancient times, is the ideal match, and that's why I proposed."

Her words were almost too honest. But Iena was not disappointed because Ortymeti's red eyes were earnestly directed at her.

"But, I want to support the country together, respect each other, and if possible—build a warm family."

Ortymeti smiled shyly.

"The ministers laugh at me for being naive, but... even though it's only our third meeting... I thought I could do this with you. That's why I want to proceed with this proposal. I also told you about my father for that reason."

After speaking in a rush, Ortymeti let out a breath and, looking anxious, glanced up at Iena.

"Does this answer your question?"

Iena smiled naturally.

"It's more than enough."

With this person, she felt it would be alright. She had a gut feeling.

She had never thought marriage was for her and had never even considered it.

She wanted to support this person.

Thinking about Ortymeti's past struggles, she felt a tightening in her chest.

"Please let me do everything I can. —I want to support Your Highness and share the burden you carry."

—And thus, their engagement was decided.

The engagement ceremony was held in a solemn atmosphere, following tradition.

The entire capital was filled with joy at the rare royal celebration.

Portraits of Ortymeti and Iena sold like hotcakes, and it seemed as if there were festivals every day.

The reception after the ceremony was held in the grand hall of the royal castle, the most formal of all. The two of them, though still somewhat awkward, exchanged glances that already suggested a good relationship.

After the king's toast and the start of the party, the nobles came one after another to greet them.

After a while, Ortymeti let out a deep sigh, unnoticed.

"Your Highness, are you alright?"

Concerned, Ortymeti smiled wryly.

"You, too."

She had been having trouble sleeping for days due to the unfamiliar party, and it was difficult to hide the dark circles under her eyes. The maids' skills were impressive, and there was no trace of her fatigue.

Her black hair was adorned with pearls, and her dress, a beautiful emerald streamline, was elegantly spread out.

Usually dressed modestly, Iena's beauty made Ortymeti's heart race.

"Are you okay?"

"I was worried about making a mistake, but now that we've come this far—"

"Yeah, you look beautiful and are doing a great job."

"Your Highness—"

Iena felt her face heat up and fanned herself with her hands.

"You two are a perfect match."

The king, sitting in the back, said happily.

Iena noticed for the first time today that the king was hiding his complexion with makeup.

"Your Majesty, thank you for your consideration."

"I haven't done anything."

"No, you have welcomed me warmly."

They had shared meals a few times, and he always spoke kindly to her.

Today, Ortymeti and Iena planned to step forward and greet the nobles so that the king could remain seated.

As she thought this, Rias, the knight in his uniform, quietly stood beside the king.

"What, is the captain of the knights on duty today?"

The king looked at him with a bored expression.

"You really don't attend parties without Cynthia."

Rias bowed politely but remained expressionless, looking around the hall.

"I have been asked by my wife to ensure that my important brother-in-law's engagement ceremony proceeds smoothly."

Iena found it strange that this straightforward and work-focused knight captain would talk about Cynthia.

She had exchanged greetings with him a few times, but he never smiled or flattered anyone.

She had thought the Duke of Pensilnia was a difficult person, but Ortymeti told her he wasn't, finding it amusing.

She would understand eventually, he said. Currently, Rias' beloved wife Cynthia was pregnant with their third child and was due soon. Iena had not yet met her.

It seemed impossible for this iron mask to crack.

"Your Majesty, should you return to your room soon?"

Rias said, and the king nodded, having taken several deep breaths.

Rias accompanied the king, and the nobles became even more lively as he left.

Ortymeti and Iena nodded to each other and joined the circle of nobles.

I'm tired.

Ortymeti leaned against the railing on the terrace alone.

—Perhaps it was too ambitious.

After the engagement ceremony, they were preparing for the wedding and coronation, which would take place in about a year. The preparations for one ceremony after another were overwhelming.

Since there were no women in the royal family, there was no one to take charge, and the workload was too much.

Cynthia had offered to help, but Ortymeti didn't want to burden her with an uncertain due date.

For now, the engagement announcement was over, and the rest would just follow the flow.

Ortymeti decided to take a break on the terrace.

"—I was unaware of that."

Iena's voice came from the next terrace, and Ortymeti looked over casually.

Iena was surrounded by four young ladies. —The atmosphere didn't seem good. Ortymeti hid behind a pillar.

"You didn't know? —Ah, you were locked away in the academy."

"Everyone knew that Lady Nadia and the prince were close since childhood."

"Actually, Lady Nadia was supposed to be the one to get engaged."

"The prince must be very upset."

Iena didn't argue, and the young ladies continued without restraint.

"It can't be helped. My father is part of the noble faction."

"Poor Lady Nadia. —To be torn apart by family circumstances when they love each other so much."

Love each other...?

What are they talking about? Ortymeti tilted her head.

She had no one to talk about love with and no time for it. She didn't have any close female friends.

"—So, Lady Iena, do you understand?"

Iena remained silent.

Ortymeti leaned out from behind the pillar, worried that the timid Iena might start crying.

However, there was some distance to the other side. As she hesitated whether to go around, the young ladies became even more heated.

"After the wedding, it's your duty."

"Me...?"

"Since you will be sitting in the position of a formal wife, it's only natural to arrange for Lady Nadia, the prince's beloved, to be with him."

"Wh...?"

"Really. You're so clueless. You should arrange for him to take a concubine."

Unbearable.

Just as Ortymeti was about to call out from the terrace, Iena spoke.

"—That's quite different from what I've heard."

It was a clear voice she had never heard before.

"The prince told me that he wants to support each other as a couple, not just formally, and build a warm family. I intend to do the same."

"You...?"

"Has the prince really told you that he loves you? I don't think he's the type to speak of love to two women."

The prince, Iena looked up.

"I think he is a very honest person. That's why I want to support him with all my heart."

"This...!"

One of the young ladies raised her hand.

Iena was startled, but her gaze was not on the young ladies but further behind—

"Your Highness, watch out!"

Iena's cry made everyone turn around. There, Ortymeti was standing on the terrace railing, about to jump over.

"So, Your Highness... when did you get there?"

"We were... just..."

"—There seems to be a misunderstanding, young ladies."

Ortymeti came to his senses, put his feet down, and cleared his throat.

"I intend to love Iena for the rest of my life. I've never had a beloved, nor have I ever spoken of love. I don't think I've done anything to cause a misunderstanding."

Speaking in a slightly strong tone, the young ladies retreated.

"Yes, that's right."

"There seems to be a misunderstanding."

"Let's go... back to the hall."

Saying this, they returned to the hall with Nadia.

Iena and Ortymeti's eyes met, and Ortymeti leaned out.

"Miss Iena, I really—"

Iena smiled.

"It's okay, I understand."

She knew the noble faction was trying to make a comeback and that the young ladies were trying to ingratiate themselves, as expected.

"...It's pitiful. I shouldn't have left you."

"You were about to jump over the terrace to protect me."

Referring to his feet on the railing. Ortymeti, embarrassed, scratched his head.

"But, please don't do that again. It would be terrible if something happened to you."

Iena smiled in the moonlight, looking even more beautiful.

Ortymeti stared at her, sighing.

"This distance is frustrating. I want to hold your hand."

Iena reached out her hand. It was just out of reach.

"Really. I can't reach it."

"Miss Iena... that..."

Ortymeti chose his words carefully.

He suddenly wanted to tell her. Iena tilted her head slightly, waiting.

"Thank you for agreeing to be engaged to me. —I promise to love you for the rest of my life and make you happy."

Iena pressed her lips together, her eyes narrowing with happy surprise.

"Your Highness, thank you. I also want to make you happy."

It wasn't a burning love, but they were both aware of the growing affection that would surely grow in the future.