Chapter 40

After the tea party with Prince Leonhardt, I lodged a protest with the royal family. I explained the situation to Father and, with the cooperation of Lady Sandika, we filed a joint protest from both ducal families and the northern border baron. Of course, a protest is just that, and it won’t immediately strip the Crown Prince of his important position. If he were to be deposed, some of the marquess families would not remain silent. The king would decide on the punishment and response.

Before heading to the palace with Father and Carlos, I had a brief moment.

"Father, after the protest, I will stay at the palace for a while."

"…What?"

"Please also apply for an audience with His Majesty immediately after."

"…Is this your personal matter?"

"No, I am in contact with a few others. Some cannot enter or leave without formal permission."

"Carlos, I am watching your actions, and who you are associating with. No matter what the Crown Prince has done, don’t act rashly."

"…Of course. Please look at this."

Carlos then showed something. It was a very beautiful piece of jewelry.

"Oh, how lovely."

The gem was crafted into an accessory, specifically a tree motif, symbolizing the Belsurian royal family.

"…What is that?"

"It was crafted and made by ‘him.’ He can now control his magic to this extent."

"…Is that true?"

Who is ‘he’? Father seems to know. Carlos is in contact with someone, and perhaps Father knows about me as well. But I haven’t been involved in any problematic relationships.

"Yes, he is rational. I can vouch for him. I believe he can explain the reasons to the king."

"…Is that so? You can’t tell me?"

"Even as your son, I don’t think it’s something to spread. Prince Leonhardt caused problems, but the king is trustworthy. To provide the king with more information, I must speak to him."

"…Understood. Do as you please."

That was the conversation we had. In reality, we lodged the protest and had an audience with His Majesty, who was holding his head in his hands.

"…I apologize for my son’s behavior, Princess Steizen."

I accepted the king’s apology. The prince’s punishment and other matters would be left to the king’s judgment. My business was done.

Carlos stayed behind to speak with His Majesty… and when we left the palace, we encountered some people. One of them was someone I knew.

"Oh, Mr. Drought."

"…Princess Steizen. And Duke Steizen."

Mr. Drought bowed to Father and me. It’s a strange feeling, isn’t it? In the academy, Mr. Drought treats everyone equally, whether they are a duchess’s daughter or a lower noble’s child. But outside the academy, he responds according to our status.

"It’s fine. Professor."

Mr. Drought raised his head at Father’s words. I stopped him, but I wondered why he was at the palace.

"I didn’t expect to see you here, Professor. And who is that…?"

Behind Mr. Drought stood a young boy, bowing his head to avoid interrupting the conversation. He seemed intelligent but still had a youthful face.

"…This is Shurk. He is a magician who lived in the Magic Tower."

"My name is Shurk. Duke Steizen, Princess Steizen, it is an honor to meet you both."

"Hmm."

"Oh, so you are the one they speak of?"

"…I don’t know what rumors you’ve heard, but I am a magician, Princess."

Shurk. He is a genius magician protected by the Magic Tower. He has a high amount of magic, but his control is unstable, so he is managed there. A few years ago, he was considered as a potential aide to the prince and was even proposed to attend the Royal Academy.

That plan was apparently withdrawn, but according to the age I heard, he is 15 or 16 years old. That means he could enter the Royal Academy after my graduation.

"Are you planning to attend the Royal Academy next year?"

"…Yes, that is what I have been told, Princess."

He is much more polite than I imagined. He should have no problem attending the academy.

"Is Mr. Drought…?"

"Yes, Princess Steizen. I am Shurk’s guardian and protector. If he causes any problems, I will take responsibility."

"Oh, I see. If it’s Mr. Drought, I can trust him."

"…Thank you, Princess. I appreciate your words."

"Shurk."

"Yes, Princess."

"Mr. Drought is very reliable and trustworthy. I hope you can study freely at the academy and make friends, but please be considerate not to cause him any trouble."

"…I will keep that in mind, Princess Steizen."

"Yes, I’m sorry for stopping you."

"No, I am grateful for the conversation, Princess."

"Goodbye then."

"Yes."

With that, Father and I returned to the mansion, leaving Carlos behind. He returned home after it got dark, which took quite a while.

After some time, about a month later, just before the winter break. This winter break, I plan to spend time at the Steizen mansion, as I will be in Belsurian from next year. Before my third-year winter break,

…Prince Leonhardt’s status as Crown Prince was revoked.

He remains a member of the royal family but is no longer the Crown Prince. I and Lady Sandika, as well as Ash and Carlos, had witnessed his behavior. It was indeed concerning. I don’t know what Carlos said to the king afterward, but

"Angeline, can I speak with you for a moment?"

"Carlos, what is it?"

Carlos came to see me at the mansion.

"What is it?"

"…I have a report."

"A report?"

"Prince Leonhardt will be stripped of his status as Crown Prince."

"Yes, I’ve heard that."

"But he will remain a member of the royal family."

"Understood."

"…He has sworn to the king not to approach you unnecessarily."

"Oh, that’s…"

Why did the prince have such feelings for me? I don’t know and don’t want to know.

"Was that the demand you made to the king?"

"…No, it’s different. I spoke to the king about Merk Schreigen."

"Merk?"

"Yes, Angeline."

"Yes, Carlos."

"…Merk Schreigen is a descendant of the Alstroemeria royal family."

"…!"

I was surprised and opened my eyes wide.

"…Is that true?"

"Yes, it was recently proven. She manifested the ‘Power of the Holy Flower’ in front of the king."

"In front of the king?"

That would be a major event. Many things would change.

"Could Prince Leonhardt’s obsession with Merk be because of this?"

"…It’s possible. But I believe there was genuine affection as well."

"I see. But Merk…"

"Prince Leonhardt and Merk are now engaged."

"Engaged? …Is that what Merk wants?"

"Yes, it’s her decision."

"Her bloodline is indeed unparalleled, but what about her feelings?"

"Perhaps it’s not my place to say, but… Merk has been facing her heritage. That’s why she made this decision. If she were to live in the common world, there would be future concerns. So, living under the protection of the royal family is better."

Indeed, if her heritage is known, she cannot be left alone. Perhaps Lady Sandika knew about it and was protecting Merk?

"…Prince Leonhardt will likely be granted a dukedom."

"A dukedom?"

"Yes, more to protect the Alstroemeria bloodline. In the future, there might be a connection between the ducal family and the royal family."

"That means…"

Prince Leonhardt is no longer the Crown Prince. But, will he ever return to that position?

"The details are unclear, and the future is uncertain. If the second prince is not up to the task, and if Prince Leonhardt repents and grows, it’s possible. He hasn’t lost his right to the throne yet."

"That’s true…"

If he works hard, there’s still a chance. If he vows to be with Merk, I hope he will strive to improve.

"A dukedom to protect Merk. …If becoming queen is difficult, that might be a good option."

The king could grant them a territory to live in. I would be away from the center, but Lady Sandika would help them.

"Accepting the engagement with Prince Leonhardt was Merk Schreigen’s decision. To protect herself and to discipline herself. She seems to have changed… perhaps she has decided to grow up."

"That’s true. It’s a complex situation."

Merk didn’t seem to be fixated on the title of ‘Queen.’ She had affection for Prince Leonhardt… that’s the situation. Being a duchess is still a heavy responsibility.

"…‘What’s the point of starting over?’"

"Excuse me?"

"She told Prince Leonhardt that. The education she received cannot be wasted. If she forgets everything, she might revert to her foolish self. She has decided to move forward, using her education, words, and experiences as her foundation."

"I see…"

I wondered what would happen to Merk, but it seems she has made a strong decision. If so, there’s nothing more I can say.

"She thanked you. She might apologize to you when you meet again."

"Really? But I don’t remember her doing anything to me."

"…That’s true."

Perhaps she advised Prince Leonhardt. As a future wife, she might be apologizing for her husband’s misdeeds.

"Angeline."

Carlos looked at me seriously and bowed.

"Brother, what are you doing?"

"…I’ve finally resolved things. Angeline, I’m sorry for everything."

"Sorry? For what?"

"…For many things."

"Many things?"

Well, I can think of a few things. But it’s surprising to see Carlos bow to me.

"But it’s over now. …No one can make your happiness ‘disappear.’"

"My happiness?"

"…Seeing you and Ash Baltsline live happily together. I realized that.

We regretted the ‘sins’ we committed against you. But… the most important thing is that we took away the happiness you should have had."

I listened to Carlos without interrupting, as his eyes were serious.

"We want to protect your and Ash Baltsline’s ‘happy future.’"

"Brother…"

His words were sincere. I felt that he truly meant it. Despite the many things I thought about, it was clear that he wished for my happiness as family.

I felt that was enough.

"Thank you, Carlos. I’m very happy."

"…Be happy, Angeline."

"Yes, I am. …But, can you say that when we part ways?

I’m going to be at home for the winter break."

It would be awkward to say that when we see each other often at home.

"…I’m sorry."

"No, it’s fine. Carlos."

"…Yes."

"…Do you feel a bit relieved?"

I asked about something that had been bothering me. Carlos seemed to be troubled by something I couldn’t see.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t help him. It seemed he had decided not to rely on me.

For years, I was worried as a sister.

"…No, it’s still a long way to go. Life is long, after all."

"That’s true. Don’t worry too much. You have people you can rely on around you, like Lady Sandika."

"…Yes, that’s true."

Lady Sandika and Carlos’s engagement is being positively considered by both ducal families. They will likely be married.

Merk and Prince Leonhardt will be married. Lady Sandika and Carlos will be married. Misha and Fried will be married.

And I, upon graduation…