Chapter 55

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This Kingdom of Avianoria was known for its vast territory and abundant resources.

With the royal family at the forefront, many nobles and commoners also possessed high magical power, making it a well-endowed great nation in that sense.

And in this Kingdom of Avianoria, a certain field had been growing rapidly over the past two years.

It was the academic study of magic.

“—Princess Claudia!”

“The princess has finished her audience with His Majesty! Prepare to welcome her!”

When the young girl appeared in the grand hall of the royal castle, the mages burst into cheers.

Claudia, who had just finished talking with her father, received their grand welcome.

Surrounding her were the kingdom's top mages, the highest-ranking among all mages.

Claudia smiled.

Holding Noah's hand, she greeted them with the innocent words of an eight-year-old.

“Hello, big brother and sister mages!”

“Princess! It's been a while, we've been waiting for you!!”

They surrounded the small Claudia with a slight excitement.

“Right away, do you have time!? We would like to hear your opinion on the magic theory you saw before...”

“Claudia, I don't understand complicated things. The last time, I just said, 'There are so many letters, it looks like a picture. If this part was like this, it would be prettier.'”

“Those words were the catalyst that opened our eyes! Your words, Princess, are always innocent yet precise, giving us insights we lack...!!”

“Princess, please give us your advice. If you would, we would like you to see the actual item.”

“Princess Claudia! Please say a word about our research!!”

(Oh dear, what a grand welcome.)

While it's good that they are enthusiastic about their research, this way it seems impossible to move forward. Just as she was thinking this, Claudia's body floated gently.

“Noah”

Noah, standing next to her, picked up Claudia with a blank expression.

Noah held Claudia firmly, wrapped his arms around her back, and sighed before speaking.

“Unfortunately, the princess is in a hurry. I understand your desire to rely on the princess's keen insight...”

The mages were taken aback by the weight in Noah's voice.

Noah's obsidian eyes firmly met the gaze of the adults, who were taller than him, and asked them.

“—Which way is the path for the princess?”

“!!”

At that moment, the mages hurriedly parted to either side. The crowd dispersed, and a red carpet stretched from the grand hall to the entrance.

“Thank you. Then, I will...”

“S, sorry, Princess Claudia...!!”

“Bye-bye, big brothers and sisters.”

Claudia, still in Noah's arms, waved to them as they moved away. The mages, relieved, were talking about this.

“Noah is still the same, even though he's a child, he has a strange presence...”

(Of course, this presence is partly due to Noah's natural talent...)

Noah, who had left the grand hall, continued down the corridor. Claudia touched Noah's cheek and, giggling, asked him.

“Are you just in a bad mood right now, Noah?”

“...Not particularly.”

“Really?”

The voice that came back was clearly tinged with dissatisfaction. When Claudia patted Noah's head, he opened his mouth as if resigned.

“...Isn't it too early to decide a fiancé at eight years old?”

“Oh. Noah, you should understand my purpose.”

Claudia recalled her conversation with her father just now.

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‘The Western Kingdom of Clingate seems to have a very capable heir.’

King Volkhardt, seated on the throne, said this to Claudia.

Her father, with garnet-red eyes, still looked like he was in his early twenties. He was supposed to be twenty-nine, but he hadn't changed at all since she first met him two years ago.

‘The Crown Prince is eleven years old, named Louis. He is gifted in magic and has a plentiful amount of magical power to wield it.’

Her father's cold eyes narrowed as if amused while looking at Claudia.

‘...He is called “the greatest prodigy in history,” you know?’

‘Oh, Father!’

Claudia deliberately made a childish gesture, puffing out her small cheeks.

‘Actually, Claudia has more important things to do than get married, right?’

‘Princess! To speak to His Majesty like that...’

‘Enough. You should be mindful of your manners towards my daughter.’

‘I, I apologize...’

Her father, who had made his subordinate bow, leaned back in his throne with his arms crossed.

‘The king of that country is looking for a princess who matches his proud son. He has somehow obtained information about your involvement in our kingdom's magic research and has proposed a meeting.’

‘Father, that's strange. Claudia hasn't done anything so difficult, you know?’

‘Hmph.’

Claudia smiled and tilted her head childishly. Her father, looking at her, continued.

‘You and the Crown Prince of Clingate do not match. A betrothal is impossible...’

‘Father is right. Such an amazing prince wouldn't marry Claudia.’

‘What are you saying? ...On the contrary, it is clear. For a prince of that caliber to be called a “prodigy” and to desire my daughter as a bride is beyond his station.’

The smile on her father's face was cold and dim.

‘Break his spirit. Even if it means losing the alliance and starting a war, I do not care.’

‘...’

At those words, Claudia smiled cutely.

‘Hehe. ...Father’

And Claudia, as usual, retorted.

With a smile, she said the usual line.

‘—No way!’

‘...’