Chapter 58

***

In a corner of the Klingenheit Castle, a young boy stood before a closed door.

He appeared to be around eleven years old, well-dressed, and tall but with a slender build. With soft silver hair and long lashes of the same color, he knocked gently, with concern.

"Brother. It's me, Lewis."

The boy smiled and spoke softly to the other side of the door.

"How are you feeling today? If you're well, perhaps we can—"

"Stay out."

"..."

At the rejection from inside, the boy's face fell, his eyebrows drooping.

"Just leave me alone. If you breathe the same air as me, you'll catch my incompetence."

"...Brother..."

"Your voice makes me dizzy."

The boy pressed his lips together, and a maid's voice interrupted.

"Prince Lewis, Princess Claudia from Abinoia is about to arrive."

"...Thank you. I'll be there soon."

As the boy smiled at the maid, an even more hostile voice came from inside.

"See? You're being called. You're needed by many, you're doing great. ...Don't come to such a gloomy place. Go meet your future bride."

"Brother, but—"

"The heir to this country... the crown prince is you, not me. Anyway."

At those words, the boy's face showed a sad smile.

"I'll come again, Brother. If there's anything I can do, please let me know."

"..."

"Because we are brothers."

The boy bowed to the door and then slowly walked down the corridor.

"An arranged meeting, huh."

He muttered to himself, a truth he wouldn't share with anyone.

"Talking to a child my age is boring; I have to adjust to their level."

His face, more mature than his age, showed a hint of resignation.

"But it's part of diplomacy, so it can't be helped..."

And the boy headed for the grand hall where his "arranged meeting partner" awaited.

***

The moment Claudia transferred, the Klingenheit magic knight announced loudly.

"Princess Claudia has arrived!"

Gathered in the audience chamber were the king and his ministers. Claudia landed on her tiptoes on the floor, which glowed with magical energy. Her hair, still carrying the magic of the transfer, and the hem of her light purple dress fluttered gracefully.

After transferring to the country, she completed the necessary procedures and preparations before entering the castle. Noah, who had transferred earlier as her guard, supported her hand. Claudia returned the grip and took a step onto the red carpet, and Karlheinz, who had also transferred earlier, advised the king.

"Your Majesty, this is the second princess of Abinoia—..."

"Nice to meet you, Your Majesty!"

After the introduction, Claudia released Noah's hand and bowed.

"Thank you for inviting me this time."

Her bow, holding the hem of her dress, was impeccable, and her gestures were charmingly girlish. The adults around her found her slightly composed expression endearing.

"Claudia Natalia Brightkroiz. I'm eight years old!"

"Welcome. Raise your head, Princess Claudia."

At his words, Claudia straightened her back. The dignitaries around her whispered in admiration.

"Even at such a young age, what a beautiful princess."

"Truly, she is worthy of our Prince Lewis..."

Hearing their voices through magic, Claudia smiled.

(To them, it seems they assume they will choose.)

Standing before her was the king of the country, a man older than her father, probably in his late forties.

(My arranged meeting partner, the crown prince of this country, is eleven years old, I believe. To the king, he must be a late-born child...)

Without showing any of her thoughts, Claudia tilted her head slightly.

"Your Majesty, which prince will be Claudia's friend?"

"A friend? Ha ha ha!"

The king laughed heartily and looked down at Claudia with interest.

"I see, a 'friend.' The princess of Abinoia is so adorable."

"I apologize. Princess Claudia is still young..."

"Lord Karlheinz, it's fine. My son is more mature than his age. A straightforward and innocent princess like this would be suitable as a queen."

"..."

Karlheinz's silence and Noah's piercing gaze from the side were noticeable, but Claudia maintained her innocent smile.

"Princess Claudia, would you like to play with my son Lewis for a while?"

"Yes! Claudia will play with the prince!"

"Hmm. Ha ha ha!"

The king, laughing heartily, called out to a door behind the throne.

"Lewis, come in."

"Yes, Father."

Then, a young boy appeared.

Claudia's eyes narrowed slightly at the sight of him.

"It is an honor to meet you, Princess Claudia."

A child with silver hair that shone like silver threads and a beautiful, somewhat androgynous face.

He was tall for his age but still had a slender build. He was about the same height as Noah, who was also eleven, but Noah's shoulders were much broader.

(Hmm, interesting...)

Claudia's eyes narrowed not because the boy's smile was too mature for an eleven-year-old, but because of a certain unexpected color in his eyes.