Chapter 59

"I am Louis Henry Klingenheit. ... You must not be tired from your long journey, are you?"

The nature of one's magic is reflected in the color of their eyes.

Red eyes for those skilled in fire magic. Golden eyes for those skilled in light magic.

Claudia, although she was using magic to disguise her eyes as golden, actually possessed iridescent eyes that could command all types of magic.

(This child has quite unusual eyes.)

The lower half of his eyes was a burning ruby red.

However, the upper half was a deep sapphire blue, like the bottom of a deep sea. His eyes were a gradient from blue to red, from top to bottom.

(If he can master two types of magic at this age—indeed, he could be called a prodigy of magic.)

While thinking this, Claudia smiled.

"Prince, Claudia is not tired at all. I'm very energetic!"

"I'm relieved to hear that. It's quite a distance from Abinoia to our country, even with teleportation magic."

"No, you see. With Noah's magic, I just floated here!"

After saying this, Claudia dramatically gasped and covered her mouth with both hands.

Seeing this, Louis looked puzzled.

"Is something wrong?"

"I'm sorry. Claudia should speak more like a lady, but I made a mistake."

"I see... I understand."

Louis turned to his father as if he had come to a realization.

"Father, for a meeting to discuss the engagement, I think it would be better if we were both at ease."

"You're right, my son. You are correct."

"Then from now on, we will dispense with formalities."

Louis said this and turned his gaze back to Claudia.

"Princess, you don't have to speak like a lady from now on."

"Really?"

"I'll try to be a bit more casual too. ... So, don't apologize like you did earlier. Okay?"

Claudia sighed in relief and smiled gratefully.

"Thank you, Prince!"

"Hehe. Just call me Louis."

"Louis-sama! And call me Claudia too, please."

Louis smiled, looking at her as if she were a small child.

Claudia acted innocently, but inside she was thinking:

(He is indeed very mature. Noah is also reliable, but there's a different quality to it.)

The servant, who had turned around, seemed to furrow his brow slightly. When he met Claudia's eyes, he composed himself after a moment.

At that moment, the king, who had been watching his sons, suggested with a sudden idea:

"Louis, how about taking a walk in the garden with the princess?"

"Claudia loves pretty flowers!"

The adults around her smiled at Claudia's childlike behavior.

Their warm gazes suggested they saw her as a completely harmless child.

Among them, only Louis showed a brief look of concern.

"Father, the garden that is blooming now is... my brother's."

"Is that so?"

As the king sighed, Claudia thought:

(...Brother)

The king's firstborn was not Louis, who was standing there.

Yet, the position of Crown Prince, the next king, belonged to Louis. Claudia pondered this fact, which her father had not told her.

(The princesses of this country's royal family are the victims of the curse. The curse began eight years ago. Depending on the age of 'the brother,' it might be worth investigating the surrounding area.)

While thinking this, Claudia blinked slowly.

(The garden in this castle... the brother prince is there...)

"Louis, how about the pond? I believe you just got a new boat."

"Taking her to the water might be too risky. If anything were to happen, it would be difficult to face Abinoia."

"True. Then how about the library?"

"I don't recall it having a very extensive collection of children's books."

"Oh, that's a problem... Princess Claudia, is there anything you'd like to do in this country...?"

"Mmm...?"

While Louis and the others were talking, Claudia covered her mouth.

"...Yawn..."

"———..."

At that moment, Karlheinz was clearly startled.

"Your Highness, surely not—"

But Claudia paid no attention to the minor issue.

She rubbed her eyes and reached out to the servant standing by the wall.

"Noah...?"

"———..."

Noah, like Karlheinz, showed a look of unease.

However, Noah was quicker to accept the situation and more understanding. He sighed softly and walked over, understanding everything.

As usual, Claudia was picked up and clung to Noah, closing her eyes. Louis and the others watched in surprise.

"Claudia?"

"Mmm..."

When Louis called her, Claudia did not respond. Seeing this, Karlheinz pressed his forehead.

"Your Majesty, and Prince Louis—"

In Claudia's place, Karlheinz bowed deeply and explained.

"Princess Claudia is about to take her afternoon nap."

"———..."

The next moment, the Klingenheit king's hearty laughter echoed through the audience chamber.