Chapter 13

"Strange..."

"What is it?"

"The reply to the letter hasn't come."

"From... His Highness the Crown Prince?"

"Yes. It's been two days since I sent the letter. Normally, even if it's a lie, a polite response would be given, wouldn't it?"

"You're right..."

In the carriage, Lillis muttered, and Tena frowned and nodded in agreement.

This was undoubtedly a clear sign that the Crown Prince was neglecting Lillis.

Without needing to say it explicitly, Tena and Rese exchanged glances.

"But, His Highness seems to be very busy. Perhaps he has simply forgotten? We have finally arrived in the capital today, but he has been working non-stop until now."

"Yes, that's a strong possibility. After all, he has been alone all this time. I haven't heard any rumors about him and women."

Trying to comfort Lillis, Rese spoke, and Tena nodded in agreement.

Perhaps out of desperation, Tena's tone was influenced by Rese.

Lillis sighed deeply, looking at the two of them.

"It's fine, you don't have to comfort me. I understand. This is a political marriage, and it's clear from this journey that His Highness has no interest in me."

Lillis may be different, but she is not stupid.

At Lillis's words, which seemed to have a sense of enlightenment, the two exchanged glances again, looking troubled.

"But there's no problem. This is within my expectations!"

"Lillis-sama...?"

"Making a man who isn't interested interested. That's the true joy of being a good woman!"

"L-Lillis-sama?"

"Whether His Highness wants it or not, we will be married in four days! There are plenty of opportunities! I'll make him fall for me! Jesarld Eairas, be prepared!"

"Have you been reading strange books again...?"

In the narrow carriage, Lillis raised her fist and declared, and Tena sighed in exasperation.

Rese's smile was also strained.

Unfortunately, Jesarld, who happened to be riding by, ran past the carriage and heard fragments of Lillis's words.

It seems the princess of Froit intends to seduce him in the bedroom.

Jesarld thought he should be careful not to be caught off guard and smiled, a very ironic smile.

* * *

"Oh... Welcome from afar. You must be tired, so please rest in the room we have prepared for you."

That evening, the group finally arrived at the capital of Eairas, Cireana, and headed to the palace. They were surprised to see Emperor Lazef waiting to greet them.

The emperor also seemed surprised by Lillis's appearance, but it was only for a moment, and he quickly regained his composure.

(As expected, the Emperor of Eairas is skilled at hiding his emotions.)

Thinking that he was probably shocked by the difference between her appearance and the portrait, Lillis used the princess's education to its fullest and greeted him.

She was a bit tired of the idea of a grand welcome ceremony, but it seemed there would be none, and she and her brother expressed their gratitude for the emperor's consideration.

Then, they were immediately led to a luxurious guest room, and Lillis was finally able to relax.

This time, the guards did not rudely inspect the room for safety, but Tena and Rese subtly checked the room.

They turned over the beautiful framed landscapes and checked if any large furniture had been moved.

Lillis thought it was unnecessary, but it was their job, so she drank the tea provided and thought about the future.

Four days until the ceremony.

Is it really okay to get married like this?

No, it must be done.

Even if the Crown Prince rejects her, it is necessary to quickly form an alliance.

(Perhaps the Crown Prince is a bit childish. Even if he doesn't want to get married, I have understood since I was young that a political marriage is necessary for my position.)

She doesn't understand why he is so stubbornly rejecting her, but it can't be helped.

As a princess, Lillis must accept even this.

(Maybe he loved his previous wife so much... and made a vow to her? 'I will never take another wife besides you.' ... No, that's too romantic. I shouldn't think of a tragic death like that.)

Reining in her romantic fantasies and pushing aside her worries, Lillis thought that thinking too much would give her nightmares.

She didn't want to know the tragedy. ——Actually, she did.

Before going to bed, she thought about her family in Froit and got into bed.