Chapter 8

Lilith's bridal procession proceeded smoothly, and they were now approaching the border with Eairas. On the other side of the river flowing from the mountains, soldiers could be seen with a tense atmosphere, as if preparing for battle. The women shuddered at the sight, but it seemed that these soldiers were heading to the Freud Kingdom as reinforcements, replacing Lilith's entourage. They were to be stationed near the border with Fontae and conduct joint training with Freud's guards.

Some of the knights were there to welcome Lilith's party. However, without a signal, there was no need to get out of the carriage. Lilith and her party remained seated inside, and the carriage started moving again. It seemed there was a village a little further ahead where they would take a break.

"Lilith-sama, are you not tired?"

"Yes, I'm fine. We rested well in the village earlier. The people there were very kind."

"That's true."

The villagers who welcomed them were warm and hospitable. Of course, even though it was a small country, it would be impolite to treat Lilith, a princess, rudely, but Lilith could tell whether it was genuine or not. They were finally approaching Blume, the town where they would stay for the night, and Taina, worried about Lilith, who was unusually sleepless, spoke up.

"That's good. It seems they are welcoming us."

"Of course. Our country and Eairas have a good relationship, and this town thrives on trade with us. It's only natural that Princess Lilith of the Freud Kingdom would be welcomed."

Relieved by the cheers heard as they entered the town, Taina responded matter-of-factly. To Taina, Lilith was a source of pride despite her troublesome traits. Lilith smiled wryly and looked at Rese, who was sitting next to Taina, also feeling relieved about the warm welcome.

This town, Blume, was not only close to the Freud Kingdom but also to Machinukan, making it a trading hub. Long ago, Machinukan was a vassal state of the Fontae Kingdom, and Blume used to be a fortress city, which gave it a somewhat imposing appearance. Lilith, who had caught a glimpse of this from the window before entering the town, was eager to see more.

(Ah, I want to see! I really want to see! I want to see the town and the people of Blume!)

Unable to contain her excitement, she stretched towards the window. She couldn't hold back any longer. But—

"Lilith-sama, you can't."

"Huh? But just a little..."

"Even a small child wouldn't do that. It would be improper for a princess to stick her head out of the window."

"But look, they are welcoming us so warmly. It would be nice to acknowledge them a little—"

"That will be done formally after the ceremony. Until then, you cannot show your face in public. This is not Freud."

Indeed, in the Freud royal castle, everyone had indulged Lilith's curiosity. While maintaining proper decorum and etiquette, they had been friendly.

"You will be the Empress of the Eairas Empire. Please understand that you cannot act as you did before."

"…I hope so."

"Excuse me?"

"Never mind. Well, I'll do my best."

Taina raised an eyebrow at Lilith's dismissive response but said nothing more. The Queen of Casablanca had also been worried about this, as Lilith had been allowed too much freedom, not expecting her to leave Freud. Rese, unsure of what to do, decided not to intervene, a wise decision.

However, despite appearing spoiled, Lilith was still a princess. The moment the carriage stopped, she straightened her back and waited with a ladylike smile for the door to open.

Outside, the presence of many people could be felt, and strong, steady footsteps approached the carriage. The footsteps stopped, and the door was opened from the outside.

"Ah!"

Rese, who had almost let out a scream, managed to suppress it. Taina, though trying to remain calm, looked pale, revealing her fear.

(I want to see! What's happening!?)

Sitting facing forward, Lilith couldn't see what was happening. But her curiosity was soon satisfied. A figure that had been hidden by the door stepped forward and bowed slightly towards the carriage. His hair, which swayed softly, was a deep red, even more vivid than the setting sun behind the town's walls. His finely chiseled face, slowly raised, held deep crimson eyes that burned quietly. The two maids were frightened by the appearance of this young man, who seemed to be enveloped in flames. Lilith, however, was captivated by his beauty.

(Wow! He's even more beautiful than in my dreams!)

There was no need for an introduction. This must be Prince Jesalde. Just as Lilith was about to smile and greet him, Jesalde spoke first.

"Princess of Freud, welcome to our country, Eairas. I am Jesalde, the first son of Emperor Lazef of the Eairas Empire."

Unconsciously taking the hand offered to help her out of the carriage, Lilith simply stared at Jesalde. When Jesalde saw Lilith's face as she stepped out of the dim carriage, he seemed to frown slightly, but quickly returned to a blank expression. Jesalde was tall and slender, but his broad shoulders and sturdy build were evident when standing next to him. Moreover, the hand that held Lilith's, though on his left, had calluses from a sword.

(Perhaps he is left-handed...)

As she thought this, she noticed her brother, Eirum, rushing towards them with a worried look.

(For my brother to be so worried... Ah, maybe it was wrong to stare at the prince like that... This is so troublesome.)

Muttering to herself about being a lady, she decided it would be best to lower her head and avoid eye contact. Seeing this, Jesalde's lips curled into a sarcastic smile. Eirum, who had not expected Jesalde to come to greet them and had approached his sister without an introduction, was too late. Concerned for his sister, he had rushed to her side, but it was too late.

For Jesalde, Lilith's stunned silence and her subsequent lowering of her head confirmed his suspicions. He was determined to dissolve their engagement before reaching the capital.