Chapter 39

This is the third post of the day.

After that, I waited for their return for several days, taking care of the aftermath.

News came that the Acacia Kingdom's army had been repelled and the town hall had been liberated, and the tense atmosphere in the mansion began to ease.

...However, the country is still at war with Twail.

While it's not as heavy as before, the main lords are still spending their days with a sense of tension.

I am the same.

If the Tasmeria Kingdom were to be defeated, it would be unbearable.

If such a situation were to arise, the Acacia Kingdom would likely move again.

"...So, Tanya. How is the battle situation?"

"His Highness is commanding the troops in the former Earl of Monroe's territory. The people's distrust of the Tasmeria Kingdom is deep-rooted, and it seems they are having a hard time."

At those words, I couldn't help but stop my hand.

"I didn't know, Tanya."

I ended up speaking in a resentful tone.

"I apologize. I thought that matters concerning the Acacia Kingdom should take precedence, so I withheld the information."

"...No, I'm the one who's sorry. ...Yes, I might have only half-listened if I had heard it then. However, Tanya, I would like to be informed about the northern situation, even if I'm busy."

I reflect on my emotional reaction.

Really, to still react to the word 'His Highness'... I still have a long way to go.

"Still, it's a hard fight. ...Indeed, it's not as simple as fighting the enemy and winning, and that's it."

"Yes. As long as the people are swayed by Twail, forcing a fight could further deepen their distrust."

I never thought he would go to the battlefield...

Is he safe... I hope he is safe.

It's frustrating not to know his current situation, being so far away.

Anxiety and restlessness smolder in my chest.

I want to be by his side.

I want to be of help.

That's what I was screaming deep in my heart.

The voice of impulse is reined in by reason.

And to completely distance myself from that voice, I forcibly switched my thoughts.

"...Have there been any reports from those investigating the Acacia Kingdom?"

"It seems that the people of the country have not been informed about the recent attack on the Almeria Duke's territory. The national army has not made any significant moves yet."

"Yes. I wonder what the king on the other side is thinking."

The more I think about it, the angrier I get.

Whether the proposal came from the king or the prince, to attack after proposing marriage is outrageous.

It's like being stabbed with a knife in the left hand while the right hand offers a handshake of friendship.

"Still, it's good that the national army hasn't made any significant moves."

It's impossible to continue fighting against a country's army.

We lack personnel, supplies, everything.

This is true not only for the Almeria Duke's territory but also for the Tasmeria Kingdom.

"Yes."

Tanya, too, agreed with a bitter expression.

"...Have you found out anything about the royal family's relations?"

"There are five consorts, six princes, and ten princesses due to the polygamous system. The third prince, Kadir, who proposed to you, is the one who proposed. It seems that a struggle for the next king is taking place behind the scenes because the current king is elderly. However, Kadir is rumored to have no interest in politics and has not shown any movement. He is said to be the farthest from the throne, except for the second prince, who has renounced his right to the throne due to his frail health."

"Every country is embroiled in a struggle for the throne."

Before I knew it, a sarcastic remark slipped out of my mouth.

"Still, he is the farthest from the throne... I don't think that's true at all."

"Why do you think so?"

"It's my impression from meeting him."

"Meaning, a hunch?"

"...It's a bit different. Because he came to the Almeria Duke's territory representing the country. Considering Tanya's information and that fact..."

Tanya's expression changed for a moment, as if she had realized something from my words.

...Representing the country means carrying the country's name.

It's unlikely that someone completely uninvolved in politics would be selected.

Because if they do something wrong, it would tarnish the country's name.

Considering his status as the third prince, it could be to add prestige to the envoy group, but at that time, there was no one to handle the practical work in his place.

"Uninterested in politics? Not showing any movement? ...That's just on the surface. Considering his reputation and the fact that he is involved in political duties as an envoy, he must have a very capable team. A team that can skillfully cover up his actions and provide support without hesitation."

I inwardly chuckle, finding him very similar to someone.

He, too, once stayed out of the limelight while steadily building his foundation.

In our country, that someone did so because of his mother's status.

And probably Kadir, because he is the third prince.

To avoid being the target of attacks, he is likely honing his hidden fangs.

"Thus, I think the possibility that he is aiming for the throne is high."

Thinking about it, I wonder if the marriage with me would be of little benefit to him.

After all, it would be more advantageous to welcome a powerful family from his own country.

On the contrary, if a child is born from me, a person with Tasmeria blood would have the right to the throne... It's not unlikely that there would be opposition from powerful families.

Or is he planning to make me a nominal consort and have children with another consort?

Thinking about it, I inwardly chuckle, realizing it's pointless to think about it now.

"...Keep a close eye on his future movements."

"Understood."

Just then, a knock came from the door, and Sebastian entered.

"Miss. Lyle and Dida, who went to the eastern region, have returned."

"That's good. ...I'm sorry to ask this when they must be tired, but could you ask them to give a report?"

"They said they would come here after giving instructions to the security team for the aftermath."

"Thank you. I understand."

A few minutes later, there was another knock.

When I allowed them to enter, Lyle, Dida, and my mother came in.

"Mother!?"

"It's been a while, Iris."

I couldn't help but raise my voice at the unexpected person.

Well, since we are alone in this room, it's not a problem.

"Why are you here?"

...Now that I think about it.

My mother had come with the Anderson Duke's guards about ten days ago.

I had no idea what she had been doing since then.

I hadn't even considered it.

"Could it be that Mother... went to the eastern region with the Anderson Duke's guards?"

I think it's a rather outlandish question.

But I suddenly remembered my mother's words.

She had said, "I will definitely call for you," but...

"I didn't go with them. I led them to the eastern region."

So, it was true...! I inwardly panicked.

Who would have thought my mother would go directly to the battlefield?

"Are you... hurt? And why, Mother..."

Dida burst out laughing at my flustered state.

Lyle and Tanya were also laughing.

I had no idea why they were laughing at this moment.

"Princess, Lady's sword skills are amazing. She's far stronger than us."

"...What?"

"Embarrassingly, that's true. Additionally, her leadership of the troops is excellent."

I thought Dida was joking.

But when Lyle said the same thing, my thoughts momentarily froze.

"It's an old habit. You know, I told you before, Iris, that I aimed to be a soldier. So, I trained with soldiers at my father's place and even had some experience on the battlefield."

Her words, said with a light laugh, were almost a death blow to me.

Just what kind of situation is it to "have some experience on the battlefield"?

Questions kept popping up, but my thoughts were scattered, and my mind was in chaos.

However, as I looked at my mother's smile, the questions seemed trivial, and I began to regain my composure.

"...Is that so. Mother and the Anderson Duke's family, thank you very much for your assistance in protecting the people of the Almeria Duke's territory."

"Iris, you don't need to thank me. I am part of the Almeria Duke's family. ...But, yes. I will pass your words on to the Anderson Duke's family."

"Thank you very much."

After bowing to my mother again, I turned my gaze to Lyle and Dida.

"I am also grateful to the two of you, and to everyone who went to the eastern region as part of the security team. I'm really... really glad you're back safely."

I knew from the reports that they had won and were safe.

But seeing it with my own eyes made it even more real, and my eyes welled up.

"I'm really glad you're here... I can't express enough how grateful I am for your support."

The feelings I wanted to convey overflowed from the depths of my heart, but I couldn't put them into words.

I even felt frustrated at my inability to express them.

"Your words are too kind."

Lyle gave me a gentle smile.

"Your words are the greatest reward for us."

Dida's light-hearted comment made me laugh.

"Thank you. ...There's a lot to talk about, but I want to hear your report."

Then I listened to their report about the number of enemy prisoners and the number of injured allies.

While listening, I considered whether the facilities and supplies I had prepared in advance based on the early reports would be sufficient.

"...Also, Miss. We captured the leader of the enemy forces in this incident as a prisoner."

"That leader was the first prince of the Acacia Kingdom."

At my mother's words, a shock ran through me.

"Surely... the first prince on the front lines?"

The thought that it was unlikely was strong.

It felt like I was doubting my mother's words, but the common sense I had built up over the years made it hard to accept immediately.

Why would a royal, especially the first prince, be part of a vanguard force to blame another country?

But then, a thought came to me as I spoke.

"Oh... Could it be?"

"...Did you realize something?" My mother reacted to my murmur.

"I have an idea."

"Tell me, Iris. Any information related to this incident should be shared and discussed."

"Yes. ...The one who proposed marriage to me is the third prince, Kadir. And it seems that the Acacia Kingdom is currently in a similar situation to our country a while ago, with a struggle for the throne taking place behind the scenes, and he is right in the middle of it."

"You seem to have a good grasp of the Acacia Kingdom's internal affairs. So, what's your point?"

"The second prince is said to be frail and has renounced his right to the throne. ...In other words, if something happens to the first prince, he will become the first in line for the throne."

"Miss, are you saying that this incident was orchestrated by Kadir?"

I shook my head at Tanya's question.

"I can't say for sure. Whether the current king or Kadir conspired with Twail, I can't be certain. But this much is clear: he is aiming for the throne of the Acacia Kingdom... or even the immediate throne."

"The first prince said that the current king conspired with Twail."

My mother said this promptly.

"I see. In that case, it might be better if he were to take the throne, as there might be room for negotiation."

"...But, Miss. Considering his proposal of marriage and his intense desire for this land, there is a possibility that he will lead the national army to attack again once he becomes the next king."

"Regardless of the current king, if I were in Kadir's position, I would think it's unnecessary."

"...Why is that?"

"Whether the Tasmeria Kingdom wins or Twail wins... controlling the Almeria Duke's territory would be difficult. It would be surrounded by enemy or other countries. Even if there is some secret agreement with Twail, considering the geographical factors, it would eventually be broken. ...The Acacia Kingdom is located across the sea. It would be difficult to respond immediately to attacks from other countries, and it would be too costly to send resources and personnel. The gains would be minimal. It would be more beneficial to have them as good trading partners... That's what I think."

"I see. Whether he thinks the same way or not, your reasoning is sound. Unfortunately, the current king has sided with Twail, but Kadir's thoughts are unclear. However, a man who has prepared so meticulously to take the throne might be open to negotiation if the right benefits are offered."

"Yes, Mother."

"I see. ...For now, I and the security team I brought from the Anderson Duke's family will stay here. We need to heal the injured and observe the situation for a while. If anything happens, don't hesitate to call on us."

I nodded immediately at my mother's proposal.

Honestly, her and their presence are a great comfort.

"...Tanya. Arrange for the interrogation of the first prince."

"Understood."