Chapter 7

Jin Claude.

He is a year older than His Highness, at twenty-three years old.

Since childhood, he has been trained to become His Highness's guard.

Being a noble and a knight, he always carried a sword at his waist.

Taller than His Highness, with short hair and a straightforward personality, he quickly adapted to the situation.

"That must have been tough. Even though our kingdom isn't as big as Spark, the people will flock here once they know the Holy Maiden has arrived."

"It's fine. Being needed is a wonderful thing."

"You're serious."

"Didn't you push yourself too hard in Spark?"

His Highness asks me.

I can't answer clearly, but that's how I truly feel.

Even when I want to rest, I can't.

I couldn't show anyone the Holy Maiden looking distressed.

His Highness tells me,

"You don't have to push yourself here. Rest when you need to."

"Right. Our people aren't so weak that a few days off will ruin everything."

"Indeed, they might even be hesitant."

"Hesitant?"

"Some people think it's a bother to trouble the Holy Maiden."

His Highness said this, but I couldn't believe it.

I've seen the endless stream of petitioners every day...

"Will Ilias be living here? Then shouldn't you consult her as well?"

"That's the plan."

Her...?

"Could you call her for me?"

"Sure, wait a moment. Ilias, please wait as well."

"Yes, understood."

Who are they talking about?

Jin leaves the reception room alone.

Only His Highness and I remain.

I ask His Highness,

"Your Highness, who was the 'her' you mentioned earlier?"

"Her name is Sion. She's another childhood friend of mine and Jin."

"Another...?"

"Yes. She works as a maid in this castle. Since she's a woman and very considerate, I thought she could assist you for now."

Assist...

This is my first time in the Slorren Kingdom, and I need someone to guide me.

I feel both grateful and anxious.

What kind of person is she?

Thinking of a woman, I can't help but think of my sister-in-law, Marry, and I don't have a good impression.

However, since she is their childhood friend, I shouldn't worry.

Seeing their close relationship, my anxiety eases a little.

Then, the door opens.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. I've brought her."

"Excuse me, did you call for me, Act-sama?"

"Yes, I'll introduce you. This is Sion."

A petite woman with black hair and a maid uniform appears.

She is shorter than me, with a slightly youthful appearance. In one word, she looks like a doll.

Our eyes meet.

"Are you Ilias-sama?"

"―!"

She knows about me too?

"I gave her a brief explanation on the way."

"I appreciate it. It would be a bother for Ilias to explain everything repeatedly."

"No, that's not... Nice to meet you, Sion. I'm Ilias."

"Yes, nice to meet you. I am Sion, Act-sama's personal maid."

"Although she is my personal maid, I entrust most of the work in the castle to her."

His Highness adds.

Sion, the maid.

She is also their childhood friend and has been trained since childhood to serve the royal family.

She is younger than the two of them, having just turned nineteen this year.

One year younger than me.

"Sion, I would like you to assist her for a while. Can you do that?"

"Understood."

"Thank you. I feel more at ease with Sion around."

"We can't always be together, you know."

Jin says, relaxing his shoulders.

Both of them are busy.

As the first prince and his assistant, they shouldn't even have this leisurely conversation.

I feel even more grateful for the time they are making for me.

"Thank you for doing so much for me."

"You haven't done anything yet. In fact, we benefit more. Just having the Holy Maiden here brings a different sense of security."

"Right. With the current situation, having the Holy Maiden here will reassure the people."

"Yes, and..."

Suddenly, His Highness looks grim.

Jin notices and says,

"Act, since you have the Holy Maiden here, why don't you consult her?"

"I agree."

"Yes, I intend to."

"...?"

Looking closely, all three of them have grim expressions.

They must be dealing with some worry.

Not just personal, but a common concern among the three.

His Highness looks at me seriously.

"Ilias, your duties as the Holy Maiden will start tomorrow. But before that, there is someone I would like you to see."

"Yes. I don't mind, but who is it?"

One of these three?

They all look healthy, with no apparent issues...

His Highness clenches his fist, looking uncomfortable.

"...My father."

"―! Your father, the king..."

So, the current king of Slorren Kingdom.

From their expressions, I can see worry and sadness.

"Has something happened to the king?"

"...Yes, my father... is ill. He has been unwell for a long time."

"I see..."

I didn't know.

It's natural not to know the affairs of a neighboring kingdom, but to think that the king is ill...

"Shall I guide you? We can talk while walking."

"Yes, let's go."

And so, we started walking towards the king's room.