Chapter 78

Before my return, I had the opportunity to speak with Lilianna twice. It was under the pretext of discussing our future, but I felt that those brief conversations were the most precious moments I've ever had. It was the first time I felt like I was truly facing her and having a proper conversation.

It’s really too late, and I feel ashamed.

She is intelligent and excellent, yet she doesn’t show off. She knows everything and can do anything, never neglecting her studies or training. I have always liked the modest girl with a gentle smile, my childhood friend. I wanted her to be my fiancée, despite the voices that said it was inappropriate for two princesses to come from the same house, the birthplace of the crown princess.

I had thought that Lilianna might not hate me, based on what the people of the Ajet family said, but that was a big mistake. They didn’t understand her desire to be recognized by her family, something she had sought since childhood. They didn’t understand her at all. After actually speaking with her, I felt ashamed of my own assumptions.

...No, this is just an excuse. If I had properly engaged in dialogue with Lilianna, I would have noticed the discrepancies immediately... It was just a simple misunderstanding.

I have always felt sorry for myself, thinking I was inferior to Lilianna in every way—academically, in swordsmanship, and in the arts. I even set a condition with the Duke of Ajet, thinking I would propose after winning in at least one area. I think I was being stubborn. I was pushing myself into a corner, believing that I had no right to propose unless I was better than her in every way. I was cowardly.

When the eldest princess of Newar said, “I thought Prince Reinold would marry the eldest princess once the political situation stabilized,” I was stunned. How could she think I was pining for such a rude person? It was a terrible misunderstanding. But... I don’t have the right to feel sad about it.

I had convinced myself that if I met the conditions, Lilianna would respond. I want to slap my past self. She didn’t want that at all. I’m not even sure if she recognized me as a friend. I had only been doing the groundwork with others, which put me in an uncomfortable and uncertain position as a “fiancé candidate,” a role that only brought me burdens.

When we were alone, I was too embarrassed to speak properly, and in the presence of others, I only talked about politics and academics with her, as if she were a subordinate or a bureaucrat. This wasn’t how our relationship started. When we were children, we were childhood friends, meeting at the same time as Gerald and Vernon. Reflecting on it, Lilianna, who was doted on by her older siblings, was often taken to their gatherings, and she rarely attended the children’s tea parties I attended. As we grew older, I didn’t meet her personally much, even though she was excelling in various fields. We only saw each other at competitions she participated in. ...This wasn’t a relationship built on trust as friends.

If I had told her from the beginning that I liked her, and if I had wished for her to take my hand, would this future have been different? Ah, it’s just regret. I am truly foolish.

Her family would boast about Lilianna in front of others, but to her, they would deliberately find minor faults and treat them as major flaws, using harsh words. Now I understand. Lilianna only knew a family that never recognized her achievements, no matter how much she accomplished. If I had noticed this unnatural behavior and helped her with her struggles, I might have saved her.

As a prince, I was also educated in the art of winning people’s hearts. There was a reason why such an excellent woman had such low self-esteem. I shouldn’t have been thinking, “Since Lilianna is so talented and humble, I should work harder to match her.” If I had realized her issues before she ran away and helped resolve her family conflicts, she might have thought of me as special... It was a cowardly thought, but it crossed my mind.

“...I am really a fool.”

“Yes, you always freeze up when you’re alone with her, and we’ve been worried sick.”

From my conversations with Lilianna, I could feel that she didn’t see me as a fiancé candidate, but just a childhood friend... or perhaps just a prince who often played the role of a partner due to our status and age. It was a shock, even if it was my own doing. I think I would have collapsed and lamented if I were alone.

Moreover, time cannot be turned back. “If I had known, I wouldn’t have made a mistake” is a child’s excuse.

Lilianna, with her exceptional talent in various fields, would have no problem after a few months of convalescence in her territory. If I could return with her, I think His Majesty would welcome her with open arms, given her invention of the artificial magic stone. The possibility of standing by her side hasn’t disappeared yet. However, I don’t think she wants that, so I don’t intend to propose it.

Besides, I don’t think she needs to return to a family that doesn’t recognize her. I can’t forgive those who believe the lies and don’t trust Lilianna’s words, even if they are her relatives. Lilianna is living a softer life now, and that’s enough for me. ...Indeed, I was relieved to know that she didn’t run away because she disliked me. Lilianna said she would send a letter to inform me of her safety once she had sorted things out. I believe she is genuinely worried, but I don’t intend to tell the Ajet family about her. I will remain a “good friend far away” for a while.

There are things I can do by being a supportive presence. I know it’s not a graceful way to end a long-standing first love, but I can’t give up immediately. Until His Majesty orders otherwise, I will cling to the slim possibility. I know it’s too late to help her when she’s in trouble, but...

Upon our return from the foreign trip, which was ostensibly to deepen our knowledge, we received a shocking report. Gerald and Vernon, who were supposed to return home temporarily, will have to stay in my office tonight due to the travel fatigue and the need to respond. I feel bad for the two aides who will have to contact the castle to arrange for us to go directly to the academy tomorrow, but I will do what I can in advance.

“Is the Duke of Döbern directly involved...?”

“According to their preferred scenario, Prince Reinold would pursue the Ajet family.”

“Treating the renowned Lilianna unfairly, not recognizing her, and driving her to run away and go missing... The facts alone are enough to cause a scandal.”

Döbern apparently possesses a confession letter from a young woman who was Lilianna’s maid. However, Lilianna has only ever had one maid. The blonde woman in Lindemen was still serving Lilianna... Liana. It’s common for a duchess to have three maids, but Lilianna chose not to have more to avoid making her baron-born maid feel inferior.

Lilianna excelled in various fields and could handle secretarial tasks, so her maid, Anna Royer, was also very competent.

The fact that she is reported dead and the letter, which criticizes the Ajet family for not supporting Lilianna and confesses her failure to help her, is in the hands of a political rival, suggests a plot. She is still with Lilianna, but the letter’s content is true and doesn’t suggest suicide, so she can’t be held accountable.

While they boasted about their youngest daughter’s achievements, they only used harsh words with Lilianna. In society, people are saying, “How could the Ajet family, who doted on their youngest daughter, treat her so harshly?” There are testimonies that during the competition, they only criticized Lilianna for winning.

I understand the need for modesty. When I received unexpected praise from officials or ministers, I would say, “No, I am still young and inexperienced,” in front of His Majesty. However, as a family, I received proper praise in the royal residence.

The Crown Prince and the Queen, my mother, also praised us in private, even if they were modest in public. But in the fencing tournament, what was said to Lilianna? Her strategy of launching a quick attack, despite her lower stamina, was correct. Her slightly rougher technique was not a mistake, and she ultimately won.

Indeed, a more graceful technique is better, as it is the most efficient and optimized movement. However, choosing to win before her stamina ran out, even if it made her technique a bit rough, was not worthy of such harsh criticism. It was too much, even for modesty, and I found it somewhat unpleasant.

...Come to think of it, there wasn’t even a “well done” for her historic achievement as the first woman to win that tournament. Reflecting on this, I recall several other similar instances that bothered me. ...Ah, I didn’t notice such a significant discrepancy.

While boasting about their youngest daughter to the point of annoyance, the Ajet family only used harsh words with her, pushing her to the brink mentally. The eyes of the public are harsh on the Ajet family.

“The Ajet family claims it’s baseless, but many witnesses have reported that they criticized Lilianna in situations where praise was appropriate... It’s difficult.”

“Yes, it is.”

I consider what will happen next.

By the time we returned, detailed information about the artificial magic stone project had reached us. In Lindemen, workers from neighboring territories are flocking to the factory, and a second factory is being considered. The town is booming with the influx of workers, and various businesses are thriving. However, the inventor, “Alchemist Rio,” is receiving too much attention, and articles with paparazzi photos have appeared. I tried to warn them with a resonance magic device, but it’s hard to prevent.

So, it’s only a matter of time before Lilianna is found by her family. She is likely seeking a noble to support her... I am worried. I hope the Betametal family, her sponsor, will protect her well. The viscount’s branch family governs the town, so I will keep an eye on the situation.

Regarding the hunting incident... I have heard it directly from Lilianna, but I will also conduct a formal investigation. Nina, who cleverly spread malicious words about Lilianna, makes me angry. However, once the truth is revealed, she will be in a difficult position. I think she will suffer because she is kind.