Chapter 2

Alban, who caught Bianca, then nimbly jumped down from the tree.

"Wh-what...?"

Though Bianca was only being carried, she felt the impact each time they landed.

"Don't talk. You'll bite your tongue."

Dizzy, Bianca followed Alban's instructions, covering her mouth and nodding. Alban smiled softly.

"Let's run!"

"Wh-what?"

Despite safely landing on the ground, Alban did not let go of Bianca. He continued to run at a brisk pace.

When Bianca, who was being carried in his arms, glanced back at the palace, she saw several armed knights trying to pry open a locked door.

(What's happening...?)

Even though she was oppressed, she was still of royal blood. She couldn't understand why soldiers were storming the residence of the second princess.

Indeed, the maids had disappeared at night, and it was uncertain whether the guard knights were still around.

"We'll talk when we get to the leader's place."

In the freezing night, Alban's running breath and the warmth of his body supported Bianca.

The place they arrived at was a house in the town below the castle.

Alban quickly entered through the second-floor window of the house.

It was very strange that he didn't even consider entering through the front door.

Alban gently seated Bianca in a chair and grinned. If he had said his sharp canines were cute like a dog, he would have been scolded in the past. Such thoughts came to mind.

"---Second Princess. Welcome."

Just as Bianca was feeling warm and cozy, the door to the room opened. A deep, resonant voice echoed through the room.

He wasn't shouting, but the voice still vibrated her eardrums, making her want to run away from the oppressive presence.

"It's okay."

Alban, who was next to her, gently held her hand. This calmed Bianca, and she looked straight at the robust gentleman standing before her.

"I am Bianca von Zentrum, the second princess of this country."

"Hmm... I am staying in the capital for certain reasons. My name is Bartholomew Sauerland. Remember that."

"Sauerland... sir!?"

With tanned skin and bulging muscles, Alban's red hair was cut short. His unbuttoned jacket revealed a large scar. Around his neck was a necklace made of multiple rows of fangs.

Bianca couldn't hide her surprise at the unexpected person standing there, whom she observed from head to toe.

He was the current lord of the southern border, Sauerland.

"My son has been in your care."

The border lord's gaze, which was usually fierce, was soft and directed at Alban.

"Alban... you're the son of the border lord?"

"Yeah. For some reason."

The friend who had always supported Bianca since childhood was actually the son of the border lord. She couldn't hide her surprise.

(But that's why he could come and go.)

At the same time, she understood. They first met in the palace garden, which was not a place an ordinary citizen could enter.

"Second Princess, do you understand the current situation?"

Despite the confusion, Bianca took a deep breath to answer the border lord's question and slowly began to speak.

"My sister, Adel, who is the first in line to the throne, has taken the reckless action of breaking her engagement to the son of the Marquis of Marts. Even if Daniel, her lover, is granted a baron's title, he cannot become the consort of the queen, as he would still be far from the status required to be a consort."

The connection with the Marquis of Marts, who is the prime minister, had been a factor in suppressing the faction that was concerned about the current state of the country.

(But that's gone now.)

The current king had been annoyed by the prime minister. That might be why he supported my sister's foolish scheme.

Daniel, who would stand by my sister, is currently just a merchant. No matter how much he is favored by the princess, being granted a title is one thing, but he lacks the qualities to be a consort.

A consort must be able to assist the queen and take her place if something happens to her.

"---Even if he were forcibly made the consort, given the past, more people would worry about the future of this country. And..."

The core of the country would weaken.

This would be advantageous for other countries. Whether they wanted to politically manipulate or start a war, a country with a dysfunctional center is the easiest to attack.

What would happen to the people? Just thinking about it was terrifying.

Bianca furrowed her brow and hesitated.

"Indeed, Second Princess, you understand correctly. If things continue as they are, this country might be taken over by warlike nations."

The border lord scratched his head. The fact that he, who should be in the south, was here in person was already an abnormal situation.

"We don't want a war. We're on the border, so we're on the front lines."

Alban, who was next to her, knelt in front of Bianca, still holding her hand.

"Hey, Bianca."

His serious red eyes looked up at her intently. She had never seen Alban like this, despite spending many hours talking together.

"Will you become the queen of this country?"

Bianca's eyes widened at the casual words.

Becoming the queen herself.

Although she was second in line to the throne, she had been neglected. She had never even considered such a thing.

Bianca shook her head weakly. It was impossible.

"My voice won't reach anyone. Father is still alive, and my sisters are here."

Bianca had no allies.

For the second princess to become queen, her sister's right to succession would have to be stripped, and the king would have to abdicate in her favor.

"I'm here, you know."

"..."

"I've been watching you, Bianca. Those two are no good. Only you can save this country, and I'll always be on your side."

Bianca felt overwhelmed by Alban's grin.

"Second Princess, if you stand, Sauerland will support you. I'll talk to the bear man of Schönheit. I've heard about your excellence!"

"That's a terrible way to say it, Father."

"Call me the leader."

"Yes, sir. I like that name right now."

The old sea man laughed, and his old friend sighed.

Bianca's head was spinning from the rapid events since she woke up. Her heart was pounding fiercely.

I'm scared.

(But... if there's something I can do...)

The world outside that Alban showed her was full of the vitality of the people. She genuinely didn't want their lives to be destroyed.

"I want to change this country... Lord Sauerland, can I count on your support?"

"Of course."

Bianca stood up, determination in her eyes. She bowed to the border lord and looked up to see the fierce man smiling gently.

"Hey, Bianca, what about me!?"

"Alban, please."

Bianca couldn't help but giggle at her childhood friend's flustered expression. It was funny that she had decided because he said he would be her ally.

Relieved by Bianca's smile, Alban exhaled in relief.

"Then, from today, I'm Bianca's fiancé!"

"Eh!?"

"Eh?"

"Is that so...?"

"Isn't it...?"

Bianca thought she saw drooping dog ears on Alban's head, which shouldn't be there, as he looked sad.