Right before break, we had to take exams in all of our classes, and of course no one wanted to get a failing grade. Still, not everyone was aggressively studying for their exams. For example, the information we studied in the ladies’ course was common knowledge for nobles, so there wasn’t really much need to review it. All one really had to do was look over the material the night before.
Once my own exams were over, I took a walk alone in the courtyard. Sharia couldn’t come as she was in her room studying for a subject that was giving her trouble.
I turned around, feeling someone watching me. “What are you doing back there, Your Highness?”
He didn’t try to hide or run away. He just stood there. “I wanted to talk to you.”
“Is that right? May we talk here, then?” I suggested. I certainly couldn’t be alone with the prince somewhere, so here under the blue sky was a more proper place.
“Yes, of course. Fortunately, there aren’t many people out and about today because of the tests.”
“Well, Your Highness? What is it?”
He paused. “My mother ordered me to observe you.”
I certainly wasn’t prepared to hear that information and quickly tried to process it.
“No… Perhaps ‘observe’ isn’t the proper term. She ordered me to get close to you, and so I began to watch you.”
“She asked you to get closer to me? Huh. Well, what were the results of your investigation?” I asked.
His eyes widened for a moment as he stared at me, but then he laughed. “My results? You’re not even going to ask why?”
“Well, I figured once you told me your results, the reason why would be made clear.”
“I see. Well, my conclusion was that I don’t think you and I are a good match. My mother is extremely fond of you, you see. First of all, you and Louis are extremely close, and I just don’t think I stand a chance. So…I shall convince Mother that I cannot marry you unless she is prepared to make an enemy out of House Armelia.”
“Ahh, I see. She wants me in her family because of my father’s name. Is that right?”
“To put it plainly, I think so.”
“Are you sure it’s all right to be speaking so frankly with me like this?”
“You have no desire to marry me and become queen, correct?”
“That’s correct, I don’t.”
“I thought it would be best to be honest with you and gain your trust. You’re General Gazell’s daughter, and you’ll be marrying into House Armelia. As the future king, I’d like to build a good relationship with you.”
“I see. So this is all from the queen’s desires, not yours…” I was angry for a moment at the thought of her trying to separate Louis and me, but I calmed myself. I couldn’t get carried away by my emotions, so I tried to put my thoughts in order.
The queen wanted to use my father’s name and power to the fullest and marry me off to her son, who was not engaged—despite knowing that I was already betrothed to House Armelia. She thought perhaps if the prince and I got closer, I would change my mind. She greatly underestimated my feelings for Louis. I truly believed the prince when he said this was not his idea but his mother’s. Otherwise, why would he be telling me all this?
“That’s right.”
“I see… Well, thank you for being so candid. I’ll do my utmost to live up to your expectations, Your Highness.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“May I ask you something else though, Your Highness?”
“What is it?”
“Why else don’t you think we would make a good match?” I asked.
He gave me a mischievous smile. “Because we’re too similar.”
“Are we?”
“Yes. I think there are certain types of people in the world. For example, they can either choose to act or to be still, or in other words, you either choose to attack or to defend. I tend to attack. I think for myself first and then act on my decisions. I was raised that way too, but in general, I prefer to stand on the front lines and act. I think you’re the same way. If your house was in danger, you wouldn’t sit inside and protect yourself. You would go outside and aggressively hunt down the enemy. Now, since we’re both attackers we would make great allies. But as companions…? I’m not sure that would work out.”
“I see… When you become king, you’ll have to gather all sorts of input. I can understand that you might need a different point of view by your side. However, you said that I would go outside and be on the offensive? I’m not sure how I feel about you saying that about a lady such as myself, Your Highness…”
“It’s just a figure of speech. Of course, I don’t really think you’d go out and hunt down enemies. The analogy just came to mind since you’re General Gazell’s daughter.”
I inwardly sighed a breath of relief that he hadn’t literally pictured me with a sword, fighting off enemies.
“Oh ho! Even if it’s a figure of speech, you really should be more polite with ladies, Your Highness!”
“You’re absolutely right. Please excuse me. As an apology, I’ll give you special permission to ask me any question you’d like, and I shall answer it.”
“Hm? A-all right. However, Your Highness—is it really a good idea to say you will answer anything?”
“Well, I know that you wouldn’t ask me anything too strange.”
“I see. In that case, I’d like to ask you a question, not as a woman but just as a citizen of this kingdom. Is there someone else you have your sights on?”
“What will you do with that information?”
“I’m just asking out of pure curiosity. I have a feeling you already have someone in mind.”
He burst out laughing. “You’re very observant. Yes, there is someone I fancy.” He leaned over to me and whispered in my ear.
“Goodness!”
“But you must keep it a secret.”
“Of course I will. The entire kingdom is looking forward to your engagement, after all. I know that you’ll put a lot of thought into it. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.” I took a step backward and curtsied—the kind of curtsy one would do before a king.
“I will. I’m sorry for taking up your time.”
“Not at all. If you’ll excuse me.” I bid the prince goodbye and left him.