“We’re a little early,” Sir Osvalt muttered, scratching his head. “Our meeting isn’t for a while.”
We had just reached the castle gates.
“Better early than late,” I responded.
“Good point. How about we go for a walk to pass the time?”
“Prince Osvalt! Lady Philia!”
Just as I was about to agree to Sir Osvalt’s idea, I heard a loud, strong voice calling out to us. It was unmistakable.
“Philip. What are you doing here? You’re usually in training at this time of day.”
It was Philip Delon, the commander of the Knights of Parnacorta. He was the best spearman that the country had to offer, and he’d even imparted his skills to Sir Osvalt.
Philip stood up straight. “Yes, Your Highness! I’ve just come out of a meeting.”
“I see. Keep up the good work.”
I’d heard that the Knights of Parnacorta had been busy lately, allocating personnel to the recovery efforts. Philip, who was in charge, must have had more work to do than usual.
“That reminds me—I heard about you and Lady Philia’s honeymoon plans! You’re going to visit my family’s Delon-style dojo!”
“Yes. That was Philia’s wish,” explained Sir Osvalt.
“Now, that’s a surprise! It was your idea, Lady Philia?”
Sir Osvalt and I were planning to tour Parnacorta for our honeymoon. As part of the trip, we would visit a dojo near the border run by Philip’s grandfather.
“I’m sure my grandfather will be delighted, but still, who goes to a dojo on their honeymoon? It’s a rather eccentric choice! I don’t mean to offend—I’m simply intrigued!”
“Sir Osvalt went there often to train when he was young,” I explained.
“You trained there as a boy, Your Highness? I do remember you coming there with me to learn from my grandfather…”
“I’m interested in Sir Osvalt’s past. I was hoping that visiting the dojo would help me learn more about him.”
“I see! So, that’s the reason behind your visit! It’s wonderful that the two of you are so close!”
Sir Osvalt looked embarrassed. “Don’t tease me, Philip.”
Sir Osvalt was as warm as the sun, cheerful and steady. Before meeting me, he’d been on a journey of his own. Now that I was his wife, I wanted to know everything about him. Was that really so strange?
Philip chuckled heartily. “I’m not teasing you—far from it, in fact! I’m simply pleased to see how much Lady Philia loves you, and happy to hear that you’re visiting my grandfather’s dojo! I couldn’t wish for anything more!”
As Philip gazed happily at us, I noticed that he was welling up a little. I recalled Sir Osvalt telling me that he was easily moved.
“Come on now,” said Sir Osvalt. “You look like you’re about to cry. It’s really no big deal.”
“I-I apologize! I’m just overwhelmed! I’ll send a letter ahead to my grandfather. I hope you enjoy your honeymoon!” Philip bowed, momentarily reducing his imposing stature.
“We will,” said Sir Osvalt. “I look forward to seeing your grandfather after all this time.”
“I’m looking forward to it, too,” I added.
“That’s great to hear. On that note, I’d better excuse myself!”
After bowing his head one more time, Philip walked away.
“It’s almost time. Should we get going?”
“Of course!”
I nodded and followed Sir Osvalt into the castle. I kept my eyes fixed on his back as we made our way to the audience chamber in silence. The last time I’d followed him through these corridors, I’d been preoccupied with thoughts of Mia.
Sir Osvalt came to a halt outside the audience chamber. “Are you still nervous, Philia?”
I hadn’t noticed until then. Earlier that day, I was fraught with anxiety—and yet…
“No. Thanks to Lena and Philip, I’ve been able to calm myself. I’m just fine.”
“I see. I’m pleased to hear that… Well, let’s go in.”
With that, Sir Osvalt and I stepped into the audience chamber.
His Majesty King Eigelstein wasn’t the only person in the room. Prince Reichardt was also present. I had something I needed to share with His Highness, too, so he had kindly agreed to join us.
Sir Osvalt and I kneeled before His Majesty. “Your Majesty,” I said. “Thank you very much for taking the time to see me.”
“Yes. Thank you both for coming. You may raise your heads.” As always, His Majesty exuded an imposing air that made the atmosphere tense.
“Understood!”
“Okay…”
As commanded, I looked up. His Majesty’s expression was cheerier than I’d ever seen it be before. In fact, he looked very much like Sir Osvalt. His kindly mien left me somewhat taken aback.
“There’s no need for such formalities today,” His Majesty laughed. “Osvalt, Lady Philia—allow me to congratulate you on your marriage once again. You’ve found yourself a terrific match, my son.”
“Thank you. She’s far too good for me.”
His Majesty’s words were the highest praise I could ever receive. I’d managed to pull myself together, but his kindness was still rather overwhelming.
“Now, then. I hear you wanted to meet with me before leaving for your honeymoon.”
“That’s right. Philia will be taking a break from her saint duties while we are away. We are here to get your permission,” Sir Osvalt said, explaining the purpose of our visit.
As one would expect, I wouldn’t be on call during our honeymoon. Naturally, we needed to prepare for this.
“I am aware of that matter. I wish you a relaxing trip, Lady Philia. The contributions you’ve made to our country are too great to measure. In fact, you deserve an extended break upon your return.”
I bowed. “I-I understand. Your kind consideration is greatly appreciated.”
I never expected His Majesty to be so generous. I had no intention to take more time off after returning home, but I appreciated the offer.
“Incidentally, Osvalt—at the wedding, you said that you would be travelling abroad for your honeymoon. Did Philia agree to stay in Parnacorta out of consideration for you?”
“No, that’s not what happened. This was Philia’s wish. She wanted to expand her knowledge of our country.”
“How interesting. I would never have guessed that this was Philia’s idea.” His Majesty looked at me, stroking his chin. “Is this true, Lady Philia?”
“Yes. As a citizen of the kingdom of Parnacorta, I requested that we stay here so that I could learn more about this country.”
I had only been in Parnacorta for a little over a year, so I still knew very little about the kingdom. Despite this, I was now the wife of the second prince. I felt obligated to educate myself on account of my new role, but also genuinely desired to expand my knowledge. I wanted to learn more about the kingdom that Sir Osvalt loved so dearly.
I wanted to love the country that the man I loved adored. That was the thing that motivated me the most.
“Heh. Well, fine. I hope you enjoy yourself.” His Majesty nodded, smiling at me. “That is my sincere wish for you—not just as the king of this nation, but as your father-in-law.”
“Oh. Thank you very much.”
I’d never known my father. Despite all that I’d learned about Kamil, I still didn’t feel like I had a dad. This being the case, His Majesty’s kindness warmed my heart. His thoughtfulness knew no bounds.
“Well, that’s enough from me. Now then, Reichardt—didn’t you have something you wished to share?” His Majesty turned toward his other son.
I had something to ask Prince Reichardt, but it looked like he wanted to speak first.