Chapter 16 (1/2)

Translator: Jawbrie

Royalty coming to visit the house of a Duke was not a common thing.

It was true for most things, the person who would invite guests was usually higher in importance. You called for people that you had business with. People who could do this did not move around lightly on their own.

And while Charles was still young, he was royalty. His station did not allow him to move freely and without thought, there were too many restrictions and traditions keeping him in place. Just as authority must not be wielded light-heartedly, one must now allow themselves to appear overly familiar.

So why then, had it been decided that Charles would pay us a visit?

The answer was simple.

This promise of marriage between me and Charles was not because I would be marrying into his family, but was because he would be marrying into mine.

In this country, it was quite common for royalty who were not heirs to become subjects of the state. This marriage that was made without I or Charles’ will had the intention of one day making Charles into the next Duke Noir. I could sense this intent through the political considerations that showed from every corner. Even in ‘Labyrinth Destiny,’ there was a route for Charles that ended with him becoming Duke Noir. Well, in that scenario he would marry Mishuli and the girl who looked like me and was called Christina, would drink poison and die.

With all of that considered, it was unlikely that my guess was wrong. After all, many people viewed Dukedom to be a sort of receptacle for royalty rejects. That was the reason for this marriage.

“…Hmm?”

I was thinking about all this as I waited for Charles’ arrival. Then, a question suddenly hit me.

“Father.”

“What is it, Christina?”

I say to father, who was waiting beside me. We were currently waiting for the messenger to announce their approach, and because it was just the two of us here, there was no need to be polite.

“Charles’ marriage to me must signal his omission from the race to the throne. But he is only five. Do you not think it is too early for that?”

“…Christina. I hope that you understand that you must never say such things in front of His Royal Highness?”

“How rude.”

What did he take me for? I curled my lip at father’s most insensitive words.

It was only because I knew that it would be incredibly disrespectful that I was asking no one else but him.

“Well, is that not the case?”

The first prince was eight years old. The second was six. I especially remembered the first prince from ‘Labyrinth Destiny’ as he was one of three people who had the possibility of marrying Mishuli. The end route for the first prince was especially bright and wonderful as it meant that Mishuli would become queen of the entire kingdom… But, to be honest, I was not fond of the first prince in that story, and I did not want Mishuli to get involved with him in this one either.

But the thing was, there was an unusual lack of an age gap between these princes. And so I thought it was quite strange for Charles to be cast out so soon.

To my question, father struggled, but managed to explain:

“His Majesty, Charles… How can I put this, he is seen as having a special sensibility you might say. It was determined very early that he would not be fit to rule.”

“Hmph.”

I nod at this.

Well, he was the type who would run out at night with a book, crawl under bushes only to realize that ‘it is too dark to read’ and be sad about it. He was strange without a doubt.

Thinking back, he was always depicted as being a rather laid back character in Labyrinth Destiny.

“I see, so that is the reason.”

“But, Christina. Don’t worry about it!”

Perhaps father had misinterpreted my curt nod of satisfaction, because he quickly began to make an addition to his explanation of the situation.

“From what I have heard from His Majesty and his caretakers, Prince Charles is not a bad person. They say that he is full of curiosity, and well, two people with strange sensibilities might… Oh, never mind. In any case, I do not doubt that the two of you will get along!”

“…Father.”

It was true that after having actually met Charles, I found him to be interesting and good, but that slight slip of the tongue from father was very unpleasant to hear.

I slowly brought my hand to my heart and lowered my eyes, making a show of my weakness.

“Oh, father. I am ever so worried now that I have heard of His Highness’ disposition. My heart is in pain from just thinking about what I should say when I meet him… Why, I think there may be nothing for me to do but go and embrace the archangel Mishuli, and replenish her healing essence…”

“Stop lying, Christina.”

“How did you know?”

Father said gently, and I could only pout in return. As a reward for seeing through me, I will pretend like his previous rude words had not been spoken.

“But I do want to replenish on Mishuli’s essence. You know, Mishuli was so sad that she tried to stop me from coming down here.”

“Is that so? That seems rather unusual for her to do… Well, she had always taken such a strong liking to you.”

“Fufun. Of course, she does. I am her older sister.”

Our warm conversation continued until we heard the sound of knocking on the door.

“Forgive me, my lady Christina. His Highness Prince Charles has arrived at the front gate.”

It was time. So came the end of our family talk.

“I understand, I will go out now. …Christina. I will bring His Highness to this room. You must receive him here and greet him.”

“I understand. Leave it to me, father.”

My first meeting with the third prince. It was actually to be my second, but I was prepared to make this fact hidden to all who observed us. I was equipped with the most perfect of manners, and I had a genius plan to surprise Charles as well.

I was brimming with confidence now, yet for some reason, I could see a hint of worry in father’s expression.

“Christina… This time, please don’t do anything senseless like you usually do. Understand?”

“Father.”

His words could not be missed this time, but I accepted them with a smile.

And after that smile, I immediately erased all expression from my face.

“Enough about that, hurry up and go.”

“…Uh. of course.”

I showed my wrath through my lack of expression and sent him away as if with a kick. Father looked a little hurt by my quick little lashing, but he quickly exited the room.

“Hmph.”

I snorted as I saw him leave.

Really, what did father think of me? I was physically beautiful, I had a brilliant mind and cared for my family, I loved my sister unconditionally. I had it all. No one could have asked for a more perfect daughter, but this is the treatment I get. He has already decided that I am going to act out of turn. It was most annoying.

“…Very well then. I will do the most perfect greeting he has ever seen.”

I am a genius. If I succeed in this greeting without a single flaw, my father will have no choice but to raise his unjust estimation of me. My resolve to do what I had already intended only intensified as I waited for father to bring Charles to me.

Though, I would not be waiting for long. The entrance to this mansion was not far from this room.

After a brief moment, a knock echoed from the door.

“Christina. His Highness, Prince Charles is here. …May we enter?”

They were here!

My heart started to beat faster at this long-awaited visit from a friend, but I did not show it.