Episode 118: The Third Princess

At the far end of the throne room—in the “King’s Inner Sanctum”—Radophilias murmured softly as he stepped out.

“…If it’s you, I might just be able to entrust it to you.”

He said.

Siegfried von Kreving didn’t press to uncover the true meaning behind those cryptic words.

For now, I’ll leave the meaning of those words unexplored. That way, they’ll serve as a more effective foreshadowing.

That was his judgment.

Leaving a mystery as a mystery—such was the refined taste of a true villain.

To unravel every enigmatic phrase and crush every thread of intrigue… that was not the way of a first-class villain.

Siegfried merely snapped his fingers, casting a spell. The noble attire, torn by Radophilias’ sword, was restored to its original state.

Returning to the throne room, he found Garfilia waiting, who turned to his father with a question.

“What were you discussing with Count Kreving?”

“…Just idle chatter, nothing of import.”

“Idle chatter?”

“Yes. Things from the past, mostly…”

The old king slowly turned his gaze toward Garfilia.

“You know, Garfilia, when I think back… when you were young, I had just ascended the throne. It was my busiest time. I barely had a moment to spend with you… I never did anything truly fatherly, did I?”

“Huh?”

Garfilia’s eyes widened, her face clouded with confusion.

At her reaction, Radophilias gave a faintly wistful smile.

“No, forget I said that. It’s foolish talk. …I leave the rest to you, Garfilia. I’m a bit weary. I’ll rest in my chambers for a while.”

“Yes, Father.”

Radophilias quietly left the room, and Garfilia and Siegfried watched his retreating figure.

 

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Afterward, Siegfried rejoined his subordinates and accompanied Garfilia to the “Council Chamber” within the royal palace.

As its name suggested, this room was where the key ministers of the Serodonia Kingdom typically gathered to debate and determine the nation’s course.

Here, they would review and finalize matters concerning post-war arrangements.

In truth, the actual discussions had already concluded three days prior.

This meeting was merely to confirm those details, and the negotiations proceeded without a hitch.

“…With this, the post-war negotiations are concluded. Acting Commander Count Kreving and His Highness Prince Garfilia, are there any objections?”

At the close of the negotiations, Garfilia’s aide, Lazro, posed the question formally.

“Of course, none.”

“I have no objections either.”

Siegfried and Garfilia each gave their response.

“Very well—then, with this, the on-site post-war negotiations are officially complete.”

Following Lazro’s declaration, Siegfried and Garfilia rose together. Facing each other in the center of the room, they exchanged a firm handshake.

Thus, the provisional post-war discussions between the two concluded amicably.

Siegfried prepared to leave and would stay at the palace that night, set to return to the eastern army’s encampment the following day—such was the plan.

However, Garfilia stopped him.

“Count Kreving, I have a proposal for you. Would you hear me out?”

“Oh? And what might that be?”

“By the way… did my father say anything to you?”

“No.”

Siegfried shook his head calmly.

They had spoken about Volfirio, but it seemed only natural to assume it was unrelated to the “proposal” Garfilia mentioned.

If there was any connection, it might be to that final murmured remark: ‘I might just be able to entrust it to you.’

“I see. He kept silent so that I could tell you myself. —Lazro.”

Garfilia turned to the aide standing at his side.

“Call my sister.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Lazro bowed and left the room, and Garfilia turned back to Siegfried.

“I have three younger sisters. The eldest two—the First and Second Princesses of Serodonia—are already married. But my youngest sister, the Third Princess, has yet to find a match. Though she’s much younger than me, she’ll turn twenty next year. Both Father and I have been thinking it’s time to decide on her betrothal.”

In this world, it was customary for royalty to marry in their late teens to early twenties.

That said, it wasn’t an absolute rule.

For instance, King Luverios of Kirchhen was thirty this year and still unmarried.

“It feels a bit awkward to say this as her brother, but the Third Princess’s beauty is renowned throughout Serodonia. Yet, that very beauty has made it difficult to settle on a match. Should we marry her to a powerful noble? Or perhaps, as part of diplomacy, to royalty from another kingdom? There are simply too many options.”

These words weren’t entirely untrue.

However, the real reason the Third Princess’s engagement hadn’t been settled lay elsewhere.

Keeping that reason hidden, Garfilia continued.

“—But recently, we’ve found someone suitable for the Third Princess.”

The moment those words left his lips, a voice echoed from beyond the door.

“…Your Highness Garfilia, I have brought Her Highness the Third Princess.”

“Good. Let her enter.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The door opened quietly, and a woman stepped into the room, clad in an elegant white dress.

Her golden hair, smooth as silk, shimmered like sunlight, and her clear, sparkling eyes were the color of jade.

Her translucent, porcelain skin only heightened her striking beauty.

She likely took after her father, Radophilias. Though not particularly tall, her petite stature only added to her charm.

The soft click-clack of her heels echoed as she stepped forward, stopping before Siegfried. Lifting the hem of her skirt, she offered a graceful curtsy.

“I am Sylphirosé Lucerina de Serodonia, the Third Princess of the Serodonia Kingdom.”

“It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness. I am Siegfried von Kreving.”

Siegfried placed a hand on his chest and bowed courteously.

Watching this exchange, Garfilia smiled with satisfaction before speaking.

“What do you think, Lord Siegfried? She’s my sister, but isn’t she quite lovely? —Now, Lord Siegfried.”

Garfilia leaned forward slightly, studying Siegfried’s expression closely.

“I would like you to take my sister, Sylphirosé, as your wife. What say you?”