“What?”
Gilliam blinked in surprise at Seyard’s sudden declaration.
“You mean to say you’re looking for a marriage partner…?”
“Literally.”
“May I ask why you’re in such a rush?”
Seyard summarized the conversation he had with the princess and conveyed it to his secretary. After hearing the story, Gilliam spoke cautiously.
“I see. However, considering the princess has just brought it up, isn’t it a bit hasty?”
“Since it came from the princess, it’s only a matter of time before the king speaks. The royal family has wanted to exert influence over our family for a long time.”
Given that the Duke of Hillan’s family has a history in the Sorbi Kingdom comparable to that of the royal family and possesses immense wealth, such a desire was understandable.
Although it had been a long time since the war with the neighboring country of Jacques ended, the royal family had yet to repay a significant portion of the debt incurred to finance it.
Seyard clicked his tongue.
“My father was excessively obsessed with appearances. Even without a royal-born mistress, Hillan is still Hillan.”
“Well, at that time, as the family was venturing into new businesses, it was necessary to gain the king’s favor.”
Gilliam, somewhat defending the former master, glanced at the current master.
“In any case, you mean to proceed with another marriage before hearing directly from the king.”
“I’m just trying to get ahead. It hasn’t been long since my brother’s situation, so for the sake of appearances, I’ll stay quiet for now, but he’ll be calling me soon.”
“Do you dislike marrying the princess that much?”
“Gilliam, I’m not Vischer; I’m Seyard.”
The Duke of Hillan, who met the gaze of the eyes filled with a faint sense of unease, smiled softly.
“Then you have no obligation to marry the princess.”
Gilliam, seeing Seyard’s firm resolve, could no longer voice any opposition. Out of loyalty, he simply asked, “Shall I start looking for a marriage partner as soon as we arrive?”
“Sure. Do you think it will take long?”
“Well, to be honest, I’m not sure if there’s anyone suitable for you.”
Typically, if there were candidates from families matching the status of the Duke of Hillan and of Seyard’s age, they would already be matched.
Moreover, Seyard had spent his childhood in a monastery and had not had the opportunity to interact with noblewomen; it was puzzling where one would suddenly find a partner for him.
“A partner suitable for me.”
Leaning against one wall, Seyard looked out at the scenery outside. The carriage was passing near the royal library.
“Do you happen to have anyone in mind?”
Gilliam asked, trying to confirm his master’s intentions. Seyard pondered for a moment before giving a somewhat vague answer.
“Well, there’s just someone who comes to mind.”
In the swaying carriage, Gilliam tilted his head in confusion.
****
“Hello, everyone.”
As the owner of the reception room finally appeared after a long wait, the guests hurriedly stood up.
“It’s an honor to see the princess.”
“Princess, how is your health?”
“We are honored that you allowed us to visit.”
At a glance, Arta, who had clearly lost weight since their last meeting, wore a somewhat weak smile.
“Come now, everyone, please sit. I’m fine, really. Thanks to your concern, I’ve gotten much better.”
As they took their seats, a tender emotion spread across the faces of the women.
“How could the princess be…?”
“You’ve lost so much weight, and you say you’re fine?”
“How heartbreaking it must be.”
“I can’t even begin to imagine how you feel.”
Arta waved her hands in a flustered manner.
“No, really, I’m fine. You don’t need to worry about me so much. Rather, could you tell me what has happened outside while I’ve been holed up? I’ve received some news through letters, but hearing it directly is different.”
Her forced cheerfulness was pitiful, but they eagerly tried to change the atmosphere to accommodate the princess’s wish.
“By the way, our pet dog just had puppies recently. They’re so cute…”
“I went to the opera ‘The Lord’s Castle’ at the Royal Theater yesterday. The performers were quite impressive. If anyone is interested, let’s go together sometime…”
“My father brought back some tea leaves from his business trip, and I’d like to share some with you, Princess…”
Casual conversations flowed over the tea set, and whenever the princess spoke, everyone stopped to listen intently.
This had been a recurring scene for several years. Aptly named the youngest princess and her friends.
Long ago, the queen personally selected friends for her young daughter. Kisa felt honored to be included among them, as Count Vansfelt would often remind her, saying that the queen had chosen based on both family and character.
Thanks to the queen’s keen eye, the gathering had continued without incident. The thought of upsetting the princess was enough to scare them into compliance, but Kisa genuinely enjoyed the meetings. Being close to royalty was a privilege for any noble.
However, today, she found it difficult to focus, merely nodding along to their conversations. The issue of her marriage to Daniel still disturbed her mind, but the fundamental cause was the presence of Melissa sitting next to her.
“What? I can’t believe that happened. It must have been shocking.”
As she listened to others, Melissa smiled at Kisa when their eyes met.
“What’s wrong? Do you have something to say?”
“It’s nothing.”
“You’re so boring.”
Melissa’s nonchalant demeanor made Kisa feel uneasy. It had only been four days since they had parted ways in a heated argument.
Despite having had no contact in the meantime, Melissa acted as if everything was normal when they met in front of the palace.
Of course, Kisa didn’t want to show any signs of conflict in front of the heartbroken princess. But seeing someone who looked just like she did before left her in a daze.
“Kisa, you’re not eating much? Why are you picking at the lemon cake you love so much?”
That feigned concern on her insincere face made Kisa swallow her displeasure instead of the cake.
“I’m fine. You don’t need to worry about me—”
Just as she was about to insist that she was fine, someone else showed interest in their conversation.
“Oh my, Kisa. Are you not feeling well?”
Princess Arta placed a hand on her cheek as she asked, and Kisa panicked, waving her hands.
“No, Princess. It’s just a misunderstanding on Melissa’s part.”
“Really? If there’s anywhere you feel unwell, you don’t need to hide it.”
“It’s true. I’m perfectly healthy.”
At least she couldn’t compare to the princess, who had been struggling with her feelings and hadn’t stepped into society. A delicate and kind princess sighed in relief at Kisa’s answer.
“I’m glad to hear that. I was worried that you might have run into some trouble.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you’re going through a tough time in many ways right now.”
“…Pardon?”
At that moment, a cold wind pierced Kisa’s heart like a needle. Reflexively, she glanced at Melissa, who was avoiding her gaze with an awkward expression. Seeing the two of them, the princess stepped in to mediate.
“Don’t blame Melissa. I asked first. I could sense the worry in the letters exchanged with Melissa.”
Letters? Now that she thought about it, although Arta had been confined, she had responded regularly to the letters of consolation that had come her way. Kisa remembered sending about four or five in return.
So that’s it. Melissa turned Kisa’s troubles into a topic of conversation to capture the princess’s interest.
“…I see.”
Even so, she had no choice but to respond in that way here, as the princess was supporting Melissa.
“Kisa, you’re a wonderful person. Even if Young Master Lowens doesn’t realize it now and is wandering, he will surely return to you in the end.”
The young ladies surrounding the table looked at Kisa with expressions of surprise and interest. The princess stood up and approached, holding Kisa’s hand.
“So don’t fret too much and wait. And if you’re dealing with anything difficult, feel free to talk to me anytime. I’ll be here to support you.”
“…”
“Right? We’re friends.”
As if signaled, the young ladies chimed in one after another.
“The princess is right, Lady Vansfelt.”
“If there’s anything we can do to help, we will.”
“Don’t be too disheartened. After all, a man’s heart can cool down.”
“Young Master Lowens will surely realize your worth.”
Why was it that, although they were supposed to be words of comfort, each one felt like a heavy stone pressing down on her? In an instant, she was reduced to a pitiful state, receiving pity.
Her parched lips quivered. You want to help me? Then will you order my father to stop the engagement? Or perhaps it wouldn’t be bad to hide me from my family. Princess, oh princess…
But none of that made sense. She knew better than anyone that the princess wouldn’t do any of those things. To her, Kisa was not of that value.
“Thank you, Princess. I’m grateful to all of you.”
Kisa replied with a dry voice, giving the expected response.
As the tea party ended, the young ladies left the palace, expressing their regret at parting with the princess. After bidding farewell to others, Kisa pulled Melissa’s arm and headed toward the Vansfelt carriage.
“Kisa!”
Startled by the rough hand, Melissa shouted, but Kisa paid her no mind as she addressed a maid from the Dos family.
“Melissa is coming back with me, so you should return separately.”
“What? When did I say that?”
Melissa looked at her with wide eyes.
“Why? Don’t you want to? We’ve often gone back together like this. Hurry up and get in. I’ll drop you off in front of your house.”
With an uncharacteristically firm attitude, Kisa made Melissa roll her eyes but still climb into the Vansfelt carriage. Kisa instructed the maid who was about to follow her.
“Marsha, I’m sorry, but could you sit in the driver’s seat today? We have something to discuss.”
“Me? But—”
“Please.”
“…Yes, Miss.”
Perhaps she had read some emotions from Kisa’s flat voice? Without further ado, Marsha got up next to the driver with his help.
“Are you messing with me? What on earth are you trying to do?”
Inside the carriage, facing Kisa’s hostility, Melissa awkwardly leaned back.
“Why are you so angry…?”
