Secrets of the Azure Sea

“Floria, you’re adorable. Whatever your ideal prince says becomes the truth for you. But please judge for yourself what is true. What did Prince Franz, who was about to be killed by Lord Zanarf, say? Did he not beg for his own life in exchange for handing you over?”

Floria was taken aback and fell silent.

She still had a lingering desire to believe in the man she chose as her husband.

On the night of their wedding, he had worriedly held her in his arms all night because she was seasick. He was the gentle husband she had chosen, the prince she had admired since childhood. He always wore a resplendent uniform adorned with dazzling jewels, and he always greeted her with a gentle smile.

Was the kind and skilled warrior Franz’s figure all just a figment of her imagination?

“P-Princess, this woman is trying to deceive us.”

“Aura, didn’t you see it too? After Zanarf took Floria away, Prince Franz got off the small boat and hurriedly fled.”

Floria turned to Aura to confirm. Aura turned pale and looked down.

Could it be true? When she was carried away by Zanarf, she was terrified of what would happen to her.

And yet, Franz abandoned her and ran away?

“No matter how many negotiations took place, the reward was not paid. That prince claimed that there would be no reward because his ship was also damaged. But even if we talk about damages, his ship only suffered a few scratches. Among those who fought on the front lines, there were some who lost their lives, leaving behind small children. As a healer who participated in that naval battle, I know. Prince Franz’s ship was safely protected, snugly surrounded by Lord Zanarf’s fleet at the very back.”

Floria, feeling overwhelmed, leaned against the window and placed her hand on it. Aura rushed over to support her but was pushed away.

Ah, Zanarf attacked the ship to reclaim the reward, to save the impoverished islanders.

That sail with Franz’s falcon mark painted on it.

The ship was loaded with numerous gifts from foreign countries as wedding presents for the two. Gold, silver, the finest silk fabrics, jewels, paintings, and more.

“But even so, to humiliate the princess, who is innocent of any crime, in front of so many people… Isn’t that barbaric?”

In response to Aura’s words, Kirie chuckled.

“Of course, that ceremony is a tradition on this island. It has been passed down among the islanders for a long time. But the purpose of last night’s ceremony was to protect Lady Floria from the men of this island. Once officially bestowed to Lord Zanarf, even if she is a princess from an enemy country, not a single islander would harm Lady Floria. That is why Lord Zanarf performed the marriage ceremony with Lady Floria.”

Floria’s mind was in turmoil, unable to think clearly.

Everything she had believed in crumbled with a loud crash inside her heart. There were too many things happening, and now she didn’t know what to believe anymore.

“…Please, stop. Leave me alone…”

As Floria trembled, Kirie approached her gently.

“Lady Floria, there are many women on this island who admire Lord Zanarf. The ceremony last night was a declaration that Lord Zanarf bestows his favor upon you. For the women of this island, it is a symbol of envy and honor. After all, Lord Zanarf is said to be the incarnation of the sacred heron god who protects this island. It is a sacred ceremony for the people of this island, and it is by no means an act of humiliation. Please remember that…”

With those words, Kirie left the room.