We were headed to the Larvian Empire. For me and Astina, who grew up near the border between the Britina Empire and the Larvian Empire, this was quite a nostalgic journey.
This time, the Larvian Empire extended an invitation to the young lords and ladies of the Britina Empire under the pretext of cultural exchange. Well, technically, it’s just Demimore, me, Astina, Rex, and Theodore—that’s everyone.
Even though the Larvian Empire is adjacent to the border, it was said that formally issuing invitations to the imperial children of the Britina Empire for cultural exchange was not a common occurrence, especially considering that it was just for noble children.
“I never thought I’d be traveling to the Larvian Empire with you, Mary.”
“Yeah.”
“All thanks to Demimore, right?”
Yes, indeed, the cultural exchange was only the surface reason.
The Larvian Empire probably wanted to invite Demimore, who suddenly rose as a prominent crown prince candidate.
Cameron Arstans voluntarily went into exile. He thought he could withstand it until the end due to his pride, but he must have realized that the damage to himself from turning public opinion and the emperor’s anger was more significant than he expected. So he went to a kingdom far away from the continent.
He might be living comfortably there. Thinking that way, a sense of guilt suddenly welled up, but it couldn’t be helped. It’s not bad to strike when he’s most relieved. No, Cameron would still be tormented even if he’s alive. After all, Demimore, whom he had ignored, emerged as a prominent successor.
Well, it seems that he also applied for asylum in the Larvian Empire, but it seems that he was not accepted in the end. I’m sure they didn’t want to deal with a troublesome person.
Anyway, now that the first prince had left for exile, the only ones left were Lausanne and Demimore.
However, Lausanne claimed that she had something she wanted to do on her own. It was writing novels, to be exact. The novel she wrote at that time was read by many, and she voluntarily gave up her position as the princess.
To the emperor, who objected, she presented a painting. It depicted a bird in a cage looking up at a blue sky. Despite depicting a clear sky, it emitted such a gloomy atmosphere. Upon receiving the painting, the emperor eventually bestowed the title of duchess upon her.
Now, Duchess Lausanne Arstans was in the midst of writing her next work.
“Sir Jasper seems to be in a good mood these days. The corners of his mouth don’t turn down lately.”
Recently in the Britina Empire, it was almost a trend to say, “If you don’t know where to hang your coat, go to Jasper.”
It was understandable. Jasper, who had been serving Demimore for a very long time, had always wished for Demimore to be recognized, and now that he had become a prominent successor, it was only natural.
“Well, His Excellency the Grand Duke is a little upset, isn’t he?”
I could only laugh at Astina’s cautious question.
Grand Duke Conler was once called the marionette of the imperial family. It would surely be a surprise to the public if I, the only lady in the Grand Duke’s family, became the Crown Prince’s fiance. Who knew it would come to this?
I mean.
Who could have predicted it?
Many envied the Grand Duke, but in reality, it was different. Many would say that if they wanted to wear a coat, they should go to Grand Duke Conler and bring up marriage talk. The Duke exuded such coldness.
My father told me that I didn’t have to marry Demimore or anyone if I didn’t want to. He said I had enough money and power to live alone.
Living alone was my goal in the past, during those dark times, so it was quite amusing.
He told me that my engagement to Demimore was for political reasons only and that I didn’t have to go along with it because things had changed since then……
“When are you going to get married?
“Huh?”
Astina’s innocent question made me unconsciously fiddle with the ring Demimore gave me as a birthday present. We were now seventeen. We were getting closer and closer to marriageable age.
In fact, some people didn’t believe that Demimore and I would get married. Demimore and I have been friends since we were very young, and we are still friends.
Many nobles who don’t believe in the marriage between me and Demimore have offered their daughters, nieces, and acquaintances to Demimore. They believe that even if we have different lovers, we will still be friends.
“Hmm, I haven’t really thought about it. The coronation ceremony is coming up soon.”
Right, once we arrived in Larvian, I would be able to meet Demimore, whom I hadn’t seen for almost three months. Before, we used to meet quite often, and we even went on trips together, even if they weren’t that far.
But, well, he’s a busy guy.
BANG.
“Mary? Why did you suddenly—”
“Oh, I saw a mosquito.”
I slammed the window without realizing it.
After smiling awkwardly at Astina, who was flustered, I looked out the window, thinking about this invitation from the Larvian Empire.
It seems that the Larvian Empire used the excuse of cultural exchange to invite Demimore, probably to investigate what kind of person he is before he ascends to the throne as the Crown Prince. Compared to the Empress’s children, Cameron and Lausanne, Demimore is not well known.
This opportunity was likely seen by Britina as a chance to introduce Demimore to the public. Jasper, with his ambitions, probably taught Demimore well from a very young age.
‘He even got me involved in this.’
Because I am Demimore’s fiancé.
In fact, I could tell from the list that Larvian had put a lot of thought into it. From my closest friend Astina to my brothers Theodore and Rex,
‘Even Rex is making his official debut as Conler.’
Rex became Rex Conler. Conler had originally been a blonde Grand Duke, so Rex became the second blonde in the line.
When the Bluea family went into exile with Cameron, Rex was practically thrown away. Fortunately, he could be accepted into the Conler family.
The day it happened, Dad was very happy.
I was happy too. Although Rex was already like my brother, it felt like he became a’real’ younger brother.
Seeing Rex Conler on the Larvian Empire’s invitation list, I thought they paid a lot of attention to him.
I thought to myself, “Maybe they have high expectations for me too?”
Nonsense…….
For some reason, the visit to Larvian, which I initially took lightly, started to feel like a big task.
I recalled the Larvian etiquette I had hastily studied at the Grand Duchy. It wasn’t significantly different from Britina, but there were many subtle differences.
I remembered how to greet the royalties. I had read that in Larvian, a lady is given a bouquet of flowers when she is invited, and it is customary to take one flower from the bouquet and give it to the man accompanying her.
I thought, ‘Maybe I should give it to Demimore?
‘I’ll have to make a good impression on them.’
I absentmindedly fiddled with the ring that I’ve been wearing on my finger for a very long time.
‘Do I want to marry Demimore?’
If I married Demimore, I would become… the Empress.
I thought it was natural for everyone to assume that Demimore and I would marry. If I did marry Demimore, I would become the Crown Princess and later the Empress. It was astonishing to think that after going through such abnormal events and reaching this point, there were still surprising things ahead.
I’m sure Dad was worried about my confusion and told me I could live on my own. Even though Demimore and I never mentioned the word ‘marriage’ to each other, those around us seemed more concerned.
“It looks like you have a lot on your mind, Mary.”
Astina spoke softly to me as I stared out the window without saying a word.
I couldn’t help but smile back at her, her expression so gentle and kind, as if she understood what was on my mind.
I thought of the vibrant flowers always present in the Grand Duchy—the ones Demimore sent even in the midst of his busy schedule. Though my father often looked displeased, he never asked me to discard the flowers, knowing I liked them.
“Well, if someone you love suddenly gets busy, it must be disappointing.”
“Huh?”
“Huh?”
Astina and I repeated each other’s words, exchanging glances in silence within the carriage.
“Mary, your ears are red…….”
Astina attempted to point it out gently, but I ended up coughing, bringing an abrupt end to the conversation.
Loving someone, huh?
Feeling like if I opened my mouth, something tickling my stomach would jump out, I could only press my fist to my mouth.
