22. Rumors of the Princess
[Kristoff’s POV]
I, who was a.s.signed the important mission of meeting Lady Shane, the Princess of Orania, went with the Knight Commander Eckart to Orania a little earlier.
I have heard of the current King’s nephew, but in order to know what kind of person he is, I plan on listening to the citizen’s stories from now on.
“As expected of the 『Flower Capital』, huh? It’s colorful and absolutely beautiful.”
“Yes, truly.”
I agreed to Sir Eckart’s admiration without protest. It should be a mere downtown, but everything that greeted the eyes are picturesque landscapes. Not just that, liveliness can be felt in the entire country.
However, we did not come here for sightseeing.
“If it’s the citizen’s stories, it has to be the pub right?” I proposed, and the both of us went to the pub when night fell.
Because of the approaching marriage of a royalty, the enthusiasm in the pubs is high, too. The rumors concerning the Princess was naturally raised as the topic, so we were able to join the discussion without having a hard time.
“Like I said, even though Princess Shane has Lord Urie as her lover, she has to marry Caspar’s [Aloof King] for our sake.”
The man speaking was already drunk, but he was a lover of gossip so he pressed the story again.
“Really? You seem very knowlegeable about a royalty’s love affair.”
“Yeah, because the couple comes to the town festival every year. At that time, I never guessed it was Princess Shane but Lord Urie is famous.”
Then the man who was drinking nearby also joined.
“I was a shooting booth manager at that festival and Lord Urie dropped all the prizes. But Lord Urie only chose one stuffed bear from that and handed it to Princess Shane. Shane-sama received it with a flushed face, it was very charming.”
Still, from what second man said, I judged that this rumor has a high credibility.
“That was already from three years ago so I even thought they’re going to get married.”
Afterwards, with stories of how beautiful the princess is and how wonderful this country is, the sky was starting to rise when we finally slipped out from the pub.
“It seems as if we’ve done quite a pitiful thing to Emperor Leo.”
Sir Eckart also knows the whole story since he was Emperor Leo’s fencing instructor. He was affable even though the other party was His Majesty, so he was allowed to use that nickname.
“However, isn’t it good that there’s no problem in that area since everyone accepted her? Be that as it may, for the whole nation to believe in this “Princess” no matter how her existence was concealed, I wonder what kind of magic they used?”
It was rumored that Princess Shane’s father is an extraordinary magician, but as one would expect, it would be unimaginable for him to be able to use magic to that extent. I looked forward to our meeting even more.
Meanwhile, the day of the meeting with the royal family of Orannia came. I was dumbfounded the moment I saw the princess during the audience. Where in that appearance is a he a man? It’s more accurate to say he’s a “beautiful woman”. Sir Eckart was also in the same state of surprise.
And then, we left Orannia together with the Princess.
From her figure in front of the royal palace bidding her farewell in a loud voice and from her figure in the carriage bearing her tears from their separation, I was able to feel the strength of her will and courage. Additionally, these good looks.
Perhaps, His Majesty might also be done in with this, too.
While I was smirking in my mind, we entered the country of Caspar.