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64th Chapter

Caesar’s expression hardened coldly.

“It’s about time the Empire noticed that war is approaching.”

Noah Ainheart, captain of the Royal First Knights Order. The fact that he called Caesar, the Supreme Commander of the military, regarding issues related to the North clearly indicated serious matters related to war.

“……I’m sorry. I wanted to be with you, but it seems I have to go because this is a serious issue.”

“Take care.”

I smiled at Caesar, conveying that it was okay despite his apologetic expression. The marquis exchanged glances between me and Caesar.

‘Genes are truly magnificent.’

From his silver hair to golden eyes, the marquis looked just like a copy-and-paste version of Reiner, which made me admire him inwardly. The marquis, who had been gazing at me intently, displayed an expression of interest.

“This place is……”

“Ah, hello, Marquis Ainheart. This is the Kashmir Crisis.”

“Nice to meet you, Princess. I am Noah Ainheart.”

A brief exchange of greetings took place, and while I thought he would leave promptly, the marquis continued to look at me with an intrigued expression.

“My son holds immense respect for you, Princess.”

“……Really?”

“Haha. The Ainheart family and the Crisis family have long protected the Empire together. It would indeed be worth considering a union at this time…”

Crack.

“Marquis Ainheart.”

Caesar, who had reduced the empty wine glass in his hand to dust in an instant, whispered as a warning. His frozen expression radiated an aura that felt as if he could kill a dozen people without a second thought.

“Haha! Just an old man’s joke. I apologize, Princess. Marquis, let’s switch places.”

Even in front of Caesar’s intimidating presence, the marquis stepped away cheerfully with a hearty laugh.

‘Well, the marquis is also a Sword Master.’

Noah Ainheart was the captain of the Royal First Knights Order and one of the few Sword Masters in the Empire. Although he wasn’t at Caesar’s level, he had earned the title of Sword Master in his forties through tireless effort.

‘But… he will die in the upcoming war.’

Just the thought of war made me feel gloomy.

As I vaguely imagined the marquis’s fate, I shook my head to dispel the increasingly despondent mood.

‘Nonetheless, the Ainheart family is impressive.’

Noah, the father, is a Sword Master and captain of the Royal First Knights, while Reiner, the son, is a Sword Expert and captain of the Royal Second Knights. It seemed unfair that such a gifted family enjoyed the benefits together. Of course, it wasn’t something the Duke of Crisis could comment on.

“This victory will belong to our side.”

The only one left by my side after Aria and Caesar had departed was Kal.

“I will stay by your side until this banquet is over.”

Kal smiled contentedly, resembling a well-fed beast. In truth, it seemed many wanted to approach him, but they couldn’t due to the murderous gaze Kal shot at anyone who made eye contact.

“Of course, it will be immensely enjoyable to share the banquet with you.”

I smiled sweetly at Kal. His ears turned slightly red as he caught my gaze directly. Except for the burgundy harness worn to match Aria’s dress code, Kal’s uniform and mine were similar in design, making us look like a couple in matching black and gold outfits.

“I’ve heard that you’ve been frequenting the Magic Tower with Aria lately. I hear she’s learning magic; is she doing well?”

“……Do we have to talk about her when I’m right here? Well, she said she wanted to learn to protect herself, so I introduced her to the Magic Tower, and surprisingly, she has significant talent for magic. Of course, not as much as mine. Ever since she got injured during the duel with your father, there’s been a change in her heart. She’s focusing on training to amplify her healing powers. It’s a bit embarrassing, but she’s quite earnest.”

As soon as Aria’s name came up, Kal’s face scrunched up, but he still answered my question faithfully. I smiled warmly as I watched Kal, who frowned at the thought of Aria, list her every action.

‘At first, I was afraid to hear news that Kal and Aria sent assassins after each other. It seems they’ve become quite friendly now.’

Of course, they still looked as if they would point swords at each other whenever the chance arose, but it seemed they had developed some fondness for one another.

“Hello, Young Lady of Crisis.”

Suddenly, an unfamiliar figure approached while I was chatting with Kal. I turned my head and, upon making eye contact with golden eyes, was slightly startled.

“Lord Ainheart?”

The scent of rosewood tickled my nose. Reiner, dressed in the pristine uniform of the Royal Knights, looked like a lion of light.

‘He’s really handsome.’

I couldn’t help but admire him. Reiner’s looks seemed like he would have been exterminated in a country of criminals if he had been born there.

While I had seen him a few times in casual knight attire when we met in Mir over the holidays, it was my first time seeing him in full formal uniform. The white fabric adorned with golden threads suited him perfectly with his silver hair and golden eyes.

“Nice to meet you, Lord. You truly shine today.”

I exchanged brief greetings and sincerely complimented him. Reiner’s ears quickly turned red. He averted my gaze and mumbled.

“……Thank you. Does this outfit suit your taste?”

“Yes. The color scheme of your uniform matches you really well.”

Having met regularly on holidays, Reiner and I spoke naturally and comfortably. With my continued compliments, his neck began to redden. Wearing white attire, his flushed skin became evident.

‘He really blushes a lot.’

Seeing Reiner, who couldn’t even meet my gaze, I thought he was cute and smiled gently. Having met several times, I noticed that Reiner blushed even at small compliments or contact.

“Well… I guess I should wear it often.”

“Um, it looks a bit uncomfortable for everyday wear, though.”

Reiner adjusted his well-groomed hair and muttered. He frowned at the numerous fancy accessories adorning his uniform. While it looked quite stunning, the medals and shoulder decorations hanging from it seemed extremely uncomfortable.

“Still, I’ll wear it often.”

Finally meeting my gaze, Reiner’s golden eyes sparkled like stars. The normally straight line of his lips formed a gentle smile.

“You said it pleases you, right? I want to impress you.”

And despite always acting shy, Reiner occasionally threw statements like this that struck at the heart.

‘…Like a big dog wanting to be loved.’

Staring blankly at Reiner’s rare smile, I suddenly felt a dryness in my throat and took a sip of the wine in my hand. Usually aloof like a tiger in every matter, Reiner occasionally exhibited such vulnerability.

“……So, Ainheart, am I invisible in your eyes?”

Just as our exchange of glances was charged with a strange air, Kal’s cold, piercing voice interrupted it. Only then did Reiner turn his gaze to Kal, looking somewhat uncomfortable as he offered a short nod.

“……Hello, Your Highness. I apologize for my late greeting.”

“Oh. I don’t want to forgive you; what will you do?”

Kal, stubbornly crossing his arms, slowly scrutinized Reiner with his cold red eyes. A troubled expression deepened on Reiner’s face.

It was basic etiquette in noble society to greet someone of higher status first when meeting them. Reiner hadn’t greeted Kal, who shares the same status as me, when addressing me, clearly traitoring against noble decorum.

“It seems you’re quite close with ‘my’ sister,” Kal said, emphasizing the word “my”. His voice dripped with clear displeasure. Reiner, glancing at me sidelong, cautiously nodded his head.

“I am building a friendship thanks to the Young Lady’s company.”

“Originally, Shushu is kind, so she gets along well with everyone.”

Seeing Reiner’s title now tense from “Young Lady” to “Princess,” it seemed he was getting nervous. Kal’s tone, suggesting that Reiner’s relationship with me wasn’t significant, hardened Reiner’s expression.

“I couldn’t tell how delighted Shushu was to see me. I’m not that short, after all.”

“I apologize for my rudeness. As you mentioned, I must have been too excited to see the Young Lady to notice Your Highness.”

“I’m glad to see you two getting along. You seem to be good ‘friends,’ huh?”

Kal emphasized the word “friends,” causing Reiner’s eyebrows to twitch noticeably. Reiner twisted the corners of his mouth faintly.

“I think it’s insufficient to define us as merely friends. We’re inspirations to each other and getting to know one another slowly.”

A tense gaze passed between Kal and Reiner. As I sipped my wine, I watched the fierce interaction as Kal pressed fiercely while Reiner fought back without backing down.

As they say, the most entertaining thing in the world is watching someone else’s love and fights.

‘This is fun.’

Just when I thought about intervening, noticing the jaguar-like Kal, about to pounce, and the tiger-like Reiner, eagerly calculating how to kill,

“What…?”

Kal’s red eyes, burning fiercely as if they could consume everything, turned towards me.

“Shushu! Is that true?”

I rolled my eyes at his coarse question.

When you think about it, it wasn’t wrong. Reiner was helping me with my training, and he was indeed serving as a role model for me. Regular conversations during our meetings over the holidays implied we were slowly getting to know each other.

“Um… Yes.”

Nodding reluctantly, I noticed Reiner’s cheeks turning a subtle red as he confidently gazed at Kal. His expression, still indifferent, glowed with pride, reminiscent of a five-year-old boy, feeling victorious after his mother sided with him in a dispute with his sibling.

Kal’s face turned stone-cold. A glimmer of madness flickered in his eyes. After momentarily biting down on his lips, he twisted his mouth into a hardened smile. A distinctive expression, one I could imagine Kal making, sent shivers down my spine.

“……How amusing.”

His expression was anything but amused. Kal let out a scoff. Slowly, he began to peel off the black leather gloves covering his beautiful hands. His pale hands were revealed.

“Reiner Ainheart, young lord.”

Kal smiled. It was a chilling smile.

“Face your fate. I’m about to throw my glove.”

In noble society, throwing a glove at someone indicated a challenge for a duel.

Reiner’s face hardened gravely. Even though rank doesn’t matter once a duel has started, it seemed daunting for him to fight a prince.

‘But if genius magician Kal fights genius swordsman Reiner, who would win?’

As I thought that, trying to suppress the duel from taking place, I found myself musing about how it would unfold despite knowing I had to intervene.

“His Majesty the Emperor, His Holiness the Pope, and the envoys from the Atara Kingdom are entering.”

Just when the loud voice of a servant announcing the entrance of the royal family and the pope intervened, the situation became muddled.

 

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