Chapter 25: An SOS from a Younger Sister
“Lady Albert, I have a serious request.
You are the only one I can rely on.
This is something only you can do.
Please—please save the Domitorias family… save my brother.”
Saying that, Jibril knelt on the carpet, shoulders trembling as she pleaded.
Sitting on the sofa, I tilted my head.
“Well… what happened?”
“My brother has been targeted by that foolish royal princess.
Previously, there was a royal tournament where knights and knight candidates competed in skill.
His Majesty, the Queen, and the princes usually attend, but that day, the princess came as well.
And it seems she fell in love with my brother at first sight and demanded him as her fiancé.”
“Um… isn’t that… a great honor?
She’s the only princess among the three royal children of the Sandis royal family, right?”
If I recall correctly, Princess Elmedia.
Elmedia Orl Sandis—the daughter of the First Queen.
The younger sister of that First Prince who attacked me.
I heard she’s been gaining influence lately, especially after her brother’s fall.
“…Yes, that’s true.”
Jibril looked bitter.
“She’s being pushed as a potential queen, but it will be impossible for her to ascend the throne.
The Sandis royal succession requires green eyes and the royal crest.
Among old nobles, it’s even said that without green eyes, one is not truly royal.
Both princes possess the crest and green eyes.
Even if the king allows it, the noble council would oppose it.
And the elder council would never accept it.
They are fanatically devoted to the royal traits.
The princess has neither.
Even if she takes a husband, only the princes are qualified heirs.
No matter how much reformists push her, she lacks the authority to use royal artifacts.”
Jibril glanced at me.
“I believe the duke avoids bringing you to the palace because your eyes are closest to the royal Sandis green.
If anything, those obsessed nobles might try to elevate you above the princes.”
Ugh! What is that!? That’s terrifying!
Now I understand why Father disguised me at the academy…
“But… what can I do?”
“Deterrence.
Naturally, the engagement proposal couldn’t be approved by Duke Lattiche…
But he did agree that we should put that insolent princess in her place.”
Fatherrrrrr!?
You really do hate the royal family…
I helped Jibril up and had her sit beside me.
“Still, it’s difficult for a count family to reject the royal family outright.
The royal side would prefer the princess to marry into the Lattiche family, but… there’s too much bad blood.
They want a connection, but without provoking the duke.”
“I see… so the royal family supports her?”
“Yes. The princess is the most eager, but Princess Mezerlin also seems favorable.
Even if Lord Kishtarial is impossible, they think my brother is acceptable…
After all, he is close to both the duke and Lord Kishtarial.”
“…What does Michaelis think?”
“If he doesn’t want it, I will help.”
“As a hint… he has been taking Sebas’s stomach medicine.”
That’s bad.
I can already imagine it.
“So the princess is that unbearable?”
“If she weren’t royalty, we would reject her immediately.”
Jibril stated firmly.
“My brother is quite particular about appearances, and prefers gentle, soft women.
That hysterical princess is far outside his range.”
“My, Jibril…”
Well, with a sister like Jibril, I suppose other ladies might look plain in comparison.
She’s elegant, composed, yet strong.
A perfect lady.
“…If Father has permitted it, I will help.”
“Thank you, Lady Albert!”
“That’s an exaggeration.
I only have some leverage because Father and I have a debt with the royal family.”
“With you, it is worth an army.”
“That’s overestimating me… but what should I do?”
I am a shut-in.
Schemes and politics are impossible.
“Just stay by my brother’s side and smile.
No matter what the princess says, do not argue—just smile.”
“…Is that enough?”
“The more she panics and digs her own grave, the better.”
So she’s expected to self-destruct?
I’ll definitely wear the earrings Father gave me.
No way am I exposing my real appearance to royalty.
…Still, what about my commoner plan?
Anna was shaking her head violently.
Apparently even less realistic than becoming a nun.
My glasses were broken, but my other magical accessories were intact.
When I wore them, my hair turned ash-brown and my eyes aqua blue—just like Father’s.
No wig or colored lenses needed.
I chose a blue dress to match.
A high neckline, no exposure.
A choker with sapphires and diamonds.
White lace layered over the chest.
Elegant, modest.
My hair was styled in a half-up braid.
Perfect.
Father easily allowed me to go out.
“It’s a restricted VIP area, so it’s fine.”
But he added—
“I’ll assign shadows.”
Apparently, hidden guards.
Anna came with me.
“…I wonder if Raven is okay.”
“He’ll be fine, Milady.”
“I hope so…”
The venue was packed.
Too many people.
Anna quickly led me to the VIP room.
The arena was circular, surrounded by grass.
I clung to Anna without realizing—
While she quietly froze the surroundings with her presence.