Chapter 62: – An Unexpected Visitor
“Anna, what do you think this is?”
“Who knows? …My lady, please don’t stick your hand inside it.”
“I-I would never do such a thing. O-Of course not.”
Since I had been seriously considering doing exactly that, my behavior became suspicious.
While petting Chappy, I noticed his belly wriggling a little.
Then I discovered that, for some reason, there was a zipper running horizontally across his stomach.
A zipper on a round little belly.
Cute.
But also just large enough to fit a hand inside.
Extremely suspicious.
Thank goodness it wasn’t on his back.
If it were on his back, I’d start suspecting there was someone inside him.
The zipper pull dangled from Chappy’s belly.
I desperately wanted to pull it and see what was inside.
What exactly was in there?
…Internal organs weren’t going to come spilling out, right!?
No.
Let’s not open it.
One wrong move and this would become animal abuse.
Still, I couldn’t stop wondering.
Perhaps feeling sorry for me, Anna wrapped Chappy’s belly in a sort of tummy warmer by the afternoon.
Anna truly was capable beyond belief.
And somehow the protected belly already looked lumpy underneath.
I wondered what was inside.
Then every time Chappy walked around, acorns, unopened flower buds, white pebbles, and other treasures spilled out.
After a while, Chappy would notice and panic.
He’d hurry around collecting everything before stuffing them back into the gap between his stomach and the belly wrap.
Unfortunately, there was clearly too much.
The space was already full.
The treasures would fall out again.
Then he’d gather them again.
And the cycle would repeat.
Watching his precious belongings tumble away, Chappy let out a pitiful little “Pii…”
The sight was too sad to bear.
I emptied a small jewelry box from the room and gave it to him.
Chappy became delighted.
Then he stuffed the entire box into the zipper on his stomach.
…
Wouldn’t it have been easier to store everything in there from the beginning?
More importantly…
Wasn’t this completely violating the law of conservation of mass?
That jewelry box definitely wasn’t small enough to fit comfortably inside Chappy’s belly.
Unable to make sense of the cheerful Chappy, I quietly decided to pretend I hadn’t seen anything.
Since I had plenty of time, I decided to continue analyzing the barrier.
I moved to the sofa so I could collapse safely if necessary.
At that moment, Anna entered.
“My lady.”
“Oh, Anna. What is it?”
It was still too early for tea time.
“Count Mikaelis and Lady Jibril of House Domitrias have come to visit.”
I nearly dropped the cushion I was hugging.
“Big Sister!”
The moment Anna opened the door, Jibril rushed in.
Her large crimson eyes were filled with tears.
Her red hair spread behind her as she hurried forward.
Ignoring the wrinkles forming in her elegant blue dress, she dropped to one knee and threw her arms around me on the sofa.
“Jibril! …I’m so happy you came. Thank you. I’m sorry I can’t properly host you like usual.”
“No. Simply being able to see your face is more than enough, Sister Albert.”
I embraced her slender frame and gently stroked her head.
Seeing my adorable little sister figure again filled me with joy.
At the same time, I understood perfectly well how complicated my current situation was.
More importantly…
How did they even get here?
Weren’t there guards—and practically surveillance—everywhere?
“But how did you obtain permission to come here? …Aren’t visits to me heavily restricted?”
“Hehe. Sister, I have more connections than I appear to.”
“Besides, because of your barrier, the normal guard arrangements have been disrupted.”
“The castle’s security layout no longer aligns properly with its structure, naturally creating gaps.”
“As long as one can get through the barrier, there are ways to enter Vayu Palace.”
“My…”
“Still, you shouldn’t do anything dangerous, Jibril.”
“Oh? This plan was actually Brother’s idea.”
“Brother is on good terms with many royal knights.”
“He visits the castle as a count, so he knows its layout better than I do.”
“…What?”
Mikaelis?
That Mikaelis?
The walking definition of seriousness and responsibility?
Standing behind Jibril with his arms folded, Mikaelis relaxed into a small smile when our eyes met.
Perhaps he had remained silent until now to give Jibril and me some time together.
“…The Duke once instructed me to memorize the palace layout and guard placements.”
“I never imagined it would prove useful like this.”
“Um… did you receive official permission? Is this really alright?”
Mikaelis smiled at me.
It was a brilliant smile, like a blooming flower.
There was no guilt or hesitation in it.
Yet there was also something bold.
Something daring.
…
Had Mikaelis turned into a delinquent!?
The perfect gentleman and model knight?
“I’ve already made my decision.”
“Fortunately, I’m not being monitored as heavily as Kishtaria.”
“Even if someone notices, I’ll find a way out.”
“I have survived among nobles as a count, after all.”
“Whaaaat!? Is that really okay!?”
Wait.
Who exactly grants permission to enter my room?
At the Latitche estate, the answer would always be Father.
But this was the royal palace.
So would it be His Majesty Lauzes?
Or that kidnapper, Duke Fortuna?
The man who supposedly commanded the kingdom’s knights.
What a joke.
A knight who kidnaps people!
“I’m truly happy you came.”
“But causing trouble for House Domitrias because of me makes me feel terrible…”
“It isn’t trouble!”
“We came because we wanted to!”
“Our family already owes a debt to House Latitche.”
“And not just to the family—to you personally, Albert.”
“When someone is in trouble, that’s when you should rush to their side.”
“Jibril… Mikaelis… thank you.”
A smile escaped me naturally.
But both of them responded with expressions that looked sad.
Painful.
As though they couldn’t smile properly.
Then Mikaelis stepped closer and touched my cheek.
“You’ve lost weight.”
“You were already delicate to begin with…”
“Ah… well, this environment has taken some getting used to.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Anna has been taking excellent care of me.”
“I’ll recover once I return home.”
I tried to smile.
But my choice of words was poor.
The moment I mentioned returning home, Mikaelis’s expression stiffened.
“…Mikaelis?”
“Albert.”
“It will be difficult for you to return to House Latitche.”
“Why?”
“The intruders are gone now, aren’t they?”
Perhaps I looked too anxious.
Mikaelis gently stroked my cheek.
He hesitated.
Then, when I nodded and placed my hand over his, he finally spoke.
“You possess the Eyes of the Royal Family.”
“And Duke Latitche concealed that fact from the royal family and the kingdom.”
“He may be charged with a crime because of it.”
“…Why?”
“Prince Lucas and Prince Leold both possess green eyes.”
“Can hiding eye color really be considered such a serious offense?”
“Any other color would be insignificant.”
“But your eyes are different.”
“It’s an unwritten rule.”
“A silent understanding.”
I don’t care about any of that.
They can wrap it in decorative paper and take it away.
I love House Latitche.
I do not particularly like the royal family.
Even I know about the succession struggles between Queen Mezarin and Consort Ophiel.
I wanted no part in such matters.
“…Does this involve succession rights?”
“I suppose I technically have some claim, but surely I’m somewhere around tenth place or lower.”
“The moment you possess the Eyes of the Royal Family, you become first.”
“The Council of Elders wants to bring you into the royal family.”
“Some even wish to declare you First Princess and Crown Princess.”
“That’s how special your eyes are.”
“…Kishtaria didn’t tell you any of this?”
First place?
What?
I knew the Sandis Green eyes were special…
But not that special.
Seeing me pale, Mikaelis hurriedly continued.
The Council of Elders consisted of the highest-ranking nobles within the senate.
Even the senate itself was filled with veteran political figures.
The Council stood above them all.
Their purpose was to prevent both the royal family and the nobility from running wild.
At times, their authority rivaled that of the Four Great Ducal Houses or even the crown itself.
They oversaw matters of succession.
Normally the king’s wishes carried weight.
But if his choices were deemed unacceptable, they could intervene.
…Now that I thought about it, hadn’t I heard they were fanatics when it came to green eyes?
“So Father could be punished for concealing someone with high succession rights?”
“Most likely.”
“But Duke Latitche is indispensable politically and militarily.”
“Even the Council cannot realistically strip his title or place him under house arrest.”
“Punishment is likely unavoidable.”
“But at most, it would probably be temporary suspension or financial penalties.”
“Besides, His Majesty Lauzes strongly opposes keeping you here against your will.”
“His Majesty does?”
“Yes.”
“When you first arrived at the palace, you were already in terrible condition.”
“After hearing about the barrier, he became deeply concerned.”
“However, the Council of Elders and both queens are working aggressively to keep you here.”
“His Majesty is effectively standing alone in opposition.”
“Many nobles are still observing the situation.”
“But the outlook isn’t good.”
So His Majesty Lauzes had actually been resisting all this.
I had always imagined him simply dumping work onto Father.
Maybe he had been overwhelmed by the queens and stubborn old nobles.
Father rarely complained directly.
But sometimes his words carried a clear undertone of:
“They’re useless.”
Come to think of it…
Father rarely criticized His Majesty.
For someone with such strong likes and dislikes, that was unusual.
Though perhaps it wasn’t like and dislike.
Perhaps it was simply whether he cared.
“…I see.”
“I didn’t know any of that.”
“Thank you for telling me.”
“I may have overstepped.”
“But none of this is your fault.”
“And Kishtaria wasn’t hiding it to deceive you.”
“He likely heard rumors about how distressed you were and wanted to spare you further suffering.”
“…I suppose I’ve caused everyone worry.”
“What an unreliable older sister I am.”
Kishtaria had far more to deal with than I did.
An attack on House Latitche was unprecedented.
And on such a massive scale.
That was no mere incident.
It was an assault.
I only hoped Father wouldn’t take his anger out on Kishtaria.
Though realistically…
That was impossible.
I would have to stop him.
When Father became angry, he was a natural disaster.
No one else could stop him.
…
Because I had been kidnapped, Kishtaria’s punishment might be severe.
If things went badly, Father’s beloved sword might start swinging.
Absolutely not.
I had to prevent that.
This was Renalia’s fault.
And Duke Fortuna’s.
Kishtaria had tried repeatedly to stop Duke Fortuna from taking me away.
Each time, he had been brushed aside.
And because I was there, he probably couldn’t even use his magic properly.
“You cannot blame yourself for this situation.”
“What’s happening now is abnormal.”
“Albert, no matter what happens, do not lower the barrier until your father returns.”
“I understand.”
“…Hehe. Should I expect assassins?”
“Not assassins.”
“But you are definitely being targeted.”
I tilted my head.
Mikaelis sighed.
What now?
“…If you become Crown Princess, your husband will effectively become the equivalent of a Prince Consort.”
“If something were to happen to you…”
“And someone managed to establish a romantic connection with you…”
“That man would immediately become the person closest to the throne.”
“There are countless people who would gladly trap you into such a situation.”
“But…”
“Wouldn’t high-ranking nobles already have fiancées?”
“Even among ducal and royal families, there aren’t many people whose status would match mine.”
Most high-ranking nobles were engaged from childhood.
People like Kishtaria and me were the exception.
The same could be said of Mikaelis and Jibril.
Princes Lucas and Leold had both received fiancées before the age of ten.
I vaguely remembered their names being Vivian of House Almandine and Catherine of House Frings.
Though my social knowledge was admittedly unreliable.
“For the chance to become the next Prince Consort, some would gladly abandon their fiancées.”
“My…”
“The matter of Princess Elmedia is a perfect example.”
“Princess Elmedia?”
“How is she related to this?”
“Many noble families arrange marriages around members of the royal family.”
“If their children are close in age to a prince or princess, they become potential candidates.”
“It creates opportunities.”
“Initially, many families hoped to become Princess Elmedia’s future in-laws.”
“…And?”
“It’s difficult to say this politely.”
“But Princess Elmedia lacks talent.”
“And her personality is rather carefree.”
“She has little interest in governance.”
“Her achievements are negligible.”
“That’s one reason her marriage prospects have struggled.”
“I see…”
“Albert.”
“Your age is close to hers.”
“This generation of nobles is unusually strong.”
“For families whose hopes regarding Princess Elmedia collapsed, you are a dream opportunity.”
“Many of them accepted compromises when arranging their current engagements.”
“Princess Elmedia is neither exceptionally beautiful nor exceptionally talented.”
“But you possess extraordinary beauty.”
“And you are beloved by the people.”
“Above all, you are connected to both the royal family and House Latitche.”
“Whoever becomes your husband gains direct access to the most powerful bloodline in Sandis.”
“…No.”
“I don’t want that.”
The words came out so flatly that Jibril burst into laughter.
Even Mikaelis coughed and hid his mouth.
Had I said something strange?
Why would I willingly marry some parasite planning to live off me!?
Father should beat some sense into them!
Do they think I’m so easily impressed?
My father is an impossibly handsome duke.
My stepbrother Kishtaria is absurdly attractive.
Julius is a brilliant, elegant genius.
And Mikaelis himself looks like a magnificent blooming rose.
I’ve been surrounded by impossible levels of beauty my entire life.
Do they seriously think some random spoiled noble boy can impress me now!?
It’s far too late for that.
Even my first love has long since disappeared beneath my father complex!
“More importantly…”
“I have no desire to associate with any man who would cause trouble for Father, Mother, or Kishtaria.”
“Even if you avoid them, they may force their way into your life.”
Mikaelis emphasized the warning once more.
His crimson eyes were filled with concern.
So I obediently nodded.
Mikaelis understood the nobility far better than I ever could.
He had undoubtedly witnessed things far uglier than anything I could imagine.
Power.
Wealth.
Influence.
Such things could make people frighteningly selfish.
They wouldn’t care about me at all.
Only my bloodline.
My status.
The position I could provide.
And all they needed to obtain it was one weak young girl.
Sensing my unease, Mikaelis sat beside me and gently embraced me.
As though handling something fragile.
His broad chest and strong arms completely enveloped me.
His hesitant hand stroked my back.
Calming the anxiety rippling through my heart.
The warmth was comforting.
Reassuring.
Without realizing it, I closed my eyes.
“Albert.”
“Please rely on me.”
“If anything frightens you.”
“If anyone threatens you.”
“Do not hesitate.”
“I will become your sword.”
“And your shield.”
“…Mikaelis…?”
“Even with the barrier, someone may eventually find a way through.”
“The Council of Elders likely wants everything settled before Duke Latitche returns.”
“…But Father is my legal guardian.”
“He is both Duke Latitche and my father.”
“Surely they can’t proceed without him.”
“They may invoke a special exception.”
“A special exception?”
“The Council possesses extraordinary authority regarding matters of succession.”
“They are attempting to use those powers, along with support from the senate and royal family, to transfer your registration into the royal family.”
“Because before you can become Crown Princess, you must first become a royal.”
“…I don’t want any of that.”
What a nuisance.
The Council of Elders had officially become my enemy.
A group of old men trying to tear me away from House Latitche.
Joining a royal family that already seemed riddled with problems sounded like a terrible joke.
I only wanted a peaceful life.
Why was even that impossible?