Chapter 60
1329 Words
“Don’t worry, he’s gone now.”
I raised my head and peeked around. Sure enough, he wasn’t there anymore. I sighed in relief and glared at Kalvin.
“I’m sorry my dearest. It’s not time for this yet. You were such a sport though. Thank you,” he said, kissing my cheeks.
“We have received reports from the first battle. I’ll go on ahead so you can take care of how you look. Don’t be long.”
He left me there and I deflated on the pillar. It had been so long since I had the gentle touch of someone else, stimulating desires in me. My body rejected him at first but it seemed like it wasn’t anymore. If I went on like that, I wouldn’t be able to reject him anymore.
Worse, I could fall in love with him.
No, I couldn’t afford that. Certainly not in times like these. I gathered my wits and arranged myself to go. Somehow, I felt like there was something I was forgetting. It was almost like I was tricked into something.
**
“She’s here now. We can begin. Lion, your report.”
“Y-Yes, your highness.”
The first battle happened at Turia, the border town between Casella and Uramuth. It wasn’t much of a surprise since the other kings knew about King Mival’s intent to wage war with Uramuth so the troops in Uramuth were ready for battle.
The first battle took two days before the two sides ended up calling a truce. According to this information, it was safe to say the foot soldiers were on the same level. The casualties weren’t that high but the morale on both sides were. That was all they had to report.
“I guess we expected as much. I’m sure none of the royals participated in the fight, right?”
“No. Prince Kron’s personal soldiers participated in the first battle. He led the battle of attrition and made it so that the battle ended in a truce.”
“Oh. how very interesting.”
He looked like he was cooking up something mischievous.
“If I remember correctly, you were his date at the ball.”
“It’s something I got tricked into.”
Wait, why am I defending myself?
“I can definitely imagine that. It’s safe to say you’re close to Prince Kron, right?”
“I met him at my debut but I haven’t had the time to interact with him a lot.”
“I see…”
“What are you thinking about?”
“Oh, nothing. Perhaps I am a little jealous.”
I blushed, surprising myself and looked away. He had a way with words, catching me off guard every time.
“Any news about the troops from Uramuth?”
“Oh yes…”
Lion rambled on the rest of the report and I eventually lost interest. The thing that caught my attention the most was Prince Kron’s conduct. Just why did he throw himself into the first battle?
A tactic? For reputation? Or was it his father’s idea?
Whatever it was, it wasn’t good for him. If the soldiers knew he was easily accessible, they would plan on killing him first. Deep down, I didn’t want him to die.
“You seem distracted. Are you worried about Casella or about him?”
“What are you insinuating, Kalvin?”
“I just wanted to know if I had any opponents fighting for your hand. However, looking at the man, he seems too much like his father. I am afraid you will turn into a vase if you choose him.”
“A prince bad mouthing another prince? How petty.”
It was more aggravating because he was right.
“When it comes to you, my dearest, I would become the most petty man in the world.”
“... Shut up.”
He stood and extended his hand. I eyed it suspiciously.
“Come on, let’s go for a walk around Salem.”
Memories of the girl being burned at stake resurfaced in my memories. It was a good natured offer but one I couldn’t take freely.
“No thanks.”
“It’s a beautiful day. Let’s make the most of it.”
“Salem is strange. I am not leaving the manor.”
“Hmm? Why?”
“I witnessed a child being burnt to death in the name of religion. I already look strange. I have a bad past. What if next time, I’m the one on that stake?”
He was taken aback. He clenched his fist and withdrew his hand.
“I was hoping you wouldn’t see that.”
“Is this the type of place Zerramond has become?”
“I know you want to complain but hear me out. I never wished for this to happen. I was fine the way everything was before.”
“Then what changed?”
He stared at me for the longest time and smiled.
“What?”
“You do not know how happy I am that you care about my nation and my people. You are already thinking like a queen.”
“I-I am only concerned about my own safety!”
“Of course.”
He sighed, running a hand through his head. I was crazy to think that attractive.
“Remember when we got married?”
“Yes. It was a weird and uncomfortable ceremony.”
“That hurt. I thought it was the happiest day of my life.”
“... What about it?”
“Having our wedding hosted by the pope of the church of Light was the rise of their influence. People went by the logic; if it’s trusted by the royal family, then it might be good enough. And so, they started to propagate their beliefs throughout the whole kingdom. I didn’t notice until it was too late that their beliefs were wrapped and had taken over the minds of the people. The first lynching opened my eyes to that fact. However, at that point, there was nothing I could do. If I had laid my hands on the church as the prince, the backlash would be too much for me to handle. I might even be hated.”
“So, the situation is hopeless?”
“Not exactly. However, the option of resolving it peacefully is out of the question. To be honest, this matter has stumped me for months.”
He looked distressed, scattering his hair with his hands. I felt sorry for him, reaching to comfort him.
“I mean, they stopped me from looking for my wife! Those bastards!”
… Forget it. He’s just a p*****t through and through.
“Ahem! If we don’t resolve this matter, we wouldn’t be able to intervene with the war. Worst case scenario, the royal family may lose their position.”
“... Why do you not seem saddened by that?”
He smiled brightly, taking my hand in his.
“If I am no longer a prince, then I can live a free life with my wife. If she wants to take her throne back, then I wouldn’t be her setback anymore.”
This man… has lost his mind. Thinking that, I snatched my hands away.
“So, you don’t mind the deaths of many more?”
“Ariana, don’t go thinking I am a cruel man now. Of course I care about my people. I have been taught to do so since the day I started to reason. However, it was in the past that the royal family was adored and revered. Now, if the church wanted to oust us, saying it is the will of Zerus, then the people will not object. They don’t care about me, Ariana.”
He spoke nothing but the truth. Underneath his maniacal thoughts of love towards me, he actually had sense. And maybe, too much sadness for one person to bear.
- Writer
