“As expected of a lady educated to be the Crown Princess Consort. That poise, and such a composed attitude. I am truly impressed.”
Mother narrowed her eyes, watching the white cocoon. It had slightly shortened, likely because she had bent her knees in a curtsy.
However, behind her, Maille, encircled by the Crown Prince Arios’ arm, appeared displeased.
She was glaring fiercely at the white cocoon, her brows deeply furrowed. Clearly, she wasn’t happy about someone else being praised ahead of her.
Her lipstick-clad lips moved.
“But I’m the cuter one.”
That’s what she was saying.
“Excuse me, my lady. How about Tidros?”
Mother switched languages. She spoke in Tidros.
Until now, she had been using the common tongue of Karavan, the visiting country.
“I am still quite inexperienced, but I am proficient enough not to have trouble in everyday life,” the white cocoon responded.
Such humility. Her pronunciation was rather good. As expected of someone raised to be the Crown Princess Consort.
Behind her, a confused Maille asked Crown Prince Arios, “What are the two of them saying?” only to be told, “You don’t need to know, Maille.” He then kissed her on the forehead.
Ah, right, I came here to witness this, didn’t I?
But still… that girl Maille… she doesn’t seem well-versed in foreign languages.
This does not bode well for the future, I thought, pressing my lips into a thin line.
There are several royal families on this continent, each either standing independently or vying for supremacy. Language is absolutely essential in negotiations.
Though the Crown Princess Consort, my eldest brother’s wife, is younger than me, she is fluent in languages. She appears as carefree as Maille, but she’s a gifted woman.
Even my second brother, who married into another family, can speak and write several languages.
As for my second brother’s wife, she’s the eldest daughter, but since the firstborn inherits the throne there, she will surely make an excellent queen consort.
Well, even I, the third son who was tossed into the knight corps as soon as I was born and trained solely in martial arts, can speak the languages of the major nations well enough to get by. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to interrogate prisoners.
Of course, one could rely on interpreters, but the issue of how trustworthy those interpreters are always arises.
“My apologies for the abruptness, but would it be possible for your daughter to become my son’s spouse, Lord Barrymore?”
When Mother asked Lord Barrymore this, the room was filled with murmurs.
Well, of course. I understand how they feel. After a broken engagement, now there’s talk of a new one.
“Although she was raised to be the Crown Princess Consort, pairing her with a third son, even if he’s a prince, would be a step down in status.”
“No, Your Highness. Such words are too kind,” Lord Barrymore replied firmly.
“Lord Barrymore!” “Please wait! Just a moment!”
The senior retainers of the Luminous royal family tried to stop him, but he paid them no heed. Oh dear… is this going to be okay?
“However, I am a subject of King Tania. The marriage between my daughter and the Luminous royal family was also in accordance with King Tania’s wishes. First, I must seek King Tania’s opinion. May I provide an official response to the Tidros royal family afterward?”
Lord Barrymore replied calmly.
“Of course, Lord Barrymore,” Mother smiled graciously.
“I look forward to hearing a favorable response.”
Lord Barrymore gave a deep bow, then let out a quiet breath.
“As a father, I must admit, I would rather entrust my daughter to the prince who stood up for her honor before anyone else, rather than to the Luminous royal family.”
Ah. That’s me, isn’t it?
All eyes turned to me. Feeling uncomfortable, I shrank my shoulders, only to be glared at by Mother. She was telling me to stand tall, no doubt. But thinking about how my righteous anger had made me seem so naive compared to Crown Prince Arios left me feeling embarrassed.
“I understand your feelings,” Mother nodded empathetically.
“What kind of treatment is this towards the young lady? If nothing had been said here, I would have struck my own son.”
Yikes. I almost got slapped.
“That being the case, please convey to King Tania that I would greatly appreciate a positive consideration.”
Mother smiled brightly.
Lord Barrymore lowered his head once again, pushing past the senior officials of the Norris royal family, and stepped onto the red carpet.
The white cocoon moved, taking Lord Barrymore’s proffered arm. As they began walking toward the door, I suddenly felt the need to say something.
“Excuse me, Lord Barrymore.”
When I called out, he stopped in his tracks and slowly turned around. The white cocoon also tilted her head slightly, as if to look at me.
“Well, um… as you can see, this is how I look. I don’t resemble my older brother, the Crown Prince, or my second brother, who will become a king consort in another country. So…”
I straightened my back, knowing I had to make this point clear.
“Please do not force your daughter into anything. Even if I were to receive a refusal, this Saryu El Tidros would feel neither pain nor discomfort.”
Mother chuckled softly beside me.
“Honestly, you. Are you trying to extend your streak of failed match meetings?”
“Well, as you can see.”
I shrugged my shoulders playfully, and finally, a faint smile tugged at Lord Barrymore’s lips, and I felt relieved.
“Please prioritize your daughter’s opinion.”
“The prince’s reputation has reached even our country.”
“The man of endless failed matches, huh?”
As I widened my eyes in shock, Lord Barrymore finally broke into laughter.
“Not at all. This is the first I’ve heard of such a thing. I know you as ‘The Winter Bear of Tidros.’”
That one, huh.
Just as I slumped in disappointment, I heard a woman’s laughter, and my spirits sank even further.
I had assumed the white cocoon was laughing at me.
It was Maille.
“That prince, a winter bear, they say. How fitting.”
I’m glad you’re enjoying this. Looking to the side, I saw Crown Prince Arios raising a finger to his lips and saying, “Shh.” Well, I am a prince, after all.
“I had wanted to speak with you. Thank you for standing up for my daughter today.”
Lord Barrymore bowed deeply once more and then, accompanied by the white cocoon who seemed to bow slightly, left the chapel.
And that was the first time I met Citroen Barrymore.
☨☨☨☨
Later, I met the white cocoon lady again, within the royal palace of the Tidros Kingdom. This time, we were formally engaged to each other.
