Just like that, another peaceful(?) two days passed by. It was exactly two days until the plan as well.

‘I’m going to die in embarrassment!”

– Clack, clack.

– Click click……

‘I swear, the thing I have done the most since coming to this world is becoming embarrassed.’

“Your highness, why is your face red? Is it hot?”

“How would that be possible, Maria? I’m worried that you might be getting sick, your highness.”

“Eldest brother brought a magic hand warmer with him.”

Young ladies Maria, Antoinette, and Thérèse observed my face before commenting one after the other. Eva, who was wearing a cylindrical fur hat, peeked at me with wide eyes as well. I waved and said that I was okay. I also didn’t need a hotpack because I had a flame holy stone orb.

Armgard, who was carrying me, neighed before moving forward. The Imperial Crown Prince was at the front of the group. His black horse, Charlemagne, looked handsome from the back as well. I could now tell that he was much larger than my Arm as well.

– Piiiii

“Percy, sit still as big sis Arm works hard.”

– Squeeeee!

“We can’t run right now. You are not supposed to dash in the Imperial Palace.”

I scolded the chimney bird and red panda riding with me. I could see the white breath coming out of their tiny mouths.

The Imperial Palace, having arrived at the time period of the Grand Celebration of the Advent of the Almighty God, was dazzling with decorations. The leaf-less trees were wrapped with golden threads and amethyst decorations while the magic lights had light purple lace and golden flags with the symbol of the Church of the Almighty God embroidered on them. The snow piled up added to the marvelous and beautiful feeling. The Imperial Court musicians, clad in thick fur coats, were playing beautiful music on the streets for the visitors.

– ♩♪♬……

“The music is amazing. Well, it is every year.”

“I agree, young lady Margaret. Has young master Djibril been well?”

“Please don’t even mention him. My brother……”

Basically, it was a yearly family gathering!

– Clack, clack.

‘Important young ladies coming to meet crown prince Cédric, getting on horses together to ride around the greenhouse, and creating a happy and warm environment……

It was all just a part of a large family gathering for the Grand Celebration. That was why the Marquis House of Duhem were all here as part of the Imperial family’s collateral line. Eva was also here as the crown prince’s cousin, and other young men and children who also have some imperial family blood in there have entered the palace to enjoy this time. I heard that some people stayed until the end of February.

They all showed up to show their respects to the Empress before they would leave, and the Empress supposedly gave them some words of blessing as well as some gold, silver, and jewels. It was basically like going to your father’s eldest sibling’s house to bow and get some new years money. ‘In these aspects, it’s clear that the author is Korean.

……I just had no idea and thought the crown prince was seeing a woman or something. ‘Man, I really questioned him hard about it. David only talked about the women!’

“Ah! For this year’s new years walk, you are accompanying us, Prince Jesse. My joy knows no limits because of it!”

“Hello, François.”

Marquis François came over on a fast horse that resembled him. The tension coming from him was no joke today as usual. But I was always happy to see his face as long as he was not sick.

“I guess if you think about the end of last year, we would not lack anything to tie us almost as close as blood relatives. Recall the adventures of that day. The thrilling village! Our great friendship!”

“I came here not knowing it was something like this.”

I whispered only loud enough for him to hear, and the Marquis smiled as handsomely as an actor before he stuck closer to me.

I only grumbled internally. The crown prince bastard called me over super early in the morning, saying that I could check with my own eyes. ‘That guy gets up at five am every day.’

“Then it must be the help of fate. I just happen to have something to say to you, your highness.”

He sounded secretive as he lowered his voice and then winked at Antoinette, who was riding nearby. The young lady immediately understood her eldest brother’s wishes and had her younger siblings move away. They started chatting with other youths and distanced themselves.

Eva tilted her head before sticking closer to me saying that she would rather stay with me. I could see Captain Hervé in the distance trying to maintain order in the Imperial Palace.

Apparently the large Strauder Palace was full, so I couldn’t even imagine how chaotic it would be……

“I have information about crown princess Elise Venetiaan.”

I flinched and looked at the Marquis. His plum blossom-like light punk eyes were sparkling brightly. He was not the type to joke about something like this.

I peeked at the crown prince punk’s back before confirming that he was not paying attention and tilted my body.

“……I’m listening.”

“Her highness has arrived at the neutral region. However, she is not allowed to bring soldiers in there so she only has one attendant with her.”

“How did you hear about this? I’m sorry, but are you certain about this information?”

“This isinformation we heard directly from the border, and it should be true as it has been verified by the respected Duchess Blanquer.” He looked over at Eva and smiled.

“Thank you very much.” I thanked François and exchanged glances with the child. Her brown gaze looked concerned.

As expected, Elise had reached the neutral region. Based on what I heard, Sand was also getting help from Viscount Rambouillet to head there this weekend as well. Empress Frédérique had accepted his ID verification. The fact that she and my teacher approved of it despite Sand not being a noble of the Empire must mean that Sand’s father was a well-known figure. The flow of things was better than I expected. In that case……

‘Maybe I can send a message with Sand. Even if it is difficult for me to go because it is too dangerous, a letter should be fine.’

“You don’t have that long, your highness,” he Marquis said in a low voice.

As one of the Empress’s close confidants, he already knew about the current situation with the letter to Elise. His serious gaze gave off a completely different feel than earlier. I immediately understood what he was trying to say.

“Yes.”

Today was February 17th. It was the holy Grand Celebration of the Advent of the Almighty God until February 28th. Under the iron rule of maintaining the Almighty God’s peace, all sorts of violence were being punished significantly more than usual. The small battles on the border should have settled down as well. The Empress would silently wait for a response from the Holy Kingdom until that day. However, I had no idea how the state of affairs would change after March arrived. Even if the Empire declared war as soon as the moon phase changed, I had no justification to stop them.

“……If possible, I want to stop all wars. For myself as well as everybody.”

“I see. What a noble mindset.” The man gently smiled. There was something I suddenly thought of after seeing the good posture on the horse.

“Gerrit likes the Marquis’ polo match. Let’s go watch another one together when the weather gets better.”

“It would be an undeniable, unmatchable, undefeatable honor for my family! Little Geens seemed to have a discerning eye for choosing great players.”

“Gerrit has a lot of interest in the Salon de Victoire as well. You should go there first!” Eva did not lose and chimed in. Rhea and Perry, who were in the young Duchess’s saddle basket, smiled. They seemed to be agreeing with her. I ended up laughing out loud.

Ominous black clouds looked ready to show up above our heads at any moment, but it was still okay. Everybody was using the same shaped umbrellas. I confirmed that quite clearly this winter.

“Come over and explain.”

The crown prince’s low voice pierced my ears at that moment. I quickly turned my gaze. The punk was glaring at me with a vicious gaze.

We were already in front of the large dome-shaped greenhouse. To put in the effort to translate the punk’s unfriendly statement, he seemed to be telling me to gather some sun halo weed for the group. Understanding it did not make it any more clear.

‘I know you are the eldest one who needs to kill some time with your cousins, but now there is someone else here to do that for you. Why would I……’

“Too slow.”

“I’m coming, I’m coming.” I grumbled and moved forward with Arm. The Marquis chimed in from the rear. I stepped forward to see Sir Johann and Vice Captain Élisabeth at once. I gently waved at them as well.

“Sand has been placed in charge of the greenhouse sun halo weeds since last month, your Royal Highness. Have you forgotten about that?”

“Sand Roos is currently on vacation.”

I tried to complain to him but the crown prince brusquely responded and got off his saddle. I had no choice if that was the case, but the problem was that his attitude was terrible. I held back a sigh and got away from Arm’s back. I quickly hugged Demy, who had both arms open for me as well.

‘When will this punk become a proper human being? He’s graduated preschool but kindergarten is now the problem.’

“I will help you, Prince Jesse.”

“Thank you very much.”

David immediately came over. This must be another part of the family gathering as he had work gloves, hoes, and other things in a small basket. It seemed to be getting into the full swing of things, so I naturally peeked toward the crown prince.

‘Shouldn’t he pay me at this point? I know I don’t really have any reason to spend money here, but I’m basically at the greenhouse to show someone else’s younger siblings a marvelous sight. Even though I am a Diplomatic hostage, I am a top-tier figure.’

Around that time, the little guests who were riding ponies got off.

“I’m super excited! I heard that the prince of Venetiaan will introduce the sun halo weed to us!”

“It’s not just sun halo weed. He is apparently going to show us how he scatters his ether over the sun halo weed!”

“That’s right. I’ve seen regular sun halo weeds before too.”

“You’ve gone all the way to the border? You’re only six years old!”

“Hey there young master with the handsome tie, will you please line up over here?”

“Yes, young lady Antoinette.”

‘…Pay, my ass. It is fine as long as the children are healthy and having fun.’ I just smiled brightly and shook my head.

The grandest greenhouse in the entire Empire, the one that was built using magic stones as beautiful as Christelle, was right in front of us. It was impossible to get this far in the past, but I could easily come here without anybody’s permission now. Because of that, I ended up as the field trip teacher for the little chicks with Arian Riester’s blood.

The crown prince silently looked at me. It was a welcomed change.

“Your highness, you should remember the story of his Eminence, Cardinal Philip.” The middle-aged man put a key in the greenhouse lock and warmly explained.

“Yes, David.”

‘It worked!’ I just happened to be thinking about Arian right now.

“Her late majesty, Arian, actively wanted a marriage, but his Eminence, Cardinal Philip, immediately rejected it. He stayed alone until his passing.”

“Yes he did.”

‘Why is he suddenly talking about this?’

Percy, who was seated on the crown prince’s shoulder, tilted his head in my place.

“Based on the precedents he left behind, the Religious Partners of all Riester rulers since then have not married.”

“That is what I read.”

“……Yes, your highness,” David calmly answered before opening the door. Creeeeeak. Noble youth and children were stomping their feet in joy.

The crown prince coldly went inside first. I pulled up my robe that was as thick as a blanket and blinked.

‘What is going on? Is this the end?’

*

Friday.

The weekly reading meeting, ‘Amour Courtois,’ had a second meeting in the same week for the first time since its creation thirty or so years ago. Normally, it would be enough to meet once a week in a quiet place. The members all did not enjoy outdoor trips and were the type to get easily tired around a lot of people. The majority were children of families without the responsibilities of the head of household; no adults scolded them for their hobbies.

Part of it was because the meeting itself was very secretive.

Basically, the Amour Courtois was the perfect club to hear affectionate advice and have frequent interactions with their work. So today’s schedule was definitely shocking. Not only did they get this grand treatment from the imperial family and receive Prince Jesse’s invitation, they were about to go into the Passion Palace, her Majesty’s choice location for her small gatherings.

“I’m shaking quite a bit despite this not being my first time in the Imperial Palace.” AC’s president wiped his forehead with his handkerchief as he commented. His gentle voice echoed through the wide room. Everybody nodded their heads.

They personally picked up their bags with their manuscripts (all of the Imperial Palace’s attendants were surprised) and sat down in front of a sparkling marble table. Everybody attended despite the difficulties in order to show their loyalties. Their clothes were so luxurious nobody would be able to look down on them, but their faces looked anxious.

The attendants entered in a single-file line and put down refreshment, welcomed them to Passion Palace, and handed them each a present for attending. The lilac-colored ribbon tied around the box had the following sentence embroidered on it.

‘For your dignified tastes. – F. R.’

It was a message and gift from her Majesty, encouraging the small group gathering in Passion. The faces of the members became darker. Some of the attendants tilted their heads in confusion. They had never had such a reaction before.

“I’ve come a few times with my mother, but I am still so nervous. Are you doing a bit better, young lady Bérénice? Your aunt is the Chief of Staff. I’m sure you’ve been here many times.” One of the young ladies warmly commented.

Bérénice barely managed to smile and shook her head. “My aunt and I are very close and I shamelessly entered the Imperial Palace many times when I was younger, but…… I’ve found myself too leery at the thought of entering the Imperial Palace since joining the Amour Courtois.”

She was scared that reality would be different from her imagination. She liked seeing these important figures from a distance. That was why she was so upset that she almost cried when she heard about the marriage. Her older sister, the young Duchess, tried to encourage her by saying that the crown prince was determined to be number one in the Empire’s most desired husband ranking.

Her sister didn’t know anything. Rather than marrying her, his Royal Highness should run away with Christelle and live as a stoic shepherd for the rest of his life……

“I apologize for making you wait. Hello everyone.”

Flinch! A soothing voice echoed through the room. The members gasped and quickly got up from their seats.

Bérénice saw an illusion where the entire world seemed to be moving as slow as a snail. From the distance, a light so bright that she could not keep her eyes open was walking over. She knew this was rude, but she could not close her open jaw. Her heart started to beat wildly, her head felt dizzy, she couldn’t even tell whether this was real or a dream. Cold sweat dripped down her back and her throat became parched.

In front of her right now was her favorite famous person…….

– Plop

“Ah!”

Her demonic beast leather bag weakly fell to the ground. Bérénice became shocked and bent down.

‘What kind of disrespect am I showing to such an important person? I should be showing the greatest of respect and keep my head on the ground until he leaves, but… You stupid, clumsy…’

“How pretty. I have a bag that looks like this as well.”
The wingless angel was talking. Beautiful hands with the blessings of the Almighty God easily lifted up her bag.

The young lady’s gaze slowly lifted up as well, as if she was bewitched by a ghost. This did not feel real at all.

‘Mommy……’

“My name is Jesse Venetiaan. Nice to meet you.”

The prince, who was wearing his Archbishop formal attire with beautiful diamond earrings, was smiling while looking at her.

—
Translator’s Comments

I don’t think it’ll be hard for Jesse to make lil Bérénice swoon. She’s basically won over already.

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