“What?”

Gilliam blinked in surprise at Seiard’s sudden declaration.

“When you say you’re looking for a marriage partner…”

“I mean exactly that.”

“What’s the sudden reason for this?”

Seiard summarized his conversation with the princess and relayed it to his secretary. After hearing the story, Gilliam spoke in a cautious tone.

“I see. But isn’t this too hasty, considering the princess just brought it up?”

“Once it’s come from the princess’s mouth, it’s only a matter of time before the king speaks of it. The royal family has wanted to exert influence over our house for a long time.”

Given that the Hillan duchy was a prestigious family with a history rivaling that of the royal family in the Kingdom of Sorbi, and possessed enormous wealth, it was a natural desire.

Though the 5-year war with the neighboring country of Jack had long ended, the royal family had yet to repay a significant portion of the debt they had incurred to raise war funds at the time.

Seiard clicked his tongue.

“Father was too obsessed with appearances. Hillan is Hillan even without a mistress of royal descent.”

“Well, at the time, we needed the king’s approval for new business ventures the family was pursuing, so there was a need to stay in His Majesty’s good graces.”

Gilliam defended the former master somewhat, then glanced at the current master’s expression.

“In any case, you intend to proceed with another marriage before hearing directly from the king?”

“I want to get ahead of it. For now, they’re keeping quiet since it hasn’t been long since my brother passed, but they’ll call for me soon enough.”

“Do you dislike the idea of marrying the princess that much?”

“…Gilliam, I’m Seiard, not Biserk.”

The Duke of Hillan smiled as he met the gaze tinged with faint anxiety.

“So I have no obligation to marry the princess.”

Seeing how firm his resolve was, Gilliam could not voice any further opposition. As a loyal servant, he simply asked:

“Shall I look into potential matches as soon as we arrive?”

“Yes. Will it take long?”

“Well… To be honest, I’m not sure if there’s anyone suitable for you, Your Grace.”

For someone from a family matching the Hillan duchy’s status and of Seiard’s age, it was common to already have a match arranged.

Moreover, since Seiard had left for the monastery at a young age, he hadn’t properly interacted with noble ladies. Where would they suddenly find a marriage partner?

“Someone suitable for me, is it.”

Leaning against one wall, Seiard’s gaze fell on the scenery outside the window. The carriage was passing near the royal library.

“Do you perhaps have someone in mind already?”

To Gilliam’s question, asked to gauge his master’s intentions, Seiard fell into thought for a moment. Then he gave a somewhat bland answer.

“Well, there’s just someone who comes to mind.”

In the swaying carriage, Gilliam tilted his head.

“Hello, everyone.”

As the host of the reception room finally appeared, the guests hurriedly rose from their seats.

“We greet you, Princess.”

“Princess, how is your health?”

“It is an honor that you have permitted our visit.”

Arta, visibly thinner than when last seen, smiled somewhat weakly.

“Please, everyone, sit down. And I’m fine. I’ve gotten much better thanks to your concern.”

As the ladies sat down according to her words, tender emotions spread across their faces.

“Oh, Princess…”

“How can you be fine when you’ve lost so much weight?”

“How heartbroken you must be.”

“We can’t even begin to imagine your feelings.”

Arta waved her hand with an awkward expression.

“No, really, I’m fine. You don’t need to be so considerate of me. Rather, could you tell me what’s been happening outside while I’ve been in seclusion? I’ve heard general news through letters, but hearing it directly is different.”

Though her forced cheerfulness was pitiful to see, they willingly responded to the princess’s wish and tried to change the mood.

“Come to think of it, the dog we keep at home recently had puppies. They’re so cute…”

“I went to see the opera ‘The Lord’s Castle’ at the Royal Theater yesterday. The singers’ passionate performances were worth seeing. If anyone’s interested, when you have time…”

“My father brought back some tea leaves from his business trip, and I’d like to give some to you too, Princess…”

Casual conversation flowed over the table set with refreshments, and whenever the princess spoke, everyone stopped talking and listened attentively.

This was a familiar scene Kisa had observed for years now. The so-called youngest princess and her friends.

Long ago, the queen herself had chosen friends of her young daughter’s age. Count Vanspelt had repeatedly emphasized, to the point of drilling it into Kisa’s ears, that her inclusion was an unparalleled honor. He would also boast that the queen had judged based on both family background and character.

In any case, perhaps thanks to the queen’s sharp discernment, the gathering had been maintained without any major issues so far. Although there was the fear of being scolded by one’s father if they were to upset the princess even slightly, Kisa rather liked this gathering. After all, it was every noble’s honor to serve royalty up close.

However, today she let their words go in one ear and out the other while giving appropriate responses. She simply couldn’t focus on the conversation.

Though the issue of marriage with Daniel still troubled her mind, the root cause was Melissa sitting next to her.

“My, to think such a thing happened. You must have been shocked.”

Melissa, who had been listening to someone else, smiled when her eyes met Kisa’s.

“What’s wrong? Do you have something to say?”

“It’s nothing.”

“You’re so silly.”

Her attitude, as if nothing had happened, made Kisa’s stomach churn. It was only four days ago that the two had parted with flushed faces.

Despite no particular exchange between them since then, Melissa acted friendly when they met in front of the palace as if nothing had happened.

Of course, Kisa didn’t want to show any sign of quarrel with Melissa in front of the princess, who was deeply saddened by the loss of her fiancé. However, seeing the other person behave exactly the same as before left her dumbfounded.

“Kisa, have you lost your appetite? Why are you nibbling at the lemon cake you like so much?”

That detestable face, looking as if she was sincerely worried about her friend. Kisa swallowed her displeasure instead of the cake and shook her head.

“I’m fine. You don’t need to worry about—”

As she was about to say she was fine, someone showed interest in their conversation.

“Oh my, Kisa. Are you not feeling well?”

As Princess Arta asked, touching her own cheek, Kisa waved her hands in surprise.

“No, Princess. Melissa misunderstood.”

“Are you sure? If there’s any discomfort, you don’t have to hide it.”

“Really, I’m perfectly healthy.”

At least, she couldn’t compare to the princess who had been so distressed that she hadn’t set foot in society. The princess, both sensitive and kind, expressed relief at Kisa’s answer and said:

“I’m glad. I was worried that something might have happened to Kisa.”

“To me?”

“Yes, since you’re going through a difficult time in many ways right now.”

At that moment, a cold needle-like wind pierced her heart. Reflexively, she looked at Melissa sitting next to her, who avoided her gaze with an embarrassed expression. Seeing the two, the princess intervened as if mediating.

“Please don’t blame Melissa. I asked her first. I sensed some melancholy in the letters I exchanged with Melissa.”

Letters? Come to think of it, although Arta was forbidden from going out, she had always responded briefly to the letters of consolation that came to her. Kisa remembered sending four or five herself.

I see. Melissa had used Kisa’s problem as a topic of conversation. To pique the princess’s interest.

“…Yes, I suppose so.”

Nevertheless, she had no choice but to answer like that in this situation. Because the princess was defending Melissa.

“Kisa, you are a wonderful person. Lowens may not realize it now and is wandering, but he will surely return to you in the end.”

The women seated around the table looked at Kisa with eyes tinged with surprise and interest. Taking it a step further, the princess rose from her chair, approached, and held Kisa’s hands.

“So don’t fret too much and wait. And if there’s anything troubling you, feel free to confide in me anytime. I’ll be your strength.”

“…”

“Hm? We’re friends, aren’t we?”

As if on cue, the ladies each added their own words.

“The princess is right, Lady Vanspelt.”

“We’d be happy to help in any way we can.”

“Don’t be too disheartened. Men’s hearts are bound to cool off anyway.”

“Lowens will surely realize your worth.”

Why? They were clearly words of comfort, yet each one felt like a stone weighing down on her body. In an instant, she had fallen to a position of being pitied.

Her parched lips quivered. You want to help me? Then would you order my father to stop the engagement? Or it wouldn’t be bad to hide me if I run away from my family. Princess, Princess…

But none of those could be said. Because she knew better than anyone that the princess would not do such things. To her, Kisa was not a being of that much value.

“Thank you, Princess. Thank you all.”

Kisa uttered the expected response in a dry voice.

As the tea party ended, the ladies left the palace, reluctant to part with the princess. After saying goodbye to the others, Kisa grabbed Melissa’s arm and headed towards where the Vanspelt carriage was waiting.

“K-Kisa!”

Melissa cried out, startled by the rough grip, but Kisa paid no heed. She told the Dos family maid who was waiting for Melissa:

“Melissa will be returning with me, so you can go back separately.”

“What? When did I…?”

Melissa looked at her with wide eyes.

“Why, don’t you want to? We often returned together like this. Get in quickly. I’ll drop you off in front of your house.”

Faced with Kisa’s uncharacteristically stern attitude, Melissa boarded the Vanspelt carriage, though with a glare. Kisa then ordered the maid who was about to follow:

“Marsha, I’m sorry, but could you ride with the coachman today? We have something to discuss just the two of us.”

“What? But—”

“Please.”

“…Yes, miss.”

Perhaps she read the emotion in the flat voice. Marsha climbed up next to the coachman with his help, without further words.

“Are you playing games with me? What exactly are you trying to do?”

Inside the carriage, faced with a hostile Kisa, Melissa leaned back as if troubled.

“No, why are you so angry…”