“The Saedul I met in the North was a troublemaker itself!”

“Even engaged before our Hadel. Does that make sense? Hadel is much better in personality and appearance!”

Back in Hadel’s mom’s state, I confidently recalled the shortcomings of the Saeduls one by one. Nella, who was watching me quietly, smirked. It had a touch of teasing, but her expression didn’t feel unpleasant, perhaps due to its excessively candid nature.

“You, even though you’re from the countryside, seem truly ignorant of the world. That’s right. His Highness has a very old fiancée. She is an elegant and cultured lady who actively participates in external activities, aside from charity events.”

“She’s been engaged for a long time; why haven’t they married?”

Certainly, it must be due to some personality flaw. Say it’s because of a personality flaw.

Though I murmured such excuses to myself, Nella’s response was casual.

“Because Prince Hadel hasn’t done so yet. I heard he plans to do it right after Prince Hadel gets married.”

“Haha, so irritating from an unexpected place.”

He didn’t seem to particularly respect him as his brother, but why did he call him that in such a situation?

‘Probably just using it as an excuse because he doesn’t want to get married and finds it bothersome.’

Then he’s an even worse guy.

Anyway, the story I heard from Nella about the capital was very useful. The North was so isolated from the capital that such stories were unheard of.

I propped my chin and organized the story.

“So, practically, state affairs are led by Prince Saedul, and external events are taken care of by Prince Saedul’s fiancée?”

Nella didn’t seem to find it strange.

“Since Prince Saedul is young but capable. The trust of central officials is strong.”

“I see.”

“And Lady Saeil…”

As Nella tried to talk about the prince’s fiancée, her face suddenly frowned and stiffened.

“Huh? Come to think of it, you?”

Why me? I tilted my head.

“What is it?”

“Ah, it’s nothing.”

I wanted to hear more, but Nella didn’t say anything more about that. Instead, she explained about Hadel’s other family members.

“In addition to the princess, there is one more. But she’s still young, so she doesn’t often appear in public diplomatic situations.”

“A princess? Hadel has a younger sister?”

“Yes. I heard she’s a very smart person. I’ve never seen her, though.”

‘In any case, the ones standing in public diplomatic situations are Prince Saedul and his fiancée.’

But it’s quite prideful to introduce a princess you’ve never seen. Unlike when talking about Hadel.

‘Hadel’s reputation must be terrible. It’s a mess because of those idiots in the royal family who left Hadel with a bad reputation.’

Thinking about it, I blamed Hadel’s parents, whom I had only seen in portraits.

‘Come to think of it, there was one more child in the family portrait, apart from Hadel and the Saeduls. A child who looked like Hadel. Maybe that child is the princess.’
“Even back then, I found it strange that Prince Saedul’s face was particularly different. Now that I know Espen is alive, that fact felt suspicious.”

‘Is Prince Saedul just an ordinary person who follows Espen’s orders? Espen…’

Did he sacrifice someone to open his eyes again after 100 years?

‘He can’t be such a bad person.’

I muttered to reassure myself. But it was difficult to think optimistically.

‘I need to prepare for the worst.’

What preparations can I make? I fell into deep thought.

Today, too, we unpacked our luggage in the village. Since camping was a tough job, it was naturally a welcome break.

‘A very small village.’

Although there was an inn, it was more like a house left empty to accommodate external guests. It seemed unused for a long time, with cobwebs and dust, but it wasn’t too bothersome.

The villagers welcomed our group warmly.

“Now that you’ve paid for lodging, please share some stories. Tales of the world.”

“Do you have any delicious food or snacks?”

Our group mingled with the villagers, and I, Hadel, and Nella entered a house. After closing the door, changing into thin clothes, and lying on the bed, Hadel lay behind me, embracing my waist.

Honestly, in the coolness of the old bed that had been vacant for a long time, his warmth was welcome. However, when his large hand began to probe inside my clothes, I turned around to face Hadel.

“Hadel.”

His red gaze turned toward me softly. I felt an urge to meet his slightly drooped eyes with mine.

‘But I can’t.’

It wasn’t the time to recklessly engage in acts born out of pleasure. If it were an act that continued out of joy, I would gladly respond, but Hadel’s touch felt different, almost like an unquenchable thirst.

I used both hands to cup Hadel’s face. In an affectionate tone, I asked,

“Is it because you’re anxious?”

There seemed to be no other reason for Hadel, who was usually reserved, to snuggle into my arms like a puppy.

Blinking his eyes, Hadel answered, resting his face on my shoulder,

“…Honestly, yes.”