Chapter 188.5: Interlude: Sisters' Conversation
(Note: This time is from Princess Flora’s perspective. This episode takes place slightly before the victory ceremony.)
Father decided to promote the Fairchild Margrave family to a Ducal family. Considering the achievements of His Excellency the Margrave, his knight order, Edward-san, and William-san, it is only natural.
Without their actions, the western part of the Kingdom would have suffered immense damage. To think that two thousand monsters attacked in the end… it was a monster invasion on a scale completely different from any known monster attacks so far.
By the way, in light of Kingdom law, the Margrave’s action of taking his knight order to another noble’s territory without the King’s permission constitutes an illegal act. However, punishment is out of the question.
I even declared defiantly in front of Father, “If by any chance you punish the Fairchild Margrave family, I will cut ties with the Royal Family and marry into William-san’s house.” Well, it seems Father had no intention of punishing them from the start, though.
It is a joyous occasion for the Fairchild Margrave family to be promoted to a Ducal family. It is also desirable in order to give a bright outlook to the citizens who are anxious about the massive monster attack.
However, there is just one problem. A Ducal family is supposed to have a blood relationship with the Royal Family.
William-san and I are engaged, but since William-san will be establishing an independent Earl house, unfortunately, that does not create a blood relationship with the Margrave family.
Thinking normally, my older sister marrying William-san’s brother, Edward-san, is the likely option. Sister knows that Father dislikes political marriages, but she intends to accept a political marriage if necessary.
I heard later that if I had refused the engagement with William-san, she intended to accept it herself. Though she laughed and said, “I nearly got in the way of my cute little sister’s romance.”
However, Sister’s true desire is to polish her skills as a knight and aim to become the Commander of the Albion Kingdom‘s Royal Knights. At the Royal Academy, she won the newcomer’s tournament for swordsmen, and since then, she has been participating in the Royal Knights’ training to hone her skills.
When I asked the twins who guard me, they said Sister’s strength is the real deal and that becoming the Royal Knight Commander is not just a dream. But if she marries into the Fairchild Margrave family, even if she stands on the battlefield, that dream will be cut off.
I became worried about Sister, so I made an opportunity to talk to her when she returned to the Royal Castle from the Royal Academy.
“Flora, what’s wrong all of a sudden? Did you perhaps have a fight with William-san?” “No, I haven’t had a fight with William-san.”
“Oh, really? It might not be good to not fight at all, you know. It’s necessary to express your true feelings to each other before marriage.” “It is fine. I talk to William-san with my true feelings properly.”
Why are we talking about me? “That is not it; I wanted to talk about the Fairchild Margrave family becoming a Ducal family.”
“Oh, was that it? Then is it about whether I will marry William-san’s brother?”
“Yes. You praised Edward-san as a magnificent person, Sister. From what I hear from William-san, I also think he is a very good person. But, your dream…”
“Ufufu, were you worried about whether I could chase my dream?” “Yes. You and I are the only ones born from the same mother. It is natural to worry.”
Sister hugged me. “Thank you, Flora. I am happy enough just seeing you regain your spirits, but to think you would even worry about me.”
It is true that I caused nothing but worry for a long time. Thanks to that, I have become healthy, so I think it is fine for me to worry about Sister this time.
“But I am not the one marrying Edward-san. There is someone who likes Edward-san, and she laid the groundwork quite fiercely.” “But, a Ducal family must have a blood relationship with the Royal Family…”
“That’s right. But there is no rule saying a Princess must be the one to marry. For some reason, that seems to slip everyone’s mind.”
“A blood relationship with the Royal Family without a Princess marrying?” I fell into thought, and finally realized. “Could it be Francois-san? Our cousin.”
“Yes, exactly. When the Northern Ducal family was established, the niece of the King at that time married into it. Francois-san is exactly Father’s niece.” Now that she mentions it, that is certainly true.
“Still, between Flora and Francois-san… being able to marry the person you like despite being a Princess or a Duke’s daughter is enviable. I aim to be a knight, but I intend to marry too, so I want to find a good person.”
It seems Sister wants to find a good person at the same time as aiming to be the Royal Knight Commander. She might be surprisingly greedy.
I hope she finds a good person, but honestly speaking, finding a good person from among families with a status matching a Princess might be difficult. I thought that, but I didn’t say it out loud.
“I hope you find a good person too, Sister.” “Flora, do you really think so? Didn’t you think something different just now?” Sister is sharp.
“I really think so. Because I want you to be happy too, Sister.” That feeling is true.
“Thank you. But finding someone with a lineage that can marry a Princess, and whose character is also praiseworthy, is difficult, isn’t it? Maybe I should have gotten engaged to Edward-san?” Sister. What about your dream?
