Chapter 93

Auntie is coming.

Letters arrived from both Princesses.

In the Kingdom of Sandis, there are the Queen, Princess Mezarin, and the Concubine, Princess Ophel.

The two princesses, instead of holding hands to support King Lauses, are apparently embroiled in a non-stop battle that engulfs the palace.

This is information I obtained when I tried to challenge the barrier magic, which I can no longer use, within the limits of what I can do.

The fact that both princesses have princes of the same age is also a reason for the increased intensity.

And these letters are probably to promote those princes.

After waiting a month, it’s still somewhat considerate, isn’t it? If it’s a small private invitation, it seems that one can attend even during mourning, but... the letters seem quite lavish.

The envelope and the stationery are a matching set. The paper, which is infused with vivid flower petals and gold powder, is scented with a sweet fragrance.

It doesn’t just waft when opened; it’s already fragrant in the envelope. It’s a bit strong. I, for one, am not fond of such a strong scent...

Is this the etiquette of the royal palace?

Originally, such matters are handled by Sebastian and Julius, who check the schedule and scope, and then confirm the grade and scale based on the family and status of the other party.

Probably... Kistaria goes to balls and tea parties, but I, being a hikikomori, am not very familiar with such things.

Especially, I firmly reject events hosted by the royal family, which are full of death and destruction flags.

If I attend something involving Prince Lucas or Princess Mezarin, I would undoubtedly have to attend something hosted by Prince Leaord and Princess Ophel as well.

Otherwise, people around me would judge which side I’m on and affirm it.

Troublesome. What should I do? To be honest, I don’t want to go.

Just thinking about it is stressful and makes me feel sick. I might even get a headache. Even the beautiful weather feels annoying.

"Miss... I apologize, Princess Albertina.

Your complexion is not good. Since you are still in mourning, would it be alright to decline all tea party invitations?"

"Vera, is that alright? What about... the duties of royalty?"

"His Majesty has instructed you to recover as soon as possible, both physically and mentally.

You are to prioritize taking very good care of yourself. This has been communicated to you long ago.

...Is this letter an invitation from the princesses to their own palace?"

"Yes, that’s right."

"Princess, if that’s the case, you should not go."

"Why not?"

"Most likely, the princesses want to establish a clear hierarchy with you."

"As a companion to His Majesty, the princesses and I, as an adopted daughter, have different standings in the royal family.

Moreover, I have been given the role of the Crown Princess..."

"That’s why. The princesses want to create a situation where you are seen as coming to their palace to pay respects despite being in mourning.

They probably want to assert their position even slightly. They want to take the upper hand as senior royals."

"Ah...!"

Has the maneuvering already begun?

I can’t help but let out a pitiful voice. Vera looks at me with a sympathetic but firm gaze.

"They both have princes. They probably want to create a connection through them and somehow get you to choose one."

"What about Lady Almandine and Lady Flings? I believe they are both still engaged."

"Marriage between step-siblings is possible. Especially Princess Mezarin is desperate.

Prince Lucas’s succession rights have significantly decreased due to his failure at the academy. The only way to recover is to gain the favor of the princess and be promoted to the royal consort.

If even one child is born, even if it’s not a royal heir, they will still be treated as a royal.

Depending on the situation, it’s entirely possible for them to marry into the Latizche family or become a duke. At the very least, a secure position as a high noble is guaranteed..."

It’s so desperate that it’s not even funny.

Vera nodded at my speechless state. I am being targeted, and it’s not a joke.

"They will probably be very kind, offering various conveniences as a member of the royal family.

But in return, they might ask for you, the princess, yourself.

Do you still want to go?"

I shook my head from side to side.

I don’t want to go to such a den of evil. The choice between help or marriage is a nightmare...

I’ve always felt that my blood is troublesome.

If the person I marry... tries to drag Kistaria down and drive her out of Latizche, I will take abortifacients to prevent it. I will never give them power. And I will take revenge.

I know it goes against human decency, but I can’t bear to work with such people.

I absolutely don’t want to. The Latizche family is more important to me than the royal family.

In the end, I politely declined the tea party invitations.

Vera and Anna brought the letter to show me that such matters are already starting, even though it’s my first time.

To teach me a bit about how to fight in the palace.

I was planning to decline anyway, but by explaining each point clearly, I can feel their consideration to help me protect myself.

However, one problem gone, another comes.

When they couldn’t bring me to their palace, they tried to invite me to another palace for the royal family. But I declined that for the same reason. Then, they even contacted me to come to Vayu’s palace.

"Is this... alright? Should I at least pay my respects?"

"Yes, in this case... they probably won’t make a big move.

They are the top ladies with the status of princesses. If we push them too far, it will be to our disadvantage later."

"Don’t worry, sister. I will support you.

Lady Fortuna, the Countess, will also be there, and I will do my best to protect you."

"Thank you, Jibril. It’s reassuring... The other royals besides King Lauses are terrifying.

The princesses... their faces smile, but their eyes are scary."

"That’s not a bad instinct. They are like vixens and leopards. Both Prince Lucas and Prince Leaord are more like the princesses than King Lauses. It might be the similarity in appearance that makes it even more noticeable...

Why didn’t they inherit the gentle heart of the king?"

Jibril, who is always in top form, is smiling today. I feel a bit more at ease and smile.

"Hehe, my dear Jibril. Don’t use such bad words? A lady looks best when she’s smiling."

"Yes, sister!"

Ah, Jibril’s sunflower-like brightness and rose-like vivid smile make me feel like I’m ascending to heaven.

Jibril is so cute. Jibril is cuteness... My vocabulary is melting.

I hug Jibril, who is sitting next to me. She is so slender and has a good scent, making me feel very excited. It’s healing.

Lately, I’ve been feeling so exhausted.

Anna is used to it, but Vera seems a bit taken aback.

"Ah, but from now on, I can’t call you sister. It’s sad."

"I’m sad too. But it’s fine in private places like Vayu’s palace or the Latizche residence. I really like Jibril."

"I’m happy! Then, in private, I will continue to call you sister!"

"Yes, of course."

Please don’t say such sad things. The fact that even my cute junior can’t call me sister anymore!

As the Crown Princess, I understand that I can’t separate public and private life. Rather, I need to do the opposite of what I used to do, spending most of my time privately.

"By the way, Jibril. When did you become acquainted with Lady Fortuna?"

"Hehe, I have a wide network. Lady Fortuna also mentioned that she wants to meet you and will surely be a great help!

...I wanted to invite Lady Latine too, but she seems quite busy. Also, it seems that someone is intercepting letters from the ducal family.

Especially Lady Latine, who only received letters, so I will bring them next time."

"Ah!? ...Who would do such a thing?"

"It’s probably the work of a fool who wants to distance your heart from Latizche.

Sebastian and Julius are already working on it... It’s truly lamentable."

As a precaution, the letters are inspected. There shouldn’t be anything strange in the letters from Kistaria or Lady Latizche!

"Please don’t worry, sister. Rest your body and mind.

If those three fools are useless, I will really scold them!"

Jibril, with her clenched fist, is both reliable and cute...

The three fools... Could it be Kistaria, Mikaelis, and Julius...??

Why is Jibril so occasionally sharp?

Lady Patricia, the wife of Count Fortuna, was a very lovely lady.

She is a small, slightly plump lady who moves energetically.

Her chestnut hair and lively eyes are a deep black, like blackberries. Depending on the angle of the light, they can appear red or blue, but at first glance, they look black. Her plump cheeks have a slight smile, telling the story of her rich expressions.

Her elegant empire dress is a deep gray with silver embroidery. It might look plain at first, but upon closer inspection, it is very delicate and sophisticated.

She has a charming smile and a manner that is easy to like.

"Oh, oh, oh! You look just like Chris, so cute! Oh, oh, oh~"

When she sees me, her eyes light up, and she runs over, leaving her maids behind.

Her eyes, which look at me closely, are mischievous but shine like a child’s. The maids from Fortuna are trying to stop her, saying, "Lady, Lady, calm down!"

Vera nods in satisfaction. The word "kindred spirit" flashes through my mind. It must be my imagination!

"Your father and Cliff must be melting! Those two have always adored Aunt Sis and Chris.

It was right to give them a few knocks to keep them from getting too clingy."

Uncle Cliff does indeed give off a soft-hearted vibe, but I don’t feel it from the Duke of Bears... His glare is as intense as ever.

I can sense a faint hint of something he wants to say... Adoration? No way.

But this gentle lady beating up those two? Even more unlikely.

"Oh, I’m sorry. I got carried away... I am truly delighted to meet you.

Allow me to introduce myself again, Crown Princess Albertina.

I am Patricia von Fortuna, the wife of Count Fortuna.

Your father, the Duke of Latizche... I am deeply saddened by your loss.

He was a remarkable person, as a noble, a politician, a soldier, and a father. He protected you until the end.

I know it’s still painful, but please don’t forget your father’s love for you."

Her elegant curtsy and smooth, gentle words.

The cheerful lady from a moment ago has transformed into a countess and a noblewoman.

"No, I appreciate your concern.

I am Albertina von Latizche... of Sandis."

I can’t help but feel a sense of discomfort with the last name, which indicates the royal family.

I manage to return a curtsy, but when I have to say my name, it feels like a lead ball in my chest.

"Don’t push yourself. Get used to it gradually."

"Yes... Excuse me, may I ask a question?"

"Of course, what is it?"

"Do you know Lady Chris?"

"Would you like to call me Aunt Patricia? Or Aunt Trisha is fine too?

My relationship with Cliff started when I met Chris. I never thought that, as a border baron’s daughter, I would end up with such a good match, especially since I wasn’t particularly beautiful or talented."

"Then, did you not have a fiancé originally? I’ve heard that many nobles are engaged from a young age, especially high nobles, who have arrangements between families."

"Yes, I did. I had one. A viscount’s son who bought his title with money!

Hehe, and that foolish son tried to make a move on my friend Chris, so I hit him with a vase!

Chris and I were reading friends. She was really into adventure stories, which weren’t very popular among women at the time, and we often stayed overnight to talk."

So unexpected and intense!?

I put my hand on my slightly flushed cheeks and stare at Lady