WNAIY 05

Chapter – 05

One’s Own Duty (Cecilio)

“Lucia is gone!? What do you mean by that!”

It wasn’t until three days after arriving in Eldia that I learned she wasn’t at the royal palace.

“She went to the borderlands at her own request.”

The borderlands? At a time when tensions with Grasses are a concern!?

The border could become a battlefield at any moment—so why… no, is it precisely *because* it’s likely to become a battlefield?

Lucia. My beloved. Like a flower blooming resolutely, she’s beautiful on the outside, but her heart is even more so.

Her skill as a medical mage is remarkable, but what I truly admire is how she constantly strives to save people.

I’m proud of her for that, but at the same time, I’m afraid that one day, she might lose her life for the sake of some stranger.

And yet, because *I* didn’t want to be apart from her, I brought her all the way to Eldia. I thought it would be enough just to have her by my side as my companion. But you, as always, choose to live for everyone else.

I love you so much for that… and it pains me.

Even though I’m a knight and do the same thing myself.

“At any rate, please let me head to the borderlands as well.”

“That’s impossible. What about Lady Claudia’s protection? Don’t forget that’s why you’re here.”

“There must be someone who can take my place!”

“You don’t seem to understand your own duty. You are necessary for Her Highness’s emotional stability. It would be troublesome if you were absent so soon after arriving.”

It’s because Princess Claudia gets scared so easily! How could someone like that be fit to be the Crown Prince’s wife? She’s supposed to become Queen one day, yet her fragility is concerning.

More than anything, will I really be released in a year? What was the point of me being here in the first place?

“Besides, she left of her own accord. What do you intend to do by chasing after her?”

“…I want to confirm she’s safe. That’s all.”

“Then a letter will suffice. Once you’ve written it, please bring it to me.”

What is this? Are they trying to prevent me from contacting her? It’s been strange enough that I haven’t been able to see her for three days since arriving. What exactly is going on?

—

Suppressing my irritation, I headed to Princess Claudia’s side. But she herself was the greatest source of stress.

“Cecilio, where were you? You must stay by my side!”

…This. Lately, the Princess won’t let me go for even a moment. At this rate, I’ll die from overwork.

“I apologize, I went to have a meal. However, Sir Camilo is currently in charge of your protection.”

“You should eat with me too.”

“Absolutely not. It would be unthinkable for me to dine with my sovereign. Besides, the Crown Prince will be arriving soon. I would advise against such frivolous remarks.”

“Cecilio is so serious. That’s what I like about you.”

Remarks like that make it seem like she has feelings for me!

I’m not listening. I didn’t hear anything.

“Greetings, fair princess. Are you growing accustomed to things here?”

“Yes, thank you. Thanks to everyone’s kindness.”

Her relationship with the Crown Prince seems to be going well. I hope she gets used to things quickly and releases me.

“Speaking of which, Lord Cruz, your fiancée is quite interesting. I heard she punched an official from the Medical Magic Association, claiming self-defense.”

“!!”

So that’s why she went to the border!

“I caught a glimpse of her once—she looked like a delicate young lady. I was amazed to hear she could unleash an attack strong enough to knock out a grown man.”

“…I sincerely apologize. I haven’t been able to see her, and shamefully, this is the first I’m hearing of it.”

Damn it, Lucia—she must have used enhancement magic. Still, the fact that she didn’t cast magic on her opponent and relied on her own strength to punch him is so like her. She must have been absolutely furious about something. At least she made sure it was clearly self-defense, and it seems she won’t be charged with anything.

“Do they favor hot-tempered women in Ultard? I prefer gentler women myself.”

Is he referring to Princess Claudia? Or does he have another woman in mind?

It’s a political marriage, after all, but if he starts keeping mistresses this early, that would be a problem. I want to avoid her dependency on me growing any stronger.

“Lord Alfonso. Please do not speak of other women in front of me. It makes me jealous.”

“Hmm? Jealous of whom? Well, never mind. In any case, I haven’t been entertained like that in a while. When you return from the border, introduce me to her. Well then, see you at dinner.”

No, you focus on Princess Claudia. Don’t look at Lucia.

“…What’s so great about that woman?”

“Princess Claudia?”

Who is she talking about?

“Don’t play dumb! That woman Lucia! She’s not good enough for you. Give her up.”

“Your Highness. In one year, I will return to Ultard and marry her. You will give us your blessing, won’t you?”

I really don’t want things to be stirred up any further than this.

I need to draw a clear line.

“…How cruel, how cruel! I didn’t come here because I wanted to either! Why am I the only one who has to marry someone I don’t love!”

I can understand how she feels, but there’s nothing I can do about—

“Your Highness, it’s alright. Lord Cruz isn’t going anywhere.”

“Wha—!?”

“Now, please stop crying. If your voice were to leak outside, it would be dreadful.”

“…But Cecilio said such mean things. He said he’s going back to his country—he’s leaving me behind?”

“Oh my! He was only teasing you, Princess. He must have wanted to get your attention. What a troublesome man he is.”

As she said this, the lady-in-waiting’s eyes told me clearly: *say nothing more.*

Is this lady-in-waiting insane? Could it be… was *she* the one trying to separate me from Lucia?

“Now, Princess, please rest a little. I will give Lord Cruz a proper scolding.”

“Don’t be too hard on him, alright?”

“Such a kind princess. Goodnight.”

*Let’s talk in another room.* She urged me in a low voice, and we entered a room a short distance away.

“What is the meaning of this?”

“Direct orders from His Majesty the King. Surely you didn’t seriously think you’d be granted a title just by working as a guard knight?”

…What?

“That’s… what did His Majesty say?”

“In any case, you are to soothe the Princess and ensure she bears a child soon. It’s not a bad feeling, being favored by a beautiful princess, is it? Handle her well.”

“I already have a lover!”

“Indeed. For the sake of your happy marriage with her, do your best. It would be wonderful if the Princess conceives quickly.”

What is this. What am I supposed to do?

“Don’t even think about running away, alright? That would be a breach of duty.

All you have to do is smile gently at the Princess and guide her toward conceiving a child.

I’m not telling you to betray her. Now, let’s do our best for the sake of the country.”

Ah, Lucia. How did things end up like this?

What are you doing right now?

Are you truly safe?

Even though I want to go find you right now…