Chapter: 685
It’s been nearly two years since I graduated from the Imperial Academy and returned to the United Kingdom of Yuben. During this time, I’ve been quietly existing, almost like a ghost.
The reason I studied abroad instead of spending my school days in Yuben was, after all, to solidify my brother’s succession plans. While my presence and influence faded during my three years at the Imperial Academy, I gained connections with powerful figures from the empire, including the royal family, Armein’s prince, the future saint, and the best swordsman on the continent.
Despite my domestic connections being obliterated, I oddly found myself flooded with ties overseas. If I started moving actively, I might come off as a prince challenging the throne with foreign backing.
And that would be a troublesome situation. If I attracted such attention and suspicion, those three years in the empire would turn into a pile of garbage in the blink of an eye.
‘Not that those three years were meaningless, though.’
I absentmindedly toyed with the queen piece, a small smirk forming on my lips.
When I first decided to enroll, the Imperial Academy felt like a place of exile I willingly confined myself to. I had no drive to achieve anything there, nor any desire to demonstrate Yuben’s prowess in the empire.
Who would have guessed that the very year I enrolled, the prince, the king’s son, and the future saint would all be joining as well? That I would end up in the same club as those guys and spend three years as friends?
‘Well, it was fun, to be fair.’
Honestly, it was so bizarre to have gathered these particular individuals together. But at the same time, I realized that I was also one of those “peculiar ones.” It was delightful hanging out with like-minded peers.
So much so that I began to see the Imperial Academy not just as a place of exile, but as a venue for socializing.
“Your Highness?”
“Oh, sorry! I was lost in thought for a moment.”
Rachel’s voice snapped me back to reality as I fidgeted with the queen across from her.
What a blunder! I shouldn’t let my mind wander during a serious chess match! Being distracted like this is as rude as that vile Rutis!
“Are you alright? If you’re still feeling uneasy, you can take the day off…”
“I’m fine. No need to worry.”
I firmly shook my head at Rachel’s concern and set the queen piece down.
I appreciated her worry, but seriously, I’m alright. Sure, the shock of losing remotely to Rutis a few days back stung, but all that came flooding back now were memories of my academy days.
“I was just excited to see a dear old friend.”
“Oh.”
When I spoke plainly, Rachel seemed to understand, letting out a small gasp.
“I see. I’d probably get emotional too if I saw a friend I thought I’d never see again.”
Nodding, she moved her bishop.
Unlike me, Rachel entered the Imperial Academy a year late, meaning she spent her junior year without me. She had no prince to care for, so I heard she enjoyed a serene academy life.
A peaceful school life and genuine friendships. With Rachel returning home after graduating, she could understand my feelings all too well.
“With that in mind, why not choose the path of a teaching assistant while you were abroad? I heard your friend did just that.”
“The prince returned to his homeland, so how could I possibly stay in the empire alone?”
Rachel answered as if brushing aside my casual remark.
I felt grateful yet guilty. She spent her school days in the empire because of me, and now, she chose to return home because of me too. My influence on Rachel’s life was undeniably significant.
“I must ensure you don’t regret that choice.”
At that, Rachel’s gaze shifted from the chessboard to me, and she smiled gently.
“From the moment I became your friend, I’ve never once regretted it.”
“From now on, our relationship won’t just be as friends, though.”
Her eyes went wide in surprise—
“Your Highness, that sounds like a romantic declaration, but your voice is awfully cold…”
The playful jab caught me off guard, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.
Even though I dared to retort a royal, it didn’t upset me. In fact, I found her shy retort adorable.
What’s more, we never imagined our relationship would evolve into something like this. Given that, her mild resistance was perfectly understandable.
‘Marriage, huh.’
This time, I captured a knight and stroked my chin thoughtfully.
Ever since I graduated and returned home, my dear father has been pushing for me to settle down. Now that I’ve become an adult and completed my studies, isn’t it time to find a partner?
My father might feel a sense of regret that I spent my time abroad for my brother’s succession plans. Having sacrificed my youth as royalty, he probably thinks it’s only right for me to find a good partner and create a happy family. That must be my father’s goal and determination.
While I’m grateful for the concern, it also feels burdensome. I haven’t really thought about marriage, and royal weddings inevitably draw attention. I thought that if I just lay low and took a breather for several years, I could escape the nobles’ watchful eyes.
‘Yet I managed to hold out for a year.’
I still want to be alone for now. The exhaustion from my time in the empire hasn’t worn off yet. I don’t plan on meeting anyone until I shake off that fatigue and get used to life back in Yuben. Various justifications filled my mind as I kept postponing the thought of marriage.
Then Rachel returned home. My childhood friend, my playful companion. The only friend from my youth who shares the same nationality, Rachel.
Even if she were to marry a prince, Rachel hails from an ordinary family that wouldn’t make anyone uncomfortable.
“Rachel.”
“Your Highness! It’s been such a joy to see you again after a year—”
“How do you feel about me?”
“Pardon?”
Looking back now, it was a straightforward question that could wake the dead. But seeing Rachel back in Yuben, I couldn’t help but ask.
After thinking it over, I realized there was no one I’d like as my partner more than Rachel. We grew up together, she understands the sacrifices I made for my brother, and her family’s status poses no threat to my brother’s position. It was as if the heavens had delivered the perfect conditions to me.
Of course, I didn’t choose Rachel solely based on those conditions. If I were to pick purely based on safety, there would be plenty of more obedient daughters from other noble families.
“I believe you are my only companion. Even in the next several decades, I can’t imagine moving forward with anyone but you.”
Still, I chose Rachel. After a year’s worth of contemplation, I envisioned my future and came to a conclusion.
Even if I live alone till death, I can’t picture myself alongside anyone other than Rachel. True, my heart might have been swayed by Louise for a brief moment, but apart from that fleeting moment, Rachel has always been by my side.
“If you share similar thoughts, then let’s walk through life together.”
With such certainty in my heart, I nervously made my first and last confession to Rachel.
“Your Highness! I haven’t even unpacked my bags yet, and now you’re telling me you’ve frozen over with ice magic in your heart?”
Sadly, my hasty confession resulted in a chilly response, but the outcome was good nonetheless. My father was genuinely pleased that I found someone after enduring a year of his pressing, making this whole ordeal worth it.
“I believe my Sara is you.”
– So, soon enough, Rachel Ostia might be a reality.
Suddenly, I recalled a conversation I had with Rachel back in our academy days when Erich found his match with Count Horfelt.
Even if I aimed for stability in the royal family, I considered myself reasonably clever and perceptive. I didn’t struggle with dating; I simply chose not to, at least not within the pastry club.
Yet here was Erich, who somehow ended up with two partners. After that spectacle, Rachel had consoled me, and looking back, those conversations still make me blush.
“Rachel.”
“Yes, Your Highness?”
“Indeed, my Sara is you.”
Rachel’s laughter at my words brought me relief.
Clearly, I wasn’t the only one who remembered our little chat.
“Your Highness?”
“Yes.”
“If I hadn’t died as Ostia, I would’ve probably lived my life as a spinster.”
This time, I burst out laughing.
To think she’d claim she’d stay single if it weren’t for me getting married!
The Holy Kingdom’s pilgrim group is set to visit the sacred sites and churches located in the United Kingdom of Yuben tomorrow.
In other words, today signals the final opportunity to see Tannian until the pilgrimage group departs. Perhaps that explains why Tannian came to my room, bringing wine with him.
“Are you sure it’s fine to leave with the pilgrimage preparation underway?”
“Since I’m busy, I should be the one to vanish. The preparations aren’t responsibilities placed on me; other people are in charge. Imagine how burdensome it would be for me to sit around doing nothing!”
That sounded about right, so I nodded.
Having the future saint watch over them or helping lift boxes is indeed way too much pressure. It’s definitely better for everyone if I just step aside.
“And besides, a long-lost friend should celebrate joyous news over drinks; it would be rather tragic not to!”
Tannian said, clutching the bottle and murmuring a prayer.
Is he seriously blessing that wine?
‘What a nice touch.’
I couldn’t help but chuckle. A bottle blessed by the next saint—surely even my father would hesitate to down one of these!
“Congratulations! With Ainter and Erich both on the verge of marriage, it’s truly a delightful affair that you, brother Lather, are also starting a family.”
“And Rutis?”
“Signs indicate it, but… it might take a bit longer.”
I smiled at that agreeable news. I had expected as much from that guy.
‘Looks like I won after all.’
A sense of victory surged from the depths of my chest. I hadn’t exactly planned to turn this into a marriage race, but it felt nice to taste happiness before that guy.
If anything, I didn’t merely win against Rutis! This was a victory against the whole club. Unlike Ainter or Erich, whose engagements stemmed from political schemes or the opponent’s confessions—I found my partner with my own hands.
I didn’t choose my fiancé due to my father’s pressure; not to mention Rachel was the one who confessed first. Everything was entirely about my will and actions.
‘Truly, it’s the wizards who change the world.’
They surely surpass those swinging around swords!
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