Negotiation Complete
Siana’s Side
After entering the royal castle, they followed the guide without question and were led to a guestroom reserved exclusively for royalty.
“From here on, it’s a room reserved exclusively for royalty. Sorry, Violet, but could you wait outside the room?”
“Understood.”
When Rezamiliana said that to Violet, she bowed her head and replied accordingly. Then, Siana and Rezamiliana entered the room.
Inside was an elderly person with white hair, wearing a gentle expression that only someone of advanced age could possess.
“King of Katiswear, as you requested the other day, I have brought my younger sister, the Third Princess Felisiana.”
When Rezamiliana said that while looking at the person, the white-haired man, who turned out to be the King of Katiswear, responded with a slightly surprised expression.
“Oh, I thought the Second Princess would be attending, but I see. Thank you for coming all this way. Please, have a seat.”
Urged in that manner, Siana and Rezamiliana sat down facing the King of Katiswear. The king then looked at Siana and continued.
“The details were already discussed the other day with Rezamiliana-sama, sister of Felisiana-sama who is present here. So this meeting was arranged simply for my own selfish reasons. Before I agreed to the negotiation with Rezamiliana-sama, I wanted to meet her younger sister.”
“Why did you feel that was necessary?”
When Siana asked that simple question, the King of Katiswear nodded with a gentle expression and answered.
“Hmm. Your country possesses a well-balanced combination of economic and military strength, and I am deeply impressed by the abilities of the three princesses who have made that possible. However, there was just one concern I could not ignore before accepting a negotiation from Rezamiliana-sama.”
“And what concern would that be?”
“It is the fact that none of the princesses have chosen a fiancé. It is already rare for princesses to remain unengaged, but when those same princesses are so capable as to lead a country in a good direction, it becomes even more unusual.”
Indeed, it was already rare enough that no princess had chosen a fiancé. But the fact that those princesses were so talented they could guide a country toward prosperity made it even more extraordinary.
“That is exactly why I wanted to meet a princess other than Rezamiliana-sama to judge for myself whether your country was a good negotiating partner.”
Having followed the conversation up to that point, Siana asked a question.
“I see. Then, how did the Third Princess Felisiana, younger sister of Rezamiliana-sama, appear to Your Majesty just now?”
“Let’s see. Based on my experience, I would say that you are someone who was born into royalty as if destined to be so. I have only spoken with you a little, but combined with your reputed abilities, I have no doubt. Also, it seems that you already know love. That fact alone has brought me great reassurance.”
For a moment, Siana almost suspected that the King of Katiswear might know about her relationship with Lux. However, she quickly dismissed the thought. The man before her was unmistakably the king of a nation, and his experience must far surpass what she could imagine. Given that, it would not be surprising if he had figured things out in such a short time.
With that assumption in mind, Siana gave her reply.
“Your Majesty truly has a discerning eye.”
“Hahaha, no, not at all. I’ve taken up enough of your time. The rest will be handled through written correspondence, so you may leave whenever you like.”
“In that case, may I take it to mean that you have accepted the matter we came to negotiate?”
When Rezamiliana, who had remained silent until then, asked that question, the King of Katiswear gave a calm nod and answered.
“Thank you very much.”
After expressing her thanks clearly, Rezamiliana, along with Siana, exited the guestroom reserved for royalty.
Then, upon leaving the room…
“Ojou-sama, it seems the negotiation has been successfully concluded.”
Violet, who had likely heard the story from Rezamiliana beside her, spoke to Siana.
“Yes, though it’s not as if I did anything directly.”
When Siana said that, Rezamiliana responded.
“What are you saying? You carried out your role perfectly today. That is something you should be proud of.”
“…Thank you very much.”
After Siana replied, the three of them walked toward the royal carriage while chatting about the country. Yet despite the completed negotiation, Siana’s mind was almost entirely consumed with thoughts of Lux.
That woman… if she’s doing anything strange to Lux-kun, I won’t forgive her next time.
Floria’s Side
Around the same time.
“This flower would suit the garden at Lux-sama’s estate, don’t you think?”
“It really would! It looks like it would suit it perfectly! …Ah!”
“Did you find something that looks like it would suit the garden?”
Since Lux had raised his voice, Floria Florence asked with a gentle smile. Lux then showed her a pale blue flower with a bright smile.
“I’m not sure if it would suit my estate… but I think this beautiful flower would look perfect on you, Florence-san.”
“…!”
Having returned to Lux from the back alley, Floria had felt calm as they looked at her beloved flowers together. But with those words from Lux, her cheeks flushed red and her heart began to race.