“Filat is a great nation, isn’t it?”
Catherine’s first words upon returning to her assigned room were exactly that.
The royal palace, despite its supposed cost-saving measures, was larger than Boltner’s, and its furnishings, while understated, were clearly of superior quality.
Of course, Catherine’s status as a distinguished guest likely played a part, but the sheer abundance of food served at the party was incomparable.
“Even with cost-saving, it seems they can still live luxuriously. It is admirable, though, to reduce the waste of taxes for the sake of the people,” Marquis Moruto, Catherine’s chaperone, commented.
This perspective was rooted in a friendly stance towards Filat. However, there were those who whispered criticisms, calling it “mere self-indulgence” or “a pretense for popularity.” Ranleo, for one, certainly thought so.
“Indeed,” Catherine murmured somberly.
She didn’t necessarily wish for a life of extravagance, but experiencing such a stark contrast highlighting her own country’s deficiencies could not help but elicit a sigh. She didn’t feel inferior in her consideration for the people, but the lack of other points of pride was a bit disheartening.
“Speaking of which, what are your thoughts on Marius? I found him to be quite the gentleman,” Moruto inquired.
When Moruto directed the question to her, Catherine blushed and looked down.
“Um, I want to talk to him more. I want to become better friends,” she expressed her timid desire, fidgeting.
Her retinue watched their princess with the same affection they’d show a younger sister or daughter. Moruto subtly signaled, and they began sharing information in turn.
“Marius seems to be on good terms with Raymond, the court magician, and the magic corps. They apparently discuss new magic tactics and he learns sorcery from them, so their interactions continue.”
“He also actively participates in Princess Barra’s lectures. It is said he is greedy for knowledge and unfamiliar things.”
“He doesn’t seem to have any particular food aversions. As for close combat, his strength is unknown. The prevailing opinion is that no one would ever be able to bring him to close combat.”
Catherine listened to their reports, blinking repeatedly. Then, she looked at Moruto as if she had something to say. Understanding her unspoken request, Moruto placed a hand over his chest and bowed with a smile.
“I am honored to be of service to Her Highness.”
Moruto was a rare individual capable of foresight in matters of information gathering and subtle tactics, areas where Boltner natives often struggled. It was precisely why the King had chosen him to accompany his beloved daughter. The temporary decline in political efficiency and the resulting outcry from the civil officials due to his absence was merely a side note. However, the fact that no one complained about it indicated how much Catherine was loved by everyone.
“Next, there is information about the defeat of Demon King Zagan. It seems they have issued a directive to other countries to remain vigilant regarding the remaining demons and demon lords, so it is likely true.”
“Eh…?”
“Hah…?”
Both Catherine and Moruto’s eyes widened in disbelief. A Demon Lord, of all beings, shouldn’t be defeatable with such casual ease, as if one had merely gone for a stroll. If Demon Lords could be taken down so easily, monsters surely would have been eradicated long ago.
“Boltner has many plains, making reconnaissance easier, wouldn’t you say?”
“Yes. I will also write to my father and ask him to be careful and search thoroughly.”
It took Catherine and Moruto about five minutes to process the situation. Whether that was a long or short time was debatable.
“Next is regarding his relationships with women,” one of the maids stated.
Catherine’s body stiffened slightly. She harbored the thought that her age, being only twelve, might be a disadvantage.
“He seems to receive many approaches from women, but there’s no indication of any of them bearing fruit. It is believed his closest companions are Princess Lovisa, her maid Emma, and Princess Barra. There is also unconfirmed, but intriguing, information.”
“…What is it?”
In response to Catherine’s query, the maid hesitated before answering.
“Well. Apparently, he was attacked by three Succubi, but he defeated them and turned them into Familiars.”
“Defeating them wouldn’t be difficult for Marius. Unless it was in a dream,” Moruto speculated, stroking his chin.
None of them had even begun to imagine the possibility of him defeating them in a dream.
“If they are Familiars, don’t you think he’ll show them to us if we become good friends…?”
“Well, that’s probably true.”
They decided to end the discussion on a more logical note, as there were more important matters at hand.
“Shouldn’t our enemies, then, be Princess Lovisa and Princess Barra? Princess Lovisa, in particular, having spent so much time with him, would be a formidable rival.”
Catherine nodded, her face tense, at Moruto’s prediction. Then, a doubt suddenly occurred to her, and she asked Moruto, “But Moruto, wasn’t Barra-sama kind to me? She may not be aiming for Marius-sama after all? Or perhaps she has an abundance of confidence…”
Personally, Catherine found Barra, who was beautiful, strong, and seemingly good-tempered, to be a much more formidable opponent than Lovisa. Moreover, she was a princess of the great nation of Ranleo. Frankly, Catherine had no confidence in her ability to win. She wanted to believe Marius wasn’t interested in her.
Moruto shook his head apologetically at the anxious princess.
“No, Your Highness, unfortunately, that is unlikely. Princess Barra loves magic above all else, and it is said her strength stems from that passion. Furthermore, after her performance at the Demonplay, all her numerous engagement candidates within the country withdrew. To then arrive in Filat indicates her strong interest in Marius. It’s very, very unlikely she has no interest in him.”
“Ah, is that so…”
Catherine’s shoulders slumped. There was no way she could win against such a powerful opponent. She was already approaching a state of resignation.
“Your Highness, it is too early to give up,” one of the maids boldly advised.
“D-Do you have a good idea?”
The young mistress looked at her with pleading eyes. The maid nodded.
“This country also practices polygamy. Meaning, regardless of other women, if Your Highness herself is recognized by Marius, that alone will resolve everything.”
“I-I see…”
Catherine felt a glimmer of hope. No one present knew Marius’s true feelings on polygamy.
“Marius’s attitude towards Your Highness seemed unequivocally positive,” Moruto’s statement served as the deciding factor.
“I will do my best,” Catherine declared, clenching her fists. Half of it was a show of bravado for her loyal retainers.
“Then, as a conclusion, I have a proposal, Your Highness,” Moruto said.
“What is it, Moruto?”
“We should join forces with Princess Barra.”
Moruto’s proposal was so shocking that Catherine couldn’t immediately comprehend what he was saying. Her retainers were also stunned into immobility.
“W-What are you saying… Isn’t Princess Barra precisely the opponent we should be outmaneuvering?”
At Catherine’s words, the others nodded in unison. They were both princesses, and their country was of a higher standing than Filat. Lovisa was also a princess of a great nation, but she was from their own country. From an international perspective, it was natural to prioritize a princess from another nation. Therefore, at this current juncture, it would be a one-on-one confrontation between Barra and Catherine.
“Pardon me, but it is undeniable that we are too weak to fight one-on-one and are at a disadvantage,” Moruto explained with evident distress, to which Catherine nodded. That was indeed the biggest problem. In situations like this, the princess of a great nation typically became the primary wife. This was especially true if Princess Barra herself had no personal flaws. However, completely ignoring Marius’s wishes was also difficult to conceive. That was precisely why the plan to be noticed by Marius for a grand comeback was necessary, but Catherine’s age was a disadvantage in that regard. Externally, it would be difficult for a grown man to favor a twelve-year-old girl as a marriage partner. This would be even more so if Boltner and Filat maintained friendly relations. Therefore, some measure was required.
“As I mentioned before, polygamy is possible in this country as well. Therefore, we will support Princess Barra to be chosen as the primary wife. In return, we will strive to have Your Highness appointed as the secondary wife. We will secure an agreement to this effect.”
Moruto’s assertion caused confusion among them, and they exchanged glances. Catherine hesitantly asked, “Um, I don’t understand what you’re saying… Isn’t it almost decided that Princess Barra will be the primary wife…?”
The others looked as if they wanted to ask the same question. Moruto felt more like sighing than clicking his tongue. Hadn’t he just said that Marius’s wishes were difficult to ignore? It was understandable that the young princess was still immature, but what were the surrounding adults thinking?
“Marius’s intentions are unclear. If it is Marius, he may be able to overturn the Filat King’s expectations through his own abilities. This means that other women, whom we are not currently aware of, could also be legitimate candidates for the primary wife.”
Regardless of any pretense, the reality was that if Marius glared at them and asked, “Do you have any complaints?” no one would dare to object. In other words, any woman Marius fancied would become an enemy.
“It’s so cool that national expectations can’t prevail…”
Catherine’s cheeks flushed as she murmured dreamily. Moruto thought that this made her seem immature and from a brainless lineage, but he voiced something else.
“Therefore, we would like to form a joint front with Princess Barra. Is that acceptable?”
Moruto could not proceed without Catherine’s consent.
“Yes, I’ll be counting on you.”
Catherine bowed her small head to Moruto.
“N-No, Your Highness! You must not bow to us!”
Moruto panicked. For royalty to unnecessarily bow to their subordinates could lead to the loss of authority. Catherine, raising her head, wore a complex expression.
“But, Moruto… shouldn’t we not forget to thank those who treat us well?”
“Yes. In such instances, words of appreciation are sufficient. Please refrain from bowing.”
“If you insist that much…”
Catherine reluctantly agreed. Moruto felt relieved. While Catherine was a commendable princess who properly expressed gratitude even to those of lower status, she was still immature. It seemed necessary to teach her that there were many who, if royalty bowed too often, would begin to treat them with less respect.
At that moment, one of the guards raised his hand and voiced his opinion.
“Can we trust Princess Barra? She is from Ranleo, isn’t she?”
Everyone clearly understood his unspoken concern. Boltner people didn’t have a particularly good impression of Ranleo people, but even more so, Ranleo people didn’t think highly of Boltner people. That was the general consensus.
“I believe Princess Barra herself can be trusted. Of course, it would be dangerous not to be cautious, as she will prioritize her position as a person of Ranleo.”
“I think Princess Barra herself is trustworthy. Ranleo, on the other hand, is a different story.”
Moruto and Catherine responded in that order. Among the others, the sentiment that “Princess Barra seems trustworthy, setting Ranleo aside” was common.
“At the very least, this proposal will reveal Princess Barra’s position and stance. How about we devise new strategies depending on how things unfold?”
The guard, thus satisfied, withdrew his objection.
“Then, Your Highness, we shall conclude for tonight.”
“Thank you for your hard work.”
Moruto bowed and withdrew with the guards. The immediate task was to ensure Catherine’s safety. While the Filat side would surely not be negligent, their strength was currently diminished due to demons and Hordia. However, it was unlikely that they would be easily defeated, given that they were chosen from the cream of the crop of Boltner soldiers, rumored to be the strongest in continental close combat on plains. Especially now that Marius was present. If they could hold out until he noticed any anomaly and rushed to their aid, their chances of victory would be more than sufficient. Unless the demons attacked, of course. Nevertheless, that didn’t mean they could let their guard down. Moruto gave various instructions to the guards and headed towards Princess Barra’s room. He confirmed that it was an appropriate time to visit an unmarried woman’s chambers. He absolutely needed to secure her agreement to the “Princess Barra and Princess Catherine Coexistence Plan.” He deliberately hadn’t mentioned it to the others, but he didn’t necessarily believe the promise would be kept. Rather, it was common practice to break such agreements after Princess Barra had secured the position of primary wife. Even if Princess Barra herself possessed a noble character, the hearts of women could be unpredictable. If he brought up this matter carelessly, the hot-blooded, brainless individuals might resort to forceful means—that is, military action. Moruto, being a Boltner native, believed that if there was a chance of victory, that would be acceptable. However, unfortunately, Princess Barra was too formidable to be a target for brute force. As a princess, a magician, and a Ranleo native, her strength in close combat might be debatable. But Moruto suspected that even if they closed the distance, she would simply evade them with “Teleport” or “Warp.” The existence of powerful mages meant they possessed numerous means to avoid close combat, making them exceptionally troublesome enemies. Nevertheless, the desire to form an alliance stemmed from the intention to eliminate the Filat factions. Of course, it would not be easy, and that was precisely why he believed there was a possibility of an alliance. Barra herself must know that to become the primary wife, she first had to eliminate the Filat forces. Moruto, perhaps due to his Boltner heritage, had not considered scenarios where “Barra might not be fixated on being the primary wife” or “Marius might dislike polygamy.” He had, however, anticipated the possibility that “Barra might not be willing to cooperate with Boltner.”
