Princess Auguste pouted and fiddled with her sleeve.
She was a Princess with pure white skin and pale blonde hair.
Her facial features were all small and delicately beautiful, but she had a somewhat nervous impression.
“Princess, His Majesty the King’s national wedding is not something you can stop. His Majesty must also have a successor.”
Princess Auguste's pretty brow furrowed in displeasure.
“But why does it have to be that woman? There are many Gallicans, and if it’s a question of status, there are also northerners who are descendants of the monarchy. I don’t trust anyone who comes from the south of the Prinoyak Mountains.”
“Isn’t that what we do because it serves the national interest?”
The maid consoled Princess Auguste.
“Princess, the other person is young and has never properly debuted in society. Furthermore, no matter how arrogant the people of that country are, they look down on the Kingdom of Gallico as being unsophisticated, but isn’t she from the capital? By the standards of that country, she is a country girl. How could they dare to look down on Princess, a flower of Montpellier, the capital of the Great Gallico Kingdom?”
Princess Auguste's tightly clenched lips relaxed slightly. The maid repeated once more as if making a pledge.
“Even if a foreigner comes to the Montpellier Palace and becomes Queen, she will never be able to go against the Princess. Even though she doesn’t have a proper family.”
“Right...?”
“Of course. Besides, isn’t the Princess the one who knows His Majesty the King’s sincerity best?”
“...My brother is a bit picky.”
Philip IV's capricious temperament was known to all those close to him.
It was also a well-known fact in the Montpellier palace that the King was particularly fond of his only sister.
When the fierce battle for the throne broke out, she was the first to step forward and overthrow her second brother, Prince Louis, and showed unconditional loyalty to her eldest brother, Philippe.
“Everyone in the palace of Montpellier knows that His Majesty the King favors the Princess. If that foreign woman had eyes for the Princess, she would not have been able to treat you poorly.”
Princess Auguste nodded to her maid's words, but her anger still seemed to be dissipating.
“My brother doesn’t need any other women.”
She spoke as if spitting out a gasp from her mouth.
“I am the one who knows you best, brother.”
Prince Alfonso de Carlo, the sole heir to the Etruscan throne, a man of both fervent expectations and cold indifference, arrived at the Palais de Montpellier one day in early June.
“Bring back His Highness Prince Alfonso de Carlo!”
Prince Alfonso entered the main gate of the Palace of Montpellier with the announcement of a herald and was welcomed by the loud blast of the royal guard's horns.
A blood-red carpet was laid out in the center, while about 300 guardsmen lined up on both sides to welcome the Etruscan Prince.
Prince Alfonso trod the red carpet on his white horse, followed in that order by the Prince on his white horse, two high-ranking officials, his nine knights, and the King's personal guard of fifty horsemen.
At the end of the red carpet was a raised platform.
There, Philip IV himself came out to welcome Prince Alfonso.
“My dear cousin!”
He was a handsome young King with pale white skin and platinum-blond hair that looked just like his sister.
He had a high forehead and nose, and sunken eyes, the same blue-gray pupils as Prince Alfonso.
However, the only thing similar between Philip IV and Prince Alfonso was the color of their eyes.
The young King of Gallico was exceedingly friendly, but there was something sinister about his countenance, like a great snake.
He raised both his hands and came closer to embrace Prince Alfonso. Alfonso returned the hug and embraced the King.
Alfonso in silver armor and Philip in red court dress clung together for a moment and then fell apart.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, young cousin. Welcome to the Palace of Montpellier. Make yourself at home, take your time, and then go.”
Philip IV, despite having asked the Etruscan kingdom to 'show good faith to console the grief of the royal family's loss', did not seem at all sad.
In him, who had lost his aunt, there was not even a shadow of the same worry that had filled the brow of Prince Alfonso, who had lost his mother.
Alfonso answered slowly.
“I am grateful for the King’s generosity.”
Philip IV replied with a sly smile.
“It may seem shabby to the eyes of the Etruscan royal family, steeped in history and tradition, but the Montpellier Palace is a state-of-the-art, newly built building. There will be much to see.”
He said with narrowed eyes.
“We also renovated the underground prison to incarcerate the royal family.”
Prince Alfonso could not figure out what Philip IV's intention was in saying this.
Is this a story about wanting to lock up Prince Louis, who lost the battle for the throne, in a new prison, or is it a story about wanting to throw Alfonso in the dungeon?
Before the mood became awkward, Philip IV continued.
“In addition, there is a newly built fountain garden and a deer pen. They are not out today, but my sister Auguste will show you around, so take your time looking around.”
Philip IV added a word.
“Auguste is a good girl too. It’ll be fun to meet her.”
"Yes."
Alfonso answered calmly and walked slowly across the gardens of the Montpellier palace with Philip IV.
“What is the schedule for the meeting?”
He has come here on the King's orders to discuss a marriage alliance, that is, his engagement.
It was part of his role to 'comfort' his relatives in the Kingdom of Gallico, but judging from the expression on the face of this cousin whom he had met for the first time today, he did not seem to need much mourning over his aunt's death.
It wasn't a place he would feel attached to.
Prince Alfonso's honest wish was to quickly tie the knot and return to the Etruscan kingdom.
“Huh? The meeting is already over?”
Philip IV answered in a feminine tone.
“I’m going hunting next week. It’s official. I’ll be back in a week, so let’s make plans after that.”
Prince Alfonso's brow furrowed slightly.
The Kingdom of Gallico was notified in advance of Prince Alfonso's arrival.
And there can be no greater official event than a personal visit by the heir to the Etruscan throne.
No matter how important the hunting competition was, it was impossible not to coordinate in advance, and if the schedules inevitably overlapped, it was customary to put the schedule with Prince Alfonso first.
Philip IV clearly noticed Alfonso's expression, but pretended not to notice and spoke to him.
“It is an honor to our family that the Etruscan Prince himself has visited our palace! I promise to give you the best hospitality with a magnificent banquet and a beautiful ball.”
Certainly, it had only been a few minutes since he had entered, but the palace of Montpellier was already preparing for Prince Alfonso.
The lining up of the guards, the King himself coming out to greet him at the main gate, the entrance to the castle and the palace's main gate, and the colorful banners and decorations hanging all over the streets.
“I guess the working-level people will make contact first?”
“Let’s leave such trivial matters to the people below. You must have had a hard time coming here. Would you like to take a bath first? I will personally show you where you will be staying.”
Philip IV personally escorted Prince Alfonso to his quarters.
It was a suite-style residence with seven rooms, located in the exact center of the castle.
Alfonso scanned the accommodation with sharp eyes.
Although it was luxurious and splendid, the only way to get inside was through a single passageway, and that passageway was located in the exact center of the castle, making it difficult to move when it was blocked.
“It has been recently refurbished. It is the largest residence in the Palais de Montpellier, apart from the King’s and Queen’s residences, which are currently empty.”
“It’s luxurious. I feel my cousin’s kindness in receiving such extravagant treatment.”
It was not an empty promise. The room where Prince Alfonso stood was magnificent as if to show the pride of the Kingdom of Gallico.
Philip smiled faintly, seeming pleased by Alfonso's compliment.
“Get some rest. We’ll have dinner tonight, and I’ll see you again soon.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
And that evening, Prince Alfonso had a 'family dinner' with King Philip IV, Princess Auguste, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess Odes, and the Grand Duchess of Lariesa.
The 'family dinner' took place in a peculiar atmosphere.
Philip IV dominated most of the conversation, while Prince Alfonso responded calmly.
But most of the conversation was empty, gossipy stuff.
Princess Lariesa looked ready to be held in his arms at any moment with her glaring eyes, but the management and supervision of Grand Duke Odes shone through.
Because of her father's gaze, Lariesa could not act rashly and stayed within her limits throughout mealtime.
What was unusual was the relationship between Princess Auguste and Grand Duchess Lariesa.
She was a Princess with pure white skin and pale blonde hair.
Her facial features were all small and delicately beautiful, but she had a somewhat nervous impression.
“Princess, His Majesty the King’s national wedding is not something you can stop. His Majesty must also have a successor.”
Princess Auguste's pretty brow furrowed in displeasure.
“But why does it have to be that woman? There are many Gallicans, and if it’s a question of status, there are also northerners who are descendants of the monarchy. I don’t trust anyone who comes from the south of the Prinoyak Mountains.”
“Isn’t that what we do because it serves the national interest?”
The maid consoled Princess Auguste.
“Princess, the other person is young and has never properly debuted in society. Furthermore, no matter how arrogant the people of that country are, they look down on the Kingdom of Gallico as being unsophisticated, but isn’t she from the capital? By the standards of that country, she is a country girl. How could they dare to look down on Princess, a flower of Montpellier, the capital of the Great Gallico Kingdom?”
Princess Auguste's tightly clenched lips relaxed slightly. The maid repeated once more as if making a pledge.
“Even if a foreigner comes to the Montpellier Palace and becomes Queen, she will never be able to go against the Princess. Even though she doesn’t have a proper family.”
“Right...?”
“Of course. Besides, isn’t the Princess the one who knows His Majesty the King’s sincerity best?”
“...My brother is a bit picky.”
Philip IV's capricious temperament was known to all those close to him.
It was also a well-known fact in the Montpellier palace that the King was particularly fond of his only sister.
When the fierce battle for the throne broke out, she was the first to step forward and overthrow her second brother, Prince Louis, and showed unconditional loyalty to her eldest brother, Philippe.
“Everyone in the palace of Montpellier knows that His Majesty the King favors the Princess. If that foreign woman had eyes for the Princess, she would not have been able to treat you poorly.”
Princess Auguste nodded to her maid's words, but her anger still seemed to be dissipating.
“My brother doesn’t need any other women.”
She spoke as if spitting out a gasp from her mouth.
“I am the one who knows you best, brother.”
***
Prince Alfonso de Carlo, the sole heir to the Etruscan throne, a man of both fervent expectations and cold indifference, arrived at the Palais de Montpellier one day in early June.
“Bring back His Highness Prince Alfonso de Carlo!”
Prince Alfonso entered the main gate of the Palace of Montpellier with the announcement of a herald and was welcomed by the loud blast of the royal guard's horns.
A blood-red carpet was laid out in the center, while about 300 guardsmen lined up on both sides to welcome the Etruscan Prince.
Prince Alfonso trod the red carpet on his white horse, followed in that order by the Prince on his white horse, two high-ranking officials, his nine knights, and the King's personal guard of fifty horsemen.
At the end of the red carpet was a raised platform.
There, Philip IV himself came out to welcome Prince Alfonso.
“My dear cousin!”
He was a handsome young King with pale white skin and platinum-blond hair that looked just like his sister.
He had a high forehead and nose, and sunken eyes, the same blue-gray pupils as Prince Alfonso.
However, the only thing similar between Philip IV and Prince Alfonso was the color of their eyes.
The young King of Gallico was exceedingly friendly, but there was something sinister about his countenance, like a great snake.
He raised both his hands and came closer to embrace Prince Alfonso. Alfonso returned the hug and embraced the King.
Alfonso in silver armor and Philip in red court dress clung together for a moment and then fell apart.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, young cousin. Welcome to the Palace of Montpellier. Make yourself at home, take your time, and then go.”
Philip IV, despite having asked the Etruscan kingdom to 'show good faith to console the grief of the royal family's loss', did not seem at all sad.
In him, who had lost his aunt, there was not even a shadow of the same worry that had filled the brow of Prince Alfonso, who had lost his mother.
Alfonso answered slowly.
“I am grateful for the King’s generosity.”
Philip IV replied with a sly smile.
“It may seem shabby to the eyes of the Etruscan royal family, steeped in history and tradition, but the Montpellier Palace is a state-of-the-art, newly built building. There will be much to see.”
He said with narrowed eyes.
“We also renovated the underground prison to incarcerate the royal family.”
Prince Alfonso could not figure out what Philip IV's intention was in saying this.
Is this a story about wanting to lock up Prince Louis, who lost the battle for the throne, in a new prison, or is it a story about wanting to throw Alfonso in the dungeon?
Before the mood became awkward, Philip IV continued.
“In addition, there is a newly built fountain garden and a deer pen. They are not out today, but my sister Auguste will show you around, so take your time looking around.”
Philip IV added a word.
“Auguste is a good girl too. It’ll be fun to meet her.”
"Yes."
Alfonso answered calmly and walked slowly across the gardens of the Montpellier palace with Philip IV.
“What is the schedule for the meeting?”
He has come here on the King's orders to discuss a marriage alliance, that is, his engagement.
It was part of his role to 'comfort' his relatives in the Kingdom of Gallico, but judging from the expression on the face of this cousin whom he had met for the first time today, he did not seem to need much mourning over his aunt's death.
It wasn't a place he would feel attached to.
Prince Alfonso's honest wish was to quickly tie the knot and return to the Etruscan kingdom.
“Huh? The meeting is already over?”
Philip IV answered in a feminine tone.
“I’m going hunting next week. It’s official. I’ll be back in a week, so let’s make plans after that.”
Prince Alfonso's brow furrowed slightly.
The Kingdom of Gallico was notified in advance of Prince Alfonso's arrival.
And there can be no greater official event than a personal visit by the heir to the Etruscan throne.
No matter how important the hunting competition was, it was impossible not to coordinate in advance, and if the schedules inevitably overlapped, it was customary to put the schedule with Prince Alfonso first.
Philip IV clearly noticed Alfonso's expression, but pretended not to notice and spoke to him.
“It is an honor to our family that the Etruscan Prince himself has visited our palace! I promise to give you the best hospitality with a magnificent banquet and a beautiful ball.”
Certainly, it had only been a few minutes since he had entered, but the palace of Montpellier was already preparing for Prince Alfonso.
The lining up of the guards, the King himself coming out to greet him at the main gate, the entrance to the castle and the palace's main gate, and the colorful banners and decorations hanging all over the streets.
“I guess the working-level people will make contact first?”
“Let’s leave such trivial matters to the people below. You must have had a hard time coming here. Would you like to take a bath first? I will personally show you where you will be staying.”
Philip IV personally escorted Prince Alfonso to his quarters.
It was a suite-style residence with seven rooms, located in the exact center of the castle.
Alfonso scanned the accommodation with sharp eyes.
Although it was luxurious and splendid, the only way to get inside was through a single passageway, and that passageway was located in the exact center of the castle, making it difficult to move when it was blocked.
“It has been recently refurbished. It is the largest residence in the Palais de Montpellier, apart from the King’s and Queen’s residences, which are currently empty.”
“It’s luxurious. I feel my cousin’s kindness in receiving such extravagant treatment.”
It was not an empty promise. The room where Prince Alfonso stood was magnificent as if to show the pride of the Kingdom of Gallico.
Philip smiled faintly, seeming pleased by Alfonso's compliment.
“Get some rest. We’ll have dinner tonight, and I’ll see you again soon.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
And that evening, Prince Alfonso had a 'family dinner' with King Philip IV, Princess Auguste, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess Odes, and the Grand Duchess of Lariesa.
The 'family dinner' took place in a peculiar atmosphere.
Philip IV dominated most of the conversation, while Prince Alfonso responded calmly.
But most of the conversation was empty, gossipy stuff.
Princess Lariesa looked ready to be held in his arms at any moment with her glaring eyes, but the management and supervision of Grand Duke Odes shone through.
Because of her father's gaze, Lariesa could not act rashly and stayed within her limits throughout mealtime.
What was unusual was the relationship between Princess Auguste and Grand Duchess Lariesa.
Lariesa could not hide her hostility towards Princess Auguste.
It was a level of hostility so deep that it couldn't be explained by just being on bad terms.
The most concise explanation would be 'Grand DuchessLariesa is jealous of Princess Auguste'. It could also be seen as a check.
But Prince Alfonso's doubts were rather about Princess Auguste's attitude.
It's not strange that Lariesa is acting strangely. She was a ball that didn't know where to bounce and her judgment was also poor.
However, there was insufficient explanation as to why Lariesa came to check on Auguste.
Shouldn't there be some underlying reason for jealousy and restraint?
Auguste's attitude towards Alfonso was extremely bland. She showed no sign of rational emotion at all.
“Hahaha! It’s so nice to meet you like this!”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Rather, Princess Auguste was so busy trying to please her brother that Prince Alfonso was put on the back burner.
There was not even a hint of joy among his relatives, as was shown by King Philip.
A polite, businesslike attitude, that was all.
“It’s a blessing to have this kind of space. I’ll make another space soon.”
“I don’t know what to do with this hospitality.”
“If there’s a place you want to see near the palace, ask Auguste to take you there.”
Princess Auguste smiled at Prince Alfonso.
But to Alfonso, it was all too clear that it was a reluctant courtesy.
But sparks flew from the eyes of Princess Lariesa, who was already blinded by jealousy.
Grand Duke Odes, who had been sitting silently throughout the meal, glared at his daughter.
Lariesa had no choice but to lower her head and just nibble on the dessert.
“I don’t know if it’s okay to cause so much trouble.”
“Think of her as my substitute. When I’m busy, if you talk to Auguste, it’s the same as talking to me.”
Princess Auguste smiled for the first time at dinner, seemingly genuine and happy.
“I am most happy to be your hand and foot. Prince Alfonso, please do not feel uncomfortable, and feel free to contact me at any time.”
Alfonso couldn't refuse on the spot, so he lowered his head.
Anyway, he can't call the lady even when he tries to.
“Thank you for your offer.”
At this, Philip IV clapped his hands and cleared the crowd.
“You must be very tired from the long journey. It would be better for our cousin if we left early today.”
“Yes, my brother is right.”
Philip IV rose from his seat. All the others followed him.
“Then, my cousin, take care on your way back. I’ll see you again soon.”
Alfonso nodded.
And from that day on, Prince Alfonso was unable to see King Philip IV of Gallico for a very long time.
It was a level of hostility so deep that it couldn't be explained by just being on bad terms.
The most concise explanation would be 'Grand DuchessLariesa is jealous of Princess Auguste'. It could also be seen as a check.
But Prince Alfonso's doubts were rather about Princess Auguste's attitude.
It's not strange that Lariesa is acting strangely. She was a ball that didn't know where to bounce and her judgment was also poor.
However, there was insufficient explanation as to why Lariesa came to check on Auguste.
Shouldn't there be some underlying reason for jealousy and restraint?
Auguste's attitude towards Alfonso was extremely bland. She showed no sign of rational emotion at all.
“Hahaha! It’s so nice to meet you like this!”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Rather, Princess Auguste was so busy trying to please her brother that Prince Alfonso was put on the back burner.
There was not even a hint of joy among his relatives, as was shown by King Philip.
A polite, businesslike attitude, that was all.
“It’s a blessing to have this kind of space. I’ll make another space soon.”
“I don’t know what to do with this hospitality.”
“If there’s a place you want to see near the palace, ask Auguste to take you there.”
Princess Auguste smiled at Prince Alfonso.
But to Alfonso, it was all too clear that it was a reluctant courtesy.
But sparks flew from the eyes of Princess Lariesa, who was already blinded by jealousy.
Grand Duke Odes, who had been sitting silently throughout the meal, glared at his daughter.
Lariesa had no choice but to lower her head and just nibble on the dessert.
“I don’t know if it’s okay to cause so much trouble.”
“Think of her as my substitute. When I’m busy, if you talk to Auguste, it’s the same as talking to me.”
Princess Auguste smiled for the first time at dinner, seemingly genuine and happy.
“I am most happy to be your hand and foot. Prince Alfonso, please do not feel uncomfortable, and feel free to contact me at any time.”
Alfonso couldn't refuse on the spot, so he lowered his head.
Anyway, he can't call the lady even when he tries to.
“Thank you for your offer.”
At this, Philip IV clapped his hands and cleared the crowd.
“You must be very tired from the long journey. It would be better for our cousin if we left early today.”
“Yes, my brother is right.”
Philip IV rose from his seat. All the others followed him.
“Then, my cousin, take care on your way back. I’ll see you again soon.”
Alfonso nodded.
And from that day on, Prince Alfonso was unable to see King Philip IV of Gallico for a very long time.
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