“Rosalia, do you want freedom?”
It was the same question the Queen had asked Renier in the past.
In other words, it is a cruel threat asking if you want to die.
The moment the Marchioness of Wales slowly raised her head, and her amber-like irises were fully revealed, I was certain she was a spy for the Queen, like Renier. This conclusion was based on information gleaned from secret background checks, including her family origins and past actions. She had joined hands with Mastiff because she longed for the freedom of her life, wishing to reclaim her lost life. Would Mastiff have taken her hand if she had been an ordinary noblewoman? This was solid evidence for learning from Erita's fate.
“...”
The Marchioness of Wales remained expressionless and silent. Her hands, clenched so tightly that their knuckles turned white, trembled slightly. I relaxedly gave her a command, nodding my fingers on the table.
"Now that you understand the situation, you need to tell me who is responsible for monitoring me and reporting to you, Rosalia."
If you trust me first and cooperate, we can use each other well. One of Noah's many plans was to return to Frogen and conquer Medea to get me back. My opposition thwarted that plan, but Mastiff still wants Noah to return to Frogen. The Marchioness is carrying out his orders accordingly. She said.
"I received a report from the maid in charge of the bedroom that you've been drinking and taking sleeping pills for a long time. I heard you're having a very hard time, so I..."
That was my absolute weakness and trap. Like pests crawling through narrow cracks, they prey on people's weak points. If you know they exist, they're easy to catch. The Marchioness swallowed dryly. It might be a pragmatic alliance like Celine and me, but sometimes a simple relationship of interest, stripped of personal feelings, is better. If the Marchioness is related to an illegitimate child, Noah likely knows her true identity. Was there a reason she was left alone? Would she be useful in the future? In any case, she helped me deal with Erita, and she was just playing right into my hands.
I sat up and smiled kindly.
"My dear Marchioness of Wales, I'll see you at my birthday banquet. I'll invite you as a special guest. I cherish my people very much. I'd be furious if anyone deliberately provoked me."
I knew she was the one who had driven Ayla to kill, and I engraved a heavy warning into her mind: if she ever touched me or anyone around me, I would reveal the truth and eliminate them. It was a threat from a powerful person, borrowing the Queen's methods. She would be furious, I suppose.
“Thank you, Princess.”
I gazed at her jet-black hair flowing down her elegantly polite neck. A yearning for freedom, that alone is like yours.
Back at the mansion, the Marchioness of Wales, leaning back in her armchair, recalled Diana's piercing, sallow eyes. That cynical gaze was filled with the superiority of someone already at the top of their game, and the contempt they held for fools. It was no different from the arrogant royalty who lived their lives without ever bowing to anyone.
'A person who prioritizes self-centered reason and self-interest over empathy and emotion.'
This was her impression of Diana. Even when she said Erita was a formidable woman, she hadn't given it much thought. Knowing her as a young and uneducated woman, she couldn't hide her bewilderment. She'd assumed that her lack of social interaction, her imprisonment in a concentration camp instead of execution, and her occasional displays of keen insight were all due to Noah Rotsilt's intervention. She'd thought the prolonged absence of the man she'd considered Diana's spiritual pillar would be a prime opportunity to exploit her, but she'd discovered that Diana was a dangerous individual who could even endanger her own life.
It's a ridiculous situation where she tries to manipulate Diana by injecting her with a simple formula: they must escape to Frogen together to save Noah Rotsilt, but instead, she exploits her weakness and threatens her. Clearly, Diana also possessed a human side, helping the poor Ayla and the street children. She expected that if she took the time to build a bond and evoke sympathy, she would quickly trust and agree, so Diana's cynical attitude was understandably perplexing.
"For some unknown reason, Duke Noah Rotsilt seems to have changed his mind. He won't release the core research data Dr. Rugen discarded anywhere. It's for Princess Diana's benefit."
Mastiff's deep, deep voice echoed in her mind. He was talking about how he intended to force Noah back to Frogen and use Princess Diana as a hostage to get what he wanted. In fact, his main reason was probably that he didn't want Noah Rotsilt dead and wanted to join him in achieving a greater cause. The Marchioness of Wales frowned and chewed her manicured thumbnail.
“You want freedom? You must know my true identity.”
Even though Renier didn't know her true identity, her amber eyes simmered with a sense of crisis and rage. As Diana ascended to the throne, new bonds and oppression would follow. She might never be able to achieve freedom. The simple wish to live freely with her son, the only one she loved. Why was it so difficult for her? Her crimson lips trembled, then formed an arc.
“Then we have no choice but to pretend to cooperate and kill them when we get the chance.”
Ultimately, the ultimate goal is to reclaim Noah Rotsilt, subdue Medea, and install Mastiff as leader of the Frogen Empire. If Diana dies, Noah will unhesitatingly turn his back on Medea, regardless of whether he's bombed to the ground or not.
Especially if it's because Queen Grace II deliberately killed her illegitimate daughter, Diana.
My birthday banquet, held at Tempshire Palace on Christmas Day, December 25th, was grand and extravagant. The spacious banquet hall, bathed in golden light from a large chandelier, was filled with people dressed in elaborate attire. It felt like a special space reserved only for the wealthy and honored. I wore a simple white coat dress designed by the royal designer, complete with the Royal Garter.
Barbara approached me and handed me a bracelet engraved with turquoise, my birthstone, as a birthday present. She smiled as she showed me her own wrist, wearing the same bracelet.
“This is a loyalty bracelet, Princess.”
"That's great. I'll use it well. It'll show off our strong friendship."
Barbara's cheeks flushed bright red at my thanks. While we were sipping champagne, Isael Ventner, the elderly chairman of the Ventner automobile company, approached me and bowed. He presented me with a royal vehicle, custom-made from armored personnel carrier material.
“Your Royal Highness Princess Diana, we are grateful for your consideration as a distinguished member of our company.”
He raised his champagne glass with a face that held the world in his hands and expressed his gratitude and praise to me. "My investment led to a contract with the Medea Ministry of Defense to produce armored vehicles for the Medea Army, and I'm deeply moved by that," he said.
“Is the Princess controlling it herself?”
Henry, the black-suited personal secretary, looked out at the light aircraft parked at the palace's private airfield and asked with envious eyes. It was a pleasure plane manufactured by Medea National Airline, a gift from the Queen as a birthday present.
Milia, dressed in a knight's uniform, answered instead.
"You're undergoing rigorous training as a member of the Air Force. Military training is mandatory for royals to become officers. You also obtained your light aircraft pilot's license very quickly."
“Princess, you’ll give me a ride too, won’t you? I take good care of Boaz.”
It was Henry's charming snort as he held Boaz's leash. Eileen, standing in a pale yellow dress, placed her hand on her side and wore a bewildered expression.
“I will be the first to board Princess Diana’s plane.”
"Hey, you'll let me, your close friend, ride first. We even share a loyalty bracelet."
Barbara, her curly hair braided, raised her nose and gave a smug air. Daniel, dressed in a suit and tie, shook his head.
“I gave the Princess her favorite pudding. She liked my gift the best, so I got it first.”
I watched them meowing over who would ride first and smiled quietly.
“There won’t be any trouble.”
It was a soliloquy, a muttering so quiet that only I could hear it. As the banquet dragged on, the attention that had been focused on me gradually drifted away, and everyone was busy enjoying their own time. I watched the people dancing to the music, hiding my bored expression. What was the name of that song?
Of course, the title would be different here. Vincent, who seemed to have returned from a long stay in Cynthia, and Molly, who occasionally visits the palace, approached me and offered their congratulations. Conscious of the public's perception of them as Frogenians, I haven't been able to meet them often. Even now, some nobles are looking at them with disapproving expressions.
“Vincent, it’s been a while.”
“Yes. I’m quite busy due to my partner’s absence.”
“How are things going?”
“It’s not good.”
It was a story about Noah. A hint of worry crossed Vincent's monotonous expression. Molly, with her short, auburn hair, whispered softly as she presented him with a homemade scented candle.
“...He's back.”
My body froze in shock. I looked around vaguely, but Noah was nowhere to be seen in the banquet hall. Was he not planning to see me again when he returned? Judging by the harsh reality that had laid down the consequences, it was clear that he hadn't returned in the way I'd hoped.
“Where is he?”
“I don’t know. He didn’t even come to the mansion.”
Molly shook her head with a complicated expression. I didn't ask any more questions. The alcohol from the successive gulps made my fingertips feel hot, and my stomach feel queasy. I decided that staying in this place was unbearable. I got up and went out into the garden with Ted, my attendant, to get some fresh air.
“Happy birthday.”
As I walked down the outdoor corridor leading to the garden, which was filled with the Christmas spirit, Ted rummaged through his coat and held out a small gift box. I smiled and looked it over.
“Thank you. Can I try it now?”
"Yes. It's not that expensive. I've never given one to a woman before, so I'm not sure if you'll like it."
I opened the palm-sized gift box and found an intricately crafted opal hairpin. Its mysterious blue glow in the moonlight brought to mind someone's eyes, leaving me with a slightly lonely feeling.
“It’s pretty. You have great taste.”
“I got some advice from Lord Zelda. You’ve been tying your hair up these days.”
Ted's gray eyes narrowed in detail.
My hair is shoulder-length and in a state of beggarly condition. I've always had it short, but I thought it might be nice to grow it out once in a while, so I left it alone. Honestly, it might be because no one consistently told me I looked pretty every time I cut my hair.
“It looks expensive. I would have been grateful if you had just bought me a drink.”
"I'll buy that too. Everyone seemed to be having fun today, except for the Princess, who was the star of the banquet. Since you don't seem to be having much fun, I think it's best to leave now."
“It’s a bit awkward to move around with a bunch of people in the middle of the night.”
“You two can go together. Anyway, Sir Henry, my personal secretary, will be scolded instead.”
I couldn't help but chuckle as I pictured Henry's bewildered expression. He'd been scolded for my oversleeping and being late for training or class. I put the hairpin Ted had given me on the side of my head and slowly turned my head to look.
“Is it okay?”
"Yes. You've decorated it so well. It suits you. Please take my car. How was the place we went to last time?"
He draped his thick coat over my shoulders and said, "Yeah, it's your birthday, so this is a bit of an outing." Perhaps it was the alcohol that made me jump around so much, but I quickly regained my composure.
“The atmosphere was great. I hear singers and actors come here often, too.”
"Yes, a famous jazz singer is a regular there. He sometimes sings on stage."
“Did you get an autograph too?”
“I think my cause of death was overwork.”
Ted would spend time with me every morning, even though I was still awake. I felt a little sorry.
“I’ll live today. A hairpin is enough for a birthday present.”
Ted, smiling, approached a nearby palace guard and patted him on the back, instructing him to inform him of my departure. In a way, it was a one-sided announcement.
As we reached the end of the outdoor corridor leading out of the palace, Ted suddenly stopped walking, and I followed suit.
I saw someone sitting beneath a statue, entwined in a small lightbulb. Hair that was bathed in the colorful light of the bulbs. Slowly, he stood up and turned, his eyes slanting gently, their mysterious blue pupils. Even from a distance, he was a man dazzlingly beautiful.
"Princess."
As soon as I heard that familiar, affectionate voice, something deep within me surged. Standing before me was Noah, dressed in his officer's uniform.
It was the same question the Queen had asked Renier in the past.
In other words, it is a cruel threat asking if you want to die.
The moment the Marchioness of Wales slowly raised her head, and her amber-like irises were fully revealed, I was certain she was a spy for the Queen, like Renier. This conclusion was based on information gleaned from secret background checks, including her family origins and past actions. She had joined hands with Mastiff because she longed for the freedom of her life, wishing to reclaim her lost life. Would Mastiff have taken her hand if she had been an ordinary noblewoman? This was solid evidence for learning from Erita's fate.
“...”
The Marchioness of Wales remained expressionless and silent. Her hands, clenched so tightly that their knuckles turned white, trembled slightly. I relaxedly gave her a command, nodding my fingers on the table.
"Now that you understand the situation, you need to tell me who is responsible for monitoring me and reporting to you, Rosalia."
If you trust me first and cooperate, we can use each other well. One of Noah's many plans was to return to Frogen and conquer Medea to get me back. My opposition thwarted that plan, but Mastiff still wants Noah to return to Frogen. The Marchioness is carrying out his orders accordingly. She said.
"I received a report from the maid in charge of the bedroom that you've been drinking and taking sleeping pills for a long time. I heard you're having a very hard time, so I..."
That was my absolute weakness and trap. Like pests crawling through narrow cracks, they prey on people's weak points. If you know they exist, they're easy to catch. The Marchioness swallowed dryly. It might be a pragmatic alliance like Celine and me, but sometimes a simple relationship of interest, stripped of personal feelings, is better. If the Marchioness is related to an illegitimate child, Noah likely knows her true identity. Was there a reason she was left alone? Would she be useful in the future? In any case, she helped me deal with Erita, and she was just playing right into my hands.
I sat up and smiled kindly.
"My dear Marchioness of Wales, I'll see you at my birthday banquet. I'll invite you as a special guest. I cherish my people very much. I'd be furious if anyone deliberately provoked me."
I knew she was the one who had driven Ayla to kill, and I engraved a heavy warning into her mind: if she ever touched me or anyone around me, I would reveal the truth and eliminate them. It was a threat from a powerful person, borrowing the Queen's methods. She would be furious, I suppose.
“Thank you, Princess.”
I gazed at her jet-black hair flowing down her elegantly polite neck. A yearning for freedom, that alone is like yours.
***
Back at the mansion, the Marchioness of Wales, leaning back in her armchair, recalled Diana's piercing, sallow eyes. That cynical gaze was filled with the superiority of someone already at the top of their game, and the contempt they held for fools. It was no different from the arrogant royalty who lived their lives without ever bowing to anyone.
'A person who prioritizes self-centered reason and self-interest over empathy and emotion.'
This was her impression of Diana. Even when she said Erita was a formidable woman, she hadn't given it much thought. Knowing her as a young and uneducated woman, she couldn't hide her bewilderment. She'd assumed that her lack of social interaction, her imprisonment in a concentration camp instead of execution, and her occasional displays of keen insight were all due to Noah Rotsilt's intervention. She'd thought the prolonged absence of the man she'd considered Diana's spiritual pillar would be a prime opportunity to exploit her, but she'd discovered that Diana was a dangerous individual who could even endanger her own life.
It's a ridiculous situation where she tries to manipulate Diana by injecting her with a simple formula: they must escape to Frogen together to save Noah Rotsilt, but instead, she exploits her weakness and threatens her. Clearly, Diana also possessed a human side, helping the poor Ayla and the street children. She expected that if she took the time to build a bond and evoke sympathy, she would quickly trust and agree, so Diana's cynical attitude was understandably perplexing.
"For some unknown reason, Duke Noah Rotsilt seems to have changed his mind. He won't release the core research data Dr. Rugen discarded anywhere. It's for Princess Diana's benefit."
Mastiff's deep, deep voice echoed in her mind. He was talking about how he intended to force Noah back to Frogen and use Princess Diana as a hostage to get what he wanted. In fact, his main reason was probably that he didn't want Noah Rotsilt dead and wanted to join him in achieving a greater cause. The Marchioness of Wales frowned and chewed her manicured thumbnail.
“You want freedom? You must know my true identity.”
Even though Renier didn't know her true identity, her amber eyes simmered with a sense of crisis and rage. As Diana ascended to the throne, new bonds and oppression would follow. She might never be able to achieve freedom. The simple wish to live freely with her son, the only one she loved. Why was it so difficult for her? Her crimson lips trembled, then formed an arc.
“Then we have no choice but to pretend to cooperate and kill them when we get the chance.”
Ultimately, the ultimate goal is to reclaim Noah Rotsilt, subdue Medea, and install Mastiff as leader of the Frogen Empire. If Diana dies, Noah will unhesitatingly turn his back on Medea, regardless of whether he's bombed to the ground or not.
Especially if it's because Queen Grace II deliberately killed her illegitimate daughter, Diana.
***
My birthday banquet, held at Tempshire Palace on Christmas Day, December 25th, was grand and extravagant. The spacious banquet hall, bathed in golden light from a large chandelier, was filled with people dressed in elaborate attire. It felt like a special space reserved only for the wealthy and honored. I wore a simple white coat dress designed by the royal designer, complete with the Royal Garter.
Barbara approached me and handed me a bracelet engraved with turquoise, my birthstone, as a birthday present. She smiled as she showed me her own wrist, wearing the same bracelet.
“This is a loyalty bracelet, Princess.”
"That's great. I'll use it well. It'll show off our strong friendship."
Barbara's cheeks flushed bright red at my thanks. While we were sipping champagne, Isael Ventner, the elderly chairman of the Ventner automobile company, approached me and bowed. He presented me with a royal vehicle, custom-made from armored personnel carrier material.
“Your Royal Highness Princess Diana, we are grateful for your consideration as a distinguished member of our company.”
He raised his champagne glass with a face that held the world in his hands and expressed his gratitude and praise to me. "My investment led to a contract with the Medea Ministry of Defense to produce armored vehicles for the Medea Army, and I'm deeply moved by that," he said.
“Is the Princess controlling it herself?”
Henry, the black-suited personal secretary, looked out at the light aircraft parked at the palace's private airfield and asked with envious eyes. It was a pleasure plane manufactured by Medea National Airline, a gift from the Queen as a birthday present.
Milia, dressed in a knight's uniform, answered instead.
"You're undergoing rigorous training as a member of the Air Force. Military training is mandatory for royals to become officers. You also obtained your light aircraft pilot's license very quickly."
“Princess, you’ll give me a ride too, won’t you? I take good care of Boaz.”
It was Henry's charming snort as he held Boaz's leash. Eileen, standing in a pale yellow dress, placed her hand on her side and wore a bewildered expression.
“I will be the first to board Princess Diana’s plane.”
"Hey, you'll let me, your close friend, ride first. We even share a loyalty bracelet."
Barbara, her curly hair braided, raised her nose and gave a smug air. Daniel, dressed in a suit and tie, shook his head.
“I gave the Princess her favorite pudding. She liked my gift the best, so I got it first.”
I watched them meowing over who would ride first and smiled quietly.
“There won’t be any trouble.”
It was a soliloquy, a muttering so quiet that only I could hear it. As the banquet dragged on, the attention that had been focused on me gradually drifted away, and everyone was busy enjoying their own time. I watched the people dancing to the music, hiding my bored expression. What was the name of that song?
Of course, the title would be different here. Vincent, who seemed to have returned from a long stay in Cynthia, and Molly, who occasionally visits the palace, approached me and offered their congratulations. Conscious of the public's perception of them as Frogenians, I haven't been able to meet them often. Even now, some nobles are looking at them with disapproving expressions.
“Vincent, it’s been a while.”
“Yes. I’m quite busy due to my partner’s absence.”
“How are things going?”
“It’s not good.”
It was a story about Noah. A hint of worry crossed Vincent's monotonous expression. Molly, with her short, auburn hair, whispered softly as she presented him with a homemade scented candle.
“...He's back.”
My body froze in shock. I looked around vaguely, but Noah was nowhere to be seen in the banquet hall. Was he not planning to see me again when he returned? Judging by the harsh reality that had laid down the consequences, it was clear that he hadn't returned in the way I'd hoped.
“Where is he?”
“I don’t know. He didn’t even come to the mansion.”
Molly shook her head with a complicated expression. I didn't ask any more questions. The alcohol from the successive gulps made my fingertips feel hot, and my stomach feel queasy. I decided that staying in this place was unbearable. I got up and went out into the garden with Ted, my attendant, to get some fresh air.
“Happy birthday.”
As I walked down the outdoor corridor leading to the garden, which was filled with the Christmas spirit, Ted rummaged through his coat and held out a small gift box. I smiled and looked it over.
“Thank you. Can I try it now?”
"Yes. It's not that expensive. I've never given one to a woman before, so I'm not sure if you'll like it."
I opened the palm-sized gift box and found an intricately crafted opal hairpin. Its mysterious blue glow in the moonlight brought to mind someone's eyes, leaving me with a slightly lonely feeling.
“It’s pretty. You have great taste.”
“I got some advice from Lord Zelda. You’ve been tying your hair up these days.”
Ted's gray eyes narrowed in detail.
My hair is shoulder-length and in a state of beggarly condition. I've always had it short, but I thought it might be nice to grow it out once in a while, so I left it alone. Honestly, it might be because no one consistently told me I looked pretty every time I cut my hair.
“It looks expensive. I would have been grateful if you had just bought me a drink.”
"I'll buy that too. Everyone seemed to be having fun today, except for the Princess, who was the star of the banquet. Since you don't seem to be having much fun, I think it's best to leave now."
“It’s a bit awkward to move around with a bunch of people in the middle of the night.”
“You two can go together. Anyway, Sir Henry, my personal secretary, will be scolded instead.”
I couldn't help but chuckle as I pictured Henry's bewildered expression. He'd been scolded for my oversleeping and being late for training or class. I put the hairpin Ted had given me on the side of my head and slowly turned my head to look.
“Is it okay?”
"Yes. You've decorated it so well. It suits you. Please take my car. How was the place we went to last time?"
He draped his thick coat over my shoulders and said, "Yeah, it's your birthday, so this is a bit of an outing." Perhaps it was the alcohol that made me jump around so much, but I quickly regained my composure.
“The atmosphere was great. I hear singers and actors come here often, too.”
"Yes, a famous jazz singer is a regular there. He sometimes sings on stage."
“Did you get an autograph too?”
“I think my cause of death was overwork.”
Ted would spend time with me every morning, even though I was still awake. I felt a little sorry.
“I’ll live today. A hairpin is enough for a birthday present.”
Ted, smiling, approached a nearby palace guard and patted him on the back, instructing him to inform him of my departure. In a way, it was a one-sided announcement.
As we reached the end of the outdoor corridor leading out of the palace, Ted suddenly stopped walking, and I followed suit.
I saw someone sitting beneath a statue, entwined in a small lightbulb. Hair that was bathed in the colorful light of the bulbs. Slowly, he stood up and turned, his eyes slanting gently, their mysterious blue pupils. Even from a distance, he was a man dazzlingly beautiful.
"Princess."
As soon as I heard that familiar, affectionate voice, something deep within me surged. Standing before me was Noah, dressed in his officer's uniform.
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