“Do you want to run away?”
It was Noah's question, as he willingly bent down to take my small hand and hold his tie. The man's face, which had been desperately pleading with vulnerability just moments before, suddenly became expressionless. He pulled away from where he had leaned toward me and sat down on the sofa opposite me. Noah leaned back against the backrest, resting his chin on his hand and tilting his head. His eyes, slanted low as he looked at me, were sharp and sharp.
"Diana. The moment it's announced that you're a true Princess, many things will change. The situation, the world."
“So, let’s leave. Off this island.”
"You may not realize it within the peaceful confines of Loganfield, but the outside world is hell right now. The moment you step off the island, you'll become a top priority, a target to be eliminated. Medea is one of the world's most powerful nations, and you're the Queen's sole heir and a key figure in Medea's future. Do you understand?"
His tone was gentle, as if he were explaining something to a child. His expression and voice were somewhat relaxed and composed, but his gaze, following me with alacrity, was persistent. I stared blankly, my hand still suspended in midair, having let go of Noah's tie. Feeling this was not the time, I quickly collected my thoughts and expression.
"You can hide your identity. You can just go to the nearby Federal Republic of Kappel. They provide globally accepted currency to the warring nations, and they're surrounded by mountains, so they won't be affected by the war."
Noah picked up the sugar cubes and laid them out on the table, one by one. With the firm tone of a competent tactical commander, he began to lay out the reasons why my judgment was wrong, one by one.
"It's different than when I fled Belford. Back then, there were ceasefire negotiations, so the fighting was at a lull. Now, the Irene Kingdom, invaded by the Frogens, is here, and the Cainsou Republic, invaded by the Lenin Federation, is here. The Allied and Alliance forces are fighting fiercely here, on the Jane Front, just before the Mariposa Mountains surrounding the Kappel Federation, and on the Lindino Line, the Francia front line."
I silently looked down at the point where the sugar cube had been placed and the line his finger drew, connecting them. The path ultimately indicated that reaching the permanently neutral Kappel Federation, surrounded by the Mariposa Mountains, was impossible.
“Is it impossible to smuggle yourself to an island in the New World?”
"The route to the New World, this middle stretch of territorial waters (seas shared by all nations), is dotted with warships from all nations, and frequent naval battles occur here. Due to the risk of torpedoes, merchant ships and general vessels without detectors are prohibited from passing."
"Are you saying there's no way to leave? Janet, Lieutenant Colonel Groenendaal, and Admiral Claire all managed to sneak in successfully. I can just follow their route. I'm willing to take that risk."
Noah frowned, brushing back his bangs as he watched me make overly idealistic claims. It felt like the frustration that comes from dealing with someone you can't communicate with. My heart sank, but I also felt a sense of hurt pride and resentment at being treated like a burden.
"They all started from Belford, a city that has declared neutrality. They're soldiers and infiltrators on their own. Janet, though older, is different from ordinary people. She's from the Frogen Intelligence Service. I could go alone, too. Diana, I came here with the assumption from the beginning that your identity would be revealed. Right now, your life and safety are our top priority."
“Noah, you are just as important to me.”
My concern was genuine, but Noah's attitude and dry response remained the same. He rested his chin on his armrest again, a displeased expression on his face.
"But you're incapable of protecting me, aren't you? No matter how clever you are, on a fiercely contested battlefield, you're just a weakling who needs my help."
I was taken aback by the sharp, pointed words, and just gaped at him. He'd probably already considered countless possibilities, so the mere excuse of worrying about him was simply untenable. For someone who couldn't even protect herself and was relying on Noah, demanding that he run away was a reckless and reckless act. He probably came across as immature and lacking in a grasp of reality. He continued to speak directly to me, even as I looked daunted and embarrassed.
"I'm capable of defending myself and have survived quite well so far, so it's fine. But a mission where I alone protect a civilian with no military training, through a warzone with bombs and bullets, and across land riddled with landmines to another country? What are your chances of survival? The most likely outcome is that we'll both die in the process. You don't even know how to fire a gun, and you're inexperienced in dealing with crises like air raids, fires, and combat. Your mental strength is so weak that you wouldn't be able to endure long marches, tactical sleeping arrangements, or mountaineering across mountains with minimal food and water. Based on that, the simple conclusion is to leave you safe, and I'll survive here on my own."
The reality that I, incompetent to escape with him, was a burden pierced my heart like a dagger. His worn-out voice was laced with the bitter scent of iron and blood. To someone who hadn't experienced war firsthand, these words might have been harsh, but they were mostly grounded in truth and experience. He knew that survival was the priority for both of them, not pride or emotion. Only by surviving, he finds the right moment to escape. After all, he was someone who cared about the outcome, not the process.
“What about an unusual method?”
"We'll return to Frogen, occupy this country, and capture you, the Princess, as a hostage. After that, we'll kill the Queen and the Prime Minister, force their surrender, and I'll become the governor of this place, and you'll become the governor's wife and Queen. It'll be a dummy, though."
The Medeans, like the Esatians, could also fall victim to the Frogen's brutal and inhumane slaughter. The thought of them sitting on an unwilling throne, helplessly watching their people being annihilated, was chilling, like being cut by a sharp blade. No, that's not true, both rationally and emotionally. Furthermore, the Frogens are considered a public enemy by the international community, so their defeat is highly likely by world historical standards.
"That doesn't guarantee our lives, does it? If I become the Princess, our chances of survival will increase, right?"
“Yes. Even more so if you are recognized as a Princess and build a force, gaining power and influence.”
"...All right."
His words felt like cold advice from a complete stranger. If my identity were ever revealed, accepting my position and protecting him would be the best I could do. But I felt a little resentful at his consistently rational demeanor. Noah, still expressionless, resting his chin on his hand, looked at me and asked.
"I don't think it's any use trying to make it sound nice. Would you like me to say it again more kindly?"
“No, I understand.”
"But why are you biting your lower lip? That's a habit my wife has when she's upset or dissatisfied."
"No."
“You’re really angry.”
"No..."
I said I don't like quick-witted men.
Right now, I really hate that guy. I can't bring myself to say it, because it might seem like a waste of time.
"I'm not angry. You made that choice for me, even though there was a more ideal way."
From his perspective, the best option would be to leave me behind and go to another country alone. His once-frozen blue eyes had thawed, as if spring had arrived. He returned to his usual gentle demeanor and spoke.
“I have to live.”
“Are you talking about you or about me?”
He simply smiled affectionately at my question, with that playful, sly smile I love. I asked again, as if to confirm something I didn't want to believe.
“If my identity is revealed, will I no longer be able to be with you?”
“Maybe. I don’t know when.”
I knew, too, that our marriage wasn't the only thing that would end. I constantly wiped away the cold sweat, tormented by anxiety. The thought that the moment of reckoning would come at any moment terrified me. The fear of the present fading away, of tomorrow arriving, of the fact that with each passing day, our separation drew nearer, was unbearable. But Noah's gentle voice soothed my anxiety and calmed it.
"The only thing that changes is the situation. I will remain the same."
The Queen's supporters unanimously agreed that Admiral Claire's confession was an opportunity to deal with Erita, whose history of murder and mental illness had tarnished the prestige and dignity of the Spencer royal family, and to leave behind a legitimate successor.
While the meeting was in full swing regarding the matter, it was brought up that Agnes Harrison was the one who switched the Princess, based on Admiral Claire's confession.
"The culprit has been revealed to be Agnes Harrison, the most trusted knight-in-waiting to Her Majesty the Queen and Her Royal Highness the Queen Mother. Sir Harrison, do you have any words of explanation for the guilty party?"
At Prime Minister Stanley's question, seated in the Vice-Chairman's chair in the State Council, Count Cedric Harrison's face darkened. He feared that his family would be wiped out as a result of his collective responsibility. Count Harrison immediately rose from his seat, bowed, and apologized in a trembling voice.
"On behalf of my sister, Agnes Harrison, who committed the crime of royal kidnapping and has since passed away, I offer my deepest apologies. Effective today, I resign my positions as Speaker and Member of the House of Lords, and renounce my titles. I will then pay reparation to the nation from the lands, buildings, and properties owned by the Harrison family, and then depart Loganfield. Your Majesty, this is far from sufficient, but I beg your mercy and understanding."
The Queen presides over State Council meetings. Sitting in the highest chair, the Speaker's Chair, she took off her thin silver-rimmed glasses, placed them down, and gazed at Count Harrison.
“Sir Cedric Harrison. You really didn’t know that?”
"No one in the family, including me, knew anything about it. My father, heartbroken by the sudden disappearance of his beloved daughter, eventually fell ill and passed away."
"I was deeply saddened at the time. I was quite close to the former Count of Harrison. What difference would it make to blame those who remain now? The sinner is already dead, and I have no intention of imposing guilt on you and your family, who have worked so hard for our country. Your continued dedication to the country, as you have done, is sufficient for your apology, Sir Cedric."
“Your Majesty... I am truly grateful. I will never forget this favor.”
While Count Harrison was moved, Prime Minister Stanley asked the Queen with a serious expression.
"Your Majesty, what do you plan to do with Diana Clare, rumored to be the daughter of Admiral Clare and Agnes Harrison?"
"I told you before: I won't blame those who don't know anything. She's young and talented, a future talent, too young to be punished for her parents' mistakes. We've been secretly investigating her, and there haven't been any issues. I'll keep her close and watch, and then we'll make a decision."
"She will do her best for Her Majesty the Queen, who has shown her such virtue and mercy. Indeed, that is a correct thought."
Prime Minister Stanley nodded in agreement. Seeing Count Harrison's bloodshot eyes, standing precariously, as if he were about to collapse at any moment, the Prime Minister raised his voice.
"Your Majesty has graciously forgiven your servant. Therefore, I urge you to do your duty. Sir Cedric's family must take responsibility for finding the true Princess and repay your kindness."
"If there's any chance, I'll search the entire world for it."
The Count bowed again to the Queen. The commander-in-chief, dressed in a uniform adorned with medals, added in a clear, disciplined tone, befitting a soldier.
"I heard that Agnes of the Harrison family switched the Princess, fled to Belford, and immediately became a Duchess. In short, it's possible that Belford's Prime Minister Damien Groenendaal was also involved in this incident. To find the Princess, how about declaring the truth to the Belford Empire and inducing its cooperation with the Allied Powers? Belford would be a strategic stronghold."
"If, as you suggest, you evade responsibility or refuse to cooperate, we will consider it as an agreement with the conquering ally and declare war. We will select port cities that are geographically convenient for troop movement and logistics. Now, let's quickly wrap up the next agenda item. I'm a little tired."
Overwhelmed by the overwhelming power and momentum, no one in the room noticed the Queen's face gradually turning pale. Finally, a subdued voice continued.
“Regarding the disposition of the Princess, who was revealed to be fake.”
It was Noah's question, as he willingly bent down to take my small hand and hold his tie. The man's face, which had been desperately pleading with vulnerability just moments before, suddenly became expressionless. He pulled away from where he had leaned toward me and sat down on the sofa opposite me. Noah leaned back against the backrest, resting his chin on his hand and tilting his head. His eyes, slanted low as he looked at me, were sharp and sharp.
"Diana. The moment it's announced that you're a true Princess, many things will change. The situation, the world."
“So, let’s leave. Off this island.”
"You may not realize it within the peaceful confines of Loganfield, but the outside world is hell right now. The moment you step off the island, you'll become a top priority, a target to be eliminated. Medea is one of the world's most powerful nations, and you're the Queen's sole heir and a key figure in Medea's future. Do you understand?"
His tone was gentle, as if he were explaining something to a child. His expression and voice were somewhat relaxed and composed, but his gaze, following me with alacrity, was persistent. I stared blankly, my hand still suspended in midair, having let go of Noah's tie. Feeling this was not the time, I quickly collected my thoughts and expression.
"You can hide your identity. You can just go to the nearby Federal Republic of Kappel. They provide globally accepted currency to the warring nations, and they're surrounded by mountains, so they won't be affected by the war."
Noah picked up the sugar cubes and laid them out on the table, one by one. With the firm tone of a competent tactical commander, he began to lay out the reasons why my judgment was wrong, one by one.
"It's different than when I fled Belford. Back then, there were ceasefire negotiations, so the fighting was at a lull. Now, the Irene Kingdom, invaded by the Frogens, is here, and the Cainsou Republic, invaded by the Lenin Federation, is here. The Allied and Alliance forces are fighting fiercely here, on the Jane Front, just before the Mariposa Mountains surrounding the Kappel Federation, and on the Lindino Line, the Francia front line."
I silently looked down at the point where the sugar cube had been placed and the line his finger drew, connecting them. The path ultimately indicated that reaching the permanently neutral Kappel Federation, surrounded by the Mariposa Mountains, was impossible.
“Is it impossible to smuggle yourself to an island in the New World?”
"The route to the New World, this middle stretch of territorial waters (seas shared by all nations), is dotted with warships from all nations, and frequent naval battles occur here. Due to the risk of torpedoes, merchant ships and general vessels without detectors are prohibited from passing."
"Are you saying there's no way to leave? Janet, Lieutenant Colonel Groenendaal, and Admiral Claire all managed to sneak in successfully. I can just follow their route. I'm willing to take that risk."
Noah frowned, brushing back his bangs as he watched me make overly idealistic claims. It felt like the frustration that comes from dealing with someone you can't communicate with. My heart sank, but I also felt a sense of hurt pride and resentment at being treated like a burden.
"They all started from Belford, a city that has declared neutrality. They're soldiers and infiltrators on their own. Janet, though older, is different from ordinary people. She's from the Frogen Intelligence Service. I could go alone, too. Diana, I came here with the assumption from the beginning that your identity would be revealed. Right now, your life and safety are our top priority."
“Noah, you are just as important to me.”
My concern was genuine, but Noah's attitude and dry response remained the same. He rested his chin on his armrest again, a displeased expression on his face.
"But you're incapable of protecting me, aren't you? No matter how clever you are, on a fiercely contested battlefield, you're just a weakling who needs my help."
I was taken aback by the sharp, pointed words, and just gaped at him. He'd probably already considered countless possibilities, so the mere excuse of worrying about him was simply untenable. For someone who couldn't even protect herself and was relying on Noah, demanding that he run away was a reckless and reckless act. He probably came across as immature and lacking in a grasp of reality. He continued to speak directly to me, even as I looked daunted and embarrassed.
"I'm capable of defending myself and have survived quite well so far, so it's fine. But a mission where I alone protect a civilian with no military training, through a warzone with bombs and bullets, and across land riddled with landmines to another country? What are your chances of survival? The most likely outcome is that we'll both die in the process. You don't even know how to fire a gun, and you're inexperienced in dealing with crises like air raids, fires, and combat. Your mental strength is so weak that you wouldn't be able to endure long marches, tactical sleeping arrangements, or mountaineering across mountains with minimal food and water. Based on that, the simple conclusion is to leave you safe, and I'll survive here on my own."
The reality that I, incompetent to escape with him, was a burden pierced my heart like a dagger. His worn-out voice was laced with the bitter scent of iron and blood. To someone who hadn't experienced war firsthand, these words might have been harsh, but they were mostly grounded in truth and experience. He knew that survival was the priority for both of them, not pride or emotion. Only by surviving, he finds the right moment to escape. After all, he was someone who cared about the outcome, not the process.
“What about an unusual method?”
"We'll return to Frogen, occupy this country, and capture you, the Princess, as a hostage. After that, we'll kill the Queen and the Prime Minister, force their surrender, and I'll become the governor of this place, and you'll become the governor's wife and Queen. It'll be a dummy, though."
The Medeans, like the Esatians, could also fall victim to the Frogen's brutal and inhumane slaughter. The thought of them sitting on an unwilling throne, helplessly watching their people being annihilated, was chilling, like being cut by a sharp blade. No, that's not true, both rationally and emotionally. Furthermore, the Frogens are considered a public enemy by the international community, so their defeat is highly likely by world historical standards.
"That doesn't guarantee our lives, does it? If I become the Princess, our chances of survival will increase, right?"
“Yes. Even more so if you are recognized as a Princess and build a force, gaining power and influence.”
"...All right."
His words felt like cold advice from a complete stranger. If my identity were ever revealed, accepting my position and protecting him would be the best I could do. But I felt a little resentful at his consistently rational demeanor. Noah, still expressionless, resting his chin on his hand, looked at me and asked.
"I don't think it's any use trying to make it sound nice. Would you like me to say it again more kindly?"
“No, I understand.”
"But why are you biting your lower lip? That's a habit my wife has when she's upset or dissatisfied."
"No."
“You’re really angry.”
"No..."
I said I don't like quick-witted men.
Right now, I really hate that guy. I can't bring myself to say it, because it might seem like a waste of time.
"I'm not angry. You made that choice for me, even though there was a more ideal way."
From his perspective, the best option would be to leave me behind and go to another country alone. His once-frozen blue eyes had thawed, as if spring had arrived. He returned to his usual gentle demeanor and spoke.
“I have to live.”
“Are you talking about you or about me?”
He simply smiled affectionately at my question, with that playful, sly smile I love. I asked again, as if to confirm something I didn't want to believe.
“If my identity is revealed, will I no longer be able to be with you?”
“Maybe. I don’t know when.”
I knew, too, that our marriage wasn't the only thing that would end. I constantly wiped away the cold sweat, tormented by anxiety. The thought that the moment of reckoning would come at any moment terrified me. The fear of the present fading away, of tomorrow arriving, of the fact that with each passing day, our separation drew nearer, was unbearable. But Noah's gentle voice soothed my anxiety and calmed it.
"The only thing that changes is the situation. I will remain the same."
***
The Queen's supporters unanimously agreed that Admiral Claire's confession was an opportunity to deal with Erita, whose history of murder and mental illness had tarnished the prestige and dignity of the Spencer royal family, and to leave behind a legitimate successor.
While the meeting was in full swing regarding the matter, it was brought up that Agnes Harrison was the one who switched the Princess, based on Admiral Claire's confession.
"The culprit has been revealed to be Agnes Harrison, the most trusted knight-in-waiting to Her Majesty the Queen and Her Royal Highness the Queen Mother. Sir Harrison, do you have any words of explanation for the guilty party?"
At Prime Minister Stanley's question, seated in the Vice-Chairman's chair in the State Council, Count Cedric Harrison's face darkened. He feared that his family would be wiped out as a result of his collective responsibility. Count Harrison immediately rose from his seat, bowed, and apologized in a trembling voice.
"On behalf of my sister, Agnes Harrison, who committed the crime of royal kidnapping and has since passed away, I offer my deepest apologies. Effective today, I resign my positions as Speaker and Member of the House of Lords, and renounce my titles. I will then pay reparation to the nation from the lands, buildings, and properties owned by the Harrison family, and then depart Loganfield. Your Majesty, this is far from sufficient, but I beg your mercy and understanding."
The Queen presides over State Council meetings. Sitting in the highest chair, the Speaker's Chair, she took off her thin silver-rimmed glasses, placed them down, and gazed at Count Harrison.
“Sir Cedric Harrison. You really didn’t know that?”
"No one in the family, including me, knew anything about it. My father, heartbroken by the sudden disappearance of his beloved daughter, eventually fell ill and passed away."
"I was deeply saddened at the time. I was quite close to the former Count of Harrison. What difference would it make to blame those who remain now? The sinner is already dead, and I have no intention of imposing guilt on you and your family, who have worked so hard for our country. Your continued dedication to the country, as you have done, is sufficient for your apology, Sir Cedric."
“Your Majesty... I am truly grateful. I will never forget this favor.”
While Count Harrison was moved, Prime Minister Stanley asked the Queen with a serious expression.
"Your Majesty, what do you plan to do with Diana Clare, rumored to be the daughter of Admiral Clare and Agnes Harrison?"
"I told you before: I won't blame those who don't know anything. She's young and talented, a future talent, too young to be punished for her parents' mistakes. We've been secretly investigating her, and there haven't been any issues. I'll keep her close and watch, and then we'll make a decision."
"She will do her best for Her Majesty the Queen, who has shown her such virtue and mercy. Indeed, that is a correct thought."
Prime Minister Stanley nodded in agreement. Seeing Count Harrison's bloodshot eyes, standing precariously, as if he were about to collapse at any moment, the Prime Minister raised his voice.
"Your Majesty has graciously forgiven your servant. Therefore, I urge you to do your duty. Sir Cedric's family must take responsibility for finding the true Princess and repay your kindness."
"If there's any chance, I'll search the entire world for it."
The Count bowed again to the Queen. The commander-in-chief, dressed in a uniform adorned with medals, added in a clear, disciplined tone, befitting a soldier.
"I heard that Agnes of the Harrison family switched the Princess, fled to Belford, and immediately became a Duchess. In short, it's possible that Belford's Prime Minister Damien Groenendaal was also involved in this incident. To find the Princess, how about declaring the truth to the Belford Empire and inducing its cooperation with the Allied Powers? Belford would be a strategic stronghold."
"If, as you suggest, you evade responsibility or refuse to cooperate, we will consider it as an agreement with the conquering ally and declare war. We will select port cities that are geographically convenient for troop movement and logistics. Now, let's quickly wrap up the next agenda item. I'm a little tired."
Overwhelmed by the overwhelming power and momentum, no one in the room noticed the Queen's face gradually turning pale. Finally, a subdued voice continued.
“Regarding the disposition of the Princess, who was revealed to be fake.”
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