“As the internal affairs of Rave Empire has settled down considerably, it’s time to focus on the state of external affairs. For the sake of peace, establishing a connection between the royal families would be for the best.”

“Well, certainly, but...”

“As such, it’d be easier for me to marry Prince Geraldo, while Hadith-nii-sama marries Jill.”

Jill involuntarily exclaimed.

“B, but, His Majesty and I—…”

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m doing this for my own sake. I’ve thought it through. Elynsia-nee-sama is leading an army, while Frida has a strong backing. As such, neither of them can unite our two families through marriage. Therefore, the role falls unto me. Hey, wouldn’t it be amazing if I managed to become the crown princess of Kratos?”

Natalie chuckled and swept back her hair.

“I’ve even managed to silence someone like Vissel-nii-sama.”

“Certainly, it’s a great idea. If by any chance it does come true, I’ll grant you a single wish.”

“Then, it’s a promise, Vissel-nii-sama.”

Despite her determined smile, Natalie was probably uneasy. After all, as a princess, Natalie was more aware of how her actions might influence others than Jill. As such, there was no way she couldn’t fathom the danger of marrying into the tentative enemy country.

However, there was an unyieldingness in her quiet gaze.

“I’m a princess of the Rave Empire. This is my time to shine. Make no mistake.”

Had they truly wanted to stop her, Vissel probably would have stopped at nothing while Listeard would have continued to oppose her. However, the two remained silent—and that alone served as the answer.

Elynsia—the key to national defense—couldn’t be married off. As for Frida, not only was she young, she also had a complicated relationship with powerful nobles affiliated to the imperial family, namely the Three Grand Dukes.

Hence, in terms of age and position, Natalie was the most eligible. Perhaps, even without Jill and Hadith, marrying her off would be a surefire way to attain peace.

Even so… is it truly alright? If, like before, Her Highness Natalie is kidnapped and murdered in Kratos, there won’t be any peace…

Perhaps, the saving grace was that Jill’s past experiences and the present were different. In the past, Natalie was dispatched to Kratos by her uncle Georg during the middle of their dispute with Hadith.

As of the present, Natalie did it out of her own accord and for the diplomacy of the Rave Empire. As such, if anything were to happen to Natalie, the Rave Empire would surely pursue the matter. That alone should change the Kratos’ response—and even if Kratos was involved, at the very least, Jill was Geraldo’s fiancée no longer.

“I think Natalie can do it.”

With a bright voice, Elynsia broke the complicated silence.

“After all, I have such a bright and adorable little sister. Therefore, I’m sure that Prince Geraldo will take a liking to her, and the same should go for Princess Faelis. Besides, we’re only at the proposal stage. We don’t even know how Kratos will respond. If it doesn’t work out, then we can just smooth it out.”

“…Utter bonehead. Who do you think will have to clean up the mess later?”

“Vissel, did you say something?”

“No, onee-sama, it’s nothing. I understand what you’re saying. By making a proposition to them, we’ll be able to judge their seriousness towards a peace treaty through their response.”

Will they accept an offer of engagement with Natalie? If the opposite happens, what would their reason for refusal be? Kratos’ response would serve as a crucial piece of information. Nodding, Elynsia looked at everyone.

“Then, let’s believe in Natalie and leave it to her.”

“Can anything from such a mediocre princess even be trusted?”

“What’s that?”

“…Vissel, why can’t you honestly say that you’re worried about your sister?”

“Ha? Cease that, Elynsia-nee-sama. It’s awful to think about.” (Natalie)

“Good grief…” (Vissel)

Seeing Vissel and Natalie agree with each other, Elynsia was perplexed.

“Are you two actually on good terms?”

“—We have to be cautious, Ane-ue. If anything were to befall Natalie, it won’t just affect our relationship with Kratos, but compromises Hadith’s position as well. They’ll think that Hadith didn’t actually want to acknowledge the Rave imperial family.”

Propping his elbow on his knee, Listeard groaned.

“…But I’d also like to place my trust in Natalie. After all, it’s indeed something that only a princess of Rave Empire can accomplish. Still, as royalty, it’s frustrating to see that my little sister beat me to it. You’ve done well in deciding for yourself.”

“W-what are you saying all of the sudden, Listeard-nii-sama…”

“Certainly, she is well able to fill in the role of Prince Geraldo’s fiancée candidate that Lady Jill abandoned. Not only that, if Natalie is sent with the support of the Three Grand Dukes, we can ensure her safety as much as possible. It’s the best diplomatic solution.”

Listeard stared straight at Vissel.

“I shall persuade Duke Leirzatz. As for Duke Noitral, he probably won’t interfere. I leave the matter of persuading Duke Fairert to you, Vissel-aniue.”

Lifting his eyebrow, Vissel sighed heavily and looked at Hadith.

“How about you, Hadith? What’s your opinion on the matter?”

After all, the emperor had the final say. Jill felt somewhat nervous, too. Then, under everyone’s gazes, Hadith spoke firmly.

“I think I should properly greet Jill’s parents first.”

Silence descended.

Facepalming, Listeard groaned.

“Well, certainly, there’s that… But in this kind of situation, couldn’t you have—”

“Even if you say that, everyone’s just overthinking too much, and that include you, Jill.”

“Eh?”

“For some time now, you’ve been worried that this might be your fault. However, Natalie’s situation depends on whether or not your parents approve of our marriage. We haven’t even touched the matter, yet.”

“Well, that’s right, but… I’m just worried about what Prince Geraldo might do to Her Highness Natalie…”

When she still couldn’t get rid of her anxiety, Hadith smiled.

“In the first place, Jill, do you know what a peace treaty entails?”

“…Uhm, a promise to not start a war? Then, after exchanging documents, both sides will shake hands! At least, on the surface… Behind the scenes, they might be begrudging it.”

“Yes, but that’s the aftermath, isn’t it? Before that can happen, there is this.”

Hadith held out his left hand for a handshake. But when Jill was about to extend her left hand, she stopped—

—Despite smiling, Hadith’s right hand was bunched into a fist while his left hand remained extended. It was a posture ready to strike.

“Do you understand?”

“…Eh?”

“…At best, make it so that it’ll work to our advantage, Listeard.”

“If possible, I want to avoid bloodshed, but when it comes to peace negotiations…”

“Huh? Huh?”

Before Jill could comprehend anything, Vissel and Listeard started talking, while Natalie seemed dissatisfied.

“What, what? What are they talking about? It should be about a peace treaty, right? Elynsia-nee-sama?”

“I think so, I don’t quite understand either… Since I’m more used to fighting in the front line, I’m ignorant about negotiations. But it’s alright, in the end, regardless of who the opponent is, I shall come pick you up.”

“But there won’t be a war—!?”

“Na-Natalie-onee-sama, you’ve made up your mind, haven’t you?”

At Frida’s fleeting voice, everyone calmed down. Natalie kneeled before her sister who was clutching the hem of her dress with a downcast look on her face.

“It’s alright, it’s just a possibility in the future.”

After biting her lips, Frida nodded.

“I understand, i-if that’s what you’ve decided, I’ll support you…”

Her voice faltered here and there, probably because she was suppressing her sobs. Nevertheless, it affected Natalie all the same, and she sighed.

“Don’t make such a face, Frida…”

“That’s right, it’s a fortunate event. As such, congratulations are in order.”

To Elynsia, who held her two younger sisters, Vissel bluntly remarked.

“Like I said, who’s going to clean it all up?”

“C’mon, let’s leave all that hassle to my younger brothers! We’re going to eat something good and cheer ourselves up! Lady Sufia, can you prepare some recommended tea and sweets for us?”

Then, for the first time, Jill noticed that behind Camila and Zeke—who were blocking the door, stood Sufia holding Rho.

---

***T/N: Natalie, Natalie, Natalie, why…?

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