“It has come to my attention that the Southern King is amassing weapons and soldiers.”

Jill frowned at Geraldo’s concern.

“Could it be a rebellion?”

“A king towards his own country?”

Geraldo replied with a sarcastic tone.

He’s right, though. Why would a king start an uprising?

“No way, is he trying to wage a war against the Rave Empire…?”

“It’s possible, but I can’t say for sure. After facing him in Radea, you probably understand his personality to an extent. Everything he does is for the sake of his enjoyment. Other than that, he doesn’t care. I can’t let him involve the people into such a mess.”

As Jill stared at his back, she became nostalgic. The Geraldo she knew also used to say that he’d protect this country from his father and the Dragon God.

—And in the future that Jill knew, Geraldo put his father to rest with his own hands.

…It happened further down the road, and the Saber family was involved.

Shortly before the civil war, her parents perished in a battle against the Rave Imperial Army.

However, the one who killed her parents was none other than the Southern King himself.

During the invasion of the Rave army, her father, the family head, was cut down by the Southern King for opposing his reckless plan. It was an act so brutal, it rattled even the army of Rave Empire.

Afterwards, Lawrence came bearing the news of the wife of the family head’s death. She was slain after buying time for her troops to escape from the bloodthirsty king.

The head of the family that protected the border was killed—it was the moment when the country came together to overthrow the Southern King.

Life was fragile on the battlefield. Ever since they had waged war against the Rave Empire, they could die anywhere.

So, no matter how one dies, no one would dwell on it.

Only amateurs would do such a thing.

Having been raised that way, Jill accepted the death of her parents as part of the battlefield. So did her older brother, who took up the mantle and became the head of the Saber family.

Her pride overweighed her sorrow. In order to protect their men, her parents went against their master until the bitter end.

So, even if the Southern King and her parents were to partake in war within this timeline, she wouldn’t forbid them, even if the threat of the Southern King persisted. In a battlefield, you either killed or were killed. That much was obvious.

Still, if there was no war, then her parents wouldn’t have to go to the battlefield.

If peace is established, there won’t be a civil war… In order to do that, His Highness Geraldo will have to keep the Southern King in check, or—

—Jill answered, clenching her fist tightly.

“…I want to avoid war.”

She caught up with Geraldo and sat next to him.

Jill no longer believed that following behind Geraldo was the right thing to do.

“I’m willing to lend you my help.”

“The Dragon Empress of the Rave Empire?”

“I’m a native of Kratos.”

After looking at Jill, Geraldo spoke with a wry smile.

“You refuse to get married, yet you are willing to prevent a war. Usually, it’s the other way around.”

“…We’re compatible in this regard.”

“I know. If Faelis hears about this, she’ll probably laugh at me.”

While listening to Geraldo’s gentle laugh, Jill was at a lost.

Should I try bringing up the issue regarding the Goddess’ vessel…?

But if she wasn’t careful, the prospect of peace would be dashed.

Even at the time she was about to be executed by Geraldo, she didn’t ask what was on his mind.

I don’t think I’ll ever forgive him, but I can’t help but feel the Goddess’ presence.

I wonder who my opponent really was.

“…How is Faelis doing?”

Let’s play safe.

Geraldo frowned as he remembered.

“Right now, she’s at our summer retreat. Whenever it gets hot, she’ll lose her appetite and often get sick.”

“Oh, right, I forgot about that…”

“Did someone tell you before?”

“—I heard from my parents! Apparently, Princess Faelis spends her summers at summer retreats!”

She panicked and made an excuse. Geraldo nodded without pursuing the matter.

“Perhaps, her magic is still unstable. Hopefully, when she grows up—…”

Suddenly, Geraldo shut his mouth.

“…Is this what you are incompatible with?”

“Huh?”

“Didn’t you mention that you dislike my doting on my younger sister—”

“—Jill.”

Suddenly, another voice chimed in.

Before she could even think about it, a shiver ran down her spine. Her entire body was shuddering, as if her skin had been directly exposed to a soft summer wind.

“Y-Your Majesty…”

“Am I interrupting something? What are you talking about?”

Smiling, Hades casually asked. It was the same tone he used whenever he asked her what she’d like to have for dinner.

“W-we haven’t talked much… By the way, Your Majesty, what happened to Zeke?”

“The main unit arrived when we stepped out, so he went to help them. What happened to Camila?”

“She is having a reunion with Lawrence. I allowed her to do so because I judged there was no particular danger.”

There’s something chilling about the way he joined the conversation.

Or maybe she was just imagining it.

“But Your Majesty, you are unwell…”

“Certainly. Maybe what I’ve been hearing was also an auditory hallucination.”

“Huh?”

“It’s not a hallucination.”

Geraldo stepped in to protect Jill who was faltering because she didn’t understand Hades’ words.

In response, Hades merely stared at him with a ghost of a smile on his face. Although he was only wearing a simple shirt and black pants, his facial features made him look strangely intimidating. But Geraldo was undaunted.

“It was my fault for causing the misunderstanding. I apologize. Her Highness Jill isn’t at fault.”

“I, uhm, I—”

“I see. That’s wonderful. Come with me for a moment.”

Hades spun around and turned on his heels.

Frowning, Geraldo followed him. As such, Jill had no choice but to do the same.

She was confused. The conversation, which had been cut off half-way, became dubious.

“Do I have to be here as well?”

“Yes, because Jill spoke to you.”

“…That’s true, but—”

“Don’t worry, I’m just clarifying the truth.”

Hades stopped them, stepping aside to let them see something.

It was a circular plaza in front of the main entrance. Bags carried by the main unit, including souvenirs for her parents, were carried to the mansion. However, what stole their attention was a certain luxurious four-horse carriage in front of which Zeke was standing.

A feminine, thin hand rested on Zeke’s outstretched hand.

The carriage, decorated with the golden insignia of the Rave royal family, was originally intended for Hades and Jill. In other words, it was impossible for anyone besides Hades and Jill to be on board.

Unless they were part of the Rave royal family.

Impossible.

While she was frozen, a woman alighted off the carriage, placing one hand on Zeke.

Golden hair, like ears of rice, cascaded. After the woman was told something by Zeke, she turned to look at them and smiled, her eyes reminiscent of the summer sky.

Gracefully lifting the hem of her simple yet exquisite silk dress, the woman made her way towards Hades.

Nobody would object to her boarding that carriage, for she was the member of the Rave royal family.

“Sorry for being late, Older Brother.”

“You came at the right time, Natalie.”

“It seems so.”

After laughing, Natalie turned to look at Geraldo. Geraldo averted his gaze and asked Hades in a stern voice.

“…Isn’t she Her Highness Natalie?”

“I’m aware that I snatched Jill away from you, and I intend to make up for that.”

Geraldo’s expression suddenly turned grim. There, Natalie held her skirt and bent her knees.

“I greet you, Your Highness the Crown Prince—Geraldo de Kratos. My name is Natalie Theos Rave. It’s an honor to meet you.”

A perfect curtsy that left nothing to be desired.

“Would you please escort my sister to the dinner party, Your Highness Geraldo?”

“…”

“I want the two of you to get along. This is the first step towards peace.”

Geraldo, devoid of any emotions, raised his face and extended his hand to Natalie.

Hades looked on with a triumphant expression on his face.

---

Read advanced chapters on Patreon~

***T/N: We changing our boi name to Hades now, bois.

Please also consider donating to my ko-fi! It’ll greatly support me in action, no matter the amount!
https://ko-fi.com/antoinettevanessa

Have a Japanese story or the likes (Drama CD, etc.) you’d like to read? Want it to be translated? I’m open for commission!
https://www.fiverr.com/s2/aaab08c14d

<Previous chapter

Next chapter>