“Good day to you, Your Highness Geraldo.”

On the other side of the bars, Geraldo was reading a book, not even sparing a glance at her.

His brother was wrong when he said they barely spoke. In fact, they didn’t even meet each other’s eyes.

However, she couldn’t afford to lose her temper. Yelling at him to pay attention to her was what a child would do.

Geraldo had a good reputation. He was polite to everyone, respectful even to the guards, knew his place, never demanded anything unreasonable, and even showed consideration. All the scholars and experts who spoke to him praised his quick-wittedness and attitude. Despite being in an enemy country, he behaved like a perfect prince.

…Except to Natalie, he didn’t even greet her.

He was a perfect prince who seemed not to know the concept of defeat. Hence, losing and being held hostage by the Dragon Empress, who was essentially a little girl, must’ve been humiliating. It was a pity to think that only Natalie could see through his feelings.

A good sign.

Then, this is what I’ll do.

“Is there something bothering you? Please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Her words of condolence must’ve been very painful for the proud prince. The thought of it made her shiver—she must’ve been a bit wicked.

At the same time, the other was a skilled man who ignored her without batting an eye. There was still a long way to go before he surrendered.

Normally, she’d spend her time in silence on the other side of the bars, but today Vissel told her to relay something. Getting the troublesome matter over with as soon as possible was for the best.

“I heard that the Dragon Empress is also going to study abroad.”

Sure enough, the prince reacted to those words. His handsome face turned towards her.

She felt half proud that she had done it, and half regretful. But she pretended not to notice the latter, and tried not to think whether the reason for the reaction was Jill or the Dragon Empress.

She continued.

“Do you know where it is?”

“The Grand Duchy of Leica, I presume.”

Geraldo stated matter-of-factly, and he was correct.

“Female rulers are quick to turn to education. After all, achievements will boost their reputation. They don’t seem to realize that education is a terrifying weapon. It’s just another way of saying ‘brainwashing.’”

“…But it seems like she wants to set up a military academy.”

Geraldo’s eyes widened a bit, and she thought, “Oh, no!” It seemed that Jill’s value in Geraldo’s mind had risen again.

“I see. That’s an idea typical of a daughter of the House of Saber. Her goal is national defense after all… The Dragon Queen really does love to serve the Dragon Emperor. And?”

“Eh?”

“Crown Prince Vissel told you to tell me this, didn’t he?”

He smiled profoundly, causing her to clench her fists.

Right now, her sarcastic older brother and this prince were trying to figure something out with her as their in-between.

“You aren’t cut out to be a spy. Your brothers are no good. I feel sorry for you.”

“I admit that they’re no good, but you have no right to tell me that. Or, are you trying to say that you’re a great brother? Why don’t we try asking Princess Faelis? I look forward to her answer.”

“…Unlike your brothers, I don’t take advantage of my sister.”

He also reacted to Princess Faelis, someone he doted on.

“So, you’re trying to say your sister is unreliable. If that’s what you think of her as her brother, then I feel sorry for her.”

“Why are you interpreting it so maliciously?”

“You were the one who spoke ill of my brothers first! Brother Vissel would never use anyone who can’t be depended on.”

Vissel only entrusted other with requests if he recognized their ability and value.

“So, I’ll just tell my brothers that Prince Geraldo easily guessed that the Dragon Empress would study abroad in the Grand Duchy of Leica. He also said that my brothers are good-for-nothings and take advantage of me! Or that he wants them to take better care of their sister!”

“You…”

Perhaps defeated by Natalie’s momentum, Geraldo faltered and muttered.

“I don’t know what to say, but you’re really strong…”

“Thank you. Aren’t I a perfect candidate for Crown Princess of Kratos?”

He stared back at her with a blank look, as if he’d given up on everything in the world.

How she wished that he’d give up on his schemes and rethink his life, and maybe even his marriage partner.

“I’ll come again.”

“There’s no need.”

Geraldo replied politely. Without seeing Natalie off, his gaze had returned to his book. Natalie also turned away, pretending not to mind. The prince was simple-minded, but intelligent. She mustn’t be found out.

Natalie had seen the real family tree of Kratos royal family. Even though it was sealed and unreadable, she had the diary of his mother, which was written before she died. Natalie had hidden all of this from her brothers, wondering if there was anything she could do before entrusting it to them.

If Geraldo found out that was her intention, he’d mercilessly take advantage of her. Natalie wasn’t sure what would happen to her then.

…I must let Brother Vissel know. Something might be afoot in the Grand Duchy of Leica.

So, until she decided what to do—Geraldo must never find out.

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***T/N: I still don’t ship these two

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