Chapter 20: And the day of the meeting
“My sincerest apologies for making an unreasonable request, King of Baratonia.”
“Regarding the aftermath of the war, it has been challenging to allocate resources for the wedding ceremony, causing unnecessary worries. As you can see, Princess Claire has formed a strong bond with my son Auglia and is dedicated to serving our country. I cannot express enough gratitude for having such a wonderful princess as our daughter-in-law, Emperor of Faithnum.”
The dialogue began with a polite greeting, but my interpretation of it would be [Even though we just finished a war, I hinted at starting another one because I wanted Claire back. However, since you’ve threatened me and won’t return her, could you at least let me kill her, and we can negotiate and find a new princess to take her place?] The response was a cordial greeting, [Both of our nations have been weakened by recent battles, but unlike you, we don’t have any vassal states, so it’s only natural that it takes time to recover. Also, Claire was sent to us by you, so she’s already a part of our family, and we won’t return or harm her.]
Being a noble is just like this, isn’t it? I tend to get stuck when trying to speak indirectly, so I believe it’s a failure of proper lady’s education. I don’t fit in.
Next to my father stood Lilia, with her golden hair styled in loose curls and a smile directed at His Highness Auglia, who sat beside me. Her ruby eyes gleamed with delight.
His Highness Auglia tries to avoid making eye contact, but every now and then he turns his gaze towards me with a smile…Oh, Lilia, your smile is starting to look strained.
And on top of that, His Highness Julius, who looks like a man of reason, is sitting next to me on the other side, with Lord Balk behind us, Lilia, stop darting your eyes around.
As Lilia was distracted, I took the opportunity to observe her. The tongue-wrestling between the monarchs had already begun, but I couldn’t avoid greeting my biological parents.
“It’s been a while, Your Majesty. I’m glad to see that you’re in good health.”
“Hmm… It’s good to hear that you’re doing well.”
“Lilia, it’s good to see you again. You look well too.”
“Has Oneesama lost some weight? I think she’s having trouble with her food.”
Lilia’s expression was troubled, but her underlying message was clear: [I already laced your food with poison.] Everyone present understood this.
My father, the emperor, had a stern expression as he gazed at Lilia, trying to silence her. Lilia seemed quite agitated, and the atmosphere was filled with palpable tension.
We were currently in one of the reception rooms, but Faithnum had brought along ten armed escorts, all of them military officers.
If I were alone, I would be vulnerable, but Lord Balk, His Highness Julius, and His Highness Auglia were also wearing swords. It was customary for nobles to wear swords as part of their formal attire, but most of the escorts had been disarmed, except for two who were chosen for their physical strength.
Before I sit down for dinner and potentially face poisoned food, I must first drink the neutralizing agent.
What I am about to consume is not a lethal poison, but it seems that Faithnum’s faction is attempting to poison me as well. The poison I will ingest will cause shortness of breath and intense pain in my limbs. I had intended to take the antidote beforehand, but… Lilia, can’t you hide your envious face while fishing for men in a place like this and sometimes being treated better than you?
I was being mocked by a petty child. With a steady hand, I covertly added the antidote I had concealed in my sleeve to my tea as I stirred in honey.
Milk tea has become my favorite beverage.
