The Bewilderment of the Sacrificial Second Princess ~ Married Into the Enemy Country as a Hostage Princess, but Was Strangely Welcomed With Open Arms~ – Chapter 88
Chapter 88: Curiosity’ and ‘dedication
Before fear grips me, I am driven by an intense desire to defend Baratonia and those connected to it.
If safeguarding my life translates to safeguarding my nation, then I am willing to make sacrifices. I will use every ounce of my strength to protect myself.
“I will also inform His Highness Auglia of this… it will be up to His Highness Auglia’s discretion on how to preserve the nation’s reputation, but I have faith in him.”
Even in this predicament, I couldn’t help but smile, acknowledging that His Highness Auglia truly possesses remarkable trust by the Shadows of Nejia.
“I am confident that things will turn out well. Furthermore, I think it’s acceptable to relax our vigilance until we depart from the Poleinia Kingdom.”
“I agree. The records indicate that the orders have arrived in the Poleinia Kingdom. Until we reach Wegrain Kingdom safely, as long as we avoid any reckless actions, justice will be upheld in Baratonia. When the time comes, the extreme winter land and… Nejia, the Poleinia Kingdom will also send troops. The likelihood of defecting from the vassal state is high if they act cruelly. Even without that… in just two more days, we will reach Wegrain Kingdom.”
We are traveling by carriage, accompanied by baggage and guards.
Although it’s a neighboring country, it takes a considerable amount of time to reach our destination. Particularly since I am being treated as a noble, I can only pray that I won’t be kidnapped.
However, I can only find solace for the next forty-eight hours. During that time, I must exhaust all possible means.
“Our priority should be to verify if Bianca has indeed tied the knot. Then, we need to investigate the King of Wegrain Kingdom and… the Pope. Let’s try to complete these tasks swiftly.”
“Understood… I’ve already started, but it’s proving to be a challenge. You know, a nation that places God above all else.”
I assumed that Gauche would have already taken the necessary steps, but it was not a good answer.
“At the end of the day, they believe they are performing a virtuous act. All actions are in accordance with the will of God. If Princess Bianca has truly gotten married, then she is merely a marionette. Moreover, that princess… or should I say queen? Or perhaps, she is a divine embodiment (goddess incarnate). Regardless, I will do anything to safeguard Claire-sama. For the greater good… Instead of dedicating many resources to the investigation, I think it would be wise to increase the number of protectors for her.”
I had to adapt my perspective and acknowledge that I was entering a hostile domain with vastly different beliefs, as Gauche had put it.
Hillian was still benevolent. He merely requested for understanding. By exhibiting it, he would remain by my side and guard me. That’s how crucial religion can be to an individual.
If someone has such a fervent conviction that it could be labeled as fanaticism, then they would go to great lengths for that which they hold dear.
Despite being newlyweds, I never imagined that our honeymoon would have me filled with such anxiety. I released a sigh, almost as if in protest.
“Even though we share the same powerful goddess blood, I’m still destined to be a sacrifice, both in my homeland and even on our honeymoon. It’s rather depressing.”
“…I have my doubts about that.”
“Huh?”
Gauche chuckled amusedly and, in his signature playful manner, retorted.
“What Princess Bianca is doing is merely imitating the tiger’s strength through the fox’s cunning. On the other hand, what you, Claire-sama, are doing is driven by your innate knowledge and sense of obligation to serve others. It’s a quality of dedication, isn’t it? I don’t believe that any of the other princesses from the Faithnum Empire, even if they were married to Baratonia, would hold any value beyond being a sacrifice. But with you, it’s different. We, the Nejia wouldn’t have aligned with Baratonia if it weren’t for you. At least, the Nejia was not on their side, and the absence of Nejia means that the polar winter would have invaded. Above all…”
Gauche abruptly trailed off, leaving me standing, eager for him to continue.
“Baratonia is your country. It’s not just your belief, but everyone who has come into contact with you in the Baratonia Kingdom, including Nejia, feels the same way. “
“Let’s go,” Gauche declared as he leapt onto the roof to catch his breath. He’s probably going to report the current situation to Auglia-sama.
The Baratonia Kingdom is not only my home but also acknowledged as such by those around me.
Therefore, I vow to devote even more to the prosperity of the Baratonia Kingdom. My personal safety is of utmost importance, but it can be a daunting task to undertake alone.
The individuals surrounding me, including those currently traveling with me, care for me. There are also others eagerly awaiting my return.
I must not perish. With this conviction, I shut the window and retired to bed, eager to rest peacefully before resuming our journey.
