Chapter 95: Love Is War

Fortunately, there was one silver lining.

By the time Princess Clarice’s carriage arrived in the Brentarion Kingdom, Prince Raphael had also been brought there.

That day, a brief royal gathering took place over a meal.

“Prince Raphael, what kind of food do you enjoy?”

It was a soft, natural conversation that unfolded during the meal. King Laboden and the Queen nodded in satisfaction at Princess Clarice’s proactive demeanor toward Prince Raphael.

“I like Auren.”

“Auren……?”

Her violet eyes blinked several times. Almost as though waiting for that moment, Prince Raphael curled his lips into a sneer.

“It’s a traditional dish of Brentarion. It’s made by stewing chicken. I assume someone from Albion has never tried it.”

“No, I haven’t. I’m intrigued.”

“Huh.”

That additional sneer made the atmosphere at the table turn cold. Though Princess Clarice still maintained her smile, her hand gripping the cutlery had gone rigid with tension.

Just now, Prince Raphael had made it subtly clear that he believed this woman named Clarice was not a good match for him. He’d mentioned his culinary preferences, implying with sarcasm that she wouldn’t know a thing about them.

“There seems to be so much for us to learn about one another. I look forward to it.”

“There’s no need to try so hard.”

“I appreciate the thoughtfulness.”

“Ha, thoughtfulness……?”

Prince Raphael continued his blatant disrespect. Even so, Princess Clarice kept her smile. To any observer, she appeared far more mature, and Raphael’s mocking tone held no sway at all.

“I’m not feeling well. I’ll be taking my leave.”

Prince Raphael rose abruptly. It was a rude, irresponsible act.

He even muttered a word to Princess Clarice as he passed by her.

“Do you know what love is?”

“……Pardon?”

“If you do, you’ll understand why I’m acting this way.”

With that, Prince Raphael walked out.

Once the prince was gone, King Laboden shook his head with a sigh. Rumor had it he was a faint-hearted king, and it seemed he was just as easily swayed by his prince.

It appeared that even in this kingdom, the new generation had effectively taken over.

“My apologies, Princess Clarice. Though he is quite immature, he is equally passionate and capable.”

“I hope you won’t judge him solely by his unfortunate behavior.”

When King Laboden and the Queen apologized, Princess Clarice smoothly dismissed the matter.

“It’s fine. After all, our side was the one to request this marriage. It’s understandable he needs time to accept something so sudden.”

“You are very mature, Princess Clarice.”

“You’ll be a wonderful match for our Raphael.”

“Earning my husband’s affection is also part of my duty as a wife.”

With a gentle smile, Princess Clarice finished her meal.

****

“What was that all about?!”

The moment Princess Clarice entered the room the royal family had prepared for her, she snatched up a pillow and began slamming it against the bed—Bang Bang!

“I don’t like you, either! Who said I do?! We’re supposed to get to know each other starting now!”

“…….”

“…….”

Behind her, the Grandmaster and Isaac followed into the room without a word.

“Are we children? Huh? Children?! It’s a great deal for both sides that Brentarion Kingdom remains in alliance with us so we can hold off the monstrous beasts in the north!”

Bang! Bang!

“And we can receive support from your rearguard nation while working together on strategies against those bizarre Transcendents! Isn’t that beneficial for both of us?!”

Bang! Bang!

“If you were born into royalty, at least show some sense of responsibility! Aren’t you ashamed in front of the people who are loyal to us?! Do you think the privileges we enjoy come out of nowhere?!”

“…Surprisingly, she’s quite sensible for a royal.”

“Princess Clarice may seem like this, but she’s always been responsible.”

“Well, if she came all this way for marriage, it makes sense.”

“You want to know if I know what love is?! I don’t! Aaaaargh!”

Bang! Bang!

Even as the Grandmaster and Isaac murmured among themselves, Princess Clarice didn’t stop. After a few more whacks of the pillow against the bed, she tired herself out and sat there, panting.

Then she tossed the pillow aside and slumped onto the edge of the bed.

“That foolish prince… Does he think I’m smiling because I enjoy this?”

Princess Clarice buried her face in her hands in despair. This marriage was quite significant to the Kingdom of Albion , so she was understandably troubled.

Isaac and the Grandmaster kept silent, waiting for her to conclude her thoughts.

“This won’t do.”

Her voice slipped quietly through her fingers.

“I can’t let a single emotion ruin everything. Do you realize how much benefit this one marriage can bring to our kingdom?”

It was as though she was hypnotizing herself… or trying to persuade an absent Prince Raphael.

“We are not here to indulge; we are here to take responsibility.”

Princess Clarice leaped to her feet. A sharp intelligence now gleamed in her royal purple eyes.

“Heyrad, you’re out there, right?”

“Yes, Princess.”

Heyrad immediately entered. He had been under orders to guard her inconspicuously after a recent argument with the princess.

“Go find out who that woman is—the one who’s got Prince Raphael so spellbound. I want to see exactly how remarkable she is. Her looks, style, tastes, finances, her upbringing—everything. Gather all the information you can.”

“Understood.”

Like a commander delivering orders, Princess Clarice’s cool voice and gestures treated Heyrad as though he were her right hand.

‘This is…’

Isaac couldn’t help but be impressed. This was indeed the bearing of a woman who once bore the responsibility for all humankind. Even the Grandmaster showed a faint interest in the charisma Clarice was displaying.

“I’d like you to keep an eye on Raphael. You’re the only one who can move around without being noticed.”

“By your leave… yes, is that how I should answer?”

With a grin, the Grandmaster headed out.

“Baron Logan.”

The only one left was Isaac. Princess Clarice strode over and addressed him.

“Yes, Princess.”

“You have the most important role.”

Isaac, already sensing what she was about to say, almost let out a wry chuckle.

“You have to win over that foolish prince.”

“…….”

“Will you help me?”

Because Princess Clarice was so earnest, he calmly accepted his role.

“It’s my specialty.”

* * *

Love is war. It’s a famous saying, though no one really knows where it came from.

Regardless, Isaac found himself deeply agreeing with it. If he were to tweak it slightly, it would be marriage that’s war—and that sentiment struck an even stronger chord in him.

Either way, Clarice accepted that notion quite readily.

“Love is war?”

If so—

“Strategy and tactics. Supplies, information, command, psychology, diplomacy! We’ll use all of them!”

In other words, Clarice began treating love as though it were war. The people around her became her lieutenants or generals, supporting their commander as she prepared for battle.

Isaac addressed the handmaiden applying makeup to Clarice in a matter-of-fact tone.

“Excessive makeup might leave a bad impression. Aim for a softer, more innocent look.”

“She is a princess of a kingdom—are you sure that’s acceptable?”

“It is. The other side already has a negative impression of Her Highness. Right now, rather than giving them the image they expect, we need something different.”

“I see.”

“Six days from now, there’s a banquet. That’s when we’ll make our grand statement. To maximize the effect of Her Highness’s most gorgeous appearance, we should actually tone things down for the time being.”

Taking Isaac’s suggestion, the handmaiden began applying lighter makeup. Clarice, listening nearby, wore a worried expression.

“Are you certain this is okay? Is it all right to show myself looking plain?”

“Princess Clarice, do you know when I first felt my heart flutter for Rihanna?”

Even the handmaiden glanced curiously at Isaac—it was quite a captivating topic.

“It was the moment she forced herself into a shy smile. She usually had a stoic, dignified air about her, so seeing that unexpected side really got to me.”

“Ah…”

“That’s how it goes. Imagine the other side is bracing for a mounted charge. This time, you have to flank them or pick them off with arrows.”

“I understand.”

Clarice nodded. Once her makeup was complete, she stood before him.

“How do I look?”

“It’s more than enough. It’s not overdone, but it doesn’t look shabby, either. Fortunately, Your Highness is naturally beautiful.”

“Of course I am. Why else would I be a princess?”

Clarice preened, looking satisfied.

“Give me a smile.”

Ignoring her smugness, Isaac made his request. She pouted for just a second but quickly broke into a bright grin—an unguarded, radiant smile. It was so warm and lively that Isaac found himself furrowing his brow, thinking Rihanna could stand to learn a bit of that natural charm.

“To be perfectly clear, once you go out, do not smile.”

“What?! Why not? I’m known for my pretty smile!”

“Didn’t you smile at the dinner table?”

“…I did, yes.”

In fact, she’d been smiling constantly—that was the problem.

“Don’t you think people will sense it might be forced? Prince Raphael is a man driven by intense emotions. He won’t be swayed by a smile that feels insincere.”

“…Does my smile really come off as fake?”

“Not at all. Your smile is flawless. But the moment he sees it, a man like Raphael is bound to suspect you’re forcing it.”

After all, if someone is constantly smiling, it’s only natural to wonder if that person is faking it.

“Princess, what you need to do now is—”

****

“So now I’ve become an expert at running away. Maybe I’m cut out to be a thief.”

Having slipped out of the palace, Prince Raphael wore a self-mocking smile as he made his way into town.

Why was he born a prince? Being a prince might be nice, but why did he have to fall in love with a baker’s daughter?

Truly a tragedy. And that’s why it’s love.

He pressed forward without hesitation, pulling up the hood of his cloak. Hiding his face, as usual, he stopped by the florist to buy flowers before delivering them to her.

‘Rationally speaking, this arranged marriage with Albion is important for both of our kingdoms…’

But even if he had to give up everything, he wanted to love her.

Truly despair. And that’s why it’s love.

Clutching his chest, Prince Raphael tried to distract himself with other thoughts.

The bakery should be past its busiest hours by now, so she’d have some free time. He’d caused her grief the last time they tried to run away together, only to be caught.

‘I’ll buy something more extravagant this time.’

But upon arriving at the flower shop, Prince Raphael found himself scowling. There, much like him, a woman in a hood stood by the shop. She was munching on a skewer from a street vendor as she casually browsed the flowers.

“Princess Clarice…?”

Her name slipped out unintentionally. They’d run into each other in the most unexpected of places.

“…Prince Raphael?”

Clarice looked just as surprised, staring at him with wide eyes.

An awkward tension settled between them. Finally, Clarice let out a sigh and spoke up in a weary tone—entirely different from how she’d acted at the dinner table.

“I heard you have a paramour. So, you’re on your way to see her?”

“Ahhm…”

Prince Raphael couldn’t answer. The moment Clarice informed the palace of this, he’d be forcibly taken back. That much was clear.

He hesitated, frantically trying to figure out how to diffuse the situation.

“Prince Raphael.”

With a soft, defeated sigh, Clarice addressed him.

“I’m not fond of this marriage arrangement, either.”

“…What?”

“I don’t want it, either.”

Prince Raphael’s eyes opened wide. This was a completely different side of Clarice than the one he’d seen at dinner. Though startled, he recognized her sincerity, and a faint hope bloomed in his chest before he knew it.

‘Could this be…?’

Could they actually avoid the marriage altogether?

‘That’s what you’re thinking, isn’t it?’

Secretly smirking to herself, Clarice replayed Isaac’s advice in her head:

[Right now, you need to close the distance. Establish common ground.]

She recalled his instructions over and over.

[Luckily, there’s an angle only the two of you will be able to connect on, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.]

[From here on, Your Highness, you must act.]

‘Act?’

[Act out your true feelings.]

Act out her true feelings. Initially, Clarice hadn’t understood what Isaac meant by that. Now that everything was unfolding in this manner, she finally saw the wisdom in his words.

– – The End of The Chapter – –

 

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