Bibliophile Princess: Volume 5, page 2
I continued to field people’s warm wishes and greetings as they came to pay their respects, but my thoughts were running elsewhere. The father and daughter in front of me were speaking of matters entirely unrelated to the diplomatic nature of the party. The lord was making an unsubtle invitation for me to spend a night with his daughter. For her part, the girl in question meekly maintained her distance, but her furtive glances made it obvious she wasn’t opposed to the idea.
The temperature around me fell drastically as my annoyance mounted. “So that’s what you’re here for,” I whispered quietly, my gaze chilling enough to freeze the man, his daughter, and Glen in place. Nonetheless, I offered them a smile befitting my nickname as the kingdom’s handsome prince. “If I’m understanding you correctly, your daughter is knowledgeable about the history of our northwestern neighbors, and she wants to offer herself up in service of the country, yes? In that case, I will gladly take that into consideration.” I emphasized it in such a way as to imply I might use her as a pawn to perform reconnaissance with the Maldurans. That was enough to make the pair blanch in dismay.
“N-No, as much as we appreciate the consideration, we could never...” The man muttered incoherently before speeding off with his daughter in tow. Obviously he was willing to hand her over as a concubine, but he had no intention of letting her become a spy to investigate Maldura.
I inwardly clicked my tongue in annoyance.
“Uh, Your Highness?” Glen said hesitantly, speaking respectfully to me since we were in public. “I realize it’s out of character for me to say this, but uh...I think I’m the only one here who can...”
He was right; it was odd for him to admonish me like this. “I know. You don’t need to say it,” I said, suppressing my annoyance.
What I suspected he wanted to say was, “We have gone to all this trouble to work toward diplomacy with Maldura. As the host of the event and the crown prince, it only undermines people’s faith in this going well if you’re in a bad mood.” If Alex were here, he would probably have even more scathing criticism for me than that. While I understood I needed to remain calm, my irritation only continued to swell past the point of restraint.
Glen tried and failed to hide his mirth as he chuckled. “Seriously, you know you’re way too easy to read. I can tell you’re even more pissed now than you were a minute ago. It’s so clear you’re trying to pretend to be calm even though you’re actually annoyed, and your replies all tend to sound the same. Pfft...” He was desperately trying to keep himself from bursting into laughter.
A smile teased at my lips—a genuine one this time.
Before I could turn my back on him, Glen muttered something he never should have never said. “You’re way too on edge when Lady Elianna’s not here. You need to learn to calm down more.”
Ah, yes, it seems you not only want me to turn you into an ice statue, but you also want me to chase off all the women around you so you can live a life of complete abstinence. Don’t worry, I’m more than happy to oblige such a request.
A maniacal grin spread across my face. Having sensed the change, Alexei’s subordinate retreated a few steps. Even Glen flinched when he realized what he’d done.
Fortunately for his sake, another lamb volunteered themselves for the slaughter by calling out to me. “Oh, if it isn’t Prince Christopher.” It was a group of middle-status nobles who came happily scurrying over.
Again, I inwardly clicked my tongue. I recited my usual greetings and kept the same mask on my face I always did as I responded to them.
One of them immediately began praising the event. “This evening party has been quite lively. You invited a lot of young people, from nobles, to officials, to merchants... The latter was especially surprising. Instead of inviting leaders of large companies, you chose average tradesmen. My, my, Your Highness. You sure have connections with a vast number of people. I’m even more impressed with you than I was before.” This cunning, shrewd man was a noble involved in overseas commerce.
“Indeed,” agreed another man in his mid-fifties who acted as a representative for their group. His name was Earl Brandt. Incidentally, he was at the top of a list of aristocrats who had taken advantage of Alex’s absence just days earlier to come marching into my office. “Having so many youths does bring an evening party to life. I suppose that’s an indication of their reckless enthusiasm and passion. Oh, no, forgive me. For an old man such as myself, their light is a bit blinding—almost like the sun.”
If only it could truly blind you. That would be a blessing. I smiled and let his words go in one ear and out the other, summoning what little dignity and composure I could to bite back the urge to cringe at these insignificant fools.
In a shamelessly obvious display, Earl Brandt turned his gaze to the empty spot beside me. “Still, it must be lonely for you to be unoccupied at such an animated party. This is a landmark event in our step toward diplomacy with Maldura. You should have a fitting lady to accompany you.” He then shot a look across the dance hall.
Standing there in a gown that glimmered in the light was a young lady with reddish-brown hair. She was dancing with one of the delegation members. Along with Therese and my betrothed, Elianna, she was considered to be one of the top female representatives of her generation. Her name was Pharmia, and since she was the daughter of Duke Odin, that made her my cousin. She lacked the haughty attitude one might expect from the niece of the queen, and she didn’t share Therese’s ambition to be a driving force in high society, either. Pharmia was meek, keeping several steps behind everyone with a smile on her face.
We were well enough acquainted, at least in the past, for me to know she wasn’t like her father, either.
I ignored the implication of Earl Brandt’s comment and paid my usual lip service. “I realize you must be speaking out of concern for me since my betrothed is off on another errand and couldn’t attend. However, since our wedding date has already been arranged, I have no intention of making a reputation for myself as a man who’s unfaithful to his bride.” I narrowed my eyes at him, lips thinning in an even wider smile. “Or do you think our country desires a crown prince who would tarnish his kingdom’s reputation like that?”
The unspoken implication of my words was, “You would dare make such a suggestion as a noble who professes his loyalty to the kingdom?”
Earl Brandt flinched.
I kept my gaze fixed on him. “My mother has her eyes on Lady Pharmia as well. But whatever engagement she settles on, whether by my mother’s recommendation or not, I will pray for her happiness as I would any other citizen of Sauslind.” The warning in my voice was clear; I had no intention of involving myself with Pharmia beyond that.
Earl Brandt’s face grew tense. His lips twitched as if he wanted to say something.
I smiled at him and promptly left. Once there was some distance between us, I glanced at Alexei’s subordinate and asked him whether he’d confirmed the faces of those present during our conversation.
Realizing it was safe again, he quickened his pace to bridge the gap between us and answered calmly. “All of the nobles who approached with their daughters were from Duke Odin’s faction or some branch thereof.”
“Oh, huh, interesting,” Glen mumbled as if he only got the gist of what was going on.
I masked my dismay at him and nodded at Alex’s subordinate. “I suspected as much.” When those around us called out to me in greeting, I flashed them a smile.
The response to Elianna’s absence wasn’t entirely surprising, but the boldness of those approaching left me suspicious. Their objective was clear. However, we had spent years building up Elianna’s reputation. Did the opposition really possess a trump card that could turn the tides of battle instantly? If they did, what exactly was it? And what were they really after?
As I pondered, music began playing behind me. I sighed inwardly. There was far too much for me to contemplate. First we had the militaristic faction who viewed Maldura as an enemy. I had spotted a few of them present at the evening party, but unsurprisingly, none of them dared make a move out in the open here.
Those who clamored for power were restless in their pursuit, trying to aim for the crown princess’s seat. By using Elianna as an excuse to rebuff them, I was only making her a target. Our wedding day was now set at least, so trying to intervene would mean going against the will of the kingdom. Nonetheless, there were still reckless individuals who thought they might stand a chance with Elianna out of the picture. But would they really be so foolish as to act on that? She had the support of the people. I was fairly certain none of them could act too carelessly.
Before I knew it, my hand was curled into a tight fist. My lips moved to the sound of her name without ever speaking it. Eli. At this rate, I might have to pass judgment on Elianna’s friend during her absence. When she learned about it afterward, would it strain our relationship? Would she be disgusted with me?
My knuckles turned white as I clenched my fist even harder. I had already come too far to turn back now.
It wasn’t as if Pharmia hadn’t had plenty of time. Five whole years and numerous opportunities. During that time, she had refused to tie herself to anyone and remained unmarried. Was that of her own volition? Or was it because of her father’s thirst for power?
There was no more time for debating. I had to make my move. The political game was already in motion.
~.~.~.~
When I called out to Prince Reglisse, who was sitting in the rest area facing the event venue, he peered up from his sofa. He tried to stand out of respect, but I stopped him. “Please, stay seated.” I also shot a look over at his maid.
He gave a bitter sigh as he leaned back against the couch, turning a smile my way. “My apologies for calling you out here, Prince Christopher.”
“Not at all.” As I slipped inside, Glen and Alex’s subordinate tried to follow me in, but I motioned for them to wait at the entrance.
While I was making my rounds at the party earlier, a chamberlain had approached me to inform me that Prince Reglisse was exhausted and taking a break here.
“I should be the one apologizing for not showing more consideration. I do hope you will forgive me for my rudeness,” I said. Being blind, it must have exhausted him mentally and physically to stand around on such a crowded floor for so long.
The prince chuckled. “Sauslind’s crown prince is far more straightforward than I’ve been led to believe. The stories I heard of you painted you in an entirely different light.” He spoke frankly and laughed once more.
“Mind if I sit beside you?” I asked. After he nodded, I settled down next to him.
There were only two other people in the room: his maid and a bodyguard. Since this lounge faced the party floor, it was just another area for people to socialize. There was nothing to keep it hidden from prying eyes. It wasn’t the kind of place you could confer without other ears listening in. The fact that he’d called me here despite all of that was proof the foreign prince was impatient. He didn’t have the luxury of indulging in social overtures.
“Prince Christopher, you are already well aware of our reason for coming to visit, are you not?” He was blunt with his question, not wasting a moment beating around the bush.
On reflex, I offered him the same smile I gave all the other nobles. He couldn’t see my expression, but he seemed to sense my reaction and sighed quietly.
“I see your reputation holds true. My younger brother was correct. The only person we can hope to negotiate with is Lady Elianna.”
My brow twitched.
Prince Reglisse smiled, but his expression was unreadable. “Tell me, did you send Lady Elianna away from the palace because you knew what our objective was?” He was unashamedly confessing their true purpose: a face-to-face meeting with Elianna.
Of course. The older brother is no different from the younger one.
“There seems to be some kind of misunderstanding here,” I said, my voice more deep and intimidating this time. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the Malduran maid and bodyguard flinch. Even Glen was sending me a chastising look. I ignored them all and continued. “As I already informed you, our future crown princess is currently away on official business. It’s entirely unrelated to the Malduran delegation’s visit. If you have a message for her, I will gladly receive it in her place.” My underlying message was, “Don’t try to use her as a bargaining chip here.”
Prince Reglisse fell silent for a few moments. “I see,” he whispered after a long pause. The atmosphere around him suddenly changed. No longer was he calm and relaxed. There was now a subtle chill in the air. “I understand. It’s impolite to make demands without showing one’s hand. Allow me to ask you, then, Prince Christopher, what is it that you desire?” His eyes were closed, and yet I could feel his gaze pierce me as if he were staring directly into my soul.
So this is the kind of person you are.
My impression of him changed. He was more capable than I thought.
He said they only stood a chance of negotiating with Elianna. They owed her a debt of gratitude, which was why they wanted to meet her directly. I had no doubt they wanted to manipulate her for their own gain. Knowing Elianna, she would never abandon anyone who came to ask her for help. Especially when it involved the illness that had stolen her mother from her. She would probably take into account the possibility of it spreading to Sauslind as well and insist on helping the Maldurans. However, without her here to appeal to, what would they do instead?
I remained silent, carefully planning what I would say so my words didn’t betray what I was thinking. Slowly, I leaned my back against the couch and casually glanced out at the party floor. For a split second, I caught a glimpse of auburn eyes amidst the crowd.
I’m going to choose a different path than you walked. Even if that goes against what you want, I thought.
After a short exhale, I composed myself and crossed my legs. “You said you want to know what I desire, but that would require you to have someone on your side capable of granting my wish. Otherwise there’s no negotiating, is there?”
His lips pulled into a leisurely smile. “I can tell from tonight’s party that your wish aligns with another one of our objectives in coming here. You’re the type who can throw a net and pull in a vast number of fish—your abilities are impressive. That is why I felt inclined to ask you what it is you desire from our country.” His eyes, though still closed, seemed to be scrutinizing me. “Prince Christopher, what would you say if I told you it won’t be long before your treasure falls into our hands?”
My eyes turned hard, radiating murderous intent. The tense shift in the atmosphere had the other two Maldurans recoiling. Glen was now not only staring at me but had his entire torso turned my way.
Calm down, I told myself over and over again. It was my own inexperience that had led me to react out of instinct. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, I did feel impatient and uneasy not having Elianna within my reach. The more the days passed, the more I lost my composure.
While I tried to soothe myself, Prince Reglisse continued to sit there, entirely unaffected. He showed no emotion at all—neither pitying nor mocking me.
A small breath slipped past my lips. It was clear what he was referring to when he spoke of my treasure. People had pointed out to me before that I had a dangerous habit of losing all control when it came to Elianna. Those rotten tanuki had been especially snide as they pointed it out.
“That level of obsession in a ruler is just a weakness,” they had said. As well as, “Some people are big enough birdbrains to willingly entrust their daughters to young men who can’t fully protect them. Can’t say I understand where they’re coming from.”
At the time, Alexei had looked utterly confused, like a dog who’d been one-upped by a cat. Similarly, Glen looked as dumbfounded as a doe caught in a hunter’s trap. Recalling how ridiculous their faces were helped calm my nerves. The palace truly did resemble the animal menagerie Eli had fondly read about in her books.
I offered the same practiced smile I always used. “In that case,” I said, voice low and threatening, “we will just have to respond in kind. It seems what your younger brother told me about you can’t be trusted after all.”
Or rather, the country you represent can’t be trusted.
The implied meaning made his lips twitch with amusement. “Ah, you have found my weak spot, I’m afraid.” Despite his unassuming appearance, this man was not to be underestimated.
I resisted the urge to scoff. The way he played the situation made it seem as if he was impatient, but just as quickly he shrouded his true intentions in a cloud of smoke. He reminded me of the tanukis. Clearly, the burdens we bore were entirely different. His younger brother had insisted the second prince didn’t want to go to war with Sauslind. But if it meant protecting what was important to them, they had no compunction about using Elianna as a hostage to see that their demands were met.
Is he really prepared to go that far? Or is he purposely pushing me to see how I’ll react?
As I pondered his true intentions, I glanced at the maid he had with him. She had black hair, her bangs pulled over her face to hide part of it. What makeup she wore was subdued enough to make sure she didn’t stand out, but scrutinizing her closely, I recognized those facial features. She resembled Irvin’s handsome servant, but they weren’t the same person.
“Prince Reglisse, where are your eyes?” I asked, frank in my approach.
His grin widened. “My eyes, you ask?” He echoed my question almost mischievously, reading the implied meaning and laughing. “I’m afraid my eyes don’t like to settle down anywhere. They’re rather fickle that way. If you try to tie them down, they tend to run. Better to let them move freely. Oddly, in spite of their capricious nature, they have a great inner strength and a talent for pushing people into action.”
