Hmm..

Awareness slowly emerged in the sunshine that filtered through the window.

She turned over in the comforting dazzle and found no walls where shed imagined them to be.

Realizing that she was sleeping in a larger bed than usual, Rishe stretched out her arms and legs as far as she could.

Was she in her room at the dukes mansion, or at the royal palace of the desert king where she stayed over in her merchant days, or in the straw bed of her chambermaid life?

Her mind was muddled upon waking up and filtered through where she could be. After a leisurely stretch, Rishe finally opened her eyes.

?

The bed has a canopy and is protected by a light blue curtain. With the sunshine peeking through the thin curtain, she found herself in a deserted room with no furniture or carpet.

Thats right.

No need to train in the morning, no need to tend the herb garden, no need to prepare breakfast, no need to analyze the concoction she had set up the night before, nor was she in an inn where she had stayed during their journey to Garkhain.

With that in mind, Rishe simply buried her face into the pillow.

So fluff.

In the bed, she thoughtlessly let out a monologue.

From the height of the sun, it was probably around six oclock in the morning.

It must have been close to midnight when she finally lay in the bed last night.

That means. I slept for more than six hours?

Rishe found it hard to believe this fact.

Up until now, four hours of sleep has been the norm in her life.

When she was a knight or a pharmacist, it was less than that, three hours at best.

( Besides, Im only planning on cleaning up today. Im a hostage in the first place. Does that mean that I can sleep a little more?)

A knock on the door however pulled her down from the seventh heaven.

Rishe, are you awake?

Ha, yes!

She jerked up from the bed in an instant at the sound of the voice on the other side of the door.

This is Oliver at the behest of His Highness, I apologize for disturbing you so early. Ive got something for you.

Please wait a moment. Ill be right with you.

Rishe jumped down from the bed and hurriedly dressed herself.

She untied the curtains to cover her bed and opened the door to see the squire, Oliver, smiling.

Pardon me for the disturbance Your Highness. It is only at this time that I was able to leave His Highness office. It relieves me to see you already up.

Uhm, cough, its fine Havent you had enough rest last night Oliver sama?

Im sorry for my unsightly face, theres been a pile of paperwork we have to deal with. His Highness hasnt even taken a nap since yesterday.

Rishe was reminded of Arnold.

He came to the balcony yesterday, shouldnt he have gone to sleep instead of wasting his time like he did?

His Highness seems too busy, but wasnt he at work on the carriage ride home, too?

All the paperwork that was done before we left was completed during the round-trip itinerary. What His Highness is currently dealing with is the work that piled up during his visit to the Hermitian state.

Ah

With a mixture of understanding and sympathy, Rishe lowered her eyebrows.

The person who killed her is now being killed by his official duties, its truly pitiful. Rishe sympathizes with Oliver.

Im sorry, Oliver sama. I cant believe you had to quit your job just to attend an evening party.

No, its all good. His Highness, who had said I do not intend to get married for the time being, actually found his wife because of it.

Olivar grinned, a sincere and heartwarming smile.

However, Rishe was bothered by a point and gently extended her hands out. And then she told Oliver.

Here you go. Please dont hesitate to take a look.

.Pardon?

And not only that, but youve been observing me since earlier, havent you? If you have any concerns, feel free to ask me to your satisfaction.

Uhmm.. mmm

Oliver rolled his eyes, then opened his mouth as if in resignation.

Just as His Highness said, you have a first-class talent as a swordsman, dont you? I suppose its partly due to my own inexperience, but I never thought youd be able to pick up on even such an insignificant hint

( Its not much of a swordsmans intuition, but a gut feeling from my days as a merchant.)

Rishe has caught Olivers prying eyes many times before.

The eyes of a nobleman trying to determine if the goods offered to him are genuine. Or a merchants eye trying to pick out what is profitable from a jumble of stones.

In other words, he has discerning eyes that can identify which is cheap.

If Ive done anything thats rude towards the Crown Princess, I sincerely beg your forgiveness.

Oliver bowed so deeply, Rishe had to stop him.

Not at all, please raise your face.

It is only natural for a squire to be wary of the woman who suddenly married his master. More than that, she has some questions to ask.

Oliver sama, I understand that youre deeply concerned about His Highness. Have you been with him for a long time?

I was originally a knight recruit from this country. I was seriously injured and was about to be relieved of my duties, but His Highness picked me up. Ive been serving as his squire for about ten years now.

.You are such a loyal person, do you know why His Highness Arnold is planning to marry me?

Thats

Oliver frowned in bafflement, then continued.

To be honest, I myself was surprised. His Highness has been saying all this time that he has no intention of getting married for the time being. Nevertheless, it seems that he suddenly changed his mind after meeting Rishe-sama in the Hermitian country.

Hasnt he told his trusted follower of his true intentions as well? She felt more and more frustrated of having no clue as to what Arnold was up to.

But, Rishe sama, let me assure you of one thing.

Oliver hurriedly opened his mouth, perhaps misunderstanding that she was worried.

Ive watched His Highness by his side for many years, but Ive never seen His Highness look so happy. He smiles so meekly in front of Rishe sama.

.

Isnt that just because hes amused?

Whats wrong? You dont look pleased. His Highness has always been popular among women because of his looks.

I admit that hes certainly very popular with the ladies with his beauty, but Im not sure Im happy about it. His behavior towards me feels like hes simply playing with a toy.

Ha-ha-ha.

Oliver merely laughed without denying it. After all, he got the same impression.

Im glad you have an understanding of His Highness. Im afraid Ive talked too much, but please accept this.

What Oliver gave her was three sheets of paper.

His Highness has asked me to give you a list of the guests, who will be invited to the wedding ceremony.

Thank you very much. I was just about to ask for it.

Its quite helpful to be able to have things arranged without having to ask. Rishe checked the names of the state guests listed there, one by one.

(His Majesty Zahad, His Royal Highness Prince Kai, Her Royal Highness Princess Harriet .The Kingdom of Domana is no longer represented by His Majesty, but by Duke Jonal.)

Rishe pondered through the names of the people on the list. For her, this is more than just a list of wedding attendees.

In a sense, this is the list of the key figures in each country that Arnold turned against.

Before Arnold kills his father a few years later and wages a war of invasion, theres still an opportunity to change the situation in each of these countries.

It could be said that the people listed here are also related to it.

(His Majesty Zahad, Id be glad if I could be friends with you this time as you did when I was a merchant. I wonder if Prince Kai will go out of his way again despite his weakness He has a strong sense of responsibility for his official duties, so Im sure he will storm the long trip.)

She felt a bit nostalgic, reminiscing about all the people she had been involved with in her past lives.

(They will one day become Garkhains enemy nations. Even so, if we can take action now, we might be able to prevent the relationship from deteriorating, if not to an ally.)

She would like to believe that doing so would help to avoid war. Not knowing Rishes feelings, Oliver goes ahead with the story.

The wedding is in three months time, so everything will be arranged in time.

Yeah, thank you.

In the meantime, what I would like to discuss with you is tomorrows evening party, which is a matter of concern.

Tomorrow eh?

What?

Did she hear him right?

Olivers face turned even more cloudy hearing Rishes obvious bewilderment.

. Rishe sama, didnt His Highness mention it to you?

Zee, nothing at all. Is there an evening party tomorrow?

Huh, that guy is truly.!

Oliver slapped his forehead down as he assessed the current situation.

. There is. And His Highness knows, is he trying to squash me by not telling me about it?

Its my negligence! He told me, There is no need for Rishe to attend an evening party like that, just present a notice of absence. I tried to persuade him at length and assumed that he agreed!

She really pities Oliver. There was no way the Crown Princes fiance could not attend the evening party held at the Royal Palace.

No need to worry, Oliver sama. Ill go. Rest assured that I will attend the party properly.

Thank you, Rishe sama. Then Ill hasten the selection of your handmaidens and have it confirmed by the end of the day.

No, Im fine by myself. This time, Ill do the work alone.

She has some certain reservations about the selection of her handmaidens.

From yesterdays exchange between the maids, it seems that there is a dispute over Rishes potential handmaidens.

Meeting those ladies while washing pots or at the well, Its settled because its already been decided wont work.

But wont you find it difficult choosing on your own?

Its no trouble. I can even do my hair and wear my clothes alone. I was even the one who packed my clothes and stuff out of my parents home, so no need to worry.

Despite Olivers doubt, Rishe hurried to rearrange her cleaning schedule for today and tomorrow.

****

- Your Highness, Arnold, theres something I need to ask.

This was the first thing Rishe said when they met again dressed in her evening finery.

I would like to have some medicinal herb seeds and a corner of the garden that I could use as a field. Ive written out a list, Id be happy to talk to you about it later.

. Rishe.

Whatever I want, didnt you say youll fulfill them before?

As Rishe turned her head, the somehow tired-looking Arnold sighed. He has been dressed up by Oliver for a while now. Hes now wearing his usual black military uniform with a red cloak and black gloves on his hands.

I heard Oliver say that he didnt brief you on the details of tonights party. This is a nonsense that Father has organized in order to maintain the appearance that the Crown Prince is looking for a marriage partner from within the country.

Oh, I see. I understand.

Certainly, domestic aristocrats must be dissatisfied if the crown prince, a premium stock, only seeks marriage outside the country.

Since Im engaged to you, theres no need for such a night out. Its not hard to imagine how the nobles would treat you as a hostage.

But Ive already gotten ready.

Rishe pointed out and plucked the hem of her gown.

She is wearing a bright sea-colored dress. The sheer fabric of the skirt is in layers and the generously draped hem puffs out like flower buds.

Her coral hair was braided and pinned up with a hair ornament. Her makeup was light, coupled with pearl earrings, and lustrously polished shoes.

Remember, Your Highness. I may indeed be the Hostage Crown Princess for this country. But I dont see any disgrace in that.

Because thats what she has chosen to do.

Her claim only widened Arnolds eyes in astonishment.

Lets go, you should show off your fiancee.

Extending his arm to escort her, Arnold exhaled as if in resignation, then smiled unabashed as usual.

It cant be helped. You have to excuse my touching.

Were both wearing gloves.

Arnold took hold of Rishes hand and started walking.