It had been a somewhat tiring few months — no wait, not somewhat, but exceedingly tiring! What a fancy, word… exceedingly... I have been training really, reeaaallyyy hard, just to prepare for this upcoming festival. I have been lying low, time to go higher.

We have eight days before the great festival! To be honest, I’m quite excited. I didn’t get to enjoy festivals much in my old life… Well, rarely did I even get to be around a festival. That aside, a couple of days ago I received the new outfits made by Mervizo, the tailor, and along with the girl from last time, Kali.

The outfits were stored in a box, and beneath all of those was the outfit I designed. We didn’t speak anything about the special outfit, but he did wink at me with a grin. Once I checked it out in my room, with I alone and during the night, he really did improve it.

Like, wow! Mervizo! It was— mwah! Chef kiss! Amazing! He’s as reliable as ever. Truly beautiful!

That aside, I presume Vernon still had no idea about it. Oops.

Anyway… Want to see it? Heh, only when the time’s right.

As for the dresses I would get to wear during the festival, they were beautiful as well. Quite fancy and flamboyant, I should say. He didn’t seem to hold back in designing and expressing his designs. Like wow, I’ll stand out in those, counting my beauty of course.

Moving on, I have visitors coming today. And I when I say I, I mean truly for me. A surprise, isn’t it? Who would visit a beautiful princess such as me? My cousin? Well… not her.

I was on my way to the guests’ room with my usual gang. Father was said to be there already, so I shouldn’t dawdle.

Eventually I arrived at my destination. When I entered, I gathered the attention of multiple pair of eyes, three to be precise. One of them was my own father seated down on a one soft chair while facing the two other people sitting on the couches, they must be discussing something before I came.

One of the two figures on the couch was a girl in her teens, black hair, and dark purple eyes looking at me widely. The girl wore a fancy white garb with golden embroidery all over.

Then for the other was a woman in her early twenties, her dark eyes looked at me disinterestedly, pretty in contrast to the other female. She had long black hair and a light complexion.

She wore clothes like someone from the church, but hers differed a little. Hers was more fit and expressed her exquisite physique. I find it surprising that their outfits varied.

Her beauty was fine… but her blank face was almost worrisome. It almost reminded me of myself, which was not good. It’s hard to tell people’s feeling if they look that emotionless.

And she was indifferent to my arrival, to my beautiful form! Like wow… At least the other female human being had a reaction.

“My daughter, good you have come. Sit.”

I entered inside with only Rogan with me, as Vernon held back Mera from entering and stayed outside after the door was closed. I sat down on the sofa opposite of the two holy persons, while Rogan stood behind me.

I sat on the sofa with a straight back, poised and regal as I looked at the two visitors before shifting my eyes to Father.

“Allow me to introduce to you the two priestesses that will be the core part of your security, as requested. The High Bishop specifically sent them as they are one of the most dependable in the order.

“This one here is Tina, and the other is Astine.”

He pointed with his hand at the younger girl, then to the older one, respectively.

“Nice to meet you…I am Estelia.”

I slowly lifted my hand forward towards them to have a handshake. As one would probably expect, Astine shook my hands with no hesitation, as the other one hesitated. Astine’s hand had some roughness in them, suggesting she could be working a lot physically.

Well, they should be fighter themselves.

We let go and shifted my hands towards the other young woman, Tina, and held out my hand in front of her. She shook my hand gently. Her hand was smoother than Astine.

We let go.

“I look forward to us working together.”

“It is an honor, princess.”

Astine said with a slight bow of the head, still wearing that indifferent facial expression. Damn, not easy to tell what she’s thinking. Tina was easier, she’s a bit restless, staring at me with a surprise. At least that I can tell emotions, but Astine, it was just blank.

“Now then, daughter, tell them your plan.”

I turned my head to my father, surprised.

“Me? I thought you have briefed them.”

He shook his head.

“I figured it would be best you take it from here.”

Come on, father… What are you trying to do here? Ugh. Fine.

“Alright…” I faced the pair. “You will be guarding me, along with a small team, just small, perhaps around six will be fine. But I prefer they be competent.”

“You have no need to worry, your highness.” Astine said. “I believe you will find us reliable in times of danger. However, I will prepare strong individual for your security.”

“Thank you… Then, you will be hiding amongst the crowd whenever I go out in public. Wear civilian clothing, act as how a normal civilian would be. In short, you are going incognito. Simple, isn’t it?”

Astine nodded.

“Two main objectives. First, to protect me from any danger that my personal guards would be hard pressed to fight. Second, driving our enemies out into the open, meaning I will be bait.”

For the first time, there was a little shift of expression on Astine, she seemed to be actually surprised.

“You would use yourself as bait?”

“Of course. I have faith you will protect me.”

“...”

“If they expose themselves as they try to take me out, expect chaos. Civilian casualties may be inevitable, but I hope we’ll suffer no losses. This is only if the second objective goes through. After all, there is only two — no, three outcomes.”

I stuck out three fingers.

“First,” I lowered one finger. “They take the bait, and we capture them. Don’t kill them, capture. May be difficult, but we must.” I lowered another finger. “Second, they don’t show up, which would be weird, and one I would be displeased with. This may render our efforts and plans useless, but better safe than sorry.”

I lowered the last finger.

“Third outcome, all else fails. I die, and they succeed in their mission. You could either capture a few or one, but I imagine it would be pointless in the end. For me at least. I won’t even get to feel anything once I’m dead.”

Or I may get another life, who knows. But I wouldn’t take my chances.

“See? Simple. No need for any complicated plots. Simplicity is best. Ah, if they do attack, best to take out the elves first, one way or another.”

Elves were crazy, they would be willing to kill their allies and end their own lives.

“I have given you the main points of the plan. I will leave everything else to you, as you will be assembling the team and know their capabilities. We can discuss in depth when the festival is closer, and the team finalized.”

Astine nodded her head, showing that she understood what I was trying to say.

“Now that’s done, I would like to ask you of your abilities. That way I’ll at least know how capable you are and what you can do, might help if everything goes down.”

Astine shifted her eyes to look at my father, seemingly asking for permission, on which Father nodded his head.

“I understand, princess. Ask away.”

“So, how do you fight? Bladed weapons? Or martial arts?”

“... I mainly use a spear, so I fight in close combat. I am also proficient in hand-to-hand combat.”

“Magic?”

“I use the magic we in the order use…” she paused for a moment. “As for other kinds of magic, Tina is talented in support magic.”

“Support magic? May I ask what consists of support magic?”

I faced Tina, she composed herself, her face now wearing a neutral look, as if she was trained to do just that. I wonder why she didn’t just do that in the first place, well, this wasn’t exactly a dangerous place to hide one’s emotion. Maybe Astine was the weird one after all.

“I mainly focus on assisting my allies, healing them, casting barrier, and cast to them spells that will be helpful in various situations.”

I noticed something when they were explaining to me their abilities. Their choice of words was… vague. Not much of any specifics. I see, they didn’t want to tell much of their skills.

Astine didn’t even tell or mention precisely what kind of magic their order use. Maybe I could ask for specifics, but they intended to hide them in the first place, given they were vague.

Hm, best not to earn their ire, no matter how small they may be. No point in learning any of their specific spells anyway, I already have the spells from the royal grimoire in my head. Also, I may be able to ask father later.

“I see. I’m satisfied with what you told me. I will be relying on you during the festival.”

***

It was only a brief meeting, perhaps that was why they didn’t send a very important person such as the High Bishop or something. No, they were important enough to become representatives. Well, us meeting each other was particularly important, especially so I’ll get an idea who they were.

And they seemed reliable enough, I think. I don’t know really, but they should be strong. I still haven’t forgotten the time they failed last time after I gave them the chance to catch the enemy. But nothing can be done about it now, damned elves were crazy.

Oryn didn’t seem that crazy… was he? Well he did attempt to kill me in the middle of an enemy base.

In any case, let’s just see how things will turn out.

Security would likely be thick and strict in the upcoming festival with a royalty from another kingdom coming, whom could be arriving in the next couple of days. Yeah, that princess from Myra, the one my eldest brother was close with accepted the invitation and coming our way.

Not exactly thrilled about it, don’t hate it either. But to be honest, I’m quite curious. As a fellow princess of a kingdom, it should be interesting to meet a counterpart. Needless to say I have to prepare for the envoy to come… Whatever.

I’m looking forward to the festival by the way. I’m finally getting out once in a while. That being said, I fear that my revealing myself to the public I would get involved in the kingdom’s politics — well I have already revealed myself to the nobles’ meeting. I might be involved already. Don’t worry, I did that knowing the possible repercussions — I just don’t mind it that much yet, I’ll just do what needed to be done when the time comes.

Good thing politics here don’t involve killing royalty. The nobles both respect and fear the ruler of the kingdom. More on the respect I assume. This kingdom was more like nobles ascending the rank, and if too many were already at the top the ones beneath would drag down those at the top. Not many get to be successful.

Yeah, I suppose nobles also get demoted and promoted. The ones hard to demote were the ones in the capital, however. Especially the ones close to the royals. I’m not really a juicy one for the nobles to get close with, so I guess I’m safe.

At the moment, I was making my way to my eldest brother’s office.

When I arrived, I left my servants outside and entered inside. Now it was just the three of us. Eleden, Lucious, and I.

“Sister, I’m surprised you visited.”

“Well, I have a reason to be here…”

I glanced up at Lucious before going ahead to sit down on the chair in front of the desk.

“So, brother, are you feeling excited?”

“... For what?”

“Well, your friend from another kingdom is coming.”

“Friend, huh?” he giggled. “Yes, if I’m to be honest, I am excited.”

“What kind of person is she? Should I be careful?”

“She is a kind person, Estelia. You have nothing to worry about. Just act as yourself, and you’ll be fine. She is very friendly, so you two should get along just fine.”

“... I hope so… Have you made any plan what you’ll be doing this festival?”

“I did make a plan. Touring, watching events, dinner for just the two of us… As for other else, I suppose I’ll just go with the flow. She is also trained as a knight, so I imagine she’ll be pleased to see our knights.”

I heard that before. But damn. She’s a knight…

“I’m surprised she is the princess and yet she is trained as a knight.”

“It’s in their tradition, knighthood is essentially the identity of their kingdom.”

“I see… She must be an impressive person then.”

“Is something bothering you, sister?”

“N-No, I’m just a bit anxious to meet another princess. And our values and way of living is different…”

“… Just relax. You don’t have to force yourself to be directly friendly with her. Just take it slow. I have told stories about you, so she should have an expectation when she meets you.”

“Okay…”

Woah woah, don’t just go telling about me to anyone!

“So, is there anything else you are worried about?”

“.. Um no…” I looked at Lucious again, on which he grew puzzled. “I came here for Lucious.”

“Me?”

“Him?”

I took a deep breath and stood up from my chair.

“...Um…” I rubbed my hands together gently. “About your offer, Lucious… For the festival… I…”

I looked at him directly in the eyes, he was eagerly waiting for what I was going to say. He was almost leaning forward. My brother remained silent as he seemed to not want to miss any of my words.

“I… I would like to take you up on your offer… Um, let’s go out together sometime in the festival.”

Both Lucious and Eleden’s eyes widened as if their eyes would pop out of their sockets. They almost seemed to gasp as they looked at each other in disbelief.

“R-Really? Truly?” Lucious asked as if asking for a confirmation.

“Truly.”

“Ha-ha!” he smiled ears to ears, his short laugh was loud with joy. His face so bright with life and happiness. “Yes— Ahem, thank you so much for accepting my offer, Estelia.”

I smiled shyly and lowered my head, my cheeks red.

“Mm. Then, that is all I came for… Um, see you.” I said to Lucious.

“Y-Yes, see you.”

With that I left timidly out of the room.

You heard me right, I decided to give him a chance. I also sort of wanted to try it. Not for romance, but for a genuine joyous experience.

***

Three days later, the palace was in a fuss, nervousness was written on several servants’ faces as they scrambled around, making sure nothing was amiss. Before this day however, everybody was already cleaning and fixing the hell out of the palace, despite the fact that there was nothing wrong with it in the first place.

As for the reason today was different was because a messenger arrived in advance that the princess from another kingdom sent. The messenger arrived way early in the morning, and thus, I had to wake up earlier than usual.

Good thing they sent a messenger first, well it should be done whenever a diplomat was about to arrive anyway. Proper procedures.

I have to bathe early and change into a fancy dress.

Mera as usual tied my hair, which was getting longer and longer. Good thing my long hair would not affect my height — yeah, long hair does not affect growth! My hair gets longer, I also get taller. Yes, I’m still growing! I feel it and see it, don’t doubt me — seriously I am slowly growing.

“Milady, your hair is becoming longer and longer, might I be so bold to suggest we have it cut later on?”

Mera suggested, she must be concerned that it would be more difficult to move with this long precious hair of mine. But I like my hair long…

“No, I prefer it this way.”

“If you say so.”

She tied my hair with a little bun on the back of my head and let the rest flow down, to compensate for its length. Then she braided the rest of my loose hair. I’ll let the little bun be since it helps shorten my hair even for just a little.

Mera applied makeup on my face, but I urged her to apply it as light as possible. I’m already very beautiful, to be honest, makeup might just soil my appearance. There are other beautiful women out there, naturally beautiful, and goodness when they apply makeup, they begin to look like shit. I suppose sometimes natural beauty triumphs. Or maybe because the makeup was just too thick, heh.

Anyways! I’m satisfied with a slight makeup, my natural beauty will carry me.

This was just an early preparation, so I lingered in my room until I was called.

It wouldn’t take that long because since the messenger first arrived, I had used plenty of time to prepare.

“Haaah…”

I tapped my finger on the wooden table. The sound. I have been practicing on how to produce sound for my alternative flash bang. But imitating sound was a bit tricky. But I was doing well, I believe. Sound is a vibration in the air. So, I just need to move the air molecules or something.

Flash bang has science-based explosion and imitating it through magic was easier said than done. I need a burst of deafening sound. And that’s what I have been practicing. Replicating chemical reactions with magic was complicated, magic and science two different things. Once I figure out how things work, casting that sound spell from the grimoire wouldn’t take too long and along with it producing a sound for the flash bang.

“Princess, it’s time to go.”

My thoughts were interrupted by Vernon.

“Alright.”

I made my way to the palace entrance along with my knight, Rogan. For the other two servants they’ll be staying behind. Rogan was more essential than them and bringing a personal knight in greeting a diplomat was all right. Here in the kingdom at least. I don’t know about others.

I met with my brother Estevan on the way, wearing a formal outfit, and quite fancy. Majorly white clothes and golden embroidery at the seams. His hair was combed neatly, and his face clean.

Looking good, brother!

I on the other hand wore a purple and golden dress with a long sleeve, and a skirt that reached above the ankle. Then boots with the same color scheme. Gotta have that uniformed and matched set of outfit.

We arrived at the entrance, and mother, father, and Eleden was already there. I observed Eleden, particularly him since he was a fling with that princess. He looked a bit nervous, fixing his collar and checking up his clothes.

Truly, men acting like that was amusing. Estevan on the other hand seemed pretty casual. This guy really needs to get some romance. Honestly, sometimes Estevan felt mature and immature at the same time.

While we stood at the sidewalk, waiting for our visitor to arrive, a sound of a loud horn came blaring. The visitors were coming to the gates.

Alright, let’s get this over with.

A short while later, a group of Wisterian knights in full set of armor were leading the way at the frontmost of the convoy, they must have been sent when we received the message to meet with the envoys in advance.

The convoy consisted of three total carriages, with one being the most lavish of them all, with the two that have similar design were second only to it. The most lavish and extravagant, the one at the center, was an intricately carved and designed carriage with the color of platinum and gold. Truly, that would catch everyone’s eyes.

I can imagine that was where the princess was riding in. Honestly, why do these royalties love to be the most distinguished amongst others. Assassins would be thanking you for showing where the fuck you at and saving us a lot of time. We could just blow it to hell to make things easier, but more conspicuous, but you get the idea. We of course need some sort of confirmation but that’s also beside the point.

However, if this was the means to deceive assassins, that would be good. Well, we’ll find out if she’s really there.

As for the other carriages, there must be knights in there or officials. There were also knights on horses donning a full set of armor. Eye catching designs, but our knights had more style. Hey, I’m proud of my own nation.

Our knights on the walkways fixed their postures even more and stiffened up the moment the carriages grew nearer. By the side of our palace doors were two men on each side, hoisting up a flagpole, waving the two countries’ flags. One was our own, the flower wisteria in the center with streaks of purple and red on the sides, and the other was the flag of Myra, a single flower of pink with a shade of blue, and a sword and a shield on each of its side.

Both our kingdom’s flag had flowers on them. Hm. One would have thought we were already close in the beginning since we are technically neighbors though distant, but we have only started nurturing and strengthening our relationship.

The central carriage stopped right before us, meaning the princess would be there indeed. Eeeeh, assassination prevention fail. I could have just fired a lightning bolt at it, perhaps several times subsequently, high chance of killing her.

No wait, why am I simulating assassination attempts now? Silly me.

The door opened and came out a knight with an armor in the color of onyx. He had a brown skin on the lighter side, brown eyes, and a short dark hair. Good looking man that seemed to be around in his early twenties. A sword was dangling on his waist, sheathed in a black scabbard.

He looked at us with a kind smile, and he stopped his eyes at me for a second with interest. But he instantly continued and extended his hand towards the door, and a fair skinned hand came out to accept it.

A glamorous heeled shoe stepped on the carriage steps, the edge of the dress’s skirt revealed. I watched closely with an innocent expression as a beautiful figure came out of the carriage. Damn brother, really you… Should I be proud? I think I should be.

A golden-haired young woman in her late teens wore a somewhat simple yet extravagant white and blue dress. Her hair was just above her shoulders, her blue eyes were soft and tender, and smile so precious.

Hmph, my smile is more precious, right? Come on, be on my side here.

She walked forward with elegance befitting of a princess.

My father stepped forward.

“Greetings to you, esteemed Princess of the Myra Kingdom, Lillie Eanthia Lionheart. I am Leodoule Erestro Wisteria, king of Wisteria, it is an immense pleasure to finally meet you.”

Father didn’t use our traditional greeting since she was from another nation. Also, our greeting involved our gods in it, no need to use it to someone from another country that could believe in another god.

“Your majesty, the pleasure is all mine. I am overjoyed to finally meet you. Although I was a little taken aback that you would personally greet me here.”

She smiled kindly.

“Here in Wisteria, we greet our important visitors the moment they arrive, no matter our status may be.”

“I see. On behalf of my home kingdom, and from me personally, thank you. All of you, for greeting me personally on my arrival.”

She curtsied.

“Truly, I did not expect. If it were in my home kingdom, the visitors would be brought to the throne room.”

“Yes, I heard. Now then, how about we enter inside. You must have yet to have a pleasant breakfast, we have prepared a banquet just for you, our esteemed guests.”

“Much appreciated.”

“Also, no need to worry about your knights, we have prepared meals for them as well.”

“Thank you ever so much, your majesty. I’m sure they will be overjoyed to finally eat delicious food to their heart’s content. Oh, may I bring my personal knight, Jaiden Redmoore, with me?”

“Of course.”

The knight, Jaiden, bowed his head, before catching the eye Rogan. I caught a glimpse of Rogan giving a smug look, but still managing to look friendly. What’s this? Maybe Rogan was feeling a little kinship or something.

The foreign knight nodded back at him with a smile.

I wonder who’s stronger. This guy right here had a pretty unique suit of armor, completely different from the other knights they brought. Or personal knights of princesses in Myra have different armor? Or maybe he’s one of those Exemplar Knights I heard about. I mean he looked important enough.

The princess from another kingdom, Lillie, shifted her eyes to my eldest brother and her smile widened for a moment as they gazed at each other for a couple of seconds before we continued on, heading to the grand dining hall.

I half expected they would try to do a little sweet thing, but I guess this was not the place for it.