The Marquis’ Daughter Acts As A Pawn

A week has passed since the raid on the House of the Duke of Seradius.

After Leonore's death, the Rolands mission infiltrated Samorta's royal palace by order of Master Edward using a hidden passage.

In the royal palace, Leonore's companions stormed and some of the army was following it. But the protection of the king's place of residence was strong, and the Rolands mission stormed the other way around where it was attacking, leaning heavily towards King Samorta.

(... though I just heard it)

That is not why I, the Marquis, join the kings of the other kingdoms, awaiting the return of Edwards at the Duke of Seradius' house with Princess Listasha.

Neither King Samorta nor Princess Listasha are safe, nor the Rolands mission has a dead man. Count Dammeyer's side, which was in contention with the King's side, lost the flag-headed King Ardarberto Prince and destroyed himself with Leonore.

It can be said that the trade treaty has been of benefit to both countries and that we have been able to make a great loan to the Kingdom of Samorta in this one case, which has led to the best possible conclusion.

"... and I wonder why the back of this chest is..."

Sleepless nights ensue. Though the moon is in a much higher place, my eyes cross, and in my head, on the contrary, thoughts circle and complain of pain.

"... maybe we should take a walk to change our mood. Few of you will be awake now."

Sneak out of a given room. And as I wandered outside with the flirtatious, I saw an old brick little clock tower, on the grounds of the Duke of Ceradius house.

I turn my foot toward the clock tower so that I may be drawn.

I've never been inside a clock tower before.

Inside, the smell of oil spreads slightly, and gears of various sizes and shapes move constantly. It is also fresh to see the clockboard in reverse, and my heart is filled with curiosity.

"... I wish I could blow my worries away"

No matter how heartbreaking, I have painful feelings in the back of my chest.

It's fear.

Knowing their disadvantage, Leonore's companions said they had lost their lives laughing as much as she did.

"... can I truly be royal...?

The Leonores have been sent brainwashed since childhood, they would be assassins of the Diaghilev Empire. Cruel and innocent. Victim and perpetrator. The empire that creates and uses such distorted girlfriends is so horrible.

It is the royal family that will receive such imperial malice all by itself. On this visit, I learned for the first time that Dear Edward and Princess Listasha were born to bear it.

"Can you carry it on me, Marquis?

Become Lady Edward, and I will fight against the ill-will of the Diaghilev Empire. That is so horrible. But the blood of the patriots that flows in me says we should fight. He said he should risk his life, as he did when he swore vengeance on the Duke of McMillan's house.

But now one step, my heart was hesitant.

"... beautiful starry sky"

Going up to the top of the clock tower, a full star was spreading across the window.

Trembling in the cold, as he was fascinated by the starry sky, a fluttering and warm blanket was placed on his shoulder. A low, sweet voice is then whispered in his ear.

"Oh, right. But in front of your beauty even the stars are sumptuous."

"... Dear Edward...?

If I looked up, Mr. Edward's face was close. Was it before bedtime or the unset hair looks just a little younger than usual unmade.

I find myself a little awkward, and turn away from Master Edward.

"What is that embarrassing oral statement?"

"After all, wasn't it a pattern? Doesn't it sound like Julianna in used language? Because of this, I was able to catch Julianna going out for an evening walk, think of other measures..."

"Heh heh, who's you?"

"You laughed."

When Lady Edward said so, Pong gently laid his hand on my head.

With embarrassment and sorrow I lean down with nature.

"... you've made me care. It's a serious breakdown in the Marquis."

Master Edward must have realized that I was troubled.

His observational eyes are hateful, while fluffy and warm emotions swirl around his chest.

"You're going to be my queen, okay? Couples support each other."

"I'm only Edwardian's fiancée yet, am I not?

"Then shall we swear here and now?

"... even when you get healthy?

If you say so with a joking face, Master Edward captures me with his hot, empty eyes and mumbles the continuation of the covenant text.

"Even when you get sick."

"O, even when I rejoice..."

Defeated by Dear Edward's impatience, I also utter the following text.

This is not a sacred church either. There are no priests or invitees to see the pledge. Just play. Yet as much as I want to cry, words are engraved in the back of my heart.

"Even in times of grief."

"Even when I'm rich."

"Even when you're poor."

Throw your words to Lord Edward at my own will, as I always ask.

"Love this, honor this"

"comfort this, help this"

Soon the blanket will fall to the floor and Lord Edward's hand will touch my shoulders.

Then again, the warm emotions began to hurt as painfully as they were in the back of my chest.

"Until death divides Edward from me, let us swear to love, mercy and chastity."

"Let us vow to love Julianna as long as we have life and to do our utmost sincerity"

The gaze intersects. I felt a glossy atmosphere and I closed my eyelids with nature.

Then I wondered if I felt soft on my forehead, and soon it would go away.

"... well, you're right, you're still engaged. Give him a break with this kiss."

"... right"

(... How do you think it's not enough!?

The feeling I thought would touch my lips exactly was dropped on my forehead. I was hoping, I wasn't satisfied. Aside from that, I really allowed a man to kiss me when he said he was an unmarried lady. This, as a marquise, is something you should never...!

(... No, I really do. I can't believe you want me to kiss anything but my dear...)

"What's the matter, Julianna?"

Master Edward glances at my face, silent, worried.

A belly-black girl who plays squid with poker, a livestock who pawns because she seems to be able to use the marquis, a fiancée who became the reason I was born into this world, bound by a thread of destiny made. To him like that... I...

(... I fell in love)

If you become aware of the thoughts that sprouted and blossomed unknowingly, the world changes into a gallery.

But I was aware. It was Master Edward's ploy that made me know I was in love.

He has proposed to me to get ahead of me hungry for love, to show kindness, to show love that I am special to him. It melted, stained and eventually eroded the ice in my heart before I realized it.

"... Lady Edward is a truly animal belly black prince."

I stare abominably at Master Edward.

"If you're energized to say you hate me, don't worry."

He turns his unchanging grin to me.

At the same time I feel safe about that, I'm angry at myself for not being nice to him. Contradictory, illogical emotions. I can't help it, I can't handle it.

"I haven't been depressed since the beginning.... Rest your body soon, as there will be a crowning ceremony for Princess Listasha and a signing ceremony for the Covenant tomorrow. His Royal Highness Prince Edward II"

Wearing a mask of acting, I perfectly play "The usual cute and unattractive Julianna".

I really wanted to break this love heart right now. But I'm not brave. If you were a girl like Lillianne who could honestly be sweet, you wouldn't have been such a hassle.

"You're serious. I know Marie's escorting you away, but Julianna, get back to your room as soon as possible. It's dangerous at night."

"Do you say that when you kiss me?

"Must be. So much for being alone. Okay, Julianna, have a good dream."

Master Edward walks down the stairs of the clock tower, waving a flicker.

When I was blind to him, I knelt down disappointed and wrapped myself in a blanket to hide my bright red face.

"... Oh, my God... I never woke up. I told you to tell me about love, but I never thought I'd find out so soon. Idiot... asshole... belly black... animal... because he's so good for nothing"

I blew up my worries.

Because for me, love is worth risking my life...