Chapter 23

23. Precautions
When we arrived at Caspar, I was surprised by the abundance of soldiers. It is a military regime indeed. If I were to choose, I still prefer Orannia after all. However, my debut will be more or less made after the wedding with the Emperor so I only caught a glimpse from the gap in the carriage’s curtain.
We entered the royal palace of Caspar and I endured the urged to stretch from the feeling of liberation after finally getting off the carriage’s confined space.
“Thank you for enduring the long journey, Princess Shane. This is sudden, but I will guide you to your room so this way please,” Lord Kristoff prompted.
“Sir Eckart, I’m truly grateful to you. Thanks to all the Knights who were with us along the way, too. My best regards in the future. Please convey it to them.”
“Yes. I will tell them by all means.”
It seems like we will be parting with Sir Eckart so I said my thanks then followed after Lord Kristoff.
The room I was lead into was pink-colored. It has a canopy, too. I somewhat drew back at the undeniable “princess room”.
“From now on, this will be the room Princess Shane will be using. And this is Elias, who will be taking care of your personal needs.”
The person he introduced was a boy approximately in his late teens. With dark blue hair that looked almost black and handsome features, although he gave the feeling of being not too expressive, he looked earnest so I had a good impression of him.
“Originally, a man cannot be appointed as the Empress Consort’s personal attendant. however it’s a special case this time. If you need anything, please order Elias without reservations.”
“I understand. Elias, please take care of me from now on.”
“Yes, best regards.”
Even his answer is curt.
“Then I will go over the important points once more. Again, the fact that Princess Shane is male is confidential. The only people aware of it in Caspar are His Majesty, the Prime Minister, Lord Eckart, Elias and I. Will that be alright?”
It’s fewer than I expected. Even so, I wonder if Elias being assigned beside me a minimal support?
“Understood. I will keep it in mind.”
“Next, three concubines already came for His Majesty. They are Princess Ada, Princess Erma and Princess Delia. Each of them are princesses of their own countries. The eldest, Princess Ada, is 24 years old. It would be excellent if Princess Shane regards her like an older sister, but in any case, it would be nice if you get along well with them.”
Even if you say ‘older sister’, I’m older than her. I can’t say it though because I am supposed to be 22 years old. How embarassing.
“Well then, after you take a little rest, you will be having an audience with His Majesty. I will come to take you again when it is time so please prepare,” Lord Kristoff said so and left the room.
“Princess Shane. Shall I prepare tea?”
“Sorry for troubling you, please do. Will you drink with me, too, Elias?”
Afterwards, with some haggling with Elias, I finally managed to get him in the same table.
Elias is also good at making tea.
“Are you a Squire, Elias?”
“…Yes. May I ask why you know?”
“I have a friend who is also a knight. Your build is similar to his. I’m sorry that you have to take personal care of me even though you are a Squire.”
Those were my honest feelings.
“No, I am also serving simultaenously as princess Shane’s guard. Do not worry about it.”
Elias is calm as ever.
“Then I can count on you Elias? That makes me further relieved.”
It’s probably fine since it’s Elias, I thought and showed him a smile.
“T-the time is drawing near so let’s have you changed soon.”
“RIght. Then I will wear the one inside this case.”
The clothes I asked Elias to take out was a dress decorated with lots of small blue and purple flowers. It is somewhat plain for an audience with His Majesty but I didn’t really want to put on a flashy dress so this is just right.
Looking at me in the dress, Elias complimented, “It suits you very well.”
I felt a bit shy.
“Thank you. This is what my father back in the country chose for me.”
Thus, Kristoff came.
I grasped the long sleeves of the dress.
For Alex and everyone from Orannia, I resolved myself to get through the first meeting with the Emperor.