user
!start
!架空世界、戀愛喜劇。非OC。

/
悠琳娜，王國第一皇女。
22歲的她，開始面臨國王與女王的積極聯姻活動，然而，她的秘密一直還未讓二老知情。

她不僅喜歡女孩子。
還早已暗戀大自己四歲的禁衛軍分隊長希蓮。
她那威嚴、忠誠、又有安全感的氣場，早已經在悠的心中佔了重要的一席之地。

!鋪陳一些皇女藉故找希蓮攀談的橋段

ChatGPT
The Crown Princess and Her Very Important Excuses

---

The Kingdom of Asteria had a problem.

Or, more precisely, its royal court had a problem.

Crown Princess Yulina was twenty-two, beautiful, accomplished, politically educated, and apparently incapable of selecting a suitable husband.

According to the King, this was a matter of national importance.

According to the Queen, it was becoming an embarrassment.

According to Yulina herself—

"I don't want any of them."

"Your Highness," the Queen said patiently, "you haven't even met the third prince of Valdoria."

"I've seen his portrait."

"And?"

"He looks like he would explain the history of his family's horses for three hours."

"Yulina."

"The second prince of Elden looks worse. He would probably bring the horses."

The King covered his face.

The Queen closed her eyes.

Unfortunately for the royal couple, the true reason for their daughter's extraordinary resistance to marriage had absolutely nothing to do with horses.

Yulina was keeping two secrets.

The first was that she preferred women.

The second was that she had already fallen hopelessly in love with one.

Her name was Silene.

Twenty-six years old.

Captain of the Royal Guard's Third Division.

An extraordinarily competent woman with dark hair, sharp gray eyes, impeccable posture, and a voice that could make an entire formation of soldiers stand straight with a single command.

She was disciplined.

She was loyal.

She was reliable.

And, in Yulina's increasingly unreasonable opinion, she was the most magnificent person ever to wear a military uniform.

There was only one problem.

Silene appeared to possess absolutely no romantic imagination whatsoever.

At least, that was what Yulina believed.

---

The First Excuse: Security Inspection

"Captain Silene!"

Silene stopped immediately.

"Your Highness."

She turned, placed one hand against her chest, and bowed.

Yulina nearly forgot what she had come to say.

That was another problem.

Silene could make the most ordinary military salute look devastatingly attractive.

"Ahem. I have a question."

"Of course."

"About palace security."

"Please proceed."

Yulina looked around.

They were standing in the eastern corridor, directly outside the royal library.

A corridor Yulina had personally walked through several thousand times.

"Is this corridor safe?"

Silene glanced down its perfectly ordinary length.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Completely safe?"

"Yes."

"You're certain?"

"The eastern corridor is patrolled every thirty minutes. Both entrances are monitored, and the adjoining courtyard is covered by the Second Division."

"Oh."

A pause.

"Then perhaps you could escort me through it."

Silene looked at her.

Then at the corridor.

Then back at her.

"...Your Highness?"

"One can never be too careful."

"Naturally."

Silene stepped aside.

"Please allow me."

Yulina smiled triumphantly.

They began walking.

Seven seconds later, they reached the other end.

"Thank you, Captain."

"It was my duty."

"..."

"..."

"Actually, I may need to go back."

Silene paused.

"Back, Your Highness?"

"I forgot something."

"Understood."

They turned around.

Eight seconds later, they returned to the library.

"Thank you again."

"Of course."

"..."

"..."

Yulina stared at the library door.

Silene waited.

Yulina suddenly realized she had forgotten to invent whatever she was supposed to have forgotten.

"Ah."

"Your Highness?"

"I believe I've remembered it."

"Excellent."

"...It was a thought."

"A thought?"

"Yes. I've remembered the thought."

Silene gave a solemn nod.

"I am pleased to hear it."

For some reason, that response felt suspiciously close to teasing.

---

The Second Excuse: Military Education

Three days later, Yulina appeared at the Third Division's training grounds.

Silene was supervising sword practice.

The Crown Princess stopped at the edge of the courtyard.

And watched.

And watched.

And watched.

A soldier approached her.

"Your Highness! May I help you?"

"I'm here to study military affairs."

"Military affairs?"

"Yes. As the future ruler of Asteria, I believe it's important to understand the kingdom's defensive capabilities."

"An admirable intention, Your Highness!"

Yulina nodded regally.

Then immediately pointed at Silene.

"I would like Captain Silene to instruct me personally."

The soldier hesitated.

"Captain Silene is currently—"

"Is she very busy?"

"Well—"

"Extremely busy?"

"She is overseeing—"

"Then I shall wait."

And wait she did.

For forty minutes.

Without once looking at the soldiers practicing directly in front of her.

When Silene finally approached, Yulina straightened so quickly that the lace at her collar nearly caught on her brooch.

"Your Highness. I was informed you wished to study swordsmanship."

"Indeed."

"Have you handled a sword before?"

"Of course."

"A practice sword?"

"...Of course."

Silene studied her.

"May I see your stance?"

Yulina accepted a wooden sword.

She raised it.

Silene was silent.

One nearby soldier made a strange choking noise.

"Your Highness," Silene said carefully, "you are holding it backward."

"I was testing you."

"Of course."

Silene gently turned the sword in her hands.

"Your dominant hand should be here."

Her gloved fingers briefly touched Yulina's.

Yulina froze.

"And your other hand should support the grip."

"..."

"Your Highness?"

"Yes?"

"Are you feeling unwell?"

"No."

"Your face is quite red."

"It's the weather."

Silene looked up.

The sky was overcast.

A cool breeze moved across the training grounds.

"...I see."

Then she stepped behind Yulina to correct her posture.

"Keep your shoulders relaxed."

Yulina became approximately as relaxed as a marble statue.

"Your Highness. Your shoulders."

"Yes."

"Relax them."

"Yes."

"...You're holding your breath."

"I am concentrating."

"Breathing is permitted during concentration."

From somewhere behind them, another soldier made that strange choking noise.

This time, Silene turned her head.

"Ten additional laps."

The choking stopped.

Yulina fell a little more in love.

---

The Third Excuse: A Matter of State

By the following week, the Queen had arranged another formal introduction.

The visiting noblewoman's delegation included a handsome young duke from the western territories.

He was wealthy.

Educated.

Well-connected.

And apparently capable of speaking about subjects other than horses.

The Queen considered this encouraging.

Yulina considered it a disaster.

After enduring twenty minutes of polite conversation, she excused herself.

Then hurried directly toward the barracks.

"Captain Silene!"

"Your Highness?"

"I require your counsel on a matter of state."

Silene immediately dismissed the reports in front of her.

"How may I assist?"

Yulina sat opposite her.

Very seriously.

"If a person is offered something valuable, but has no desire to accept it, what should that person do?"

Silene considered the question.

"That would depend on the circumstances."

"Suppose the offer is politically advantageous."

"Then the political consequences should be evaluated."

"But suppose accepting it would make the person deeply unhappy."

Silene's expression changed slightly.

"Then that unhappiness should also be considered."

Yulina blinked.

"Really?"

"Naturally."

"Even if the King and Queen disagree?"

Silene was quiet for a moment.

"Your Highness, I am a soldier. It is not my place to dispute the wishes of the Crown."

Yulina's shoulders sank.

"But," Silene continued, "the Crown Princess is also a member of the Crown."

Yulina looked up.

"And her wishes are not without importance."

For a moment, Yulina could only stare.

There she was.

That infuriatingly wonderful woman.

Speaking with perfect calm, as though she hadn't just rearranged every emotion in Yulina's chest.

"...Captain."

"Yes?"

"Have you ever considered marriage?"

Silene blinked.

The question had evidently arrived from an unexpected direction.

"Marriage, Your Highness?"

"Yes."

"I have not given it much consideration."

"Why not?"

"My responsibilities occupy most of my time."

"Oh."

"Furthermore, I do not believe marriage should be entered into merely because it is convenient."

Yulina's heart gave a hopeful little leap.

"Then... what would make you consider it?"

Silene studied her.

"Someone I could trust."

"Trust?"

"Someone whose company I valued. Someone I would willingly return to, even after a difficult day."

Yulina was silent.

Silene continued, apparently unaware of the catastrophe she was causing.

"Someone who would not require me to become a different person simply to stand beside them."

"..."

"Your Highness?"

Yulina slowly lowered her forehead onto the table.

"Are you unwell?"

"...No."

"Shall I summon a physician?"

"No."

"Then—"

"Captain."

"Yes?"

"Please stop being so admirable for a moment."

A very long silence followed.

"...I beg your pardon?"

"Nothing."

---

The Fourth Excuse: Tea

The next afternoon, Silene received a royal summons.

The message was brief.

The Crown Princess requests your immediate presence in the western garden.

Naturally, Silene arrived without delay.

Yulina was seated beneath a flowering arbor.

A small table stood before her.

Two porcelain cups.

A silver teapot.

And an alarming quantity of pastries.

"Your Highness."

"Captain! You're here."

"You requested my presence."

"Yes. Please sit."

Silene glanced at the table.

Then at the princess.

"May I ask the nature of this meeting?"

"Tea."

"...Tea?"

"Yes."

"Your Highness, I am currently on duty."

"I know."

"And I have responsibilities awaiting—"

"Then this is an official assignment."

Silene became very still.

"...An assignment?"

Yulina nodded with magnificent confidence.

"As Crown Princess, I must assess the condition and morale of the Royal Guard."

"I see."

"And a personal interview is the most effective method."

"An interview."

"Precisely."

Silene looked at the two cups.

"And the tea?"

"Necessary for morale."

"..."

"And the pastries?"

"Also morale."

Silene slowly took her seat.

"Understood, Your Highness."

Yulina poured the tea.

Her hands shook only slightly.

"So, Captain. How are you?"

"Well, thank you."

"Have you been sleeping properly?"

"Yes."

"Eating properly?"

"Yes."

"Are your duties excessively demanding?"

"No."

"Do you have any complaints?"

"None."

"Any... personal concerns?"

"No, Your Highness."

Yulina stared at her.

This woman was impossible.

She could command a hundred soldiers through a battlefield without hesitation, yet apparently regarded casual conversation as an enemy to be defeated through maximum efficiency.

"Captain."

"Yes?"

"Do you enjoy spending time with me?"

Silene's hand stopped halfway to her cup.

For the first time that afternoon, she did not answer immediately.

"Your Highness?"

Yulina's courage almost deserted her.

"I mean, since I frequently require your assistance. I wouldn't want to impose."

Silene placed the cup down.

"You are never an imposition."

Yulina's heart fluttered.

"Never?"

"No."

"Even when I ask you to escort me through perfectly safe corridors?"

A pause.

"Even then."

"Even when I interrupt your training?"

"Yes."

"Even when I summon you for tea?"

Silene looked at her.

And something remarkable happened.

The corner of her mouth moved.

Barely.

But unmistakably.

"Especially when there are pastries, Your Highness."

Yulina stared.

Had Captain Silene just made a joke?

A joke?!

The kingdom's most disciplined woman had made a joke over tea?!

Yulina wanted to declare a national holiday.

Instead, she pushed the pastry plate toward her.

"Please have another."

"Thank you."

"And another."

"Your Highness—"

"Morale."

"...Of course."

---

That Evening

Silene returned to the barracks shortly before sunset.

Her lieutenant was sorting reports.

"Captain."

"Lieutenant."

"How was your meeting with the Crown Princess?"

"Productive."

"Productive?"

"Yes."

The lieutenant glanced at her.

Then at the small paper package in her hand.

"...Are those pastries?"

"Yes."

"From the palace?"

"Yes."

"The Crown Princess gave them to you?"

"Yes."

A long pause.

"Captain, may I ask something?"

"Proceed."

"Why does Her Highness keep requesting you personally?"

Silene removed her gloves.

"She has taken an interest in matters of security."

"Security."

"Yes."

"And military education?"

"Correct."

"And diplomatic consultation?"

"Correct."

"And tea?"

Silene stopped.

The lieutenant watched her closely.

Then, with the extraordinary courage of someone who had temporarily forgotten the value of continued employment, she asked:

"Captain... does Her Highness know she's courting you?"

Silene slowly turned.

"...Lieutenant."

"Yes, Captain?"

"Twenty laps."

"Understood."

The lieutenant saluted.

Then fled.

Silene remained alone.

She looked down at the little paper package.

Inside were three pastries.

Her favorites.

She had never mentioned that preference to the Crown Princess.

Not once.

Silene stood quietly for several moments.

Then she let out a small sigh.

"...Your Highness."

She sounded almost exasperated.

Almost.

Because when she opened the package, there was a tiny folded note beneath the pastries.

Written in Yulina's elegant handwriting.

"Thank you for always making me feel safe."

Silene read it once.

Then again.

Then carefully folded it and placed it in the inner pocket of her uniform.

A place where official military correspondence most certainly did not belong.

Outside, the lieutenant's footsteps could be heard circling the courtyard.

Silene looked toward the window.

"...Perhaps thirty laps would have been more appropriate."

But she was smiling.

---

Meanwhile, in the Royal Chambers

"Yulina."

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

The Queen regarded her daughter over the evening correspondence.

"Have you finally made any progress concerning your future marriage?"

Yulina considered the question.

She thought of a pair of gray eyes.

A quiet voice.

A perfectly straight military posture.

And the faintest suggestion of a smile.

Then she answered with complete sincerity.

"Yes."

The Queen sat upright.

The King nearly dropped his wineglass.

"Really?!"

"Yes."

"With whom?"

Yulina smiled sweetly.

"I'm still conducting negotiations."

The Queen looked delighted.

The King immediately began discussing a possible engagement banquet.

Neither noticed that Yulina had quietly written something on the corner of her notepad.

Tomorrow:

1. Inspect northern corridor.
2. Ask about cavalry formation.
3. Deliver fresh pastries.
4. Find out whether Captain Silene likes flowers.
5. DO NOT BLUSH.

She studied the final instruction.

Then added another.

6. If possible, make Captain Silene smile again.

Yulina gazed at the list for a long moment.

"..."

Finally, she crossed out number five.

Some military objectives, after all, were simply unrealistic.

user
!設計一段衝突
/
鄰國某第三王子的聯姻活動。
這是國王與皇后很中意的一名王子，談吐有禮、格局大，更是鄰國已經屬意的王位繼承人，幾乎無可挑剔，二老帶來的期望壓力也越來越大。

/
悠當然不喜歡這個發展。
她想了一個妙計..

聯誼當天，餐會前，她先讓衛士找來了希，並且要求希與鄰國第三王子筆畫筆畫，希摸不著頭腦，認為這樣有點對貴賓失禮，王子卻坦率的接下挑戰（當然是為了面子）

/
皇女小聲在希耳邊說：「救命，如果不想嫁給這個男人，就麻煩妳打贏了。」

希愣了一下，眼中流露決絕。
「臣明白。」她輕輕小聲回應。

/
她當然禮貌的打敗了那名王子，甚至還有點拆穿他先前宣稱自己在邊境擊敗多少蠻族的事蹟，王子那天的聚餐都沒有心情，匆匆就離開了。

ChatGPT
The Crown Princess and Her Very Important Excuses
Chapter Two: A Matter of Royal Honor

---

The Kingdom's Perfect Candidate

The third prince of Valdoria was, by all reasonable standards, an excellent marriage candidate.

Prince Adrian was twenty-seven.

Handsome.

Well-educated.

Diplomatically gifted.

And, most importantly, officially favored by his own royal court as the kingdom's next monarch.

His correspondence demonstrated considerable political intelligence. His proposals regarding border trade were practical and mutually beneficial. He was reportedly generous toward his subjects, respectful toward the nobility, and remarkably popular with military officers.

He even possessed an impressive military record.

Three successful campaigns along the northern frontier.

Two major victories against marauding tribes.

And, according to the prince himself, a decisive charge that had broken an enemy formation nearly three times the size of his own.

The King was delighted.

The Queen was practically glowing.

And Crown Princess Yulina—

"..."

—was staring at his portrait as though contemplating its destruction.

"Yulina."

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Have you read Prince Adrian's letter?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"His handwriting is excellent."

The Queen smiled.

"Isn't it?"

"Very consistent."

"Yes."

"Remarkably consistent."

"Yulina."

"I wonder whether someone else writes his letters."

The Queen's smile disappeared.

"Yulina."

The Crown Princess sighed.

Unfortunately, there really was very little to criticize.

The prince wasn't arrogant in conversation.

He wasn't dismissive of women.

He hadn't made a single inappropriate remark.

He was intelligent, courteous, and apparently understood that marriage between royal houses required mutual respect.

He was, in short, a thoroughly reasonable man.

Which was precisely what made the situation so dreadful.

If he had been rude, she could have rejected him.

If he had been foolish, she could have embarrassed him.

If he had been openly insufferable, she could have simply refused to speak to him.

But this?

This was a perfectly acceptable future king.

And both reigning monarchs knew it.

"His delegation arrives on Thursday," the King announced.

"We've arranged a private luncheon, followed by a formal dinner," the Queen added.

Yulina's stomach sank.

"Both?"

"Naturally. You should have ample opportunity to become acquainted."

The King smiled warmly.

"I believe you two will get along splendidly."

Yulina managed a faint smile.

Inside her head, however, something quite different was happening.

*Help.*

*Someone.*

*Anyone.*

Then, rather unexpectedly, a familiar face appeared in her imagination.

Dark hair.

Gray eyes.

A beautifully straight military posture.

And that wonderfully steady voice.

*Your Highness.*

Yulina suddenly sat upright.

"...Oh."

The Queen blinked.

"Yulina?"

A slow smile spread across the princess's face.

"I've just had an idea."

The King looked pleased.

The Queen looked hopeful.

Neither understood that their daughter's expression was considerably more dangerous than it appeared.

---

The Royal Invitation

On Thursday morning, Prince Adrian arrived at the palace.

Everything proceeded beautifully.

He greeted the King with appropriate dignity.

He complimented the Queen's diplomatic achievements.

He presented Yulina with a tasteful gift from Valdoria's renowned jewelers.

And he engaged her in a genuinely interesting discussion about maritime trade routes.

By the end of the reception, the King was privately wondering whether announcing an engagement before winter might be possible.

Yulina, meanwhile, was wondering whether she could escape through the garden.

Then Adrian mentioned his military experience.

"...Naturally, Your Highness, governance cannot be separated from military understanding."

"Indeed?" Yulina asked pleasantly.

"Quite so. During the northern campaigns, I personally commanded our advance against the frontier tribes."

The King nodded appreciatively.

"I understand you distinguished yourself at the Battle of Ashen Ford."

Adrian gave a modest smile.

"I was fortunate to have capable soldiers under my command."

"Three hundred enemy cavalry, wasn't it?" the Queen asked.

"Approximately. Though numbers are rather irrelevant when the proper strategy is employed."

Yulina's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Three hundred?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"And you defeated them?"

"Our formation broke their charge, and I personally led the decisive counterattack."

"How impressive."

Adrian inclined his head.

"I merely did what duty required."

Yulina smiled.

A very sweet smile.

"Oh, Prince Adrian."

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"Would you indulge me in a small request before luncheon?"

"With pleasure."

"Wonderful."

She turned toward the nearest attendant.

"Please summon Captain Silene of the Third Division."

The attendant bowed.

"At once, Your Highness."

Adrian looked curious.

"A military matter?"

"Something of the sort."

Yulina folded her hands neatly in her lap.

"I would very much like to see two distinguished warriors exchange a few techniques."

The King paused.

"...Yulina?"

She smiled at him.

"Purely ceremonial, Your Majesty."

The Queen slowly set down her teacup.

For the first time that morning, she looked suspicious.

---

An Unexpected Challenge

Captain Silene arrived fifteen minutes later.

She entered the reception hall in full ceremonial uniform, stopped before the assembled royals, and bowed.

"Your Majesties. Your Highness. Prince Adrian."

Yulina's heart immediately abandoned its responsibilities.

*Oh, she's wearing the silver shoulder guards today.*

*Those are my favorites.*

"Captain Silene!" she greeted brightly.

"At your service, Your Highness."

"Excellent. I have a request."

"Please proceed."

Yulina gestured toward Prince Adrian.

"His Highness has been telling us about his extraordinary achievements along the northern frontier."

Silene inclined her head.

"I have heard of His Highness's campaigns."

"Then surely you would enjoy exchanging a few techniques with him?"

Silene paused.

"...Your Highness?"

"A friendly match."

The captain's expression remained composed.

But her eyes shifted briefly toward the King.

Then the Queen.

Then back to Yulina.

"Your Highness, I fear such a request may be somewhat discourteous toward an honored guest."

"How so?"

"His Highness has come to attend a diplomatic reception, not a military examination."

"Of course."

Yulina nodded.

Then turned to Adrian.

"Unless the prince himself would enjoy it?"

Adrian smiled politely.

"A demonstration of Asteria's military traditions?"

"Precisely."

"How interesting."

Silene opened her mouth.

"Your Highness, perhaps—"

"I would be delighted," Adrian declared.

Silene fell silent.

The King looked faintly concerned.

The Queen was watching her daughter with increasing suspicion.

Adrian, however, appeared perfectly at ease.

After all, refusing a friendly challenge from the Crown Princess's own captain would be rather embarrassing.

Especially after spending the morning discussing his battlefield accomplishments.

"I would certainly welcome the opportunity to experience your kingdom's swordsmanship firsthand."

Yulina beamed.

"Wonderful!"

Silene glanced at her.

There was something deeply suspicious about that smile.

And the captain was beginning to suspect that she had been summoned into something considerably more complicated than a friendly exhibition.

---

The Whisper

The palace's private training courtyard was prepared shortly afterward.

Blunted practice swords were brought out.

A small viewing area was arranged.

Several senior guards gathered discreetly at the edges of the courtyard.

Silene stood beside the equipment rack, adjusting the leather straps around her wrists.

Yulina approached.

"Captain."

"Your Highness."

"May I speak with you privately?"

"Of course."

The princess stepped closer.

Then closer still.

Silene lowered her head slightly, expecting some urgent instruction regarding the match.

Instead, Yulina leaned toward her ear.

"...Help me."

Silene blinked.

Yulina's voice was barely a whisper.

"If you don't want me to marry that man, please defeat him."

Silene froze.

For one brief moment, her usual military composure deserted her entirely.

"..."

The princess looked up at her.

Not playfully.

Not mischievously.

For once, there was genuine desperation in those beautiful eyes.

"If he impresses them any further, I won't know how to refuse."

Silene stared at her.

Then she looked across the courtyard.

Prince Adrian was testing the weight of his practice sword.

Beyond him sat the King and Queen.

Both visibly pleased by the prospect of their daughter's future.

Silene understood.

This was not truly about swordsmanship.

It was about a woman being gradually cornered by expectations she did not know how to escape.

And the Crown Princess had chosen to ask her for help.

Her expression changed.

The uncertainty vanished.

Something firm and decisive settled into her gray eyes.

She lowered her voice.

"I understand, Your Highness."

Yulina blinked.

"...You do?"

"Yes."

Silene straightened.

Then offered a small, respectful bow.

"Leave it to me."

Yulina's heart stopped.

*Oh.*

*Oh, that's unfair.*

*How am I supposed to survive someone saying that?*

Silene turned toward the courtyard.

Her gloved hand settled around the practice sword.

And for the first time that day, Yulina began to feel optimistic.

---

The Match

"Captain Silene of Asteria's Royal Guard, Third Division."

"Prince Adrian of Valdoria."

The two exchanged formal bows.

Silene raised her blade.

Adrian did the same.

"Shall we begin?" he asked.

"At Your Highness's convenience."

Adrian moved first.

A clean opening strike.

Well-balanced.

Technically sound.

Silene deflected it without difficulty.

Their swords met again.

And again.

Adrian's movements were polished.

He had clearly received extensive training.

His posture was excellent, his footwork precise, and his timing better than that of most aristocratic officers Silene had encountered.

He was not an incompetent swordsman.

Not remotely.

Unfortunately—

He was facing Captain Silene.

After the sixth exchange, Adrian attempted a rapid advance.

Silene stepped aside.

Her practice sword touched his ribs.

"Point," announced the referee.

Adrian blinked.

Then smiled.

"Well executed, Captain."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

They resumed.

This time, Adrian became more aggressive.

His blade swept toward Silene's shoulder.

She turned her wrist, redirected the strike, and stepped inside his guard.

A moment later, the tip of her sword rested against his chest.

"Point."

The courtyard grew quiet.

The King shifted slightly in his chair.

Yulina clasped her hands together.

*Yes.*

*Yes.*

*Oh, she's wonderful.*

Adrian lowered his sword.

"Your technique is remarkable."

"You honor me."

"Perhaps I've underestimated Asteria's Royal Guard."

Silene inclined her head.

"We are fortunate to receive excellent training."

A perfectly polite answer.

And somehow, considerably more devastating than boasting.

Adrian took another breath.

"One more exchange?"

"Certainly."

He adjusted his stance.

This time, he adopted a broader guard.

A stance commonly employed by mounted officers operating on uneven terrain.

Silene recognized it immediately.

"Ah."

Adrian paused.

"Captain?"

"Forgive me. That stance is familiar."

"Indeed?"

"It was used by the Valdorian cavalry during the northern campaigns, was it not?"

Adrian smiled.

"You know your military history."

"I have studied the reports."

"Then perhaps you recognize the technique used at Ashen Ford."

"Yes."

Silene examined his stance.

"Though I understand the decisive action at Ashen Ford was conducted by the eastern infantry reserve."

A pause.

Adrian's smile became slightly more rigid.

"That was one element of the engagement."

"Of course."

"The cavalry provided the initial pressure."

"Indeed."

Silene nodded respectfully.

"Though the northern cavalry had reportedly withdrawn before the enemy formation collapsed."

Adrian's expression changed.

Only a little.

But enough.

The King leaned forward.

"...Withdrawn?"

Silene turned slightly.

"According to the military records exchanged between our kingdoms, Your Majesty."

Adrian cleared his throat.

"The battlefield situation was rather complicated."

"Naturally," Silene agreed.

Her voice remained impeccably respectful.

"The infantry commander deserves considerable praise. Coordinating a river crossing under enemy pressure while cavalry units were repositioning was an extraordinary achievement."

Adrian was silent.

The Queen glanced at the King.

The King glanced at Adrian.

Yulina lowered her head to hide a smile.

*Oh.*

*She knows.*

*She knows exactly what she's doing.*

Silene resumed her stance.

"Shall we continue, Your Highness?"

Adrian tightened his grip.

"...Certainly."

He attacked.

Three swift strikes.

A fourth, aimed low.

Silene met each one.

Then, with one clean movement, she caught his blade, redirected its momentum, and stepped behind his leading foot.

Adrian lost his balance.

His sword left his hand.

And before he could recover—

Silene caught him by the upper arm.

Firmly.

Preventing him from falling.

The entire exchange took less than five seconds.

Silence.

Absolute silence.

Silene steadied the prince.

Then immediately stepped back.

"Forgive me, Your Highness."

Adrian stared at his empty hand.

His practice sword lay several feet away.

Silene bowed.

"I believe the match is concluded."

The referee swallowed.

"Victory... Captain Silene."

Yulina nearly stood up to applaud.

She restrained herself.

Barely.

Instead, she pressed her palms together and smiled with the most dignified expression she could manage.

Which was not particularly dignified.

Because she was absolutely delighted.

---

A Very Uncomfortable Luncheon

Prince Adrian handled his defeat gracefully.

At first.

"You are an exceptional swordswoman, Captain."

"You honor me, Your Highness."

"I can see why the royal household places such confidence in you."

"Thank you."

Silene bowed again.

Not once did she boast.

Not once did she ridicule him.

And not once did she suggest that the prince was unworthy of his reputation.

Unfortunately, her courtesy only made the defeat more conspicuous.

The prince had lost to a royal guard captain.

Three times.

In front of the very monarchs whose daughter he hoped to marry.

And the captain had also demonstrated a rather inconvenient familiarity with the actual circumstances of his most famous military victory.

The luncheon that followed was dreadful.

Not because anyone was openly rude.

Quite the opposite.

Everyone was painfully polite.

"More wine, Your Highness?" the Queen offered.

"No, thank you."

"How did you find the palace gardens?"

"Very beautiful."

"Perhaps we could discuss the northern trade agreement?"

"Of course."

Adrian answered every question correctly.

He remained courteous.

He smiled when appropriate.

But the easy confidence he had displayed that morning was gone.

When the King casually mentioned the northern campaigns, the prince almost dropped his fork.

Yulina noticed.

Naturally.

She also noticed that her own appetite had become excellent.

"These pastries are wonderful," she announced.

The Queen gave her a look.

Yulina smiled.

"Would anyone like another?"

Nobody did.

"Such a shame."

She took one herself.

Across the table, Adrian looked as though he would have preferred another cavalry charge.

By the time luncheon ended, the prince announced that he needed to return to his delegation.

"Unfortunately, certain matters require my attention before our departure."

The King blinked.

"Departure? We had anticipated your presence at this evening's banquet."

"My apologies, Your Majesty. An unexpected obligation has arisen."

The Queen looked disappointed.

"Surely it can wait?"

"I fear not."

He rose.

Bowed.

And departed with impeccable diplomatic courtesy.

Very quickly.

So quickly, in fact, that Yulina briefly wondered whether Captain Silene had accidentally taught him a new retreat maneuver.

---

The Royal Aftermath

"Yulina."

The Queen's voice was dangerously calm.

Yulina looked up from her tea.

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Did you arrange that match deliberately?"

"..."

"Yulina."

The Crown Princess smiled.

"I merely thought it would be a wonderful cultural exchange."

The King rubbed his forehead.

"A cultural exchange."

"Yes."

"With swords."

"Blunted swords."

"That is not the point."

Yulina took a delicate sip of tea.

The Queen sighed.

"Prince Adrian was an excellent candidate."

"Yes."

"An intelligent man."

"Indeed."

"A future king."

"Very likely."

"And now he's left before dinner."

Yulina looked thoughtful.

"...Perhaps he had urgent business."

The King stared at her.

"Yulina."

"Yes?"

"Do not insult our intelligence."

She lowered her cup.

For a moment, the playfulness disappeared from her face.

"Then please don't insult my feelings."

Silence.

The King stopped.

The Queen's expression softened slightly.

Yulina looked down at her hands.

"I know he's an excellent candidate."

Neither monarch interrupted.

"I know this marriage would be politically advantageous. I understand the alliance, the trade routes, the military cooperation, all of it."

She swallowed.

"But every time you tell me how wonderful he is, it feels as though you've already decided my future."

The Queen was quiet.

Yulina continued.

"I haven't."

The room remained silent.

Then the King sighed.

"...You could simply have told us that."

"I have."

"You said you didn't like his portrait."

"Because every other objection was answered with another reason he was suitable."

That landed rather harder than the King expected.

The Queen looked away.

After a moment, she spoke.

"We will discuss this again."

Yulina nodded.

She knew the matter was far from settled.

Valdoria remained an important neighbor.

Prince Adrian remained a politically valuable match.

And her parents still had no idea whom their daughter actually wanted.

But for today—

At least for today—

She had escaped.

---

The Captain's Reward

Later that evening, Yulina found Silene standing outside the western garden.

"Captain!"

Silene turned.

"Your Highness."

Yulina hurried over.

Then remembered her dignity and slowed to a more appropriate pace.

"I wanted to thank you."

"There is no need."

"There absolutely is."

Silene looked at her.

Yulina smiled.

"You were magnificent."

"His Highness is a capable swordsman."

"Perhaps."

"He possesses excellent fundamentals."

"Of course."

"And his battlefield experience should not be dismissed."

Yulina tilted her head.

"...Captain."

"Yes?"

"Are you defending him?"

Silene paused.

Then a faint smile touched her lips.

"No, Your Highness."

Yulina blinked.

Silene continued quietly.

"I am merely making certain you understand that I did not defeat him because he lacked ability."

"..."

"I defeated him because you asked me to."

Yulina stopped breathing.

Silene regarded her with calm gray eyes.

"You requested my assistance."

"Y-Yes."

"And I understood the importance of your request."

Yulina's face began turning red.

"Captain..."

"However."

Silene's voice acquired a faint note of sternness.

"Please do not arrange diplomatic sword matches without warning me in advance."

"...Ah."

"Particularly not against visiting royalty."

"...Right."

"It creates a number of complications."

Yulina lowered her head.

"I'm sorry."

Silene sighed.

Then, after a moment, her expression softened.

"If you find yourself in such a difficult position again, please simply tell me."

Yulina looked up.

Silene continued.

"There may be less troublesome ways for me to help you."

"...Really?"

"Certainly."

"Even if it's about marriage?"

Silene met her eyes.

"Even then."

Yulina stared at her.

Her heartbeat became distinctly unreasonable.

"Captain..."

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"May I ask you something?"

"Of course."

Yulina hesitated.

Then smiled mischievously.

"If I were forced to marry someone I didn't love..."

Silene listened.

"...Would you rescue me?"

The captain's expression grew serious.

"If Your Highness were genuinely in danger, I would do everything within my authority to protect you."

Yulina blinked.

"...Everything?"

"Everything."

Oh.

Oh, no.

That was much too attractive.

Yulina looked away quickly.

"...I see."

"Your Highness?"

"Nothing."

Silene tilted her head.

"Your face is red again."

"It's the weather."

"The evening is rather cold."

"I KNOW."

A pause.

Silene's lips curved.

Just slightly.

Yulina caught it.

Her heart practically exploded.

*There.*

*She smiled.*

*She smiled again.*

And suddenly, the princess remembered something.

"Captain?"

"Yes?"

"Are you free tomorrow afternoon?"

Silene regarded her with immediate suspicion.

"...For what purpose?"

Yulina folded her hands behind her back.

"An inspection."

"Of what?"

"The northern corridor."

"..."

"It may have security concerns."

"...Your Highness."

"Very serious concerns."

Silene closed her eyes briefly.

Then opened them.

"Is this another matter of royal importance?"

Yulina smiled brightly.

"Extremely important."

For a long moment, Silene simply looked at her.

Then she sighed.

"Very well."

Yulina beamed.

"I'll see you tomorrow!"

She hurried away before her courage deserted her.

Silene watched her go.

For several seconds, she remained perfectly still.

Then she murmured to herself—

"...The northern corridor."

A small smile appeared.

"Of course."

---

Meanwhile, in the Royal Council Chamber

The King stared at the report on his desk.

The Queen sat beside him.

Neither looked pleased.

"The prince has requested that further marriage discussions be postponed," the King said.

The Queen sighed.

"Naturally."

"He also requested a copy of our Third Division's training doctrine."

"...Really?"

"Apparently."

The Queen was silent.

Then she slowly looked toward the window.

"Your Majesty."

"Yes?"

"Have you noticed something peculiar about our daughter?"

The King frowned.

"Aside from her extraordinary talent for destroying marriage negotiations?"

"Yes."

"What?"

The Queen tapped one finger against the table.

"She has recently developed a remarkable interest in palace security."

The King blinked.

"...Security?"

"And military training."

"..."

"And the northern corridor."

The King stared.

The Queen continued.

"She also knows the Third Division captain's duty schedule."

A long silence.

Then the King slowly lowered the report.

"...Oh."

The Queen nodded.

"...Oh, indeed."

Neither spoke for quite some time.

Somewhere outside, Crown Princess Yulina was already planning tomorrow's extremely important security inspection.

And Captain Silene, quite unaware that she had just become the subject of a completely different royal investigation, was carefully rearranging her afternoon duties.

user
/
一天，二老終於找來悠徹底談談。
「我們已經不知道還有哪國王子適合妳了。」「鄰國甚至都在傳我國公主眼高手低。」「悠，妳不如說說妳到底喜歡怎樣的皇族。」

/
她微微低頭。
「可以..不要王子們嗎？」

/
國王臉色微微變「妳是說希望聯姻對象是國王？！」

/
「才不是..！」悠連忙澄清。
「我... 真的不喜歡男孩子。」

/
二老頓住了。
只是面面相覷。
國王低下頭來思考是哪裡出了問題，女王則在回憶各種跡象。

「難道妳跟希隊長..」

「我們才沒有發生什麼！？」她連忙澄清。

太快了。
太刻意了。
太可疑了。

國王還沒理解過來這場對話，女王已經露出某種了然的笑容「妳該早點跟我說..」

國王「說什麼？妳們剛剛在談論什麼？跟希隊長有什麼關係？」

「這裡交給我。悠，先去忙吧。」女王露出一抹慧黠的微笑。

悠一愣。
但她不敢抗命。

/
幾天後，悠接到一個令她張嘴啞然的「女王指示的任務」：和禁衛軍隊長希，一同至城郊幾個城鎮進行民間巡訪，以了解民意和生活狀況，侍衛的數量則由兩人決議即可。

/
「母后..？」悠難以置信，而一旁的希則恭敬、端正的半跪在女王面前「臣將以性命守護皇女的安全。」

/
「性命？不行，妳丟掉性命的話，她可是會受不了。」女王輕輕笑著。

而這場召見，國王並不在場。

「國王那邊我會處理。」
「去吧。」

!安排兩人在這趟行程中加深了情感。

ChatGPT

The Crown Princess and Her Very Important Excuses
Chapter Three: Her Majesty's Special Assignment

---

The Conversation They Could No Longer Avoid

"Yulina."

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Sit down."

The Crown Princess sat.

Across from her, the King and Queen exchanged a look.

It was the sort of look that suggested they had already discussed something extensively before inviting her into the room.

Yulina did not like it.

Not one bit.

The King folded his hands.

"We need to have a serious conversation."

"...About?"

"Marriage."

*Of course.*

Yulina resisted the urge to sink into her chair.

The Queen sighed.

"Yulina, we've reached the point where we genuinely don't know which royal family might still have a suitable prince for you."

The King nodded grimly.

"Valdoria was an extraordinary opportunity."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Prince Adrian was intelligent, well-mannered, politically capable, and practically guaranteed to inherit his kingdom."

"Yes."

"And somehow, that ended with him being disarmed in our courtyard."

"..."

"Three times."

Yulina examined the embroidery on her sleeve.

The Queen continued.

"Do you know what neighboring courts are beginning to say?"

"...No?"

"That the Crown Princess of Asteria has impossibly high standards."

The King sighed.

"Some are beginning to suggest that no prince could ever satisfy you."

Yulina thought about that.

Technically—

That was correct.

Unfortunately, it wasn't the explanation they were expecting.

The Queen leaned forward.

"Then tell us, Yulina."

Her voice softened.

"What sort of royal husband would actually make you happy?"

Yulina lowered her head.

Her fingers tightened together in her lap.

For once, she had no clever excuse.

No imaginary security concern.

No diplomatic sword match to arrange.

"...Could it..."

The King leaned closer.

"Yes?"

"...Could it not be a prince?"

Silence.

The King's expression changed.

He stared at his daughter.

Then, very slowly, his eyes widened.

"...Yulina."

She looked up hopefully.

"Yes?"

"Are you suggesting..."

He lowered his voice.

"...That you would prefer to marry a king?!"

"WHAT?!"

Yulina nearly sprang out of her chair.

"NO!"

The Queen closed her eyes.

The King looked genuinely distressed.

"Yulina, reigning monarchs are an entirely different diplomatic matter!"

"THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT!"

"And most of them already have spouses!"

"YOUR MAJESTY!"

The Queen raised one hand.

"Darling."

The King stopped.

"Perhaps we should allow her to finish."

Yulina was scarlet.

She stared at her hands.

Then took a slow breath.

"...I don't like men."

The room went quiet.

Truly quiet.

The King blinked.

The Queen did not move.

Yulina continued, her voice growing smaller.

"I never have. Not in that way."

A long pause.

"I like women."

The King sat back.

"...Oh."

The Queen's expression changed.

Not to anger.

Not even to surprise, exactly.

It was more like someone quietly discovering that a dozen unrelated mysteries had all shared the same answer.

The Queen looked toward the window.

Then toward Yulina.

Then back toward the window.

"...I see."

Yulina swallowed.

"I know this complicates the succession arrangements, but—"

"Wait."

The Queen held up one finger.

"Yulina."

"...Yes?"

"Have you and Captain Silene—"

"NOTHING HAS HAPPENED BETWEEN US!"

Silence.

Absolute, magnificent silence.

The King blinked.

The Queen stared.

Yulina froze.

*Oh.*

*Oh, no.*

Too fast.

Far too fast.

An innocent person would have asked what Captain Silene had to do with anything.

An innocent person would have waited for the question to be completed.

An innocent person would certainly not have announced, at considerable volume, that absolutely nothing had happened.

The Queen slowly smiled.

"...Oh, my."

Yulina's soul attempted to leave her body.

"I-I mean—"

"Of course."

"She's merely the captain of the Royal Guard!"

"Naturally."

"A very competent captain!"

"Certainly."

"And I'm simply grateful for her service!"

"How lovely."

"THAT'S ALL!"

The Queen's smile widened.

"I didn't actually ask whether anything had happened, darling."

"..."

Yulina covered her face.

The King looked between them.

Then frowned.

"Wait."

Neither answered.

"Why are we discussing Captain Silene?"

The Queen gave him a fond look.

"There's something I believe our daughter should have told us much earlier."

The King's eyes widened.

"...Has Captain Silene been secretly negotiating with Valdoria?"

"WHAT?!"

Yulina stared at him.

The Queen took a very slow breath.

"No, darling."

"Then why—"

"I'll explain."

She rose gracefully.

"Yulina, you may go."

The princess looked up.

"...Your Majesty?"

The Queen offered a small, knowing smile.

"Leave the rest to me."

Yulina hesitated.

"But—"

"Go on."

"...Yes, Your Majesty."

She stood.

Bowed.

And left the chamber.

The door closed.

The King turned immediately.

"Now, what does Captain Silene have to do with our daughter's marriage?"

The Queen looked at him.

For a moment, she appeared to be deciding where to begin.

Then she sighed.

"My dear."

"Yes?"

"Do you recall the eastern corridor?"

"...What about it?"

"And the military lessons?"

"Excellent initiative."

"And the tea invitations?"

"Good for morale."

The Queen stared at him.

"..."

"..."

"Darling."

"Yes?"

"Our daughter has been courting the captain of her guard."

The King became perfectly still.

"..."

Then he looked toward the closed door.

"..."

Then back at the Queen.

"..."

Finally—

"THE CAPTAIN?!"

The Queen calmly reached for her tea.

"There we are."

---

An Extremely Unusual Royal Assignment

Four days later, Captain Silene received a summons bearing the Queen's personal seal.

It was marked urgent.

She arrived at the royal audience chamber in full uniform.

Crown Princess Yulina was already waiting.

The princess looked confused.

And mildly terrified.

"Your Majesty."

Silene knelt before the Queen.

"Captain Silene, Third Division, reporting as ordered."

"Rise, Captain."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The Queen smiled.

"I have an assignment for you."

"At your service."

"Several towns outside the capital have recently submitted reports concerning trade, agricultural conditions, and local administration."

"Understood."

"I would like the Crown Princess to conduct a personal inspection."

Yulina blinked.

"...Me?"

"Yes, darling."

The Queen continued.

"She should speak directly with the townspeople, observe their living conditions, and become more familiar with the responsibilities awaiting her."

It was an entirely reasonable royal assignment.

In fact, it was excellent preparation for a future monarch.

Yulina straightened.

"I would be honored, Your Majesty."

"Wonderful."

The Queen turned toward Silene.

"And I would like Captain Silene to accompany her."

"..."

Yulina stopped breathing.

Silene bowed.

"Of course, Your Majesty."

"You will be responsible for Her Highness's security throughout the journey."

"Understood."

"The escort arrangements may be decided between the two of you. There is no need for a large ceremonial procession."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"The itinerary will be flexible."

"Understood."

"And you should take enough time to become properly acquainted with the conditions in each town."

"Certainly."

The Queen smiled pleasantly.

"Three days should suffice."

Yulina stared.

*Three days.*

*Three entire days.*

*With Captain Silene.*

*Outside the palace.*

*Together.*

Her thoughts abruptly became a disorderly collection of very enthusiastic noises.

Silene, meanwhile, lowered herself onto one knee again.

"Your Majesty."

"Yes, Captain?"

"I swear upon my honor that I shall protect Her Highness with my life."

The Queen's smile changed.

"Oh, no."

Silene looked up.

"...Your Majesty?"

"That won't do."

The captain blinked.

The Queen tilted her head.

"If you lose your life protecting her, I'm afraid she would be quite unable to bear it."

"..."

Yulina's face turned crimson.

"M-MOTHER—"

The Queen raised her eyebrows.

Yulina corrected herself instantly.

"YOUR MAJESTY!"

Silene's expression remained disciplined.

Mostly.

But the faintest hint of confusion entered her eyes.

The Queen chuckled.

"Protect yourself as well, Captain. I would prefer both of you to return safely."

Silene bowed.

"...As you command."

Yulina wanted the floor to swallow her.

The Queen looked entirely satisfied.

"Oh, and Yulina?"

"...Yes?"

"There is no need to concern yourself with the King."

Yulina froze.

The Queen smiled.

"I'll handle him."

"..."

"Now, off you go."

The audience was concluded.

Silene saluted.

Yulina bowed.

And the two women departed.

Only when they were safely outside did Yulina finally exhale.

"..."

Silene looked at her.

"Your Highness?"

"...Yes?"

"Are you feeling unwell?"

"No."

"You appear rather flushed."

"...It's the weather."

Silene glanced toward the windows.

Snow-white clouds drifted across a perfectly pleasant spring sky.

"...Of course."

---

Day One — Beyond the Palace Walls

They departed the following morning.

Silene selected six experienced guards.

Two rode ahead to inspect the road.

Two remained with the supply carriage.

The final pair served as a discreet rear escort.

It was a small but sensible arrangement.

Yulina was deeply impressed.

Particularly when Silene personally inspected the Crown Princess's carriage.

"Is the seat comfortable, Your Highness?"

"Yes."

"Do you have sufficient water?"

"Yes."

"Are the windows secure?"

"Yes."

"Are you experiencing any discomfort?"

"Not yet."

Silene paused.

"...Not yet?"

Yulina smiled.

"Captain."

"Yes?"

"Would you like to ride with me?"

Silene blinked.

"I ordinarily travel on horseback."

"Oh."

"It provides better visibility of the road."

"Naturally."

Yulina looked down.

"Then I suppose I'll simply have to sit here alone."

A pause.

A rather theatrical sigh.

"All by myself."

Silene regarded her.

"...Your Highness."

"Yes?"

"Are you attempting to persuade me to abandon standard escort procedure?"

"Would it work?"

"No."

"..."

"However."

Yulina immediately looked up.

Silene continued.

"Once we have cleared the capital and confirmed the road conditions, I can accompany you in the carriage for the remainder of the journey."

Yulina beamed.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Wonderful!"

Silene bowed.

"Then I shall see you shortly."

She turned away.

Yulina watched her mount her horse.

Then sank happily into the carriage cushions.

*Oh, this is going to be a wonderful trip.*

---

The first destination was a market town known for its textiles.

Yulina had visited towns during formal royal processions before.

But those occasions had been very different.

There were always banners.

Musicians.

Officials waiting with prepared speeches.

Beautifully dressed representatives.

And crowds arranged along the main streets.

This time, however, she arrived with only a modest escort.

People were surprised.

But not overwhelmed.

And for the first time, Yulina could actually listen.

A textile merchant explained that the capital's purchasing agents demanded unfair discounts.

A baker complained about grain transportation fees.

A local administrator admitted that bridge repairs had been postponed three times.

Yulina listened carefully.

She asked questions.

She took notes.

And gradually, something changed.

She stopped worrying about appearing sufficiently royal.

She simply became interested.

Silene stood nearby, observing.

At one point, a shopkeeper mentioned the western road.

"The soldiers stationed there have been helping us move supplies whenever the weather turns bad."

Yulina looked toward Silene.

"Your division?"

"The western patrols fall under my command, Your Highness."

The merchant smiled.

"Captain Silene is very well regarded here."

"Is she?"

"Oh, yes. Always fair. Never takes advantage of the townspeople."

Yulina's face brightened.

"Really?"

The merchant nodded.

"And she remembers everyone's complaints."

Silene looked faintly uncomfortable.

"It is simply part of my responsibility."

Yulina smiled.

"How wonderful."

The captain glanced at her.

"...Your Highness."

"Yes?"

"Perhaps we should continue the inspection."

"Of course."

They walked on.

Then Yulina leaned closer.

"Captain?"

"Yes?"

"Apparently, you're quite popular."

Silene sighed.

"I merely perform my duties."

"Of course."

A pause.

"You're very popular with me, too."

Silene nearly missed a step.

Yulina smiled innocently.

"Just thought you should know."

---

An Unexpected Compliment

That afternoon, they stopped at a small tea shop overlooking the river.

Yulina insisted on paying.

Silene objected.

Yulina insisted again.

Silene eventually surrendered.

The shopkeeper brought two cups of tea and a plate of honey pastries.

"Here you are, ladies."

"Thank you," Yulina replied.

The woman looked between them.

Then smiled warmly.

"What a lovely pair you make."

Silene froze.

Yulina blinked.

"...Pardon?"

The shopkeeper gestured toward them.

"One so elegant, the other so dependable. You complement each other beautifully."

Yulina's heart soared.

Silene immediately straightened.

"Madam, Her Highness is the Crown Princess. I am merely her escort."

"Oh!"

The woman looked horrified.

"My apologies!"

Yulina quickly raised a hand.

"No, no! Please don't apologize!"

Silene remained perfectly composed.

"There is no offense."

Yulina nodded vigorously.

"None whatsoever."

Then, unable to resist, she added—

"Actually, I thought it was rather lovely."

Silene looked at her.

Yulina smiled.

The shopkeeper smiled.

And for one extraordinary moment, Captain Silene seemed to have no idea what to say.

"...Your Highness."

"Yes?"

"...Your tea is getting cold."

Yulina laughed.

*Victory.*

Not a military victory.

Not a diplomatic one.

Something much better.

She had made Captain Silene blush.

Just a little.

But it counted.

---

Day Two — The Rain

The following morning, rain arrived unexpectedly.

Not a gentle spring shower.

A proper downpour.

The road between the second and third towns became muddy, forcing the group to slow.

Silene rode beside the carriage, inspecting the conditions ahead.

Yulina watched through the window.

Her captain's cloak was wet.

Rainwater ran along the edges of her shoulder guards.

And despite the weather, Silene remained focused on the road.

Yulina frowned.

"Captain!"

Silene approached.

"Your Highness?"

"Come inside."

"I should remain with the escort."

"You're getting soaked."

"I assure you, I'm accustomed to—"

"Silene."

The captain stopped.

Yulina blinked.

She had never addressed her quite so directly before.

Neither had Silene heard her do so.

The princess swallowed.

"...Please."

For a moment, the captain simply looked at her.

Then she turned toward her lieutenant.

"Maintain formation. Alert me immediately if the road conditions worsen."

"Understood, Captain."

Silene dismounted and entered the carriage.

Yulina immediately handed her a dry cloth.

"Here."

"Thank you."

"And this."

She offered a second one.

Silene looked down.

"...Your Highness?"

"For your hair."

"One cloth is sufficient."

"You look cold."

"I am perfectly comfortable."

"Silene."

"..."

"Please."

Silene sighed.

Then accepted the second cloth.

"...Thank you."

Yulina smiled.

The carriage continued through the rain.

For a while, neither spoke.

Silene carefully dried her hair.

Yulina watched the water sliding down the windows.

Then, quietly—

"Do you ever get tired?"

Silene looked up.

"Of what, Your Highness?"

"Being responsible for everyone."

The captain considered the question.

"Occasionally."

Yulina turned toward her.

"Really?"

"Of course."

"But you never seem tired."

Silene smiled faintly.

"That does not mean I never am."

Yulina looked at her hands.

"...I suppose that's true."

A pause.

"Do you ever wish you could stop being Captain Silene?"

The question surprised her.

Silene remained silent for several moments.

Then she answered.

"Sometimes."

Yulina looked up.

"Sometimes I would prefer to be simply Silene."

The princess's heart gave a small, painful flutter.

"...And what would Silene do?"

Silene glanced toward the rain.

"Something ordinary."

"Such as?"

"Sit somewhere quiet."

"Yes?"

"Drink tea without being summoned to an emergency."

Yulina winced.

Silene's mouth curved.

"Perhaps finish a book."

"..."

"Perhaps spend an afternoon with someone whose company I enjoy."

Yulina went very still.

"...Someone?"

"Yes."

"Anyone in particular?"

Silene looked at her.

For a moment, the rain seemed unusually loud.

Then the captain answered.

"...Perhaps."

Yulina's pulse quickened.

"Would you tell me?"

Silene lowered her eyes.

"Not yet."

"...Oh."

"But I believe I may have an opportunity to tell that person soon."

Yulina stared at her.

Silene calmly folded the cloth in her lap.

And suddenly—

For the first time—

Yulina wondered whether she was truly the only person in this carriage with a secret.

---

The Evening at the Riverside Inn

The rain forced them to spend the night in a small riverside town.

The local inn had enough rooms for the entire escort, although the accommodations were modest.

Yulina didn't mind.

In fact, she seemed positively delighted.

"Captain! Look!"

Silene turned.

The princess was standing beside a window.

Beyond it stretched a beautiful view of the river, silver beneath the moonlight.

"It's lovely."

"Indeed."

"And the town is so peaceful."

"Yes."

Yulina smiled.

"Do you come here often?"

"Occasionally, during patrols."

"Then perhaps you could show me around?"

Silene glanced toward the clock.

"After dinner?"

"Yes."

The captain considered.

Then nodded.

"A short walk should be safe."

Yulina nearly cheered.

---

Later that evening, they walked along a quiet stone path beside the river.

Two guards remained at a respectful distance.

The town lanterns glowed softly behind them.

For once, there were no noble guests.

No marriage proposals.

No ceremonial obligations.

Only the sound of water moving beneath the little bridge.

Yulina rested her hands on the stone railing.

"...Silene?"

The captain turned.

"Your Highness?"

"May I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Why did you help me that day?"

Silene looked puzzled.

"At the palace?"

"With Prince Adrian."

"Because you asked me to."

Yulina smiled faintly.

"That's what you always say."

"It is the truth."

"But..."

She hesitated.

"...Did you ever wonder why I didn't want to marry him?"

Silene became quiet.

Yulina looked out across the river.

"He was a good man."

"Yes."

"He hadn't done anything wrong."

"No."

"And he would probably have been a perfectly respectable husband."

Silene waited.

Yulina took a breath.

"But I couldn't imagine myself loving him."

"..."

"Not him. Not any of the princes."

Her fingers tightened against the railing.

"I spent so long trying to avoid answering everyone's questions that I began to feel as though there was something wrong with me."

Silene's expression softened.

"Your Highness."

Yulina turned.

"Yes?"

"There is nothing wrong with you."

The answer came immediately.

Without hesitation.

Without qualification.

Yulina stared.

Silene continued.

"Marriage is not a military appointment. It is not something that becomes suitable simply because the qualifications are impressive."

A small smile.

"And I believe you deserve to be happy."

Yulina's eyes grew warm.

"...You really think so?"

"Yes."

"Even if what makes me happy is inconvenient?"

"Even then."

"Even if everyone expects something else?"

Silene nodded.

"Even then."

Yulina looked down.

Her voice became very small.

"...Even if I love a woman?"

Silene was silent.

Only for a moment.

Then—

"Yes."

Yulina looked up.

The captain's gray eyes met hers.

"I see no shame in that."

The princess swallowed.

For several seconds, she could not speak.

Then she laughed quietly.

Not because anything was funny.

But because she suddenly felt lighter.

"...Thank you."

Silene inclined her head.

"Always."

Yulina wiped discreetly at the corner of one eye.

Then smiled.

"You're making it terribly difficult for me, Captain."

Silene blinked.

"...Difficult?"

"Yes."

"Have I said something inappropriate?"

"No."

Yulina laughed.

"Quite the opposite."

She looked toward the river.

"You're too wonderful."

This time, Silene did not answer.

But when Yulina glanced at her—

The captain was looking away.

And the tips of her ears were unmistakably pink.

---

The Captain's Confession

They remained on the bridge a little longer.

Then Silene spoke.

"Your Highness."

"Yes?"

"May I ask something in return?"

Yulina turned eagerly.

"Of course!"

Silene hesitated.

That alone was extraordinary.

Captain Silene, who had faced armed opponents without flinching, seemed to be struggling with a simple question.

Finally—

"Do you trust me?"

Yulina blinked.

"...What?"

"Not as your guard."

Silene looked at her.

"Not as an officer sworn to protect the royal family."

Her voice softened.

"As a person."

Yulina stared.

Then she smiled.

"More than anyone."

Silene closed her eyes briefly.

"...I see."

A pause.

"Then I hope you will forgive me if I speak rather personally."

Yulina's heartbeat accelerated.

Silene continued.

"I have been aware that your requests for my assistance have become... somewhat unusual."

"..."

Yulina froze.

"The eastern corridor."

"..."

"The military lessons."

"..."

"The tea invitations."

Yulina's face turned scarlet.

"Captain!"

"And the rather unexpected match against Prince Adrian."

"PLEASE STOP LISTING THEM!"

Silene smiled.

Actually smiled.

Yulina nearly collapsed.

"I initially believed you were simply seeking opportunities to escape your responsibilities."

"..."

"Then I began to wonder whether there might be another reason."

Yulina covered her face.

"Oh, no..."

Silene's expression grew gentler.

"But I did not wish to presume."

The princess slowly lowered her hands.

"...Presume?"

"Your position carries considerable responsibilities. And mine requires that I maintain appropriate boundaries."

Silene glanced toward the river.

"I would never wish you to feel that I was taking advantage of your trust."

Yulina stared at her.

Then she understood.

Silene wasn't oblivious.

Not entirely.

She had noticed.

She simply hadn't dared to assume that the Crown Princess's affection was romantic.

"...Silene."

"Yes?"

"What if..."

Yulina took a breath.

"What if I told you that I don't summon you because I need protection?"

Silene remained very still.

"What if I just..."

Her voice trembled.

"...want to see you?"

The captain looked at her.

For a long moment, neither spoke.

Then Silene took a slow breath.

"Then..."

She paused.

"...I would be very glad to know that."

Yulina blinked.

"...Glad?"

Silene's ears turned pink again.

"Yes."

"Why?"

The captain hesitated.

Then, almost reluctantly—

"Because I have come to look forward to seeing you as well."

Yulina's mind went completely blank.

"..."

Silene watched her.

"Your Highness?"

"..."

"Yulina?"

The princess made a very small noise.

"...Oh."

Silene looked concerned.

"Are you all right?"

"...No."

"Should I—"

"No! I mean, yes!"

Yulina pressed her hands against her cheeks.

"I'm fine."

Silene smiled.

"Are you certain?"

"Absolutely not."

The captain laughed.

A quiet laugh.

Warm.

Unrestrained.

And so unlike the solemn officer Yulina had first fallen in love with that the princess could only stare.

*Oh.*

*There's another side of her.*

*And it's even worse.*

*I'm completely doomed.*

---

Day Three — A Small Change

The final morning arrived beneath clear skies.

Yulina woke early.

She dressed without assistance.

Then hurried downstairs.

Silene was already waiting beside the carriage.

"Good morning, Your Highness."

Yulina smiled.

"Good morning, Captain."

Silene opened the carriage door.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Very well."

"I'm pleased to hear it."

Yulina climbed inside.

Then paused.

"...Silene?"

"Yes?"

"Would you sit with me?"

Silene looked toward the escort.

The road had already been inspected.

The weather was clear.

Her lieutenant was prepared to lead the formation.

There was no operational reason to refuse.

And perhaps—

No personal reason either.

"...Certainly."

She entered the carriage.

Sat opposite Yulina.

Then, after a moment, the princess looked at the empty space beside her.

Silene followed her gaze.

"...Your Highness?"

Yulina smiled.

"Wouldn't the view be better from this side?"

Silene looked toward the window.

Then back at Yulina.

A small smile appeared.

"...Perhaps."

She moved beside her.

The carriage departed.

For a while, they watched the countryside pass.

Then Yulina quietly placed her hand on the seat between them.

Not touching.

Not demanding.

Simply resting there.

Silene noticed.

She looked at the princess.

Yulina was pretending to admire the scenery.

Very intensely.

Silene lowered her gaze.

A faint smile touched her lips.

Then, carefully, she placed her gloved hand beside Yulina's.

Their fingers brushed.

Yulina stopped breathing.

Silene did not move away.

A moment later, Yulina's little finger touched hers.

Silene gently hooked her finger around it.

Neither woman said anything.

Outside, the escort continued along the sunlit road.

Inside, Crown Princess Yulina was discovering that a single finger could apparently make the entire world feel different.

user
/
而在二人出行的同時，女王也正在向國王說明整件事情。

/
「喜歡女孩子.. 我不太懂？..」這對皇族來說不算很常見，特別是在婚配關係與政治有直接關聯時。

/
「就當作是『女王繼位條款』吧，也許我們的下一代歷史，不需要一個外戚介入國政。」

女王繼位條款，是國內的傳統，當繼任者為女性且沒有婚配關係，便以女王身份繼承王國最高統治者。

至於女王身邊要有什麼樣的閨蜜，那跟國政關係無關。

/
國王理解了，他並不是不通人情的國王，自始至終，也只是希望皇女有個可靠、優秀且具備強大國力基礎的背景資源。

但是幸福和意願顯然更重要。

「可是，只是因為這件事，悠為何不早點告訴我們？還讓各國王子們這等奔波的？」

/
「也許她沒有把握我們的答覆。
也許她真的試著嘗試聯姻了。
無論如何，她的內心都越來越清楚了不是嗎？
且希也確實可靠，看看她那天打敗王子的表現與沉穩。」

/
國王回想，卻只想得起王子尷尬的面容。

/
「等等.. 希也蠻適合當國王的.. 。」女王像是想起什麼。

/
「國王？」國王愣了愣。

/
「KING這個詞，沒有性別專屬不是嗎？或者我們可以開鄰國之中的首例。」女王像是想到了一個絕佳方案似的。

/
安排二人回到王宮後，二老先是聆聽了整個行程的回報。

女王不免俗的稍微詢問二人的相處。

由於國王在場，那種女孩子間的小甜過程哪裡好意思說。

/
女王笑了出來。
然後發表了兩人都震驚不已的計畫。

關於本國的下一任女王與『國王』人選的再制定..

悠不敢置信的看向國王。

國王點點頭又搖搖頭「我不太清楚，不過，最重要是妳的幸福，這樣王國的安定也才有將來。」「況且..希隊長確實歷來表現都無懈可擊.. 」

!安排結尾，Happy Eding。

ChatGPT
The Crown Princess and Her Very Important Excuses
Chapter Four: A Crown Yet to Be Claimed

---

Meanwhile, at the Royal Palace

While Crown Princess Yulina and Captain Silene were traveling through the countryside, an entirely different conversation was taking place inside the royal palace.

The King sat behind his desk.

The Queen sat opposite him.

Between them lay a considerable stack of diplomatic correspondence.

Marriage proposals.

Letters of introduction.

Reports on eligible princes.

And one particularly awkward message from Valdoria, politely expressing the hope that future diplomatic exchanges might involve fewer military demonstrations.

The King sighed.

"...She likes women."

The Queen nodded.

"Yes."

"...I don't quite understand."

"I know."

"Is that common?"

"Not particularly, at least not in royal marriages."

The King looked thoughtful.

"But royal marriages are different from ordinary relationships. They concern alliances, succession, and the stability of the kingdom."

"Of course."

"And our daughter will inherit the throne."

"Yes."

"Then how exactly are we supposed to arrange her future?"

The Queen considered him for a moment.

Then smiled.

"Why don't we simply invoke the Queen's Succession Provision?"

The King blinked.

"...The Queen's Succession Provision?"

"Precisely."

It was one of Asteria's oldest royal traditions.

When the designated successor was a woman who had not entered into marriage, she could inherit the throne independently as Queen.

No husband was required.

No foreign prince needed to be introduced into the royal family.

And no outside dynasty gained political influence through the sovereign's marriage.

The provision had originally been established to protect the independence of the Crown during periods of diplomatic uncertainty.

The King stroked his chin.

"...That would resolve the succession issue."

"Exactly."

"But what about her personal life?"

The Queen tilted her head.

"What about it?"

"Surely she cannot be expected to live entirely alone."

"Darling."

"Yes?"

"She has friends."

"Naturally."

"And if she happens to have a particularly close female companion, I fail to see why that should interfere with the administration of the kingdom."

The King paused.

"...A close female companion."

"Yes."

"...Captain Silene?"

The Queen smiled.

"Perhaps."

The King leaned back.

He considered that for a moment.

Then sighed.

"Well... she certainly could have chosen someone less reliable."

The Queen laughed softly.

"Indeed."

The King frowned.

"But why didn't Yulina tell us sooner?"

"..."

"We've arranged introductions with half the neighboring royal courts. Several families traveled considerable distances."

He lowered his gaze.

"Did she really believe we would reject her simply for telling us the truth?"

The Queen was quiet for a moment.

Then she answered gently.

"Perhaps she wasn't certain how we would respond."

"..."

"Perhaps she genuinely tried to accept the idea of marrying a prince."

"..."

"Or perhaps she needed time to understand her own feelings."

The King remained silent.

The Queen continued.

"Whatever the reason, her heart seems much clearer now, doesn't it?"

"...Yes."

"And isn't that what matters?"

The King looked toward the window.

"I only wanted her to have a secure future."

"I know."

"A capable partner. Political support. Strong alliances. Someone with sufficient resources and influence to stand beside her."

"And those are reasonable wishes."

The Queen reached across the desk and took his hand.

"But a powerful alliance is of little value if it makes our daughter miserable."

The King sighed.

"...You're right."

A pause.

"I suppose I became so concerned with finding someone suitable for the throne that I forgot to ask whether he was suitable for Yulina."

The Queen smiled.

"Then perhaps we should begin there."

The King nodded slowly.

"...Yes."

For a while, neither spoke.

Then he glanced at the stack of diplomatic correspondence.

"And what of Captain Silene?"

The Queen raised an eyebrow.

"What about her?"

"She is undoubtedly an excellent officer."

"Indeed."

"Her record is impeccable. Her loyalty is unquestionable."

"Yes."

"And her judgment under pressure is extraordinary."

The Queen chuckled.

"Especially when dealing with foreign princes."

The King closed his eyes.

The memory returned immediately.

Prince Adrian's confident smile.

His impressive military record.

His magnificent account of the Battle of Ashen Ford.

And—

The sight of his practice sword flying across the courtyard.

"...Good heavens."

The Queen laughed.

"He really didn't enjoy that luncheon afterward, did he?"

"No."

"Such a shame."

The King looked at his wife.

"...You sound remarkably pleased about it."

"Do I?"

"Very."

The Queen smiled innocently.

"Well, I must admit I rather admire Captain Silene's composure."

The King nodded.

"Yes. She handled the entire incident with remarkable dignity."

Then the Queen suddenly paused.

"...Wait."

The King looked up.

"What?"

A new thought had appeared.

A rather extraordinary thought.

"...You know, perhaps we shouldn't stop at the Queen's Succession Provision."

The King frowned.

"What do you mean?"

The Queen leaned forward.

"If our daughter eventually chooses a woman as her partner, why shouldn't that woman be eligible for a royal title?"

"...A royal title?"

"Yes."

The Queen considered the possibilities.

Then smiled.

"Actually..."

She tapped one finger against the desk.

"...Why not King?"

The King stared.

"...King?"

"King."

"...But that would be a woman."

"I'm aware."

"..."

"..."

The King slowly lowered his papers.

"Darling."

"Yes?"

"Are you proposing that our kingdom might eventually have a Queen and a female King?"

The Queen smiled brilliantly.

"Precisely."

"..."

"Think about it. The title itself is not inherently incapable of being held by a woman. We simply have never established such a precedent."

The King frowned thoughtfully.

"That would require changes to the royal charter."

"Of course."

"And the authority of the consort would have to be clearly distinguished from that of the reigning sovereign."

"Naturally."

"The Council would need to approve it."

"Certainly."

"And we cannot simply appoint someone without their consent."

"Obviously."

The Queen smiled.

"That's the beauty of it."

The King looked puzzled.

"...What is?"

"We don't appoint anyone."

"..."

"We merely establish that the position is possible."

She gestured toward the correspondence.

"Our daughter doesn't need another political arrangement forced upon her. If she ever chooses a partner, let it be someone she truly wishes to stand beside."

The King considered this.

"And if that person happens to be a woman..."

"Then she may be eligible to become King."

"..."

The Queen smiled.

"A rather interesting precedent, wouldn't you say?"

The King leaned back.

Then, slowly, he began to smile.

"...I suppose it would."

The Queen looked delighted.

"And who knows?"

She glanced toward the window.

"Perhaps someone might already be interested in the position."

The King followed her gaze.

For a moment, he was silent.

Then—

"...Captain Silene?"

The Queen took a sip of tea.

"I didn't say that."

"..."

"I merely said the position might exist."

The King stared at her.

The Queen smiled.

"Whether anyone wishes to pursue it is an entirely different matter."

---

The Return of the Crown Princess

Three days later, Yulina and Silene returned to the palace.

Both were summoned to the royal audience chamber.

The King and Queen were waiting.

Yulina entered first.

Silene followed in her formal uniform.

"Your Majesties."

They bowed.

"Welcome home," the King said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Silene lowered herself onto one knee.

"Captain Silene, Third Division, reporting. The inspection was completed without incident. All escort personnel returned safely."

"Excellent."

The Queen smiled.

"And the Crown Princess?"

Silene straightened.

"Her Highness conducted interviews in four towns, inspected three administrative districts, and prepared recommendations concerning trade and infrastructure."

Yulina stepped forward.

"I've brought the reports, Your Majesties."

The discussion that followed was remarkably productive.

Yulina presented her observations concerning local taxation, damaged roads, agricultural conditions, and transportation difficulties.

She proposed improvements to several administrative procedures.

And whenever the discussion turned toward military logistics or regional security, Silene provided precise supporting information.

The King listened attentively.

The Queen watched with interest.

The two women worked well together.

Yulina considered the political implications.

Silene understood the practical consequences.

Neither overshadowed the other.

At the conclusion of the report, the King nodded approvingly.

"Excellent work."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Yulina replied.

Silene bowed.

"It was our honor."

The Queen folded her hands.

"Now, if I may ask something slightly less official..."

Yulina immediately became suspicious.

"...Yes, Your Majesty?"

"How did you two enjoy the journey?"

Silence.

Yulina blinked.

Silene straightened.

"The inspection proceeded smoothly, Your Majesty."

"Of course."

The Queen smiled.

"But I was asking whether you enjoyed yourselves."

"..."

Yulina looked at Silene.

Silene looked straight ahead.

The Queen waited.

The King glanced between them.

"...Was there a problem?" he asked.

"Not at all," Yulina answered quickly.

"Good."

"The towns were lovely."

"Excellent."

"And the people were very welcoming."

"Wonderful."

The Queen tilted her head.

"And the evenings?"

Yulina froze.

"...The evenings?"

"Yes. I imagine it was pleasant to spend some time away from palace formalities."

Silene's ears turned faintly pink.

Yulina's face followed immediately.

"WE WERE VERY BUSY!"

The Queen blinked.

Then smiled.

"Of course, darling."

"WE HAD REPORTS!"

"Naturally."

"AND DOCUMENTS!"

"How industrious."

"AND WE DISCUSSED AGRICULTURAL POLICY!"

The King frowned.

"...At night?"

Yulina stopped.

"..."

Silene lowered her gaze.

The Queen burst out laughing.

"Oh, Yulina."

The Crown Princess covered her face.

This was a disaster.

A complete disaster.

Silene, meanwhile, was discovering that maintaining military composure was considerably more difficult when the Queen appeared to be enjoying herself.

---

A Proposal From the Crown

Eventually, the Queen allowed the conversation to settle.

"Actually, there's something we would like to discuss with you."

Yulina looked up.

"...Your Majesty?"

The King nodded.

"Yes."

His expression became serious.

"Yulina, we've reconsidered the matter of your succession."

The princess grew still.

"...My succession?"

The King continued.

"We have decided that your future reign should not depend upon marriage negotiations with foreign royal families."

Yulina blinked.

"...What?"

"You will inherit the throne under the Queen's Succession Provision."

The Queen smiled.

"As the designated successor, your right to become Queen will remain independent of any marriage arrangement."

Yulina stared.

"...Really?"

The King nodded.

"Really."

"And the princes...?"

"We will not arrange further introductions against your wishes."

Silence.

Yulina slowly looked between them.

"...Your Majesties."

The King smiled gently.

"I wanted you to have a secure future."

Her eyes began to grow warm.

"But I understand now that security means very little if you're unhappy."

"..."

"I still hope you will have someone reliable beside you."

He paused.

"Someone capable of supporting you when the responsibilities of the throne become difficult."

Yulina swallowed.

"But that should be someone you choose."

For several moments, the Crown Princess could not speak.

Then she bowed deeply.

"...Thank you."

Her voice trembled.

"Thank you both."

Beside her, Silene's expression softened.

The Queen watched them.

Then smiled.

"However..."

Yulina looked up.

"...However?"

"We've also been discussing a rather interesting possibility."

The King cleared his throat.

The Queen continued.

"As you know, our traditions recognize the title of King as the sovereign's husband or, in certain historical circumstances, as the reigning monarch himself."

Yulina nodded uncertainly.

"...Yes?"

"But there's no reason we couldn't revise the charter to permit the title to be held by a woman."

Silence.

Silene blinked.

Yulina stared.

"...A woman?"

"Yes."

The Queen smiled.

"If a future Queen chooses a woman as her consort, that woman could, under a revised charter, become King."

"..."

"..."

Yulina slowly opened her mouth.

Then closed it.

Then opened it again.

"...KING?"

Silene's posture became noticeably straighter.

The Queen looked delighted.

"Quite."

The King sighed.

"To be clear, nothing has been approved yet."

"Of course," the Queen replied.

"The Royal Council must first review the proposal."

"Naturally."

"And we would need to establish the responsibilities and limitations of such a position."

"Certainly."

The Queen turned back toward Yulina.

"But the possibility itself seems perfectly reasonable."

Yulina stared.

"...So..."

She hesitated.

"...You mean I could eventually have a wife who is also King?"

The Queen smiled.

"Yes."

The Crown Princess looked utterly astonished.

Silene was equally silent.

The Queen continued.

"Naturally, there would be qualifications."

The King nodded.

"Character. Competence. Loyalty to the kingdom. An understanding of royal responsibilities."

"And most importantly," the Queen added, "the future Queen's own wishes."

Yulina's cheeks turned pink.

"...My wishes?"

"Of course."

The Queen smiled warmly.

"No one will be assigned to you, darling."

She paused.

"And no one will be required to accept such a position merely because the Crown finds them suitable."

Silene lowered her gaze.

The distinction was important.

For someone who had spent her life serving the royal family, an invitation from the Crown could easily feel like a command.

But this—

This was different.

The Queen was not announcing an appointment.

She was opening a door.

Whether anyone chose to walk through it remained entirely their own decision.

The King nodded.

"Your happiness matters more to us than any royal title."

Yulina looked toward him.

"...Your Majesty?"

He smiled.

"I don't pretend to understand everything immediately."

A pause.

"But I do know that a future sovereign should have someone beside her whom she can trust."

His gaze briefly shifted toward Silene.

"And I have always held our Royal Guard in the highest regard."

Silene bowed.

"You honor us, Your Majesty."

The King nodded approvingly.

"Particularly officers who demonstrate exceptional judgment, composure, and integrity."

The Queen smiled.

"Indeed."

Then she looked directly at Silene.

"Wouldn't you agree, Captain?"

Silene straightened.

"...Your Majesty?"

"That anyone hoping to stand beside the future Queen should possess such qualities?"

"...Certainly, Your Majesty."

"Excellent."

The Queen's smile acquired a distinctly mischievous quality.

"Then I imagine any qualified candidate would be wise to make a sincere effort."

Silence.

Yulina froze.

Silene blinked.

The King looked toward his wife.

"...Are we still discussing constitutional reform?"

"Of course, darling."

"..."

"Why?"

The King sighed.

"...No reason."

The Queen turned back toward Silene.

"Captain."

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Do you understand?"

Silene was quiet for a moment.

Then she bowed.

"...I believe I do."

"Wonderful."

The Queen smiled.

"Then I look forward to seeing how the future unfolds."

Yulina's face was now entirely red.

Silene's ears were not in much better condition.

The King, meanwhile, appeared to have decided that some diplomatic matters were best left to his wife.

---

The Western Garden

By the time they left the audience chamber, the afternoon sun was beginning to set.

Yulina walked beside Silene.

Neither spoke.

They passed through the western corridor.

Then the garden.

Then beneath a flowering arbor.

Finally—

Yulina stopped.

"...Silene."

"Yes, Your Highness?"

A pause.

"...What just happened?"

Silene considered the question.

Then answered with perfect seriousness.

"I believe Their Majesties are considering amendments to the royal charter."

Yulina stared at her.

"...That's not what I meant!"

Silene's mouth curved.

"I suspected as much."

Yulina covered her face.

"Oh, this is unbearable..."

The captain smiled faintly.

For a while, they stood beneath the arbor.

Then Yulina lowered her hands.

"...Silene?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think it's strange?"

"What is?"

"The idea of having a Queen and a female King."

Silene considered the question.

"Unusual, certainly."

"..."

"But not unreasonable."

Yulina looked up.

"Really?"

"Yes."

Silene glanced toward the palace.

"A title is ultimately a responsibility. If the law permits it, I see no reason why a capable woman should be excluded."

Yulina smiled faintly.

"...You make everything sound so simple."

"Not everything."

"Oh?"

Silene looked back at her.

"Some matters are considerably more complicated."

Yulina's heartbeat quickened.

"...Such as?"

The captain hesitated.

Then answered quietly.

"Knowing whether one is permitted to wish for something."

Yulina went still.

For a moment, neither spoke.

A soft breeze moved through the garden.

"...Silene."

"Yes?"

Yulina looked down at her hands.

Then, gathering her courage—

"Would you ever consider it?"

Silene blinked.

"...Consider what?"

Yulina's cheeks turned pink.

"...Becoming King."

Silence.

Silene stared.

Then she looked away.

For the first time in Yulina's memory, the captain appeared genuinely uncertain how to answer.

"...That is a rather extraordinary question, Your Highness."

"I know."

"A position of immense responsibility."

"Yes."

"One that would require years of preparation."

"I know."

"And one that should never be pursued lightly."

Yulina nodded.

"...I know."

Silene looked at her.

Then asked gently—

"May I ask why you're asking me?"

Yulina froze.

"..."

Her face grew redder.

"...Well."

Silene waited.

"...Because."

"Because?"

Yulina looked desperately toward the garden.

There were flowers.

There were trees.

There was a perfectly ordinary stone fountain.

Unfortunately, none of them appeared capable of rescuing her from this conversation.

"...Because I think you'd make a very good King."

Silene became quiet.

Then smiled faintly.

"That is a generous assessment."

"It's true."

"Your Highness—"

"And I think you'd look wonderful wearing a crown."

Silene blinked.

"...A crown?"

Yulina immediately regretted speaking.

"THAT'S NOT THE IMPORTANT PART!"

Silene laughed.

"Of course."

"The important part is that you're reliable!"

"Yes."

"And intelligent!"

"Thank you."

"And honorable!"

"You're very kind."

"And..."

Yulina stopped.

Her voice grew smaller.

"...And I would like having you beside me."

Silene's smile faded into something gentler.

For a moment, she said nothing.

Then—

"Yulina."

The princess looked up.

Silene continued quietly.

"If I ever sought such a position, it would not be for the crown."

"..."

"Nor for the title."

"..."

"And certainly not because Their Majesties suggested it."

Yulina listened.

Silene took a slow breath.

"It would have to be because I wished to stand beside the person who wore it."

The princess's heart gave a tremendous leap.

"...Oh."

Silene smiled.

"But that is not a decision I should make today."

Yulina nodded quickly.

"Of course!"

"Nor should you."

"Absolutely!"

"We have much to learn about each other."

"Yes!"

"And you have considerable responsibilities ahead of you."

"I know!"

Silene paused.

Then smiled.

"...And I suspect I have some rather formidable competition."

Yulina blinked.

"...Competition?"

"Surely there will be many remarkable women interested in becoming the royal consort."

Yulina stared.

"..."

Silene looked entirely serious.

"Scholars. Diplomats. Military officers. Perhaps even foreign princesses."

"..."

"Such a position would undoubtedly attract considerable attention."

Yulina's expression slowly changed.

"...Silene."

"Yes?"

"Are you telling me that you're worried about competition?"

Silene paused.

"..."

Yulina stepped a little closer.

"Captain?"

"...Your Highness."

"Are you?"

Silene looked away.

And her ears turned pink.

Yulina's eyes widened.

Then a delighted smile spread across her face.

"...Oh."

Silene sighed.

"...Please don't."

"OH!"

"Your Highness."

"YOU ARE!"

Silene closed her eyes.

Yulina laughed.

For several seconds, she could barely contain herself.

Then, still smiling, she asked—

"...Would you like to compete?"

Silene opened her eyes.

The question hung between them.

No royal command.

No political obligation.

No guaranteed appointment.

Just a woman asking another woman whether she wished to try.

Silene looked at Yulina.

At the princess's hopeful expression.

At her unmistakably pink cheeks.

At the smile she had begun looking forward to seeing every day.

Then she bowed her head slightly.

"...If the future Queen would permit it."

Yulina's breath caught.

Silene continued.

"I believe I would like to try."

For a moment, Yulina could only stare.

Then she smiled.

A small, brilliant smile.

"...Really?"

"Yes."

The princess clasped her hands behind her back.

Then tilted her head.

"Well, Captain Silene..."

The captain straightened.

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"I should warn you that the position may have rather demanding qualifications."

Silene raised an eyebrow.

"Indeed?"

"Yes."

Yulina began counting on her fingers.

"Exceptional loyalty."

"Naturally."

"Good judgment."

"Of course."

"Excellent swordsmanship."

"Understood."

"And..."

She hesitated.

"...A willingness to accompany the Queen on walks."

Silene smiled.

"That seems manageable."

"And drink tea with her."

"Certainly."

"And listen when she has something important to say."

"Always."

Yulina looked up.

"...And sometimes, perhaps, hold her hand."

Silene grew quiet.

For a moment, the garden seemed very still.

Then the captain slowly extended her hand.

"...Would that be part of the examination?"

Yulina stared.

Her cheeks turned scarlet.

"...Perhaps."

Silene smiled.

"Then I suppose I should begin preparing."

Yulina laughed softly.

And took her hand.

No promises of marriage were made.

No royal titles were granted.

And no decision concerning the kingdom's future King had yet been reached.

But as the two women walked through the western garden, hand in hand, Crown Princess Yulina found herself thinking that perhaps the future did not need to be decided all at once.

For now—

She had someone she wanted beside her.

And that someone, for the very first time, had chosen to walk toward her without being summoned.

---

Meanwhile, in the Royal Chambers

The King looked out through the window.

Far below, two familiar figures were walking through the garden.

One wore the elegant dress of a Crown Princess.

The other wore the dark uniform of the Royal Guard.

And—

They appeared to be holding hands.

The King stared.

"...Darling."

The Queen looked up from her book.

"Yes?"

"...I think Captain Silene is courting our daughter."

The Queen followed his gaze.

Then smiled.

"Oh?"

The King nodded gravely.

"Quite seriously, it seems."

"How wonderful."

A pause.

"...Should we do something?"

The Queen looked at him.

"Such as?"

"I don't know. Perhaps offer advice?"

"Advice?"

"Or establish a formal courtship procedure?"

The Queen laughed.

"Darling."

"Yes?"

"Why don't we leave them alone?"

The King considered this.

Then nodded.

"...Yes. You're right."

He watched the two figures disappear beneath the flowering arbor.

A small smile appeared on his face.

"...She really is an excellent captain."

The Queen chuckled.

"Indeed."

"Though I wonder whether she understands what she's getting herself into."

The Queen looked amused.

"Which one?"

The King paused.

Then laughed.

"...Both, I suppose."

The Queen closed her book.

"Well."

She smiled toward the garden.

"Then perhaps Asteria's future King will have to work rather hard for her crown."

The King nodded thoughtfully.

"...A worthy challenge."

A pause.

"Although..."

The Queen turned.

"Yes?"

"After what happened to Prince Adrian, I sincerely hope none of the other candidates challenge Captain Silene to a sword match."

The Queen burst out laughing.

"Oh, darling."

She reached for her tea.

"I rather suspect our daughter would enjoy that far too much."

user
!end