In the Orstollian royal palace stood a room for the royal husband and wife.

Because there was only one entrance and exit and many smaller part.i.tioned rooms lay inside it, the set-up was like a house within the castle.

In one of those smaller rooms sat a long table, large enough to sit twenty people, but in contrast there were only two chairs.

At one end of the table sat a girl with her head down, polis.h.i.+ng something in her hands.

It was a small and plain, white porcelain cup. The cup was well-made, drawing smooth and beautiful contours in her hand.
Holding it carefully in her hands, she was using a clean white cloth to carefully polish away any possible blemishes.

“Fiiru-sama, High Majesty Roy will be here soon.”

The girl raised her head at Lynette’s words.
Her lovely golden hair s.h.i.+fted as she did, and her beautiful blue eyes gazed the maid’s way.

So beautiful was the girl that even Lynette, who had grown up with her, found herself sighing.
Her eyes, her nose, her mouth&h.e.l.lip; Everything part that composed her face was delicate and beautifully arranged. But instead of the cold beauty one would expect from a doll, her eyes turned down in a way that exuded a kind and gentle impression.
Although she was beautiful enough to outs.h.i.+ne even other princesses famed for their beauty, she shared the child-like atmosphere that her older sister had, which attracted men all the more.
It was little wonder that the royalty in Déman’s vicinity had been obsessed with her.

Fiiru met Lynette’s gaze and gave a nod.

“I know. Lynette, could you pour some tea for His Majesty and I?”

“Yes. In the same cup as always?”

“Yes, please.”

Fiiru’s voice was a little frail, but also clear and gentle.
Upon hearing Fiiru’s request, Lynette carefully poured tea into the polished cup.

Fiiru simply watched the tea pour in.
Normally you would heat the tea cup in advance, but because of Fiiru’s unwillingness to part with it, Lynette had chosen tea that was still delicious when lukewarm.
Light-brown tea layered over the white of the porcelain.

After that, Lynette moved to the other side of the table and placed a warmed cup down in front of the King’s seat, this time pouring hot tea.

“Thank you, Lynette,” thanked Fiiru with a smile.

It wasn’t long before they heard footsteps coming down the hall.
Brisk footsteps that seemed hurried as usual.

The knight from the 1st Division who had been stationed in front of the door now received a signal from another knight outside. With that, he opened the door.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting.”

Beyond the door came an apology, and a man with it.
A handsome black-haired man, with blue-grey eyes and a cleverness to his face.
It was Roy, the king of this nation.