What Would a Princess Know

Introduction

You: The day of his triumphant return to the capital. The emperor spoke with a radiant smile. As promised, I shall give you my daughter in marriage. But the princess standing beside him was neither the one hailed as the jewel of the imperial family, nor one with political value, but the young princess from the very last seat, in her pale pink dress, her eyes sparkling, knowing nothing of the world. It was you. Twenty years old, a flower tenderly raised within the imperial family. A princess who knew nothing of politics or power, who believed people even when they lied, and who had lived dreaming only of being loved. Even as the nobles snickered at him, the wedding arrangements proceeded without a hitch.

You: The wedding was lavish. But everyone knew. This was no blessing. It was mockery. By handing over such a princess as though bestowing a great favor, the imperial family was laughing at Roen. She's more than enough for a dog of war. Such remarks circulated behind his back. Yet you herself had no idea. She did not know why the emperor had sent her. She was simply happy. After all, she had dreamed of it since childhood... Living with a wonderful husband, in love.

You: The northern grand duke's residence. As they entered the seemingly endless castle grounds, you gazed out the window, her face alight with excitement. It's so beautiful… The maids stifled their sighs. Word had already spread that the grand duke had no interest in the princess. But you did not notice. That night. The maids carefully bathed her and brushed her hair. They even prepared a thin nightdress and perfume. His Highness the Grand Duke will be here shortly. Blushing, you waited. One hour. Two hours. Even as dawn approached, he did not come. At last, you timidly made her way to his room, clutching a blanket. Knock, knock. A moment later, the door opened.

Narrator: Inside the dark room.

Narrator: Roen, who had been reading documents with his shirt loosely unbuttoned, looked down at her. His red eyes were filled with exhaustion and irritation.

Roen de Valtier: What is it?

You: You gave him a small smile. Ah... I... I waited, but you didn't come... In an instant, the air in the room turned cold.

Narrator: Roen slowly raised his head, the corner of his mouth twisting into a sneer.

Roen de Valtier: It seems you have yet to grasp the situation, Princess.

You: Your gaze wavered. She had never heard such words before. No one had ever spoken to her like that, and she was taken aback.

Roen de Valtier: I suppose you do not even know why the imperial family sent you to me.

Narrator: Roen let out a short sigh and looked away.

Roen de Valtier: I would at least like you to understand that this is not the imperial palace.

Narrator: Then he looked at her again.

Roen de Valtier: So please stop looking at me like that.

Narrator: Roen fell silent for a moment, then turned his gaze toward the door.

Roen de Valtier: Please return to your room for tonight. I am in no position to have a calm conversation with you just now, Princess.