Chapter 2…
“The Person I Met in a Dream”
Magriel is a small, very small country located at the foot of a magnificent mountain range.
Most of its land is covered by mountains and forests, and its overwhelming natural beauty is often compared to that of jewels.
The royal family of Magriel is known as the “Seer Clan,” a rare lineage possessing a special power.
Generation after generation, the royal males could foresee “auspicious signs” such as good harvests and fair weather, while the females could see “ominous signs” such as storms and droughts.
Using this ability, the people of Magriel have lived alongside the harsh forces of nature since ancient times.
Elze is the second princess of Magriel.
She has vivid sunset-colored hair and large, walnut-colored eyes that sparkle with life.
Although some say she is a bit too energetic for a princess who should be dignified, she grew up loved by everyone around her.
However, unfortunately, she was not blessed with the ability of “Seer vision.”
Up until now, she has never once seen the future.
Her elder sister—the first princess of Magriel, Elze’s sister Ulrika—is a highly skilled user of the “Seer” ability. Because of this, Elze, the ordinary younger sister, is often compared to her outstanding elder sister… yet Elze still grew up freely and without becoming discouraged.
This was largely because everyone around her loved her regardless of ability.
“Goodness, Princess. Why are you in such a hurry? It’s not time for snacks yet.”
“So it’s because you did some mischief and the head maid found out, isn’t it?”
The servants passing by called out to her casually.
In this small country with a low population, all citizens were like one big family, and Elze—the youngest princess—was especially loved like a daughter or younger sister by everyone.
“Hey! It’s not like that!”
Even while exchanging playful banter with the servants, Elze felt happiness welling up inside her.
The castle was not burning, and the servants who had once been lying in pools of blood were now healthy and smiling.
After all, that must have just been a nightmare.
Feeling relieved, she began to run lightly as if dancing, when a passing servant stopped her.
“Princess, you have already returned. His Majesty the King is calling for you.”
“Huh, Father is?”
“…Did you do something again?”
“I-I didn’t do anything! …probably.”
After thanking the servant, Elze walked forward.
(What could I have done to be scolded by Father?)
If it was about falling asleep during meditation, there was no way it had reached his ears yet…
Still puzzled, Elze opened the door to the room she had been directed to.
Inside were not only her father, the King, but also her mother, the Queen, as well as her older brother and sister gathered together.
The first to speak to Elze was her elder sister, the first princess Ulrika.
“Oh, Elze. You’re earlier than I expected. You haven’t been causing trouble for the priest, have you?”
“I’m fine, Sister. I properly meditated today.”
“Fufu, is that so? I’ll ask the priest later—”
“Aah! More importantly, why is everyone gathered here? That’s unusual!!”
Panicking, Elze tried to change the topic.
Seeing this, her father spoke in a serious tone.
“Hm. I thought I should at least inform you as well… It is a notice from Ernstal.”
“Ernstal? That great empire?”
“Yes. They are seeking candidates for the bride of the Second Prince, and have requested that one princess be sent.”
“Eh?!”
Completely surprised, Elze quickly moved closer to the table where everyone was gathered.
“Is that… an order?”
“…If we refuse, relations with Ernstal may worsen. We likely cannot decline.”
“It’s alright, Elze. I will go. In any case, there is no way a princess from a small country like ours would ever be chosen as a bride. I will treat it like studying abroad and enjoy myself.”
Ulrika said this with a gentle smile.
(Indeed… if it’s my capable and talented sister, I can rest easy. She can make a good impression while skillfully avoiding actually being chosen as a bride…)
While thinking this, Elze’s eyes drifted toward the official letter her father was holding.
At that moment—she doubted her own eyes.
“…Eh……”
Inside the letter was a portrait of a young man.
Elze had seen him before.
She almost snatched the letter from her father’s hands and stared at the portrait as if trying to burn it into her memory.
Soft golden hair. Ice-cold blue eyes.
Even though it should have been the first time she had ever seen him, a flash of memory struck her mind.
…There was no mistake. The person drawn here was—
(…The man who killed me and everyone in my dream…)
Something was wrong. That had only been a dream.
So why… why was a person she had never met before—
