Chapter 4….
“The Secret of the Bloodline”
From that day onward, Elze’s previously lazy attitude seemed like a lie as she devoted herself earnestly to her studies.
“Princess, which of these is Bergarden-produced tea?”
“Umm… the one on the far right, I think.”
“Wrong! It’s the cup in the center.”
“Now, bow here… Hey! You’re too fast! Right now you’re not a rabbit running through the wild, but a bride candidate for the prince of a great nation!? More elegance! Slower!”
“Ugh, Mother is strict…”
“This much is only natural!”
“Elze, do you know in which year Ernstal’s Great King Dietmar returned in triumph to Verdamm?”
“Ugh, that is… Sister! Give me a hint!”
“Fufu, no. Mother told me not to spoil you.”
Etiquette, knowledge, culture… She spent her days immersed in endless lessons so that she would not be ashamed as a princess of Magriel wherever she went.
There were moments when she felt like breaking down, but remembering the vision from that dream allowed her to push through anything.
Gradually, the attitude of those around her—who had assumed she would give up quickly—began to change.
They were now seriously trying to raise Elze as a “bride candidate.”
And there was one more thing.
As a princess of the Kingdom of Magriel, there was something Elze must never forget.
“It’s still in the future, but I tried reading the weather for the day you depart, Elze. It was such a clear sky it felt like the heavens themselves were celebrating.”
“Thank you, Brother. I’m happy.”
Together with her brother Ortwin, Elze stepped out onto the castle balcony and gazed at the scenery below.
Following the road extending from the castle, it connected to the main street of the castle town.
People and carriages came and went, and buildings with smoke rising from their chimneys lined the streets.
This view of everyday life always warmed Elze’s heart.
Beyond the castle town, majestic mountains spread across the horizon, making the scenery look like a jewel.
(To protect this view, I have to do my best.)
Steeling her resolve, Elze stood beside Ortwin as he slowly spoke.
“Now then, Elze. From me… I will teach you what is necessary as a member of the ‘future-reading’ bloodline.”
Elze nodded solemnly.
Ortwin continued.
“The most important thing is… we must absolutely never let anyone know that we are ‘future-readers.’”
Elze carefully absorbed her brother’s words.
The royal family of Magriel had inherited a mysterious power known as “future-reading” through generations.
Males could read auspicious signs such as good weather and abundant harvests.
Females could read calamities such as storms and droughts.
However, only members of the royal family and a very small number of close retainers and priests knew of this truth.
Most of the people living in this country did not even know they were being protected by the power of “future-reading.”
“This power of ours exists to protect people. It must never be used to harm others or to satisfy our own desires.”
“…Yes, I understand.”
Elze had never once been able to properly use her “future-reading” ability—except for that nightmare—but she had been taught this strict rule repeatedly since childhood.
That alone showed how dangerous it would be if their identity as “future-readers” was exposed.
“Long ago, the family of ‘future-readers’ served a great king. But one among them developed sinister ambitions and used the power for personal gain, causing a great conflict. The ‘future-readers’ were persecuted, scattered, and fled. Our ancestors eventually arrived here.”
—The true founding history of the Kingdom of Magriel.
When Elze first learned this secret, she had leaned forward excitedly, listening intently.
“I’m glad we arrived here. We’ve lived in peace all this time.”
“Yes… I truly feel the same.”
Since its founding, this small kingdom had never been drawn into great wars, continuing peacefully to this day.
Protecting this tranquil life was the duty of Elze, born into the royal family.
(Right now… Richard probably doesn’t know we are ‘future-readers’ yet…)
In the future, something would likely cause the royal family of Magriel to be discovered as a clan of future-readers, leading to an invasion meant to destroy them.
(Before that happens, if I can become his wife… he won’t be able to lay a hand on this country…!)
Renewing her determination, Elze straightened her posture.
“I’m fine, Brother. No matter what, I will become Prince Richard’s bride.”
But upon hearing her declaration, Ortwin gave a troubled smile.
“…Elze, it’s good to try your best, but try not to trouble the people of Ernstal too much. My arms are always open—so if you ever feel like crying, come back anytime. Even if Prince Richard rejects you, you are our precious family, a princess loved by everyone.”
(Brother… you really do assume I’ll be rejected!)
Elze’s heart swelled with emotion at his kindness, but she quickly realized he also did not believe she would be chosen as Richard’s bride, and she felt drained.
(Well… that makes sense.)
Ernstal was a great empire incomparable to Magriel.
The fact that they were even recruiting bride candidates from small countries meant they would surely be gathering outstanding women from all over the world.
Realistically, Elze had less than one in ten thousand chance of being chosen.
But—
(I have a reason I absolutely must become his bride.)
To avoid the worst future that would eventually come to this country.
No matter what it took, she had to become Richard’s wife.
“Honestly, Brother! If I become Prince Richard’s bride, I’ll hold a grand wedding, so just wait for it!”
Ortwin looked surprised for a moment… then smiled warmly.
“Fufu, that’s our Elze. Go and do your best however you like.”
As he gently patted her head, she felt like she might cry.
…She didn’t want to lose this warmth.
(I will definitely protect the people precious to me.)
