EPISODE 27
“When the Third Prince kept calling your name in the middle of it… it was a bit pathetic, I admit.”
My vision went blurry.
On the night of the banquet, Joanna had spent the night with Prince Javier.
I carefully scanned her complexion, worried something might have happened to her. Joanna just shrugged, as if it were nothing.
“Stop worrying, sis. He was more considerate than I expected… since it was my first time.”
“…Haa.”
My nose stung and my throat tightened.
Tears welled up uncontrollably. I reached out and gently brushed her cheek.
But Joanna slapped my hand away.
“Don’t cry like a child. Everything was my choice, from start to finish. He even said he’d consider marriage.”
My heart sank.
The Owl’s prophecy echoed again in my ears like a haunting hallucination.
That there were three deceits before one true birth.
I had a creeping suspicion that it referred to the three princes and Antonio.
There was no proof—just a gut feeling—but I desperately wanted to stop this marriage.
If what seemed real turned out to be false, the consequences would be catastrophic.
“No, Joanna. Please think again about this marriage. That man… he won’t be able to give you what you want.”
Neither power as a ruler, nor happiness as a wife. Not even the peace of Iote’s people.
I couldn’t say it all aloud, so I swallowed the rest of the words.
“You’re overstepping again, sister. This is about national interest, and I’m the crown princess—don’t interfere. But you know what? What I accomplished in one day, you failed to do in five years.”
“…What do you mean?”
“I believe hostage princesses are practically diplomats. Our kingdom lost its right to diplomacy when we were absorbed into the Empire. So you, stuck in the Ruby Palace, are basically Iote’s ambassador to the Empire.”
“….”
I was speechless. Was I truly supposed to endure my life as a political hostage under such lofty expectations?
“Sister, diplomacy is about trading for the nation’s benefit. If I were you, I would’ve seduced Crown Prince Carlos already with that face of yours. But instead, his mistress is some princess from a fallen country—Tilla, or whatever. You’ve wasted your looks and failed in your duty.”
Her mocking tone carried the arrogance of someone who thought they knew the world.
“You’ve always been like this. Quiet, well-behaved, cautious… playing it safe. That’s why you never succeed. Look at me—I take what I want.”
Each word from Joanna struck like a dagger to my chest.
It was a cruel accusation that I had failed to entice any prince with my body.
“Do you know why I broke off my engagement with Count Voigt?”
“…Huh?”
Out of nowhere, she brought up her former fiancé.
“Because the one he loved wasn’t me—”
“Josephine, are you ready?”
A low, distinct male voice cut off Joanna’s sentence.
Startled, I looked toward the door.
A dazzling gleam blinded me—the sunlight reflecting off Antonio’s polished silver armor.
He was already large by nature, but the armor made him appear even more imposing. Like a god of war from legend.
“So you were speaking with… the Crown Princess of Iote, was it? A pleasure to meet you.”
Antonio approached, removed his helmet, and greeted Joanna. She quickly straightened her posture and curtsied.
“I-I didn’t realize Your Highness was here. I apologize for my rudeness.”
“Is your farewell complete?”
“Yes. I’ll take my leave now. May you return safely from the expedition.”
Joanna respectfully bowed again and exited like a broken wind-up doll.
I didn’t expect her to flee so quickly.
I was still processing her barbed words when the door opened.
“Antonio. How much did you hear?”
“Let her do as she pleases.”
“…What?”
“No place values gain and loss like the royal family. Unless your kingdom has something to tempt them with, it’s unlikely.”
“….”
Yes, my homeland had nothing of such value.
We surrendered before the Empire even invaded, which was why we retained the facade of independence unlike other kingdoms.
All we had to boast about were a picturesque harbor and a fairytale-like forest in Phoenixia.
I gave a bitter smile. I never imagined my country’s insignificance would bring me comfort.
“Your sister isn’t a child, and you’re not her guardian. She alone is responsible for her choices. And…”
Antonio’s lips curved into a cold smile.
“You don’t need to obey a ruler who acts like a pimp. There’s nothing more worthless than sacrificing for a family that isn’t one.”
“….”
He must have figured out how my family treated me.
Had he ever felt something similar?
When he was sent off as a child to faraway Saragoth on the Great Continent—did he feel abandoned like I did?
But Antonio didn’t seem like someone who had ever known such pain. He looked resolute, even free.
“You know… there are things stronger than blood.”
“….”
“Like the brotherhood between knights. If you’re ready, shall we go?”
He removed his glove and reached out his hand.
His large, rough palm stretched out before me.
That simple gesture felt like a tremendous comfort.
I placed my hand in his. The size difference was striking.
“…Alright, let’s go.”
He gently wrapped my hand in his.
It felt like more than just warmth—it was like life itself was seeping into my skin.
Not just magic—but a sense of deep connection to a world I’d never known.
The Departure Ceremony
The Knights’ departure ceremony was held in the central plaza of the imperial palace, where a grand fountain stood.
The atmosphere was tense and full of anticipation.
Most of the knights were clad in full metal armor, adding to the severity of the scene.
And more than anything—the Emperor stood on a high platform in front of the fountain, cloaked in purple.
“Didn’t expect His Majesty to see us off in person. But wow… he looks just like the Captain. That’s probably what the Captain will look like when he’s old.”
Kallen whispered in my ear, glancing at the Emperor.
The Emperor was as towering as Antonio. His hair had grayed, but his golden eyes blazed brightly, like the sun.
I stood at the very end of the formation beside Kallen. That was my choice—I didn’t want to flaunt my royal status by standing near Antonio when I had only just joined.
Since it was an imperial event, many high-ranking officials and noble families were also present.
It felt more like the send-off for a massive war campaign.
The military band played a trumpet fanfare to mark the beginning of the ceremony.
“My son Antonio leads this order of knights to support Cassia, which suffers under the attack of beasts. May the Goddess Merva bless them and return them safely.”
After the Emperor’s speech, Antonio stepped forward.
He knelt on one knee as the Emperor recited a short incantation and touched Antonio’s shoulders with a ceremonial sword.
The rest of the knights knelt behind him in unison. The Emperor blessed each of them one by one.
Then, it was my turn.
“So, you are Josephine of Iote.”
“I greet Your Majesty. Yes, I am Josephine of Iote.”
“Hmph.”
He studied me intensely. Those golden eyes—just like Antonio’s—were sharp and wary. My back tensed involuntarily.
“A girl who seems plain… yet stands out.”
“….”
He slowly scanned my face, commenting to himself. I stayed silent, unsure how to respond.
“Do not become a weakness for my son.”
He added quietly.
What did he mean by that? I instinctively raised my head.
I wanted to ask—but the Emperor abruptly turned and walked back toward Antonio, beginning another speech.
“As you all know, Duke Herald of Cassia is ill. His only daughter, Lady Theodora, is managing the estate.”
The Emperor rested a hand on Antonio’s shoulder.
“She is said to be beautiful and wise, though she could not attend the banquet due to the beast threat.”
“I hope this trip allows you to get to know her better.”
The Emperor smiled warmly.
In other words, this mission was also a political match-making attempt for Antonio.
The knights exchanged glances and stifled laughter.
Apparently, Antonio’s love life was a favorite teasing topic among them.
I, however, didn’t find it funny at all.
“….”
And Antonio—did not respond at all to the Emperor’s suggestion.
