Published: July 4, 2025
"Excuse me."
As he said this, a man entered the room.
Dressed in the formal attire of the first admiral of the Sujay Kingdom, he displayed perfect decorum.
Currently, he was the Lord Protector of the Sujay Kingdom, Kavui Somaru.
As soon as he stepped into the room, he took in the scene.
The head butler, Lonk, was the one who opened the door.
Princess Iliriaja was seated at the front.
Behind her stood a swordsman and a man in a robe, likely a mage.
Kavui Somaru felt a sense of doubt.
There hadn't been anyone like these two in Princess Iliriaja's close confidants.
Of course, he didn't know every subordinate of hers, but he was familiar with all her imperial guards.
However, neither of these two had been among them.
(Are they observers sent by the Vassal Kingdom?)
He reached a reasonable conclusion.
If the Vassal Kingdom had requested this, Princess Iliriaja would not have been able to refuse.
Even if he wanted to, it would be impossible to send those two out of the room.
(Well, it’s fine. In that case, I just need to not let these two leave the room. As long as I don’t contact the Vassal Kingdom’s government, I can manage to keep a few things hidden here...)
Kavui Somaru maintained a calm expression while thinking these things in his mind.
When he reached Princess Iliriaja, he crossed his arms in front of his chest with clenched fists and knelt on one knee.
This was the highest form of respect for royalty.
"Kavui Somaru-dono, please raise your face."
"Forgive me."
Princess Iliriaja called out, and Kavui Somaru responded.
"I have many things I'd like to discuss, but it's not suitable here, so let's move to the terrace."
Upon saying this, the princess stood up and walked out to the terrace.
The swordsman followed behind her.
Kavui Somaru stood up and headed for the terrace.
The man in the robe trailed behind him.
It seemed that the swordsman and the robed man were also serving as guards.
On the terrace, there was a table with two chairs prepared across from it.
Princess Iliriaja sat in one, while the swordsman and robed man stood behind her.
Kavui Somaru took the vacant seat.
"Your Highness, thank you for taking the time..."
"Please tell me what you have to say."
Interrupting Kavui Somaru's polite remarks with a raised hand, the princess urged him to continue.
Despite his surprise, Kavui Somaru looked at the two standing behind the princess and said, "Forgive me, but I would like to speak with the princess one-on-one."
He stated this clearly.
However, neither the swordsman nor the robed man moved at all.
Not even their expressions changed.
Instead, Princess Iliriaja responded.
"These individuals are fine. I requested their presence, and they are here to protect me."
"But, Your Highness..."
"Kavui Somaru-dono, I have complete trust in these two. Is that not enough?"
"No... I apologize."
The moment Princess Iliriaja spoke, Kavui Somaru was convinced.
His actions had been justified.
He had never felt such pressure even from his late lord...
"I will speak plainly. Our wish is for Princess Iliriaja to return to the country and reign as queen."
"Queen?"
Princess Iliriaja furrowed her brows and questioned him suspiciously at his words.
The swordsman and Abel standing behind her were also surprised but continued to stand still without showing their emotions.
"Yes. Every action we've taken was for that purpose."
"For that reason... my family..."
Princess Iliriaja's face went pale.
However, it was not due to sadness; rather, it was more of anger...
"I do not expect your forgiveness. If you wish to become queen, I will step aside. I can do whatever is necessary..."
"That’s not... that’s not what I mean... why would you..."
Kavui Somaru expressed his readiness to offer himself, while Princess Iliriaja struggled to find words, overwhelmed by her emotions.
At that moment, Kavui Somaru firmly raised his face and looked at the princess with intense eyes.
And he stated clearly.
"It is an imperial decree from his majesty the king."
Those words were filled with deep respect from the bottom of his heart.