Published: July 4, 2025
After breakfast, Princess Iliriaja and Lord Protector Kavui Somaru were having a meeting in the princess's room.
As expected, Ryo and Abel were also sitting at the same table, although they didn't fully understand the conversation.
Much of it revolved around the procedures for the rehearsal of the ascension ceremony, and it was clear that they wouldn't stand behind the princess during the actual event.
For some reason, it seemed they would be seated in the guest area.
"By the way, Abel was in the guest area during the port festival when the Queen Rain Shooter was unveiled," Ryo mentioned.
"Now that you mention it, that was quite nostalgic," Abel replied.
That was more than three years ago.
"Back then, everything looked so bright," Ryo reminisced.
"Doesn't it look bright now?" Abel asked.
"Because I'm protecting someone as ruthless and vicious as you," Ryo shot back.
"I have some serious grievances too, you know," Abel muttered, speaking quietly to avoid being overheard.
However, since they were at the same table, it seemed that both Princess Iliriaja and Kavui Somaru could hear them.
Yet, the two continued to focus on the procedures... truly professional.
At that moment, the chief chamberlain appeared.
"Your Highness, an invitation has come from the crown princess to the palace."
In an instant, Princess Iliriaja and Kavui Somaru exchanged sharp glances.
Both understood that the atmosphere had changed almost simultaneously.
Abel's gaze also sharpened.
Ryo was the last to react.
However, from his muttering, it was evident he wasn't dazed.
"In such a case, the primary weapon is poison. The second is an attack by thugs."
Of course, that was a projection based on typical light novel knowledge and classic tropes from foreign dramas.
He hadn't experienced it himself.
Normally, Abel would immediately deny such claims, but this time he didn't.
Regardless of the source, what Ryo said was quite plausible...
So, he sought confirmation.
"Is it possible for the crown princess to directly harm Princess Iliriaja?"
Abel's words were very direct.
Even though they knew, the princess's face stiffened slightly.
"Abel, could you at least soften your words a bit!"
"Oh, sorry. But..."
"No, Mr. Abel's question is important. Lord Protector, what do you think?"
While Ryo scolded Abel, Princess Iliriaja remained tense.
"To be honest, poison is a possibility."
"Seriously...?" Abel couldn't help but mutter at Kavui Somaru's response.
"If it's a slow-acting poison, it would be perfect. Even if it were obvious that something consumed at the Crown Prince's Palace was the cause, they could just feign ignorance. With His Majesty the King absent and the Crown Prince also away, it's possible to assert that, for now, Lord Jolt and the crown princess are at the top of the royal family. If that's the case..."
"If the princess collapses, only the crown princess and Lord Jolt will remain in the royal family... Sure, they could push through."
"That said, it's difficult to refuse the invitation from Crown Princess Raina. If she ascends, it will be different, but for now, she is still the sixth princess. Their position is higher..."
As Abel and Kavui Somaru discussed the situation, they sought to devise better actions...
"It may not be possible to refuse the invitation," Princess Iliriaja stated unequivocally.
"Your Highness..."
"The crown princess, Lady Raina, may not necessarily be plotting anything. We must avoid further conflict within the royal family. This afternoon, the nobles from various regions will start to arrive at the royal capital, won't they? We need their support for the royal family as before."
Once more, Princess Iliriaja spoke with clarity.
Once she said that, no one could stop her.
Therefore, Ryo proposed, "Your Highness, how about donning the armor of ice, just in case of an attack?"
"Ryo-san?" Princess Iliriaja tilted her head at Ryo's suggestion.
"[Ice Armor Mist]"
As Ryo chanted, a glow enveloped Princess Iliriaja from head to toe.
However, it quickly subsided... and it seemed nothing had changed.