Part One, Section Three: “And Then, the Sisters Sprang Into Action”
Chapter Twenty-six
“It seems that the situation in the kingdom of Girtonia is worse than we thought… Father and Older Brother are insisting on refusing your return, but… I still felt like I should convey the message to you, so I did…”
Prince Oswald told me about Prince Julius of the kingdom of Girtonia demanding my return and averted his gaze awkwardly. The fact that my homeland was in such dire straits… implies that the plan entrusted to Mia was not accepted.
Still… I never expected to be told to return at this point. If the Grand Anti-Evil Magic Circle were undone, the kingdom of Parnacota would suffer immense damage at the hands of demons in an instant.
As a saint, I couldn’t possibly do such a thing, so naturally, this was not a proposal I could accept.
Of course, I cared for my homeland.
That was precisely why I offered Mia all the support I could and provided my advice. I certainly didn’t wish for Girtonia’s downfall.
However, I’m powerless to protect both nations. I don’t know what to do anymore…
“Miss Philia… You’re probably troubled over what to do. Though we haven’t known each other long, I know you have an unusually strong sense of responsibility…”
The prince chose his words carefully as he tried to convey something to me. Yes, as he said, I had been struggling. I was faced with a dilemma, I was worried for my homeland where Mia was, yet I also couldn’t leave this place.
“It might come down to a compromise; I proposed sending the Parnacota Knights as an aid to Girtonia. The parliament wasn’t too keen on the idea, but I believe I can somehow persuade them.”
“The Parnacota Knights…?”
“Yeah, I’m not bragging, but our country’s knights are proud to be the strongest in the world. I believe they can be of assistance to your younger sister in Girtonia.”
Surprisingly, Prince Oswald seemed to have kept his promise from the other day and actually proposed assistance to the kingdom of Girtonia. Certainly, the Parnacota Knights were renowned for their valor and bravery. In the first place, many in this country are adept in military arts… Even my escorts, Lina, Leonardo, and Himari, were quite skilled.
If such reliable individuals were to become reinforcements for Girtonia, it could potentially save my homeland from its crisis.
“Thank you, Your Highness Oswald… For going so far for my sake…”
“No need for thanks or anything formal. We’re grateful to you. Not just me, but Father, Brother, the whole country speaks with one voice… you are a hero of the kingdom of Parnacota.”
“A hero, such exaggeration…”
As I expressed gratitude for Prince Oswald’s kindness, he mentioned that they were the ones who should be thankful to me.
I haven’t done anything so grand… I’ve simply fulfilled my duty as a saint…
“Well, now we’re just waiting for a response from Girtonia. I can’t send you, Miss Philia, but I’ll let them know that the knights can head over as reinforcements. Prince Julius should be open to that idea.”
Prince Julius should be open to that idea? Something about that line bothered me. Normally, there would be no issue accepting such goodwill… but there was a nagging feeling inside me that something wasn’t right.
“Well, sorry for worrying you so much, Miss Philia. Once the situation stabilizes… let’s work towards creating a day when you can meet your younger sister back in your homeland.”
“No, as a saint, I cannot leave my own country. I cannot take advantage of your kindness to that extent.”
“Haha, you really are serious and stubborn, aren’t you? You should learn to relax sometimes.”
“Forgive me. Even my parents told me I’m too serious and lack charm, but it’s just my nature…”
“I see. I actually find those aspects adorable.”
“…You do enjoy joking. Still, it’s nice to hear you say that.”
After that exchange, Prince Oswald took his leave.
It felt like for the first time in my life, I was called “adorable.” I never imagined that even though it was a joke, my heart could feel so warm… It was truly beyond anything I could have expected…
“Lady Philia, your face looks rather red, have you caught a cold?”
“M-Ms. Grace? Oh no, my health is perfectly fine. I’ve never been sick before.”
“As expected of you. I see, I see, for someone who is a saint, your body is your asset. It is quite enlightening.”
While I was not especially conscious of it, the harsh training left me rather sturdy. But Grace didn’t seem to accept that explanation…
Anyway, Prince Oswald had taken action for the sake of the kingdom of Girtonia. Just as I thought that a letter from Mia arrived that night, penned by Himari. The contents of the letter were a request for instructions on how to administer a prescription for His Majesty the King, as well as the revelation that Mia was making moves to overthrow Prince Julius.
Mia, why are you walking such a dangerous path…? What on earth is happening over there?
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