Beneath the Surviving Princess's Joyful Facade - Chapter 2

“Th-that is…”

Eirik waited patiently.

It was a familiar situation for him. Even those who didn’t know about the young lord of Cladnier, upon first meeting the towering figure, often found themselves at a loss for words. His overwhelmingly handsome appearance also played a part. His elegant, yet masculine features, coupled with his fair skin that contrasted sharply with his dark hair, created a striking and intimidating presence.

“It’s alright. Please, go on.”

More than anything, it was his impeccable manners that made people nervous around him. As the heir of a family that had guarded the nation’s borders for 350 years, the people of Cladnier were renowned for being stricter with themselves than with others, a necessity in the harsh frontier.

When someone so flawless treated others with respect, they often felt an insurmountable barrier rather than comfort. Eirik had lived a life where he didn’t need to exert power through words.

He had always shown courtesy to everyone, yet had never received anything more than respect in return.

While the maid stammered through her explanation, her demeanor switching like flipping a hand, the Margravine of Cladnier shook her head and left the room, leaving the matter to her son. As the maids began to pour out their excuses and requests to him, Eirik responded readily.

“Then we shall open up the rooms to make a larger space. This side will be the marital bedroom, and the other can be used by the princess during the day.”

His solution immediately addressed the issues with the bathroom and the marital bedroom. However, the maids, determined to find fault with the ducal residence, pressed on.

“The room is too austere. It’s a bridal chamber, after all.”

“What sort of decorations do you suggest?”

Eirik’s question made the maids exchange glances. In truth, no matter what decorations they added, the princess wouldn’t notice or appreciate them. Eirik, aware of this, chose not to point it out, knowing that his words, no matter how factual, could be twisted into an insult to the royal family.

One of the maids, after some silent consultation with her peers, spoke up again.

“We should start by changing the curtains and bedding.”

“Very well. We’ll match them to what the princess currently uses in the palace.”

“The bedding the princess uses now…”

The maids looked at each other with uncertain expressions. Eirik raised an eyebrow at their hesitation but replied calmly.

“Yes. Familiar items would be best.”

“Ah, yes. Then we will send a blanket by messenger tomorrow. And…”

The maids glanced around the room, searching for something else to criticize but fell silent under Eirik’s quiet gaze. Intimidated, they finally conceded.

“That will be sufficient. Also, when the princess moves into the ducal residence, two maids will accompany her.”

With that, the maids left.

After seeing them off, Eirik returned to the living room, where the Margravine was pacing to calm her anger. Eirik approached her and briefly explained how he planned to rearrange the rooms. As he spoke, he watched his mother’s expression change with each word.

“Sharing the same bedroom isn’t a bad idea. If we separate the princess and something happens to her, it will only cause bigger issues. It’s easier than standing watch every night on the battlefield, isn’t it?”

The Margravine didn’t respond, instead raising a hand to her head in frustration.

***

Finally, the day arrived.

Everyone on the Cladnier side, including distant relatives and retainers, was filled with seething anger at the king’s unjust actions. Yet, Eirik’s face, as always, remained unreadable. The retainers and knights, while admiring his composed demeanor, mourned his misfortune as if it were their own and swallowed their rage against the king.

The carriage carrying Eirik and the Margrave and Margravine left the mansion amidst many people’s sorrowful prayers, as if they were departing for a funeral.

Paradoxically, the closer they got to the Grand Temple, the more fervent the congratulatory greetings became. Thousands of people lined the streets, shouting joyously that this was a great event for the kingdom.

Through the carriage window, Eirik saw only cheerful faces. Watching this unexpected scene, a bitter smile briefly crossed his lips.

These were people worn out by the long war and ever-increasing taxes. The news of victory alone was enough to please them. Add to that the fairy-tale story of the knight who secured victory being betrothed to the princess, and it was a dreamlike tale to those unaware of the truth. It was no wonder the crowd was so ecstatic.

The silent carriage finally halted before the grand entrance of the Grand Temple. Snow, still unmelted, clung to the grand stone pillars, marking the remnants of winter.

As Eirik descended from the carriage and climbed the steps, he silently observed the scene.

Inside the temple, the faces of illustrious families, well-known to all, came into view. Awkward and hesitant congratulations began to trickle in. Even they must have found the king’s sudden benevolence suspicious.

However, everyone masked their true feelings with graceful smiles. Some, attempting to gauge intentions, whispered exaggeratedly,

“The last remaining princess of the royal family makes her appearance today.”

“What must she look like now? She is, after all, the daughter of the last queen, isn’t she?”

The bustling noise gradually died down as the stern demeanor of the Margrave of Cladnier and his retainers followed Eirik into the temple.

The priests guided the Cladnier family members to their places. The guests also naturally took their seats, and the preparations for the ceremony were nearly complete.

Yet, the king’s seat remained conspicuously empty. As the bewildered guests began to suspect something was amiss, one of Cladnier’s retainers rushed in and approached the Margrave at the front. Whispering, he conveyed the message,

“We have just been informed… His Majesty is unwell and will not be able to attend today.”

Though they had expected the king to attend just for fun, he had chosen to announce his absence, perhaps not wanting to be a part of the unfolding drama.

“At least the princess, the bride-to-be, has arrived safely.”

The retainer’s follow-up caused the Margrave of Cladnier to furrow his brow. It would have been better if the ceremony itself had been disrupted. Grinding his teeth, he signaled the situation to his son from afar.

A priest soon announced the beginning of the ceremony. Eirik nodded once and stepped onto the podium. Despite his outward calm, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. What if the bride collapsed and cried like a child again?

But the worry was brief. After all, what would happen, would happen. In any case, it was an inevitable part of his duty to protect his family. Resolved, Eirik stood with a composed expression as the doors opened, revealing the princess.

The princess, her face veiled, wore an opulent wedding gown. The sight of her frail body almost swallowed by the heavy fabrics was neither fitting nor pleasant. However, that wasn’t the only issue.

The unnatural way she was dragged forward, supported by maids on either side, was a significant shock to the guests. Whispering began to spread throughout the crowd.

As the princess approached within five steps, Eirik’s eyes narrowed. It was clear she couldn’t walk on her own.

Have they sedated her? he wondered as he took the princess from the maids, thinking perhaps this might be for the best.

However, as he placed his arm around her to support her, he was shocked by how emaciated she was. Her rib bones were almost palpable, making his eyes widen in surprise. The lack of weight made him grip her more tightly, fearing he might drop her.

“Ugh…”

A soft groan came from beneath the veil, indicating his touch was uncomfortable. Realizing his mistake, Eirik gently adjusted his hold on her arm and waist. To the distant onlookers, it appeared as though there was already a tender connection between them.

With the new bride in his arms, he endured the High Priest’s blessing. When the High Priest declared their marriage blessed by God and it was time to lift the veil and kiss the bride, the maids had to assist once more.

Even with the stern gazes of the four maids right next to him, Eirik dutifully kissed his new bride. The princess’s eyes were unfocused, and though he couldn’t remember the feel of her lips, he performed the ceremony flawlessly.

***