The Former Prince Who Lost Everything Becomes a Masked Strategist, Dominates from the Shadows, and Vows Revenge - Chapter 1.2

The hill stretched into a vast expanse of grasslands, swaying gently under the bright blue sky.

“I knew you’d be here, Alphonse.”

Beneath the lone tree standing tall at the hilltop lay my mother’s grave. She had passed away just a month ago.

From here, one could see the entire city below. My mother had always loved this place, often coming here when she was alive.

And now, in front of her grave, Alphonse sat with his arms wrapped around his knees, crying.

I took a seat beside him and spoke.

“Ever since you lost your mother at a young age, you’ve always treated mine as if she were your own. And just as we grew up together in the palace, I’ve always thought of you as my own brother.”

“S-sniff… Grace… I’m pathetic. I was born into a knight’s family, yet I have neither skill with the sword nor courage. Unlike you, I couldn’t bring myself to keep challenging my grandfather, no matter how many times I lost. There’s no way I can become your knight… I… I even promised Lady Cattleya that I would protect you, but I can’t even keep that promise…”

“You are kinder than anyone, Alphonse. That’s why you hesitate every time you wield a sword. Deep down, you despise fighting. People like you aren’t suited for combat.”

“…”

“But precisely because of that, I want you as my knight. The three great nations of this continent are always on the brink of war. Our kingdom has been spared from much of the conflict due to its wealth, but there’s no telling when it will be drawn into the chaos. That’s why a knight who longs for peace is more important than ever.”

“Grace…”

“I’ve told you before—my dream is to create a world without war, Alphonse.”

Saying this, I stood and gazed down at the city below.

“Listen, Alphonse. Just as I promised my mother, I will make this kingdom a better place. But I’ve come to realize that I’m better suited to strategy than swordplay. So how about this—I will rule with wisdom, and you will protect with strength. Together, we will shape this kingdom—no, this entire continent—into a land of peace!”

“That’s… that’s such an important role… Are you sure you want to entrust that to someone like me?”

“Of course. There’s no one else I would choose. You, Alphonse Berg Falchion, will be my knight. Together, we will survive the turbulent times ahead.”

“…Okay!”

Wiping away his tears, Alphonse grasped my hand and pulled himself up.

And then—

A voice called down from above.

“You two are as inseparable as ever, huh? Is this what they call ‘the unbreakable bond of brotherhood’? Ugh, how suffocating.”

Startled, we looked up.

There, perched on a tree branch, was a girl dressed in a fine dress, casually biting into an apple.

With her orange twin-tailed hair swaying in the breeze, she smirked down at us before hopping down from the tree.

Landing gracefully before us, she crossed her arms and let out an exasperated sigh.

“I seriously don’t get how you can choose such a weakling to be your knight, Grace. Honestly, I think my swordsmanship is better than his. How about it? Want to reconsider and make me your knight instead?”

“Lilliette… You do realize you’re the daughter of a count, not a knight’s family, right?”

“Hmph. Being a noble lady doesn’t suit me at all. I couldn’t care less about etiquette lessons or academics. You know, I’d rather be an adventurer one day, wielding my sword freely. In that case, I’ll take the front lines, you’ll support from the rear, and Alphonse… well, he can carry our bags. He doesn’t seem particularly useful otherwise.”

“Why am I the baggage carrier? That’s just cruel, Lilliette…”

“Because a coward like you would probably run away the moment a fight starts. I watched your training session earlier, you know. For the grandson of the former knight commander, you were pretty pathetic.”

“W-why do you always have to be so mean…? You act all proper in front of everyone else, but here you just insult me nonstop.”

Hearing that, Lilliette suddenly dropped the apple she was holding and grabbed Alphonse’s cheeks, pulling them with both hands.

“Did you say something, cowardly Alphonse?”

“Oww, owww! Shtop it, Lilliette!”

I quickly stepped in, prying her hands off his face.

Lilliette turned away with a huff, folding her arms, while Alphonse rubbed his sore cheeks, teary-eyed.

These two—Lilliette and Alphonse—had been my closest childhood friends since we were little.

Lilliette von Blanchett, the sharp-tongued and headstrong daughter of a count. Ten years old.

Alphonse Berg Falchion, the grandson of the former knight commander. Ten years old.

They were both my cherished childhood friends.

Then, suddenly, Lilliette clapped her hands together as if she had just remembered something.

“Oh, right, Grace! There’s something I need to tell you.”

She hesitated for a moment, running her fingers through her hair, cheeks flushing red.

“…Huh? What is it, Lilliette?”

“Well… Yesterday, I overheard my father talking with one of the servants.”

“You eavesdropped on their conversation?”

“Yeah. And… the thing is…”

Lilliette glanced at me with a sour expression, her lips curving into a slight pout.

Then, after a brief pause, she finally spoke.

“Apparently, you and I… are going to be officially engaged. The announcement will be made at the royal banquet tonight.”

“W-what!? Lilliette and I… engaged!?”

As I stood there, stunned, Lilliette’s face flushed as red as an apple, and she gave a small nod.