The Unattractive Princess' Marriage - Episode 9

“What do you think of His Highness Feldric’s behavior towards Sophina-sama?” “From what I see, he seems quite fond of her. When I heard it wasn’t the famous elder princess, I honestly wondered if there had been some mistake.” “She’s his favorite concubine, isn’t she? Because I hear he visits her every single night.”

(The topics and content are no different from Hydeland, really…) Sophina, who had found the materials she was looking for in the Royal Palace Library, stopped in the shade of a tree behind a gathering of idle nobles on her way back to her room. She felt her mood, which had been slightly improving since her recent trip to the city with her two guards, sink again. “Shall I disperse them?” “No, all information has some value.” Even as Bardner, who was still with her, showed a sharp face and spoke in a firm voice, Sophina shook her head.

“And who knows how much of that is true…” “Didn’t His Highness Feldric attend the Horselln Duke’s tea party alone the other day?” “They have four daughters, and they’ve always been eager for at least one of them to be close to His Highness Feldric. If he doesn’t even take Sophina-sama to ‘such a place’…” “Perhaps he thinks Sophina-sama would be exhausted if he took her to ‘such a place’?”

As the suppressed laughter continued, Sophina noted the face of the lady who was quietly trying to defend her. Next, the faces of the others. No matter what anyone said, what she had to do wouldn’t change. She just needed to keep track of who said what—suppressing all her emotions and simply carrying out her mother’s instructions.

“In any case, the young ladies seem to have regained hope.” “If it’s a political marriage, then naturally. Even if it’s not, they’ve all been excited recently, thinking that if Sophina-sama is acceptable, then they too might have a chance.” “Ah, it makes sense if he handed over the much-rumored Felicia-sama to His Highness Alexander because he had such a taste.”

Bardner murmured, “That’s completely off the mark,” from diagonally behind her. At his concerned voice, Sophina, unable to perfectly uphold her mother’s instructions, lowered her gaze.

If any other name had come up, she could have dismissed it as mere rumor. But the name just mentioned was different. The woman Sophina had been completely captivated by, forgetting everything else at the wedding reception, was the Felicia Zaruanac Forderique they were discussing.

She was in the Knights’ Order, just like her husband Alexander, and was so famous in this country that no one didn’t know her. She was the granddaughter of the hero Al de Zaruanac, who was deeply involved in the founding of Kazac and made immense contributions to its subsequent maintenance through the establishment and command of the Knights’ Order. Despite being a woman, she was said to be one of the most skilled among the trained knights. In fact, she had crippled the former mad general of Domscus, who had terrorized neighboring countries, and was the runner-up in the previous Royal Tournament held every four years. She was also said to have played a significant role in the civil war involving Shada seven years ago and in the recent war with Domscus, and she was also heard to have traveled all the way to the Western Continent to bring back technology and knowledge, contributing to Kazac’s development. She was the wife of Alexander Rod Forderique, the next Duke Forderique, who had contributed to the country in the same way on the same journey and had also shown strategic brilliance in various wars, shaking neighboring countries. Moreover, her family was supposed to be one of the most influential noble families in the country. The proof of this was that Feldric’s youngest sister, Princess Nashuana, from a commoner concubine, was married to Felicia’s brother.

“Is that even true? Because… you know…” “Yes, His Highness Feldric and Felicia-sama are still on good terms.” “Felicia-sama is the only woman who can call the Crown Prince by his given name, isn’t she?” “It’s not uncommon for Felicia-sama to guard His Highness Feldric when His Highness Alexander isn’t present.” “I feel like their conversational distance is also close.” “Could His Highness Feldric’s marriage unexpectedly be a cover-up?” “Oh my, then His Highness Alexander must be quite uneasy.” A voice cautiously warned, “Perhaps it’s just that they’re childhood friends, including His Highness Alexander,” as irresponsible snickers spread, but it was quickly drowned out.

“Good day, you seem to be having quite a pleasant time. Shall I join you?” (This could damage Feldric’s support base—it’s no longer something I can overlook.) Sophina composed herself, straightened her back, stepped out from the shade, and approached them with dignity and a smile on her face. Part of her duty as a royal was to properly manage such rumors.

However, they were also seasoned individuals. After a moment of awkwardness, they spun out a completely different topic, as if that was what they had been discussing all along. “We were talking about All-de-Lemen’s new work.” “Indeed, I heard his style has become much lighter.” Knowing this, Sophina joined their conversation. At the same time, she sent a warning glance mixed with her smile. (Yes, this is good. Rumors follow you everywhere. I must deal with them skillfully…) “…” The only one who looked apologetic throughout was Countess Centuria. Sophina smiled reassuringly only at her.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave now. Good day.” She steered the conversation to a natural end and then excused herself. “It’s a pity, but you seem to be busy… I apologize for detaining you.” “How impressive you are. To already be entrusted with official duties…” “There are many things I’m not used to, but thanks to the careful guidance I’ve received, I’m managing somehow.” Sophina smiled, implying but not stating who had guided her, causing some faces to twist, some to show surprise, and only Countess Centuria to look pleased. (…’Careful guidance’ is an understatement; it’s not even guidance at all.) Suppressing the urge to laugh ironically at all their reactions, Sophina once again bid them farewell.

And so, by the side of a small garden on her way back to her room, Sophina finally exhaled. “…Could I have a moment alone, please?” “Understood. If you need anything, please call me anytime.” Bardner didn’t ask for a reason, simply offered a kind smile, and walked away from Sophina.

That usually deserted garden was Sophina’s favorite spot in the Kazac Royal Palace that she had recently discovered. She sat on a bench by the small fountain in the center and stretched. Looking up at the sky to escape her gloom, she saw it covered with a thin layer of clouds. Two small birds flew across the sky, chasing each other.

“…Rumors, huh?” Sophina muttered softly, feeling a kinship with the muted blue of the sky. Rumors were always irresponsible and deeply hurt their targets. Even if their content was false, and especially if it was true. (Felicia Zaruanac Forderique. Feldric’s former fiancée, and probably still the person he loves—they were absolutely right, those people.) Sophina knew, even though she didn’t want to, about the dress that fragrant, alluring beauty had worn that day. It seemed to be a gift from Feldric.

Sophina vaguely tried to imagine what her feelings must have been, wearing that dress that day. ‘It’s an honor to meet you, Sophina-sama. And congratulations… on your marriage.’ And her feelings when her voice caught before the congratulatory words.

After finishing his first dance with Sophina, Feldric called out to Felicia, who was about to leave with Alexander. He approached her, put his lips close to her ear, and whispered something. Before him, she lowered her flushed face, clasped her hands in front of her stomach, and shook her head slightly. Her long, beautiful golden hair fanned out to either side with her movement—their brief rendezvous, of beautiful Feldric and equally beautiful her, was like a painting cut out of time.

She left quickly, her face still downcast. Feldric watched her go with regret, and Alexander, who received her back, cast a complex gaze at Feldric.

‘Royal marriages are like that.’ (That phrase meant that he couldn’t be with the person he loved, didn’t it…) As Feldric had said on their ‘wedding night,’ it was likely a common tragic romance among royals and nobles, where love was unrequited.

“…What’s so good about such a malicious person?” To mask the pain in her chest, Sophina deliberately spoke the words aloud. Her voice scattered on the mischievous spring breeze. Her side hair was caught by the same wind and danced into the dull sky. He was a man who had said so many things, and made Sophina feel so miserable. Moreover, because of his actions and her own foolishness, she had even caused trouble for her beloved brother. (Such a troublesome person. If he doesn’t cause any more trouble, I don’t care who he’s with, or who he loves…) She was supposed to feel that way wholeheartedly.

“Sophina.” “!” Yet, her heart leaped every time she heard that voice—it made her want to cry. So, even though she had no right to, she wanted to rebuke him, “Why do you care? Leave me alone.”

“What… is it? If it’s the work you assigned this morning, I haven’t yet…” “No. The book arrived.” To her voice, desperately feigning calmness, he replied, “It’s the one you were looking for,” confirming her realization. (This person truly doesn’t care about me, does he…) That’s why he could casually speak venom without considering Sophina’s feelings, and then, on a whim, smile softly—actions only possible towards someone you don’t care about.

“Thank you. I’ll send a servant for it later.” Even though she knew this, the part of her that felt glad he had called out to her and found it made Sophina’s mood sink further. “You want me to set aside separate time for you? That’s troublesome. Come get it now.” Feldric, shrugging his shoulders as if truly annoyed at Sophina, who remained seated, unwilling to move, unceremoniously took the hand she had resting on her lap.

“…What, you’re unusually quiet, aren’t you?” “I’m generally quiet. And unlike Your Highness, I don’t have two faces.” “You’re acting as usual, then. Truly quiet people don’t say that.” Despite his sarcastic remark, “If only your words and actions were a little cuter,” directed at Sophina, who tried to hide her pleasure at his concern, he didn’t let go of her hand. He continued to pull her—and that’s why it was so sad.

She wished he would only say unpleasant things. She wished he would always look at her with contempt. She wished he wouldn’t smile on a whim. She wished he wouldn’t touch her as if touching a doorknob. She didn’t need dresses, jewelry, perfume, or books. She wished he would even dislike seeing her. Otherwise, it would only be…

(Even if this is punishment for my foolishness, Mother, this is too cruel…)

Forcing her gaze from her clasped hands to the sky, Sophina lamented to her mother, who rested in the distant north, in their homeland.