“I believe a virtuous man like him will be satisfied with just those words.”
“Is that so… oh?”
Two figures walking along the corridor became reflected in the King’s eyes, especially eye-catching was the beautiful girl who walked in front. That girl’s beauty was rumoured to be beyond what could be captured on a portrait; a truly indescribable beauty.
The King let out a smile. His love for the young princess exceeded that towards his other children.
Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself.
The 3rd princess inherited her dazzling mother’s appearance, and was renowned by others as the “Golden Princess”.
Being sixteen years old, she had already reached an age where marriage was nothing out of the ordinary. This was also another reason for the nobles’ penchant to create trouble.
The title was derived from her golden hair, silky smooth and supple as it draped over the back of her neck. Those healthy-looking smiling lips were a light cherry blossom pink in colour. Dark blue eyes like sapphires shone with warmth and vibrance.
The fashionable white dress further strengthened the image of purity she gave off to others. Around her neck hung a golden necklace, looking as if it was the emblem of her noble soul.
Standing behind her was a youth who was in the process of growing from a boy into a man. He was wearing a white armour and could be described with the term ‘raging fire’.
Above his curved sanpaku eyes were two rough eyebrows.
His face bore an expression of a will as strong as steel, with a tanned dark color. For convenience of movement and the avoidance of battle as well as other reasons, his blond hair was cut in a neat and tidy fashion.
This youth called Climb was someone whom Gazef did not know how to get along with. It wasn’t that he disliked him, rather he liked him.
However, Gazef simply found difficulty in dealing with the heavy atmosphere that he gave off. Gazef did not hate serious individuals, but he still hoped that the other side could relax a bit.
Still, Gazef thoroughly understood Climb’s feelings.
Climb who was always by the side of the most beautiful woman in the kingdom, would often suffer the jealousy and resentment of others, and should not even have any friends. Also, his origin was also like Gazef’s— no, even worse than Gazef’s. Therefore he could not display any weakness, for none of his actions could afford to allow his mistress to suffer any criticism.
“Father, Warrior Captain.”
The King smiled towards Lana who ran over with light steps, and nodded towards the deeply bowing Climb.
“It seems your meeting is finally over.”
“Yes. There were many topics to discuss.”
“So it was like that. I’ve thought about it for a second, and wanted to allow father to listen to my idea, therefore waited here for you.”
“Is that so? Then I am really sorry.”
Her ideas were no trivial matter.
The other reason why she was hailed as the “Golden Princess” was because she had a nimble mind and admirable spirit. Not only did she establish landmark institutions, but also proposed new bills.
Her proposals were almost all relief measure plans for the civilians at the bottom of society. Moreover, it was not by way of charity, but by preparing a good welfare policy, giving the civilians who were willing to help themselves the opportunity to become self-sufficient.
Not only that, but also at the same time improving the status of being a civilian, boosting their loyalty towards the royal family, strengthening productivity, all which affected the policies which the royal family had interests in.
Although there were obstructions from the nobles who did not wish for the strengthening of civilian status, and almost all of the established institutions were dissolved, the broad range of acquainted people and the people who received her grace all gave a high evaluation of her efforts.
“Then I shall listen to you attentively when we return to your room.”
“However, father, it is now time for your daughter’s walk. Climb and I shall wander about the nearby surroundings then return.”
Hearing the Princess indicate that her walk was more important than a discussion with the King, Climb’s expression became even stiffer. Gazef felt some pity for him.
However, Princess Renner has always had her own way of doing things. As an attendant, he could not complain.
“Is that so? Then go, and come find me in my room to discuss this when you return.”
“I understand. Let’s be off, Climb.”
“Pardon me.”
As a warrior, Gazef spoke to the deeply bowing Climb:
“Climb, you also need to diligently improve your swordsmanship, to be able to protect Princess Renner under any circumstances.”
“Yes!”
Climb nodded vigorously. Conversely, Renner let out a discontented voice.
“Climb is fine. He will definitely be able to protect me at any moment.”
Those words were unfounded. However hearing the Princess say it seemed to give it an element of truth.
“Then we shall be off, Climb.”
Renner’s slender fingers tugged the corner of Climb’s clothes. Although it was just an unconscious gesture/act, Climb’s expression became even more rigid after noticing it, becoming as hard as a diamond.
“Yes, Princess.”
Even though Climb’s face was expressionless while he was being pulled away by the princess, sadness and resignation could be seen in his eyes.
Although the two people forgot to pay their respects, the King did not appear to mind and was only silently looking at the two as if looking at something he had long lost in the past.
“…As King, feeling pity cannot be a good thing.”
Climb was of unknown origin. He was a poor child picked up by Renner when she had ventured outside the castle.
Only skin and bones, he was a small child almost about to die from starvation, continuously striving to protect his saviour. No, merely striving was not a sufficient description.
He had no talent in either the sword or magic nor was he blessed with any particular outstanding athletic ability.
However, he did diligently train bit by bit. Of course, his talent was not at Gazef’s level, nor did it reach the level of heroes. Even so, his strength forged by hard work and practice still reached the highest level of all of the Kingdom’s soldiers. However, there are still some things which cannot be surpassed.
Those would be status, power, and also being a man of value.
Princess Renner’s value as a person was extremely high, and Climb simply could not match up.
“My lord’s heart is very considerate.”
“Although I know it is foolish, I still wish for at least one of my daughters…to be able to attain freedom. No… my other daughters will definitely scold me… I’ve really become old, thinking about these kinds of things.”
The King gazed at an empty space, as if there was someone there: