Okoborehime to Entaku no Kishi - Volume 1 - Chapter 2

CHAPTER II THE PRINCESS’ TEA PARTY
 
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The attempted poisoning of Princess Leticia was not made
known to the public and was simply declared as a case of colds.
Fabricated statements such as, “It was just a slight fever,” or “The
princess was already on her way to recovery,” were intentionally
leaked out to complete the story. Duke did not have the means to
find out how Leti fared after he had left her, and he often found
himself wondering how she was doing while unconsciously
looking east, where the Royal Palace was.
“Senpai1
, has your father recovered from his cold?”
“His cold… Ah, yeah, yeah, he’s healthy now. I doubt he’ll be
leaving us any time soon.”
During the three days that Leti was on the brink of life and
death, Duke told a lie that he was asked to go home for a while
because his father, Lord Barchet, was sick, in order to cover up for
his absence while he stood as Leti's bodyguard.
‘That was close, I nearly forgot the story I made up as my excuse.’
“Ah, I heard that the Princess was sick as well.”
“So I heard, though she doesn’t seem to be one defeated by a
mere cold. She’ll be fine,” Duke said with a tinge of hope, wishing
that Leti was truly well. Duke was worried about her, enough for

1 Senpai – a Japanese honorific used in addressing one’s senior
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him to think that he would endure Leti's relentless invitations to be
her knight if only it would make her feel better.
“Hmm… Then I won’t really know which of them is…” Death
would have proven they were mere humans. Astrid had a vague, fleeting
thought and Duke did not catch what he said.
“What was that?”
“Eh? Did I say anything?”
Duke was puzzled with Astrid’s reaction, so he thought it was
just the wind. After dismissing the thought, his heart went back to
Leti, and he even thought of asking Prince Friedhelm directly to
inquire about her condition.
Just as Duke was thinking of how to get information on Leti, it
came to him instead – not through reports or rumors, but through
Leti herself.
“…Ah. …Good day, I’m glad you’re fine now.”
“Thank you.”
Duke had returned to the camp after being called to clean up a
squabble in town. Upon his return, he saw Princess Leticia in the
camp with all her elegance and grandeur like she owned the place.
The other knights were staring at her from a distance, whispering
of how beautiful and elegant she was, while Duke wanted to shout 
 
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“Don’t be fooled by her looks!” at them because he knew that
beyond her pretty face was a woman with more guts than any
knight in the Order.
“Unfortunately, I am busy and cannot stay long.”
“I understand. May I know your business then, Your
Highness?”
“I came here to give an invitation.”
Leti took out from her purse a white envelope sealed with red
wax and gave it to Duke. The envelope was so high class that
Duke knew he’d be chastised if he tore it open with his bare hands.
“Ah, Senpai, I’ll get you a paper knife!”
Duke took the expensive-looking antique paper knife Astrid
brought and carefully opened the envelope.
“Thanks.”
Duke returned the paper knife to Astrid, opened the invitation
and read its contents.
“Tea party?
“Yes, as thanks for the other day.”
Duke remembered that Leti did say she’d thank him. He
appreciated Leti’s sincerity, but wearily thought that she could’ve
thanked him in a different manner. A tea party hosted by the next 
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queen couldn’t possibly be anything but grand, and he – the son of
a poor baron – would definitely be a fish out of water. He could
already imagine how awkward he’d be in there.
“…I’m very honored by your invitation, but please allow me to
decline it. Such a gathering is too much for someone like me who
has yet to even inherit the barony.”
“I was expecting you would refuse, so I just made it a small,
intimate party with only my close family in attendance. It is a
simple event I wished to host in order to show them that I have
fully recovered. I did not want them worrying too much.”
Duke once again took a look at the elegant invitation. Strictly
speaking, Duke was part of the nobility – though barely making
the cut. But even if he came from a baron’s family, he was not
familiar with the ways of high society, such as going to the theater
or tea parties.
“If you have a fiancée or a lover, you can take her with you.
Once I become the queen, things will be busier, so it is best if you
introduce her to me, your future master, early on.”
“Wait, wait, wait. In a broad sense you will be my master but
specifically speaking you won’t be…”
He really could not let his guard down around Leti, who kept
on talking as if he really would be her knight in the near future. On
the other hand, he wouldn’t mind going to the tea party if it really
was just a small family affair. Besides, it was highly likely that even 
 
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if he refused the invitation, Leti would find some way or another
to drag him to it on the day itself. He decided the safest reply
would be, “I’ll think about it,” since he’d have to leave if anything
came up with the Order.
Duke escorted Leti until the camp gates, and soon after she
was gone, he let out a deep, deep sigh of exhaustion and relief.
“A fiancée, huh… Guess it won’t be rude even if I came
without a partner. It’s not an evening ball anyway.”
Duke thought of asking a friend familiar with the customs of
high society when realization suddenly hit him.
“Wait a second, her close family, meaning…”
It had slipped past him, but he just realized now that the family
members of PRINCESS Leticia meant the Royal Family. Her small,
intimate gathering meant only the Royal Family would be in
attendance because if it were something bigger, then there’d be
other peers and nobles to attend.
“…all the more I won’t fit in!”
Leti had known that and deliberately used those words to
make Duke think otherwise. He was such an idiot, to be tricked by
Leti with such a simple play on words. Now that she was back on
her feet, she immediately dragged him into something troublesome.
He chided that part of himself that actually wanted to congratulate 
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Leti on her recovery and decided he’d better bring a companion
with him to the party.
“Astrid, are you free on the day after tomorrow? Yes, you’re
free so come and accompany your senior to Her Highness’ tea
party.”
Of course, Duke’s primary choice for companion was his
bubbly junior in the Order, Astrid, who was quite a fan of the
beautiful princess. Needless to say, Astrid immediately accepted
the offer.
“But is it fine for me to come? I’m just a commoner.”
“That’s exactly why I chose you. You’re a commoner and you
can be my conversation partner. I doubt I’d have anyone to talk to
there. We’ll go home immediately after drinking a cup of tea.”
Astrid dreamily imagined a world he could not even fathom,
and the only clear image was the beautiful Princess Leticia.
“Ah! Should we bring presents? Are there rules on what to
bring or not? There’s a bakeshop in town I highly recommend.”
“…When I’m with you, I feel like I’m stupid sometimes.”
It would be good if Duke could just innocently enjoy the
upcoming event, but he was a serious man by nature and he could
not help but worry about things.
 
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“Wear your formal uniform. Don’t forget your cape and white
gloves. And polish your boots. Don’t bring any speck of dust with
you.”
“Yes sir! Is the cape the grey one we wore during the
Induction Ceremony?”
“Yeah, that one. Is it still grey? If it’s too dirty, borrow one
from the others.”
“…Yes. …I think?”
The Royal Chivalric Order had ten ranks and their ranks were
shown by the color of their capes and the lines on it. So the
neophytes, including Astrid, were Knights of the Tenth Rank and
they had grey capes with no lines. The Commander of the Order
was a knight of the First Rank and his cape was black with lines.
The color got darker the higher the rank, so one could easily know
it.
“They should reverse the color-coding. The younger ones have
a higher tendency to dirty their capes, making the color closer to
that of the Commander’s.”
So here were two knights going to the same tea party: the
junior with a cape nearing the color black, dreaming of the
upcoming party, and the senior wondering how things ended up
happening this way and deciding to review and reflect on the
events that lead to it.
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“It is an honor to be here today, Your Highness.”
Duke preparing for the obligatory greeting for such an
occasion, but since he lacked practice in saying such words, his
words were monotonous and lifeless. After the customary
acknowledgements, he took Leti's fair and slender hand and
respectfully brought it to his lips.
“It is my pleasure to have you here. Please enjoy yourselves.”
Leti welcomed him with her perfected smile, just as an ideal
princess would, and looked at the lad behind Duke.
“My name is Astrid Gale, knight of the Tenth Rank of the
Royal Chivalric Order. I humbly give you my thanks for letting me
join this occasion.”
“I have heard things about you from my younger brother, such
as your exceptional skills as a swordsman despite your young age.
Do share some of your stories with me later,” Leti said and flashed
a smile at Astrid.
Duke, watching the exchange, thought that he would keep in
the deepest parts of his mind the image of Astrid’s idiotic, blushing
face, as if he had seen a goddess brought to life from a painting.
He had long given up on warning Astrid against Leti’s beauty,
knowing that his efforts would only fall on deaf ears.
“This way.”
 
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As Leti showed them to the garden, they saw Friedhelm
playing with the children, carrying a child on each of his arm.
When he saw who the newcomers were, he slowly lowered the
children and waved his hand to greet Duke.
“Is that Astrid Gale behind you? This is a good chance to
invite him to Seventh Heaven2
.”
Friedhelm greeted Duke briefly and went on to pat Astrid on
the shoulder. While Friedhelm was extending his passionate
invitations to Astrid, Leti coldly called out Duke’s attention.
“I remember asking you to bring your fiancée or lover, but…
anyway, I am a generous and understanding master and I will not
be saying anything about your preferences as long as you do your
job well.”
Duke understood the meaning behind Leti's words and
decided to clear up any misconceptions she was forming inside her
head.
“One, I do not have a fiancée or a lover. And two, I brought
Astrid here as my companion to have someone to talk to ‘cause
I’m quite sure there’d be no place for me in a tea party for the
Royal Family.”
“Oh, I see.”
The relief on Leti's face only added to his vexation.

2 Seventh Heaven: Friedhelm’s own chivalric order
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“You need not to worry since I have everything arranged. You
shall be at the adult’s table. Think of this as a way to train your
junior.”
Duke’s table, as Leti promised, was composed of the older
guests in the party. The youngest was sixteen and the oldest was
three-and-twenty. However, with a table composed of Friedhelm,
Leonhardt, Duke, and Astrid, finding a common topic for
conversation was impossible.
“Duke-senpai! The tea is amazing! This is the first time I’ve
drank a tea this fragrant and smooth.”
“…Good for you.”
… … … …
“Let’s just say this is better than having Guido-ani’ue3 here as
well.”
Leonhardt’s words were indeed true, for if Guido were to join
them, the atmosphere would no longer pass as awkward – it would
automatically be a unanimous decision to just go home.
“Well, I’ll just go and have a heart-to-heart talk with my
younger brothers.”

3 Ani’ue: A Japanese honorific used to address one’s older brother. More oldfashioned
than the common Onii-san
 
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Leonhardt escaped the awkward atmosphere and moved to a
different table, carrying his teacup and some snacks. At least now,
the group could have small talk. Duke threw Friedhelm a topic.
“…Your highness, are you in good terms with Princess
Leticia?”
“Of course not. She just invited me here as an apology to what
she did a while back.”
“Apology?”
“For serving me a goblet of water when I visited her.”
“Aaaah…”
Duke commented as if it were something astonishing with a
wry smile, and looked at the same Leti who poured the goblet of
water talking with the younger guests at a different table.
“All of them are your siblings?”
“No. There are some cousins. But truthfully, not seeing us as
siblings despite being one just shows how much of a bad older
brother I am. I’ve got to admit, she has the advantage on this one.”
Duke could not hide his surprise at Friedhelm’s words. He
sounded like he was giving Leti credit and recognizing her for it.
Friedhelm gave Duke a wry smile, admitting it was the truth.
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“It’s not like I only think of myself, you know? The country is
my top priority… I don’t want to divide the kingdom and start a
war.”
Friedhelm still could not completely rid himself of the pride he
held as the first-born prince. He grew up being told that he would
be the one succeeding the throne – of course he could not accept
it if Guido took the crown, but he was ready to convince himself
for Leti. But he had a condition: Leti would be a good ruler, or
else he would bring her down. That was Friedhelm’s condition, his
point of compromise.
“I think Your Highness will also be a good ruler.”
“‘Also,’ huh? Wonder who the other one is… Anyway, I
gratefully accept your compliment.”
Hearing the conversation over at the men’s table, Leti turned
around and pointed in their direction. Holding the hand of a small,
young lady, Leti approached their table.
“Astrid, could you act as her practice partner for
introductions?”
“Me-me-me…me?”
Astrid was surprised at the sudden request.
“The best partner is someone she does not know. The
nervousness that comes with it is nearly the same as the real one.
Well then…”
 
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“Uhmm… It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Misty Fal Edelle.”
Misty gathered her skirts to the side, raised it a bit, and bent
her knees in a curtsy.
“I am Astrid Gale, Knight of the Tenth Rank of the Royal
Chivalric Order. It is an honor to meet you.”
Astrid took Misty’s hand to kiss it, but it was awkward due to
the difference in their height.
“Astrid, you’ve got to kneel down and meet her eyes,”
Friedhelm said.
“Oh, right. Pardon me.”
Following Friedhelm’s advice, Astrid knelt down, then chastely
placed a kiss on Misty’s dainty hand. Misty looked up at Leti with
sparkling eyes, waiting for her approval that she had done it well.
“You were excellent.”
Misty’s face glowed upon hearing Leti’s praise and having her
head patted. Even Duke could not help it but smile at such a
heartwarming scene.
“Friedhelm-onii-sama4
, carry me!”

4 Onii-sama: Onii =Older Brother | Sama = formal honorific for a high person
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In an instant, their table was surrounded by the royal children
pulling Friedhelm’s arm, begging him to play with them. Friedhelm
gave in to their requests and stood up.
“We’re gonna take turns, line up! Remember, your cool
brother is no longer that young, so don’t push me too hard. Astrid,
come and help me.”
“Yes, sir!”
Friedhelm and Astrid carried and swung the children in the
spacious garden. Leti, freed from the role of looking after the
young ones, took a seat beside Duke.
“Was it fine to invite Prince Friedhelm alone? Weren’t you
going to keep the balance?”
“I will invite Prince Guido next time, though I know not if he
will come.”
“Next time? I thought this tea party was to celebrate your
recovery?”
“Well, it is, partly – but this party is really a regular event I host
once a month to train my younger siblings how to comport
themselves. If they learn and acquire the necessary manners
needed early on, they will develop these as habits and will no
longer be embarrassed or awkward when they go out into society.
You are welcome to join us.”
 
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Duke could not reconcile this kind and caring older sister Leti
with the high-handed queen he encountered on a regular basis. But
this kind older sister was the reason why the neutral faction held
the majority of the royal children.
“…No, this one time is enough. I feel so out of place here.”
“You should get used to these kind of events. You cannot
keep on saying that when you become my knight.”
“How many times do I have to I tell you? I have no intention
of becoming your knight.”
Duke always corrected Leti whenever she snuck that
suggestion in. With those statements from her becoming more and
more frequent, he remembered someone who sounded just like
her. Yes, Leti was very much like her older brother Friedhelm,
who was currently playing with his younger siblings.
“The two of you really are brother and sister. Especially that
independent attitude you both have, and your tendency not to
listen to what others are saying.”
“I get that quite a lot. That I look a lot like Prince Guido
outside, but inside I am similar with Prince Friedhelm. But I am
really connected to them only by half… I think I should wrap this
up. This is no longer study but play time.”
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Leti gathered everyone and said that it was time to go home.
She led each child back to either their nurses or governesses,
leaving only the adult group behind.
The tea party started and ended peacefully without any
problems. For Leti, this tea party was not just a mere gathering. It
was a carefully calculated plan that was executed to meet certain
objectives: one – to teach her younger siblings, two – to deepen
her friendship with Duke, and three – a chance to repair her
relationship with her older brother. Now that the tea party was
over, she concluded this plan as a success and started to give her
closing greetings.
“Thank you very much for coming today. I hope…”
The leaves on the tree rustled behind Leti, and then everything
else happened in a flash.
Friedhelm pulled Leti closer to him, Duke stood in front to
protect them, and Astrid took out his sword.
Leti was surprised with the sudden turn of events, but she
remained calm, surprised but not scared, and she peered at Astrid
through the space between Friedhelm’s arms.
“Senpai! Cover for me please.”
Astrid walked along the sides of the table and grabbed an
empty cup. He threw the cup to the tree, aiming for the part where
the branches were still shaking. But the cup hit a branch and broke 
 
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into pieces. Then, to everyone’s surprise, they heard a high-pitched
cry and a black lump of mass fell on Astrid.
“Uwahuwawawah!”
Astrid caught the soft, black fur ball. It had large circular eyes
and a long tail. The only word to describe the fallen creature
was…
“This… looks… like… a cat.”
“Let’s still check. Astrid, climb up.”
“Ah, roger! Please hold the cat.”
Astrid deftly climbed up the tree and confirmed that there was
nothing else on top. He jumped straight down to the ground and
landed perfectly on his feet.
“Glad it’s just a cat, right? I was utterly surprised. Both with
the cat and how good your cooperation was! Why don’t the three
of you just be Ane'ue’s5
knights? Ahahaha!”
Leonhardt’s words, poking fun at them, brought the three men
back to their senses. Friedhelm quickly let go of Leti and distanced
himself from the sister he was protecting in his arms, and Duke
awkwardly moved his hand up and down the handle of the sword
he was holding in battle stance.

5 Ane'ue: A Japanese honorific used to address one’s older sister. More oldfashioned
than the common Onee-san
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“This is just my knight’s instinct at work, you see…”
“Oh, I see…” Leti said.
“And I just move on instinct. You see, Guido has been
targeting me for a while and…”
“Oh, yes, I see…” Leti agreed with Friedhelm.
“I’m glad you’re safe, Your Highness. Ah! Sorry for breaking
the cup!”
“That’s fine. Thank you for saving me.”
Duke and Friedhelm sighed, both thinking that they were
idiots. If they just acted the way Astrid did and honestly told Leti
that they were glad she was safe, then that would’ve been the end
of it. But no, they had to let their egos get in the way and make
ridiculous excuses.
“Aaah, I get it. Gimme the cat. I’ll go find someplace I can
leave it. The tea and snacks were delicious. See ya!” Friedhelm said
as he took the cat by its nape and walked away. Then they heard
Friedhelm shout, likely because the cat scratched his face. It
looked like both of them were not being honest with themselves.
Putting aside the older brother whose relationship with Leti
still needed to be patched up, Leti looked at the men left. Leti saw
Leonhardt busy helping Astrid take off the cat fur stuck on
Astrid’s knight uniform, and then she faced Duke.
 
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“Duke, thank you.”
Duke did not know how to respond to Leti's unexpected word
of thanks. He could not retort with “be grateful” since he already
said a while back that it was all his knight’s instinct at work.
“That… That was nothing.”
“Better accept my gratitude while you still can, because I do
not have any intention of thanking you once you become my
knight.”
“Why do you keep on saying that?”
Duke pressed his temples with his fingers, screaming inside,
wondering why in the world Leti could not understand him.
“Hey, didn’t you see Astrid a while ago? He’s a good knight,
isn’t he? He is a commoner and maybe a bit too young, but his
skills are top-notch within the Order. And based on what I see,
he’s pretty willing to be your knight. So why don’t you just give up
on me and take Astrid instead?”
“Astrid Gale… Indeed, he is a good knight, but…”
Astrid was a good knight, and even Leonhardt recommended
him. So Leti had asked for him to be investigated, and she came
up with a conclusion based on that information.
“I do not have the confidence to control him. He is no
ordinary knight and it might become troublesome.”
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“…Oi.”
“I was incessantly told by my great-great-great-great uncle to
train my eyes in discerning people, so I am quite confident with it
– that is why I chose you.”
Leti did not say anything else; her silence declared that this
conversation was over. Duke, on the other hand was secretly
astonished at how perceptive Leti was. He had also thought that
Astrid Gale was no ordinary commoner. Astrid had not said a
word about it, but having seen him – a novice knight – kill
without flinching, Duke had thought Astrid might have worked as
a mercenary before. And Leti had noticed that immediately.
Indeed, Duke could no longer see Leti as a sheltered princess.
Leti nonchalantly walked towards the tree Astrid climbed,
looking up its height. She stepped forward to the tree and her
heels made soft knock. There was one thing that the other men
did not notice, but Leti did, because of the fact she was the only
one who underwent the rigorous training of being a perfect lady.
‘If he can kill the sound of his footsteps at such a height…I can only
conclude not so good things about him.’
One of the things required of an accomplished lady was to be
able to gracefully dance the waltz. Evening balls would have
dancing, and dancing included waltzing, so not being able to do it
was unacceptable for any lady of good breeding. Moreover, to
claim the title of an excellent dancer, one had to glide and move 
 
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like a fairy – gracefully and silently. A dancer with noisy feet was
found to be vulgar and barbaric.
“…I guess he is someone to be wary of.”
The tea party Leti hosted as training for her younger siblings,
as a way to deepen her relationship with Duke, and as an
opportunity to repair her relationship with her brother ended up
leaving uneasiness and worry upon its conclusion.
One clear and fine day, a cheery Leonhardt came to visit Leti's
room, saying that her tutor had arrived. He handed her a light
overcoat. Leti had a bad feeling about where this was going, so she
asked Leonhardt what this was all about before putting it on.
“Well, we’re currently airing the scrolls of the artifact inventory
and you, Ane'ue, are most welcome to join us.”
“Is that related, in any way, to my lessons?”
“Ehhh… uhmm… ah! I’ll explain which are owned by our
family and so on… plus, plus we also have in there one of our
national treasures! The original manuscript of the book on the
Knight King’s legends! You know, the one about him fighting
Evil?”
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“You are the only one who would get excited about that.
Anyway, I understand. I shall lend you a hand.”
Leti reluctantly wore the coat and gloves and helped in taking
out the ancient scrolls. Doing such work made Leti asked why
copies of it weren’t made, but they answered that it would be a
problem if the original ones had molds. Leti, seeing the logic in it,
agreed as she dusted off a sheet and laid it neatly on the wooden
stand.
“Don’t you find it interesting that the Knight King’s sword
and the phantom twelve Promise Swords are included in the list?”
“Well, is it?”
“Think about this: putting aside the question if they are real or
not, we have the age-old, rusted and worn out Knight Sword
owned by the Knight King Christian himself, but the twelve
Promise Swords said to have been granted to his knights are
nowhere to be found. So here’s the interesting part, at least for a
historian. Why did Administrative King Karlheinz include the
Promise Swords in his inventory? Was it just for the sake of an
idea, an impossible dream? Or was it because those swords indeed
existed during that time and are only lost now? Interesting, right?
Ahahaha!”
Leonhardt showed Leti the sheet containing the swords.
Indeed, the Knight King’s sword and the Promise Swords given to
his twelve knights were written in the inventory.
 
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“Your beloved King Karlheinz was the one who compiled this
inventory, you know? I’m sure this took a lot of his time to do this,
but we are really grateful for his efforts.”
“Well, he seems to be the type of person who would like these
kind of meticulous tasks.”
Leti was quite certain that the ones who did the actual job were
his servants following his orders, but someone who would even
come up with an idea like this qualified King Karlheinz as
meticulous. She wanted to know the reason why he kept such a list,
but she had yet to meet him in his later years, so she hadn’t had
the chance to ask him directly in that place.
“I haven’t heard that in a while,” Leonhardt said as he opened
the book he was holding and brushed off a dead insect’s body.
“Heard what?”
“You speak as if you’re friends with some historical
personalities. Don’t you remember you taught me history that
way?”
“…Really…”
Leonhardt’s body was weak when he was small, so their
mother stayed with him while Leti was left alone most of the time.
To overcome that loneliness, she frequented the Knight King’s
Space and talked with the his other reincarnations, and when she
woke up, she shared the stories they talked about with Leonhardt.
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“Your stories were like vivid dramas written by a wonderful
historical playwright so I remember them well. I became a
historian because I was attracted to those behind-the-scene stories
you told me. In other words, it was you who made me become like
this. Ahahaha!”
“Do not put the blame on me.”
Leti took another volume of the inventory, scanning its pages,
and her eyes stopped on a particular article.
“Is this book worthy to be included in this list?”
“The original copy, yes. The one available in the Archive is just
a replica.”
The article that caught Leti’s attention was a book – a
collection of stories on what happened to Lion King Alexander
after his dethronement.
According to history, King Alexander’s most trusted friend
and Prime Minister lead a revolution against him – killing him in
the process. However, one of his loyal knights brought his corpse
outside the kingdom and continued to lament for him, so the body
of the Lion King was not in the Royal Tomb. Since there was no
body and particular location of death, some theories came out
saying that he was not dead. Then, during the time of
Administrative King Karlheinz, a book compiling those stories
was written, and the original copy made its way into the Royal
Inventory.
 
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“Is the original one an academic book? I have only read the
idiotic book containing unbelievable after-death theories on King
Alexander.”
“Exactly as you say, they were all unbelievable stories. Though
I find the one saying King Alexander did not die, but continued to
live and become a pirate in the Southern Seas and conquered a
country, making him their king, the most interesting.”
Hearing Leonhardt say the theories were fictitious stunned Leti.
Upon finishing arranging a batch of the inventory, Leti took off
the coat and gloves and told him she was done helping them.
Leti started to walk faster towards the Royal Villa. She wanted
clean herself since she was still feeling dust all over her despite
wearing an overcoat, and she kept brushing it off her dress. She
chose to take the route less traveled and passed by people to
prevent seeing her in such a disheveled state. However, despite her
efforts, a palace guard came out of a corner and bowed his head to
her. She continued to walk on, imagining how nice a bath would
be, when she stopped sensing anyone around her. She silenced her
footsteps and quietly moved toward the presence she felt.
“Isn’t it ‘bout time? The race to the throne is finished. Make
up your mind and join Seventh Heaven already. Your seat has yet
to be taken.”
Leti heard the voice of her older brother, and he was probably
talking with his best friend. She came to the conclusion that the 
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 29 -
only thing they would talk about in a deserted place such as this
would be their true feelings.
“You’re wasting your time, your talent, and your skills at being
an unaffiliated knight.”
“If, as you say, the race for the crown is over, then all the more
I should stay under Prince Guido’s faction out of duty. My family
may be at the tail end, but we’re still part of the nobility, and that is
a complicated world.”
Duke wanted to end the conversation there, but Friedhelm still
had something to say.
“I’m surprised you’re still bringing up Guido’s name in this
conversation. I was sure it would be Leticia's.”
“That is more unbelievable.”
Duke, feeling as if his defenses were being stripped down,
turned his back on Friedhelm, and walked away thinking of how
pointless the conversation was. But Friedhelm was not yet done
with him.
“Do you know what it means to be Leticia’s knight?”
Friedhelm wrapped his left hand around Duke’s neck.
“If you were ordered to, you’ve got to kill me like this. Can
you really do it?”
 
- 30 -
Friedhelm’s action tested Duke’s friendship with him – and he
was testing whether or not Duke was worthy to be Leti's knight.
Leti, on the other hand, let out a silent sigh as she watched the two
men’s competition of stubbornness from afar.
‘Duke never considered anyone else but you. You are a fool to doubt that.’
Leti wanted to wait for them to go their separate ways, but
since their glaring contest seemed like it would last forever, she
decided to end it herself.
“Would you please stop harassing my knight?”
“…Leticia.”
“I am not one to intentionally wound other people. If I wanted
you dead, I would not ask Duke to do it for me; I would do it
myself. Just like this.”
Friedhelm felt the chill of cold metal pressed against the small
of his back. He could acutely feel the shuddering cool of the metal
but his clothes and skin were still intact. Leti was pressing some
kind of blade against him with no hesitation, leaving only his
clothes as his shield. One wrong move and he was sure that Leti's
weapon would cut into him.
“At least make your hands shake a little. You really ain’t
adorable at all.”
“Shall I make my hands tremble next time?”
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 31 -
Friedhelm raised his hands in surrender, and Leti finally
stepped away from him. He turned around to see what her weapon
was but she had already hidden it.
“…Well, I guess it is better for you to have a knife to protect
yourself. We are supposedly targeting your life, after all.”
“Yes, that is about it. So would you mind going ahead and
leaving me to court my knight in private?”
“Yes, yes. See ya ‘round Duke!”
Friedhelm waved his hand in goodbye. To lighten up the
mood, Leti jokingly said to Duke that their friendship was quite
disturbing. She was also starting to hate that part of herself that
was always trying to calm everything down. Being neutral for eight
years found a way to ingrain such an attitude in her.
“Where are your guards?”
“I left them inside the treasure room with Leonhardt, who is in
heaven right now. Besides, I do not think anyone would be stupid
enough to attack me in broad daylight.”
“But still… oh, forget it. I understand perfectly that you’ll
listen and literally listen only to what I have to say. Moving on,
where exactly did you hide that knife? A girl with a hidden knife is
just as disturbing, in my humble opinion.”
Duke was thankful for Leti's kindness in lightening up the
mood and changed the topic. He examined Leti's appearance from 
 
- 32 -
head to toe and did not find anything amiss from her usual perfect
stance. But just when he was convinced, Leti reached out for the
ribbon on her back.
“Hiding a knife in a dress is impossible. That was a spoon.”
“…Huh?”
“It need not be a real blade; anything that can produce the
same cold metallic feel when pressed on one’s back can be
mistaken as one. Besides, I cannot kill anyone with a spoon no
matter how hard I press it against someone.”
Let took out from her ribbon a silver spoon and showed it to
Duke. He was dumbfounded by the fact that she really had one,
but Leti just shrugged her shoulders at him and returned it to her
ribbon.
“You can’t protect yourself with a mere spoon, you know?”
“I know… besides, I do not need a knight; I can protect
myself. The only reason why I need one is to fill up all of the posts
for the Knights of the Round. So I am here now, bowing my head
and begging you to take the first seat.”
“I’ve told you my answer already. And I haven’t seen you bow
your head to me,” Duke instantly retorted, but restrained himself
from saying anything else that could lead the conversation astray.
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 33 -
“I’m perfectly aware how brave and intelligent you are, but you
should also know that sometimes those qualities alone are not
enough to deal with the situation.”
“Are you worried about me?’
“…Yes. If anything happens to the kingdom’s future queen,
it’ll be a huge catastrophe.”
Duke’s reply was still unsure and not honest with himself, but
Leti said that such a reply would do for now. She walked away and
left Duke alone.
“Them being close friends makes things complicated.”
Leti was not demanding Duke to be her knight in the truest
sense of the word – a knight that would swear his life and loyalty
to his master. But she knew well that Duke couldn’t be anything
else but a true knight.
“Lion King Alexander and Revolution King Julius were best
friends, too. King Julius betrayed King Alexander, but King
Alexander never found it in his heart to hate his friend. That
proves how strong their bond was, and I am sure that what Duke
and Onii-sama has is the same.”
Leti's feet stopped, wondering whether or not she really had
what it took to break into that bond.
‘If only I had the qualities Friedhelm Onii-sama has, qualities suited to
be the king, then…’
 
- 34 -
Leti shook her head, driving away the negative thoughts, and
told herself that there wasn’t anything good in wishing for
something she did not have. She only had to give her best efforts
to be her ideal self.
“I will not give up on you, Duke. Not until you are the one
that will come to me, crawling and begging to be my knight. I will
not stop.”
Duke might have shouted, “Give me a break!” if he heard
Leti's encouragement for herself.
Duke, completely ignorant of Leti's newfound determination,
went back to camp to take his meal. The food from the camp’s
cafeteria was quite decent in taste and generous with the servings.
Upon taking his seat, he fiddled with the unused spoon and fork
with his fingers.
“Senpai?”
Duke pressed the spoon on Astrid’s back, befuddling his
junior by his actions.
“Astrid, what is this I’m pressing on your back?”
“Eh…? A spoon? A fork? ...A spoon.”
“How did you know?”
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 35 -
“It would be pricklier if it were a fork.”
Duke removed the spoon from Astrid, then took the fork in
his hands. He agreed with Astrid’s answer and asked another
question.
“Then you wouldn’t mistake a spoon for a knife?”
“That’s a bit hard to identify. I mean both have round tips…”
“Round? I don’t mean a dining knife, I mean a weapon, like a
short blade.”
Astrid thought of what Duke said.
“I don’t think I’d make a mistake on that. But maybe the
presence, the impression can change it.”
“Right…”
Now it was Duke’s turn to think. Leti said it was a spoon, but
was it really a spoon? She also said the same thing before, that it
was a spoon that broke his cup6
, but he was not really convinced.
“This is the second time I felt that there’s something different
about her. I can no longer convince myself that everything was my
imagination.”
Duke felt that Leti was hiding something, and that something
was definitely not a spoon.

6 See Chapter I.
 
- 36 -

“An art inventory? That sounds like a very tiresome thing to
do.”
Leti asked the young Administrative Karlheinz she met in the
Knight King’s Space today about the inventory list, but the young
King still hadn’t thought about it.
“But I can think of several reasons why I would do such a
thing. One of them is to aid in destroying Ghost Energies that
sometimes pose as art pieces. I may have come up with that idea
to help the next reincarnation of the Knight King, as sometimes
the interval between one is long.”
“Ghost Energy?” Leti and Heart-broken King Ludgar asked in
unison.
King Ludgar was a reincarnation of the Knight King after
Leti's time. He would be leaving great accomplishments in his
name, and he had a proper posthumous title worthy of those. But
the countless number of times his heart was broken left a mark in
history, earning him his other title of the Heart-broken King, to
which he was more known for – or so Leti had heard from later
kings after him.
“Ghost Energies are artifacts from the Knight King Christian’s
time. These are imitations of the twelve Promise Swords King 
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 37 -
Christian granted to his knights – in other words, weapons created
by his enemies to defeat him. But these Ghost Energies have a
flaw, so they were later known as cursed items.”
“What is their flaw? Do they suck life?”
“Yes. Ghost Energy can give its user the strongest power they
desire by converting the user’s life force. Thus, these items are
branded as cursed by those who knew nothing. Most people die in
half a year after harnessing its power.”
Karlheintz story provided the source of the cursed articles
coming out in stories. Leti nodded as she knew another of
history’s secrets.
“Ghost Energies no longer exist in our time, don’t they?
Creepy,” Heart-broken King Ludgar said, shrugging his shoulders.
“I believe most of them were already destroyed in King
Alexander’s and my time, but there might have been one or two
left in your time, Queen Leticia.”
“How shall I deal with it?”
“Well, you…”

“…Intruder!”
Leti jolted up, took the short blade hidden under her pillow,
and looked around. She only had to stall the intruder until her 
 
- 38 -
guards came, and besides, she could protect herself even if they
came in late.
“Someone, come here quickly!” Leti cried out in the dark to
her guards, who were supposed to be right outside her room.
Suddenly, she felt a strong, murderous intent. She lifted the
darkness with something unseen, and then a shrill sound came,
followed by knives – but neither touched Leti, for she was
surrounded by something shielding her from the knives, leaving
them on the floor.
“Don’t tell me you’re…” The assassin murmured in the
darkness. Leti felt as if she had seen the sharp, piercing green eyes
of the assassin. His voice sounded familiar as well. She frantically
searched her memory to piece the information together.
“I am what?”
“You’re the kni…”
“Your Highness! Are you safe!?”
The assassin chose to retreat when he heard the voices of the
guards. He quietly climbed down the window where he seemed to
have entered from.
“Your Highness!”
The guards came rushing into the dark room, but Leti
answered calmly that she was fine.
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 39 -
“The intruder ran away through the window. Station a guard
by it and then contact the Order. Tell them to go after him,
though I doubt they can catch him.”
Leti gave her orders one after the other and drove her guards
out of her room. She cut several wounds on herself using the
assassin’s knives, and she scattered those on top of the sheets to
make it look like she used them as her shield. She wouldn’t want
people to wonder how she was able to evade all of the knives in
the dark.
“Argh! And we were in the middle of talking about Ghost
Energy.”
Leti still didn’t know what kinds of things were considered as
Ghost Energy or how to destroy one. But since she hadn’t heard
any news pertaining to cursed items, she could simply ask King
Karlheinz again about this topic on a later date.
“Your Highness, we have come to clean your room. Shall we
prepare a different room for you to rest?”
“No, thank you. It is a bit early, but I shall continue on with
my day. Could you prepare tea for me?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
If she were being honest, Leti wanted to lie down and sleep
again, but decided against it. After all, today was an important day
for her.
 
- 40 -
“But to think I am going to start this day like this…”
Leti’s day started with almost getting killed. She didn’t feel
good about it, but decided to put it on the side so as not to ruin
the rest of her day. Today was the day she was given permission to
attend, or rather to observe, from the inside the Kingdom’s
politics. She was allowed to join the morning sessions to show her
how the Kingdom was run. Her two older brothers had attended
several sessions already, but she was never given the chance to join,
since they thought that she would be given to some other country
or a powerful member of the peerage as a bride, and there would
be no use even if she did join the meetings.
A king’s day was normally composed of meetings in the
morning, and official visits and holding audience with his subjects
in the afternoon. As of this day, Leti would be taking part in some
of these responsibilities. Her mornings would be spent in the main
castle more, and her afternoons would be slowly filled with visits
around the kingdom as the King’s representative. It was also
highly possible that she would play a bigger role in foreign affairs
by going on diplomatic visits in the name of the Kingdom.
“But diplomacy and foreign affairs management is best suited
for Prince Friedhelm.”
One, he was handsome. He was such a beautiful lad, and his
amicability and friendliness radiate from his face. Two, he was
open-minded and had the charisma to attract people around him.
Leti thought it’d be better to leave foreign affairs with him. He 
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 41 -
probably did not realize it since it was so natural for him, but he
had this part of him that could make people feel safe and believe
that everything would be fine if they left it to him. This was
something innate in him, and no amount of effort could make one
attain it.
“Prince Guido is ideal for internal administration; he is just the
perfect Prime Minister type.”
Compared with First Prince Friedhelm, who was suited for
foreign affairs, Second Prince Guido would be better working on
the internal affairs of the Kingdom with his detailed planning and
the needed drive to execute the plan flawlessly. He’d fare better
with managing the taxes, or planning and giving the instructions
for ceremonies, rather than weathering through the unpredictable
tides of foreign affairs. These tasks required flexibility and
versatility in dealing the situation. He could simply gain the trust of
the people as he worked along the way, completing one task after
the other.
Leti could easily think of reasons why her two older brothers
could be the better kings, but she did not envy them, rather…
“…If the three of us can just cooperate and rule the kingdom
together, Sommevesle will be stable…”
If the three of them would help each other in ruling the
kingdom, maybe they’d even get the “Sibling Kings” posthumous
title. Leti gathered the hem of her gown and started walking as she
thought of the impossible future she was secretly hoping for.
 
- 42 -
“That is for all today. Session adjourned.”
Leti wondered how many names she had taken down in her
mental diary during the session. Around half of the cabinet
ministers were in foul moods, and dozed off during the meeting.
The man beside her kept saying things off the point, and then the
other members would follow in their own irritating opinions. If
the sessions were always like this, then Leti was sure she’d really be
known as the Rant Queen. She hid behind her papers her
twitching, forced smile and straightened the appearing creases in
between her eyebrows.
‘Seniority is… plain troublesome. The worst part is that I cannot do
anything about the stupid ones that only have high statuses… Well, I really
cannot do much about low-ranking stupid members, either.’
Despite all that, Leti was aware of her own shortcomings. Her
plate was already full just by quietly attending the meeting, trying
to read in between the lines and planning what to do for the future.
“Princess Leticia!”
“How may I help you, Earl Brightkreutz?”
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 43 -
“If it pleases you, would you like to join me for luncheon after
this? We may talk about the proceedings this morning…”
Leti answered that she’d be glad to join him and placed her
hand on the young earl’s offered left arm, despite knowing the fact
that her complaints in her diary would increase. She just convinced
herself that making the connection now with Earl Brightkreutz, a
young man few years older than her, might prove to be useful in
the future.
“I see I cannot be a Lion King or an Administrative King…”
“Pardon me?”
Leti's soft whisper did not reach the earl’s ear and she replied
with a smile that it was nothing.
‘I cannot be like Lion King Alexander, who can gallantly round up
matters, nor be a genius like Administrative King Karlheinz, who was able to
continue to execute internal reforms and external revolutions even after losing
his wife, who was his partner in life.’
Leti mockingly thought of herself as a half-baked queen in
comparison to the past and future reincarnations of the Knight
King. She could only be a queen whose sole talents were to
skillfully manipulate people of talent to work for her and return
whatever trust is given to her.
 
- 44 -
Duke wanted to say it was all a coincidence. It really was. He
was just out in town for patrol duties when he saw a golden-haired
lady. Even he didn’t want to believe that the said blonde lass he
saw was Her Highness, Princess Leticia, roaming around town and,
of course, without her guards. Duke knew at once that she was out
for her incognito walk. He wanted to scold her right at once, but
they were not in the right place and nor was he in the position to,
so he had second thoughts on calling out to her.
“Is she headed to the North Cemetery? Visiting someone
there?”
The North Cemetery was where the Royal family was laid to
rest, and no outsiders were allowed to go there. At the deepest part
of the cemetery was the basement where the Kings of the past lay.
One day, Leti, too, would be placed there for her eternal rest. It
wouldn’t be peculiar to find her there; no one would scold her if
they saw her there. Besides, it was a no trespassing area, but there
weren’t real guards stationed, so it had become a playground for
children who did not know what treason meant yet.
Duke couldn’t decide whether he should call her or not, but by
the time he had made up his mind, his shadow was already long
and the sun was beginning to set. He had lingered on his decision
for far too long.
“Lady Cia! I wouldn’t mind if you wanted to stay here as long
as you want to if you have your guards with you. But if you are 
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 45 -
alone, I think it’d be better for you to go home now while there is
still light.”
Leti, having spaced out, was surprised when she saw Duke by
her side, their long shadows standing close to each other. She,
unusually, agreed silently and started walking after giving a slight
bow to pay her respects to the grave.
“I did not plan to stay long, but look at the time.”
Leti seemed tired, for her steps lacked their usual spirit. Duke
normally did not have to adjust his pace for Leti, but today, he had
to walk a bit slowly.
‘Her Highness just turned seventeen last month right… She’s too young.’
Those her age normally felt lost or confused and had a lot of
things going on inside their heads. Of course it was natural to feel
those things, especially for someone like her, who was carrying
such big responsibilities.
“Are you worried about something?” Duke made sure that his
question sounded nonchalant.
Leti replied with a sigh, “I was just disappointed with myself,
that’s all. So disappointed that I was nearly able to convince myself
why I am called the Leftover Princess.”
“Those who stand on top have great responsibilities to bear.
That is also the reason why they have to complain sometimes, to
have someone that’ll listen to them… I’m willing to be the wind 
 
- 46 -
now, you know?” Duke’s kind and understanding voice said those
words as if he were an older brother persuading his younger sister
to tell him her fears. Leti faltered for a moment because of that,
but it only lasted for a moment, for strength came back quickly in
her eyes. Her eyes sparked, showing Duke that there was no need
for his help.
“That stubbornness you’ve got there inside you does not suite
a beautiful young lady… but that is exactly what a ruler needs. I
am sure you will be a great queen.”
Duke’s casual words touched Leti’s heart.
‘You keep on refusing my invitation to be knight and yet you know and
tell me the words I desire to hear the most…I hate this situation. It just
makes me want to have you as my knight even more!’
Releasing her sentiments made Leti feel a little bit better, and
her steps naturally got lighter. Duke was relieved to see the usual
spirit back in Leti’s steps. And just as she was coming back to her
normal self, Duke walked quickly and stood in front of her. Three
members of the Order, Duke’s colleagues, waved at him.
“Why should it be him!?”
If they had just been normal Order knights, then he could
easily tell them that he was an escort to Princess Leticia. But
unfortunately, some of them were under Guido’s faction. If they
found out about Leti going out of the castle alone… He could only
think of ominous things awaiting her.
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 47 -
“Duke! Hitting on girls while on duty, are we?”
“Of course not!”
Duke covered Leti with his back and wished for his colleagues
to go away. Leti, on the other hand, was preparing for the worst. If
the need arose, she would voluntarily reveal her identity and admit
that she was out on a date with Duke to cover up her incognito
walks.
“…Hey, just play along and don’t move,” Duke whispered in
Leti’s ears.
Leti turned around to face Duke when he slowly wrapped his
left arm to her waist and placed his right hand on her neck. Before
Leti could ask him what he was doing, Duke leaned in closer and
covered her face with his. Duke’s fellow knights yelled at him with
jest – exactly how Duke expected them to react.
“Sorry guys, but as you can see, I’m in the middle of a date. So
don’t interrupt us.”
Duke, with all his might, buried Leti’s face into his chest,
shielding her face from their sight. With this, the only information
they’d have on the lady was her golden locks. None would be the
wiser that the lady was Princess Leticia.
“Wow! Being showy, aren’t we?”
“We get it, Duke. Take all the time you need.”
 
- 48 -
People liked to snoop their noses if something were being kept
a secret, but flaunt it and they’d be the ones to back out. Duke
finally relaxed when his colleagues were in a distance far enough
for them not to notice Leti’s face.
“Oi, we’re coming home. Now. Things like that might happen
again, so you’d better stop going out of the castle alone.” Duke
warned Leti, who he was still holding in his arms.
Leti looked up at him, and with all her might, punched him in
the stomach. He unconsciously leaned forward, gasping for breath
as he struggled to identify what, exactly, hit him.
“What…the…heck…are you doing?”
“This is not about what I am doing. This is about what you
did!”
His thoughts hadn’t even cleared yet when he felt a stinging
pain on his cheeks. The punch was followed by a slap delivered by
Leti’s delicate hand. The only thing Duke could do was to clench
his teeth. He, teary-eyed from the pain, looked up at Leti – her
face was flushed and her body was shaking in anger.
“…It was just an act! Pretend!” Duke answered in his defense
when he understood what all of this was for.
“You were too close!”
“Getting that close was not a big deal. You are seventeen. I
won’t believe you if you say you haven’t had any experience with
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 49 -
this sort of thing. Prince Friedhelm was playing to his heart’s
content at your age.”
“Don’t underestimate a sheltered maiden’s inexperience! And
don’t you ever group me again with my stupid brother!”
Duke was surprised upon hearing Leti’s roundabout way of
saying she did not have any experience in kissing.
“Huh?”
Leti raised her hand to give Duke another slap because of his
exclamation but he was able to catch her hand before a slap landed
on his other cheek.
“I… I understand now. So let’s just have a truce. The punch
was for the kiss act, and the slap for my thoughtless remarks.
Deal?”
“I actually punched you to slap you, so technically it is
considered as one move… But, oh well… Deal.”
Leti’s move was a one-two combination. She had punched
Duke to deal with the height difference so when he leaned forward,
Leti could slap him. Duke silently cursed the person who taught
her such a high-skilled self-defense move. He would probably
never know that it was his best friend, Friedhelm, who taught her
that.
 
- 50 -
“A princess cannot easily marry anyone, right? Even the one
they love? So you’d better try and play a bit before you marry. I
know you can get whoever you want.”
“Oh yes. You just played me a while ago.”
“Quit saying it that way! That was different and you already
know that!”
They went back to castle while exchanging sneaky remarks at
each other. When they reached their usual parting place, Leti
turned around to face Duke and remembered that she had
something to ask him.
“An assassin came to attack me this morning and he said some
parting words to me. What do you think follows, ‘Don’t tell me
you’re the…’ The first syllable is na. He didn’t get to finish it.”
“What? An assassin!? Then what in the world are you doing
out here alone!? This is dangerous! I’ll escort you until the Royal
Villa!”
“You are exaggerating. This is not first time such a thing has
happened. There is no need to make a fuss out of it. So what do
you think?”
But Duke could not possibly think and come up with an
answer for Leti's question. He was much more concerned about
the assassin’s attack than what Leti was asking. Leti regretted
telling Duke about the attack when she saw his troubled
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 51 -
expression. She could have just directly asked him her question
without any prelude. Duke may look scary with his big frame and
usually dour expression, but he was a really kind person to the core,
and Leti's words made him worry a lot.
“…Hmmm… Don’t tell me… you’re the… knight-less
princess?” he suggested.
“Ah, I see.”
So the confused Duke came up with an answer, but it did not
help Leti at all. She coldly said thanks to Duke for his meaningless
answer and climbed up the wall.
“Oi, you’d better get a skilled knight to stay by your side, even
just a temporary one. You can get Astrid!”
“I heard your warning, heard it. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Let jumped down to the other side of the wall, and she was no
longer visible to Duke. He made a stern face at how Leti was so
used to climbing up and going down.
“What the heck are her guards doing? If I were your knight, I
certainly wouldn’t let you go anywhere alone…”
Duke shook his head the moment words left his lips, trying to
deny the fact that he thought of something he’d do if he were
Leti's knight.
 
- 52 -
“It’s natural to worry… I’m no longer a stranger, of course I
will…”
Duke pretended not to notice the budding answer inside him.
Rather, he convinced himself that he wouldn’t get involved any
further.
The Cattleya Court, a part of the Royal Palace, was where the
Queen Consorts lived. Men were restricted in this area, so Leti had
to leave her guards by the entrance. She had already finished her
business inside, so she was strolling along the garden on her way
back to the entrance where her guards were waiting for her.
However, rain clouds were starting to gather, so she started to
quicken her pace. Today’s weather was not good for a stroll.
“Oh, berries are already ripe and sweet during this season…”
Leti was debating with herself where to start the activity with
her younger sisters – whether it would be from making the jam, or
if she should prepare the jam in advance and start with making the
snacks. Then her feet stopped upon seeing a man inside the Court.
‘Men are technically not allowed here, but princes are exceptions. Has he
come to visit Queen Rosalind7
?’

7 Friedhelm’s mother. Third Queen Consort.
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 53 -
But Prince Friedhelm did not seem to be going towards that
direction. It looked more like he was using Cattleya Court as
shortcut. Leti hesitated for a moment, but made up her mind to
call him.
“Prince Friedhelm, do you hate berries?”
“Berries?”
Recently, the only conversation they have had was about
Friedhelm’s recommended husband candidates. Since Leti did not
hide her irritation on the topic, she obviously avoided Friedhelm.
So he was, indeed, surprised that Leti was the one initiating the
conversation.
“I like them.”
“Good. It shall be berries then.”
“Sorry, but I don’t get it.”
“I will be making some sweets with our little sisters, and I
figured you might be troubled if you received something you hate,
so I wanted to confirm it with you.”
“Oh, I see. But you didn’t have to worry about that. I won’t
tell them straight at their faces I hate it even though I really do. I
can deal with that situation with a smile plastered on my face.”
“Oh, right. I forgot.” Leti said those words as if she was
admiring Friedhelm’s thoughtfulness.
 
- 54 -
“I wonder if Prince Guido likes them as well.”
“Isn’t he banning sweets ‘cause it’s just a waste?”
“But I have to give one to him if I will be giving you one, lest
it become troublesome. I just hope he will accept it with a smile.”
“A sneer, most likely. He’s good at doing that.”
The conversation they were having was good; they were able
to have a normal one. Now, if she could just talk with him like this
more, then they’d have wider topics to cover, and maybe, in time,
she could ask for his cooperation politically.
“How about Duke and Astrid? They also told me they wanted
to give one to the two knights who attended the last tea party.”
“I think Duke’s fine, but I’m not quite sure about Astrid. I can
go and ask Duke about Astrid; I’m on my way to meet him.”
“You are going to meet with Duke? Then I shall come with
you.”
So Leti and Friedhelm were on their way to meet Duke.
Following lazy Friedhelm’s lead meant that Leti would go around
the Royal Palace without her guards, whom she left at the entrance
of Cattleya Court, because Friedhelm’s intended route would go
out to the other side. She was thinking of an excuse for her guards
when she saw the handrails of the corridor marking the Court’s
boundaries.
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 55 -
“Do you always use this route?”
Leti frowned at Friedhelm as he nimbly climbed over the
handrails.
“This is the shortest way. Here, lemme give you a hand.”
“There is no need.”
Leti rejected Friedhelm’s help and climbed down the wall with
agility by herself. Of course, the low handrails were nothing
compared to the high palace walls she easily climbed up and down
for her incognito walks.
“Well, well, well. We shouldn’t be calling you the Leftover
Princess! ‘Tomboy Princess’ should be better for you.”
“I think ‘that’s my sister’ would have been better for this case.”
Their exchange of meaningless banter was a normal thing.
After they had moved a few steps into the Castle, Leti heard a
voice calling her from behind, so she turned around to have a look.
“What is the matter?”
“Well…” answered the maid. Her voice and face clearly
showed that it was something difficult for her to speak of until
Leti and Friedhelm noticed nearly at the same time what the
purpose of the maid was.
“Move out!”
 
- 56 -
Friedhelm pulled Leti's arm and shielded her from the
approaching paper knife the maid wielded. The knife cut not Leti,
but the back of Friedhelm’s hand.
“Your hand…”
“Just a scratch. Darn it! We just went out of a swordprohibited
zone and this happens!”
Some parts of the royal palace prohibited carrying of any
weapons, such as the Throne Room and Assembly Halls. These
were called sword-prohibited zones, and only the palace guards
were allowed to carry one. This rule was decided during King
Alexander’s time to prevent violence during meetings and
discussions. There had been an incident during his time where the
discussion during the meeting became too heated and the
members ended up drawing their swords.
Friedhelm thought he could easily finish his business, so he did
not bother bringing his sword. To add to that, his knights, the
Seventh Heaven, were nowhere near the vicinity since he passed
through Cattleya Court. He was frantically thinking of what he
could use as a weapon when he remembered the time that Leti
threatened him.
“You carry a knife with you, right? Lend that to me.”
“I only have a spoon.”
“Spoon!? ...Was the same thing you used on me?”
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 57 -
“I will not deny it.”
Friedhelm shouted in frustration. He was fooled by Leti, by a
spoon. Nonetheless, he was on his guard shielding Leti should the
maid lunge again. Leti was also thinking of how they should deal
with this.
“I don’t have any choice…You can protect yourself, right? On
my signal, run as fast as you can towards the gates. Not towards
Cattleya Court.”
But Leti shook her head in disagreement. The maid might just
be a diversion, and it was still not clear who the real target was.
“I do not think separating is a good thing. But can you do
something about her if I cause a diversion?”
“Haven’t fought a paper knife before but I’ll try.”
This would’ve been easy if Leti was alone. Well, it would still
be easy if it were fine for her to be seen by her brother, but to deal
a certain amount of damage to the maid while not exposing herself
to was difficult.
“Then, step back and watch. You probably don’t know it, but
my fighting skills were at par with Duke’s during our Academy
days.”
And these were not just words. Friedhelm tackled the maid
and took the knife away from her.
 
- 58 -
“Bravo! I would have asked you to be my knight if you were
not a prince.”
“It was my pleasure. Make sure to thank me later!” Friedhelm
arrogantly hummed as he took the ribbon from Leti's hair and tied
the maid’s feet.
“Got any other ribbons?”
“I do.”
Leti untied the one wrapped around her waist and gave it to
Friedhelm. The spoon hidden in it fell with a clang.
“You really do have a spoon…”
“I can only hide that much, though I guess I can learn a thing
or two from her and try hiding a knife.”
Friedhelm, after tying up the maid, stood up and looked at the
wound on his left hand. The bleeding already stopped, and the cut
was not deep.
“The paper knife was a blind spot. It isn’t a weapon but a tool,
though still enough to hurt. And to think it was in here in the
Royal Palace.”
Friedhelm picked up the knife that was lying on the floor. It
had an intricate and peculiar design.
“Take a look this. This might be worth a fortune. The design
might even date back to King Christian’s time!”
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 59 -
“Is it that old?”
“These carving patterns are particular for that era. This might
have originally been a weapon, like a dagger of sorts, and was
changed to a paper knife. I can imagine that this item is worthy to
be a national treasure, but was overlooked by King Karlheinz
when he was doing his inventory since it had been used normally
within the castle.”
Leti listened to Friedhelm’s hypothesis about the paper knife
and agreed with his conclusion, but she felt she was missing the
point even though she already had the necessary information, and
couldn’t connect the dots.
‘A former dagger from the Knight King’s era… Redesigned as a
paperknife and overlooked by Administration King’s inventory…”
Thinking of the events chronologically didn’t help her, so
maybe she had to look at this from a different standpoint…
‘Why did King Karlheinz do the inventory…? To destroy ghost energies
posing as art works…!’
“Drop that!” Leti shouted. If it had been a weapon during
King Christian’s time, then it was possible.
Friedhelm was surprised with Leti's cry and tried to let go of
the paper knife, but his hand would not listen to him.
“Huh? What’s this?”
 
- 60 -
“This really is…”
Leti reached out to Friedhelm’s hand and attempted to loosen
it from his grip, but his fingers wouldn’t budge. If this was really
related to Ghost Energy, then she had to do something about it.
King Karlheinz said that those who got possessed with ghost
energies only had six months at most to live.
“Go away!” Friedhelm shouted.
But before Leti could even ask why, Friedhelm’s left hand
moved and held her neck. He was strangling her, and he did not
know what to do or why it was happening. He could only plead
with his eyes for Leti to run away. But his hand did not loosen its
grip on Leti, and it became tighter and tighter the more Friedhelm
wished to loosen it. And then, Leti's vision faded out.

“Wait! I am not supposed to come here or else I will die!”
“Hey, noisy today, aren’t we? What’s wrong?”
The only way to come to the Knight King’s Space is to be
unconscious in the real world. So if Leti was here, it meant she
went unconscious due to Friedhelm strangling her. Therefore, if
she didn’t go back to the real world and woke up right now,
“death” was the only end waiting for her.
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 61 -
Leti was going to return to the real world when she
remembered something and asked Lion King Alexander, “What is
Ghost Energy?”
The only knowledge Leti had of it was what she heard from
Administrative King Karlheinz – that Ghost Energies were like
cursed art pieces created during the time of Knight King Christian,
and that its bearer would die within half a year.
“Well, I heard that they were weapons created by the enemies
of King Christian to copy the Promise Swords, but they all looked
like cursed items to me,” answered King Alexander.
“Yes, I know that much. I also heard that the owner would die
within half a year.”
“Nah, it’s more complicated than that. A human wounded by
the Ghost Energy would lose their control over their own body
‘cause they’d be manipulated by it. We used to call them ‘slaves.’
Ghost Energies were originally created to kill the stupid Knight
King Christian, so naturally, the slaves would move according to
that logic.”
Alexander grinned with excitement.
“Do you get the connection now? It means that we,
reincarnations of the Knight King, are also targets of the Ghost
Energies. There’s no point in hiding your identity, they’ll always
know. Those blasted Ghost Energies are too persistent for their
own good.”
 
- 62 -
The Lion King here right now might be fighting against one.
He then laughed, saying he was indeed attacked by one a while ago.
“How can I return a slave to normal?”
“Kill ‘em.”
Lion King Alexander, a king who used drastic measures to
rebuild his kingdom, gave the coldest and yet the simplest answer
to Leti's question. But Leti had her own circumstances and could
not easily swallow King Alexander’s medicine.
“Is there another way?”
“…Hmmm… if he was just possessed, you might be able to
do something. Take a close look at his shadow. There should be a
thread-like shadow connecting the slave to the host – the body
that has become one with the Ghost Energy. Erase that with light
and the slave’d be back to normal. The Ghost Energy can create
infinite number of slaves, but it can only control one at a time. Use
that knowledge well in fighting against it.”
“Thank you! I shall come back now.”
“As long as the host is still alive, it’ll just create new slaves.
Make sure to kill the host and then purify the weapon with the
Flame Sword. Got that?”
Leti heard Alexander’s warning from a distance as her
consciousness drifted back to reality.
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 63 -

“Who…is…manipulating…me?” Friedhelm said in a strained
voice as he fought the force making him strangle Leti.
“Let this hand, my hand, free Leti! I don’t want to do this to
my sister!”
If this situation continued, Friedhelm’s unconscious sister
would die by his own hands. Friedhelm prayed for help to come,
help in whatever form. And his prayers were answered.
“Prince Friedhelm!?”
Duke’s surprised voice echoed throughout the place. He did
not expect to see such a sight when he simply went out to search
for his late friend. He immediately knew something was wrong when
he saw his friend strangling Leti.
“DUKE! Hurry and take my hand off Leti! Quick!”
Duke moved instantly and went to loosen Friedhelm’s grip on
Leti's neck without paying much attention to the contradiction
between Friedhelm’s words and his current actions. Duke, with all
his might, pulled Friedhelm’s hand away, and that was enough to
loosen the grip, even just for a moment. Air passed through Leti's
throat. But Duke’s strength wasn’t enough to pull Friedhelm’s
hand away.
 
- 64 -
“Princess, please hold on a little long…!”
Duke’s speech was cut off by the pain he felt on his hand.
Friedhelm’s left hand, holding the paper knife, wounded Duke,
and the wound felt like it was digging through his flesh despite the
shallow cut. Blood gushed down from the cut, and head-splitting
pain attacked Duke.
‘What the heck should I do!?”
In the midst of chaos, it was clear in Duke’s mind who should
be prioritized. He knew he should do whatever means possible to
ensure the life of the heir, the life of Leti.
“Duke, I’m giving you the permission to draw your sword. Cut
off my hand now!”
Friedhelm shouted, pleaded to Duke. His words made Duke
feel like he read the turmoil going on inside him. His mind knew
what he had to do, but his heart could follow with it. Duke shook
his head and refused to follow Friedhelm’s wish.
“Do you think I can do that?!”
“Yes, you can. Now draw out your sword and cut my hand.
Don’t let Leti die!”
“But…”
“I’m no delicate flower. I won’t die with one less hand. Please,
don’t let me do this!”
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 65 -
As Duke braced himself for what he was about to do, Leti's
consciousness came back; the measly amount of air that entered
her system when Duke loosened Friedhelm’s grip for a moment
was enough to bring her back. She understood immediately what
was happening based on Friedhelm and Duke’s exchange and
started to take action to escape her predicament.
‘Knight sword, descend upon me and drop your sheath at the back of his
neck!’
Leti drew out of thin air the knight sword and dropped it at
Friedhelm’s nape. Friedhelm lost his grip due to the impact. Duke
did not comprehend what had happened, but he knew this was his
chance. He successfully separated Friedhelm and Leti.
“Princess! Are you alive!?”
Leti choked at the sudden gush of air passing through her
throat. Duke was relieved upon hearing that, since it meant that
she was alive. He drew out his sword, ready to make the next
move. In front of him was his best friend, clenching the paper
knife, preparing as well for his next attack.
“What the heck is this all about?”
“I don’t know as well. The only thing I’m certain about is that
someone’s manipulating my body to move against my will!”
“Is there really nothing you can do?”
 
- 66 -
“Tried already, but to no avail. Though I’m sure the paper
knife’s the cause of this.”
Duke did not know what to do. Behind him was an alive Leti
who had nearly died, and in front of him was a puppet-like
Friedhelm preparing to attack.
“Please Duke, just cut my hand!”
“Your Highness…”
Duke searched for an answer on what he should do. ‘This is not
about what I SHOULD do but what I WANT to do.’
Friedhelm was Duke’s best friend. He was happy when this
friend of his invited him to be his knight – his friend that would’ve
been king. He truly appreciated the invitation despite turning it
down due to the circumstances of his family. It would be a lie if he
said he did not regret turning down an invitation to be one of the
Seventh Heaven, a chivalric order composed of only the best of
the best.
But Duke still held his sword tighter, more determined.
True, Friedhelm would’ve been a good king, and he was proud
of that. In the end, he was not able to get the crown, but he still
wanted to be Friedhelm’s knight. But he knew that all of these
emotions were mere extensions of his friendship with him. He
wouldn’t have noticed this fact if he did not learn recently that the
desire to protect someone was a whole different feeling.
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 67 -
‘Then who is it you want to protect?’ Duke asked himself.
“This is a piece of cake for you. Take a look at the difference
in the reach of the weapons! Do it in one clean sweep. I don’t
wanna let Leti see this.”
“…Got it. Sorry.”
There wasn’t time left for him to think. He could only do what
he could. Duke prepared himself to deliver one clean hit so that
his friend wouldn’t have to suffer long. He took one step to the
side to block Leti's sight.
“…These two stupid show-off buffoons!”
Leti was still in a bit of a daze, but she clearly understood the
situation. She punched the ground, venting off her anger.
‘You idiots! It does not matter if Onii-sama loses his hand here or even
die because Duke will just be the next slave! I have to eradicate the shadow!”
Leti focused her eyes onto Friedhelm’s shadow and saw a
thread-like darkness at his feet, unnaturally connected to his own.
She knew that if she followed that thread, it would lead her to the
host, but that was not her top priority for now.
‘Come lightning and descend to the ground!’
Leti called out one of the Promise Swords, the Lightning
Sword. To answer her call, the heavily clouded skies parted and
blinding, bluish-white lightning flashed. Its light erased the 
 
- 68 -
shadows in the area for a moment. The light was followed by a
deafening thunder with shockwaves enough to shake the ground.
Duke and Friedhelm froze. They could not comprehend for a
second what happened. Leti, unsurprised at all, checked the thread
shadow by Friedhelm’s feet and saw it gone. Then, Leti gave her
stern command.
“Duke! Take the knife and throw it far away!”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
Duke obeyed Leti's order right away. There was something in
her voice that made him believe it was the right thing to do. Duke
took the knife from Friedhelm’s hand and threw it as far as he
could. The metallic sound of the knife hitting a pillar echoed
throughout the place, and then silence spread.
“…You are back to normal, are you not?”
“Ye…ah. I’m really back…?”
Friedhelm willed his hands to move, and when it did – when
his hands moved according to his own will – the fact that he had
control over his body sunk in. He ran towards Leti without
thinking and caged her in his arms.
“Thank goodness!”
Friedhelm’s words were nothing but sincere, and Leti couldn’t
push him away. Leti looked up at Duke, asking for help with her 
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 69 -
eyes but he simply shrugged his shoulders, his face saying, “Just let
him be.” Duke had already placed his sword inside its sheath, but
he was still holding it, prepared and on standby.
‘Onii-sama used to hug me like this when we were young…I wonder what
happened…’
Leti felt her eyelids grow heavier. To add to that, the warmth
and nostalgia she felt at being inside her brother’s arms made her
sleepier, but she scolded herself, saying that she still had things left
to be done. She had to check on the maid’s shadow, ask those two
to keep their mouths shut about this incident, and then maybe get
some sleep.
The first thing to do was to get rid of that paper knife, but it
was now nowhere to be found. Wondering where it went, Leti
scanned around the area and found a pair of green eyes floating in
the shadow cast by the pillar.
‘He is the assassin from that night! So it is safe to assume that he is the
host of the Ghost Energy.’
Both of them knew each other’s identities. The assassin’s
sentence that night was, “Don’t tell me you’re the Knight King.”
Duke’s wild guess of ‘Knight-less Princess’ was partly true.
‘And this revelation connects another point… How did I ever miss it?’
When did all of these incidents with assassins and Ghost
Energy start? It was when Leti met him – he who was not a normal 
 
- 70 -
knight. It was highly possible that he was in the center of all the
incidents happening recently.
The assassin vanished in a puff, so Leti considered this
incident as over for now. Besides, she had figured out most of the
puzzle.
“Well, then, leave the rest of this incident to me,” Leti told
Duke and Friedhelm as she wobbly stood up with her brother’s
help.
“Do you know what this is about?”
“To a certain extent, yes.”
“Planning on telling us?”
“Nope. You can also let her go. There is no more need to
worry about her.”
Leti was moving alone from here on. She would finish that
assassin who was acting as the host to the Ghost Energy, and then
she’d purify it once the Ghost Energy lost its host.
“Both me and Prince Friedhelm are at fault for this incident
for going around unescorted. No harm or damage was done to
both parties, so let us just forget about this matter like it never
happened. I shall not accept any objections.”
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 71 -
Leti walked towards the maid after saying her piece to check
her shadow. The maid’s thread might have been erased when
lightning came forth.
“I almost killed you, you know!” Friedhelm cried to Leti, who
was calmly rearranging the ribbon on her chest.
“As I have said, what do you mean by almost killing me?”
Both knew that Leti's words that casually threw everything out
the window was her way of being considerate. Leti straightened
her back, squared her shoulders, and walked away as if nothing
serious had ever occurred, leaving Friedhelm and Duke standing in
silence. Friedhelm broke the silence.
“Duke, sorry ‘bout the wound.”
“Ah, don’t sweat it. It’s just a scratch.”
The blood on the wound caused by the paper knife was
already starting to close, but if he left it exposed, he might stain the
other parts of his uniform, so he wiped away the blood and tied a
handkerchief around it using his other hand and mouth.
“Duke, be Leti's knight.”
“Huh…?”
“She knows something.”
Duke already had a gut feeling that Leti wasn’t telling them
everything, and some moments during the incident a while ago 
 
- 72 -
strengthened this belief. Leti's actions after the lightning struck had
the impression that she knew it was coming and was waiting for it
compared to him and Friedhelm, who were momentarily dazed in
surprise. Then after the lightning, Friedhelm was free again.
“Yeah, she probably does,” agreed Duke.
“She has the ability to uncover everything about this. I know
she can. But if you did not come, I’d probably have killed my sister
with my own hands. She’s yet to learn that there are things she
cannot handle alone.”
If Duke had not appear at that moment, Leti would not have
regained her consciousness, and would have ended up being killed
by Friedhelm’s hands. Death for any human being is imminent. A
simple unexpected turn of events could lead to one’s demise.
Friedhelm was asking Duke to be the knight that would always be
by Leti's side in case anything unforeseen were to happen.
“If you’re gonna say that you cannot make a decision because
of your friendship to me and your responsibility to Guido… Then
let me tell you this. Be Leti's knight. Be the knight that’ll protect
her.”
But Duke did not nod.
“I refuse. I am a free man moving of my own free will.”
“Then I ask you as her brother. You’re the only one who I can
trust my sister with!”
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 73 -
“I still refuse. I told you, I only move based on my own
volition. No amount of persuasion or urging can make me change
my mind. Even if it comes from you.”
“Duke!”
Duke walked away, never looking back at the frustrated
Friedhelm calling out to him.
Duke was a tall man with long legs. If he walked faster, his
long strides could cover the same distance a kid would by running.
He was able to catch up with Leti in no time and called out to her.
“Oi!”
Leti stopped in her tracks and turned around.
“The only person allowed to address me in such a way is my
husband, but I shall not be choosing one who would dare call me
so. Anyway, what would your business be?”
“I’ve got something to tell you… Can we go someplace else?
This isn’t a good place for it.”
Leti thought that she would be asked about the truth behind
the paper knife incident, so she warned Duke that she’d only
answer questions she felt like answering to. “Yes, of course. But let
me tell you this first. I will choose whether I answer your
questions or not.”
 
- 74 -
“I’ll say what I want to say. Let’s go.”
“Wait a minute!”
Duke grabbed Leti's wrist and dragged her without hesitation.
Leti had to jog to keep up with his pace.
“Hey! Let go of me. Did I not agree already to come with you?”
Of course, they were not holding hands like couples do. It was
obvious that Duke was forcibly dragging Leti somewhere, but one
could not be sure how other people would interpret such a
situation. Leti was worried about that.
“I also have a situation to deal with here, so just keep up.”
Duke continued walking and pulling Leti's arm, ignoring her
complaints. He looked different than usual; he was not his normal,
stoic self.
‘Is he angry about something...? No. It’s more like he was driven into a
corner… But why?’
They reached their destination without Leti ever figuring out
what was going on inside Duke’s head. They were in the hearth of
the castle, the King’s Gallery, where the portraits of the kings of
the past were exhibited. Duke finally let go of Leti's hand and let
out a deep, heavy sigh.
“I should be the one sighing here… Well, what is it you
wanted to talk about?”
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 75 -
Leti had some inkling on what he would ask. It could be how
Friedhelm came back, or how he was controlled. She was already
preparing herself and thinking of how much she should tell him
when Duke asked something totally unexpected.
“What’s a knight for you?”
Leti was momentarily caught off guard by Duke’s question, but
she was able to recover quickly and chose the words for her
answer.
“A knight, for me, is nothing but decoration. I do not need,
nor do I wish, to be protected. As long as my knight has the
abilities necessary to convince the people that he is worthy to be
one, then he shall be by my side as an ornament. I do not expect
him to give me protection or support.”
Leti was almost invincible with her powers from being the
reincarnation of the Knight King. No one would believe her if she
told this to anyone, but she really had no need for guards and
knights.
“Being alone means I can move the way I wish to. Having
someone beside me would slow me down, and it is too much
trouble… But… because of you, I’ve changed my mind a little. If
you were not there a while ago, I would be dead. Now, I think it is
better to at least have one by my side than none at all. …Thank
you for saving Onii-sama from becoming a murderer.”
Duke clenched his teeth upon hearing Leti's words.
 
- 76 -
‘She really isn’t an adorable young lady at all – like calling Prince
Friedhelm ‘Onii-sama’ when he’s nowhere to hear it, or even saying ‘thank you
for saving me.’ Who would want to protect a lady like her?’
Leti returned Duke’s question to him.
“Supporting the king, for me, is not part of a knight’s job. If
he needs mental or emotional support, let his lovers do that. If he
needs political aid, then let his prime minister do that for him. If
there is one thing for me to do as his knight, that is to lead the
army in case of emergency. But with this peaceful time, I doubt
there’d be any need for that.”
The Royal Chivalric Order automatically became
Sommevesle’s army in time of war. The knights of the Order
would be the ones to lead and take on the officer posts for the
army of scouted citizens. But in a peaceful era such as this, surely
something else would be expected from a knight.
“What I think a knight should do is stay beside his master at all
times, ready to take care of the mundane, troublesome things so
that his master can focus on the things that should be done.”
“Mundane and troublesome things?”
“Take what happened earlier, for example. You could have just
told me, “I leave the rest to you,” and left.”
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 77 -
Leti noticed immediately that Duke’s words were in contrast to
what she said a while ago, “Leave the rest about this incident to
me.”
“…What are you pointing at?”
“It means that I at least know what you’re thinking. If you tell
me that you will leave it to me, I will clean up the mess left behind
the incident. I would know at least what you want me to do. I’ll
come up with a believable explanation for the maid about what
happened and even search for the mastermind for all of this.”
“You mean…”
Leti's heart quickened, for she was starting to understand what
Duke was implying with his words.
“All you have to do is focus on your tasks as the Queen and as
the ruler of the kingdom and leave the rest to me. Do what it is
you have to do. So…Let me stay by your side.”
Duke silently apologized to Friedhelm.
‘I’ve decided to be the knight of this not-so-charming lady. This is of my
volition and will, and certainly not because you asked me to.’
“I’m fairly certain that I am the only one who can be your
knight. A knight that will accept completely, no explanations
needed, that you possess something you cannot speak of – a
knight that can catch your drift and move according to your
wishes. Am I right? Or am I right?”
 
- 78 -
Why in the world is this man saying the words she has longed
to hear for so long? She wanted to cry out of happiness, but she
blinked her tears back and gave Duke her signature confident and
haughty smile. She did not want to be perceived as a princess who
would cry because of joy. She wanted to be the queen who would
simply nod since it was the outcome she was expecting all along.
“…Are you certain of your decision?”
“Yes. But,” Duke lifted up two of his fingers, “I have two
conditions.”
“One, I don’t want to be the most tolerable among the rejects.
Say that I am better than anyone in Seventh Heaven, Valkyrie or
the present Knights of the Round. Say that I’m the best.”
During the first time she invited Duke to be her knight, she
had said that he was the best among the “rejects,” and Duke’s
pride couldn’t accept that.
“I understand. You are worthy of those words. You are the
best among everyone else. Will that do?”
“Yes. Next, once I become your knight, trust me. Tell me
everything you can. I, at least, have that right.”
More than Leti's stubbornness, it was her secretiveness Duke
hated the most.
“I see your point. Once you become my knight, I shall tell you
everything I can.”
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 79 -
Duke, satisfied with getting Leti's agreements to both of his
conditions, took out his sword from its belt and gave it to Leti,
complete with its sheath.
“Here, can you hold it? You do know how it’s done, right?”
“We will do it here? A knight’s investiture will not be complete
unless there are witnesses.”
“If you’re looking for a witness, you’ve got a lot of them here.”
Duke looked at the portraits hung on the wall. The two of
them gazed at the nineteen rulers, kings and queens that reigned
over Sommevesle through the years.
“You’ve got Lion King Alexander and Administrative King
Karlheinz here. They’re your aspirations, right? I’m sure you’d
want them to stand as your witness.”
Duke added jokingly that he did not see the One-armed King,
though.
 
- 80 -
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 81 -
Frustration, happiness, sadness and many other emotions she
could no longer name – there was a whirlwind of emotions inside
of her upon hearing Duke’s words. She took Duke’s sword to
mask the raging storm inside her. She hurriedly carried it with two
hands, since she did not expect the sword to be that heavy. The
Knight Sword was a part of Leti, so she did not feel any weight in
wielding it. So when she took Duke’s sword, she had been
expecting the same weight. She was unsure if she could steadily
hold it with one hand, but with sheer will power, she was able to
draw it out of its sheath.
Duke kneeled before Leti and bowed his head. Leti placed the
sword on Duke’s left shoulder, then opened her lips, asking Duke,
“With a sword on thy right and a shield on thy left, dost thou
swear allegiance to me till the day thou die?”
Of course Leti knew the words for the Knight’s Oath. She was
asked to repeat and practice it countless of times as a child. She
had thought that when the time came for her to utter those words,
it would be purely mechanical, but she was proven wrong. It was a
new discovery, and new discoveries were always welcome.
“With a sword on my right and a shield on my left, I swear
allegiance to thee till the day I die.”
Leti nodded at the end of Duke’s oath and tapped his
shoulders thrice with the sword. Instead of feeling merely happy,
she was gratified to have the man she chose become her knight.
“From now on, thou art my knight.”
 
- 82 -
Leti retuned the sword to its sheath halfway and gave it Duke.
Duke received the sword, stood up and closed the sword
completely; the high-pitched sound of the sword returning to its
sheath marked the end of Duke’s Knighting Ceremony.
“…I shall still host a formal debut ceremony for your
investiture. It shall be a grand celebration, so you’d better prepare
yourself.”
The private ceremony they had would have been enough for
both, but since Leti was the next Queen, such a thing was unheard
of.
“Grand?”
“Of course. It shall be attended by my family and all the
members of the Royal Chivalric Order. It is the Knighting
Investiture of the future First Knight of the next Knights of the
Round.”
“That is… indeed… grand.”
Duke wanted to invite his parents to attend, but they might
swoon with the personalities that shall be in attendance.
“By the way, you do not have to resign from the Order right
away. At least until I ascend the throne. We still have few more
years before that. Until then, work hard in service for the Order
that has taken care of you until now.”
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 83 -
Duke was thankful for Leti's suggestion. There were still some
things that should be taken care of, such as the turnover of duties,
and quitting suddenly did not feel right for him.
“Oh, I almost forgot, I also have one condition for you.”
“Hey, shouldn’t you say those things before you made me your
knight?”
Duke was about to protest but Leti hushed him down, saying
it was just a simple condition.
“Burn my diary when I die.”
“Diary…?”
“I only write my complaints and rants there. I might wish to
die again if I was were known in the future as the ‘Rant Queen.’
Are we clear?”
And naturally, anyone who would hear such words would want
to know what was inside.
“When you die, can I read it?”
“Well, you can, though I think I will be writing more about
you from now on.”
Leti thought of telling Duke the truth behind what happened
today. The truth about her being the reincarnation of the Knight
King Christian, and that the perpetrator was a weapon created by
his enemies of the Knight King to kill him, and that Friedhelm was 
 
- 84 -
saved by the lightning she called. But thinking about that already
made her imagine Duke not believing her story, and she would
probably write the whole scenario about it and complain it was
Duke who made her tell him, and yet he was the one not believing
her story.
Surely days like those would increase, and Leti thought those
days might not be so bad at all.
Leti went back immediately to the Royal Villa without dwelling
much about Duke’s knighting, saying she still had things to do.
Duke, left alone in the Gallery, paid his respects to the kings of the
past and made another vow.
“I shall put my life on the line to keep my oath.”
With that vow in his heart, he relaxed at last, and all the
tension in his body was lifted, making him feel the sudden
exhaustion because of his nervousness.
“You were too nervous, Duke,” Duke said to himself. He had
forcibly dragged Leti and made her knight him so that he would
not falter in his decision. When he told Leti to make him her
knight, he was so nervous, he was really glad he did not choke on
his words.
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 85 -
“Seeing you stutter due to nerves would’ve been a breath of
fresh air and quite entertaining, but I guess I’m asking for too
much.”
“Your Highness!?”
A cheery Friedhelm came out of the shadows.
“I already settled things the way Leticia would want it. After I
untied the maid, I woke her up and said that she had passed out
for a while and that what happened was just a dream.”
“I see. Thank you.”
“With that, we’re quits. And to think you said those big words
to me… But here you are, her knight.”
Duke grumbled something and scratched the back of his head
in embarrassment upon knowing that Friedhelm was watching
them.
“Her Highness and I are both neutrals; we can understand
each other. Besides, the First Seat of the Knights of the Round is
such a tempting position. It really isn’t a bad offer if you think
about it.”
Duke flatly rejected Leti's forceful invitation right from the
start. However, as he got to know her, he learned how the
seventeen year old Leti, who could still be called a girl, had a steelhard
resolution to carry the responsibilities of a Queen and a ruler
of a country. It did not take long for him to start wanting to 
 
- 86 -
protect her. The main reason why he had not agreed to be her
knight was because he had his doubts.
“I was not sure whether I could choose between you and
Princess Leticia without any doubt clouding my mind. But…”
When Friedhelm confronted him once that being Leti's knight
meant being able to kill Friedhelm if he was ordered to, Duke
knew that he could not do it without faltering then. He knew that
he was not worthy to be her knight.
“…Sorry, Your Highness. If ordered to, I might have to kill
you.”
“I don’t mind at all, you bloke. Protect her with your life. If
you fail to do that, come to me and offer your neck as apology.”
“Roger that.”
Duke smiled wryly at the royal siblings voicing out their
concern for the other when they are not around, and then Duke
came to realize one important thought.
‘Maybe Her Highness wanted her two older brothers to stand as witnesses
as well….’
Duke was convinced that it was something Leti would’ve
wanted.
“…At least half of that came true.”
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
- 87 -
Duke groaned again, thinking that his understanding of Leti
was not yet enough, for right now, he was debating whether he
should tell her or not about Friedhelm’s presence.

“That was quite the show…”
Leti went to the Knight King’s Space to report her success in
getting the man she wanted to be her knight. Then when Onearmed
King Oswald asked what made Duke change his mind since
he was so repulsive of the notion before, Leti gladly told him the
series of happenings that led to this happy conclusion and he
could not help but admire what happened.
“Really? In my opinion, I think being helped when I was nearly
dying is humiliating. Is being seen as miserable and pitiable really
something to be worried about?”
“If that happened to a man, it would have ended in simple
sympathy, but for a lady, any man who saw that would want to
protect her.”
“I really cannot comprehend that.”
“If you did, you would be a devious lady.”
Leti agreed with it and stood up, saying she’d be going back
now.
 
- 88 -
“Eh, are you going already?”
“Yes. I only wanted to brag about my new knight.”
Leti could only have this kind of conversation here in the
Knight King’s Space. No one in the real world would be able to
notice it, but Leti's head was in cloud nine.
End of Chapter II

CHAPTER II THE PRINCESS' TEA PARTY- 4 -The attempted poisoning of Princess Leticia was not madeknown to the public and was simply declared as a case of colds.Fabricated statements such as, It was just a slight fever, or Theprincess was already on her way to recovery, were intentionallyleaked out to complete the story. Duke did not have the means tofind out how Leti fared after he had left her, and he often foundhimself wondering how she was doing while unconsciouslylooking east, where the Royal Palace was.Senpai1, has your father recovered from his cold?His cold Ah, yeah, yeah, he's healthy now. I doubt he'll beleaving us any time soon.During the three days that Leti was on the brink of life anddeath, Duke told a lie that he was asked to go home for a whilebecause his father, Lord Barchet, was sick, in order to cover up forhis absence while he stood as Leti's bodyguard.That was close, I nearly forgot the story I made up as my excuse.'Ah, I heard that the Princess was sick as well.So I heard, though she doesn't seem to be one defeated by amere cold. She'll be fine, Duke said with a tinge of hope, wishingthat Leti was truly well. Duke was worried about her, enough for1 Senpai a Japanese honorific used in addressing one's seniorOkobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 5 -him to think that he would endure Leti's relentless invitations to beher knight if only it would make her feel better.Hmm Then I won't really know which of them is Deathwould have proven they were mere humans. Astrid had a vague, fleetingthought and Duke did not catch what he said.What was that?Eh? Did I say anything?Duke was puzzled with Astrid's reaction, so he thought it wasjust the wind. After dismissing the thought, his heart went back toLeti, and he even thought of asking Prince Friedhelm directly toinquire about her condition.Just as Duke was thinking of how to get information on Leti, itcame to him instead not through reports or rumors, but throughLeti herself.Ah. Good day, I'm glad you're fine now.Thank you.Duke had returned to the camp after being called to clean up asquabble in town. Upon his return, he saw Princess Leticia in thecamp with all her elegance and grandeur like she owned the place.The other knights were staring at her from a distance, whisperingof how beautiful and elegant she was, while Duke wanted to shout- 6 -Don't be fooled by her looks! at them because he knew thatbeyond her pretty face was a woman with more guts than anyknight in the Order.Unfortunately, I am busy and cannot stay long.I understand. May I know your business then, YourHighness?I came here to give an invitation.Leti took out from her purse a white envelope sealed with redwax and gave it to Duke. The envelope was so high class thatDuke knew he'd be chastised if he tore it open with his bare hands.Ah, Senpai, I'll get you a paper knife!Duke took the expensive-looking antique paper knife Astridbrought and carefully opened the envelope.Thanks.Duke returned the paper knife to Astrid, opened the invitationand read its contents.Tea party?Yes, as thanks for the other day.Duke remembered that Leti did say she'd thank him. Heappreciated Leti's sincerity, but wearily thought that she could'vethanked him in a different manner. A tea party hosted by the nextOkobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 7 -queen couldn't possibly be anything but grand, and he the son ofa poor baron would definitely be a fish out of water. He couldalready imagine how awkward he'd be in there.I'm very honored by your invitation, but please allow me todecline it. Such a gathering is too much for someone like me whohas yet to even inherit the barony.I was expecting you would refuse, so I just made it a small,intimate party with only my close family in attendance. It is asimple event I wished to host in order to show them that I havefully recovered. I did not want them worrying too much.Duke once again took a look at the elegant invitation. Strictlyspeaking, Duke was part of the nobility though barely makingthe cut. But even if he came from a baron's family, he was notfamiliar with the ways of high society, such as going to the theateror tea parties.If you have a fiance or a lover, you can take her with you.Once I become the queen, things will be busier, so it is best if youintroduce her to me, your future master, early on.Wait, wait, wait. In a broad sense you will be my master butspecifically speaking you won't beHe really could not let his guard down around Leti, who kepton talking as if he really would be her knight in the near future. Onthe other hand, he wouldn't mind going to the tea party if it reallywas just a small family affair. Besides, it was highly likely that even- 8 -if he refused the invitation, Leti would find some way or anotherto drag him to it on the day itself. He decided the safest replywould be, I'll think about it, since he'd have to leave if anythingcame up with the Order.Duke escorted Leti until the camp gates, and soon after shewas gone, he let out a deep, deep sigh of exhaustion and relief.A fiance, huh Guess it won't be rude even if I camewithout a partner. It's not an evening ball anyway.Duke thought of asking a friend familiar with the customs ofhigh society when realization suddenly hit him.Wait a second, her close family, meaningIt had slipped past him, but he just realized now that the familymembers of PRINCESS Leticia meant the Royal Family. Her small,intimate gathering meant only the Royal Family would be inattendance because if it were something bigger, then there'd beother peers and nobles to attend.all the more I won't fit in!Leti had known that and deliberately used those words tomake Duke think otherwise. He was such an idiot, to be tricked byLeti with such a simple play on words. Now that she was back onher feet, she immediately dragged him into something troublesome.He chided that part of himself that actually wanted to congratulateOkobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 9 -Leti on her recovery and decided he'd better bring a companionwith him to the party.Astrid, are you free on the day after tomorrow? Yes, you'refree so come and accompany your senior to Her Highness' teaparty.Of course, Duke's primary choice for companion was hisbubbly junior in the Order, Astrid, who was quite a fan of thebeautiful princess. Needless to say, Astrid immediately acceptedthe offer.But is it fine for me to come? I'm just a commoner.That's exactly why I chose you. You're a commoner and youcan be my conversation partner. I doubt I'd have anyone to talk tothere. We'll go home immediately after drinking a cup of tea.Astrid dreamily imagined a world he could not even fathom,and the only clear image was the beautiful Princess Leticia.Ah! Should we bring presents? Are there rules on what tobring or not? There's a bakeshop in town I highly recommend.When I'm with you, I feel like I'm stupid sometimes.It would be good if Duke could just innocently enjoy theupcoming event, but he was a serious man by nature and he couldnot help but worry about things.- 10 -Wear your formal uniform. Don't forget your cape and whitegloves. And polish your boots. Don't bring any speck of dust withyou.Yes sir! Is the cape the grey one we wore during theInduction Ceremony?Yeah, that one. Is it still grey? If it's too dirty, borrow onefrom the others.Yes. I think?The Royal Chivalric Order had ten ranks and their ranks wereshown by the color of their capes and the lines on it. So theneophytes, including Astrid, were Knights of the Tenth Rank andthey had grey capes with no lines. The Commander of the Orderwas a knight of the First Rank and his cape was black with lines.The color got darker the higher the rank, so one could easily knowit.They should reverse the color-coding. The younger ones havea higher tendency to dirty their capes, making the color closer tothat of the Commander's.So here were two knights going to the same tea party: thejunior with a cape nearing the color black, dreaming of theupcoming party, and the senior wondering how things ended uphappening this way and deciding to review and reflect on theevents that lead to it.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 11 -It is an honor to be here today, Your Highness.Duke preparing for the obligatory greeting for such anoccasion, but since he lacked practice in saying such words, hiswords were monotonous and lifeless. After the customaryacknowledgements, he took Leti's fair and slender hand andrespectfully brought it to his lips.It is my pleasure to have you here. Please enjoy yourselves.Leti welcomed him with her perfected smile, just as an idealprincess would, and looked at the lad behind Duke.My name is Astrid Gale, knight of the Tenth Rank of theRoyal Chivalric Order. I humbly give you my thanks for letting mejoin this occasion.I have heard things about you from my younger brother, suchas your exceptional skills as a swordsman despite your young age.Do share some of your stories with me later, Leti said and flasheda smile at Astrid.Duke, watching the exchange, thought that he would keep inthe deepest parts of his mind the image of Astrid's idiotic, blushingface, as if he had seen a goddess brought to life from a painting.He had long given up on warning Astrid against Leti's beauty,knowing that his efforts would only fall on deaf ears.This way.- 12 -As Leti showed them to the garden, they saw Friedhelmplaying with the children, carrying a child on each of his arm.When he saw who the newcomers were, he slowly lowered thechildren and waved his hand to greet Duke.Is that Astrid Gale behind you? This is a good chance toinvite him to Seventh Heaven2.Friedhelm greeted Duke briefly and went on to pat Astrid onthe shoulder. While Friedhelm was extending his passionateinvitations to Astrid, Leti coldly called out Duke's attention.I remember asking you to bring your fiance or lover, butanyway, I am a generous and understanding master and I will notbe saying anything about your preferences as long as you do yourjob well.Duke understood the meaning behind Leti's words anddecided to clear up any misconceptions she was forming inside herhead.One, I do not have a fiance or a lover. And two, I broughtAstrid here as my companion to have someone to talk to causeI'm quite sure there'd be no place for me in a tea party for theRoyal Family.Oh, I see.The relief on Leti's face only added to his vexation.2 Seventh Heaven: Friedhelm's own chivalric orderOkobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 13 -You need not to worry since I have everything arranged. Youshall be at the adult's table. Think of this as a way to train yourjunior.Duke's table, as Leti promised, was composed of the olderguests in the party. The youngest was sixteen and the oldest wasthree-and-twenty. However, with a table composed of Friedhelm,Leonhardt, Duke, and Astrid, finding a common topic forconversation was impossible.Duke-senpai! The tea is amazing! This is the first time I'vedrank a tea this fragrant and smooth.Good for you. Let's just say this is better than having Guido-ani'ue3 here aswell.Leonhardt's words were indeed true, for if Guido were to jointhem, the atmosphere would no longer pass as awkward it wouldautomatically be a unanimous decision to just go home.Well, I'll just go and have a heart-to-heart talk with myyounger brothers.3 Ani'ue: A Japanese honorific used to address one's older brother. More oldfashionedthan the common Onii-san- 14 -Leonhardt escaped the awkward atmosphere and moved to adifferent table, carrying his teacup and some snacks. At least now,the group could have small talk. Duke threw Friedhelm a topic.Your highness, are you in good terms with PrincessLeticia?Of course not. She just invited me here as an apology to whatshe did a while back.Apology?For serving me a goblet of water when I visited her.AaaahDuke commented as if it were something astonishing with awry smile, and looked at the same Leti who poured the goblet ofwater talking with the younger guests at a different table.All of them are your siblings?No. There are some cousins. But truthfully, not seeing us assiblings despite being one just shows how much of a bad olderbrother I am. I've got to admit, she has the advantage on this one.Duke could not hide his surprise at Friedhelm's words. Hesounded like he was giving Leti credit and recognizing her for it.Friedhelm gave Duke a wry smile, admitting it was the truth.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 15 -It's not like I only think of myself, you know? The country ismy top priority I don't want to divide the kingdom and start awar.Friedhelm still could not completely rid himself of the pride heheld as the first-born prince. He grew up being told that he wouldbe the one succeeding the throne of course he could not acceptit if Guido took the crown, but he was ready to convince himselffor Leti. But he had a condition: Leti would be a good ruler, orelse he would bring her down. That was Friedhelm's condition, hispoint of compromise.I think Your Highness will also be a good ruler.Also,' huh? Wonder who the other one is Anyway, Igratefully accept your compliment.Hearing the conversation over at the men's table, Leti turnedaround and pointed in their direction. Holding the hand of a small,young lady, Leti approached their table.Astrid, could you act as her practice partner forintroductions?Me-me-meme?Astrid was surprised at the sudden request.The best partner is someone she does not know. Thenervousness that comes with it is nearly the same as the real one.Well then- 16 -Uhmm It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Misty Fal Edelle.Misty gathered her skirts to the side, raised it a bit, and benther knees in a curtsy.I am Astrid Gale, Knight of the Tenth Rank of the RoyalChivalric Order. It is an honor to meet you.Astrid took Misty's hand to kiss it, but it was awkward due tothe difference in their height.Astrid, you've got to kneel down and meet her eyes,Friedhelm said.Oh, right. Pardon me.Following Friedhelm's advice, Astrid knelt down, then chastelyplaced a kiss on Misty's dainty hand. Misty looked up at Leti withsparkling eyes, waiting for her approval that she had done it well.You were excellent.Misty's face glowed upon hearing Leti's praise and having herhead patted. Even Duke could not help it but smile at such aheartwarming scene.Friedhelm-onii-sama4, carry me!4 Onii-sama: Onii =Older Brother | Sama = formal honorific for a high personOkobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 17 -In an instant, their table was surrounded by the royal childrenpulling Friedhelm's arm, begging him to play with them. Friedhelmgave in to their requests and stood up.We're gonna take turns, line up! Remember, your coolbrother is no longer that young, so don't push me too hard. Astrid,come and help me.Yes, sir!Friedhelm and Astrid carried and swung the children in thespacious garden. Leti, freed from the role of looking after theyoung ones, took a seat beside Duke.Was it fine to invite Prince Friedhelm alone? Weren't yougoing to keep the balance?I will invite Prince Guido next time, though I know not if hewill come.Next time? I thought this tea party was to celebrate yourrecovery?Well, it is, partly but this party is really a regular event I hostonce a month to train my younger siblings how to comportthemselves. If they learn and acquire the necessary mannersneeded early on, they will develop these as habits and will nolonger be embarrassed or awkward when they go out into society.You are welcome to join us.- 18 -Duke could not reconcile this kind and caring older sister Letiwith the high-handed queen he encountered on a regular basis. Butthis kind older sister was the reason why the neutral faction heldthe majority of the royal children.No, this one time is enough. I feel so out of place here.You should get used to these kind of events. You cannotkeep on saying that when you become my knight.How many times do I have to I tell you? I have no intentionof becoming your knight.Duke always corrected Leti whenever she snuck thatsuggestion in. With those statements from her becoming more andmore frequent, he remembered someone who sounded just likeher. Yes, Leti was very much like her older brother Friedhelm,who was currently playing with his younger siblings.The two of you really are brother and sister. Especially thatindependent attitude you both have, and your tendency not tolisten to what others are saying.I get that quite a lot. That I look a lot like Prince Guidooutside, but inside I am similar with Prince Friedhelm. But I amreally connected to them only by half I think I should wrap thisup. This is no longer study but play time.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 19 -Leti gathered everyone and said that it was time to go home.She led each child back to either their nurses or governesses,leaving only the adult group behind.The tea party started and ended peacefully without anyproblems. For Leti, this tea party was not just a mere gathering. Itwas a carefully calculated plan that was executed to meet certainobjectives: one to teach her younger siblings, two to deepenher friendship with Duke, and three a chance to repair herrelationship with her older brother. Now that the tea party wasover, she concluded this plan as a success and started to give herclosing greetings.Thank you very much for coming today. I hopeThe leaves on the tree rustled behind Leti, and then everythingelse happened in a flash.Friedhelm pulled Leti closer to him, Duke stood in front toprotect them, and Astrid took out his sword.Leti was surprised with the sudden turn of events, but sheremained calm, surprised but not scared, and she peered at Astridthrough the space between Friedhelm's arms.Senpai! Cover for me please.Astrid walked along the sides of the table and grabbed anempty cup. He threw the cup to the tree, aiming for the part wherethe branches were still shaking. But the cup hit a branch and broke- 20 -into pieces. Then, to everyone's surprise, they heard a high-pitchedcry and a black lump of mass fell on Astrid.Uwahuwawawah!Astrid caught the soft, black fur ball. It had large circular eyesand a long tail. The only word to describe the fallen creaturewasThis looks like a cat.Let's still check. Astrid, climb up.Ah, roger! Please hold the cat.Astrid deftly climbed up the tree and confirmed that there wasnothing else on top. He jumped straight down to the ground andlanded perfectly on his feet.Glad it's just a cat, right? I was utterly surprised. Both withthe cat and how good your cooperation was! Why don't the threeof you just be Ane'ue's5knights? Ahahaha!Leonhardt's words, poking fun at them, brought the three menback to their senses. Friedhelm quickly let go of Leti and distancedhimself from the sister he was protecting in his arms, and Dukeawkwardly moved his hand up and down the handle of the swordhe was holding in battle stance.5 Ane'ue: A Japanese honorific used to address one's older sister. More oldfashionedthan the common Onee-sanOkobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 21 -This is just my knight's instinct at work, you seeOh, I see Leti said.And I just move on instinct. You see, Guido has beentargeting me for a while andOh, yes, I see Leti agreed with Friedhelm.I'm glad you're safe, Your Highness. Ah! Sorry for breakingthe cup!That's fine. Thank you for saving me.Duke and Friedhelm sighed, both thinking that they wereidiots. If they just acted the way Astrid did and honestly told Letithat they were glad she was safe, then that would've been the endof it. But no, they had to let their egos get in the way and makeridiculous excuses.Aaah, I get it. Gimme the cat. I'll go find someplace I canleave it. The tea and snacks were delicious. See ya! Friedhelm saidas he took the cat by its nape and walked away. Then they heardFriedhelm shout, likely because the cat scratched his face. Itlooked like both of them were not being honest with themselves.Putting aside the older brother whose relationship with Letistill needed to be patched up, Leti looked at the men left. Leti sawLeonhardt busy helping Astrid take off the cat fur stuck onAstrid's knight uniform, and then she faced Duke.- 22 -Duke, thank you.Duke did not know how to respond to Leti's unexpected wordof thanks. He could not retort with be grateful since he alreadysaid a while back that it was all his knight's instinct at work.That That was nothing.Better accept my gratitude while you still can, because I donot have any intention of thanking you once you become myknight.Why do you keep on saying that?Duke pressed his temples with his fingers, screaming inside,wondering why in the world Leti could not understand him.Hey, didn't you see Astrid a while ago? He's a good knight,isn't he? He is a commoner and maybe a bit too young, but hisskills are top-notch within the Order. And based on what I see,he's pretty willing to be your knight. So why don't you just give upon me and take Astrid instead?Astrid Gale Indeed, he is a good knight, butAstrid was a good knight, and even Leonhardt recommendedhim. So Leti had asked for him to be investigated, and she cameup with a conclusion based on that information.I do not have the confidence to control him. He is noordinary knight and it might become troublesome.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 23 -Oi.I was incessantly told by my great-great-great-great uncle totrain my eyes in discerning people, so I am quite confident with it that is why I chose you.Leti did not say anything else; her silence declared that thisconversation was over. Duke, on the other hand was secretlyastonished at how perceptive Leti was. He had also thought thatAstrid Gale was no ordinary commoner. Astrid had not said aword about it, but having seen him a novice knight killwithout flinching, Duke had thought Astrid might have worked asa mercenary before. And Leti had noticed that immediately.Indeed, Duke could no longer see Leti as a sheltered princess.Leti nonchalantly walked towards the tree Astrid climbed,looking up its height. She stepped forward to the tree and herheels made soft knock. There was one thing that the other mendid not notice, but Leti did, because of the fact she was the onlyone who underwent the rigorous training of being a perfect lady.If he can kill the sound of his footsteps at such a heightI can onlyconclude not so good things about him.'One of the things required of an accomplished lady was to beable to gracefully dance the waltz. Evening balls would havedancing, and dancing included waltzing, so not being able to do itwas unacceptable for any lady of good breeding. Moreover, toclaim the title of an excellent dancer, one had to glide and move- 24 -like a fairy gracefully and silently. A dancer with noisy feet wasfound to be vulgar and barbaric.I guess he is someone to be wary of.The tea party Leti hosted as training for her younger siblings,as a way to deepen her relationship with Duke, and as anopportunity to repair her relationship with her brother ended upleaving uneasiness and worry upon its conclusion.One clear and fine day, a cheery Leonhardt came to visit Leti'sroom, saying that her tutor had arrived. He handed her a lightovercoat. Leti had a bad feeling about where this was going, so sheasked Leonhardt what this was all about before putting it on.Well, we're currently airing the scrolls of the artifact inventoryand you, Ane'ue, are most welcome to join us.Is that related, in any way, to my lessons?Ehhh uhmm ah! I'll explain which are owned by ourfamily and so on plus, plus we also have in there one of ournational treasures! The original manuscript of the book on theKnight King's legends! You know, the one about him fightingEvil?Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 25 -You are the only one who would get excited about that.Anyway, I understand. I shall lend you a hand.Leti reluctantly wore the coat and gloves and helped in takingout the ancient scrolls. Doing such work made Leti asked whycopies of it weren't made, but they answered that it would be aproblem if the original ones had molds. Leti, seeing the logic in it,agreed as she dusted off a sheet and laid it neatly on the woodenstand.Don't you find it interesting that the Knight King's swordand the phantom twelve Promise Swords are included in the list?Well, is it?Think about this: putting aside the question if they are real ornot, we have the age-old, rusted and worn out Knight Swordowned by the Knight King Christian himself, but the twelvePromise Swords said to have been granted to his knights arenowhere to be found. So here's the interesting part, at least for ahistorian. Why did Administrative King Karlheinz include thePromise Swords in his inventory? Was it just for the sake of anidea, an impossible dream? Or was it because those swords indeedexisted during that time and are only lost now? Interesting, right?Ahahaha!Leonhardt showed Leti the sheet containing the swords.Indeed, the Knight King's sword and the Promise Swords given tohis twelve knights were written in the inventory.- 26 -Your beloved King Karlheinz was the one who compiled thisinventory, you know? I'm sure this took a lot of his time to do this,but we are really grateful for his efforts.Well, he seems to be the type of person who would like thesekind of meticulous tasks.Leti was quite certain that the ones who did the actual job werehis servants following his orders, but someone who would evencome up with an idea like this qualified King Karlheinz asmeticulous. She wanted to know the reason why he kept such a list,but she had yet to meet him in his later years, so she hadn't hadthe chance to ask him directly in that place.I haven't heard that in a while, Leonhardt said as he openedthe book he was holding and brushed off a dead insect's body.Heard what?You speak as if you're friends with some historicalpersonalities. Don't you remember you taught me history thatway?ReallyLeonhardt's body was weak when he was small, so theirmother stayed with him while Leti was left alone most of the time.To overcome that loneliness, she frequented the Knight King'sSpace and talked with the his other reincarnations, and when shewoke up, she shared the stories they talked about with Leonhardt.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 27 -Your stories were like vivid dramas written by a wonderfulhistorical playwright so I remember them well. I became ahistorian because I was attracted to those behind-the-scene storiesyou told me. In other words, it was you who made me become likethis. Ahahaha!Do not put the blame on me.Leti took another volume of the inventory, scanning its pages,and her eyes stopped on a particular article.Is this book worthy to be included in this list?The original copy, yes. The one available in the Archive is justa replica.The article that caught Leti's attention was a book acollection of stories on what happened to Lion King Alexanderafter his dethronement.According to history, King Alexander's most trusted friendand Prime Minister lead a revolution against him killing him inthe process. However, one of his loyal knights brought his corpseoutside the kingdom and continued to lament for him, so the bodyof the Lion King was not in the Royal Tomb. Since there was nobody and particular location of death, some theories came outsaying that he was not dead. Then, during the time ofAdministrative King Karlheinz, a book compiling those storieswas written, and the original copy made its way into the RoyalInventory.- 28 -Is the original one an academic book? I have only read theidiotic book containing unbelievable after-death theories on KingAlexander.Exactly as you say, they were all unbelievable stories. ThoughI find the one saying King Alexander did not die, but continued tolive and become a pirate in the Southern Seas and conquered acountry, making him their king, the most interesting.Hearing Leonhardt say the theories were fictitious stunned Leti.Upon finishing arranging a batch of the inventory, Leti took offthe coat and gloves and told him she was done helping them.Leti started to walk faster towards the Royal Villa. She wantedclean herself since she was still feeling dust all over her despitewearing an overcoat, and she kept brushing it off her dress. Shechose to take the route less traveled and passed by people toprevent seeing her in such a disheveled state. However, despite herefforts, a palace guard came out of a corner and bowed his head toher. She continued to walk on, imagining how nice a bath wouldbe, when she stopped sensing anyone around her. She silenced herfootsteps and quietly moved toward the presence she felt.Isn't it bout time? The race to the throne is finished. Makeup your mind and join Seventh Heaven already. Your seat has yetto be taken.Leti heard the voice of her older brother, and he was probablytalking with his best friend. She came to the conclusion that theOkobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 29 -only thing they would talk about in a deserted place such as thiswould be their true feelings.You're wasting your time, your talent, and your skills at beingan unaffiliated knight.If, as you say, the race for the crown is over, then all the moreI should stay under Prince Guido's faction out of duty. My familymay be at the tail end, but we're still part of the nobility, and that isa complicated world.Duke wanted to end the conversation there, but Friedhelm stillhad something to say.I'm surprised you're still bringing up Guido's name in thisconversation. I was sure it would be Leticia's.That is more unbelievable.Duke, feeling as if his defenses were being stripped down,turned his back on Friedhelm, and walked away thinking of howpointless the conversation was. But Friedhelm was not yet donewith him.Do you know what it means to be Leticia's knight?Friedhelm wrapped his left hand around Duke's neck.If you were ordered to, you've got to kill me like this. Canyou really do it?- 30 -Friedhelm's action tested Duke's friendship with him and hewas testing whether or not Duke was worthy to be Leti's knight.Leti, on the other hand, let out a silent sigh as she watched the twomen's competition of stubbornness from afar.Duke never considered anyone else but you. You are a fool to doubt that.'Leti wanted to wait for them to go their separate ways, butsince their glaring contest seemed like it would last forever, shedecided to end it herself.Would you please stop harassing my knight?Leticia.I am not one to intentionally wound other people. If I wantedyou dead, I would not ask Duke to do it for me; I would do itmyself. Just like this.Friedhelm felt the chill of cold metal pressed against the smallof his back. He could acutely feel the shuddering cool of the metalbut his clothes and skin were still intact. Leti was pressing somekind of blade against him with no hesitation, leaving only hisclothes as his shield. One wrong move and he was sure that Leti'sweapon would cut into him.At least make your hands shake a little. You really ain'tadorable at all.Shall I make my hands tremble next time?Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 31 -Friedhelm raised his hands in surrender, and Leti finallystepped away from him. He turned around to see what her weaponwas but she had already hidden it.Well, I guess it is better for you to have a knife to protectyourself. We are supposedly targeting your life, after all.Yes, that is about it. So would you mind going ahead andleaving me to court my knight in private?Yes, yes. See ya round Duke!Friedhelm waved his hand in goodbye. To lighten up themood, Leti jokingly said to Duke that their friendship was quitedisturbing. She was also starting to hate that part of herself thatwas always trying to calm everything down. Being neutral for eightyears found a way to ingrain such an attitude in her.Where are your guards?I left them inside the treasure room with Leonhardt, who is inheaven right now. Besides, I do not think anyone would be stupidenough to attack me in broad daylight.But still oh, forget it. I understand perfectly that you'lllisten and literally listen only to what I have to say. Moving on,where exactly did you hide that knife? A girl with a hidden knife isjust as disturbing, in my humble opinion.Duke was thankful for Leti's kindness in lightening up themood and changed the topic. He examined Leti's appearance from- 32 -head to toe and did not find anything amiss from her usual perfectstance. But just when he was convinced, Leti reached out for theribbon on her back.Hiding a knife in a dress is impossible. That was a spoon.Huh?It need not be a real blade; anything that can produce thesame cold metallic feel when pressed on one's back can bemistaken as one. Besides, I cannot kill anyone with a spoon nomatter how hard I press it against someone.Let took out from her ribbon a silver spoon and showed it toDuke. He was dumbfounded by the fact that she really had one,but Leti just shrugged her shoulders at him and returned it to herribbon.You can't protect yourself with a mere spoon, you know?I know besides, I do not need a knight; I can protectmyself. The only reason why I need one is to fill up all of the postsfor the Knights of the Round. So I am here now, bowing my headand begging you to take the first seat.I've told you my answer already. And I haven't seen you bowyour head to me, Duke instantly retorted, but restrained himselffrom saying anything else that could lead the conversation astray.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 33 -I'm perfectly aware how brave and intelligent you are, but youshould also know that sometimes those qualities alone are notenough to deal with the situation.Are you worried about me?'Yes. If anything happens to the kingdom's future queen,it'll be a huge catastrophe.Duke's reply was still unsure and not honest with himself, butLeti said that such a reply would do for now. She walked away andleft Duke alone.Them being close friends makes things complicated.Leti was not demanding Duke to be her knight in the truestsense of the word a knight that would swear his life and loyaltyto his master. But she knew well that Duke couldn't be anythingelse but a true knight.Lion King Alexander and Revolution King Julius were bestfriends, too. King Julius betrayed King Alexander, but KingAlexander never found it in his heart to hate his friend. Thatproves how strong their bond was, and I am sure that what Dukeand Onii-sama has is the same.Leti's feet stopped, wondering whether or not she really hadwhat it took to break into that bond.If only I had the qualities Friedhelm Onii-sama has, qualities suited tobe the king, then'- 34 -Leti shook her head, driving away the negative thoughts, andtold herself that there wasn't anything good in wishing forsomething she did not have. She only had to give her best effortsto be her ideal self.I will not give up on you, Duke. Not until you are the onethat will come to me, crawling and begging to be my knight. I willnot stop.Duke might have shouted, Give me a break! if he heardLeti's encouragement for herself.Duke, completely ignorant of Leti's newfound determination,went back to camp to take his meal. The food from the camp'scafeteria was quite decent in taste and generous with the servings.Upon taking his seat, he fiddled with the unused spoon and forkwith his fingers.Senpai?Duke pressed the spoon on Astrid's back, befuddling hisjunior by his actions.Astrid, what is this I'm pressing on your back?Eh? A spoon? A fork? ...A spoon.How did you know?Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 35 -It would be pricklier if it were a fork.Duke removed the spoon from Astrid, then took the fork inhis hands. He agreed with Astrid's answer and asked anotherquestion.Then you wouldn't mistake a spoon for a knife?That's a bit hard to identify. I mean both have round tipsRound? I don't mean a dining knife, I mean a weapon, like ashort blade.Astrid thought of what Duke said.I don't think I'd make a mistake on that. But maybe thepresence, the impression can change it.RightNow it was Duke's turn to think. Leti said it was a spoon, butwas it really a spoon? She also said the same thing before, that itwas a spoon that broke his cup6, but he was not really convinced.This is the second time I felt that there's something differentabout her. I can no longer convince myself that everything was myimagination.Duke felt that Leti was hiding something, and that somethingwas definitely not a spoon.6 See Chapter I.- 36 -An art inventory? That sounds like a very tiresome thing todo.Leti asked the young Administrative Karlheinz she met in theKnight King's Space today about the inventory list, but the youngKing still hadn't thought about it.But I can think of several reasons why I would do such athing. One of them is to aid in destroying Ghost Energies thatsometimes pose as art pieces. I may have come up with that ideato help the next reincarnation of the Knight King, as sometimesthe interval between one is long.Ghost Energy? Leti and Heart-broken King Ludgar asked inunison.King Ludgar was a reincarnation of the Knight King afterLeti's time. He would be leaving great accomplishments in hisname, and he had a proper posthumous title worthy of those. Butthe countless number of times his heart was broken left a mark inhistory, earning him his other title of the Heart-broken King, towhich he was more known for or so Leti had heard from laterkings after him.Ghost Energies are artifacts from the Knight King Christian'stime. These are imitations of the twelve Promise Swords KingOkobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 37 -Christian granted to his knights in other words, weapons createdby his enemies to defeat him. But these Ghost Energies have aflaw, so they were later known as cursed items.What is their flaw? Do they suck life?Yes. Ghost Energy can give its user the strongest power theydesire by converting the user's life force. Thus, these items arebranded as cursed by those who knew nothing. Most people die inhalf a year after harnessing its power.Karlheintz story provided the source of the cursed articlescoming out in stories. Leti nodded as she knew another ofhistory's secrets.Ghost Energies no longer exist in our time, don't they?Creepy, Heart-broken King Ludgar said, shrugging his shoulders.I believe most of them were already destroyed in KingAlexander's and my time, but there might have been one or twoleft in your time, Queen Leticia.How shall I deal with it?Well, youIntruder!Leti jolted up, took the short blade hidden under her pillow,and looked around. She only had to stall the intruder until her- 38 -guards came, and besides, she could protect herself even if theycame in late.Someone, come here quickly! Leti cried out in the dark toher guards, who were supposed to be right outside her room.Suddenly, she felt a strong, murderous intent. She lifted thedarkness with something unseen, and then a shrill sound came,followed by knives but neither touched Leti, for she wassurrounded by something shielding her from the knives, leavingthem on the floor.Don't tell me you're The assassin murmured in thedarkness. Leti felt as if she had seen the sharp, piercing green eyesof the assassin. His voice sounded familiar as well. She franticallysearched her memory to piece the information together.I am what?You're the kniYour Highness! Are you safe!?The assassin chose to retreat when he heard the voices of theguards. He quietly climbed down the window where he seemed tohave entered from.Your Highness!The guards came rushing into the dark room, but Letianswered calmly that she was fine.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 39 -The intruder ran away through the window. Station a guardby it and then contact the Order. Tell them to go after him,though I doubt they can catch him.Leti gave her orders one after the other and drove her guardsout of her room. She cut several wounds on herself using theassassin's knives, and she scattered those on top of the sheets tomake it look like she used them as her shield. She wouldn't wantpeople to wonder how she was able to evade all of the knives inthe dark.Argh! And we were in the middle of talking about GhostEnergy.Leti still didn't know what kinds of things were considered asGhost Energy or how to destroy one. But since she hadn't heardany news pertaining to cursed items, she could simply ask KingKarlheinz again about this topic on a later date.Your Highness, we have come to clean your room. Shall weprepare a different room for you to rest?No, thank you. It is a bit early, but I shall continue on withmy day. Could you prepare tea for me?Yes, Your Highness.If she were being honest, Leti wanted to lie down and sleepagain, but decided against it. After all, today was an important dayfor her.- 40 -But to think I am going to start this day like thisLeti's day started with almost getting killed. She didn't feelgood about it, but decided to put it on the side so as not to ruinthe rest of her day. Today was the day she was given permission toattend, or rather to observe, from the inside the Kingdom'spolitics. She was allowed to join the morning sessions to show herhow the Kingdom was run. Her two older brothers had attendedseveral sessions already, but she was never given the chance to join,since they thought that she would be given to some other countryor a powerful member of the peerage as a bride, and there wouldbe no use even if she did join the meetings.A king's day was normally composed of meetings in themorning, and official visits and holding audience with his subjectsin the afternoon. As of this day, Leti would be taking part in someof these responsibilities. Her mornings would be spent in the maincastle more, and her afternoons would be slowly filled with visitsaround the kingdom as the King's representative. It was alsohighly possible that she would play a bigger role in foreign affairsby going on diplomatic visits in the name of the Kingdom.But diplomacy and foreign affairs management is best suitedfor Prince Friedhelm.One, he was handsome. He was such a beautiful lad, and hisamicability and friendliness radiate from his face. Two, he wasopen-minded and had the charisma to attract people around him.Leti thought it'd be better to leave foreign affairs with him. HeOkobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 41 -probably did not realize it since it was so natural for him, but hehad this part of him that could make people feel safe and believethat everything would be fine if they left it to him. This wassomething innate in him, and no amount of effort could make oneattain it.Prince Guido is ideal for internal administration; he is just theperfect Prime Minister type.Compared with First Prince Friedhelm, who was suited forforeign affairs, Second Prince Guido would be better working onthe internal affairs of the Kingdom with his detailed planning andthe needed drive to execute the plan flawlessly. He'd fare betterwith managing the taxes, or planning and giving the instructionsfor ceremonies, rather than weathering through the unpredictabletides of foreign affairs. These tasks required flexibility andversatility in dealing the situation. He could simply gain the trust ofthe people as he worked along the way, completing one task afterthe other.Leti could easily think of reasons why her two older brotherscould be the better kings, but she did not envy them, ratherIf the three of us can just cooperate and rule the kingdomtogether, Sommevesle will be stableIf the three of them would help each other in ruling thekingdom, maybe they'd even get the Sibling Kings posthumoustitle. Leti gathered the hem of her gown and started walking as shethought of the impossible future she was secretly hoping for.- 42 -That is for all today. Session adjourned.Leti wondered how many names she had taken down in hermental diary during the session. Around half of the cabinetministers were in foul moods, and dozed off during the meeting.The man beside her kept saying things off the point, and then theother members would follow in their own irritating opinions. Ifthe sessions were always like this, then Leti was sure she'd really beknown as the Rant Queen. She hid behind her papers hertwitching, forced smile and straightened the appearing creases inbetween her eyebrows.Seniority is plain troublesome. The worst part is that I cannot doanything about the stupid ones that only have high statuses Well, I reallycannot do much about low-ranking stupid members, either.'Despite all that, Leti was aware of her own shortcomings. Herplate was already full just by quietly attending the meeting, tryingto read in between the lines and planning what to do for the future.Princess Leticia!How may I help you, Earl Brightkreutz?Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 43 -If it pleases you, would you like to join me for luncheon afterthis? We may talk about the proceedings this morningLeti answered that she'd be glad to join him and placed herhand on the young earl's offered left arm, despite knowing the factthat her complaints in her diary would increase. She just convincedherself that making the connection now with Earl Brightkreutz, ayoung man few years older than her, might prove to be useful inthe future.I see I cannot be a Lion King or an Administrative KingPardon me?Leti's soft whisper did not reach the earl's ear and she repliedwith a smile that it was nothing.I cannot be like Lion King Alexander, who can gallantly round upmatters, nor be a genius like Administrative King Karlheinz, who was able tocontinue to execute internal reforms and external revolutions even after losinghis wife, who was his partner in life.'Leti mockingly thought of herself as a half-baked queen incomparison to the past and future reincarnations of the KnightKing. She could only be a queen whose sole talents were toskillfully manipulate people of talent to work for her and returnwhatever trust is given to her.- 44 -Duke wanted to say it was all a coincidence. It really was. Hewas just out in town for patrol duties when he saw a golden-hairedlady. Even he didn't want to believe that the said blonde lass hesaw was Her Highness, Princess Leticia, roaming around town and,of course, without her guards. Duke knew at once that she was outfor her incognito walk. He wanted to scold her right at once, butthey were not in the right place and nor was he in the position to,so he had second thoughts on calling out to her.Is she headed to the North Cemetery? Visiting someonethere?The North Cemetery was where the Royal family was laid torest, and no outsiders were allowed to go there. At the deepest partof the cemetery was the basement where the Kings of the past lay.One day, Leti, too, would be placed there for her eternal rest. Itwouldn't be peculiar to find her there; no one would scold her ifthey saw her there. Besides, it was a no trespassing area, but thereweren't real guards stationed, so it had become a playground forchildren who did not know what treason meant yet.Duke couldn't decide whether he should call her or not, but bythe time he had made up his mind, his shadow was already longand the sun was beginning to set. He had lingered on his decisionfor far too long.Lady Cia! I wouldn't mind if you wanted to stay here as longas you want to if you have your guards with you. But if you areOkobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 45 -alone, I think it'd be better for you to go home now while there isstill light.Leti, having spaced out, was surprised when she saw Duke byher side, their long shadows standing close to each other. She,unusually, agreed silently and started walking after giving a slightbow to pay her respects to the grave.I did not plan to stay long, but look at the time.Leti seemed tired, for her steps lacked their usual spirit. Dukenormally did not have to adjust his pace for Leti, but today, he hadto walk a bit slowly.Her Highness just turned seventeen last month right She's too young.'Those her age normally felt lost or confused and had a lot ofthings going on inside their heads. Of course it was natural to feelthose things, especially for someone like her, who was carryingsuch big responsibilities.Are you worried about something? Duke made sure that hisquestion sounded nonchalant.Leti replied with a sigh, I was just disappointed with myself,that's all. So disappointed that I was nearly able to convince myselfwhy I am called the Leftover Princess.Those who stand on top have great responsibilities to bear.That is also the reason why they have to complain sometimes, tohave someone that'll listen to them I'm willing to be the wind- 46 -now, you know? Duke's kind and understanding voice said thosewords as if he were an older brother persuading his younger sisterto tell him her fears. Leti faltered for a moment because of that,but it only lasted for a moment, for strength came back quickly inher eyes. Her eyes sparked, showing Duke that there was no needfor his help.That stubbornness you've got there inside you does not suitea beautiful young lady but that is exactly what a ruler needs. Iam sure you will be a great queen.Duke's casual words touched Leti's heart.You keep on refusing my invitation to be knight and yet you know andtell me the words I desire to hear the mostI hate this situation. It justmakes me want to have you as my knight even more!'Releasing her sentiments made Leti feel a little bit better, andher steps naturally got lighter. Duke was relieved to see the usualspirit back in Leti's steps. And just as she was coming back to hernormal self, Duke walked quickly and stood in front of her. Threemembers of the Order, Duke's colleagues, waved at him.Why should it be him!?If they had just been normal Order knights, then he couldeasily tell them that he was an escort to Princess Leticia. Butunfortunately, some of them were under Guido's faction. If theyfound out about Leti going out of the castle alone He could onlythink of ominous things awaiting her.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 47 -Duke! Hitting on girls while on duty, are we?Of course not!Duke covered Leti with his back and wished for his colleaguesto go away. Leti, on the other hand, was preparing for the worst. Ifthe need arose, she would voluntarily reveal her identity and admitthat she was out on a date with Duke to cover up her incognitowalks.Hey, just play along and don't move, Duke whispered inLeti's ears.Leti turned around to face Duke when he slowly wrapped hisleft arm to her waist and placed his right hand on her neck. BeforeLeti could ask him what he was doing, Duke leaned in closer andcovered her face with his. Duke's fellow knights yelled at him withjest exactly how Duke expected them to react.Sorry guys, but as you can see, I'm in the middle of a date. Sodon't interrupt us.Duke, with all his might, buried Leti's face into his chest,shielding her face from their sight. With this, the only informationthey'd have on the lady was her golden locks. None would be thewiser that the lady was Princess Leticia.Wow! Being showy, aren't we?We get it, Duke. Take all the time you need.- 48 -People liked to snoop their noses if something were being kepta secret, but flaunt it and they'd be the ones to back out. Dukefinally relaxed when his colleagues were in a distance far enoughfor them not to notice Leti's face.Oi, we're coming home. Now. Things like that might happenagain, so you'd better stop going out of the castle alone. Dukewarned Leti, who he was still holding in his arms.Leti looked up at him, and with all her might, punched him inthe stomach. He unconsciously leaned forward, gasping for breathas he struggled to identify what, exactly, hit him.Whattheheckare you doing?This is not about what I am doing. This is about what youdid!His thoughts hadn't even cleared yet when he felt a stingingpain on his cheeks. The punch was followed by a slap delivered byLeti's delicate hand. The only thing Duke could do was to clenchhis teeth. He, teary-eyed from the pain, looked up at Leti herface was flushed and her body was shaking in anger.It was just an act! Pretend! Duke answered in his defensewhen he understood what all of this was for.You were too close!Getting that close was not a big deal. You are seventeen. Iwon't believe you if you say you haven't had any experience withOkobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 49 -this sort of thing. Prince Friedhelm was playing to his heart'scontent at your age.Don't underestimate a sheltered maiden's inexperience! Anddon't you ever group me again with my stupid brother!Duke was surprised upon hearing Leti's roundabout way ofsaying she did not have any experience in kissing.Huh?Leti raised her hand to give Duke another slap because of hisexclamation but he was able to catch her hand before a slap landedon his other cheek.I I understand now. So let's just have a truce. The punchwas for the kiss act, and the slap for my thoughtless remarks.Deal?I actually punched you to slap you, so technically it isconsidered as one move But, oh well Deal.Leti's move was a one-two combination. She had punchedDuke to deal with the height difference so when he leaned forward,Leti could slap him. Duke silently cursed the person who taughther such a high-skilled self-defense move. He would probablynever know that it was his best friend, Friedhelm, who taught herthat.- 50 -A princess cannot easily marry anyone, right? Even the onethey love? So you'd better try and play a bit before you marry. Iknow you can get whoever you want.Oh yes. You just played me a while ago.Quit saying it that way! That was different and you alreadyknow that!They went back to castle while exchanging sneaky remarks ateach other. When they reached their usual parting place, Letiturned around to face Duke and remembered that she hadsomething to ask him.An assassin came to attack me this morning and he said someparting words to me. What do you think follows, Don't tell meyou're the' The first syllable is na. He didn't get to finish it.What? An assassin!? Then what in the world are you doingout here alone!? This is dangerous! I'll escort you until the RoyalVilla!You are exaggerating. This is not first time such a thing hashappened. There is no need to make a fuss out of it. So what doyou think?But Duke could not possibly think and come up with ananswer for Leti's question. He was much more concerned aboutthe assassin's attack than what Leti was asking. Leti regrettedtelling Duke about the attack when she saw his troubledOkobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 51 -expression. She could have just directly asked him her questionwithout any prelude. Duke may look scary with his big frame andusually dour expression, but he was a really kind person to the core,and Leti's words made him worry a lot.Hmmm Don't tell me you're the knight-lessprincess? he suggested.Ah, I see.So the confused Duke came up with an answer, but it did nothelp Leti at all. She coldly said thanks to Duke for his meaninglessanswer and climbed up the wall.Oi, you'd better get a skilled knight to stay by your side, evenjust a temporary one. You can get Astrid!I heard your warning, heard it. Nothing more, nothing less.Let jumped down to the other side of the wall, and she was nolonger visible to Duke. He made a stern face at how Leti was soused to climbing up and going down.What the heck are her guards doing? If I were your knight, Icertainly wouldn't let you go anywhere aloneDuke shook his head the moment words left his lips, trying todeny the fact that he thought of something he'd do if he wereLeti's knight.- 52 -It's natural to worry I'm no longer a stranger, of course IwillDuke pretended not to notice the budding answer inside him.Rather, he convinced himself that he wouldn't get involved anyfurther.The Cattleya Court, a part of the Royal Palace, was where theQueen Consorts lived. Men were restricted in this area, so Leti hadto leave her guards by the entrance. She had already finished herbusiness inside, so she was strolling along the garden on her wayback to the entrance where her guards were waiting for her.However, rain clouds were starting to gather, so she started toquicken her pace. Today's weather was not good for a stroll.Oh, berries are already ripe and sweet during this seasonLeti was debating with herself where to start the activity withher younger sisters whether it would be from making the jam, orif she should prepare the jam in advance and start with making thesnacks. Then her feet stopped upon seeing a man inside the Court.Men are technically not allowed here, but princes are exceptions. Has hecome to visit Queen Rosalind7?'7 Friedhelm's mother. Third Queen Consort.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 53 -But Prince Friedhelm did not seem to be going towards thatdirection. It looked more like he was using Cattleya Court asshortcut. Leti hesitated for a moment, but made up her mind tocall him.Prince Friedhelm, do you hate berries?Berries?Recently, the only conversation they have had was aboutFriedhelm's recommended husband candidates. Since Leti did nothide her irritation on the topic, she obviously avoided Friedhelm.So he was, indeed, surprised that Leti was the one initiating theconversation.I like them.Good. It shall be berries then.Sorry, but I don't get it.I will be making some sweets with our little sisters, and Ifigured you might be troubled if you received something you hate,so I wanted to confirm it with you.Oh, I see. But you didn't have to worry about that. I won'ttell them straight at their faces I hate it even though I really do. Ican deal with that situation with a smile plastered on my face.Oh, right. I forgot. Leti said those words as if she wasadmiring Friedhelm's thoughtfulness.- 54 -I wonder if Prince Guido likes them as well.Isn't he banning sweets cause it's just a waste?But I have to give one to him if I will be giving you one, lestit become troublesome. I just hope he will accept it with a smile.A sneer, most likely. He's good at doing that.The conversation they were having was good; they were ableto have a normal one. Now, if she could just talk with him like thismore, then they'd have wider topics to cover, and maybe, in time,she could ask for his cooperation politically.How about Duke and Astrid? They also told me they wantedto give one to the two knights who attended the last tea party.I think Duke's fine, but I'm not quite sure about Astrid. I cango and ask Duke about Astrid; I'm on my way to meet him.You are going to meet with Duke? Then I shall come withyou.So Leti and Friedhelm were on their way to meet Duke.Following lazy Friedhelm's lead meant that Leti would go aroundthe Royal Palace without her guards, whom she left at the entranceof Cattleya Court, because Friedhelm's intended route would goout to the other side. She was thinking of an excuse for her guardswhen she saw the handrails of the corridor marking the Court'sboundaries.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 55 -Do you always use this route?Leti frowned at Friedhelm as he nimbly climbed over thehandrails.This is the shortest way. Here, lemme give you a hand.There is no need.Leti rejected Friedhelm's help and climbed down the wall withagility by herself. Of course, the low handrails were nothingcompared to the high palace walls she easily climbed up and downfor her incognito walks.Well, well, well. We shouldn't be calling you the LeftoverPrincess! Tomboy Princess' should be better for you.I think that's my sister' would have been better for this case.Their exchange of meaningless banter was a normal thing.After they had moved a few steps into the Castle, Leti heard avoice calling her from behind, so she turned around to have a look.What is the matter?Well answered the maid. Her voice and face clearlyshowed that it was something difficult for her to speak of untilLeti and Friedhelm noticed nearly at the same time what thepurpose of the maid was.Move out!- 56 -Friedhelm pulled Leti's arm and shielded her from theapproaching paper knife the maid wielded. The knife cut not Leti,but the back of Friedhelm's hand.Your handJust a scratch. Darn it! We just went out of a swordprohibitedzone and this happens!Some parts of the royal palace prohibited carrying of anyweapons, such as the Throne Room and Assembly Halls. Thesewere called sword-prohibited zones, and only the palace guardswere allowed to carry one. This rule was decided during KingAlexander's time to prevent violence during meetings anddiscussions. There had been an incident during his time where thediscussion during the meeting became too heated and themembers ended up drawing their swords.Friedhelm thought he could easily finish his business, so he didnot bother bringing his sword. To add to that, his knights, theSeventh Heaven, were nowhere near the vicinity since he passedthrough Cattleya Court. He was frantically thinking of what hecould use as a weapon when he remembered the time that Letithreatened him.You carry a knife with you, right? Lend that to me.I only have a spoon.Spoon!? ...Was the same thing you used on me?Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 57 -I will not deny it.Friedhelm shouted in frustration. He was fooled by Leti, by aspoon. Nonetheless, he was on his guard shielding Leti should themaid lunge again. Leti was also thinking of how they should dealwith this.I don't have any choiceYou can protect yourself, right? Onmy signal, run as fast as you can towards the gates. Not towardsCattleya Court.But Leti shook her head in disagreement. The maid might justbe a diversion, and it was still not clear who the real target was.I do not think separating is a good thing. But can you dosomething about her if I cause a diversion?Haven't fought a paper knife before but I'll try.This would've been easy if Leti was alone. Well, it would stillbe easy if it were fine for her to be seen by her brother, but to deala certain amount of damage to the maid while not exposing herselfto was difficult.Then, step back and watch. You probably don't know it, butmy fighting skills were at par with Duke's during our Academydays.And these were not just words. Friedhelm tackled the maidand took the knife away from her.- 58 -Bravo! I would have asked you to be my knight if you werenot a prince.It was my pleasure. Make sure to thank me later! Friedhelmarrogantly hummed as he took the ribbon from Leti's hair and tiedthe maid's feet.Got any other ribbons?I do.Leti untied the one wrapped around her waist and gave it toFriedhelm. The spoon hidden in it fell with a clang.You really do have a spoonI can only hide that much, though I guess I can learn a thingor two from her and try hiding a knife.Friedhelm, after tying up the maid, stood up and looked at thewound on his left hand. The bleeding already stopped, and the cutwas not deep.The paper knife was a blind spot. It isn't a weapon but a tool,though still enough to hurt. And to think it was in here in theRoyal Palace.Friedhelm picked up the knife that was lying on the floor. Ithad an intricate and peculiar design.Take a look this. This might be worth a fortune. The designmight even date back to King Christian's time!Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 59 -Is it that old?These carving patterns are particular for that era. This mighthave originally been a weapon, like a dagger of sorts, and waschanged to a paper knife. I can imagine that this item is worthy tobe a national treasure, but was overlooked by King Karlheinzwhen he was doing his inventory since it had been used normallywithin the castle.Leti listened to Friedhelm's hypothesis about the paper knifeand agreed with his conclusion, but she felt she was missing thepoint even though she already had the necessary information, andcouldn't connect the dots.A former dagger from the Knight King's era Redesigned as apaperknife and overlooked by Administration King's inventoryThinking of the events chronologically didn't help her, somaybe she had to look at this from a different standpointWhy did King Karlheinz do the inventory? To destroy ghost energiesposing as art works!'Drop that! Leti shouted. If it had been a weapon duringKing Christian's time, then it was possible.Friedhelm was surprised with Leti's cry and tried to let go ofthe paper knife, but his hand would not listen to him.Huh? What's this?- 60 -This really isLeti reached out to Friedhelm's hand and attempted to loosenit from his grip, but his fingers wouldn't budge. If this was reallyrelated to Ghost Energy, then she had to do something about it.King Karlheinz said that those who got possessed with ghostenergies only had six months at most to live.Go away! Friedhelm shouted.But before Leti could even ask why, Friedhelm's left handmoved and held her neck. He was strangling her, and he did notknow what to do or why it was happening. He could only pleadwith his eyes for Leti to run away. But his hand did not loosen itsgrip on Leti, and it became tighter and tighter the more Friedhelmwished to loosen it. And then, Leti's vision faded out.Wait! I am not supposed to come here or else I will die!Hey, noisy today, aren't we? What's wrong?The only way to come to the Knight King's Space is to beunconscious in the real world. So if Leti was here, it meant shewent unconscious due to Friedhelm strangling her. Therefore, ifshe didn't go back to the real world and woke up right now,death was the only end waiting for her.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 61 -Leti was going to return to the real world when sheremembered something and asked Lion King Alexander, What isGhost Energy?The only knowledge Leti had of it was what she heard fromAdministrative King Karlheinz that Ghost Energies were likecursed art pieces created during the time of Knight King Christian,and that its bearer would die within half a year.Well, I heard that they were weapons created by the enemiesof King Christian to copy the Promise Swords, but they all lookedlike cursed items to me, answered King Alexander.Yes, I know that much. I also heard that the owner would diewithin half a year.Nah, it's more complicated than that. A human wounded bythe Ghost Energy would lose their control over their own bodycause they'd be manipulated by it. We used to call them slaves.'Ghost Energies were originally created to kill the stupid KnightKing Christian, so naturally, the slaves would move according tothat logic.Alexander grinned with excitement.Do you get the connection now? It means that we,reincarnations of the Knight King, are also targets of the GhostEnergies. There's no point in hiding your identity, they'll alwaysknow. Those blasted Ghost Energies are too persistent for theirown good.- 62 -The Lion King here right now might be fighting against one.He then laughed, saying he was indeed attacked by one a while ago.How can I return a slave to normal?Kill em.Lion King Alexander, a king who used drastic measures torebuild his kingdom, gave the coldest and yet the simplest answerto Leti's question. But Leti had her own circumstances and couldnot easily swallow King Alexander's medicine.Is there another way?Hmmm if he was just possessed, you might be able todo something. Take a close look at his shadow. There should be athread-like shadow connecting the slave to the host the bodythat has become one with the Ghost Energy. Erase that with lightand the slave'd be back to normal. The Ghost Energy can createinfinite number of slaves, but it can only control one at a time. Usethat knowledge well in fighting against it.Thank you! I shall come back now.As long as the host is still alive, it'll just create new slaves.Make sure to kill the host and then purify the weapon with theFlame Sword. Got that?Leti heard Alexander's warning from a distance as herconsciousness drifted back to reality.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 63 -Whoismanipulatingme? Friedhelm said in a strainedvoice as he fought the force making him strangle Leti.Let this hand, my hand, free Leti! I don't want to do this tomy sister!If this situation continued, Friedhelm's unconscious sisterwould die by his own hands. Friedhelm prayed for help to come,help in whatever form. And his prayers were answered.Prince Friedhelm!?Duke's surprised voice echoed throughout the place. He didnot expect to see such a sight when he simply went out to searchfor his late friend. He immediately knew something was wrong whenhe saw his friend strangling Leti.DUKE! Hurry and take my hand off Leti! Quick!Duke moved instantly and went to loosen Friedhelm's grip onLeti's neck without paying much attention to the contradictionbetween Friedhelm's words and his current actions. Duke, with allhis might, pulled Friedhelm's hand away, and that was enough toloosen the grip, even just for a moment. Air passed through Leti'sthroat. But Duke's strength wasn't enough to pull Friedhelm'shand away.- 64 -Princess, please hold on a little long!Duke's speech was cut off by the pain he felt on his hand.Friedhelm's left hand, holding the paper knife, wounded Duke,and the wound felt like it was digging through his flesh despite theshallow cut. Blood gushed down from the cut, and head-splittingpain attacked Duke.What the heck should I do!?In the midst of chaos, it was clear in Duke's mind who shouldbe prioritized. He knew he should do whatever means possible toensure the life of the heir, the life of Leti.Duke, I'm giving you the permission to draw your sword. Cutoff my hand now!Friedhelm shouted, pleaded to Duke. His words made Dukefeel like he read the turmoil going on inside him. His mind knewwhat he had to do, but his heart could follow with it. Duke shookhis head and refused to follow Friedhelm's wish.Do you think I can do that?!Yes, you can. Now draw out your sword and cut my hand.Don't let Leti die!ButI'm no delicate flower. I won't die with one less hand. Please,don't let me do this!Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 65 -As Duke braced himself for what he was about to do, Leti'sconsciousness came back; the measly amount of air that enteredher system when Duke loosened Friedhelm's grip for a momentwas enough to bring her back. She understood immediately whatwas happening based on Friedhelm and Duke's exchange andstarted to take action to escape her predicament.Knight sword, descend upon me and drop your sheath at the back of hisneck!'Leti drew out of thin air the knight sword and dropped it atFriedhelm's nape. Friedhelm lost his grip due to the impact. Dukedid not comprehend what had happened, but he knew this was hischance. He successfully separated Friedhelm and Leti.Princess! Are you alive!?Leti choked at the sudden gush of air passing through herthroat. Duke was relieved upon hearing that, since it meant thatshe was alive. He drew out his sword, ready to make the nextmove. In front of him was his best friend, clenching the paperknife, preparing as well for his next attack.What the heck is this all about?I don't know as well. The only thing I'm certain about is thatsomeone's manipulating my body to move against my will!Is there really nothing you can do?- 66 -Tried already, but to no avail. Though I'm sure the paperknife's the cause of this.Duke did not know what to do. Behind him was an alive Letiwho had nearly died, and in front of him was a puppet-likeFriedhelm preparing to attack.Please Duke, just cut my hand!Your HighnessDuke searched for an answer on what he should do. This is notabout what I SHOULD do but what I WANT to do.'Friedhelm was Duke's best friend. He was happy when thisfriend of his invited him to be his knight his friend that would'vebeen king. He truly appreciated the invitation despite turning itdown due to the circumstances of his family. It would be a lie if hesaid he did not regret turning down an invitation to be one of theSeventh Heaven, a chivalric order composed of only the best ofthe best.But Duke still held his sword tighter, more determined.True, Friedhelm would've been a good king, and he was proudof that. In the end, he was not able to get the crown, but he stillwanted to be Friedhelm's knight. But he knew that all of theseemotions were mere extensions of his friendship with him. Hewouldn't have noticed this fact if he did not learn recently that thedesire to protect someone was a whole different feeling.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 67 -Then who is it you want to protect?' Duke asked himself.This is a piece of cake for you. Take a look at the differencein the reach of the weapons! Do it in one clean sweep. I don'twanna let Leti see this.Got it. Sorry.There wasn't time left for him to think. He could only do whathe could. Duke prepared himself to deliver one clean hit so thathis friend wouldn't have to suffer long. He took one step to theside to block Leti's sight.These two stupid show-off buffoons!Leti was still in a bit of a daze, but she clearly understood thesituation. She punched the ground, venting off her anger.You idiots! It does not matter if Onii-sama loses his hand here or evendie because Duke will just be the next slave! I have to eradicate the shadow!Leti focused her eyes onto Friedhelm's shadow and saw athread-like darkness at his feet, unnaturally connected to his own.She knew that if she followed that thread, it would lead her to thehost, but that was not her top priority for now.Come lightning and descend to the ground!'Leti called out one of the Promise Swords, the LightningSword. To answer her call, the heavily clouded skies parted andblinding, bluish-white lightning flashed. Its light erased the- 68 -shadows in the area for a moment. The light was followed by adeafening thunder with shockwaves enough to shake the ground.Duke and Friedhelm froze. They could not comprehend for asecond what happened. Leti, unsurprised at all, checked the threadshadow by Friedhelm's feet and saw it gone. Then, Leti gave herstern command.Duke! Take the knife and throw it far away!Yes, Your Highness!Duke obeyed Leti's order right away. There was something inher voice that made him believe it was the right thing to do. Duketook the knife from Friedhelm's hand and threw it as far as hecould. The metallic sound of the knife hitting a pillar echoedthroughout the place, and then silence spread.You are back to normal, are you not?Yeah. I'm really back?Friedhelm willed his hands to move, and when it did whenhis hands moved according to his own will the fact that he hadcontrol over his body sunk in. He ran towards Leti withoutthinking and caged her in his arms.Thank goodness!Friedhelm's words were nothing but sincere, and Leti couldn'tpush him away. Leti looked up at Duke, asking for help with herOkobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 69 -eyes but he simply shrugged his shoulders, his face saying, Just lethim be. Duke had already placed his sword inside its sheath, buthe was still holding it, prepared and on standby.Onii-sama used to hug me like this when we were youngI wonder whathappened'Leti felt her eyelids grow heavier. To add to that, the warmthand nostalgia she felt at being inside her brother's arms made hersleepier, but she scolded herself, saying that she still had things leftto be done. She had to check on the maid's shadow, ask those twoto keep their mouths shut about this incident, and then maybe getsome sleep.The first thing to do was to get rid of that paper knife, but itwas now nowhere to be found. Wondering where it went, Letiscanned around the area and found a pair of green eyes floating inthe shadow cast by the pillar.He is the assassin from that night! So it is safe to assume that he is thehost of the Ghost Energy.'Both of them knew each other's identities. The assassin'ssentence that night was, Don't tell me you're the Knight King.Duke's wild guess of Knight-less Princess' was partly true.And this revelation connects another point How did I ever miss it?'When did all of these incidents with assassins and GhostEnergy start? It was when Leti met him he who was not a normal- 70 -knight. It was highly possible that he was in the center of all theincidents happening recently.The assassin vanished in a puff, so Leti considered thisincident as over for now. Besides, she had figured out most of thepuzzle.Well, then, leave the rest of this incident to me, Leti toldDuke and Friedhelm as she wobbly stood up with her brother'shelp.Do you know what this is about?To a certain extent, yes.Planning on telling us?Nope. You can also let her go. There is no more need toworry about her.Leti was moving alone from here on. She would finish thatassassin who was acting as the host to the Ghost Energy, and thenshe'd purify it once the Ghost Energy lost its host.Both me and Prince Friedhelm are at fault for this incidentfor going around unescorted. No harm or damage was done toboth parties, so let us just forget about this matter like it neverhappened. I shall not accept any objections.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 71 -Leti walked towards the maid after saying her piece to checkher shadow. The maid's thread might have been erased whenlightning came forth.I almost killed you, you know! Friedhelm cried to Leti, whowas calmly rearranging the ribbon on her chest.As I have said, what do you mean by almost killing me?Both knew that Leti's words that casually threw everything outthe window was her way of being considerate. Leti straightenedher back, squared her shoulders, and walked away as if nothingserious had ever occurred, leaving Friedhelm and Duke standing insilence. Friedhelm broke the silence.Duke, sorry bout the wound.Ah, don't sweat it. It's just a scratch.The blood on the wound caused by the paper knife wasalready starting to close, but if he left it exposed, he might stain theother parts of his uniform, so he wiped away the blood and tied ahandkerchief around it using his other hand and mouth.Duke, be Leti's knight.Huh?She knows something.Duke already had a gut feeling that Leti wasn't telling themeverything, and some moments during the incident a while ago- 72 -strengthened this belief. Leti's actions after the lightning struck hadthe impression that she knew it was coming and was waiting for itcompared to him and Friedhelm, who were momentarily dazed insurprise. Then after the lightning, Friedhelm was free again.Yeah, she probably does, agreed Duke.She has the ability to uncover everything about this. I knowshe can. But if you did not come, I'd probably have killed my sisterwith my own hands. She's yet to learn that there are things shecannot handle alone.If Duke had not appear at that moment, Leti would not haveregained her consciousness, and would have ended up being killedby Friedhelm's hands. Death for any human being is imminent. Asimple unexpected turn of events could lead to one's demise.Friedhelm was asking Duke to be the knight that would always beby Leti's side in case anything unforeseen were to happen.If you're gonna say that you cannot make a decision becauseof your friendship to me and your responsibility to Guido Thenlet me tell you this. Be Leti's knight. Be the knight that'll protecther.But Duke did not nod.I refuse. I am a free man moving of my own free will.Then I ask you as her brother. You're the only one who I cantrust my sister with!Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 73 -I still refuse. I told you, I only move based on my ownvolition. No amount of persuasion or urging can make me changemy mind. Even if it comes from you.Duke!Duke walked away, never looking back at the frustratedFriedhelm calling out to him.Duke was a tall man with long legs. If he walked faster, hislong strides could cover the same distance a kid would by running.He was able to catch up with Leti in no time and called out to her.Oi!Leti stopped in her tracks and turned around.The only person allowed to address me in such a way is myhusband, but I shall not be choosing one who would dare call meso. Anyway, what would your business be?I've got something to tell you Can we go someplace else?This isn't a good place for it.Leti thought that she would be asked about the truth behindthe paper knife incident, so she warned Duke that she'd onlyanswer questions she felt like answering to. Yes, of course. But letme tell you this first. I will choose whether I answer yourquestions or not.- 74 -I'll say what I want to say. Let's go.Wait a minute!Duke grabbed Leti's wrist and dragged her without hesitation.Leti had to jog to keep up with his pace.Hey! Let go of me. Did I not agree already to come with you?Of course, they were not holding hands like couples do. It wasobvious that Duke was forcibly dragging Leti somewhere, but onecould not be sure how other people would interpret such asituation. Leti was worried about that.I also have a situation to deal with here, so just keep up.Duke continued walking and pulling Leti's arm, ignoring hercomplaints. He looked different than usual; he was not his normal,stoic self.Is he angry about something...? No. It's more like he was driven into acorner But why?'They reached their destination without Leti ever figuring outwhat was going on inside Duke's head. They were in the hearth ofthe castle, the King's Gallery, where the portraits of the kings ofthe past were exhibited. Duke finally let go of Leti's hand and letout a deep, heavy sigh.I should be the one sighing here Well, what is it youwanted to talk about?Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 75 -Leti had some inkling on what he would ask. It could be howFriedhelm came back, or how he was controlled. She was alreadypreparing herself and thinking of how much she should tell himwhen Duke asked something totally unexpected.What's a knight for you?Leti was momentarily caught off guard by Duke's question, butshe was able to recover quickly and chose the words for heranswer.A knight, for me, is nothing but decoration. I do not need,nor do I wish, to be protected. As long as my knight has theabilities necessary to convince the people that he is worthy to beone, then he shall be by my side as an ornament. I do not expecthim to give me protection or support.Leti was almost invincible with her powers from being thereincarnation of the Knight King. No one would believe her if shetold this to anyone, but she really had no need for guards andknights.Being alone means I can move the way I wish to. Havingsomeone beside me would slow me down, and it is too muchtrouble But because of you, I've changed my mind a little. Ifyou were not there a while ago, I would be dead. Now, I think it isbetter to at least have one by my side than none at all. Thankyou for saving Onii-sama from becoming a murderer.Duke clenched his teeth upon hearing Leti's words.- 76 -She really isn't an adorable young lady at all like calling PrinceFriedhelm Onii-sama' when he's nowhere to hear it, or even saying thank youfor saving me.' Who would want to protect a lady like her?'Leti returned Duke's question to him.Supporting the king, for me, is not part of a knight's job. Ifhe needs mental or emotional support, let his lovers do that. If heneeds political aid, then let his prime minister do that for him. Ifthere is one thing for me to do as his knight, that is to lead thearmy in case of emergency. But with this peaceful time, I doubtthere'd be any need for that.The Royal Chivalric Order automatically becameSommevesle's army in time of war. The knights of the Orderwould be the ones to lead and take on the officer posts for thearmy of scouted citizens. But in a peaceful era such as this, surelysomething else would be expected from a knight.What I think a knight should do is stay beside his master at alltimes, ready to take care of the mundane, troublesome things sothat his master can focus on the things that should be done.Mundane and troublesome things?Take what happened earlier, for example. You could have justtold me, I leave the rest to you, and left.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 77 -Leti noticed immediately that Duke's words were in contrast towhat she said a while ago, Leave the rest about this incident tome.What are you pointing at?It means that I at least know what you're thinking. If you tellme that you will leave it to me, I will clean up the mess left behindthe incident. I would know at least what you want me to do. I'llcome up with a believable explanation for the maid about whathappened and even search for the mastermind for all of this.You meanLeti's heart quickened, for she was starting to understand whatDuke was implying with his words.All you have to do is focus on your tasks as the Queen and asthe ruler of the kingdom and leave the rest to me. Do what it isyou have to do. SoLet me stay by your side.Duke silently apologized to Friedhelm.I've decided to be the knight of this not-so-charming lady. This is of myvolition and will, and certainly not because you asked me to.'I'm fairly certain that I am the only one who can be yourknight. A knight that will accept completely, no explanationsneeded, that you possess something you cannot speak of aknight that can catch your drift and move according to yourwishes. Am I right? Or am I right?- 78 -Why in the world is this man saying the words she has longedto hear for so long? She wanted to cry out of happiness, but sheblinked her tears back and gave Duke her signature confident andhaughty smile. She did not want to be perceived as a princess whowould cry because of joy. She wanted to be the queen who wouldsimply nod since it was the outcome she was expecting all along.Are you certain of your decision?Yes. But, Duke lifted up two of his fingers, I have twoconditions.One, I don't want to be the most tolerable among the rejects.Say that I am better than anyone in Seventh Heaven, Valkyrie orthe present Knights of the Round. Say that I'm the best.During the first time she invited Duke to be her knight, shehad said that he was the best among the rejects, and Duke'spride couldn't accept that.I understand. You are worthy of those words. You are thebest among everyone else. Will that do?Yes. Next, once I become your knight, trust me. Tell meeverything you can. I, at least, have that right.More than Leti's stubbornness, it was her secretiveness Dukehated the most.I see your point. Once you become my knight, I shall tell youeverything I can.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 79 -Duke, satisfied with getting Leti's agreements to both of hisconditions, took out his sword from its belt and gave it to Leti,complete with its sheath.Here, can you hold it? You do know how it's done, right?We will do it here? A knight's investiture will not be completeunless there are witnesses.If you're looking for a witness, you've got a lot of them here.Duke looked at the portraits hung on the wall. The two ofthem gazed at the nineteen rulers, kings and queens that reignedover Sommevesle through the years.You've got Lion King Alexander and Administrative KingKarlheinz here. They're your aspirations, right? I'm sure you'dwant them to stand as your witness.Duke added jokingly that he did not see the One-armed King,though.- 80 -Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 81 -Frustration, happiness, sadness and many other emotions shecould no longer name there was a whirlwind of emotions insideof her upon hearing Duke's words. She took Duke's sword tomask the raging storm inside her. She hurriedly carried it with twohands, since she did not expect the sword to be that heavy. TheKnight Sword was a part of Leti, so she did not feel any weight inwielding it. So when she took Duke's sword, she had beenexpecting the same weight. She was unsure if she could steadilyhold it with one hand, but with sheer will power, she was able todraw it out of its sheath.Duke kneeled before Leti and bowed his head. Leti placed thesword on Duke's left shoulder, then opened her lips, asking Duke,With a sword on thy right and a shield on thy left, dost thouswear allegiance to me till the day thou die?Of course Leti knew the words for the Knight's Oath. She wasasked to repeat and practice it countless of times as a child. Shehad thought that when the time came for her to utter those words,it would be purely mechanical, but she was proven wrong. It was anew discovery, and new discoveries were always welcome.With a sword on my right and a shield on my left, I swearallegiance to thee till the day I die.Leti nodded at the end of Duke's oath and tapped hisshoulders thrice with the sword. Instead of feeling merely happy,she was gratified to have the man she chose become her knight.From now on, thou art my knight.- 82 -Leti retuned the sword to its sheath halfway and gave it Duke.Duke received the sword, stood up and closed the swordcompletely; the high-pitched sound of the sword returning to itssheath marked the end of Duke's Knighting Ceremony.I shall still host a formal debut ceremony for yourinvestiture. It shall be a grand celebration, so you'd better prepareyourself.The private ceremony they had would have been enough forboth, but since Leti was the next Queen, such a thing was unheardof.Grand?Of course. It shall be attended by my family and all themembers of the Royal Chivalric Order. It is the KnightingInvestiture of the future First Knight of the next Knights of theRound.That is indeed grand.Duke wanted to invite his parents to attend, but they mightswoon with the personalities that shall be in attendance.By the way, you do not have to resign from the Order rightaway. At least until I ascend the throne. We still have few moreyears before that. Until then, work hard in service for the Orderthat has taken care of you until now.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 83 -Duke was thankful for Leti's suggestion. There were still somethings that should be taken care of, such as the turnover of duties,and quitting suddenly did not feel right for him.Oh, I almost forgot, I also have one condition for you.Hey, shouldn't you say those things before you made me yourknight?Duke was about to protest but Leti hushed him down, sayingit was just a simple condition.Burn my diary when I die.Diary?I only write my complaints and rants there. I might wish todie again if I was were known in the future as the Rant Queen.'Are we clear?And naturally, anyone who would hear such words would wantto know what was inside.When you die, can I read it?Well, you can, though I think I will be writing more aboutyou from now on.Leti thought of telling Duke the truth behind what happenedtoday. The truth about her being the reincarnation of the KnightKing Christian, and that the perpetrator was a weapon created byhis enemies of the Knight King to kill him, and that Friedhelm was- 84 -saved by the lightning she called. But thinking about that alreadymade her imagine Duke not believing her story, and she wouldprobably write the whole scenario about it and complain it wasDuke who made her tell him, and yet he was the one not believingher story.Surely days like those would increase, and Leti thought thosedays might not be so bad at all.Leti went back immediately to the Royal Villa without dwellingmuch about Duke's knighting, saying she still had things to do.Duke, left alone in the Gallery, paid his respects to the kings of thepast and made another vow.I shall put my life on the line to keep my oath.With that vow in his heart, he relaxed at last, and all thetension in his body was lifted, making him feel the suddenexhaustion because of his nervousness.You were too nervous, Duke, Duke said to himself. He hadforcibly dragged Leti and made her knight him so that he wouldnot falter in his decision. When he told Leti to make him herknight, he was so nervous, he was really glad he did not choke onhis words.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 85 -Seeing you stutter due to nerves would've been a breath offresh air and quite entertaining, but I guess I'm asking for toomuch.Your Highness!?A cheery Friedhelm came out of the shadows.I already settled things the way Leticia would want it. After Iuntied the maid, I woke her up and said that she had passed outfor a while and that what happened was just a dream.I see. Thank you.With that, we're quits. And to think you said those big wordsto me But here you are, her knight.Duke grumbled something and scratched the back of his headin embarrassment upon knowing that Friedhelm was watchingthem.Her Highness and I are both neutrals; we can understandeach other. Besides, the First Seat of the Knights of the Round issuch a tempting position. It really isn't a bad offer if you thinkabout it.Duke flatly rejected Leti's forceful invitation right from thestart. However, as he got to know her, he learned how theseventeen year old Leti, who could still be called a girl, had a steelhardresolution to carry the responsibilities of a Queen and a rulerof a country. It did not take long for him to start wanting to- 86 -protect her. The main reason why he had not agreed to be herknight was because he had his doubts.I was not sure whether I could choose between you andPrincess Leticia without any doubt clouding my mind. ButWhen Friedhelm confronted him once that being Leti's knightmeant being able to kill Friedhelm if he was ordered to, Dukeknew that he could not do it without faltering then. He knew thathe was not worthy to be her knight.Sorry, Your Highness. If ordered to, I might have to killyou.I don't mind at all, you bloke. Protect her with your life. Ifyou fail to do that, come to me and offer your neck as apology.Roger that.Duke smiled wryly at the royal siblings voicing out theirconcern for the other when they are not around, and then Dukecame to realize one important thought.Maybe Her Highness wanted her two older brothers to stand as witnessesas well.'Duke was convinced that it was something Leti would'vewanted.At least half of that came true.Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi- 87 -Duke groaned again, thinking that his understanding of Letiwas not yet enough, for right now, he was debating whether heshould tell her or not about Friedhelm's presence.That was quite the showLeti went to the Knight King's Space to report her success ingetting the man she wanted to be her knight. Then when OnearmedKing Oswald asked what made Duke change his mind sincehe was so repulsive of the notion before, Leti gladly told him theseries of happenings that led to this happy conclusion and hecould not help but admire what happened.Really? In my opinion, I think being helped when I was nearlydying is humiliating. Is being seen as miserable and pitiable reallysomething to be worried about?If that happened to a man, it would have ended in simplesympathy, but for a lady, any man who saw that would want toprotect her.I really cannot comprehend that.If you did, you would be a devious lady.Leti agreed with it and stood up, saying she'd be going backnow.- 88 -Eh, are you going already?Yes. I only wanted to brag about my new knight.Leti could only have this kind of conversation here in theKnight King's Space. No one in the real world would be able tonotice it, but Leti's head was in cloud nine.End of Chapter II