Felmina

  I used the wrong approach.

  I see now exactly what Father and Shanon meant when they warned me not to put on airs with him.

  But I had to know for certain. And now I do.

  Fine.

  I’ll just adjust my methods next time.

  I won’t give up that easily.

  I can’t let you slip away, Kaijuu Ryu.

  I look over at Roka.

  …Why does it feel like I lost?

  It’s infuriating.

  “Lady Felmina.”

  I snap out of my thoughts and turn to my butler.

  “The message,” he reminds me.

  Ah. Right—the message.

  “Roka.”

  She looks at me, confused.

  “I have a message for you from the King.”

  “Oh!”

  My butler hands her the letter.

  “Well then, I’ll be going.”

  I leave.

  I already read the letter beforehand—of course I did. The gist: the King wants to see her regarding a matter of extreme importance, something to do with final preparations before her marriage can be finalized.

  I have to be at that meeting.

  I need to know what’s so important.

  Information is the most vital resource in any war.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  And make no mistake—

  this is war.

  The Meeting

  Felmina

  I’m wearing my stealth suit today.

  You can’t sneak around in a dress, you know.

  I’m currently hiding under the big side table in the meeting hall. The tablecloth goes all the way to the floor, and I’m using my Erase Presence skill—just in case.

  I’ve been here for thirty minutes already.

  It’s finally beginning.

  They sure like to take their time.

  “Roka, what exactly did you wish to ask?”

  “Father… are things going well with Sir Kaijuu?”

  “Yes, I believe so.”

  “Would you say you’re in love with him?”

  There’s a long pause. I assume she’s blushing.

  “I… think so. Yes.”

  “And as far as you can tell, he feels the same?”

  “I guess.”

  You guess?

  Maybe I still have a chance.

  “Roka, look at me.”

  “Yes, Father.”

  “As you know, Sir Kaijuu has trust issues. So listen carefully… I suggested the use of the Absolute Loyalty Seal to ease his mind, but according to the head assistant, he seems reluctant. Do not let this chance slip by. I don’t mean to alarm you, but Lady Felmina—your cousin—has been asking after him. If he’s still set on taking only one bride, it’s best you act now.”

  Silence.

  A long one.

  “I’ve read the documents… I’ll think about it. I’m not totally against it or anything, it’s just…”

  “Just what?”

  “Please excuse me for today, Father. I want to speak to Ryu-san first. Then I’ll decide.”

  The door closes.

  …She left?

  Did they both leave?

  “Felmina.”

  WHAAAA—?!

  I jolt upward and slam my head into the underside of the table.

  “OW—DAMN IT!”

  I slap my hands over my mouth.

  Too late.

  The King lifts the tablecloth.

  “Come out.”

  I crawl out, defeated.

  “Sit.”

  I sit at attention.

  I messed up. I messed up so damn hard.

  Was my skill too weak? Did he always know? What the hell?

  “Lady Felmina,” he begins calmly, “I understand your frustration. You like Sir Kaijuu as well.”

  Busted again.

  “But this meeting must remain confidential. If you agree, I can share the details of the Absolute Loyalty Seal with you. Perhaps then you’ll understand the seriousness of the matter. Roka just returned the documents. Can you agree to these terms?”

  He folds his fingers in front of his face—dead serious.

  I nod.

  “I need to hear you say it.”

  “Yes. I agree, dearest unc—

  I mean… Father.”

  He sighs.

  “I heard what happened today. I warned you not to put on airs. I don’t know why you ignored that, though I assume you had your reasons. From now on, be honest. That’s why Roka succeeded—she bared her soul. Use deception, and he’ll see through you sooner or later. After the interview, you’re on your own.”

  “Thank you… Father.”

  “Review these documents and leave them on the table when you go.”

  He leaves.

  I read the documents carefully.

  Instant death on betrayal?

  Damn.

  No wonder Roka sounded hesitant.

  But this may be my last chance. If I fail again, I’ll be sent back in eighteen months—to marry some farmer’s son.

  I’d rather die.

  I turn thirty-one this year.

  Eight failed interviews so far. Eight.

  I even changed my approach each time. The last one was the worst—

  that damn pretty-boy duke’s son just kept staring at my chest, radiating something dangerous.

  And that’s not even the worst part.

  All he kept asking about…

  was Princess Roka.

  Damn it.

  What does she have that I don’t?