147. The Meeting

Since he had mentioned gathering an escort before departure, I wondered just how large the group would be, but it would be fair to say I was a bit disappointed to find the total number of guards was only about thirty. This was during the meeting held a few days before their departure.

Prince Albert reportedly never travels with a retinue of personal attendants, and even when combining his guards and aides, he travels with fewer than ten people.

"There are no bandit groups like the ones in fairy tales in this Kingdom. Even if they were to attack, it would be fewer than ten people, so we'll be fine. In fact, if the numbers increased any further, it would only be a nuisance to our hosts."

So that was the case. Apparently, it would look bad if a member of the royal family were to stay in an inn, and whenever he goes on an inspection tour, he is almost always invited to stay at the estates of local nobles.

Brother and Gil each had their own guards, and the rest of the group was composed of the elite from the guard unit. Of course, I had Hans, and Natalie came along to look after my every need.

Even though I am only two years old, I have a deep connection to the guard unit. To begin with, they were the ones who came with Father when I was kidnapped, and they were also the ones who followed Father all the way to Wester's border to pick me up. The man leading that unit was a stiff, serious person despite his youth. It looked as though he would serve as the captain this time as well. I believe his name was,

"Gweiceh", if I recall correctly.

"Oh so you remember me, Lady Lilia" Graces replied.

His stern expression softened, just a little.

"I could never have guessed you were His Excellency's daughter."

I'll pretend I didn't hear that murmur. This meeting was meant to be an introduction between us, but it also seemed to serve as a final briefing for Prince Albert and the guard unit.

"Well, they are only two and three years old, after all."

"I shall be four very soon!"

"Well, they are only a two year and an almost four year old, after all."

It was funny how Graces calmly corrected Nico's outburst. Graces was telling Prince Al about the details of their recent journey.

"That being said, Lady Lilia is quite used to traveling. Even on her recent trip from Wester, she returned on a schedule no different from an adult's."

"But Nico is only three..."

"I shall be four very soon!"

"Nico is almost four, and I doubt he can endure sitting still in a dragon carriage for long. I believe it would be best to take frequent breaks and find lodging early."

I wondered if they would have drawn up a schedule in advance and sent notices to the nobles in each region. I thought it a bit inconsiderate to arrive without a fixed itinerary, but this journey was not one to be rushed. My dear father would be waiting for us in the Royal Capital, and my brother would be with me throughout the entire trip. I had nothing to worry about.

"Nico, study. Even if we stay, it no different."

I said this to Graces. Even if it was technically for Prince Al's arranged marriage meeting, it was still a learning opportunity for Nico.

"You..."

"Brother..."

Prince Al knelt down in front of me and pinched both my cheeks with his hands.

"You're only two years old, yet instead of just being used to traveling, you're actually trying to dictate the itinerary. Ugh, you're so soft."

"Stop id!"

I wished he would stop pinching and squeezing me. Finally, someone appeared to stop His Highness.

"Prince Albert, please let go. You're being immature. Just because Lady Lia is close with Prince Nico doesn't mean you should act so undignified."

"Hans, you're going too far. Even if it's the truth, it is disrespectful. And it is not Prince Nico. It is Prince Nicholas."

"Lord Luke, I am terribly sorry."

It was Hans and my older brother. Hans bowed his head apologetically and corrected himself properly.

"Prince Albert, please let go. You're being immature. Just because Lady Lilia is close with Prince Nicholas doesn't mean you should act so undignified."

“Just because you refer to him as Prince Nicholas does not mean you are permitted to be so disrespectful.”

Prince Albert stood up, letting go of my cheek while grumbling at Hans. Good grief.

“Lia, are you okay? Uncle acts like a child sometimes.”

Nico gently touched my cheek. He was nothing like his uncle.

“Nico, I thought you were on my side.”

Prince Al said, looking a bit down. Rather than worrying about that, shouldn't we decide on the itinerary?

“I thought we might be able to cover more ground a bit sooner, but there's no point in pushing too hard. Let's stick to the original plan and take our time going and coming back. Since the people from Allvance are with us, it'll be easier for Neville to stay there, too.”

Uncle is in Neville, and my Raag Dragon is there, too. It seemed the schedule was already set, and they were just discussing whether they could return a little earlier. Regardless of me, we should plan a relaxed itinerary for Nico's sake.

“That sounds best. I hear Lia is used to traveling, but even so, nap time is necessary. I'm going to sleep a lot. Uncle, you should think about us little ones and take it slow.”

“Nico, amazing!”

Nico's words seemed to be the deciding factor. The guards began scurrying about. I felt my efforts to train Nico as my little study partner were finally paying off. I praised Nico, crossed my arms, and gave a thoughtful nod.

"Why do two toddlers hold all the decision-making power?"

"Well, it's merely a confirmation of what was already decided."

Prince Albert seemed to be lamenting something, but my brother looked at him as if to say he'd brought it upon himself. Once the decision to travel was made, it seems my brother had been gathering information at the academy and talking with Mark. On the day we returned home to prepare for the trip, he shared this with me in secret from Father.

"I'm not sure if Lia will understand, but essentially, Prince Albert will accept marriage proposals simply because it's less troublesome than refusing them, but he isn't actually looking forward to it. So, he thought it might be more enjoyable if he brought his precious little nephew along. Royalty faces more pressure than the four marquises to remain in the royal capital. Prince Albert has hated that since he was a child, which is why he wanted to take Prince Nico here and there, within the limits of his own influence."

Regardless of the reason, I think it's a good thing for Nico to travel around.

"The problem is that we've been conveniently dragged into this as well. To be honest, I would have preferred to confront the Third Prince while I was with Father."

"Lia too."

"Not you, Lia!"

My brother shook his head while lying down on the bed beside me.

"I feel as though the problems in the Royal Capital are even greater than those in the North where Prince Albert is. I have explained the situation properly to Mark and have been having serious discussions with Father, but I wonder how it will all turn out."

"Ma-awk."

I looked at my brother with an expression that asked if that Mark was really going to be alright. He chuckled and poked my cheek.

"He seems to let his guard down around us, and he can be quite childish, but he is the heir to Morzei. He is trustworthy. However..."

My brother looked up at the ceiling with a worried expression.

"I am not on close terms with Remington. As for Felicia and Chris, there is nothing that can be done."

I didn't understand at the time why Chris's name had come up. I only thought that it would be nice if Chris could come along, too.