A few days ter.

  As I returned to the station after my patrol, the Captain barked out a brief order.

  "An external diplomat is entering the capital on short notice. The Oathfme Knights will handle the escort. Everyone, re-verify your equipment."

  With those words, the atmosphere shifted instantly. The commotion that had finally begun to settle regained its buzz, and I began checking my gear as instructed.

  "Did something happen?"

  Kyle asked with a grin, acting as if he’d already forgotten the incident from the other day. "Rumor had it that an influential figure, who was cold-shouldered over 'that matter' yesterday, went home in a huff... Don't tell me they've come back?"

  (...The person whose marriage proposal Her Majesty rejected?)

  "I knew it~ I heard they were staying at an inn near the border, but I guess they returned. They were probably told 'don't come back without results.' Being a diplomat is rough, isn't it?"

  Kyle's words were likely a mix of gathered intel and specution. Yet, they pricked at my ears strangely. He continued lightheartedly, "I'm surprised they came by nd instead of the sea."

  The Ignis Kingdom lies at the foot of a volcanic region. For a visit from a major power, choosing a sea route would normally be the logical choice. The fact that they deliberately chose a nd route was indeed curious.

  —Could it be they're here to see Her Majesty again?

  ...No, they are a diplomat. It’s only natural for them to stand at the negotiating table.

  (What is this feeling...?)

  Unconsciously, I tightened my grip. The metal of my gauntlet let out a faint, grinding creak.

  The Captain assigned our positions. I was tasked with escorting the diplomat’s carriage alongside Kyle.

  (At the very least, I must do my duty without letting personal feelings interfere...)

  I exhaled a small breath.

  ?

  The diplomatic party, consisting of several carriages followed by attendants and subordinates, moved slowly down the main street of the castle town. I walked right beside the primary carriage, never letting my guard down.

  The carriage window opened slightly, and a man peeked out. Despite his refined attire, he looked somewhat frazzled.

  "...Good grief. To think I'd be rejected over something like this. Queens everywhere are so selfish, aren't they?"

  "Tell me about it. Right, Lazari?"

  "Sigh... Just because you said you 'wanted to get engaged,' I had to change the terms of the negotiation... Shall we ask for some ancient books instead?"

  "The Queen is a dragon, right?"

  "No, she is not. ...Now, please be quiet for a moment."

  The words weren't directed at me. It was merely a compint mixed into casual chatter with an attendant.

  —And yet.

  "Selfish."

  That word caught strangely in my throat.

  Beneath my leather gloves, my hands gripping the reins tightened instinctively. The creaking sound lingered in my ears. For no reason, a heat began to swell deep in my chest.

  (...What is this?)

  Confusion arose. I am a knight; I should be a pilr of composure. I cannot afford to be swayed by emotion. —And yet, even so.

  I know the weight of the responsibility she carries as she sits upon that throne. She is more sincere, more steadfast, and more beautiful than anyone. She is a person who lives with unshakable resolve as the symbol of this nation.

  To dismiss that way of life as "selfish" within a mere political game—

  That was something I simply could not forgive.

  (...How long has it been since I felt such rage?)

  It felt as though an ember that had been smoldering inside me had finally caught fire.

  Until now, I thought I simply "had to protect" her. But now, it was different. From the bottom of my heart, I wished for her not to be insulted.

  It was surely a feeling that could not be described by loyalty alone.

  "...Is it useless no matter what I say...? I don't think the 'Princess of Fme' will be swayed toward us. ...But there must still be room for negotiation. After all, I brought something truly 'good' with me."

  The man’s monologue wasn't meant for his attendant. While I remained silent, I felt a small stir at the edge of his words.

  (...Is there truly room for negotiation?)

  But more than that—

  I found myself wanting to witness exactly how she would respond to this man.