Chapter 4

(I wish there really was a convenient power like 'magic' in this world, as I read in a fairy tale book.)

In this world, there is no mysterious power that can open doors without a key or perfectly hide important things.

If there is a power that could be called magic, it is only one: the mystical power flowing in Alicia’s blood.

(But, I have already decided when to use this 'power to see the future.' There is a very high price to pay for testing it... What I need right now is my own effort! I won’t rely on the mystical power!)

She would stay up all night to diligently research things that could be of service to the people. Then she would go to places where problems were occurring and work hard to solve them.

As she repeated this, a rumor began to spread among the people.

"The royal family has saved the eastern village this time!"

Even among the citizens who had been dissatisfied with the newly crowned king after the previous king’s death, there were now more voices praising the royal family.

"I heard that the young princess herself visited the village."

"How kind she is. Oh—..."

And the people began to praise the name of a young girl in this way.

"Our Princess 'Tina'!"

"..."

Tina, a girl who was Alicia’s cousin by blood, was the biological daughter of the king, her uncle, and the queen, her aunt. To Alicia, who had been adopted by the two, Tina was also her adopted sister.

"I’m sorry, Alicia-nee-sama..."

Tina, who was one year younger than Alicia, was a girl with a rich and adorable expression. When she came to Alicia’s side without the queen noticing, she shed tears from her big eyes and cried.

"All the accomplishments from the volunteer activities so far, and the visit to the eastern village, were all done by Alicia-nee-sama. But because Father has been proclaiming that I did all of it..."

Tina, who clung to Alicia, was a fluffy-haired, innocent girl with a bright smile, loved by everyone.

"Alicia-nee-sama, I’m so frustrated. I can’t advise Father, and I feel so small..."

"Tina, it’s okay. I don’t want you to come to me. I want you to find your own happiness."

"nee-sama...!"

Everyone in the castle loved Tina, who held a bouquet and smiled in the sunlight. That’s why the knights and servants in the castle whispered about Alicia and Tina.

"Princess Tina is so kind. Not only does she travel the country for charity, but she also respects Princess Alicia, the daughter of the previous king, as a real sister and cares for her in every way."

In the past, Alicia was the child of the compassionate former king and queen, and many citizens had petitioned for her life.

However, due to the thorough information control by the royal family, Alicia’s name was gradually spreading as that of a princess unsuitable for the royal family.

"But Princess Alicia has the blood of the mystic, with her dawn-colored hair."

"Isn’t it the power to see the future? How ridiculous, it’s just a superstition. A truly special princess who can see the future wouldn’t fall so low."

This was the opinion of the majority of the citizens.

"Princess Tina, more than anyone, deserves to be happy. She will surely welcome a fine husband and become a beloved queen."

"But, I hope Princess Alicia doesn’t get jealous and interfere with Princess Tina..."

Sometimes, Alicia felt sad when faced with cold, disdainful gazes. However, when she secretly went outside the castle, people who had known Alicia since she was a child would smile at her.

"Princess Alicia, come over here! I’ve baked a delicious pie. Even though you work hard, you’re still a child, so come and eat your fill here!"

(...Because everyone helped me back then, I can do something as the princess of this country. I will definitely make this a better country... For that, I must continue with the 'preparations'.)

As time passed, Alicia eventually turned eighteen.

Then, the king, who was to be her stepfather, announced to Alicia.

"Our country, Shellharood, has decided to form an alliance with the country of Leuria."

Leuria is currently the most powerful country on the continent. On the other hand, Shellharood has been in a state of tension with Leuria for a long time.

(If we can establish friendly relations with Leuria, it would be full of advantages for this country. If the country prospers, the people will be happy... Recently, some areas have been suffering from severe poverty, but perhaps no one will go hungry next winter.)

For Alicia, this was truly a joyful thing.

Most of all, if this were to happen, the promise she had made with her uncle to 'focus on the country' might be fulfilled. Even though she knew the hope was slim, she had to believe in it.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty. This is all thanks to Your Majesty’s diplomatic skills..."

"However, there is a condition. That country wishes for a princess of this country to be the bride of their crown prince as a symbol of friendship."

The uncle sitting on the throne spoke in a voice that brooked no refusal.

"You will be the one to marry, Alicia."

"!"