As Corelia’s adoptive daughter and a princess of the kingdom, Edwina wasn’t completely ignorant about weapons. However, she was still a far cry from Vanessa, who always carried a sword and studied court swordsmanship under Altina.
This was why Edwina had mustered the courage to initiate a conversation with Vanessa.
Seeing that it was a rare occasion for Edwina to take the initiative, Vanessa didn’t refuse. The two of them began discussing how to choose a high-quality magic sword. However, some things were difficult to explain clearly with words alone; it was better to see them in person or try them out. Thus, Vanessa suggested they visit the Royal Armory to look at some actual specimens.
While others would require royal permission to enter the armory, they were royalty themselves. They didn’t need any extra formalities and could simply go.
The title “Royal Armory” sounded impressive, but it wasn’t actually anything extraordinary. It was mostly a place where rare or collectible weapons were kept. Any weapon truly worthy of being called a treasure was already being used by someone; it was impossible for such items to be left to gather dust in a warehouse.
“…A magic sword is both a sword and a magic staff. If you want to balance the advantages of both, you have to inherit the disadvantages of both as well. Their practical value might not be as high as a pure sword or a staff, but a royal sidearm isn’t just a weapon—it’s a symbol of identity and status. Its value as an ornament is higher. Besides, having a magic sword doesn’t mean you can’t use a staff at the same time. So, Edwina, choosing a magic sword is a very wise decision.”
“Mm-hmm. Compared to spears and bows, a sword is indeed more suitable as a decoration.”
Vanessa, who didn’t usually talk much with Edwina, was now speaking incessantly as they walked, having found common ground. Edwina listened intently. Usually, when facing Vanessa, she felt a sense of inferiority, but at this moment, she acted naturally and without much restraint.
With Vanessa in her armored skirt and Edwina in her formal gown walking side by side and discussing the same topic, they truly looked like real sisters. At the very least, the palace servants found the sight surprising and heartening. Those who knew them both were well aware that neither was a malicious or unpleasant royal. Seeing them grow closer instead of being at odds was a cause for celebration for the servants who served the Queen.
However, the two of them weren’t able to continue their pleasant conversation all the way to the armory. Midway there, they heard a familiar, flighty female voice from ahead.
“Come to think of it, it’s quite rare for Little Altina to forget to ask if someone has eaten lunch. It was obvious they stayed in the library all this time, so whether they ate or not should have been clear. Could it be that you were thinking about something else at the time, Little Altina?~”
“…I won’t deny that my observation and focus were indeed lacking. It was my mistake. But could you please stop repeating it over and over? Also, do not call me ‘Little Altina,’ Lady Vita.”
“Ahaha~ Don’t mind it, don’t mind it. It’s a term of endearment~ How cute~ Right, Master Cain?~”
Following the flighty voice was a female voice that sounded rational and intelligent. It turned out to be Vita, Altina, and… Cain, who were leaving the Queen’s room and heading toward the kitchen after finishing their conversation with Her Majesty.
“…Since Lady Altina is unwilling, I think you should show some restraint, Vita. Also, you two really don’t have to follow me. I roughly know the way.”
“Oh, that won’t do. Master Cain, you are Her Majesty’s honored guest. Don’t be a stranger! Just treat this place like your own home~”
“…Don’t just pick the parts you want to hear. Listen to the first half of my sentence, too.”
“Haha~ I don’t know what you’re talking about~”
Since they had just turned a corner from another direction, Cain, Vita, and Altina, who were walking ahead, didn’t notice Vanessa and Edwina not far behind them. Because Cain had accidentally mentioned that he hadn’t eaten lunch during their conversation, Corelia had ended the meeting in a commanding tone and requested that he go eat. Vita and Altina, each harboring their own motives, had followed him, walking on either side of him as they headed for the kitchen.
Although Vanessa couldn’t see Cain’s face, she certainly saw his back and heard his voice. This caused Edwina’s heart to skip a beat. She was somewhat afraid to see her sister’s reaction. After all, Vanessa loved her adoptive mother, Corelia, dearly but was hostile toward men. Encountering a man associated with her mother would surely cause her to freeze up and refuse to accept it.
“…That white-haired man is the rumored honored guest of Mother’s. He seems to be an acquaintance of Aunt Vita’s as well. Is he really a young bishop from the Church? Still, I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before.”
“…Eh?”
However, reality didn’t unfold as Edwina had imagined. Vanessa, who had stopped to watch the retreating backs of the three, didn’t have much of a reaction. she merely tilted her head slightly with a thoughtful look, as if searching her memory for something related to Cain.
“Ah, that… that’s quite a coincidence. Why don’t we go say hello? Aunt Vita and Lady Altina are right there, after all.”
The more she told Vanessa not to think about it, the more Vanessa would dwell on it. Therefore, Edwina chose to retreat by advancing, smiling as she suggested they go greet them.
“…Let’s not. It wouldn’t be good to disturb Aunt Vita and Lady Altina right now. We have things to do as well. Let’s find another opportunity later.”
As Edwina had guessed, Vanessa shook her head, declining the suggestion and temporarily ceasing her thoughts about Cain. Her reaction allowed Edwina to breathe a sigh of relief, feeling much more at ease.
‘Wait… At ease? Why do I feel at ease? Is it because I’m afraid Vanessa will cause trouble for Mother? And if I’m at ease, why does my chest still feel so tight? With Aunt Vita and Lady Altina accompanying him, the guest certainly doesn’t need to worry about getting lost…’
At that moment, Edwina suddenly noticed something strange about herself. She clenched her fist against her chest and lowered her eyes, contemplating her abnormal feelings. The girl’s delicate heart had not yet realized that the emotion known as “jealousy” was sprouting and growing at a rapid pace.
“…Edwina? Are you all right? Do you feel unwell? Perhaps you should go back to your room and rest.”
Vanessa, noticing that something was off with Edwina, suggested that she return to her room.
“Eh? Oh, no, I’m fine. Let’s continue to the armory.”
Sinking back from her thoughts, Edwina quickly looked up and gave a quiet, graceful smile, showing no signs of struggle.
“…Is that so? Then let’s go.”
Since she said so herself, Vanessa decided to respect her decision and didn’t press further.
“Yes, let’s go, Vanessa.”
By pushing the thoughts aside, the tightness in her chest faded, and Edwina smiled again. This time, it looked more natural than before.
Because the two of them had stopped to talk, Cain, Vita, and Altina had already moved quite far away. The sisters resumed their pace toward their original destination, the armory. The two sisters adopted by Queen Corelia began discussing magic swords once more, yet beneath that seemingly calm and harmonious scene, a faint, imperceptible note of discord seemed to linger.
However, neither of the two involved parties noticed it at that moment.