Chapter 573
Chapter 573
Chapter 573
Chapter 573: Leticia and Elna
"The northern part of the kingdom is abundant in crops and populated by mild-mannered people. Until the United Kingdom invaded, it was almost never involved in war."
"Is that why you're popular?"
"Well, more so than others. Prince Ansem is similar to the late Prince Wilhelm in the Empire. Everyone saw the future in Prince Ansem. Even now, there are people who adore him everywhere. The reason why the cities on the front lines do not retreat at all from the large army is because Prince Ansem is holding back."
Inside the carriage.
Elna, who was heading to the cities in the northern part of the kingdom with Leticia, was learning about the cities in the northern part of the kingdom from her.
"A figure like Prince Wilhelm... the morale must be high."
"If his body was healthy, Prince Ansem would have definitely been chosen as the crown prince. If Prince Ansem was the crown prince... he probably wouldn't have thought of invading the empire."
"Really? If he's such a great man, wouldn't he be burning to overthrow the empire?"
"Prince Ansem has an overwhelming confidence in his own power. Even when he was bedridden, that didn't change. He wouldn't take advantage of the power struggle in the empire. If he were to invade the empire, it would be after the power struggle was over."
"So in the end, he would invade..."
"It's probably because he has a fierce talent. He deeply desires to compete with someone who is equal to him. Of course, he wouldn't invade without a chance of winning, so he would probably maintain a cooperative line with the empire for a while."
A worthy opponent.
That was supposed to be Prince Wilhelm of the Empire.
Just as two suns are not needed in the sky, two great kings are not needed in the same era.
The unfortunate thing is that both suns have set.
However, one survived and rose again.
To compete with the new sun that rose in the empire.
"For now, it's better than the current crown prince. Just because he's exceptionally competent."
"That's right. I wish Prince Ansem would rise against the crown prince... but he probably can't because his sister is probably being held hostage."
"It's a common story. It's not uncommon for rulers to take hostages... Prince Ansem's sister is also your sister or younger sister, right? That's tough."
"The crown prince sees Prince Ansem as a complex. He probably wants to suppress him somehow."
"Listening to that, I wonder if you were also a complex to the crown prince? The holy woman Leticia who saved the country. If he's the person I've been talking about, it's no wonder he's not happy."
"That may be true. However, the crown prince's anti-imperial tilt is a recent development. Until then, I thought we had a good relationship, albeit superficially."
"Even so, the fact that he tried to eliminate you is a fact. I haven't forgiven him for that. You were abducted and faced great danger, Leo was shocked and closed off, and Al had to punch Leo. I'm thinking of punching the crown prince when I find him."
Hearing Elna's words, Leticia puts her hand to her mouth and laughs elegantly.
Looking at Leticia, Elna turns her face away a little embarrassed.
She talked more honestly than she had expected.
"Elna. I want to get along with you."
"I, I want to get along too."
Just, Elna murmured in her heart.
Leticia's position is very delicate.
The title of the holy woman of the kingdom is powerful, even though she is in opposition to the kingdom now.
However, the stronger title is Leo's potential partner.
Though not official, Leo treats Leticia as his fiancee.
Leo is a strong candidate for crown prince. If things go as planned, Leticia would become the empress.
Elna is supposed to serve her.
Therefore, she was unsure of how to close the distance.
Moreover, Leo and Elna are childhood friends.
From Leticia's perspective, Elna may not be the most comfortable companion.
However,
"I... don't know as much about Leo as you do, Elna. But, I'm hoping to know more about him in the future."
"That sounds great. I'm supporting the two of you, you know?"
"Yes. I understand. So... this may be a presumptuous request, but I would like for you, Elna, to be my support."
"M-Me? Your support?"
"Yes. Elna, you are a Sacred Sword user who carries the blood of the Amsberg family, and the captain of the Royal Guard. You may not be able to get involved in the battle for the throne openly, but you are a precious childhood friend to Leo. If Leo ascends the throne, you will undoubtedly be by his side. I'm not of noble birth. I'm currently at odds with the kingdom, my strongest support. I'm sure some people will consider me unworthy of being Leo's partner. When that time comes... I want a friend who will be on my side."
"No one would say you're unworthy... you're far more refined than I am..."
"...We don't know what might happen. Just like how I was made a pawn by the kingdom."
Those were heavy words.
Words that only someone who has experienced them can say.
The future is unpredictable.
Impossible things can happen.
Still, even so...
"I... If that's what Leo wishes, I want to be by his side. I'm also thinking of making an effort to be able to stay by his side. I'm sorry if this sounds calculating, but I want to get along with you, Elna, in this sense as well. Of course, I also find you personally very likable."
"...That's kind of sneaky, the way you say it."
"I'm sorry..."
"No, not that! It's just that... If someone says they want to be with the person they love, you can't say no. Especially if that person is your precious childhood friend."
Saying that, Elna extends her hand to Leticia.
Then...
"I definitely want to get along with you. If it's someone like you, I can entrust Leo to you without worries."
"...Thank you."
"Leave it to me. I'll support you with all my might."
"Yes! I'll support you too, Elna!"
"Me? I... don't need it. I probably won't have such a situation."
"But, with Arnold-sama..."
"Ah!! That's fine! Don't worry about it!"
Elna covers Leticia's mouth.
She then moves from her seat across from Leticia to sit next to her.
"Anyway, let's put an end to this conversation. Since it's a rare opportunity, let's have a girl talk."
"Yes, I would be happy to."
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