A meeting
The long corridor feels longer than usual.
I do not want to go … but, I have to go.
I move my heavy legs somehow with the sense of duty and move forward.
“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting”
…… And I came to talk to our guests.
What was waiting at the reception room was a man the same age as me.
He wears a scarf around his head and wears the garment of Acacia kingdom named spacious clothing, when I appeared in the hall, a soft smile surfaced on his face.
“Sorry about this sudden visit, my name is Hafei’s Vent Mashed.”
…… When the messengers of Acacia visit, they are received and stay at the royal palace.
I also participated as a daughter of the duke in their reception, before abandoning the school … … but I have not seen it again after it.
Of course, I have seen only the main messengers, so I can not say it who this man is.
“I am honored that you ask my name, my name is Iris, Iris · Lana · Almeria. I appreciate your favor.”
“No, no, I was surprised … No wonder you are the woman who is entrusted with this territory …. according what was told to me, the territory here has been prosperous. Your father’s eyes who judged to leave this territory in your hands are wonderful. ”
“Well, that is kind of … … an excessive word, I’m much ashamed.”
“From the time you started to trade overseas, the trade has increased, your skill has also impressed the royal family of our country. This time, the first prince of our country, Kaadir, sent me here with the intent to ask for a visit. ”
“oh dear…”
he he he… … I conceal the mouth with a fan and laugh as mother taught me.
I wonder what I really should do … Looking at such a thing, I cannot be disrespectful to the man in front of me.
The man in front has a mild and well formed face.
But while having a gentle smile, the back of the pupil is staring at me like analyzing my movements and thoughts.
“I am very honored, but … I have to ask my father.”
“Is that so? …… I have heard that your authority is not as good as the lord ..”
…… News from other countries are often being investigated at each place…… I exhale without breaking a smile.
“Well, that would be nice, please ask your father to allow us to visit here, there is something more that I would like to discuss with you”
“… What is it?”
“Actually …… the visit is just a pretext, Kaadir is here to seek your hand in marriage.”
This time, I was surprised, my heart practically stopped.
Even if the word itself is shocking.. I understood… but the meaning of asking for a marriage with me I cannot understand.
“Apparently, Prince Kaadir saw you one time and was love at first sight… It is a wonderful alliance as a bridge between the two countries.”
There is no memory of never before having seen a Prince from another kingdom while I received the messengers at the royal palace before.
…… It is a lie saying that it was love at first glance? Or was it that I misunderstood the prince for one of the messengers …?
“The official letter is here.”
He gave me a letter he took out from the bosom.
At that time, I see a ring of gold that was fitted on his finger. The center was flat and the pattern of a hawk was drawn.
The letter was handed over to Sebas as I refrained from receiving it from his hand, and Sebas handed it over to me.
“Certainly … … By the way, Mr. Haffhies, you have a very nice ring.”
“Oh … this is.. gold is one of the principal productions in our country … …”
“… …. You’re a left-handed person, it’s a wonderful design, my eyes were taken away.”
In my words, Mr. Haffhies deepened his smile.
For a while, we stare at each other silently.
Both myself and him observe each other, and while trying to get information even a little from our eyes and actions, we were asking each other for our intentions.
In a silent battle, the interior had a heavy atmosphere.
“…Excuse me.”
During the meeting, Tanya came into the room.
“…What’s wrong?”
In response to my question she did not answer, but instead she neared my ear and whispered.
“There are a news that your father was attacked.”
What???? !!!! Although I practically was screaming from the notice, I remembered the existence of the man in front of me and managed to calm down somehow.
“Sorry, Mr. Haffhies, apparently, there seems to be an emergency, so may you forgive me?”
“Yes, of course”
I got up from the room in a hurry to the extent that there was stop as I ran.
I and Tanya enter the room next to the hall where I was.
“What do you mean by being attacked? Is father safe !?”
“… Yes, he was attacked, the wound seems to be big, but it was said that there is no risk to his life”
“Ah……”
I was relieved.
“Lady….!”
Tanya supports me as I have fallen on the spot.
“Are you ok?”
“Oh, yeah … ….”
Repeat breathing in.. breathing out, adjust your breath. My sharp eyes gradually returned to normal.
“All right … I’ll go back,”
“but…”
“I can not leave awaiting that person for a long time.”
I staggered for a moment, but somehow I managed to stand up and walk.
“I have kept you waiting”
“No …… Your face color is not good, is it okay?”
“Well, actually, there was news that my father had fallen ill.”
“Oh …”
“I was fortunate that it was not a serious thing … …. but as I am worried about him, I would like to head out to Father that is at the Kingdom soon. I’m really sorry but…”
“No, if your father suffered such a thing, that would be really hard on you, much more as you worry if you are in a distant place”
“Thank you very much for your thoughtfulness, I’d like to give a huge welcome next time by all means”
Then, my meeting with him ended early.