"The Fourteenth Princess should be arriving soon; come with me to greet her."
After reading the letter from the little girl, Hero, though still somewhat nervous, nodded with a hint of expectation.
For the vast majority of people in the Kingdom, meeting the Royal Family was an event to look forward to, and being witnessed by the Royal Family at ceremonies such as the knighting was an honor many nobles could only dream of.
Thus, it was not unbecoming of Border Count's stature to personally receive her.
Although the Fourteenth Princess had been physically weak since childhood and less skilled in both arts and arms than other royals, she did not confine herself within the deep palace but began to tour the country in her frail health. Whenever there was a disaster in the Kingdom that needed Royal Family's attention, it was often the Fourteenth Princess who volunteered first.
Over time, she gradually became a spokesperson for the Royal Family, a role that truly suited her in a sense. For although there were better candidates for wisdom and strength around her, her Royal Family lineage was irreplaceable. On the other hand, her 'fragility' served as a weapon that disarmed people.
"So, although she is indeed a good-natured person, it would be a mistake to see her as just a decorative figure," Count said with a meaningful smile as they walked towards the gate of Count Mansion.
Hero was surprised that Count was discussing Royal Family matters with him so openly. He quietly meditated in composure, listening carefully yet daring not to respond.
"We have arrived, Lord Count, Hero."
From the Chocobo Cart seat, a temporary coachman in the form of the Maid Supervisor's gentle voice reached inside the carriage.
The two of them got out of the carriage one after the other and waited silently at the gate. Soon, a Chocobo Cart as impressive as Count's carriage appeared in the distance, approaching from afar.
The two chocobos pulling the carriage had feathers close to brilliant gold, clearly well-bred individuals wrapped in the strength of the Wind Element.
Above the carriage, the Royal Family's emblem shone brightly under the clear sunlight.
Watching the Chocobo Cart slowly come to a stop in front of them, Hero involuntarily held his breath, tensing his body.
Without giving Hero any further time to prepare mentally, the carriage door opened, and a woman with pink hair, dressed simply, appeared before Hero.
But more than her appearance and attire, what caught Hero's eye were the metal rings on her wrists, ankles, and neck.
'Device that halts Magic Power, Demon-locking Ring...'
Hero recalled the name of the metal rings designed by the Count pondering on her condition.
Meanwhile, Count had already smiled and approached to greet her.
"Welcome, Fourteenth Princess, welcome back to the Border."
"Long time no see, Uncle."
Fourteenth Princess, seeing the familiar elder in front of her, slowly revealed a warmly enthusiastic smile.
Pink, supple hair hung to her ears, and the simple gown outlined her delicate curves. However, the gems and gold threads undoubtedly hinted at nobleness, and the faintly pulsating strong magic aura emphasized that this was not merely a beautiful dress.
Seated merely in the carriage, she resembled being poised on a grand ballroom's elevated stage; the metal rings on her limbs and neck, however, made it hard to imagine her dancing.
Like a canary bound by chains, she brought the entire cage with her, traveling far to here.
Despite her fragile appearance, her eyes revealed a deeply respectful determination.
"I'm not worthy, Fourteenth Princess," said Border Count with a bow, addressing her affectionately.
"It's not because of the thin lineage, but out of my own volition; without you, I might have perished early in the Royal Palace."
With the help of an attendant, Fourteenth Princess stepped down from the carriage. Looking at the metal rings that stilled the magic within her body and stunted her growth, she smiled ruefully.
"Moreover, I'll be staying at your Manor for a while; if every meeting is this formal, I won't be able to withstand it."
Yet, her complexity was fleeting, replaced by a somewhat mischievous smile.
"Hehe, then I shall duly comply… Anyway, seeing you healthy is better than anything," Count, amicably accommodating, straightened and looked down slightly at Fourteenth Princess, who was about the same height as Hero, speaking with emotion.
The greetings between Count and Princess concluded here, and according to the schedule, Fourteenth Princess and her personal attendant would ride Count's carriage first to the mansion, followed by a tea party in the afternoon. During this time, her other attendants would take the Royal Bird Carriage elsewhere and arrange her luggage and belongings in the Princess's guest room.
After the greetings, Fourteenth Princess also noticed Hero by her side, curiously observing the scene, soon to share the carriage with her.
"You are—," looking at Hero with sky-blue hair, Fourthteenth Princess's eyes sparkled.
She revealed a warm and friendly smile and took a few quick steps toward Hero—even though her pace wasn't fast, the suddenly shortened distance made Hero's mind go blank for a moment.