"Get married. Immediately."

"Hm?"

I doubted my ears for a moment.

"The prospective fiancee had been arranged. Your mother and siblings agreed with my choice. All you have to do is to be ready, either physically or mentality."

"Haa?!"

What. is. this. old man. even. say?!

Be patient. Me. mmmm, okay keep calm.

I look around the room.

My mother stand beside father looking excited.

My first brother at first glance look calm but there's a hint of glee at his eyes.

My young siblings, the twins looked flustered.

Haa, why things turn out like this...

Well.. I'll may be a coward, but I'll run away. To avoid this annoying thing.

...***...

Alliandel Kingdom.

A mid size kingdom with a fertile land that coveted by many.

Famous for it's peace and it's people ferocious laid back trait.

Especially the royals and the nobles.

They hate troublesome thing, they hate piled up work, they hate prolonged war etc. So many things to hate.

The good things is the scenery is beautiful, the land is fertile, the people is relaxed. The life is stable.

The infighting of the royal family mostly about who will take over the Crown Prince title.

The First Prince, Royal Duke of Silverte duchy, His Grace Eliashe Alliandel didn't want the Crown Prince title so he gave up and give a way for his beloved younger brother The Second Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Adre Alliandel . Of course His Royal Highness Prince Adre vehemently advocate how talented, bright, hardworking his brother was.

"It will be a loss for the kingdom if brother don't become a Crown Prince. This one is too lacking that this one worried that any work will be delayed." His Royal Highness Prince Adre, eyes brimmed with tears, sadly said to The King of Alliandel, His Majesty King Bellhat.

"Your Majesty, I am truly feel ashamed. Royal brother Prince Adre is so considerate of me, this talentless older brother. He is trustworthy. He had many good quality to be a good ruler. I can tell you all those quality any time whenever we met onwards, Sire." His Grace Duke Eliashe calmly said.

The meaning is..

If you don't make him as a Crown Prince, I'll pestering you whenever we met whether you have time or not.

His Royal Highness Prince Adre too immersed with his feeling, didn't notice the underlying meaning.

At first His Majesty King Bellhat want to take a wait and look approach then make the first prince to take the crown. But he is too exhausted because of His Grace Duke Eliashe constant pestering. It's nothing to compare with unfruitful effort of His Royal Highness Prince Adre to delay work.

So with his goal to abdicate early so he can live a relaxed life.

To move far away from never ending work as a King.

To get rid of the pestering and to start the Crown Prince education as soon as possible.

The Second Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Adre had been titled as a Crown Prince.

The Hawk's family head, Marquess Hydell Hawk, watched with his own eyes, how His Royal Highness Prince Adre begrudgingly take the Crown Prince education.

Ever since then all he talk about are how a loss it is for the kingdom miss a great ruler potential like his brother. He swore he will relinquish the title and gave the title back to the rightful owner.

He use every opportunities with a Crown Prince right to dump troublesome work to His Grace Duke Eliashe, with an intention to elevate His Grace position in the His Majesty King Bellhat, nobles and commoner eyes.

His Grace Duke Eliashe only laughed it off because he knows it's bearable. The Crown Prince responsibility is more tough, tiresome it is.

Then with his achievements from the forced work. He shrewdly gathers the nobles, knights and commoners support to solidify Prince Adre position as a Crown Prince. It is an unquestionable, solid position that envied by other kingdom Crown Prince.

"His Royal Highness Prince Adre is so touched, that he cried because of His Grace Duke Eliashe dedication. Ahh, what a wonderful family love."

Father gloating smile feels a bit ominous somehow.

While all of these tiresome battle of wits are happening. Her Majesty Queen Ariane watched by the sideline with an excited eyes and cheer for her beloved husband and sons brotherly dispute.

Ahh, what a role model she is.

She is my ideal.

Mysteriously the kingdom management working well. So well that the other kingdom can't compare.

Because they don't want trouble, they work as quick as they can. As clean as they possibly can with minimal mistake. As a result they don't need to do any prolonged work. The management inside or outside mostly in order. Corruption nearly nil, any discovered corruption or organization that cross the tolerable line will be ruined.

While there is a fight in here or there because some people work with dubious ethics that caused many people must work overtime. Often it's end with the source problem bullied by a never ending trivial things for months. It's a joy source for many people.

The king and his subject regulate the rule with wisdom.

The nobles support the kingdom wholeheartedly.

The defense knights train seriously so they can keep order for a peaceful life.

So is the subjugation knights train with fervour to end mission quickly.

The commoner live happily without an absurd tax. Safe haven guaranteed.

The adventurer life a bit hectic, but for them it's a joyful life to hack monster here and there and enjoyed the quest reward.

Some may think it will be easy for the kingdom to be attacked or manipulated.

Well, no.

There are some wisdom words recorded in an academy book that His Majesty King Bellhat said.

"With a right amount pressure, coercion, negotiation and intimidation then give them some bait. We will be able to enjoy a long time of peace. All hail to peaceful life."

Once upon a time there's a country who courageous enough to meddle only to be surrender then suffer a huge loss. They struggled until this day under the mercy of Alliandel kingdom.

There is an unwritten record of Your Majesty complain that widely known by his direct subject.

"It's almost impossible for those laidback nobles to be used by outside force. At most they complied for a while as a form of entertainment, then ruin those bugs movement. For example look at a certain Marquess house history."

Ah, who is it that he talking about?

...

Let's not think about a certain middle aged man with an evil smile.

"Then we can give a way for the future generation. Our kingdom future is bright."

It's what His Majesty King Bellhat said while he relaxed at his throne with inappropriate posture of a king.

While it sound arrogant, it's entirely possible for Alliandel kingdom to occupied other kingdom to make an empire. But there's not an ounce of interest or known movement from the kingdom

Ah, my beloved country.

I'm glad I was born in this kingdom.

It's crowded.

It's suffocating.

There are many guards around me as I walk around the garden. Near me alone it's three. Around the garden perimeter there's some knight that act like they enjoyed the garden scenery.

As if it's the case.

Even when I was in the room, two maid always standing by nearby. Not to mention the guards outside the room.

Am I under house arrest?

Am I a sinner?

Huh?! Father?!

...***...

Marquess Hawk's family is an average nobility.

We do our duties. We do our best to managed our inside and outside affair so we can have time for ourself and family.

Something bound to change when eldest brother Gynne became His Royal Highness Prince Adre aide. Second Brother become Royal Duke of Silverte personal knight. Gillian and Jillian, the twins, went to academy. Not to mention father and mother, they had a lot of works and parties to go.

Because Father do things too well, he ended up being honored by the kingdom. As a result mother got a lot of party invitation. They look like a bee buzzing here and there. Surely they will have a sweet result from their hardwork.

...

Giggle

Not for me though.

I already graduate from academy a year ago. It's paid off to do more study so I can graduate early.

I requested that my debutante will be hold when I'm nineteen. I will be enjoying my time and hope the marriage will be brought up late. I still have 4 years left.

The winds come from the windows are refreshing. It's a same day as the other.

Beautiful scenery.

Lovely weather.

And as always I laid at the couch holding a book while my maid stand by near me with a various kind of light snack.

It's a comfortable life.

I noticed some commotion outside when I looked from the window.

"It is seem Marquess back home early, My Lady."

"Uh huh."

Lately I'm feeling a bit dispirited.

I want to hunt monster. I want to camp and cook delicious food myself. I want to gather material with my own hands.

If only Father allowed me to...

Half a month ago, because of others carelessnes that caused me injuries when facing monster in the northern forest, Father banned me to hunt.

It's only a minor injuries, though.

Chills come up of my back when I recall Father and Mother rage.

Knock knock

"Come in."

"Pardon me, My lady. Marquess had called you."

"Okay, wait a second." My maid helped me to tidy up myself to look more presentable.

"Where are we going?"

"We are going to the Marquess study, My Lady."

While the butler leading the way, I noticed that some employee look restless. What are the reason?

"Huh, Elder sister?"

A young, immature voice calling me when my mind wander around.

"Ah, Gillian and Jillian, what are you doing?"

"Father called us, did Elder Sister too?"

"Yes.."

I feel something's up, from a far I can see Eldest brother coming. Why did Father call all of us?

"Good afternoon, my dear siblings." Eldest brother Gynne give a smirk when he looking at me.

"Good afternoon, Eldest brother."

I frowned. It's rare. Usually when he saw me he will be ranting about how free I am.

"Eldest brother! You came back!"

Gillian joyfully welcomed him. Because of his work as Crown Prince aide he rarely back home.

"Brother! Play with us later, will you?" Jillian hugging him affectionaly.

"Uh.. Yes, later..~" He hesitantly promised to the twins.

Brother my condolences for you. May you can keep up with the twins overflowing energy.

"Eldest brother has just come back, he surely tired. Play with moderation, okay?"

"Okay, Elder Sister!"

"By the way is Second Brother come too?"

"No. He have works to do at Royal Castle. Maybe he will back home by the evening."

Silence dawned at us until we had arrived in front of Marquess study.

"My lord, My lady, We've arrived."

Knock knock

"You all arrived." A deep, dignified voice can be heard from there.

"Come in and take a seat."

"Yes, Father."

There Father sat dignifiedly while mother stand there looking excited.

We four sibling take a seat and waiting for father to start the conversation.

"Kana."

"Yes, Father."

"Get married. Immediately."

"Hm?"

I doubted my ears for a moment.

"The prospective fiancee had been arranged. Your mother and elder brother had agreed . All you have to do is to be ready, either physically or mentality."

"Haa?!"

What. is. this. old man. even. say?!

Be patient. Me. mmmm, okay keep calm.

I look around the room.

My mother stand beside father looking excited.

My first brother at first glance look calm but there's a hint of glee at his eyes.

My young siblings, the twins looked flustered.

"It's good for you, Kana. Everyday you just lazing around while the others had to work hard until they don't have time to rest. It's a waste of your talent. I know you are capable. Like this, you can help your Second Brother." Eldest brother gleefully nitpicked me.

What do you mean lazing around. I'm busy too. For example hunting monster. Attending lesson to be a proper lady. Swordmanship training. Playing with the twins. Mountains of book that i haven't finish.

"You're too laidback, Kana. We would've glad to give you more time. But since you're already graduated from academy you had proved what you capable of. Since then you've too much free time. Other ladies already had their debutante but you requested it at your nineteen. It's detes... Cough It's a waste of talent."

Mother you're inner feeling revealed...

Father and brother agreeing with mother rant, the twins included. What do you know huh my young siblings?

If it's not our family, then it's one of our kingdom virtue to live a laidback life. We've been striving for it.

"I'm not free. I have things to do too. I've lesson to attend. I've hunting at the northern forest too. Didn't our family benefited from the material i've brought?" It's a gift so they can let me enjoyed my comfortable life longer.

"That's the problem." Father interjected.

"I'm grateful for your effort and the gift. But if for that you had been injured yourself, we can't take it lightly."

"But it's a minor injury.."

"You've must be kidding." Jillian said with a sweet voice.

"A broken hand, a stab injury causing a blood loss and a head concussion considered minor? I don't know what a major injury do then." Gillian stiffly said.

"The healer do their job well." I awkwardly said.

"You must settled down, Kana. If you still want to do those risky hobby at least do it where our people can ensure your safety. Where you can't sneaked out to do those dangerous job."

Father, I didn't do anything risky. My life safety is my priority.

"That's right. So this person is the best choice to be your husband. You can help him and your Second Brother. You can do things that you love, you will have family to tend for. We have people to rein over your recklessness. Then all of us will be happy."

It's you not me, Eldest Brother.

"Huh? Please wait a second. What the correlation of my marriage and helping second brother? And who is this person?"

It can't be that person, right? Please, tell me it's not him!

"It is our kingdom first prince, Royal Duke of Silverte, Duke Eliashe Alliandel. I expected you to be married this year. The preparation nearly completed."

Father, you are our family head, but what are you doing without related person consent?

"Knowing your personality, we intentionally delayed to informed you. We know you won't accepted. But It's best for you to surrender."

Mother, why are you phrasing it like I'm a defeated war soldier. The twins looked at me worriedly.

Ahh.. It's almost a done deal.

There are no one at my side.

What am I going to do?

"Good luck, my dear sister."

My Eldest Brother sincere smile will bring doom to me if I agreed to married off.

My comfortable life, suddenly flown so far away.

...***...