A Change in Status and a Fiancée by Royal Decree

“Lord Hildebrand, please make sure not to forget the cautions given by your parents. As an archduke candidate, you must behave and interact accordingly.”

”…I will do my best.”

I nodded in response to my head retainer’s words as I was about to leave the dormitory for the dedication whirl practice. This practice is part of a class attended only by archduke candidates of all years.

As a former member of the royal family, I must, of course, take care not to unconsciously wield the authority that comes with it. My parents have warned me to be cautious not only of that, but also of the way others may over-interpret my words and act on their own, so I must be careful not to let them take anything I say as verbal commitments.

…But knowing what I should or shouldn’t say, and how to say it… it’s rather difficult.

At the end of spring, I obtained my schtappe. Father had forbidden me from getting it, saying I should, “Follow the curriculum of the Royal Academy,” but I wanted to save Lady Rozemyne. I wanted the power to fight and protect. That small sense of justice I held was used by Raublut, and it ultimately led to the schtappes being given to the people of Lanzenave—something that was considered a crime.

Apparently, it was such a grave offense that, under normal circumstances, I would have been sentenced to death.

However, it was decided by those who did not wish to shake Yurgenschmidt any further that the crimes of the royal family would be concealed. My crime, too, was hidden—but that does not mean I went unpunished. Having obtained my schtappe at such a young age, I became unable to compress my mana any further.

I had also been told that if I did not take care in how many divine protections I receive, I would suffer greatly in the future. That unseen suffering is said to be my punishment.

Lady Eglantine, who was namesworn to the avatar of the goddess, has become the new Zent, while my father and my elder brother Sigiswald have become Aubs and now govern their respective duchies.

With this shift from royalty to a member of an archducal family, my entire life has changed.

My place of residence shifted from the Royal Palace to the former castle of Old Werkestock, the faces of the retainers surrounding me changed, and the gazes of the nobles who approached me transformed from ones of respect to ones of hostility.

It was as if I were living in enemy territory—so much so that, for a time, I wasn’t even permitted to leave the northern building.

Thanks to the backing of Dunkelfelger and the official appointment of an aub, the harvest increased dramatically compared to last year, and I began to be welcomed by the commoners. At the very least, I was accepted by the giebes during the winter socialising season.

However, all of my student retainers are either from the former Scharfer or have parents who were sovereign nobles—there isn’t a single one from Old Werkestock.

“Lord Hildebrand, regarding the Dunkelfelger archducal candidates…”

“I’m to go and greet them myself, correct?”

The thought of practice for the dedication whirl weighs heavily on me, as it gathers archducal candidates from other duchies—from first-years to the most senior students.

It’s especially burdensome because my change in status has altered everything I had learned about the order of greetings, how to address others, and which honorifics to use.

I understand that I am no longer royalty, but that doesn’t mean I’ve learned all the subtle differences yet. I’m terrified that I might use the wrong form of address, or worse, be swayed again by someone’s sweet words. The thought of speaking with anyone fills me with dread.

For the past six months or so, I’ve been constantly scolded by my parents and attendants. Except when I’m in bed, I always feel harsh eyes watching me. That stifling pressure never leaves me.

“In socializing between archduke candidates, a single misstep can greatly impact relations between duchies. Do not forget to conduct yourself as a proper archduke candidate… Now then, off you go.”

Parting with my retainers who gave me their final warning outside the class room, I stepped inside.

I immediately began looking for Lady Hannelore—I wanted to finish my greeting as soon as possible.

However, she was nowhere to be seen, and instead, Lord Ortwin of Drewanchel called out to me.

“Lord Hildebrand.”

Lord Ortwin is the younger brother of Lady Adolphine, who suddenly divorced my elder brother, Sigiswald. I have also heard that he was the very first to challenge Dunkelfelger to bride-stealing ditter.

“Do not deepen your ties with someone so rude as to issue a bride-stealing ditter challenge,” Mother said, quite furiously.

Moreover, because Lord Ortwin issued a bride-stealing ditter challenge, students from Korinthsdaum have started approaching me for various conversations, my retainers—concerned about inter-duchy relations—have become more meticulous in their instructions, and both Father and Mother have begun requesting detailed reports. It has caused nothing but trouble.

Though I had no intention of deepening my ties with Lord Ortwin, I could not simply ignore his greeting. I offered him a polite smile and returned the greeting.

“Now that you’re a first-year, I imagine you’re starting to settle in and have more free time, no? If it’s alright with you, I’d like to invite Lady Letizia to a tea party as well…”

…So the real objective is a tea party with Lady Letizia.

When having a tea party with a woman who is already engaged, it is customary to invite other women or her fiancé as well, to avoid a situation where only the two are present. Although Drewanchel has several archduke candidates, it seems Lord Ortwin is not particularly close to them.

“I’m very pleased by the invitation, but Aub Blumenfeld has forbidden us from deepening ties with duchies that are in opposition to Dunkelfelger for the bride-stealing ditter. Could we perhaps postpone developing personal relationships until after the ditter has concluded?”

”…I see. Very well. Then perhaps, another time.”

When I gave the predefined excuse used to decline someone from a duchy that had issued a ditter challenge, Lord Ortwin withdrew with a cheerful smile.

Unlike the students from Korinthsdaum, his understanding of when to retreat left a somewhat favorable impression on me—just then I noticed Lady Hannelore had entered the room.

Normally, unless they’re on bad terms, people from the same duchy arrive together. Yet, Lord Raufereg was nowhere to be seen.

“Lady Hannelore, it has been some time.”

As instructed by my retainers, I took the initiative to greet her. I heard that Lord Raufereg was unwell. Mother had said, “Now that Lady Hannelore has awakened, matters should be settled before long,” but I wonder if he is truly all right.

“Then, shall we have another tea party once the socialising season begins, shall we?”

Lady Hannelore said this with a smile and departed. I quietly let out a breath of relief, glad to have finished the greeting without issue, and began walking in the opposite direction. At that moment, I spotted Lady Letizia within my field of vision, seemingly troubled as she was surrounded by several other archduke candidates. They were likely bombarding her with questions about Lady Rozemyne, who had vanished after being summoned by a goddess.

…She is indeed my fiancée by royal decree, isn’t she?

Lady Letizia was originally part of Old Ahrensbach’s archducal family, yet she alone avoided capture and is now under the protection of Lady Rozemyne—a highly capable archduke candidate. She is quiet and diligently applies herself to her studies, which likely contributes to her limited interaction with other students. Perhaps it is under Lady Rozemyne’s tutelage that she is steadily completing her classes one after another. It was said that, during her early years, Lady Rozemyne remarked, “I can’t gather information because I don’t interact with the other students much.” Observing this situation now, I can’t help but agree—there truly doesn’t seem to be much interaction.

…As someone who has committed a crime, I am not worthy of being the fiancé of such an excellent archducal candidate.

When, I wonder, will our betrothal be annulled?

As things stand now, Lady Letizia and I are regarded as betrothed by royal order, as decreed by my father.

However, it would not be surprising if it were dissolved at any moment. A royal betrothal is issued by the Zent for the sake of the country.

Our engagement was established to preserve the greater duchy of Ahrensbach. But now that the land known as Ahrensbach has vanished from the map, it holds no meaning.

…And yet, despite everything, our engagement was not annulled.

I’ve heard it was because Lord Ferdinand forbade the cancellation of the royal decree, saying, “If royal orders are so easily overturned, future royal decrees will lose their weight.”

“It’s just Lord Ferdinand’s way of exacting petty revenge—forcing your father to understand the weight of a royal decree he himself issued. More than that, he likely just doesn’t want to disrupt the arrangement of marrying into Alexandria by royal command. I imagine that once the marriage with Lady Rozemyne is complete, a request to annul the royal decree might finally be accepted.”

Mother spoke with a troubled expression. Indeed, the royal decree naming Lady Letizia as the “next Aub of Ahrensbach” is entirely unrealistic. After all, in order to carry out that decree, Ahrensbach itself would need to exist. I’ve heard that if we were ever forced into a situation where the decree absolutely had to be fulfilled, a new duchy called Ahrensbach would likely have to be created.

My parents believe this unrealistic betrothal by royal order will be annulled in due time, and they hope for that outcome. As for me—I don’t particularly care either way. I just wish they would make a decision soon.

…I can’t help but feel deeply anxious about how uncertain the future is.

As of now, I’m the only archducal candidate of Blumenfeld, yet I’m also bound by a royal decree to become Lady Letizia’s betrothed. If the decree is not annulled and a new duchy—“Ahrensbach”—is established, I would enter her house as her consort. But if the decree is revoked, I will simply be an archducal candidate of Blumenfeld with no fiancée. And in that case, there’s no guarantee I would become the next Aub of Blumenfeld.

…Especially now that Mother was recently found to be pregnant.

Since no one knows what will become of the royal decree, it is a serious problem that I am currently the only archducal candidate in Blumenfeld. Father has no intention of divorcing Lady Ralfrieda or Lady Clementia, who supported him through the difficult reign of the previous Zent. And with it being difficult to establish an adoption with the children of Sigiswald or Anastasius due to their ages, the only realistic option left is for Mother to bear another child.

I understand that the duchy needs someone besides me—but I can’t help feeling as though I’ve become useless to Blumenfeld. I’m constantly anxious about what will happen to my position if the royal decree is rescinded… and I simply can’t bring myself to be truly happy about Mother’s pregnancy.

…And then, there’s my relationship with Lady Letizia as well…

Even though there’s a possibility that the royal decree may be revoked, wouldn’t it be painful to grow closer to my fiancée only for the engagement to be dissolved?

Besides, having obtained my schtappe at such a young age, there’s a chance that I may become magically incompatible with Lady Letizia. I don’t even know if Lady Rozemyne or Lord Ferdinand—who both know that I am a criminal—truly wish for me to deepen my relationship with Lady Letizia.

…At the very least, I would have liked to hear Lady Rozemyne’s thoughts. I never imagined she would be taken away by a goddess.

Even after what happened last year, I was far too optimistic. This was no time to be worrying about whether I was still hung up on my first love or struggling with how to handle the distance between us.

“Lady Letizia, a pleasure to see you.”

I saw Lady Hannelore approach Lady Letizia, who was surrounded by so many others. I had assumed she meant to support her connections with other duchies, but instead, she dispersed the gathered archduke candidates.

The relief on Lady Letizia’s face was plain to see, and I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me—I’d simply stood there, absentmindedly watching her struggle. With Lady Rozemyne, Lady Letizia’s guardian, currently absent, it was supposed to be my responsibility, as her fiancé, to protect her.

…But even if I reached out to help, it might only be a nuisance.

Blumenfeld now encompasses the Old Werkestock, which had once been under Old Ahrensbach’s control. Naturally, that means many of the nobles living there are either relatives of or once close to Old Ahrensbach’s nobility. It’s only been about half a year since the duchy became Alexandria. The duchy is surely still unsettled—and now, its Aub is absent.

My parents had predicted that some of the Old Ahrensbach nobles would try to rally behind Lady Letizia.

I was sternly warned that approaching Lady Letizia might not be well received by Lady Rozemyne or Lord Ferdinand’s retainers, that Lady Letizia herself might be wary of Blumenfeld, and that nobles seeking to get close to her might try to use me for their own ends.

Unsure of what the right course of action was, I had unconsciously chosen to remain a bystander. But Lady Hannelore, as if to say that such passivity was unacceptable, brought Lady Letizia to me and told me to protect my fiancée until Lady Rozemyne returned.

”…Understood. I will stay by her side during dedication whirl classes.”

I gave a small nod after briefly considering whether taking on the responsibility would lead to a scolding from my parents or retainers. Refusing Lady Hannelore’s request would likely be the worse choice. It’s not as though I disliked the idea of protecting Lady Letizia as my fiancée.

What I truly dreaded was being reprimanded further, or making another mistake and disappointing my parents and retainers again.

“I initially declined because I thought I might trouble you, Lord Hildebrand, since you wished to interact with upperclassmen from other duchies…”

Seeing Lady Letizia shrink back with wariness even at the thought of being protected made me feel as though I were looking at myself—unable to move under the weight of countless warnings. Now that Lady Rozemyne, the aub, had vanished along with the goddess, she was surely being given all manner of stern admonitions as well.

“Ah, it’s all right. My parents have forbidden me from associating with any duchies that have issued a bride-stealing ditter challenge to Dunkelfelger. Until the results of the ditter are decided, I’m unable to interact with more than half of the other duchies.”

Because I’m a former member of the royal family, I’ve already received numerous invitations even before the official socializing period has begun. However, I’ve basically been declining them by conveying our duchy’s stance. Upon hearing my words, Lady Letizia lifted her head with a startled expression.

“I was told by my retainers… not to get too close to any other archduke candidates besides Lady Hannelore while Lady Rozemyne is absent.”

Lady Letizia looked as though she had nowhere to turn, yet she made no move to break from her stance of refusal—clearly showing that deepening our relationship would be a problem. It was evident she had been sternly warned. I felt a faint sense of sympathy.

“I see. …In that case, let’s refrain from conversing too much.”

“Eh?”

“I’m simply doing as Lady Hannelore asked—remaining by your side. You said it’s troublesome to be surrounded by upperclassmen, didn’t you?”

“Ah, yes. …Lord Hildebrand, are you truly all right with that?”

She asked cautiously, and I nodded. Lady Hannelore had told me to use the authority I once held as a member of royalty. If I were still royal, I might have rebuked such a comment as “disrespectful.” However, now she as a Dunkelfelger archducal candidate outranks me. Above all, Mother warned me not to oppose Lady Hannelore carelessly—especially now that she has become the second avatar of the goddess.

…Besides, deciding not to engage in conversation puts me at ease as well.

“Ah, the professors have arrived. Let us go. May I take your hand…?”

As the professors entered, the students began to gather by academic year. I extended my hand to Lady Letizia. After a brief hesitation, she timidly placed her hand on mine. Escorting her, I headed toward the area where the first-years were assembling.

The first-year practice sessions involved more observing than actual dancing. We didn’t really talk, but we stayed together. That, somehow, became a small source of comfort for me in the moment.

However, during break times, archduke candidates from other years and other duchies began to approach us. They started inviting both Lady Letizia and myself to tea parties together. At first, we politely declined a few times, but I gradually began to tire of it. I really didn’t want to talk to others very much.

“Lady Letizia, may I have a moment of your time?”

“I apologize, but I would like to speak privately with my fiancé, so please excuse us.”

After yet another invitation, I smiled as I refused and handed Lady Letizia a magic tool to prevent eavesdropping.

“I’m getting a bit tired… Shall we pretend to be deep in conversation?”

“Thank you kindly. They’ve been asking me to attend tea parties, but I’ve been troubled because I can’t accept any of them.”

Lady Letizia accepted the magic tool with a smile. It seemed she too disliked being approached. It was no wonder—if even a break was more exhausting than the actual practice, anyone would grow weary of it.

“If I say that I haven’t received permission from my retainers yet, or that I have lessons to attend, they’ll give up for now… but once the socializing period begins, what should I do then?”

“I do hope Lady Rozemyne returns soon. I must also think about how to spend the socializing period… I really wish they hadn’t done something so unnecessary, like proposing a bride-stealing ditter.”

I turned my gaze toward Lady Hannelore and Lord Ortwin, who appeared to be conversing. Despite the Zent having declared that proposing a bride-stealing ditter was an act of hostility against Dunkelfelger, he has neither withdrawn the challenge nor refrained from speaking with Lady Hannelore. Lord Ortwin of Drewanchel seems to be quite forceful and discourteous.

“Lady Letizia, Lord Ortwin of Drewanchel has extended an invitation for a tea party. It seems he wishes to invite both you and me.”

”…I see…”

Noticing where I was looking, Lady Letizia also turned her gaze toward Lord Ortwin and Lady Hannelore.

“I believe Lord Ortwin’s objective is to gather information regarding Alexandria.”

“Not just Lord Ortwin—everyone who approaches me these days is the same.”

Lady Letizia spoke with a downcast expression, then forced a smile and added, “You’re the unusual one, Lord Hildebrand, for saying you wouldn’t talk.”

Since information flows from the Zent and Dunkelfelger to my parents, I’ve been restricted from socializing and don’t need to go out of my way to gather information. But if that helps Lady Letizia feel at ease, then I don’t mind.

“Since Drewanchel is one of the duchies that issued a bride-stealing ditter challenge, I declined Lord Ortwin’s invitation on my own accord. If I recall correctly, you have blood relatives in Drewanchel, Lady Letizia—will this cause you any trouble?”

”…It’s fine.”

Even as we continued speaking in a way that would make us seem friendly, I could feel the eyes of those around us. Some were clearly trying to curry favor, while others were observing us in hopes of gathering information—it was easy to tell what they were after.

To me, a first-year student, the upperclassmen looked like adults. They were cunning opponents, quick to exploit inexperience as a weakness. I couldn’t help but worry—what if I was being used for something? What if something frightening were to happen again?

Raublut’s smile, the schtappe I had obtained, the scolding of my retainers, the faces of my parents as they wept… A flood of memories flashed through my mind in an instant. At the same time, my breathing grew shallow, and I felt a light dizziness wash over me.

“Lord Hildebrand, is something the matter? You suddenly went quiet…”

Lady Letizia’s voice brought me back to my senses. I placed my hand over the magic tool on my wrist, even through my clothes.

The magic tool that sealed my schtappe was a shackle to me. I had to be more careful than ever—so I would never again be used by someone else.

And then, I turned my gaze to Lady Letizia—currently the most likely person in the entire Royal Academy to be taken advantage of.

Among the classes where one is separated from their retainers, this practice for the dedication whirl, surrounded only by upper-year archduke candidates and with Lady Rozemyne absent, was an especially dangerous time.

If a promise were to be made between candidates, it would be difficult for their retainers to cancel it afterward.

…Perhaps I should warn Lady Letizia?

I mustn’t let her go through what I did. And yet… would she find such a warning unpleasant?

Back when I was being misled by Raublut, I found all the careful cautions and restrictions from my retainers irritating. And because of that, I made a mistake I can never take back.

…I’ve been told to protect my fiancée. Surely, saying something is better than saying nothing at all…

It’s always better if even one fewer child ends up like I did. Resolving myself, I looked directly at Lady Letizia.

“Um… Lady Letizia. There are bad adults out there who will try to use children. And we are children worth using—so even if we are used by some cunning adult, the blame will fall on us. That’s why… while your greatest protector, Lady Rozemyne, isn’t here, please be very careful.”

Lady Letizia stared intently at me as she listened—her gaze was much stronger than I had expected. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I averted my eyes slightly and added, ”…You might think it strange, hearing this from me, but…”

”…I know,” she said.

”…Eh?”

When I turned to her in surprise at the words she had murmured, I saw that Lady Letizia’s eyes had grown darker than I had ever seen them before. It felt just like looking into a mirror in my own room—I broke out in goosebumps all over.

…Surely not—could Lady Letizia also…?

From those eyes alone, I understood—she must have gone through something similar to me. She had been used by adults and ended up bearing some kind of sin as well.

Suddenly, my body felt lighter, and it seemed just a little easier to breathe. The burden I had carried—the guilt of thinking I must stand beside a flawless fiancée while hiding the fact that I was a sinner—had quietly lifted.

I don’t know what she did. But if Lady Rozemyne and Lord Ferdinand made the decision that she should hide it and go on living… then it must have been something beyond her control.

“Lady Letizia, the truth is… even casual conversation scares me right now. That’s a secret, okay?”

At my words, Lady Letizia’s eyes widened slightly. Perhaps, as someone who had also made mistakes, something resonated with her. Her expression softened gently.

“The truth is… I get so tense, thinking I might make another mistake… I’m not very good at conversation either. Please keep that a secret.”

After that, until the end of the break, we exchanged aimless small talk about our duchy’s climates, making sure we looked friendly to those around us. Without engaging in any meaningful socializing or information gathering as expected of archducal candidates, we finished the dedication whirl practice.

To avoid the other archduke candidates from various duchies, I escorted Lady Letizia and promptly headed for the exit of the small hall.

“I’ll ask my retainers if it’s all right for me to deepen my interaction with you during the socializing period.”

“I’ll ask my parents as well.”

We exchanged glances and shared a small smile.

It was the smile of conspirators who shared a secret, and yet—it made me feel like I wasn’t standing alone anymore.”