“Well, when you have nothing to be ashamed of, your spine becomes straighter,” Wein declared as he tossed his hair back with a dramatic flair, but Lowellmina kept her hand firmly on the nape of his neck.

Wein helplessly continued. “…Uh, so, you should go to Ninym for that. Yeah, Ninym. Since you’re both girls. It’s probably better that way.”

“It can’t be Ninym. It has to be you.”

“Why?”

“Why not?”

Their gazes pierced each other for a moment.

Wein finally caved. “Ugh, fine, I get it. Just spit it out already. I promise to grunt at the right intervals.”

“…It’s about my family.”

“Oh boy! Here it is! Ranking at the top of the charts for Most Annoying Problems of All Time, family issues!” he joked.

Lowellmina glared at him, but this didn’t bother Wein in the slightest.

“Ooh, let me guess. Your family is keeping you from doing great things because it’s not proper for a lady, and you’re fed up with it. Right?”

This startled Lowellmina. “H-how did you…?”

She’d thought that he had somehow worked out she was actually the Imperial Princess, but he proved otherwise.

“You’ve got top grades at the academy. You don’t act shy around the guys, and you stand your ground. Plus, a bunch of other stuff besides. It’s easy enough to guess what’s on your mind.”

That wasn’t a simple matter at all. This confirmed her earlier suspicions that Wein possessed a rare insight.

“If you plan on asking me for advice, I’ve prepared a jokey answer and a real one. Which do you want?”

“The real one,” she said without hesitation, and Wein obliged.

“Start a war.”

“……What?” Lowellmina blinked back at his perplexing response.

Wein must have known that this reaction was coming.

“Listen up. This isn’t about your family. Your problem is a culmination of the Empire’s—no, the continent’s culture of misogyny, which it’s spent years trying to indoctrinate. I can’t even imagine the weight and depth of it.” Wein went on. “But it’s a product made by and for the people. Just like language and etiquette, it’s nothing more than a local rule that applies to humans.”

“…I’ve never thought of it that way.”

She understood what he was saying. Compared to absolutes like aging and gravity, ideologies and cultures were nothing more than local rules. They could change according to the circumstances of a country or its people. In fact, they had a history of doing just that.

Okay, but why would you think to suggest that I change it myself…?

Lowellmina knew Wein’s true identity and that he’d received an advanced education. But that could also be said about herself. And yet, unlike him, she hadn’t been able to make a bold decision.

It wasn’t as if Lowellmina was at fault, though. The majority held the same mindset she did.

Wein was the odd one out for thinking his solution was perfectly natural.

“For example, we all used to eat with our bare hands, but these days, it’s common sense to use a knife and fork. Why? Because someone way back when spread the word, and people made it part of the established culture. As a result, eating with your hands was eliminated. The same can happen with chauvinism.”

“…You’re saying we can change? By our own hands.”

Wein gave an unwavering nod. “There isn’t anything inherently good or bad about ideas and beliefs. They’re the same as strengths and weaknesses. Like how weak people lose or powerless countries are destroyed. In the same way, shaky beliefs can be weeded out. That’s why, Lowa, if you want to reject a widespread idea, you can do nothing short of solidifying your ideals and starting a war.”

“You say I should make them solid… But how?”

“An idea is stronger when more people are backing it. Find others who are dissatisfied and become friends with them. Name and give a voice to your goals to spread the word. Make an emotional appeal to gain sympathy from the masses. take advantage of your eloquence to win over intellectuals.”

Wein answered so smoothly that Lowellmina couldn’t help but shudder. Were they really the same age? He sounded like a wise man who’d been living for an eternity.

“Win the battle of wits, and your ideas become ‘right.’ Our cultural norms are strong enough to punch down any other beliefs. You’ve experienced it, too. And they can stand firm against other ideologies because they’re ‘right.’ You have to usurp their place if you don’t want to be crushed.”

“…You really have a way of casually stating the impossible.”

Wein had given Lowellmina more than enough information to sort through and digest. In fact, she was so overwhelmed she hadn’t thought of an action plan. But she understood that he was suggesting the road less traveled.

“Depending on the situation, your suggestion will end in my death.”

“But if you do nothing, you’ll be giving in to society. The death of your soul. Doesn’t it help to think that way? Die physically or psychologically. The choice is up to you.”

“That doesn’t help at all…” Lowellmina lamented, sighing and shaking her head.

Wein was saying the absurd. This just wasn’t practical.

On the other hand, her heart did feel lighter for some reason. Even if it wasn’t realistic, there was now a path toward confronting the wall that was blocking her. It transformed her beliefs to learn of its existence.

“…Hey, Wein.” It surprised her to hear the gentleness and hope in her voice. “If I chose to fight…would you support me?”

“What? No way.”

Lowellmina punted Wein in the shin.

“Ow! Damn! What was that for?!”

“This! Is! Normally! Where! You! Would! Nod!”

“Don’t be stupid! I’ve got stuff to do, too!”

“And what could that possibly be?!”

“I’ve got lots on my plate! Lots! …Well, to tell you the truth, they’re all pains in the ass. There’s a good chance I’ll bail halfway.”

“Then give up now and help me!”

“Aren’t you the one talking nonsense?!”

“That makes two of us!”

They continued to yell at each other for some time as the argument unraveled. When their heads finally cooled off, Lowellmina heaved a big sigh.

“—Okay. You’re right. This is my problem. I should be the one to take care of it.”

When she thought about it, it’d been shameless of her to demand help on top of asking for advice. Not to mention Wein was the crown prince of Natra, which he didn’t know that she knew. When she considered his position, it was obvious there was no way he could have accepted. Lowellmina reflected on her foolishness.

“Thank you, Wein. I’ve found my goal, thanks to you. I have a lot to think about.”

“Glad to hear. I’m rooting for you,” Wein replied as Lowellmina bowed deeply.

Ninym’s voice rang from outside the room. “Wein! Lowa! What are you doing? We’re ready to go!”

“Whoops. Guess we got caught up in conversation.”

“Seems that way. Let’s go, Wein.”

The two exited the room and went down the hallway together.

After they’d been walking for some time, Wein spoke up with hesitation. “Ah… Well, Lowa.”

“What is it?”

“If you need my help, I guess you could get me involved in your mess if you want.”

Lowellmina stopped without thinking, but Wein walked on as if nothing had happened. In a flustered state, she rushed to catch up to him.

“…You’d be willing to get wrapped up in this?” she asked with a dim hope.

“Nope, I’d avoid it at all costs.”

Curse this man, she thought after seeing her dreams dashed.

But then Wein clarified his true intentions. “Go ahead and work hard to get me mixed up in it. If I can’t escape—well, I’d probably end up lending a hand or two.”

“……” She didn’t break stride this time.

Keeping in step with Wein, she spoke quietly after a long pause. “You’re a strange one, Wein.”

“You’re the last person I want to hear that from.”

“Well, let’s just say we’re one and the same.”

As Lowellmina chuckled to herself, her mirth soon spread to Wein. The two continued walking together toward where their friends waited for them.

“Mmm.”

Lowellmina opened her eyes as the sun beat down on her face.

“Good morning, Princess Lowellmina,” greeted Fyshe.

Ever since their arrival Natra, she’d been the one in charge of waking Lowellmina each morning in the palace bedroom allotted to her. After the feud with the tribes had been settled, Lowellmina had returned to the palace with Wein.

“Good morning, Fyshe… Yawn.”

“Did you sleep well?”

“Yes. I had a nostalgic dream.”

“From your countenance, I’m guessing it was a lovely one.”

“Well… It’s a very important memory of mine.”

Although she was probably the only one who felt that way.

After all, when they snuck into that aristocrat’s mansion, one unexpected event happened after another, and the situation had escalated into a chaotic uproar. There was no doubt that all memory of their chat had been wiped clean from Wein’s mind.

“Fyshe, I don’t have anything in particular scheduled today, right?” Lowellmina confirmed as she stretched lightly.

Since coming to Natra, every day had been packed with dinners and visiting various locations, including a battlefield, but she’d recalled there was nothing in particular on this day.

But the reply was different from her memories.

“The crown prince would like to invite you to tea.”

“Prince Wein, huh.” The moment the name registered in her brain, her sleepy mind sprang to life.

“What shall I do?” Fyshe asked.

“Please inform him that I look forward to it.”

“Understood.”

This was Wein they were talking about. There was no way he was inviting her to make small talk.

Would he doggedly probe her? Or did he have other intentions entirely?

I accept his challenge, whatever it may be.

Lowellmina donned a fearless smile and rose from the bed.

A clear blue sky spread over the Kingdom of Natra, and warm sunlight filled the air, which was unusual for this time of year. Under normal circumstances, it wouldn’t be possible to leisurely sit in the breeze as it blew through open windows, but by pairing it with the warmth of the sun’s rays and a cup of tea, it was almost pleasant.

“I’ve been impressed time and time again since arriving in this country, including by the flavor of your black tea.”

Following her arrival, Lowellmina was enjoying a cup of tea that had been poured in a white porcelain teacup.

“Its rich aroma. Its color, a clear crimson without a hint of murkiness. Amazing. I imagine it’d be in high demand at the Empire. Why haven’t you exported it yet?”

“Well, the tea leaves only grow in the mountain ranges,” Wein replied directly across from her. “We’ve been tinkering around with a few things, but mass production is completely out of reach in the near future. Which means most of it is consumed domestically.”

“That’s a shame.”

“You wanna bring some home with you?”

“I would love that.” Lowellmina smiled and sipped her tea.

If there had been an artist or an aspiring one, they would have taken to paper or canvas to capture the perfect beauty of the scene. But there was no one in the room besides Lowellmina and Wein, and neither were the artistic type, unfortunately.

“Guess you’ll be going home soon, Lowa.”

“Yes. I’ve had a lovely time.”

It’d been almost two weeks since the delegation arrived. As Wein had just vocalized, the day she was to return to the Empire was fast approaching.

“My only regret is that I couldn’t get you to declare that you’ll be supporting my cause of usurping the Empire until today.”

“BWA-HA-HA!” Wein guffawed before cutting himself off. “You’ve got some nerve. I know that’s not what you’ve been scheming all along.”

This caused a rift between them.

A troubled look flashed across Lowellmina’s face in that split second.

“You say the strangest things.” She was obviously shaken, like if she’d been falsely suspected of wrongdoing. “Why would I come otherwise? To rekindle an old friendship? To see the sights? To investigate the gold mine that your kingdom seized?”

“Nah. There’s only one reason why you’d put yourself at risk to come here, Lowa.” His gaze pierced through her. “It’s all in order to save the Empire. Right, Lowellmina Earthworld?”

Agitation evaporated from her face.

She giggled. “I’d like to say bravo, Wein, that’s just like you…but you know nothing at all. How could you possibly tie this trip to saving the Empire?” Lowellmina asked mischievously.

Wein adopted a bitter expression. “Which means you won’t come clean with me. Fine.”

He continued. “Okay, I’ll be frank. I’m guessing that at the first hint of spring, the conquered nations in the former alliance are going to stage a revolt against the Empire with the other territories in tow. And you’re here to prevent that.”

“……Well, well, well.” Lowellmina took an elegant sip of her tea. “And would you care to tell me how you came to this conclusion?”

“It hit me when I saw the weapons of the Heinoy and Eshio. They were produced in the West, which meant they came into Natra through a transit point in the East. That means they’re just a morsel of the stash of weapons that the Empire prepared in case of a civil war.”

“…You’re saying our glorious Empire uses weapons of the West? What a distasteful topic. That said, it’s not all that strange. I know Imperial equipment is of the highest caliber, but with three factions fighting over them, there’s hardly enough to go around. As a last resort, isn’t acquiring weapons from the West the logical next step?”

“Yeah, but only if you hadn’t divided them equally among yourselves.” Wein flung a stack of documents on the desk. “I mobilized my troops to investigate—all hands on deck. We looked into the stocks of weapons in each territory and found that they’d all somehow been spread among the three factions of the Imperial Princes.”

Lowellmina took the papers and gave a quiet groan. “To discover this in such a short amount of time… Your network of spies shouldn’t be underestimated.”

Wein went on. “We looked into the future goals of those in the occupied territories: connections, extortion, fame, advancement… From the outside, it appears they’ve aligned themselves with one of the princes for a variety of reasons—and this resulted in the current struggle for power. But follow the flow of weapons. You’ll see that this situation was created with a clear purpose in mind.”

“……”

“Speak of a rivalry between the factions. Heighten concern for civil war. Distribute equipment en masse to the occupied territories under the pretext of preparing for an internal conflict. Use this opportunity to start a rebellion in these areas to destroy the Empire in one go. That’s the scenario currently coming to a boil on the Eastern side of the continent, Lowa. How’s that?” Wein laid things out with eloquence and true power.

It was a voice that could overpower and shackle her, forcing her to nod along.

But Lowellmina deflected it.

“You’re coming up short. Let’s assume your hypothesis is correct. Why am I here? If you’re saying I knew about this all along, shouldn’t I be warning my brothers?”

“I bet you did. They just didn’t listen. Or they listened and chose to do nothing. It’d be hard to completely cover up these traps for the rebellion. If it were me, I’d intentionally spread fake information and give my opponents in a false sense of security. I’m assuming all three princes have been informed of the impending revolt but are predicting it to be smaller than its actual size. Instead of squashing the rebellion before it starts, I bet each plan is being used as an opportunity to beat down the other two factions from the throne.”

Wein snorted before continuing. “Well, to be precise, those around them guided the princes into thinking this way. The vassals must be scheming that it’d be better to build connections with the West—especially with the Emperor laid low by illness and his successors found wanting.”

And this was where Lowa’s status made the greatest impact.

Though the Empire was a meritocracy, men spearheaded politics for the most part. There was no room for women. And Lowa herself had no notable accomplishments in the political realm, which meant it didn’t matter if she warned her brothers of oncoming revolt. Their disloyal retainers could easily put her in her place.

“And when you realized that you couldn’t rely on your brothers, you made a big gamble: To pressure one of the forces to start their rebellion early, convince your brothers to recognize its danger, and provide hard proof of the uprising. And you chose to do that in—”

“Natra. And the Gairan State next to it—where Marquis Antgadull has his stronghold.” Lowellmina released a lamenting sigh and looked at Wein. “Incredible… You’ve come to the right conclusion.”

“Is this where I say I’m honored to receive your praise?”

“I offer you a kiss as a reward.”

“I’ll pass.”

Lowellmina shrugged her shoulders as if to say How unfortunate.

“In the grand scheme of things, you’re spot on. I felt that something was off about the factions, so I had Fyshe help me investigate. I picked up on the scheme around summertime, but I was unable to persuade my brothers. I couldn’t accomplish anything by myself, either. Which is why I thought I would use myself as bait to throw off their pace.”

“With your nominal claim to the throne.”

Lowellmina nodded. “I assume that the nations in the West want to march to the other side of the continent once the Empire has fallen to ruin. But those in the former alliance have different plans entirely. They hope to rise as independent nations and achieve distinction, but they view the West as a threat. Once they topple the Empire and achieve independence, they need to absorb the Empire’s power to resist Western interference.”

“If the rebellion succeeds, the princes will be killed—no doubt,” Wein added. “And your older sister, the Imperial Princess who married an Imperial aristocrat, would be another likely target for execution. That would leave the youngest, unmarried Imperial Princess—you. By capturing you, the captor can take the Empire’s legacy for themselves… In fact, they could even call their nation ‘the Second Empire.’ That wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility.”

“And what do you think might happen if that person in question left the palace without a proper guard?”

“They’d go out of their way to get a hold of you, even if it was difficult.”

This chick is bonkers, Wein thought.

He understood her reasoning. There was no other way to escape this quandary, meaning it was all she could do. That said, humans tended to fall into indecision when it came down to the wire, and he knew she was unusually courageous for walking this metaphorical tightrope.

“I mulled over who might fall hook, line, and sinker and decided on Marquis Antgadull. I knew he was part of the rebellion, but his family has a bad rep for betraying the alliance in the past. I was sure he would want me as a pawn, no matter what.”

It was here Lowellmina smiled.

“This was around the time I heard you were searching for a princess. A real lifesaver. I was able to position myself within your neighbor’s reach—for the taking of Marquis Antgadull.”

Which meant she’d come to Natra before winter set in to give his army the chance to seize her.

It would be midwinter upon her capture, meaning the Imperial forces would have trouble operating at maximum capacity. His army would only need to hold back their advances until the revolt in spring. There was no doubt she could count on Marquis Antgadull making this assumption.

She’d stayed in Natra long enough to buy time for the marquis to build his army. Lowellmina spoke of her plan casually, but it was a frightfully elaborate scheme.

That’s why Wein had one point he didn’t understand.

“…What were you gonna do if I handed you over to the marquis?”

“Odds are you wouldn’t. And when I arrived, I became absolutely certain this wouldn’t be the case.”

“Why?”

“Because of Ninym.”

This was unexpected. Wein was slightly caught off guard.

She reminisced. “Back in our school days, there was a time when Ninym dueled with the other students.”

“…And what about it?”

“I thought it was because they looked down on her for being a Flahm. But she was usually calm and collected. Something was off about this situation. Then why did she fight? …What if I said she wanted to solve this issue with her own hands to prevent you from taking these students down?”

“……” Wein couldn’t answer.

But his silence spoke volumes.

“You and Ninym share a special bond. I think it takes precedence to everything else. If you were to hand me over, the revolt would kick off and usher in a surge of Western influence. With Natra on the border between the two sides, you’d be unable to escape. That’s why I knew you wouldn’t do it. There’s one place you’ll never side with: the West, where they treat the Flahm as slaves.”

“…That’s why you were glad to see Ninym still by my side.” Wein brushed back his hair as he sighed. “I thought it was odd, but now I get what you were trying to say.”

“Of course, I meant what I said as a friend, too. In any case,” Lowellmina went on, “those were my secrets. That’s it. I’m sure that Marquis Antgadull will raise his forces to invade Natra and capture me shortly. You stop him for me, and I save the Empire.”

If Wein refused to hand her over, that meant a clash with Antgadull forces was unavoidable. And since it was known throughout the land that Imperial envoys were here on business, he couldn’t insist on claiming complete ignorance, either.

“…Have you lost faith in me? To think I’d call myself your friend and use you for the sake of the Empire.”

Anyone with a heightened sense of hearing might have detected the slight trembling in Lowellmina’s voice.

Either way, Wein only had one answer. “Of course not. That’s what makes you the Lowa Felbis I’ve come to know.” He grinned. “But let me ask you this: Will Antgadull’s army really come to invade us?”

Lowellmina knit her eyebrows. “…I see. You’ve made your own move.”

When she thought about it, he’d been easygoing as they reviewed their answers and hypotheses together. It was natural to think he’d already enacted a plan.

But he shouldn’t have had any time to spare…

He’d probably come to this conclusion after quelling the tribal conflict. There hadn’t been much time between then and now for him to make any plans.

And Wein’s move had actually been a simple one. “What? It’s no biggie. I just wrote Marquis Antgadull a letter.”

“A letter…?”

“Yeah, a little something that says a certain high-ranking aristocrat will be heading toward her mansion after completing their stay in our Kingdom of Natra.”

Lowellmina adopted a look of surprise and concern. “…What’s that supposed to do? That’s nothing.”

“Which is the best approach. It’s crude and sloppy, and that’s why he’ll bite. He won’t be able to help it. The idea is to make him think he’s got no reason to fight—since you’re falling right into his lap. He might invade Natra if you’re here, but that won’t be the case. Especially since Marquis Antgadull is the type of guy who likes taking the path of least resistance.”

“……”

“You’ve got it right that I don’t want to be bossed around by the West. But I don’t plan on going to war with Antgadull over it, either. Sorry, but I suggest you think of another way to stop the rebellion.”

Lowellmina was seriously racking her brain.

If she couldn’t make Antgadull rise up in revolt at the right time, her plan would collapse. That said, it wouldn’t do her any good to send him another letter claiming that the first message was all a mistake. After all, it was known that she was here on official business. Plus, with their return to the Empire fast approaching, any letter that was sent now wouldn’t reach its destination before her departure.

Even the original trip to Natra had been a near impossible request. If she expressed her wishes to extend her stay, she knew the majority of her envoys would be against it. And that would be tricky to override.

“I see. I didn’t anticipate my plans being thwarted. What a surprise. Well, if you’ve actually stopped me, that is.”

Lowellmina knew that those odds were slim.

She hadn’t realized that he’d investigated the son, the current Marquis Antgadull, while also researching his predecessor. Even if she had, she still would have thought the same thing.

She had confidence that her plan would be fulfilled.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Ninym burst through that door in a panic to tell you of an enemy invasion.”

But when it came to confidence, Wein didn’t fall far behind.

“Nah, won’t happen,” he proclaimed loudly. “Let’s make a bet. I say Antgadull’s army won’t make a move!”

Just when he’d finished, there was a dynamic bang! and the door flew open.

“Your Highness!” Ninym kneeled before Wein and Lowellmina in a fluster. “My apologies for interrupting your discussion. I have urgent news…!”

Lowellmina looked at the dumbfounded Wein with a triumphant smile.

“What were you saying? Ah, right… Something about making a bet, right?”

“…No, no, no, no, NO, NO-NO-NO! Wait! Hold up! Just a sec! This has gotta be some sort of mix-up.”

“You never know when to give up, Wein. I’ll be generous enough to collect your debt at a later date. Matters of higher priority take precedence.”

Lowellmina turned to Ninym.

“Well then, Ninym, tell me about Antgadull’s army. Where are they? I’m not completely uninvolved. I believe I have the right to hear.”

Ninym blinked back. “—We have had no reports of military activity.”

““What?””

Ninym took a breath. “The son of Marquis Antgadull, Lord Geralt Antgadull, has just arrived at the palace!”

““Whaaaaaaaaaaat?!”” Wein and Lowellmina let out an astonished shout.