Chapter 2 : The Prince of Dila

The countries, nations, and empires of the vast continent had their eyes fixed on the events unfolding in the small nation of Elbra. The mighty Empire of Alburg had declared war on Elbra without any real reason. As if one were even needed... .

But the most surprising move came from the small magical nation of Dila !

Nestled among the rugged mountains of the northern continent, this nation, so tiny it was essentially a principality, stood at the forefront of global magic !

It had the smallest population, yet the highest number of mages !

It seemed as though the usual rules of nature didn't apply at birth there, the potential for magic was far more common among their people. In reality, however, their mastery of the craft simply made them better at identifying mages and training them properly.

This also attracted mages from abroad, the greatest magic academy was located there.

For Dila, neutrality was paramount. Like Elbra, they had never interfered in international politics or warfare.

They possessed immense magical power yet remained neutral, a blessing to some, a curse to others. So why intervene now ? No one knew... .

Yet, the moment they stepped in, Elbra saw a glimmer of hope. Dila arranged for three days of negotiations between the empire and the nation.

Three days to decide Elbra's fate. Dila would not intervene directly but would act as a mediator... aiming to find a peaceful solution.

And today was the eve of the other two parties' arrival for the negotiations.

Representing the Empire of Alburg, the third prince, Leo.

Representing Dila, the first and only prince, Theo.

Priscilla gazed at the starry sky from her room. Her plan had worked. Yet, she felt no urge to sleep, even though the night was already far advanced.

Asking Dila for help. It was our last hope for survival, though even that was far from certain. Father had already warned me about the two princes. While he handled the official negotiations, I would have to operate from the shadows... .

Making this sacrifice was necessary. She knew Elbra wouldn't emerge unscathed. If she had to offer herself up, it would be for the greater good.

" I hope it doesn't come to that. Prince Theo isn't that sort of person. "

A magical prodigy and Dila's sole heir. She had met him once as a child, when she went to the magic academy to have her mana perception assessed.

Back then, they were both just young teenagers. They had barely exchanged greetings. Yet, everything she had heard since then was praise. Handsome, kind, a man of the people... . She had a favorable impression of him.

On the other hand, Prince Leo was notorious for being tyrannical and ferocious. A bit older than her or Theo, he had already seen combat in two military campaigns. He had killed countless people... and was a powerful knight, too.

Between the two, she knew whom to choose. Besides, Dila had agreed to help Elbra unconditionally.

FFFSSSHHHHHH !!

A violent gust of wind slammed into her face as a massive shadow blotted out the moon.

" A giant eagle ? A magical beast! Dila !! "

Her mind raced to the conclusion. Only Dila possessed such a magical beast, and the only one who would ride it was the prince of Dila himself. Sure enough, there was someone on the beast's back.

She tracked the beast with her eyes before sprinting toward the castle's large outer courtyard. She wasn't the only one, the commotion had roused many others from their sleep. In the end, her father and several ministers arrived at the same time she did.

The eagle flapped its wings to slow down before landing gently. The person on its back jumped off and landed effortlessly.

He wore glasses that gave him an intelligent air, and his hair was a stark, snowy white, as were his eyes. All of this was paired with an outfit that could best be described as modest or scholarly. It was the First Prince of Dila.

" Prince Theo !! "

His completely unexpected arrival left them at a loss as to how to interpret the situation. Why come the day before the negotiations... unless it was precisely to negotiate ?

Priscilla's father took in the scene.

" Prepare a room for the Prince. My daughter... spend some time with the Prince. "

He hadn't told her to throw herself into his arms, just to act as his guide. What better pairing than a young woman and a young man ? It was the best choice.

Everyone quickly stepped aside to make room for them. The princess felt a sudden pang of embarrassment.

She pulled her light nightgown closer, fortunately, it wasn't too revealing.

" Prince Theo... it is an honor. "

" The feeling is mutual. "

He adjusted his glasses. The princess felt herself blush. He was truly handsome. Both were eighteen years old. The prince extended his hand, and she took it.

" Please, follow me... I’ll show you around. "

Those were merely polite words. The real goal was negotiation. If he wanted to negotiate early, there was surely a specific reason for it.

The two young people walked through the cool night air, touring the gardens.

" I think we're far enough away from everyone else if you wish to talk. "

He stopped.

" Indeed... . You haven't changed, Princess Priscilla. Intelligent and beautiful. "

He ran a hand through his blond hair, as if lost in thought.

" We’ve only met once before... . "

" But I remember it well... . We thought we had found our next great mage. It’s a shame our instruments didn't work properly. Our nation gave you false hope. "

" It’s nothing... . Mistakes happen. And I imagine you didn't come all this way just to apologize for that. "

He chuckled softly.

" Indeed. Dila had a good relationship with Elbra back when it was the continent's dominant power. At that time, it protected us, a tiny nation. If Elbra were ever in danger, we would have to return the favor. "

She knew nothing of such a promise, and neither did her father. It must have happened centuries ago... and the information had simply never been passed down. It was a stroke of luck. Priscilla had played her hand carefully, and it had paid off, even if it didn't seem like much.

" Oh... so that was the reason ? Perhaps the gods are on our side. "

" Perhaps... . That is why... . "

He stepped closer suddenly, bringing his face right up to hers, startled, the princess took a step back.

" I would like us to walk hand in hand through these negotiations. The Empire's sudden attack is deeply concerning. As neutral nations, if we become prime targets without cause, our future looks bleak. "

He fixed his white eyes upon hers. It was almost hypnotic... .

How handsome he is, she thought.

" That is why I want you to help me understand the Alburg Empire's intentions. They aren't coming here for nothing. Every move they make is calculated to gain something. Dila, myself, and even you, I imagine you want to understand, too. "

Understanding the other party's aims makes it easier to negotiate the crucial points. It had always baffled the princess that they had chosen to declare war, after all, it wasn't a diplomatic delegation that was coming, but an army !

" We want to understand as well, but ultimately, we are the ones on the front lines. If negotiations fail, we will be the only ones to suffer. "

Prince Theo took a few more steps, arriving at an ornamental structure featuring stone benches and a fountain that no longer flowed. His hand began to move delicately. Then, the wind began to blow... . The princess felt the wind catch her dress and lift it up.

" Ah ! "

She closed her eyes, sensing the surroundings shift as her body was propelled through the air. Upon landing, she felt a man's muscular body against hers. She opened her eyes to find herself sitting on Prince Theo’s lap as he sat on the bench.

What... what... how ?!

She was even sitting facing him. His slightly playful smile was handsome, but that wasn't the point. Instinctively, she tried to struggle, but the man’s firm hands held her body against his.

" Stop smiling like that, Prince Theo... it’s embarrassing. "

" I actually like this position. "

" Prince... this is no time for jokes ! "

She still had some pride left. The position... was embarrassing, yes, and admittedly a bit comfortable, too, but she would never admit that.

" I’m actually not joking ! You’re right,you’re the ones with everything to lose, so... the solution is simply to unite Dila and Elbra through marriage. "

Priscilla stopped dead in her tracks.

" Huh ? But, um... . "

She understood the implication immediately.

Me ? But that’s not... surely there’s another way.

Yet, the honest look in his eyes told her he wasn't lying, and a marriage would certainly make their problem far less dire. It would give Dila legitimate grounds to intervene in the conflict, and a nation like Dila had unofficial allies, too.

So yes, it would be a welcome form of help... .

" All you have to say... . "

He pressed the princess’s body against his own. His hands slid down to her buttocks, gripping them firmly.

" ...is yes. "

She was mortified. A man is a man, after all.

" If you think you want me, I believe you’re mistaken. "

She had to endure it, keeping her expression neutral. He released her immediately.

" Yes, I want you, I’m not hiding it. You have the qualities I look for in a woman, and my parents are constantly hassling me to find a wife. Don’t tell me you aren’t interested ? "

He was popular with everyone, and she was no exception. Handsome, kind, talented... he had it all.

" I... I didn't say that, but watch where you put your hands. "

" If you say no, I might be even more tempted, you know. "

His fingers returned to caress her thighs, but this time, they slipped beneath her light dress. A shiver ran through her.

Damn... he really knows how to talk to a woman and sweep her off her feet.

Her mind raced. She certainly would have preferred different circumstances. But if she were to consider all her potential suitors... Prince Theo was a catch she normally couldn't hope to land.

" I... I accept ! Kya ! "

She felt him press against her again, his muscular chest against hers. She instinctively closed her eyes, seeing a pair of lips drawing near.

He’s going to... .

Something touched her lips. It wasn't lips, but a finger. Her blue eyes flew open.

" Haha, what were you expecting ? "

He gave her bottom a pinch.

" Kya ! Tsk, do you just love my butt or what ? "

" Oh, what do you think ? "

He grinned goofily. That smile was simply magnificent. She felt her heart racing. Even in a moment like this... he was so handsome. Her young woman's heart was deeply moved.

" I suppose a man will always be a man. "

Despite that, she didn't ask him to move his hands.

There was a long silence before he finally stood up, helping her down as well. He lowered himself to her level, bending slightly before extending his hand.

" My dear princess... will you be my wife ? "

Although this wasn't exactly how she had imagined things happening, he knew just the right approach. Without hesitation, she took his hand as the sun began to peek over the horizon.

Dawn was already breaking.

" Yes, I do... Elbra and Dila will walk hand in hand. "

" Forever... . "

Even though it was a secret marriage, and far from something she had originally sought out, she felt deep down that it wasn't such a bad thing after all.