The Second Prince's Jealousy

“My daughter, Patricia, the ‘Silver Sword Princess,’ has accomplished the slaying of the legendary White Dragon during this expedition to the Karelia Kingdom. It is no exaggeration to say that this feat now stands alongside the heroes of the Human-Demon War—let us all praise this achievement!”

Hearing Emperor Karl finally appear on the balcony and give his greeting, Patricia, standing beside him, wore a sullen expression.

No wonder. It was the Black Dragon Fafnir who defeated Lindwyrm, and she could only stand by and watch at that moment.

If anyone could slaughter a dragon, it was only Jonah—who had demonstrated overwhelming power with ancient magic and happily drank fruit juice in the hall with Marguerite and Titancia.

“Today we are also graced by the presence of the hero Quylindra. Enjoy this day to your heart’s content.”

With that, Emperor Karl took his prepared throne, accompanied by his attendants.

With that the celebration was officially underway, and influential nobles and ministers flocked to Emperor Karl.

“Mmm, this is delicious, so Jonah, you should try some too.”

“Oh, this one is tastier, you know?”

“Ah, ahaha…”

Titancia and Marguerite pressed a bite-sized piece of food on a fork up to Jonah’s mouth.

Jonah, realizing that choosing either one would lead to no good, forced a dry smile.

Meanwhile.

“Ufufu, Jonah is surrounded by beauties on both sides. I think you should just take them both at this point. Though I believe the primary wife will be the eldest, Cia.”

“Lady Quylindra, please don’t speak so presumptuously. Jonah must help develop my Hagenberg domain together with Marguerite.”

“Oh… do you intend to monopolize him?”

“You wish to do the same.”

The two adults watched the three from a short distance and spoke as they pleased.

They were battling over trying to attach their daughters to Jonah.

Patricia watched everyone’s behavior while being bombarded with questions from the assembled nobles, and she found the others unbearably annoying.

Of course, this celebration was held for her. She understood that as the guest of honor she could not leave, but still, she truly wanted to enjoy the event with Jonah and the others if possible.

Patricia sent a wish for Jonah and the others to come to her at least, but it seemed to have not the slightest effect.

Then.

“Patricia, splendid work.”

“Wulfe, Elder Brother…”

It was Wulfe who appeared before Patricia, blocking her view.

Though his words praised Patricia, his amber eyes did not smile at all.

Patricia possessed a rare talent with the sword and had devoted herself to it without arrogance.

Wulfe, who had also found his talent in martial skill, was often outdone and constantly compared to her, and frequently forced to swallow bitter disappointment.

Before long, Wulfe’s heart had been coated in jealousy and hatred toward his sister, who embodied talent and effort.

“Thank you. But someone like me is insignificant. There are truly strong ones elsewhere.”

Patricia had previously taken pride in talent backed by effort and rarely offered such humility.

She had confidence from her achievements and a track record to back it up.

But when she first encountered the Black Dragon Fafnir, she felt a despair at how helpless a human body was against such a being.

Before such an overwhelming presence, all the effort she had accumulated and her rare talent were meaningless.

And yet, the small boy she met on the expedition overwhelmed even that overwhelming presence.

He never boasted of that, but remained innocent, while hiding great power within his small body.

But that did not mean Patricia had given up.

Someday she would gain the strength to stand shoulder to shoulder with such overwhelming beings and stand beside Jonah. She would show it. Patricia was now more determined than ever.

“…I see. In any case, continue to strive.”

“Yes!”

That was all Wulfe could manage to say to Patricia.

He had intended to utter a barbed remark or two, but instead felt only rage at his own inferiority and self-deprecation.

Precisely because of that.

“Please, just disappear from before me.”

Turning on his heel and leaving, Wulfe whispered that and made his resolution.

――To drive Patricia into a deathly fate.