The Holy Maiden Realizes (1)

“No… I don’t want this. Please, Your Majesty, say something!?”

Hina dashed toward the king. A wary royal guard stepped forward, but the king himself raised a hand to stop him. Seeing the obstacle removed, Hina leapt without hesitation to the king’s side.

“Please! Tell Isaac-sama not to say such childish selfish things…!”

“…To me, it appears you are the one being selfish.”

“Huh?”

It must have been an unexpected reply. Hina’s face stiffened.

“Indeed, marrying you would bring great benefit to the Eforl royal house. However, Isaac’s words have merit, and above all, he holds such strong feelings that I have no intention of forcing him. The throne itself was originally a ‘loan’ granted because the previous Holy Maiden chose us. We have always been prepared to return it.”

(I’m surprised…! To think His Majesty felt that way…)

Was his lack of attachment to the throne because the Lakisen Kingdom differed from normal succession? Or perhaps it was the Holy Maiden lineage. She had heard past Holy Maidens were all virtuous, and that nature apparently had not faded even now.

“And speaking as the current king, you should study society a little more. If you are to become a future queen, you must understand that the human heart, unlike an object, cannot be obtained merely by asking for it.”

(I wholeheartedly agree!)

Cordelia nodded deeply.

“That’s a lie… It’s a lie. This isn’t reality. The scenario is going wrong.”

However, Hina staggered away from the king and began muttering to herself. Her appearance grew increasingly deranged, giving Cordelia a bad feeling. Everyone else seemed to think the same, their faces filling with unease.

Eventually, the muttering Hina turned a suspicious gaze toward one particular person.

—Cordelia.

“…That’s it! I knew something was strange—it’s you. Hey, you understand, right? Isaac-sama absolutely should marry Hina, right?”

As she spoke, she approached with a crazed smile, as though she had finally found an ally.

“Stop. Do not involve her. The condition was only that she be present.”

Isaac quickly stepped in front to block Hina. Apparently, Cordelia had been dragged into this place by Hina.

But Hina scoffed, brushed his hand aside, and walked straight toward her.

(What should I do? What answer would be best here!?)

“I—I…”

Cordelia forced out words. At that instant, Hina—who had been happily rushing toward her—suddenly stopped. Then she stared at Cordelia suspiciously.

“…Huh? Hey… that voice… could it be Kana-chan?”

At the unexpected remark, Cordelia nearly jumped.

(No way!? How did she figure it out!? I barely spoke!)

Hina, looking happier than before, firmly grabbed both of Cordelia’s hands.

“Hey! It really is Kana-chan, right! Your face… is totally different… but somehow, your aura? Your aura and voice are Kana-chan!”

(Why does the ‘your face is totally different’ part hurt so much!?)

Just as Cordelia had recognized Hina at first glance in the past (in Hina’s case, because her face was exactly the same), Hina also seemed to have realized she was Kana. Cordelia thought she had no choice but to accept it.