CH 3

Ch3

The Kingdom of Albinia is a neighboring country to the west of our own Kingdom of Ezerta.

Even though we are neighbors, we are separated by a large river and have many cultural and linguistic differences.

However, about fifty years ago, the two countries began to have friendly relations. Nowadays, the royal families have a close relationship with each other and hold parties several times a year to entertain each other.

From a very young age, I learned to speak the Albanian language like a native and I also learned about the culture, so at parties I would play popular Albanian songs on the piano and violin, and I would give speeches at festivals.

“His Highness Alfredo fell in love with you because you know more about their own culture and are more cultured than any Albanian. As for you, it would be inconvenient if you were to marry into a neighboring country, and more importantly, it would be unfair to His Highness the Duke, so I kept quiet.”

My father tells me the reason why His Highness Alfredo took a liking to me.

I didn’t think that he liked my entertainment at the party that much.

At first, I thought it was just lip service, since he gave his impressions through an interpreter.

I remember that afterwards, he was delighted when I could talk to him in Albanian, and we chatted for about an hour.

Besides, my father was so indebted to Leanhardt’s father that he would not have thought of breaking off my engagement even if he had received an offer from a neighboring royal family.

“Well, Leanhardt-dono broke up with you and got engaged to Miri, and it would be hard for you to stay here if rumors of the broken engagement spread. It will be hard for you to adjust to life in Albania…”

“Please let me go! To a neighboring country! I want to be engaged to His Highness Alfredo!”

He was surprised at how loud my voice sounded.

I didn’t want to be in a house with my sister, I didn’t want to be related to Leanhardt-sama, I didn’t want a future where I had to see them, and I didn’t want this whole story of being able to escape my home to be appealing.

It is true that being the wife of the Crown Prince in a different culture requires a lot of preparation.

However, compared to this hell, it is heaven.

“.. Hmmm. You hate being in this house that much? I can’t imagine how hard it is for you… Very well, let’s give His Highness Alfredo a positive answer about the match. I’ll tell him it’ll take time and preparation to live in a neighboring country. I am sure they will forgive me for the delay.”

In response to my words, my father promised to give His Highness Alfredo a positive answer.

I can’t believe he even considered not rashly choosing to live in a neighboring country—if I recall correctly, His Highness Alfredo was a very friendly and pleasant man, even though we had little conversation.

“That’s why, as I’m sure you’re aware, in the culture of the Kingdom of Albinia, there are rules about betrothal.”

“Yes. It is customary for the man to go to the woman’s home and invite her into his own home when they get engaged.”

There is a cultural custom of the Albanians called “welcoming wife”.

What it is, in simple terms, is this: During the betrothal ceremony, a man takes a woman to her house and walks her to his house so they can get married.

“In other words, after reading the letter, His Highness Alfred will come for you as soon as he has read the letter and is ready. He’ll probably stay here for a few days. You should make your preparations before he arrives.”

“Yes, of course, I’ll make all the preparations.”

My heart, which had been in turmoil a while ago, was now clear.

Thank you, Alfred, for rescuing my heart from hell.

I can’t thank you enough.