Okoborehime to Entaku no Kishi Vol 1 Chapter 2

CHAPTER II THE PRINCESS’ TEA PARTY

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known to the public and was simply declared as a case of colds.

princess was already on her way to recovery,” were intentionally

find out how Leti fared after he had left her, and he often found

looking east, where the Royal Palace was.

, has your father recovered from his cold?”

leaving us any time soon.”

death, Duke told a lie that he was asked to go home for a while

his absence while he stood as Leti's bodyguard.

“Ah, I heard that the Princess was sick as well.”

mere cold. She’ll be fine,” Duke said with a tinge of hope, wishing
that Leti was truly well. Duke was worried about her, enough for

1 Senpai – a Japanese honorific used in addressing one’s senior

- 5 -

her knight if only it would make her feel better.

would have proven they were mere humans. Astrid had a vague, fleeting

“What was that?”

Duke was puzzled with Astrid’s reaction, so he thought it was

Leti, and he even thought of asking Prince Friedhelm directly to

Just as Duke was thinking of how to get information on Leti, it

Leti herself.

“Thank you.”

squabble in town. Upon his return, he saw Princess Leticia in the

The other knights were staring at her from a distance, whispering

“Don’t be fooled by her looks!” at them because he knew that

knight in the Order.

“I understand. May I know your business then, Your

“I came here to give an invitation.”

wax and gave it to Duke. The envelope was so high class that

“Ah, Senpai, I’ll get you a paper knife!”

brought and carefully opened the envelope.

Duke returned the paper knife to Astrid, opened the invitation

“Tea party?

Duke remembered that Leti did say she’d thank him. He

thanked him in a different manner. A tea party hosted by the next 

- 7 -

a poor baron – would definitely be a fish out of water. He could

“…I’m very honored by your invitation, but please allow me to

has yet to even inherit the barony.”

intimate party with only my close family in attendance. It is a

fully recovered. I did not want them worrying too much.”

speaking, Duke was part of the nobility – though barely making

familiar with the ways of high society, such as going to the theater

“If you have a fiancée or a lover, you can take her with you.

introduce her to me, your future master, early on.”

specifically speaking you won’t be…”

on talking as if he really would be her knight in the near future. On

was just a small family affair. Besides, it was highly likely that even 

- 8 -

to drag him to it on the day itself. He decided the safest reply

came up with the Order.

was gone, he let out a deep, deep sigh of exhaustion and relief.

without a partner. It’s not an evening ball anyway.”

high society when realization suddenly hit him.

It had slipped past him, but he just realized now that the family

intimate gathering meant only the Royal Family would be in

other peers and nobles to attend.

Leti had known that and deliberately used those words to

Leti with such a simple play on words. Now that she was back on

He chided that part of himself that actually wanted to congratulate 

- 9 -

with him to the party.

free so come and accompany your senior to Her Highness’ tea

Of course, Duke’s primary choice for companion was his

beautiful princess. Needless to say, Astrid immediately accepted

“But is it fine for me to come? I’m just a commoner.”

can be my conversation partner. I doubt I’d have anyone to talk to

Astrid dreamily imagined a world he could not even fathom,

“Ah! Should we bring presents? Are there rules on what to

“…When I’m with you, I feel like I’m stupid sometimes.”

upcoming event, but he was a serious man by nature and he could

“Wear your formal uniform. Don’t forget your cape and white

you.”

Induction Ceremony?”

from the others.”

The Royal Chivalric Order had ten ranks and their ranks were

neophytes, including Astrid, were Knights of the Tenth Rank and

was a knight of the First Rank and his cape was black with lines.

it.

a higher tendency to dirty their capes, making the color closer to

So here were two knights going to the same tea party: the

upcoming party, and the senior wondering how things ended up

events that lead to it.

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Duke preparing for the obligatory greeting for such an

words were monotonous and lifeless. After the customary

respectfully brought it to his lips.

Leti welcomed him with her perfected smile, just as an ideal

“My name is Astrid Gale, knight of the Tenth Rank of the

join this occasion.”

as your exceptional skills as a swordsman despite your young age.

a smile at Astrid.

the deepest parts of his mind the image of Astrid’s idiotic, blushing

He had long given up on warning Astrid against Leti’s beauty,

“This way.”

- 12 -

playing with the children, carrying a child on each of his arm.

children and waved his hand to greet Duke.

invite him to Seventh Heaven2

Friedhelm greeted Duke briefly and went on to pat Astrid on

invitations to Astrid, Leti coldly called out Duke’s attention.

anyway, I am a generous and understanding master and I will not

job well.”

decided to clear up any misconceptions she was forming inside her

“One, I do not have a fiancée or a lover. And two, I brought

I’m quite sure there’d be no place for me in a tea party for the

“Oh, I see.”
The relief on Leti's face only added to his vexation.

2 Seventh Heaven: Friedhelm’s own chivalric order

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shall be at the adult’s table. Think of this as a way to train your

Duke’s table, as Leti promised, was composed of the older

three-and-twenty. However, with a table composed of Friedhelm,

conversation was impossible.

drank a tea this fragrant and smooth.”

… … … …

well.”

them, the atmosphere would no longer pass as awkward – it would

“Well, I’ll just go and have a heart-to-heart talk with my
younger brothers.”

3 Ani’ue: A Japanese honorific used to address one’s older brother. More oldfashioned

Leonhardt escaped the awkward atmosphere and moved to a

the group could have small talk. Duke threw Friedhelm a topic.

Leticia?”

she did a while back.”

“For serving me a goblet of water when I visited her.”

Duke commented as if it were something astonishing with a

water talking with the younger guests at a different table.

“No. There are some cousins. But truthfully, not seeing us as

brother I am. I’ve got to admit, she has the advantage on this one.”

sounded like he was giving Leti credit and recognizing her for it.

Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi

“It’s not like I only think of myself, you know? The country is

war.”

held as the first-born prince. He grew up being told that he would

it if Guido took the crown, but he was ready to convince himself

else he would bring her down. That was Friedhelm’s condition, his

“I think Your Highness will also be a good ruler.”

gratefully accept your compliment.”

around and pointed in their direction. Holding the hand of a small,

“Astrid, could you act as her practice partner for

“Me-me-me…me?”

“The best partner is someone she does not know. The

Well then…”

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Misty gathered her skirts to the side, raised it a bit, and bent

“I am Astrid Gale, Knight of the Tenth Rank of the Royal

Astrid took Misty’s hand to kiss it, but it was awkward due to

“Astrid, you’ve got to kneel down and meet her eyes,”

“Oh, right. Pardon me.”

placed a kiss on Misty’s dainty hand. Misty looked up at Leti with

“You were excellent.”

head patted. Even Duke could not help it but smile at such a

“Friedhelm-onii-sama4
, carry me!”

4 Onii-sama: Onii =Older Brother Sama = formal honorific for a high person

- 17 -

pulling Friedhelm’s arm, begging him to play with them. Friedhelm

“We’re gonna take turns, line up! Remember, your cool

come and help me.”

Friedhelm and Astrid carried and swung the children in the

young ones, took a seat beside Duke.

going to keep the balance?”

will come.”

recovery?”

once a month to train my younger siblings how to comport

needed early on, they will develop these as habits and will no

You are welcome to join us.”

- 18 -

with the high-handed queen he encountered on a regular basis. But

the majority of the royal children.

“You should get used to these kind of events. You cannot

“How many times do I have to I tell you? I have no intention

Duke always corrected Leti whenever she snuck that

more frequent, he remembered someone who sounded just like

who was currently playing with his younger siblings.

independent attitude you both have, and your tendency not to

“I get that quite a lot. That I look a lot like Prince Guido

really connected to them only by half… I think I should wrap this

Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi

Leti gathered everyone and said that it was time to go home.

leaving only the adult group behind.

problems. For Leti, this tea party was not just a mere gathering. It

objectives: one – to teach her younger siblings, two – to deepen

relationship with her older brother. Now that the tea party was

closing greetings.

The leaves on the tree rustled behind Leti, and then everything

Friedhelm pulled Leti closer to him, Duke stood in front to

Leti was surprised with the sudden turn of events, but she

through the space between Friedhelm’s arms.

Astrid walked along the sides of the table and grabbed an

the branches were still shaking. But the cup hit a branch and broke 

- 20 -

cry and a black lump of mass fell on Astrid.

Astrid caught the soft, black fur ball. It had large circular eyes

was…

“Let’s still check. Astrid, climb up.”

Astrid deftly climbed up the tree and confirmed that there was

landed perfectly on his feet.

the cat and how good your cooperation was! Why don’t the three

knights? Ahahaha!”

back to their senses. Friedhelm quickly let go of Leti and distanced

awkwardly moved his hand up and down the handle of the sword
he was holding in battle stance.

5 Ane'ue: A Japanese honorific used to address one’s older sister. More oldfashioned

Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi

“This is just my knight’s instinct at work, you see…”

“And I just move on instinct. You see, Guido has been

“Oh, yes, I see…” Leti agreed with Friedhelm.

the cup!”

Duke and Friedhelm sighed, both thinking that they were

that they were glad she was safe, then that would’ve been the end

ridiculous excuses.

leave it. The tea and snacks were delicious. See ya!” Friedhelm said

Friedhelm shout, likely because the cat scratched his face. It

Putting aside the older brother whose relationship with Leti

Leonhardt busy helping Astrid take off the cat fur stuck on

“Duke, thank you.”

of thanks. He could not retort with “be grateful” since he already

“That… That was nothing.”

not have any intention of thanking you once you become my

“Why do you keep on saying that?”

wondering why in the world Leti could not understand him.

isn’t he? He is a commoner and maybe a bit too young, but his

he’s pretty willing to be your knight. So why don’t you just give up

“Astrid Gale… Indeed, he is a good knight, but…”

him. So Leti had asked for him to be investigated, and she came

“I do not have the confidence to control him. He is no

Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi

“…Oi.”

train my eyes in discerning people, so I am quite confident with it

Leti did not say anything else; her silence declared that this

astonished at how perceptive Leti was. He had also thought that

word about it, but having seen him – a novice knight – kill

a mercenary before. And Leti had noticed that immediately.

Leti nonchalantly walked towards the tree Astrid climbed,

heels made soft knock. There was one thing that the other men

one who underwent the rigorous training of being a perfect lady.

conclude not so good things about him.’

able to gracefully dance the waltz. Evening balls would have

was unacceptable for any lady of good breeding. Moreover, to

like a fairy – gracefully and silently. A dancer with noisy feet was

“…I guess he is someone to be wary of.”

as a way to deepen her relationship with Duke, and as an

leaving uneasiness and worry upon its conclusion.

room, saying that her tutor had arrived. He handed her a light

asked Leonhardt what this was all about before putting it on.

and you, Ane'ue, are most welcome to join us.”

“Ehhh… uhmm… ah! I’ll explain which are owned by our

national treasures! The original manuscript of the book on the

Evil?”

- 25 -

Anyway, I understand. I shall lend you a hand.”

out the ancient scrolls. Doing such work made Leti asked why

problem if the original ones had molds. Leti, seeing the logic in it,

stand.

and the phantom twelve Promise Swords are included in the list?”

“Think about this: putting aside the question if they are real or

owned by the Knight King Christian himself, but the twelve

nowhere to be found. So here’s the interesting part, at least for a

Promise Swords in his inventory? Was it just for the sake of an

existed during that time and are only lost now? Interesting, right?

Leonhardt showed Leti the sheet containing the swords.

his twelve knights were written in the inventory.

- 26 -

inventory, you know? I’m sure this took a lot of his time to do this,

“Well, he seems to be the type of person who would like these

Leti was quite certain that the ones who did the actual job were

come up with an idea like this qualified King Karlheinz as

but she had yet to meet him in his later years, so she hadn’t had

“I haven’t heard that in a while,” Leonhardt said as he opened

“Heard what?”

personalities. Don’t you remember you taught me history that

“…Really…”

mother stayed with him while Leti was left alone most of the time.

Space and talked with the his other reincarnations, and when she

Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi

“Your stories were like vivid dramas written by a wonderful

historian because I was attracted to those behind-the-scene stories

this. Ahahaha!”

Leti took another volume of the inventory, scanning its pages,

“Is this book worthy to be included in this list?”

a replica.”

collection of stories on what happened to Lion King Alexander

According to history, King Alexander’s most trusted friend

the process. However, one of his loyal knights brought his corpse

of the Lion King was not in the Royal Tomb. Since there was no

saying that he was not dead. Then, during the time of

was written, and the original copy made its way into the Royal

“Is the original one an academic book? I have only read the

Alexander.”

I find the one saying King Alexander did not die, but continued to

country, making him their king, the most interesting.”

Upon finishing arranging a batch of the inventory, Leti took off

Leti started to walk faster towards the Royal Villa. She wanted

wearing an overcoat, and she kept brushing it off her dress. She

prevent seeing her in such a disheveled state. However, despite her

her. She continued to walk on, imagining how nice a bath would

footsteps and quietly moved toward the presence she felt.

up your mind and join Seventh Heaven already. Your seat has yet

Leti heard the voice of her older brother, and he was probably

Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi

only thing they would talk about in a deserted place such as this

“You’re wasting your time, your talent, and your skills at being

“If, as you say, the race for the crown is over, then all the more

may be at the tail end, but we’re still part of the nobility, and that is

Duke wanted to end the conversation there, but Friedhelm still

“I’m surprised you’re still bringing up Guido’s name in this

“That is more unbelievable.”

turned his back on Friedhelm, and walked away thinking of how

with him.

Friedhelm wrapped his left hand around Duke’s neck.

you really do it?”

- 30 -

was testing whether or not Duke was worthy to be Leti's knight.

men’s competition of stubbornness from afar.

Leti wanted to wait for them to go their separate ways, but

decided to end it herself.

“…Leticia.”

you dead, I would not ask Duke to do it for me; I would do it

Friedhelm felt the chill of cold metal pressed against the small

but his clothes and skin were still intact. Leti was pressing some

clothes as his shield. One wrong move and he was sure that Leti's

“At least make your hands shake a little. You really ain’t

“Shall I make my hands tremble next time?”

- 31 -

stepped away from him. He turned around to see what her weapon

“…Well, I guess it is better for you to have a knife to protect

“Yes, that is about it. So would you mind going ahead and

“Yes, yes. See ya ‘round Duke!”

mood, Leti jokingly said to Duke that their friendship was quite

was always trying to calm everything down. Being neutral for eight

“Where are your guards?”

heaven right now. Besides, I do not think anyone would be stupid

“But still… oh, forget it. I understand perfectly that you’ll

where exactly did you hide that knife? A girl with a hidden knife is

Duke was thankful for Leti's kindness in lightening up the

head to toe and did not find anything amiss from her usual perfect

ribbon on her back.

“…Huh?”

same cold metallic feel when pressed on one’s back can be

matter how hard I press it against someone.”

Duke. He was dumbfounded by the fact that she really had one,

ribbon.

“I know… besides, I do not need a knight; I can protect

for the Knights of the Round. So I am here now, bowing my head

“I’ve told you my answer already. And I haven’t seen you bow

from saying anything else that could lead the conversation astray.

- 33 -

should also know that sometimes those qualities alone are not

“Are you worried about me?’

it’ll be a huge catastrophe.”

Leti said that such a reply would do for now. She walked away and

“Them being close friends makes things complicated.”

sense of the word – a knight that would swear his life and loyalty

else but a true knight.

friends, too. King Julius betrayed King Alexander, but King

proves how strong their bond was, and I am sure that what Duke

Leti's feet stopped, wondering whether or not she really had

‘If only I had the qualities Friedhelm Onii-sama has, qualities suited to

Leti shook her head, driving away the negative thoughts, and

something she did not have. She only had to give her best efforts

“I will not give up on you, Duke. Not until you are the one

not stop.”

Leti's encouragement for herself.

went back to camp to take his meal. The food from the camp’s

Upon taking his seat, he fiddled with the unused spoon and fork

“Senpai?”

junior by his actions.

“Eh…? A spoon? A fork? ...A spoon.”

Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi

“It would be pricklier if it were a fork.”

his hands. He agreed with Astrid’s answer and asked another

“Then you wouldn’t mistake a spoon for a knife?”

“Round? I don’t mean a dining knife, I mean a weapon, like a

Astrid thought of what Duke said.

presence, the impression can change it.”

Now it was Duke’s turn to think. Leti said it was a spoon, but

was a spoon that broke his cup6

“This is the second time I felt that there’s something different

imagination.”

was definitely not a spoon.

6 See Chapter I.

- 36 -

“An art inventory? That sounds like a very tiresome thing to

Leti asked the young Administrative Karlheinz she met in the

King still hadn’t thought about it.

thing. One of them is to aid in destroying Ghost Energies that

to help the next reincarnation of the Knight King, as sometimes

“Ghost Energy?” Leti and Heart-broken King Ludgar asked in

King Ludgar was a reincarnation of the Knight King after

name, and he had a proper posthumous title worthy of those. But

history, earning him his other title of the Heart-broken King, to

kings after him.

time. These are imitations of the twelve Promise Swords King 

- 37 -

by his enemies to defeat him. But these Ghost Energies have a

“What is their flaw? Do they suck life?”

desire by converting the user’s life force. Thus, these items are

half a year after harnessing its power.”

coming out in stories. Leti nodded as she knew another of

“Ghost Energies no longer exist in our time, don’t they?

“I believe most of them were already destroyed in King

left in your time, Queen Leticia.”

“Well, you…”

“…Intruder!”

and looked around. She only had to stall the intruder until her 

- 38 -

came in late.

her guards, who were supposed to be right outside her room.

darkness with something unseen, and then a shrill sound came,

surrounded by something shielding her from the knives, leaving

“Don’t tell me you’re…” The assassin murmured in the

of the assassin. His voice sounded familiar as well. She frantically

“I am what?”

“Your Highness! Are you safe!?”

guards. He quietly climbed down the window where he seemed to

“Your Highness!”

answered calmly that she was fine.

- 39 -

by it and then contact the Order. Tell them to go after him,

Leti gave her orders one after the other and drove her guards

assassin’s knives, and she scattered those on top of the sheets to

people to wonder how she was able to evade all of the knives in

“Argh! And we were in the middle of talking about Ghost

Leti still didn’t know what kinds of things were considered as

any news pertaining to cursed items, she could simply ask King

“Your Highness, we have come to clean your room. Shall we

“No, thank you. It is a bit early, but I shall continue on with

“Yes, Your Highness.”

again, but decided against it. After all, today was an important day

“But to think I am going to start this day like this…”

good about it, but decided to put it on the side so as not to ruin

attend, or rather to observe, from the inside the Kingdom’s

how the Kingdom was run. Her two older brothers had attended

since they thought that she would be given to some other country

be no use even if she did join the meetings.

morning, and official visits and holding audience with his subjects

of these responsibilities. Her mornings would be spent in the main

around the kingdom as the King’s representative. It was also

by going on diplomatic visits in the name of the Kingdom.

for Prince Friedhelm.”

amicability and friendliness radiate from his face. Two, he was

Leti thought it’d be better to leave foreign affairs with him. He 

- 41 -

had this part of him that could make people feel safe and believe

something innate in him, and no amount of effort could make one

“Prince Guido is ideal for internal administration; he is just the

Compared with First Prince Friedhelm, who was suited for

the internal affairs of the Kingdom with his detailed planning and

with managing the taxes, or planning and giving the instructions

tides of foreign affairs. These tasks required flexibility and

the people as he worked along the way, completing one task after

Leti could easily think of reasons why her two older brothers

“…If the three of us can just cooperate and rule the kingdom

If the three of them would help each other in ruling the

title. Leti gathered the hem of her gown and started walking as she

“That is for all today. Session adjourned.”

mental diary during the session. Around half of the cabinet

The man beside her kept saying things off the point, and then the

the sessions were always like this, then Leti was sure she’d really be

twitching, forced smile and straightened the appearing creases in

‘Seniority is… plain troublesome. The worst part is that I cannot do

cannot do much about low-ranking stupid members, either.’

plate was already full just by quietly attending the meeting, trying

“Princess Leticia!”

Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi

“If it pleases you, would you like to join me for luncheon after

Leti answered that she’d be glad to join him and placed her

that her complaints in her diary would increase. She just convinced

young man few years older than her, might prove to be useful in

“I see I cannot be a Lion King or an Administrative King…”

Leti's soft whisper did not reach the earl’s ear and she replied

‘I cannot be like Lion King Alexander, who can gallantly round up

continue to execute internal reforms and external revolutions even after losing

Leti mockingly thought of herself as a half-baked queen in

King. She could only be a queen whose sole talents were to

whatever trust is given to her.

- 44 -

was just out in town for patrol duties when he saw a golden-haired

saw was Her Highness, Princess Leticia, roaming around town and,

for her incognito walk. He wanted to scold her right at once, but

so he had second thoughts on calling out to her.

there?”

rest, and no outsiders were allowed to go there. At the deepest part

One day, Leti, too, would be placed there for her eternal rest. It

they saw her there. Besides, it was a no trespassing area, but there

children who did not know what treason meant yet.

the time he had made up his mind, his shadow was already long

for far too long.

as you want to if you have your guards with you. But if you are 

- 45 -

still light.”

her side, their long shadows standing close to each other. She,

bow to pay her respects to the grave.

Leti seemed tired, for her steps lacked their usual spirit. Duke

to walk a bit slowly.

Those her age normally felt lost or confused and had a lot of

those things, especially for someone like her, who was carrying

“Are you worried about something?” Duke made sure that his

Leti replied with a sigh, “I was just disappointed with myself,

why I am called the Leftover Princess.”

That is also the reason why they have to complain sometimes, to

now, you know?” Duke’s kind and understanding voice said those

to tell him her fears. Leti faltered for a moment because of that,

her eyes. Her eyes sparked, showing Duke that there was no need

“That stubbornness you’ve got there inside you does not suite

am sure you will be a great queen.”

‘You keep on refusing my invitation to be knight and yet you know and

makes me want to have you as my knight even more!’

her steps naturally got lighter. Duke was relieved to see the usual

normal self, Duke walked quickly and stood in front of her. Three

“Why should it be him!?”

easily tell them that he was an escort to Princess Leticia. But

found out about Leti going out of the castle alone… He could only

Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi

“Duke! Hitting on girls while on duty, are we?”

Duke covered Leti with his back and wished for his colleagues

the need arose, she would voluntarily reveal her identity and admit

walks.

Leti’s ears.

left arm to her waist and placed his right hand on her neck. Before

covered her face with his. Duke’s fellow knights yelled at him with

“Sorry guys, but as you can see, I’m in the middle of a date. So

Duke, with all his might, buried Leti’s face into his chest,

they’d have on the lady was her golden locks. None would be the

“Wow! Being showy, aren’t we?”

People liked to snoop their noses if something were being kept

finally relaxed when his colleagues were in a distance far enough

“Oi, we’re coming home. Now. Things like that might happen

warned Leti, who he was still holding in his arms.

the stomach. He unconsciously leaned forward, gasping for breath

“What…the…heck…are you doing?”

did!”

pain on his cheeks. The punch was followed by a slap delivered by

his teeth. He, teary-eyed from the pain, looked up at Leti – her

“…It was just an act! Pretend!” Duke answered in his defense

“You were too close!”

won’t believe you if you say you haven’t had any experience with

- 49 -

content at your age.”

don’t you ever group me again with my stupid brother!”
Duk

Chapter end