The King and the Queen passed away.
The death of King Alexis and Queen Larra shocked their people. It is such an unfortunate incident for Kingdom of Emblem and its people, which are enjoying their era of prosperity.
Thus, King Alexis's younger brother, Julian, who is still sixteen years old, ascends to the throne in place of his deceased brother.

In his sorrow, that young man laid his cheek on his desk. Soft flickering light from candles emphasizes his beautiful pale face, still his violet eyes are vague and empty.
The king's and the queen's death, funeral, resolve, and also anxiety for what will happen next— He cannot keep up with the situations around him. His heart is already exhausted.
He does not even want to move even he hears someone knocking on the door.

"…I'm sorry for bothering you at this late of night. This is Alicia."

He gets up from the chair as soon he hears a woman's voice. He goes to open the door by himself since all servants have been dismissed for the day.
There stands a young lady accompanied by few of her female attendants. She wears a jet black simple dress. The tulle she wears as the headdress, covers her face, so no one can see what kind of expression she is wearing right now.
The lady pulls up the hem of her dress and bows. Few locks of her soft golden hair are shifted and sway in according to her movement.

"I want to talk about what will happen from now on. Can I have a bit of your time?"

"…… Yeah, I was also thinking about talking to you soon…… Come in."

The young man corrects his manner and invites that lady to the room. Her attendants are also allowed to enter the room.

He lets that woman in black sit down, and then he follows through.

"……My brother and Larra have passed away. What are you going to do from now on, Alicia?"

In response of his words, that woman only gazes at him. He thinks that she is going to talk about it that she needs to visit him in this late evening.

"My brother was concerned about you in his last moment. After the mourning, you can live in the outskirt peacefully without any financial worry, or you can remarry a high-ranked noble… but the decision is up to you."

In response of my suggestion, that woman gently shakes her head.

"Thank you for your kind offer, but I shall refuse."

"……What?"

"Alexis-sama and Larrsama have done a lot to me, and I am grateful, but two of them have departed to God without leaving me the chance to return their kindness. Instead giving me rewards, I want you to let me assist you in your duty. Please let me stay here as your vassal, Your Majesty."

That woman raises her head.  The tulle covering her face flutters and shows her green eyes filled with sparks of determination.
In front of her eyes, that young man is left breathless and speechless for a moment."

"A vassal……? Alicia, you are my brother's wife."

"True, but not officially. I am experienced in public service, so I will surely be of service to you, Your Highness. That's why, please let me stay by your side and support you."

The young man frowns as he stares at the woman sitting in front of him.
The wife of his brother, Alexis. His sister-in-law. A former daughter of a fallen marquis.
That girl right now has been married to his deceased older brother eight years ago.
The young man frowns as if he is trying not to show his surprise.

"……There are lots of vassals who are not happy with my position."

"I know."

"You might put yourself in danger as well."

"I am fully aware of it."

"……So, will you stay by my side?"

"Yes."

The woman nods with a soft smile.

Until the day I am no longer necessary to you.
I'll stay and support you—