A Fake Marriage? Sure! …Wait, Is It Actually Fake? Something’s Not Right Here! - Chapter 16

The day of the Royal Tournament had arrived.

Lidoria was at the outdoor arena.

Normally, this was the training ground used by each Royal Guard Knight Order.

Surrounding the well-maintained dirt ground was turf, now densely packed with tents and tarps for spectators.

In the highest position sat Their Majesties.

To their right was the tent for the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.

To their left stood Princess Melissa’s tent.

The remaining areas were divided among the various Royal Guard Knight Orders, with their relatives making appearances bearing gifts.

The general seating area, which made up the majority, was packed with capital citizens, and since early morning, vendors had been energetically hawking soda, beer, and light snacks.

The sky was clear and bright.

Perfect weather for a tournament.

“May Her Highness the Crown Princess be in good spirits.”

Inside the tent, the Crown Princess’s Royal Guards were bowing respectfully.

Dressed in light blue military uniforms with gray leather armor, they were all noble youths ranging from their late teens to twenty-two years old. The most handsome and academically accomplished young men were selected to serve the Crown Princess.

At twenty-two, they were transferred to the Royal Guard Knight Orders of Their Majesties or other royals.

Of course, it was possible to join the “Golden Lion Knights,” the Royal Guard of His Majesty, or the “Silver Winged Dragon Knights,” the Royal Guard of Her Majesty the Queen, from the start, but one couldn’t join unless there were openings.

In contrast, the “Unicorn Knights,” led by the Crown Princess, had an age limit, so members graduated every year. As a result, those eager to join a Royal Guard Knight Order quickly aimed for the Unicorn Knights, competing fiercely in the Royal Military Academy’s selection battles.

“Everyone, please take care not to get injured. Face the battles with your usual strength.”

Seated in her chair, Crown Princess Sophia looked upon her Royal Guards with a benevolent gaze.

The Royal Guards remained on one knee, bowing deeply.

Not only Lidoria but also Amanda, and the other maid, Sarah, watched with deep emotion.

Since her marriage, Crown Princess Sophia’s popularity had suffered greatly because of Princess Melissa.

Some Royal Guards had joined the Unicorn Knights reluctantly at their parents’ insistence or openly expressed eagerness to graduate, but as the Crown Princess’s reputation improved, they suddenly became more motivated.

Lidoria and the other maids of Crown Princess Sophia had played a part in this.

They praised the Royal Guards, occasionally brought them gifts, and even lobbied the Crown Princess to help graduates join their desired Royal Guard Knight Orders.

After all, these were youths in their late teens to early twenties. They couldn’t possibly dislike being pampered by older noble ladies.

Gradually, they opened up to Crown Princess Sophia, and now they properly paid their respects as subordinates.

“For our beloved Crown Princess, we dedicate our victory!”

The captain, who was set to graduate this year, declared this, and the members rose in unison, chanting, “For Her Highness the Crown Princess!”

The Royal Guards of the Crown Princess and Princess were selected based on appearance as well. Thus, when they faced the Crown Princess in their matching uniforms with flushed faces, it made for a picturesque scene. Sarah was always enchanted, but Amanda, being married, was preoccupied with checking if the knights’ uniforms were flawless, and Lidoria only had eyes for her brother.

(That child! That frail Finley!)

Now, he stood before her, wearing the uniform of the Unicorn Knights, renowned as the flower of the Royal Guards.

“Oh, Lidoria. It’s too early to cry.”

Chuckling, Crown Princess Sophia spoke, and Lidoria hurriedly wiped the tears welling in her eyes.

Seeing this, the Royal Guards teased Finley.

“Stop it, Sis.”

Finley said with a sullen face, snapping back at the older knights who persisted in teasing him.

“This is before Her Highness the Crown Princess. Be silent.”

With the captain’s single remark, it stopped immediately.

“Then, Your Highness, we shall take our leave and proceed to the Royal Tournament.”

“I wish you good fortune.”

The members bowed in unison once more and exited the tent with brisk movements.

“Um, Your Highness.”

Lidoria spoke to Sophia, who was seated in her chair.

Amanda was just preparing tea. She also glanced over briefly.

“What is it?”

“May I speak with my brother? After this, I have plans to meet with Sir Alex…”

Apologetically, she made her request, and Sophia widened her eyes, saying, “Oh.”

“Go quickly. Finley will be leaving.”

“Thank you. I’ll return right away.”

She bowed deeply and glanced at Amanda, who also nodded in approval.

She hurried out of the tent.

Perhaps because there was still time before the Royal Tournament.

There was no one on the grounds.

But the area in front of the tents was crowded with people.

Though there was ample space between tents, attendants, maids, and ladies-in-waiting serving the royals were bustling about.

Weaving through the crowd, she chased after the group in light blue and gray military uniforms.

“Finley.”

Calling out softly, her brother at the rear turned around.

“It’s about Sir Alex Reading.”

She beckoned, and Finley seemed to convey something to a senior member nearby and got permission.

He quickly returned to where Lidoria was.

“What? I’m busy.”

He was in a worse mood than usual.

But Lidoria realized it was just a public stance.

Finley was at that age. He probably didn’t want to be seen talking to his older sister, who was like a mother to him, in public.

“You haven’t forgotten that Sir Alex is coming to greet you, right?”

“I remember. But when is he coming? Isn’t it rude?”

Finley crossed his arms and scowled.

“Normally, the other party would say what time and where, right? I haven’t gotten any such message. I hope he even remembers.”

His words made her anxious. It was true they had said “during the Royal Tournament,” but they hadn’t agreed on a specific time or place, and there had been no contact since.

“I think it’ll be fine.”

“What’s that? Should I go and tell him off instead?”

“Stop it, please.”

Just as she was hoping to handle things peacefully, a wave of people surged toward them.

Finley quickly pulled Lidoria close, averting trouble, but it seemed a group was approaching from the west, and everyone had been forced to move aside to let them pass.

Holding onto Finley’s arm, Lidoria stood on her toes to peer at the approaching group.

“What is it? Women?”

A group with parasols was heading their way.

“Anyway, if Sir Alex comes to Her Highness the Crown Princess’s tent, I’ll contact you. Tell me where you’ll be waiting.”

It would be troublesome if the crowd thickened again. Lidoria spoke quickly.

“Um, well…”

Just as Finley turned to point out their tarp.

“Oh my. Isn’t that the Marchioness of Reading?”

A voice spoke very nearby, and the siblings exchanged glances.

The speaker was an unfamiliar woman. She appeared to be in her fifties with a plump figure. She was likely a noble herself. With a maid-like woman tilting a parasol for her, she smiled and addressed Lidoria as well.

“Look, isn’t her son, Sir Alex, participating in the Royal Tournament? She must be reserving seats.”

“Uh, yes…”

Giving a vague reply, Lidoria had nothing but a bad feeling.

(The Marchioness of Reading… that must be her. Sir Alex’s mother, right?)

From what Alex had said, it seemed he didn’t approve of their engagement, and he had even mentioned confining her to the estate today.

But it appeared she had come out after all.