The discontent of a part of the Autumn nobility with the marriage was palpable. Many did not comprehend the alliance, seeing it as disadvantageous, a mere bailout for a kingdom in decline. They were unaware, or chose to ignore, the history behind the agreement: orchestrated in the childhood of Leticia and Ryuuji, at a time when the Winter Kingdom flourished with a prosperity that rivaled Autumn's own. Forgotten by the counselors over the years, the pact was resurrected months earlier when King Hayden, desperate, requested aid. It was King Ryuuichi himself who had advised his son Ryuuji, guiding him to make the fulfillment of the old marriage agreement the condition for sending the supplies. Ryuuji, although he had not exposed all his reasons to his counselors, made it clear that the order was sovereign and unquestionable.
Still, the dissatisfaction persisted. Many counselors nurtured the hope of marrying their daughters to Prince Ryuuji, aiming to increase their families' political power. Furthermore, countless young women worked in the castle with the sole objective of being near Princes Ryuuji and Aleph, who were idolized as much for their beauty as for their skills and intelligence.
That very day, three young maids were preparing Prince Ryuuji's relaxing bath, a custom to alleviate the stress of daily life. As they arranged the fine towels and aromatic bath salts, they commented among themselves:
"Prince Ryuuji should marry a woman from this kingdom."
"It's just for convenience!"
"She's not even that pretty. There are more beautiful women in our kingdom."
"Have you seen the palms of her hands without gloves? Full of calluses! They don't look like the hands of a true noble."
"And how, in your opinion, should a noble's hands be?"
Ryuuji's calm, deep voice sounded out from behind them, making them jump. Absorbed in their conversation, they hadn't noticed his entrance.
"Your Highness!" they exclaimed in unison, bowing hastily.
Ryuuji approached, gently taking one of the maid's hands and examining it closely.
"Actually," he said, his gaze meeting the young woman's, "I find hands like these enchanting. They show the work and dedication imprinted on them. Do not devalue an effort because of some invented ideal. For me, such a rule shouldn't exist."
"Yes, Your Highness," the girl murmured, her face completely flushed by his touch and the kindness of his words.
Ryuuji released her hand gently.
"I am glad you have understood my point of view. I hope you will value Princess Leticia's efforts, just as I value each of yours. Remember also that she is our guest and deserves to be treated with all due consideration."
He gave them a knowing wink, and the assistants, previously apprehensive, now sighed in relief, utterly charmed. As they left, one of them commented:
"He is a prince for all of us! He could never have just one suitor!"
As he relaxed, Ryuuji recalled Akiyama's positive assessment of Leticia. A satisfied smile lined his lips.
"I would like to test these skills tomorrow," he thought, already planning the next day's audience.
Impressed by Duke Akiyama's report and glimpsing Leticia's potential, Prince Ryuuji requested her presence in the throne room to observe the morning audiences. It would be an immersion into the complex administration of the kingdom.
Upon her arrival, Leticia was surprised to find Aleph already present, positioned discreetly beside the throne in his role as Second Royal Counselor. When their eyes met briefly, Aleph inclined his head in a cordial yet formal greeting. Leticia immediately noticed the change in his posture: the warmth and proximity they had shared in previous moments gave way to a calculated, entirely professional distance, befitting his current official duties at court.
Ryuuji greeted her with his usual courtesy and indicated a seat of honor by his side, prepared so she could closely follow the communications and the various requests received.
The first audience was with Duke Miyano, responsible for the southeastern province. His countenance, normally serene, carried a shadow of concern.
"Your Highness," he began, after a deep bow, "I bring a matter of considerable urgency. My province is the sole producer of the renowned 'Akiyuricha' tea, whose finest leaves are destined for Queen Risny." The Duke's voice faltered for an instant. "This month, an atypical mist has subtly affected the flavor of the first harvest. I fear the alteration, however minor, might be interpreted as an affront, with unpredictable consequences for our delicate trade relationship."
Ryuuji absorbed the information, the mention of Risny's personal appreciation making the problem even more complex. Before Aleph, whose expression had sharpened at the mention of Risny, could speak, Ryuuji surprisingly turned first to Leticia, wishing to gauge her shrewdness.
"Princess Leticia, your familiarity with the complexities of agriculture under adverse conditions might aid us. What would be your suggestion?"
Leticia reflected, the experience of her own kingdom sharpening her reasoning.
"Your Highness," she began, her voice clear and firm, "if the alteration is subtle, perhaps we could focus on post-harvest processing techniques. A different drying method or a specific maturation period could restore the expected sensory profile, minimizing the effect of the mist without changing the tea's essence."
"A logical and well-founded approach, Princess," Ryuuji agreed, then turned to Aleph. "What would be your perspective?"
Aleph, who had listened to Leticia's proposal with evident respect, pondered before speaking.
"The Princess's technical solution is valid. However, knowing Queen Risny's particularities, a simple alteration, even for the better, could be poorly received if not communicated correctly." He paused, his eyes fixed on a distant point. "My suggestion would be to prepare the shipment, but to accompany it with a carefully worded diplomatic communiqué. In it, we could highlight that this year's unique climatic conditions have resulted in a 'harvest of rare and ephemeral nuances,' a 'singular gift of nature' that only a truly refined palate such as Queen Risny's could fully appreciate. We would transform a potential flaw into an item of coveted rarity."
Aleph's insight, his understanding of the psychology and vanity that could permeate Risny's court, for a moment seemed the most complete solution. Ryuuji was about to express his approval when Leticia, whose face had lit up with a new understanding upon hearing Aleph's analysis, intervened, requesting to speak.
"Your Highnesses, what if we combine the two approaches? We could, indeed, present this harvest as a 'Limited Edition.' And, in communicating this 'exclusivity,' we could subtly imply that, to ensure such a treasure arrives intact, we would require a 'prioritized and secured transport route' from their side. In essence, we would use the narrative of rarity to discreetly renegotiate a logistical benefit in our favor."
An admiring silence fell over the room. Aleph looked at Leticia, a mixture of surprise and profound admiration in his gaze. She had turned his psychological key into a brilliant negotiating tool, with a speed and ingenuity that left him genuinely impressed.
Ryuuji smiled broadly, leaning back in his throne with evident pride in his expression as he regarded them both.
"Excellent perspectives!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with genuine enthusiasm. "This type of debate is precisely what enriches this kingdom. Clifford, take note. We will analyze both suggestions in detail."
The debate proceeded collaboratively, with Leticia's contributions being received with notable respect. However, the admiration she was earning in the throne room contrasted with the poison being sown in the corridors.
A young maid, tasked with serving tea and influenced by Duchess Hana's intrigues, observed the scene with resentment. Later, distorting the facts, she spread among her colleagues that the "opportunistic foreigner" was manipulating the princes, further fueling the hostility.
The image of Leticia, so articulate, so integrated into that high-level discussion, and, above all, enjoying clear favoritism from the princes, transformed in the eyes of the easily influenced young woman from a role model to be followed into a personal affront, a thorn of resentment and envy that clouded her judgment.
It did not take long for the grudge to manifest. As Leticia was walking peacefully through one of the palace corridors, returning from a moment of reading, a group of maids, pretending to be absorbed in their cleaning, saw her approach. With a calculated and false carelessness, one of them threw cold water from a bucket, drenching Leticia from head to toe.
"Oh, a thousand pardons, Your Highness!" the aggressor exclaimed, her voice dripping with obviously feigned sincerity. "What a terrible oversight of mine... it was completely unintentional!"