“Of course. I will die as well.”
Saito, who had been looking at the conversation from the side, sighed. The prince being worried so little by death tomorrow made it all so confusing. It seemed that it was not reality but an event from a play.
Louise's shoulders dropped when she bowed deeply to Wales. She had more things to say though.
“Your Highness... Forgive my impoliteness, but there are a few more things I have to say.”
“What do you want to say?”
“What is the content of the letter?”
“Louise.”
Saito protested. Indeed, the content of the letter was a personal thing after all. But Louise, after asking Wales, looked up with determination.
“When princess-sama gave me this task she looked like she was worrying about her lover. And in the box there was a portrait of princess-sama, and seeing the gloomy face after you kissed and read the letter... Are you and the princess-sama...”
Wales smiled. He guessed what Louise wanted to ask.
“Do you want to ask if cousin Henrietta and I have a love relationship?”
Louise nodded.
“It seems so. Forgive my surprising impoliteness. In that case, the content of this letter is...”
After putting his hand to his forehead and making a gesture, as if worried for a moment about what he should and shouldn't say, Wales spoke.
“A love letter. Just like you guessed. Foolishly, if this love letter were to be passed to the imperial household of Germania as Henrietta informed by letter, it might become a great threat. In the letter she is swearing eternal love for me in the name of Founder Brimir. It is like an oath when marrying, love sworn in the name of the founder. If this letter is brought to light, she will be accused of committing the crime of bigamy. The emperor of Germania is sure to break off the engagement with the princess who violated the rules. Then, there would be no alliance. Tristain might be politically ignored by other countries' noble families.”
“So princess-sama and Your Highness were in love with each other?”
“It's an old story.”
Louise spoke to Wales in a feverish tone. “Your Highness, return! Return to Tristain!”
Wardes abruptly put his hand on her shoulder. However, this did not stop Louise.
“I beg you! Please, come to Tristain with us!”
“It cannot be done.” Wales said with a laugh.
“Your Highness, I disagree. Princess-sama would think so as well! Didn't it say so in the letter? I have known princess-sama since our childhood, I know very well how she thinks. Princess-sama does not desert the people she loves! Your Highness, you didn't say it, but I am sure princess-sama told you to run away as well!”
Wales shook his head. “There is not such line written.”
“Your Highness!” Louise kept on pressing Wales.
“I am from a royal family. I am not lying. There is nothing in the letter from the princess telling me to run away. I swear it by my honor.”
Wales spoke as if he was in pain. It seemed like Louise's words hit him.
“Henrietta is a princess. She has to give priority to the country rather than me.”
Louise understood what he meant with that. Even if Wales liked Henrietta, it would never be supported by other nobles in his situation.
Wales tapped Louise's shoulder.
“You are a honest girl, Vallière. You have honest, clear and kind eyes.”
Louise looked down desolately.
“But let me give you some advice. It's not too good for an ambassador to be honest like that.”
Wales smiled with an attractive smile.
“However, you are a perfect ambassador to a ruined country like ours, as the government that will be destroyed tomorrow is more honest than anyone, since it doesn't have anything to defend besides its honor.”
After that he pulled something out of his pocket. From the shape and running arrow it seemed to be a clock.
“Ahhaha, it is time for our little party. Since you are the last guests of our kingdom, I would like you to attend it as well.”
Saito and Louise went out of the room. Wardes stayed behind and bowed to Wales.
“Oh do you have some more business, Viscount?”
“There is one favor I would like to ask, Milord.”
“Ask.”
Wardes whispered into the ear of Wales, who smiled.
“Ah such a lovely request, it will be my pleasure.”
The party was held in the castle's hall. The king of Albion, James I, sat on the throne, and watched the nobles and vassals who had gathered through narrowed eyes.
Though the following day everyone would die, it was still quite a feast and the table was filled with various treats.
Saito and the others were watching this colorful party while standing in the corner of the hall.
“They put all the troubles of tomorrow behind and are trying to enjoy the present.”
Wardes nodded in response to Saito's words.
“Yes, they behave joyfully.”
When Prince Wales showed up, there were some enthusiastic sighs between the ladies. It seemed like he was popular not only as a prince but as a handsome man as well. When he approached the throne, people started whispering.
James I tried to stand up straight and greet him, but because of his old age he staggered and almost fell down.
Some laughter could be heard from the hall.
“Your Majesty! It's too early to fall!”
“Indeed! Save that for tomorrow!”
James I wasn't insulted by such comments, and smiled.
“Don't worry, it's just my legs were numb from sitting for so long.”
Wales came closer and supported the king's body with his. There were a few more chuckles.
“You. I will tell all of you brave and loyal vassals, that tomorrow 'Reconquista' is planning to attack our Newcastle with their full force. You followed and fought bravely for this incapable old king, however tomorrow won't be a battle. It is likely to be a one-sided slaughter. Let's endure it and show our bravery for one last time.”
The king coughed loudly, after that he continued talking.
“But it might be asking too much for all you to die. Thus tomorrow morning the warship Eagle will take all women and children and the ones who chose to leave to a safer place further from this forsaken continent.”
However, no one answered. One noble loudly informed the king.
“You Majesty! We are waiting for the order! Whole Army Forward! Whole Army Forward! Whole Army Forward! Since our hearing is so bad tonight I doubt we will be able to hear any other orders!”
All the people nodded.
“Yeah! What would others say if we were to run away?”
“It's too late to retreat, Your Majesty”
“It's alright! We will continue to serve the king like we did years before! Tonight is a good night! The founder has blessed us with a wonderful moon and warm night! Let's enjoy drinking and dancing for tonight!”
With this everyone returned to the feast. The three guests from Tristain attracted a lot of attention. The nobles didn't seem to be sad or worried, they playfully kept on joking and offering wine or food to the guests.
“Ambassador! Try this wine! Tell us which country's wine is better!”
“Here! Try this! It's Albion's special - chicken with honey, will make you healthy and strong for sure!”
Albion kept on having fun! Even in the end.
Saito became melancholic. The people who acted joyfully at the face of death looked more sad than brave. Louise seemed to have felt it more. She couldn't endure the atmosphere, shook her head and ran out of the hall.
For a moment Saito wanted to follow her, but urged Wardes to go instead.
Wardes nodded and went after her. Saito crouched on the floor and sighed.
Wales saw Saito acting this way and came to him from the center of the hall.