Just before the final round of the produce fair, we were summoned by Princess Raina of Xenodia, the host nation. Along with the Lockwood siblings and the Marklight couple, we were led by the head judge to the room where the princess awaited us.
「You’re late. Well, make yourselves comfortable.」
As soon as we entered, she greeted us with a commanding tone. I suppose such behavior is permitted for a princess, but it didn’t sit well with me. Prince Adwel of the Rodan Kingdom had a similar attitude.
Following her instruction, we stepped inside and lined up.
I’d heard she was young — about the same age as Hanon, around ten years old. Yet the air of authority she exuded rivaled that of an adult. After only a few minutes in her presence, I couldn’t help but feel she was older than me.
Crossing her legs, the princess looked us over and stated her reason for calling us.
「All of you, withdraw from the competition.」
「「「「「！？」」」」」
Everyone froze in shock at her unexpected demand.
「That’s all. Now, pack your things and leave.」
「W-Why so suddenly?」
It was Brew, the local representative from Marklight Farm, who asked cautiously. As a farming powerhouse of Xenodia, he couldn’t stay silent.
「Because I don’t want to eat anything that doesn’t taste good.」
「Th-That’s unreasonable—」
「Stop, Oren.」
Oren from Lockwood Farm tried to protest, but his oneesan, Sherice, stopped him. Her gaze turned to the head judge who had brought us here.
「So, Princess Raina wishes to cancel the exhibition. Is that correct?」
「W-Well…」
「Of course! If I don’t want it, it’s canceled.」
The head judge looked helpless, while the princess stubbornly insisted on canceling the event. The situation was spiraling into chaos. Then, a calm, deep voice cut through the tension.
「That won’t do, Your Highness.」
「Wha—?! W-Walter…」
The princess’s confident expression crumbled.
A man in his late thirties or early forties had entered the room silently. His long silver hair was tied back, and round glasses framed his face. He radiated the aura of an elite — the kind of person you just knew was competent.
Curious, I whispered to the head judge.
「Who is that?」
「That is Walter DiCamillo, Commander of the Royal Guard. He serves directly under the King and is one of the few who can stand up to the princess.」
「I see…」
It seemed even the headstrong, fearless Princess Raina had someone she couldn’t handle.
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