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Order and obedience were the foundation of life and the kingdom. They were the integral part of me and the pillar of my identity and soul. It was in my nature to abide by the rules and expect others to do the same.

As soon as I saw my books misplaced on my desk when I came back from breakfast, I clenched my jaw and let out a long sigh. The wrong arrangement was a thorn in my eyes. I called the maids to find whoever messed up the order and warned her not to make the same mistake again.

After they left, I sat down behind the desk to read some books, and there was a knock on the door.

"Your Highness, it's Sir Sunghoon."

I put away the book in my hand and sighed. "Enter."

The door opened and my knight strode inside towards me before kneeling on one knee and bowing with one arm in the front. "Greetings, Your Highness. I have received more news about Wisterean Kingdom's deaths of citizens."

My eyebrows twitched. "More than before?"

"Yes."

This could not go on. My letters to the Wisterean Kingdom's Crown Prince were regarded as nothing more than pleasantries even though I repeatedly requested him to take action to aid the citizens. If it was any other kingdom's matter, I would not have cared much, but it was the matter of my future kingdom as I was promised to the Crown Prince by the agreement of both of our kingdoms.

Recently, more and more commoners of Wisterean were dying due to something I could not find out about. Information was confidential. I could not write to the King or Queen of Wisterean, and my parents kept brushing off the topic, focusing on our own kingdom instead. We already had our own sets of problems in Leovalon.

I stood up and walked to Sunghoon, making him stand up. "How many have died this time?"

"Around a hundred."

I frowned. That was a lot. I could not sit still anymore and I had to do something.

"I'll have to travel over there myself, then."

I called a maid and told her to ask for audience with the King and Queen. If I could physically be present in Wisterean, I might be able to do something.

"Forgive my insolence, but Princess, you have not visited Wisterean in years, no?" Sunghoon asked, his eyebrows knotted together in worry. His eyes darted around my face, a little agitated, unfitting for a knight. "If there's a disease going around, it is in your best interest to stay away in the meantime."

Sir Sunghoon was my knight whom I had chosen from the knight selection, but he was also my friend. It was a given that a friend would be more worried.

I smiled at him. "I am already of age and the matrimony between Leovalon and Wisterean will take place soon. Ignoring this problem may pose a greater threat in the future. I must act quickly."

After I was granted an audience, I explained everything I knew and wanted to do to the King and Queen, and they both agreed to let me visit for a few days only. As the situation in Leovalon was not favorable in the meantime due to sudden drought, they decided to let me go alone, and sent a letter to Wisterean before my departure.

"Princess Bada, I was also just informed that the citizens of Leovalon have favorable feedbacks on the supplies you have distributed recently," the King praised and I curtsied.

"I am deeply honored. It is my duty as the Princess to care for the well-being of our people."

"Display the same grace and discipline while you're in Wisterean, Bada. Do not forget the importance of your marriage to our kingdom. Any mistake is inexcusable."

I bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"You may leave."

I walked out of the room and Sunghoon accompanied me back to my study room. "It won't be a long journey but rest well before we depart, Sunghoon."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Sister!"

I stopped in my steps and turned around as my brother hugged me. "Eru!"

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince." Sunghoon greeted him, bowing beside me.

"Sister." He giggled and looked up at me. "Are you going somewhere? Take me with you!"

I chuckled and patted his head. "The King ordered me to go alone so I can't, Eru."

His eyes widened and he pouted. "But it's boring in here..."

I looked at Sunghoon and he looked back at me. My brother turned to him and let out a gasp of realization.

He raised his arms, jumping. "Sir Sunghoon, please lift me up!"

The man turned to me as if seeking for permission, and I chuckled. "Lift him up."

Sunghoon lifted Erunitte up and ran around, making him act like he was flying. Both of their laughters echoed inside the castle walls, and I watched them with a smile, unaware of what was coming to me in the future.

When the day of my departure arrived, the King and Queen and the Crown Prince bid me farewell. They reminded me to uphold our reputation and I promised not to make mistakes. Several other knight members followed me to leave for Wisterean.

I got on the carriage and watched Sunghoon receive letters from the female staffs with a bashful expression, scratching his head, and I crossed my arms, scoffing at the sight. He was wearing a brighter ensemble for our journey, a royal blue blazer with the kingdom emblem and insignia and cream trousers that made him look exceptionally dashing. On top of that, his dark hair was pushed back, exposing his forehead, giving him a graceful look that matched his graceful facial features. No wonder he was receiving attention.

When he got on our carriage, I glared at the papers in his hand, and could not help utter, "Such useless things you're carrying with you, Sir Sunghoon."

He breathed out a nervous laugh, lowering his head. "I apologize. I couldn't ignore their sincerity, Your Highness."

"Sincerity?" I raised an eyebrow, ridiculing the idea. "If you're not going to accept their feelings, I urge you to not mislead them. As a person with higher social standing, you should find a proper, compatible partner for yourself. Do not waste time."

His eyes met mine and an emotion akin to sorrow flashed in them as he gave me a pained smile. "That's rather harsh to tell someone in an unrequited love."

Unrequited love? Sunghoon was in an unrequited love? It was difficult to imagine someone of his caliber would be rejected.

Still, the thought of him in love with someone was strange to accept. Maybe because he was always by my side and never interested in anything else except his duties as my knight.

Sunghoon suddenly kneeled before me and took my hand in his, placing his forehead on top of my hand. "Before my betrothal, I will do anything in my power to support and protect you, Princess. I will ensure your safety at all times during your visit in Wisterean."

I smiled softly. "Thank you, Sunghoon. I trust you."

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Buckle up for the new (long) ride

Who's here since book 1? 🙋🏻‍♀️