I sat in the study, tapping the table in an erratic rhythm, a frown on my brow as I stared at the closed small prayer book reminiscent of the one we used to have in school in my previous life. The light green cover was even the same, with the only difference being the crystal-like image of the first Holy Maiden on the cover instead of some martyr.

I have long pushed back my search for a candidate to be part of my intelligence team and now that something more dire popped up, I needed to do everything I could to help ease the burden on Allen.

While I have not read any of the letters, I have a pretty decent idea of its contents, seeing that I'm the one who constructed the Church in the first place.

I’m sure they want to see me and check if I am still useful for the kingdom.

Well, since I haven't really written any useful rogue character in the past, I might as well look for an eligible one. If characters like Clarisse or Marie could exist even though I haven't fleshed them out, then there's a possibility that the rogue I'm looking for exists somewhere.

The only problem is locating them without my brothers knowing that I want to create my own intelligence group.

I sighed heavily, rubbing my forehead in frustration.

"I guess I really have to get out there…"

A polite knock interrupted my moping and I looked up at the door with a questioning stare.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Robbe, Your Grace. One of young master Darius's guests…wanted to see you."

One of the former princes?

It's not Kieran, right?

While I have no qualms about the deal he made with my father and Darius, he's still that prince that sent a marriage proposal even though it's well known that I've been promised to Konrad.

Surely he's not going to pursue that path…?

"Come in then." I told him and Robbe opened the door politely, escorting in a young man of sixteen or seventeen years of age, having the same dark hair and red eyes of his siblings.

"Oh…?" I said, a little surprised to see a different former prince. "You must be…Prince Corey?"

Corey bobbed his head down politely. "Yes, Your Grace. Thank you for allowing me to meet you…"

I smiled at him, gesturing towards the sofa. "Have a seat first. Robbe? Can you bring us tea and some snacks? Nothing too sweet."

"Yes, Your Grace." Robbe bowed politely before leaving, closing the door quietly behind him.

I stood up from my seat behind the desk and went over to the sofa and sat across Corey, taking in his looks carefully.

It's surprising to know that this world…created these siblings with such an age gap that mirrors the age gap I've had with my own siblings.

"Do you need something from me?" I asked him gently, making him flinch a little.

Is he…guilty of something, that's why he sought me out to absolve him?

Kieran did say it was Corey's idea to come here.

"I…well…" He fumbled, lowering his head and avoiding my gaze. "About the marriage proposal…"

I sighed loudly at that, and Corey looked up urgently.

"No! I…I wasn't going to beg you to reconsider…it's just…"

"Yes?" I prompted rather sharply.

"I…I was the one who sent it, against Kieran's wishes. I swear that my brother isn't a homewrecker…or anything like that."

"And you're saying all this…because…?"

"I wanted to clear my brother's name and image to you, Your Grace." Corey replied earnestly. "Our territory has been on the decline since our grandfather's reign…and I suggested to Kieran once he became the ruling prince to seek out your hand."

I frowned, not really in the mood to listen or even worry about any kind of romantic relationship I have or could have if I chose a different prince.

Who has time for that when there's a war and my death on the horizon?

Waving a hand, I smiled at Corey tiredly. "My marriage is the least of my concerns, Your Highness. Let's talk about something else…"

☆☆☆

Konrad dropped by my chambers yet again late at night, a majestic smile on his face that could probably light up the night sky like the sun. He opened his arms wide as if he was going to hug me but I sidestepped away from him.

"What do you want now?" I grumbled. "It's impolite to keep barging into a lady's chambers."

"Nothing, really. I only wanted to check on you."

"Well, you've seen me now. You can go."

Konrad pouted as he took a big stride to pull me into his arms and dragged me back to the bed, sitting me forcefully onto his lap, his arms locking around me.

He didn't even mind that he had to look up at me in our position.

"I'll be leaving for the Capital in two days." He told me with a slightly less cheery smile. "My sister's throwing a tantrum because I've been gone for too long and father's not doing so well."

"I see. Have a safe journey, Your Highness."

Konrad pouted. "You really won't call me by my name anymore?"

The grimace on my face and his pout had a one minute stand-off before he finally backed down.

"Your brothers plan on tightening security around the estate once I leave as the Church will no doubt send people to pester you here."

"Mm. I see…"

Konrad pressed his cheek against my upper arm, a sly smile on his lips. "Don't you want to go out there? I doubt a stroll in the nearby town sufficed."

"Are you telling me that you'll smuggle me out?"

"If you ask me to, I'd do it. I'll even keep Fion in the dark about it."