"I'm getting married."
Though those were words that should have called for congratulations, Henrietta's tone was filled with boundless sorrow, and Louise seemed to sense it as well.
"Congratulations..."
Though she said so, Louise did not smile at all.
"Princess, is something wrong?"
"No, it's nothing. It's just... I'm sorry. These are things I shouldn't be telling you..."
"Please tell me, Princess. Something that could make you sigh like this must be causing you great distress."
"No, I can't say it. Please forget what I just said, Louise."
Henrietta shook her head, while Louise visibly grew unhappy.
"No! Didn't we used to tell each other everything? You were the one who treated me as a friend, Princess. Are you saying you won't even tell your friend what's troubling you?"
"..."
Meanwhile, Red Ponytail casually pulled a chair over from beside the wall and sat down. She then took out half a watermelon, eating it while watching the scene before her with dead fish eyes, without saying a word.
Hearing Louise's reply, Henrietta smiled.
"So you finally consider me a friend, Louise... Very well. But what I'm about to tell you must never be told to anyone else."
"I swear it, in the name of Vallière!"
Louise tightly clasped the Princess's hands, her expression solemn.
Red Ponytail continued silently eating her watermelon.
"The truth is... I am going to marry the Emperor of Grumannia."
"What? Grumannia?!"
Louise was shocked upon hearing this.
"That barbaric country?"
"Yes, but there is no other way. Albion's rebellion is about to succeed. Once the royal family is overthrown, Albion will certainly attack Tristain next. We are only a small country, without enough strength to resist Albion. Therefore, to fend off Albion's invasion, an alliance with Grumannia is indispensable."
"I know that, but..."
Hearing this, Louise