The Princess is to be Wed?!

Why hello, Miyu! Are you picking up supplies?

Hello, ma'am. No, today I'm helping out the local guard.

Well, fancy that! For such a young lass, you really have it together. My boy could learn a thing or two from you, the slacker...

Speaking with you always puts me in a good mood. That smile of yours just brightens up my whole day!

Say, have you heard?

Hee hee. Did you hear some good gossip?

I sure did! So, you know how you can catch sight of the king around town every now and then? Well, no one's seen his daughter in a while. She's even been absent from official ceremonies.

Oh!

There are rumors going around that there's some secret reason the princess can't appear in public.

I... Uh, that is...

People are saying she's in convalescence, recovering from some nasty disease. But I don't think that's it. My guess is she's taken some time out to prepare for her future.

Oh my, oh my. Y-You mean she's polishing up her swordsmanship or something?

Ha ha ha! Miyu, you're such a joker. This is a princess we're talking about. She must be getting ready to get married!

What?! M-M-Married?

She must have had a proposal that for whatever reason she hasn't made public yet. A royal wedding would be a grand occasion. With everything else that's going on in the world, we could use something to celebrate.

I don't know about that... Isn't she a little young to be thinking about marriage already?

Nonsense! Her Highness must be about the same age as her mother was when she married His Majesty.

Oh, but look at the time! I can't stand here all day, I have things to do. It was lovely seeing you, Miyu. Bye bye now!

Ha ha ha! The people around here sure do love their princess. I wonder what that lady would say if she knew she'd been talking to Mufilleux herself?

Tell me about it! Listening to those rumors was so embarrassing, I didn't know what to say!

Well, at least you're used to living outside the castle now. You can go around town and talk to people just fine.

I guess you're right. I've gotten a lot better at playing the part of the traveling swordswoman.

I finally found her.

Please excuse my forwardness. But I have something I must discuss with you urgently, Princess Mufilleux.

What? Y-You've got the wrong person! I'm no princess, just a swordswoman. And my name is Miyu.

...... I see. It looks like the rumors were true.

Sorry for troubling you. I must have been mistaken.

Don't worry about it. I'm sure it was just an honest mistake.

What I said was true, though. I do have vital information of a sensitive nature for the princess. The fate of this land may depend on Her Highness hearing it. If you happen to run into Mufilleux, perhaps you could tell her about this?

I'll be waiting for her at Miglance Castle.

I don't know what that guy's deal is, but he saw right through you.

I'm glad he didn't expose me. He seemed awfully eager to speak to me in secret, though.

Are you gonna go meet him?

I have to. He sounded serious, and if his information is as important as he says, I can't afford to ignore it.

Okay. I'd better go with you. Let's head on over to the castle.

Thank you for coming, Your Highness.

What is it that you want to tell me? If it really does concern the fate of this kingdom, I'm willing to listen.

I wish to talk about peace.

Peace, between humans and beastfolk.

Whoa! A beast! What are you doing in Unigan?

I come as a peace envoy. I'm aware of the risk I'm taking coming here, but it's all for the greater good.

Your Highness, Princess Mufilleux. You are the sole reason I have come to your human capital. I am here to ask you to marry me.

Whaaat?! Wh-Wh-What do you mean?

My father is the leader of a faction of beastfolk that formed with the goal of finding a peaceful resolution to this war. He reasoned that the most simple solution would be a marriage alliance between prominent beasts and humans.

I see... There's something in that, but...

It's just a marriage of convenience, then? Why should Miyu give up her freedom? What about her feelings?

As a member of the ruling royal family, this is a duty only she can carry out. It's a small price to pay to secure peace.

But she doesn't even know you! How can she be expected to marry you? It doesn't make sense.

Aldo, please. Looking at it logically, this is a perfectly reasonable political strategy.

How can you say that? Just because you're a princess, it doesn't mean you have no right to choose.

I...

I've heard of all the good work you've been doing, turning your sword on ne'er-do-wells for the sake of your people. But don't you think this is a far more appropriate approach, given your social position? This could do a lot more for peace than any amount of random adventuring.

......

Even if this marriage is politically motivated, I have no intention of making you feel ill-used.

I'll do my best to be a good husband, and ensure you live a happy and contented life, "till death do us part," as you humans say.

Are you really serious about this?

Absolutely.

I understand your position. But this is all so sudden. I need some time to think it through before I can give you an answer.

Of course, take all the time you need. I'll be in town for a while yet. I'll stick to the shadows inside the castle.

Are you sure that's wise? If you got caught by any of the soldiers on patrol...

You clearly have a kind heart, to worry about my welfare so. But you don't have to worry. Avoiding a few guards here and there is nothing to me.

When you've thought about my offer and come to a decision, I'll be waiting for you in the throne room.

I sincerely hope you'll accept. For the sake of this kingdom, and the future of our people...

Wow. I never thought what he had to tell me was going to involve me so closely. Ever since I was little, I used to wonder about what kind of person I'd eventually get married to. Things like marriage always seemed so far away, something that might happen in the distant future.

Miyu...

Aldo, what do you think I should do?

All this stuff about alliances and strategy is a little too much for me. But I don't think someone can be truly happy throwing away a large part of their life, no matter how good their intentions are. I can't get behind any plan that would make you sad, Miyu.

...... (I wish I could agree, but...)

Let's take a walk around town!

Huh? Now?

My father used to say, "When in doubt, listen to the voice of the people." I'm so confused right now, I can't think of a better time to take his advice. I want to talk to the people of Unigan and find out what's going on in their lives.

We may have survived this attack, but the war's not over yet. All this fighting is driving up the price of goods. *sigh* Times sure are tough. I wish there was some way for us to live in peace, but I guess that's just wishful thinking...

His Majesty and the Royal Guard are doing everything they can for us. We've just got to endure it.

...Thank you.

I hold no hostilities toward His Majesty. Up until now his reign has been a peaceful one.

Even now he's working hard to get the town restored. A little too hard, maybe... I hope he's not pushing himself too hard. What he really needs is a companion, someone to take care of him. He's been on his own ever since Her Majesty the queen passed away in childbirth.

Father does work very hard. I always worry he's going to go too far and ruin his health.

I've heard Princess Mufilleux has no shortage of suitors. Who wouldn't want to marry such a beauty? But the king always throws out any proposals. That's understandable, he must be reluctant to lose his only child. Of course, he always has some excuse. The princess is still too young, none of her suitors are worthy of her, that kind of thing. That's what I've heard, anyway.

Really? This is the first I've heard about this.

My dad always says the same thing about my boyfriends. Isn't that weird? Maybe this is how the princess feels.

I guess he's even more protective of her since she's an only child.

What do you think, Miyu? Has talking to the townsfolk helped you make a decision?

......

If you're still not sure, maybe you should go talk to your father about it?

......

No, there's no need for that. I... I've decided. Would you come with me to the throne room, Aldo?

...You came.

You did well to get this far in without being spotted.

Didn't I tell you it would be no problem for me? I don't like to brag, but I have my ways. Now, enough small talk.

Your Highness, Princess Mufilleux. Would you be so good as to inform me of your decision regarding my proposal?

Yes, of course...

If it will really bring about peace for my kingdom and yours, I will marry you.

That's wonderful news! I knew you'd see the light.

Miyu... Are you sure about this?

Yes. My adventure as Miyu the traveling swordswoman ends here. When I was a girl I'd only ever looked down on the world from my tower, but with you I was able to see it up close and personal.

For that, I am very grateful.

Okay... If you say so...

The truth is, I really would like to travel with you some more.

Then, can't we think of some other way that doesn't involve you getting married off to this guy?

You have to understand, my own feelings only count for so much. As royalty...as Princess Mufilleux, I have to think about the good of my subjects, not just my own.

Miyu...

Hey, you're only making this harder for her. You need to get used to the idea that she's not just your friend anymore, she's my future wife.

Your Highness, I meant what I said before. I promise to make you happy.

Thank you. That means a lot to me. But I'm more concerned about the happiness of the citizens under our protection.

My thoughts exactly. We must not lose sight of our goals. However, there's still one matter we need to clear up before we start.

What matter is that?

The pacifist faction to which I belong doesn't have a lot of influence in beastfolk society. In order for our marriage to mean anything, we're going to have to put our party in a stronger position.

To help with that, I'd like you to come to the Beast King's Castle and sign a treaty to make this engagement official.

Ah, yes. Getting all the paperwork in order is a step in the right direction. I'll gladly come with you.

Aldo... Thank you for everything. I guess this is goodbye.

Sorry, but I can't let you go somewhere that dangerous on your own. I'm coming with you. Think of me as a bodyguard.

What? But...

I told you already, this is none of your concern. You no longer have any right to monopolize her.

The way I see it, you've still got problems to deal with. That means Miyu could be in danger. Until your marriage is set in stone, Miyu is still my traveling companion. I'm not going to abandon her now.

How about it, Miyu? We can make this our last journey together.

Thank you. Having you there with me would be very reassuring.

Fine... If my bride wishes it, you may come to the castle as well.

It's come to this point already, huh? I can't very well ignore this anymore. Time to make a tipoff. I can think of someone who'll be very interested in this...

I'm back. May I present, Princess Mufilleux Miglance.

Oh! I never dreamed you'd be able to convince her to come back so quickly.

I've fulfilled my end of the bargain. Now, do as you promised and authorize our residency in the castle.

Very well. I hereby grant you my patronage and recognize you as exiles from the kingdom of Miglance.

Exiles? What's that supposed to mean?

The princess won't be returning to Unigan. She and I will get married and live out our days here at the castle. Then, when the time comes, she and I will inherit the Miglance throne.

That's not what we agreed on! I thought this was just a brief mission to sign a treaty!

A treaty would be useful, yes, but an actual wedding ceremony will be even better. Try to see it from our viewpoint. This is just a way to test your commitment. Or was all your talk of wanting peace empty words?

Of course not, but... All I mean is, I'm not prepared for this! I know I agreed to it, but everything's moving so fast...

All right, knock it off. I can't stand here and watch you bully Miyu into something she doesn't want.

What would a commoner like you know about anything? Get out of here!

Forget it. I've kept quiet up till now out of respect for Miyu's decision, but this is going too far! If you guys are really serious about wanting peace, quit all this cloak-and-dagger stuff and speak with King Miglance face to face!

I have nothing to say to that old dolt! I tried to arrange this with him before, and he sent back a lot of nonsense about us not being a good match...

That's right, and I stand by that! A man like you could never be worthy of my Mufilleux!

What? You!

Father! What are you doing here?

No more disguises! Show us the real you!

Nrgh!

Huh? It's you!

What's going on here? You know this guy, Miyu?

Yes, I've seen him around the castle. He's the grandson of one of our longest-serving senior senators. But...I don't understand why he looked like a beast...

Beastfolk have many magic arts. No doubt he used one to change his appearance.

Your Majesty, what do I have to do to prove myself to you? You let your daughter travel with a filthy commoner, but you won't approve her marrying a noble from a good family?

Anyone can tell I'm more than capable of steering this kingdom to prosperity!

You were willing to sell out our kingdom just so you could have a chance to rule! You're despicable!

Shut up, you! If you hadn't been so stubborn we'd be married by now.

Hey, how about a little help over here?

Mmm, yes. I doubt I'll get a better chance to settle things with Miglance than this.

Mufilleux, Aldo, let me take on the beast leader at the back. I'll leave the rest to you two!

Yes, Father!

You've got it, Your Majesty! Ready, Miyu?

This is the last of them.

Father, I'll back you up!

Nrgraaargh!

Yaaargh!

What a terrifying woman... You're a princess! You've got no business being such a fierce warrior. No, get away from me! Somebody, heeeeeelp!

What did I tell you? A spoilt noble like you could never stand shoulder-to-shoulder with my daughter.

How did you know to come here in the first place, Father? It looks like you're on your own, too. Didn't you bring any soldiers?

I have an informant who told me the beastfolk were planning something. I came here on a reconnaissance mission. Of course, the report contained some rather surprising intelligence.

What?! A proposal of marriage with Mufilleux? Well, it seems they've finally shown their hand...

You have my thanks, Felmina. This report changes everything.

Save your gratitude, my liege. Consider this my way of repaying you for all you've done for me. I have to say though, Her Highness does seem a lot more calm and collected.

Save your gratitude, my liege. Consider this my way of repaying you for all you've done for me. I have to say though, Her Highness doesn't change, does she?

Indeed. Much to my vexation... Still, I have some idea of what must be going through her mind...

Felmina...

Felmina told you? I'm so glad she's all right. It would have been nice if she'd come and spoken to me too, though.

I was so stunned at the news, I could've fainted.

I couldn't bear the idea of my only child marrying someone she didn't love. If we absolutely had to make a strategic marriage, I'd rather take a beastwoman as my new queen!

What? Have you got your eye on someone, Father? No one can replace Mother in the people's hearts!

Miyu, that's not what he said. Calm down and just listen, okay?

Yes, listen well, Mufilleux. There is something I must tell you, not as your father, but as the ruler of this land. For starters, do you realize that what you've done here has been an act of treason against our kingdom?

What?!

Hey, don't be so hard on Miyu! She did all this to help out the citizens and stop you from tiring yourself out with all that reconstruction work.

The path to damnation is paved with good intentions. I am willing to allow Mufilleux to do as she pleases as long as she's in her traveling swordsman persona. But acting on behalf of the kingdom without consulting me is a different matter.

I-I'm sorry, Fath, I mean, Your Majesty. I should have taken more time to think things through.

In that case, how about we all agree that this incident was simply the work of an individual, fighting beastfolk for her own reasons?

Yes. I apologize sincerely for assuming the role of the princess, even for a short time. I promise to take Your Majesty's words to heart. It is an honor that you should take the time to speak to a lowly swordswoman like myself.

Then we're all clear on that point. Let's head back to Unigan.

Your Majesty! I'm so glad to see you back safe and sound.

I heard all about what happened. My grandson's conduct was truly outrageous. On behalf of my family, I can't apologize enough.

......

Your Highness, I am so very sorry for what my grandson put you through.

......

I'm sorry, but who are you? I don't believe we've ever met before.

Your Highness, please! Are you that angry with me?

I'm not angry. You must be mistaken, I'm just a swordswoman passing through town. You haven't put me through anything.

I... Your Highness... What is the meaning of this?

It's just as the girl says, Minister. This swordswoman and her allies rescued your grandson from the beast stronghold. That is all.

Your Majesty... I see. You're willing to look the other way regarding this whole episode.

Thank you. Rest assured, I will ensure my grandson mends his ways. A sojourn in the borderlands ought to straighten him out.

I'll leave that to your discretion.

Are you sure you want to let him off the hook like that?

If I make him take responsibility publicly, his whole family will have to withdraw from the political stage in disgrace. They're a talented clan, and I'd hate to lose them because of one bad apple.

Such a drastic reshuffle of my council would do the kingdom more harm than good.

When you put it that way... Is that why you went to the Beast King's Castle alone?

Yes, I wanted to deal with it discreetly, involving as few people as possible.

Well, you can count on me to keep my mouth shut.

If you'll excuse us, Your Majesty, we really should be going.

Wait. There is one last thing...

What is it, my liege?

Young lady, you have been traveling for a while now, I believe. Do you have any idea when your journey will be finished?

...... My journey began the first time I looked out of my window and saw the world stretching out before me.

I knew then that I had to see this beautiful world for myself.

And it's not just the landscape. Getting to walk among the people and learn about their lives is wonderful, too.

I wouldn't trade the time I've spent with Aldo and his friends for any price.

The day will come when I have to end my journey and return home. But I still have so much to see and experience, I can't even guess when I will be ready for that.

I see. If that's how you feel, all I can do is wait.

I wish you a safe and fulfilling journey.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

And you, Aldo!

Y-Yes!

It sounds like you'll be stuck with this young lady a while longer. She'll probably be a real handful. Take care of my girl, all right?

Oh, Fath, Your Majesty! I can take care of myself!

Honestly, Father...

Ha ha. Go easy on him, Miyu. I'm sure that's just his way of showing how much he cares. No matter where you go or how you change, you're still his daughter.

Maybe. But this just brings home how much room I still have to grow. When I do come home, I want to be the kind of person who can assist my father and improve the lives of our subjects.

You'll get there someday. I guarantee it.

Thank you, Aldo. Coming from you... that really means a lot.

Now, enough standing around! Our next adventure is out there somewhere, just waiting for us. Let's get going!

Whatever you say, Miss Traveling Swordswoman.