Chapter Text
第一章 契約婚姻
聖克王國的首都今日被繁花與讚美詩淹沒。身為歐洲僅存的君主專制國家，同時為完全和平主義的聖殿，今日舉行的這場婚禮象徵著地球與外星殖民地之間更深層的聯繫。然而，在王宮最幽深的秘密書房內，空氣中卻瀰漫著冷冽的電子運算聲。
「勝率只有 42%，美利安多殿下。」
杜魯斯·國斯里達優雅地搖晃著紅酒杯，雙眼凝視著全息投影上的模擬戰數據。螢幕上，數台象徵機動戰士的亮點正迅速被聯邦軍的壓倒性數量吞噬。
「若要貫徹和平，我們需要的是足以讓侵略者卻步的絕望感。」美利安多·卑斯賴多王子扯了扯領口緊繃的禮服緞帶，語氣沉穩得不像個新郎，「聖克的『完全和平』不能只靠祈禱。一旦聯邦或羅姆菲拉財團激進派決定動武，我們必須有能瞬間癱瘓敵方的武力。」
杜魯斯輕笑一聲，修長的手指滑過控制台：「在大婚之日，未來的國王與羅姆菲拉的理事反鎖在密室，這要是傳出去，比起『非法研發兵器』，恐怕更先傳出的是我們兩人之間不必要的緋聞。」
美利安多冷冷地看了這位盟友兼損友一眼。
杜魯斯是他在大學時認識的客席教授。他是以十五歲之齡考入大學的天才王子，而眼前這個人則是二十歲已入主成為歐洲最大軍工業生產商羅姆菲拉財團理事、並連續四年成為副主席的精英貴族。兩人同樣在極其年輕時便背負了常人難以想像的權力。這種同步率使他們一拍即合，在世人眼中浪漫不切實際的「完全和平」，在他們看來，是必須用最高端武力去守護的奢侈品。
杜魯斯不以為然的整理好衣袖準備離開。
美利安多想起那位正在新娘房待命、即將成為他妻子的少女—露洛莉亞·諾因海姆。
這場婚姻從一開始就是一場防禦戰。聖克王國掌握著領先全球的環保與醫療技術，並且近幾年在環保新能源開發上略有小成，這根本就像一塊肥美的鮮肉，引來無數豺狼。
羅姆菲拉財團極力推銷財團理事賈登洛利公爵的孫女、杜魯斯的表妹多洛絲·賈登洛利，企圖藉此將聖克王國徹底納入財團的工業體系。
聯邦則推薦諾邊特將軍的幼女蘇菲亞·諾邊特，意圖在聖克王國建立永久軍事基地。
正當美利安多在兩股巨力間苦苦支撐時，來自火星的迪斯奴夫·諾因海姆帶著「第三條路」出現了。而當時，杜魯斯竟然出奇地表示支持。
美利安多閉上眼，思緒回到了半年前那個寒冷的深夜。
迪斯奴夫當時站得筆直，夕陽的餘暉透過百葉窗，將他的影子拉得極長，那黑影投射在地圖上，恰好覆蓋了半個歐洲大陸。他的聲音顯得深不可測，他每一寸呼吸都精確得如同計算過成本。那晚的對話，是一場披著「大義」外衣的精準獵殺。
「殿下，你在尋找的不是王妃，而是『屏障』。」
迪斯奴夫的眼神裡閃爍著火星開墾者特有的頑強：
「多洛絲代表的是野心，蘇菲亞代表的是鎖鏈。而我的妹妹露洛莉亞，她代表的是距離。諾因海姆家在火星的資源足以支援聖克的科研計劃，且我們遠在天邊，無法干涉你的內政。」
「你想要什麼？」美利安多當時問道。
迪斯奴夫轉過身，語氣沉穩得近乎虔誠，但眼神深處卻隱藏著毒蛇般的冷靜：
「我想要一個證言，殿下。證明在這腐朽的、被舊財閥壟斷的地球圈中，依然存在一個不靠強權脅迫、能讓人類尊嚴共存的理想國。聖克王國需要科研立國，而諾因海姆需要一個『清白』的舞台。」
這話說得大義凜然。然而美利安多在這一刻，捕捉到了迪斯奴夫指尖輕輕敲擊桌面的節律。那是獵人收網前的慣性。
迪斯奴夫口中的「影子」，本質上是滲透。他根本不在乎理想，他在乎的是聖克這塊乾淨的「跳板」。只要能源革命成功，諾因海姆就能洗白資本名聲，蠶食地球經濟命脈。
那是美利安多第一次見到如此純粹的「貪婪」。他眼前的這個男人，正在推銷一場雙贏的交易，只是其中一份贏面，是建立在對整個地球經濟秩序的「和平演變」之上。
美利安多看著那道在地圖上無限延伸的黑影，大腦正以極高的頻率進行著一場最冷酷的風險評估。
他清楚地意識到，這是一把雙刃劍。然而，美利安多更清楚聖克王國目前的處境。他正試圖在大國和各方利益中讓這個小國生存，如果沒有外部強大物力的支撐，他的理想塔會在建成的瞬間被舊財閥聯手擊碎。
「我接受這份『影子』的支援。」美利安多緩緩開口，聲音在空曠的書房裡顯得異常堅硬，「但迪斯奴夫，你記住。影子之所以存在，是因為光還照得不夠徹底。若有一天你們試圖干擾這套系統的『公平』，我會親手熄滅這盞燈，讓你們陪葬。」
這是一場魔鬼的契約。美利安多決定利用迪斯奴夫的貪婪，來換取聖克王國轉型所需的燃料。
「殿下，該出發了。」杜魯斯的聲音打斷了他的回憶。
全息投影上，模擬戰的勝算率在引入諾因海姆家族提供的支援後，跳升到了 78%。
杜魯斯眼神深邃，「你準備好迎接這沾滿火藥味的和平了嗎？」
美利安多戴上象徵皇室尊嚴的純白手套，推開了書房的大門。遠處，教堂的鐘聲悠揚響起。
「如果和平需要惡魔來守護，那就由我來當那個惡魔。」
他邁步走向聖壇，去迎接那位他只看過照片、卻決定與之共謀未來、與他同年的十九歲火星少女。
***
相比於正在書房裡跟模擬戰數據搏鬥的哥哥，莉莉娜·卑斯賴多公主對這位即將入主聖克王國的「火星新娘」抱持著更純粹的好奇。
原本昨晚就該見面，偏偏母親卡塔蓮娜女王突然身體不適。莉莉娜連夜趕往夏宮探望，等確認母親無礙後回到王宮時，婚禮的鐘聲已進入倒數。
「我倒要看看，能讓哥哥避開多洛絲和蘇菲亞的女性，究竟是何方神聖。」
莉莉娜提起禮服裙擺，帶著幾分公主的驕傲與一絲「領地意識」的敵意，推開了新娘房的大門。
門後的景象卻讓莉莉娜愣住了。
露洛莉亞·諾因海姆並沒有像一般待嫁新娘那樣優雅地端坐。她正提著層疊的婚紗裙擺，光著腳踩在窗台上，試圖調整一盆快要枯萎的火星風鈴花。
「妳……妳在做什麼？」莉莉娜驚呼。
露洛莉亞轉過頭，烏鴉羽毛般的亮黑髮絲在空中飛揚。她並沒有被嚇到，反而露出了一個惡作劇得逞般的笑容：「在給這小傢伙最後一次火星的味道，畢竟以後它就要呼吸聖克王國純淨的空氣了。」
露洛莉亞輕盈地躍下窗台，層疊的婚紗如浪花般散開，隨即又在她的動作間歸於優雅。她不急不徐地轉過身，那種從容並非刻意維持的宮廷禮儀，而是一種骨子裡的自信與靈動。
她看向莉莉娜，眼中漾起一抹帶著暖意的笑意，聲音清亮且溫柔：
「這般純澈的氣質，想必就是莉莉娜公主殿下了。我聽聞昨夜妳在夏宮守護女王，那份孝心著實令人感佩。請放寬心，我已叮囑過宮廷總管，今日的禮數規矩都比不上家人的健康重要。若誰敢對妳的遲來微詞半句，我便只能大膽地以『逃婚』為要挾，帶著火星的嫁妝原路返回了。畢竟，我可不想在婚禮的第一天，就失去一位如此溫暖的妹妹。」
莉莉娜本想擺出公主的架勢「示威」，以此提醒對方聖克王國的規矩。但露洛莉亞那番話說得滴水不漏，既體現了對長輩的尊重，又在幽默中透出一種與她並肩作戰的親暱。
原本準備好的冷言冷語，在這種優雅與俏皮並存的力量面前，竟一個字也吐不出來。「妳怎麼敢……」莉莉娜被逗笑了，心中的戒備瞬間煙消雲散。
露洛莉亞的聰慧與幽默像是一陣清新的風，瞬間吹散了莉莉娜心中的戒備。兩人短暫的交談中，莉莉娜驚訝於這位嫂嫂對歐洲局勢的透徹見解，以及那種不卑不亢的生命力。
***
婚禮的鐘聲敲響。美利安多王子在最後一刻匆匆趕到教堂門口。他的腦海裡還殘留著杜魯斯那句 78% 的勝率，以及火星合金的分子公式。
當教堂的大門緩緩開啟，風琴聲如潮水般湧出。美利安多在教皇的引領下，終於在聖壇前見到了他的新娘。
這不是照片上那個平面的影像。
隔著薄薄的白紗，美利安多與露洛莉亞對望了良久。
美利安多的眼底，是沈重的使命與愧疚。他在想，這場建立在無數利益和政治計算的婚姻，對這位少女是否太過殘酷？
露洛莉亞的眼底，則是一抹看透一切的淡然。她注視著這位為了國家而選擇走上修羅之道的男子，眼神中竟帶著一絲憐憫與堅定。
教皇的誦經聲彷彿成了背景音，兩人的目光在空氣中交鋒、試探，最後緩緩交融。這不像是一對戀人的凝視，更像是一場無聲的盟約談判。
「我願意。」
美利安多執起露洛莉亞的手。她的手很溫暖，不像金屬般冰冷。
當戒指滑入指尖，美利安多感受到露洛莉亞微微加重了握力。
在舉國的歡慶聲中，聖克王國迎來了新的王妃，也迎來了和平表象下，最激盪的變革序章。
***
婚禮後的熱鬧與喧囂，在厚重的橡木門關上那一刻戛然而止。
王室的新房並非傳統意義上的單一臥室，而是由兩間裝潢奢華、功能完備的套房組成。中間一道裝飾著精美浮雕的對開門，既是連結，也是屏障。
脫下了沈重的婚紗，露洛莉亞換上一件素雅的絲綢睡袍。她在鏡子前輕輕揉了揉發酸的臉頰。這一天下來，為了維持「諾因海姆家得體次女」的形象，她的笑容僵硬得如同上了發條的玩偶。
「辛苦了，露洛莉亞王妃。」
美利安多推開那扇連接門走進來。他已經脫去了禮服外套，襯衫扣子解開了兩顆，顯得有些疲倦，但那雙冷靜的藍色眼眸依然銳利。
「比起在大婚當日還在書房忙碌的王子殿下，這點辛苦不算什麼。」露洛莉亞轉過身，語氣溫婉，嘴角帶著完美的弧度。
美利安多看著她，心中閃過一絲異樣。眼前的少女如此溫順、優雅，毫無破綻。但他記得迪斯奴夫提起妹妹時，那種複雜的眼神。
「今日妳的表現非常出色，教皇與各國大使都對妳讚譽有加。」美利安多走到壁爐旁，開門見山地說道，「但我想妳也清楚，這場婚姻的本質。我是一國之主，必須以聖克的存續為先，在感情方面……恐怕無法給妳預期的回報。」
他指了指身後那扇門：
「這相連的兩間房，平時大門會關上。我們享有各自的私人空間，除非必要場合，我們分房而眠。這對妳來說，或許也是一種自由。」
露洛莉亞愣了一下，眼中閃過一絲驚訝，但隨即被一種放鬆的透明感取代。她微微欠身：「既然殿下如此體貼，那我就卻之不恭了。這確實……讓我舒了口氣。」
美利安多敏銳地捕捉到了她的放鬆。他走近一步，聲音壓低：
「露洛莉亞，既然妳答應了這樁婚事，妳就已經進入了風暴中心。迪斯奴夫應該告訴過妳，聖克王國的情況。」
「我了解，王國正處於權力和利益的風眼。」露洛莉亞平靜地接話。
「沒錯。妳的娘家提供資源，我提供舞台。」美利安多盯著她的眼睛，「我們是利益共同體。妳在這裡可以得到妳想要的地位與庇護，但代價是絕對的保密。若妳有任何背叛的舉動，我不會因為這枚戒指而手軟。」
露洛莉亞聽著這冰冷的警告，心中卻泛起一陣苦澀。她想起遠在火星、在那座名為「家」的監獄中逐漸枯萎的母親。她之所以忍受迪斯奴夫的安排，裝出這副端莊的假象，正是為了要在這地球圈最安全、最和平的聖克王國，為母親築起一座避風港。
「殿下請放心。」她溫順地垂下眼簾，雙手交疊在身前，「我只要一個安穩的居所。只要殿下能答應我未來的某個請求，我會是你最完美的盾牌，也是最沈默的共犯。」
「妳的請求？」
「現在還不到時候。」露洛莉亞微微一笑，那笑容在搖曳的燭火下顯得有些神秘。
美利安多看著她那副逆來順受的模樣，心中的戒備反而更深了。在這世界中，越是純粹、越是溫柔的人，往往隱藏著越強大的覺悟。
「那麼，晚安，王妃。」
「晚安，美利安多殿下。」
隨著連接門「喀噠」一聲關上，兩人在各自的房間內同時陷入了沈思。美利安多坐回書桌前，再次打開了那未完的模擬戰數據；而露洛莉亞則走向窗口，看著夜空中的火星。
她終於離開了那個暴力的家，但這座看似和平的王宮，真的能成為她與母親的救贖嗎？還是說，她只是從一個戰場，跨入了另一個更深邃的修羅場？
Chapter 1: The Contract Marriage
The capital of the Sanc Kingdom was submerged today in a sea of blossoms and hymns. As the last remaining absolute monarchy in Europe and a sanctuary of total pacifism, today’s wedding symbolized a deeper connection between Earth and its extraterrestrial colonies. However, within the deepest secret study of the palace, the air was thick with the chilling sound of electronic computations.
"The win rate is only 42%, Prince Miliardo."
Treize Khushrenada elegantly swirled his wine glass, his eyes fixed on the simulated combat data on the holographic projection. On the screen, the glowing dots representing Mobile Suits were being rapidly swallowed by the overwhelming numbers of the United Earth Sphere Alliance.
"To implement peace, we need a sense of despair powerful enough to deter any aggressor," said Prince Miliardo Peacecraft, tugging at the tight ribbon of his wedding tuxedo. His voice was steady, uncharacteristic of a groom. "Sanc’s 'Total Pacifism' cannot rely on prayer alone. Once the Alliance or the radical factions of the Romefeller Foundation decide to use force, we must possess military power capable of neutralizing the enemy instantly."
Treize chuckled softly, his slender fingers sliding across the console. "On your wedding day, the future King and a Director of Romefeller are locked in a secret room. If word got out, people would likely spread unnecessary rumors about a scandal between us long before they'd mention 'illegal weapon development.'"
Miliardo gave his ally and friend a cold look.
Treize was a guest professor he had met during university. Miliardo was a child prodigy who had entered university at fifteen, while Treize was an elite aristocrat who, by twenty, had already become a Director of the Romefeller Foundation—Europe’s largest military-industrial producer—and served as its Vice Chairman for four consecutive years. It was rare for the two to share such similar views on many things, particularly military strategy and the concept of total pacifism. In the eyes of the world, total pacifism was a concept as romantic as it was impractical; this shared frequency made the two an instant match.
Treize unconcernedly straightened his sleeves, preparing to depart.
Miliardo thought of the girl waiting in the bridal suite, soon to become his wife—Lucrezia Noinheim.
This marriage had been a defensive battle from the very start. The Sanc Kingdom possessed world-leading environmental and medical technologies, and its recent modest successes in renewable energy development had made it a piece of prime meat, attracting numerous wolves.
The Romefeller Foundation had pushed aggressively for Dorothy Catalonia, the granddaughter of Duke Catalonia and Treize’s cousin, in an attempt to fully integrate Sanc into the Foundation’s industrial system.
The Alliance recommended Sophia Noventa, the young daughter of General Noventa, intending to establish a permanent military base within Sanc.
Just as Miliardo was struggling between these two massive forces, Dixneuf Noinheim of Mars appeared with a "Third Path." To Miliardo's surprise, Treize expressed his support.
Miliardo closed his eyes, his thoughts drifting back to that cold midnight half a year ago.
Dixneuf had stood straight as a ramrod, the sunset glow filtering through the shutters and stretching his shadow until it covered half of the European continent. His voice sounded unfathomable; every breath seemed calculated for cost. That night’s conversation had been a precise hunt cloaked in the mantle of "Great Justice."
"Your Highness, what you seek is not a Princess, but a 'Shield.'"
The eyes of Dixneuf flashed with the characteristic tenacity of a Martian pioneer:
"Dorothy represents ambition; Sophia represents chains. But my sister, Lucrezia, represents distance. The Noinheim family’s resources on Mars are sufficient to support Sanc’s research projects, and being worlds away, we cannot interfere in your internal affairs."
"What do you want?" Miliardo had asked at the time.
Dixneuf turned around, his tone steady and almost pious, yet a cold composure—like that of a venomous snake—was hidden deep within his eyes:
"I want a testimony, Your Highness. Proof that within this decadent Earth Sphere, monopolized by old financial cliques, there still exists an ideal state that does not rely on coercion and allows human dignity to coexist. Sanc needs to build itself through research, and Noinheim needs a 'clean' stage."
The words sounded grand. Yet, at that moment, Miliardo caught the rhythm of Dixneuf's fingers lightly tapping the table—the habit of a hunter right before pulling in the net.
The "shadow" Dixneuf spoke of was, in essence, infiltration. He didn't care about ideals; he cared about the Sanc Kingdom as a clean "springboard." As long as the energy revolution succeeded, Noinheim could wash away the "predator" reputation of Martian capital and devour Earth's economic lifelines.
That was the first time Miliardo had seen such pure "greed." The man before him was selling a win-win deal, but one side of that "win" was built upon a "peaceful evolution" of the entire Earth's economic order.
Miliardo looked at that shadow extending infinitely across the map, his brain performing a cold risk assessment at a high frequency.
He clearly realized that this was a double-edged sword. However, Miliardo was even more aware of Sanc’s current situation. He was trying to make this small nation survive amidst the interests of great powers; without powerful external resources, his tower of ideals would be crushed by the old cliques the moment it was finished.
"I accept this 'Shadow' support," Miliardo said slowly, his voice sounding exceptionally hard in the empty study. "But Dixneuf, remember one thing. The shadow exists only because the light does not shine thoroughly enough. If your feelers ever try to interfere with the 'fairness' of this system, I will personally extinguish this lamp and let you perish along with the old factions."
It was a deal with the devil. Miliardo decided to use Dixneuf’s greed to trade for the fuel needed for Sanc’s transformation.
"Your Highness, it is time to depart." Treize’s voice interrupted his memories.
On the holographic projection, the simulated win rate jumped to 78% after incorporating the support provided by the Noinheim family.
Treize’s gaze was deep. "Are you prepared to welcome this peace that reeks of gunpowder?"
Miliardo put on his pure white gloves, a symbol of royal dignity, and pushed open the heavy doors of the study. In the distance, the church bells rang out melodiously.
"If peace needs a demon to guard it, then I shall be that demon."
He stepped toward the altar to greet the nineteen-year-old Martian girl with whom he had decided to plot the future, despite having only seen her in photographs.
Compared to her brother, who was battling simulated combat data in his study, Princess Relena Peacecraft held a much purer curiosity toward this "Martian Bride."
They were supposed to meet last night, but Queen Katerina suddenly fell ill. Relena rushed to the Summer Palace overnight, returning to the palace only as the wedding bells began their final countdown.
"I want to see exactly what kind of woman could make my brother avoid Dorothy and Sophia."
Relena lifted the hem of her gown and, with a touch of royal pride and a hint of "territorial" hostility, pushed open the door to the bridal suite.
The scene behind the door, however, left Relena stunned.
Lucrezia Noinheim was not sitting elegantly as a typical bride-to-be might. She was holding up the layers of her wedding gown, standing barefoot on the windowsill, trying to adjust a pot of Martian Bellflowers that was on the verge of withering.
"You... what are you doing?" Relena gasped.
Lucrezia turned around, her glossy black hair fluttering in the air. She wasn't startled; instead, she gave a mischievous, successful smile. "Giving this little guy one last taste of Mars. After all, from now on, it’ll have to breathe the pure air of Sanc."
Lucrezia leapt lightly from the windowsill, her gown spreading like a wave before returning to elegance with her movements. She turned around unhurriedly, her composure not a forced court etiquette, but an innate confidence and vitality.
She looked at Relena, her eyes shimmering with a warm smile, her voice clear and gentle:
"Such a pure aura... you must be Her Highness Princess Relena. I heard you were at the Summer Palace last night guarding the Queen; such filial piety is truly moving. Please, put your heart at ease. I have already instructed the Grand Chamberlain that no rules today are as important as a family member's health. If anyone dares whisper a word about your late arrival, I’ll simply have to threaten to 'elope' and take my Martian dowry back where it came from. After all, I wouldn’t want to lose such a warm sister on my very first day."
Relena had intended to put on a "show of force" to remind the newcomer of Sanc’s rules. But Lucrezia’s words were flawless—showing respect for elders while creating an intimacy that felt like they were on the same side through her humor.
The cold words Relena had prepared vanished instantly in the face of this combination of elegance and playful strength. "How dare you..." Relena laughed, the wariness in her heart dissipating in a flash. Relena was surprised by this sister-in-law’s profound insight into European affairs and her indomitable spirit.
The wedding bells chimed. Prince Miliardo arrived at the church doors at the very last moment. His mind was still filled with Treize’s 78% win rate and the molecular formulas of Martian alloys.
As the church doors slowly opened, the organ surged out like a tide. Guided by the Pope, Miliardo finally met his bride at the altar.
This was not the flat image from the photographs.
Through the thin white veil, Miliardo and Lucrezia gazed at each other for a long time.
In the depths of Miliardo’s eyes were heavy mission and guilt. He wondered if this marriage, built on political calculations, was too cruel for this girl.
In Lucrezia’s eyes, there was a sense of calm that saw through everything. She gazed at this man who had chosen the path of an asura for his country, her eyes holding a trace of both pity and resolve.
The Pope’s chanting seemed to fade into background noise as their gazes clashed, tested, and finally blended in the air. This did not look like the gaze of lovers, but rather a silent covenant negotiation.
"I do."
Miliardo took Lucrezia’s hand. Her hand was warm, not cold like metal.
As the ring slid onto her finger, Miliardo felt Lucrezia slightly increase the pressure of her grip.
Amidst the nation's cheers, the Sanc Kingdom welcomed a new Princess, and the beginning of a turbulent transformation beneath the surface of peace.
The bustle and noise of the wedding came to an abrupt halt the moment the heavy oak doors closed.
The royal bridal suite consisted of two luxuriously decorated suites. A set of double doors adorned with exquisite reliefs stood between them—both a connection and a barrier.
Shedding her heavy wedding dress, Lucrezia changed into a simple silk nightgown. She lightly massaged her aching cheeks in front of the mirror. After this whole day, her smile had become as stiff as a clockwork toy just to maintain her image.
"You’ve worked hard, Princess Lucrezia."
Miliardo pushed open the connecting door and walked in. He had removed his tuxedo jacket, and the top two buttons of his shirt were undone. He looked tired, but his cool blue eyes remained sharp.
"Compared to the Prince who was busy in his study on his wedding day, this little bit of hard work is nothing," Lucrezia said, turning around. Her tone was gentle, her lips curved into a perfect arc.
Miliardo looked at her, a strange sensation flickering in his heart. The girl before him was so submissive and flawless. But he remembered the complex look in Dixneuf’s eyes when he mentioned his sister.
"Your performance today was outstanding; the Pope and the ambassadors were full of praise," Miliardo said, getting straight to the point as he walked to the fireplace. "But I think you are also aware of the nature of this marriage. I am the head of a nation and must prioritize Sanc’ survival. Regarding feelings... I’m afraid I cannot give you the return you might expect."
He pointed to the door behind him:
"These two connected rooms—the main doors will usually remain closed. We shall enjoy our respective private spaces, and unless it is a necessary occasion, we will sleep in separate rooms. To you, this might also be a form of freedom."
Lucrezia startled, a flash of surprise in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a sense of relaxing transparency. She curtsied slightly. "Since Your Highness is so considerate, I shall accept with gratitude. This... does indeed make me breathe a sigh of relief."
Miliardo keenly captured her relaxation. He took a step closer, his voice dropping:
"Lucrezia, since you agreed to this marriage, you have entered the eye of the storm. Dixneuf should have told you about the situation in Sanc."
"I understand. The Kingdom is in the eye of power and interests," Lucrezia replied calmly.
"Exactly. Your family provides resources, and I provide the stage." Miliardo stared into her eyes. "We are a community of interests. You can have the status and protection you want here, but the price is absolute secrecy. If you ever commit any act of betrayal, I will not hesitate to act regardless of this ring."
Listening to this cold warning, Lucrezia felt a twinge of bitterness. She thought of her mother, far away on Mars, slowly withering in that prison called "home." She endured Dixneuf’s arrangements precisely to build a haven for her mother here, in the safest place in the Earth Sphere.
"Please rest assured, Your Highness." She lowered her eyes submissively. "I only want a stable home. As long as Your Highness can grant me a certain request in the future, I will be your most perfect shield and your most silent accomplice."
"Your request?"
"It is not yet the time." Lucrezia smiled slightly, her smile appearing somewhat mysterious under the flickering candlelight.
Miliardo looked at her submissive appearance, and his guard only grew deeper. In this world, the more pure and gentle a person seems, the more powerful the resolve they often hide.
"In that case, goodnight, Princess."
"Goodnight, Prince Miliardo."
As the connecting door closed with a "click," both fell into deep thought. Miliardo sat back at his desk, once again opening the unfinished simulated combat data; Lucrezia walked to the window, looking at Mars in the night sky.
She had finally left that violent home, but could this seemingly peaceful palace truly become a salvation for her and her mother? Or had she simply stepped from one battlefield into another, even deeper Shura realm?