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Cutting through the foamy waves, the majestic white magic ship, Beluga, sailed steadily westward, headed for Enyuria—Graviol Empire’s colonized territory in the northern region of the continent.

Stalwart navy soldiers bustled across the deck, issuing orders to one another with precision and speed. If an amateur were to stand idly on deck here, wouldn’t they just be a hindrance?

Lost in my own trivial worries, I noticed a handsome, refined gentleman approaching—a man in the Graviol Empire’s navy uniform, with chiseled features and sharp, narrow eyes. He must have been quite the charmer in his youth (or perhaps still is). At his side was a young man, about 15 or 16 years old, with equally striking looks and dressed in a similar uniform, though of a slightly different design.

“So, you’ve arrived, Your Majesty. How did you find the comforts of our empire’s prized ship—the magic vessel, Beluga?”

With practiced elegance, the gentleman brought one hand to his chest in salute and knelt on his left knee. The young man beside him followed suit, a bit clumsily, yet with the grace expected of a young noble.

“It’s wonderful; it has everything one could ask for, Archduke Estrada.”

Pinching the hem of my skirt, I responded with a polite curtsy, one leg slightly behind the other. Today, I wore a dress with gathered shirring, inspired by a casual bisht style. Originally, I had planned on wearing a sailor outfit—it felt fitting for a ship voyage—but everyone firmly opposed the idea, so I had to let go of that dream.

“It’s a pleasure to hear that. And if it suits you, please feel free to call me Admiral rather than Archduke.”

With a mischievous smile and a wink, the man—third in line for the imperial throne and Archduke of the Graviol Empire, Fernando Isaia Zeif Estrada (yes, an incredibly grandiose name, but that’s the imperial family for you)—made his request.

“Admiral, you say? But I’ve heard you hold the title of Marshal of the Empire.”

Admiral was typically the title for a fleet commander or the general of the navy, whereas those of higher rank were traditionally addressed as Marshal.

“You flatter me, but this grand title was only mine by my family’s grace. I’m barely fit for it and prefer the simpler title of Admiral, the one I’ve gone by since my days at the naval academy. So long as no one minds, that’s what I ask people to call me,” Archduke Estrada explained.

Such humility was rare for someone of his stature. Combined with his approachable manner and the navy’s backing, he seemed far more suited to be Emperor than the current ruler.

Apparently, most people shared this opinion. Oliana once told me, sighing, how even the current Emperor admitted it, wishing he could hand over the title and live a quiet, secluded life.

If he had wanted, he could have staged a bloody takeover, but his wisdom—or perhaps a deep-seated aversion to the chaos that accompanies power—led him to support his older brother from the start, preventing any seeds of internal strife.

During this time, he also took a stand against the Prime Minister—who held control over nearly all the military. Through a combination of tact and valor, he prevented the situation from becoming a burden on everyone’s shoulders.

«If you wished, Uncle, I’d gladly hand the throne over to you.»

When even the pragmatic Oliana shared this view, it spoke volumes. I had assumed he must be cunning, but meeting him quickly dispelled that notion. He was, at his core, a simple man with a genuine love for ships, unburdened by the capriciousness often found in people of his rank.

“Speaking of which, this young man is my son, Christoff. May I introduce him?” His gaze briefly shifted to Mikoto and Tanabata.

“Very well. Your son is welcome to a direct audience with our Princess.” Mikoto gave a ready nod of approval.

Upon hearing the words, Christoff looked up, seemingly taken aback as his gaze fully met mine. For a moment, it was as though he’d drifted into a dream, but he quickly snapped back to reality and bowed once more.

“I am honored to meet you, Your Majesty. I am Christoff Lintz Gem Estrada, son of Fernando Isaia Zeif Estrada. It is a profound privilege to stand before you today.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Christoff. I am Hiyuki, Sovereign of the Imperial Crimson. Since this is an informal meeting, let’s keep things light and not get bogged down by too much formality.”

I could only shrug. …Though I had called it an informal meeting, with so many others present, I chose a more refined tone than my usual casual one.

“Hahaha, an excellent suggestion. I plan for him to learn the customs of our nobility, but he’s still young, so I keep an eye out in case his composure slips. Truly, I’m grateful for Your Majesty’s understanding.”

While his father laughed, Christoff shot him a look that held a mix of protest and indignation, as though he wanted to object.

“Currently, he’s attending the Military Academy, and—parental bias aside—he is quite talented. So, I wondered if my son might serve as your guide for this voyage instead of me. What do you think?”

Admiral Estrada gave me a look that was hard to interpret yet held a certain weight, then directed his gaze toward his son.

“—Oh? Well, I have no objections. Though this may have been thrust upon you suddenly, we’ll be in your capable hands, young Christoff.” I extended my hand for a handshake.

“Wha—ah, yes, Your Majesty.” With an embarrassed expression, he gently took my hand, as if handling something delicate.

“Oh, and just call me ‘Hiyuki.’ In return, I’ll call you ‘Christoff.’ You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.”

I hadn’t thought about it before, but innocent reactions really were adorable.

The young, handsome scion’s face turned beet red as I smiled at him. He tried to pull his hand back, but I clasped it with both hands and shook it cheerfully.

“Thank goodness; this warms my old heart. Since you’re both of similar age, I hope this acquaintance will grow into a lifelong friendship.” Admiral Estrada quipped with a mischievous tone, his eyes glinting with amusement as he watched the scene.

“Yes, of course. I’d be delighted for us to work together for the sake of our mutual interests.”
“I-It would be my honor. I have a long journey ahead, but I will strive to become someone worthy to stand by your side, Miss Hiyuki!”

Christoff shook my hand firmly, his voice steady as he spoke.

Hmm, no need to be so intense over a simple friendship… or maybe that’s just how military camaraderie works?

I was still pondering when my gaze shifted to a crowd on the deck, all watching us warmly from a distance. Even Mikoto and Tanabata had joined them, their gazes soft and affectionate, like proud parents watching their child grow, smiles spreading across their faces.

—What on earth? Are they under some kind of strange misunderstanding?

Eventually, even Christoff noticed the curious stares directed at us, though he took a while to realize it. Finally, as I mentally reviewed our conversation, the reason for all these odd looks dawned on me as well.

“…Ah, I see. Well, that does make sense.”

He was the son of an Archduke and a potential heir to the throne of the continent’s most powerful empire. Meanwhile, as an unmarried princess and ruler of the second-largest power, I realized such a union had its advantages—with little risk attached if it were to happen.

Ordinarily, people avoided a “Vampire Princess” from a so-called monstrous nation, but this father-son duo seemed to cast aside such concerns entirely. For now, since we’ve only just met, such considerations are completely irrelevant to me. But if I plan to continue living in this world, I might need to take these things into account in the future…

“—Your Majesty? Is something the matter?”

Whoops, I realized my silence, caused by drifting into my own thoughts, had drawn concerned looks from both Admiral Estrada and Christoff.

“Oh, my apologies. I was just lost in thought about our plans… specifically, our strategy against the pirates in Enyuria.” It was the best answer I could come up with on the spot.

“That’s very kind of you, but rest assured: the Graviol Empire’s Navy commands a fleet of eight magic ships, and no enemy has ever bested us. This mission will be no different. As I said, Your Majesty, please relax and enjoy the voyage.”

Admiral Estrada declared confidently, but it reminded me too much of the Cathedral Crusaders. They had worn the same air of confidence… right before raising their own flags of destruction.

It was hard not to feel a bit anxious. We were at sea, after all, and who knew if the ship would even hold up until the end.

«Kuon, keep an eye on the situation. If things go south, be ready to step in and rescue them immediately.»

I instructed «Bahamut» Kuon, who remained linked to me in ‘Pet Unison’ mode.

With the possibility of our battlefield moving to the sea—or even underwater—I had brought Kuon along for backup.

«………..»
«Kuon! Are you listening? Hey, Kuuuuon!»
«…Hm?»
«…Were you just sleeping?»
«No, not at all. I’m completely awake, Princess.»

What a shameless liar.

«Please, set your worries aside, Princess. With me here, nothing will be a hindrance. Just relax and enjoy your voyage.»

Not you too!

“Now then, I must return to my post. Christoff, make the most of this opportunity!”
“Yes, sir! I certainly will!”

After exchanging a salute, Admiral Estrada headed back inside the ship. As his father left, Christoff’s shoulders visibly relaxed, as though a weight had been lifted, and he turned to me with a smile.

“My father and his endless talk… I apologize on his behalf, Your Maj—no, Miss Hiyuki. Is there anywhere specific you’d like to visit? I’d be happy to show you around.”

Actually, there was. I nodded naturally in response to his question.

“In that case, could you show me where the rescue boats are?”
“R-Rescue boats? Ahem, yes, of course.”

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