The shimmering morning light makes the meadow glow with color and beauty.

"Princess. This is the Healy Meadow, reputed to be the most beautiful in all of Stanza.

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　After returning to the Stanza Empire, Exiga had probably the busiest day of his life. He woke up early in the morning and went to the university to finish the work he had accumulated, as well as the reports and post-processing of the missions. In the evenings, he was called from place to place, visiting the residences of prominent people in the stanzas to talk about the "saga" of the mission. Apparently, the report that the delegation's clerks had sent to the Stanza Empire had been substantially rewritten and exaggerated after Exiga had read through it. To tell the truth, the Stanza delegation in the Kingdom of Ergland had been feeling quite embarrassed, and they were probably venting their resentment with the false report. In the event that you've got a lot of money, you'll be able to use it to get the most out of your business. ...... In fact, Exiga would be just as guilty of this, since she had written about them in such a misleading way.
　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. The Kingdom of Elgrande had sent an envoy to explain this. Some were convinced by Exiga's explanation, some were disappointed, and some were angry, but what happened next was beyond his control.

　For Exiga, who was now spending his mornings and evenings in a way that he hadn't before, the daytime with Diana had become a fun, stimulating, and educational experience, albeit an uncomfortable one - in short, an invaluable one. Ever since Deanna's first day of showing him around the imperial capital, when she walked into the favelas without hesitation, Exiga's common sense had been destroyed.
There is a difference between being able to take a guest anywhere in the imperial capital with the authority of the royal family and being able to guide a guest anywhere in the imperial capital without any problems. It didn't occur to Exiga until Diana wanted to go to the favelas. With the rights of royalty, no one in charge of any place would refuse him. However, if Exiga did not know the place himself, he would not be able to give a satisfactory tour to his guests.
　The only part of the Imperial City of Iftane that Exiga actually knows is the inside of the Imperial Palace and a small part of the University. The rest is just the southern district, where the villa outside the palace is located. Of course, I have an overall map of the Imperial City, but it is only on paper, on a map. He travels between buildings by horse-drawn carriage, and rarely gets off in the middle of a trip. Although he claimed to be able to take them anywhere, Exiga knew nothing about Iftarne. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.
　--Diana's eyes were already on the people from the very beginning ......, from the moment she stepped off the ship. Now, Exiga can see that. For her, "country" is not an emperor or a palace, but the people who live in the land.

　On the day she returned to Stanza, Diana protected a poor child who had jumped in front of a carriage and was about to be cut down, and Exiga caught a glimpse of her absolute rage when she tried to let the soldiers go without even stopping them. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing, but I think it's a good thing. It's as if the fog clears.
　The people who meet Diana and exchange words with her are all "alive". They weren't just "one" of the population on paper, represented by numbers, but they were living as one human being. The people that Exxiga was looking down on and admiring as scenery were in fact the same people in the same world, separated by nothing. Their statuses differed, their lifestyles differed, the wealthy and the poor differed, but in essence they were no different from Exiga.
　But in essence, they are no different from the Exigas. These people come together and form a group, which eventually becomes a society. --A country. The ruler defines the state and controls the people, but the ruler itself is not the state. Even if there is a ruler, without the people, a country cannot exist as a country.
　So, that day. Diana was really angry at Exiga for abandoning the people who were supposed to be a part of her. Not out of kindness, but as a person who has a responsibility to protect and keep her people alive.

　Once you see your people as people, you can't help but notice the cold stare they give Exiga,......, especially those in the favelas. Most of the poor people living in Iftane are descendants of the people who once lived in the country that was destroyed by the Stanza Empire. They were subjected to a higher tax than the people themselves, and if they failed to pay it, they were immediately reduced to slavery as criminals - a status they only recognized as necessary for the stable rule of a powerful country, but they were also people with hearts. The resentment against the empire of the poor, who have been forced to suffer unjustly for generations simply because they are the people of a defeated country, a vassal state, is deep.
　--We can't let this continue. If the structure of the empire itself is not changed, the country will soon collapse from within.
　As the days passed, Exiga felt such a sense of crisis, and felt more respect and love than ever for Diana, who had made her aware of it...





"Princess. Why don't you get off your horse and walk for a while?　It's great to look down from the top of this hill, but it's also wonderful to walk through the rainbow-colored meadows bathed in the morning sun and feel as if you've wandered into a heavenly world.
...... I see. Then let them wait here for you.

　In response to Exxiga's words, Deanna dismounted from her horse without a hitch. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　I'm not sure what to make of it. ...... It's about time you started to miss the kingdom of Ergeland and at the same time be objective about your feelings.

　--If you see someone every day at about the same time, you can sense the change very clearly. Deanna, on the other hand, is a woman whom Exiga misses and loves very much. Even the slightest feeling of discomfort cannot be ignored.
　When she first arrived, but in the past few days, Diana had lost her energy. When she was talking to the people, she was able to switch off her mood, but when she was in the carriage on the way to and from work, or when she was reacting to a small conversation with Exiga, she was getting worse by the day.
　For a while after arriving in the Stanza Empire, he had been on his toes as the ambassador of the country, and probably had no time to feel lonely. As he interacted with the people and gradually became accustomed to the Stanza Empire, he began to feel more relaxed. ...... He remembered the Ergeland Kingdom and King Juke, and his mood became more depressed.
　You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier. Exiga also really wants Diana. She can't afford to take any chances.
　Ekshiga spoke directly to the Emperor and received permission to take Diana out of the harem and out of Iftane. He knew that if he followed the proper procedure, the intelligent girl would evade him, so he visited her early in the morning without warning and took her out of the harem to block her escape route. Because of her status as a minister, she could not refuse all the maidservants, but it was a good thing that she was able to keep it to just one. --The fewer maidservants she had, the more opportunities she would have to spend time alone with Diana.
　And so, I invited Diana to the prince's domain, Lars, and welcomed her to his prized palace. It's a great way to make sure that you're getting the most out of your time with them. For the first time, Exiga knows the comfort of sharing the same time with the woman she loves in her own territory.

　However, Deanna's mood is not so upbeat. ...... So Exiga invites Deanna for an early breakfast and a run to Healy Meadow, reputed to be the most beautiful in the Stanza Empire. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. I had been able to talk with Diana almost one-on-one before, but this was the first time I was truly alone with her without any attendants or maids.

"How do you like it?　Isn't it beautiful?
"Yes, really. I wonder if the angle of the land and the way the sun is shining is just right. ...... I've never seen plants shine like this before.



　The Healy Meadow is surrounded by small hills. Perhaps it's because of this, or perhaps it's because of the slightly varying sunlight, but at this time of the year, the meadow glows with rainbow colors.
　Walking slowly through the sea of glowing grasses of all colors, Diana was filled with such a mysterious beauty that she didn't care about her plain riding robe. She hadn't brought a change of clothes with her, but underneath her robe she wore what must have been the traditional women's dress of the stanzas, which also made her feel as if she were close to her.

."--Princess.

　In the middle of the rainbow meadow, Exiga stopped Diana, quietly. She turned her head and looked at him with quiet, calm, knowing eyes.
　Slowly, carefully. Slowly, carefully, Exiga spun her words.

It's been ten days since the princess came to the Stanza Empire. ...... How is our country?
"...... Well, yes.

　You'll be able to find a lot more information on this subject in this article.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. Naturally, all of these are very different from the kingdom of Elgrand,......, but it was these differences that I found so pleasing. It's the proof that the people of the Stanza Empire have been able to live with the world they've been given and face it with sincerity.
"Princess ......
"Even though we live in different places, even though our "normality" differs from each other, we care about someone close to us, we wish for the happiness of our loved ones, we hope for a better day today than yesterday, a better day tomorrow than today, and we make every effort to achieve that. I will not spare any effort. --If we can empathize with such "human" resilience, we can surely understand each other through words. I could also believe that if I could share such "human" resilience, we could understand each other with words.

　Deanna's words were quiet and gentle. Deanna's words were quiet and calm. She was speaking now not with anger or sorrow, but only with deep understanding and conviction.

There are many things that have happened,......, and there will be many more before I return home, but I am still glad that I was able to come to the Stanza Empire. Learning about a country from outside, through books, maps, and hearsay, does not mean that you have truly learned about it. After all, there are many things that you cannot understand unless you actually see, hear, feel, and interact with it. I've been thinking that for a long time, but this time I was able to realize it once again.

　These were the warm words of Deanna, who was always sincere about learning and had a deep affection for all the worlds she faced. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it. And she is a calm person who never loses her impartial point of view at any time.

　In response to Exiga's reply, Diana looked at her silently.
　She smiled a little and continued.

In light of the values of the Kingdom of Ergeland, the status system of the Stanza Empire and the treatment of the lower classes by our privileged people would never be acceptable. But the princess never once said that it was unacceptable since she came to the Stanza Empire.
"...... It is true that some of the systems of the Stanza Empire do not fit with Ergeland's values and my beliefs. I'm sure there are some things in the Stanza system that don't fit with Elgrand's values and my beliefs, but as places change, so do values. If you believe that the values of the Kingdom of Ergeland are absolute and impose them on the Stanza Empire, that would be a folly that would lead to the denial of the history that your country has built up.
Is that what you think?
I have been acting in accordance with the values and beliefs of the Kingdom of Ergeland as its ambassador, but I do not wish to force them on the people of the Stanza Empire. The only time the Kingdom of Elgrand would ask another nation to share our values is when that nation is under our control. --We have traditionally respected the customs, culture, and values of other nations.
"How can ......
"Because we ourselves have respected our own values for thousands of years, and have been unwilling to be easily interfered with from outside. How can you expect us to respect our own values and disregard those of other nations?

　Talking about the Kingdom of Ergeland, Diana was pure, beautiful, and above all, proud. Although she was talking about the country, her words somehow changed to refer to "us" and "people" including herself. --She believes that she is a part of the Kingdom of Ergeland, and she is proud of it.

(I want ......)

　If you can invite all that pride, and all that regard for your people, into the Stanza Empire.
　I'm sure this country can be reborn ...... beautifully.

　--Before the "end" that Exiga sensed, she will have to face it.

I understand your heart, ....... But it's too late for that.

　Exxiga made up her mind and took a step forward.

"Even if the princess is not compelled. The people of Iftarne have learned that there are countries where the ruler cares for his people and will give his life to protect them. The people of Iftane have learned that there is a land where the ruler is compassionate to his people and is willing to protect them. ......They have realized that the values of the stanzas are not absolute.
...... Yes.
The people of Iftane, especially those in the favelas, have a deep hatred for the privileged class of the stanzas. ...... Honestly, I didn't think I'd be able to go out to the people without the walls of soldiers and be seared by such blatant hatred.
"...... Yeah.
"Even though it was unofficial, they didn't even give a token courtesy to me as a member of the royal family, but they realized that the values of the Stanza Empire are not absolute, and that the state of the country changes when the 'king' changes. If they were to realize that the values of the Stanza Empire were not absolute, and that if the "king" changed, the state of the "country" would change as well, then ...... this country would not last much longer.

　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.
　This was proof that Deanna had come to this conclusion before anyone else in the country, before Exiga had even realized it.
　Taking a deep breath, Exiga approached Diana.

I thank you, Princess. If I hadn't been asked by the princess to walk the streets of Iftarne in person, I wouldn't have realized the true nature of this country. It is an ugly, twisted and brutal place where only the ruling class can grow fat by disrespecting the people who support it and deflecting their frustrations by creating an outlet for the lower classes.
"Your Highness ......
...... I was born into the ruling class of this country, into the royal family. People don't choose their birth, and I personally don't have the talent or ability to do so, but still, as the 18th prince of Stanza, I have a responsibility to protect and support this country.
"...... Yes, I understand.
"Before, I didn't know what it meant to protect the country. --But now I understand. I'm not sure if you've ever heard of it, but I'm sure you've heard of it. ...... Protecting all the people in this country, regardless of their status, is protecting the country. Warfare and territorial expansion are merely means to that end, and if you gain territory in this way, you must also bear the lives of those who have newly become your people. If not, ...... the limbs will eventually rot away from the country, and the fallen limbs will turn into fangs of resentment and eat away at the head.

　...... Seriously, there is a weak part of me that whispers that it might be better. The corruption in the palace of Stanza is so deep that even the relatively well-selected ambassadors of the country are lurking in the ranks of the corrupt. If the palace is this corrupt, it might be faster to rebuild it from scratch.
　--But...

After a long time, the Stanza Empire has become a land ruled by arrogant people who don't care about the people. ......, but the beginning is different. This continent is difficult to secure water, and there has always been a struggle for a better place to live. The first emperor of the Stanza Empire vowed to unite these bloodthirsty people and build a world without conflict by unifying the continent.


"...... Yes.
The ideal world of the first emperor is not the same as our country today. ...... But at least with the unification of the continent by the Stanza Empire, there is no longer any major conflict. That much is certain.
"......
If the Stanza Empire collapses now. If the Stanza Empire collapses now, this continent will once again return to a war-torn world with nations of all sizes. If the country is not destroyed, the lives that could have been saved will be taken. This is the reason why, as a person who has the responsibility of protecting and supporting the ...... country, I can't let this country go unnoticed.

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You can find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of thing.
"Well, ......, I am just another member of the ruling class that they hate. In fact, just the other day, I tried to kill an innocent child.
"There are far fewer people than you think who would realize that such an act is, in the eyes of the people, murder. It is even more difficult for a man of noble birth to have the "eyes" to see the country from the people's side. ...... Your Highness just now said that you do not have the talent to protect and support the nation, but I believe that your awareness of your own arrogance and your desire to know the perspective of the people is one of your talents.
...... You are a wise and fair man after all. You are a wise and fair man, and you speak warmly of me, even when I am a fool.

　He looked at Diana at close range.
　--I'm sure you're not the only one.

"Princess Diana. I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with that. As a member of the royal family, I intend to devote myself to the well-being of all the people living in the Empire. I will devote my life to abolishing the status system of the Empire and transforming it from a military state to a peaceful one.
"...... Your Highness.
"...... At first, I just fell in love with you. Even now, my love for you is the same. The more I get to know you, the more I fall in love with you.
"......, that's...
The more I get to know you, the more I fall in love with you." "But - as much as I think of you as a woman, I now respect you for who you are and want to spend the rest of my life with you. You have opened my eyes, and I want you to watch me as I go forward. I hope that you will give the people of the stanzas the same noble heart that you have for the people of .......
"......
"Princess Diana Crester. --Please take my hand and become the 18th Princess of the Stanza Empire.

　I've said all I have to say. I showed her Exiga as she really was, without any lies or deceit.
　Deanna, who was staring into Exiga's eyes, must have felt it as well. In response to Exiga's confession, Diana quietly lowered her eyes and said.

"I am very grateful for Your Highness' kindness, and I am honored beyond measure.

　Without making a sound of footsteps, she took a step away from Exiga.

As I said before, I am the Red Rose, first in line to King Elgrand's entourage. I'm sure you're aware of that, but I'm not sure I'm in a position to live up to your highness's expectations.
Why are you so manipulative for the sake of a man who does not love you and will never love you?
Who loves whom is of little consequence to the well-being of the people.
What about your own happiness?
I've already told you. --I'm happy enough as I am.
...... I can show you greater happiness. I can love you as long as I live, I can stand by your principles of loving your people, and we can work together to create the ideal world you want!
"No. --The future that I truly desire can never be realized by you, Your Highness.

　Diana's answer was immediate and without the slightest hesitation. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and what you need to do to get it.

I'm not sure why ...... I don't know why!

　In the event that you have any questions regarding where by and how to use the internet, you can contact us at our own web site. He held her tightly and deeply, as if a woman's power could not escape her.

The king may be a good king, but he is a lousy man. He may be a good king, but he's a lousy man. He has the woman he truly loves, but he keeps you bound to him as the Red Rose for political reasons or whatever. He's just using your love for his own convenience, thinking that you'll never leave him. You will never be happy if you serve such a man!
"Let go of ......, Your Highness.
You can't bear the thought of sending you back to the kingdom of Ergeland and having your love exploited by that king again. ...... If that's the case, I'd rather--
"Your Highness!
I'm going to make you mine!

　In his arms, he put his fingers on her chin and turned her face up. Perhaps realizing that a woman is helpless before the power of a man, her body shows no resistance, even though her words resist.
　Exiga tilts her head to gain access to the reddened lips.



...... It's hard to understand.

　The moment when their lips were almost touching. It was so close that she could feel his breath, but the voice was so cold and the presence so sharp that it was frightening. When she raised her body, Diana's blue eyes flashed with sharp anger as she shot straight at Exiga.

I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but I'm sure you've heard of it. ...... You do not care for my heart, my thoughts, my wishes. I can't understand how such self-centered behavior can be considered 'love'.
"Do you not understand ......?
It is love that puts the other person's heart and happiness first. --This is the reason why it is so important for you to make sure that you have the best quality of life.

　...... Oh, it's beautiful. I'm sure you'll agree that the heart of this person is truly



　--It's so beautiful and cruel that I want to make a mess of it.

"...... I see. You don't seem to have any greed. You're not supposed to understand these dirty feelings.
"...... Lust?
Once you fall in love. Once you fall in love with someone, you just want them so badly you can't stand it. There is no room for conscientious consideration of the other person's heart, and your body and mind are drowned in their presence, and you spend the same time, smile, and tears ...... with them, and you can't see anything else, you just want them.
"......!

　This is the first time Deanna's expression moved significantly. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

You can't be conscientious about the other person's mind,......?
Yes. You just said that the child is spoiled,......, but in a way, it is even more unruly than that. A grown man can't even control his own emotions.
You can't control your emotions." "You call such selfish and greedy thoughts ...... 'love'?
You have no control over your emotions. I don't care who you love or what you want,......, I just want you. From the moment I fell in love with you.
That kind of ...... is too selfish.
Love is a selfish emotion to begin with. You'll be able to get a lot more out of it than you think.

　As Exxiga continued, Diana's expression became more and more strained, and she finally shifted her gaze and looked down. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.
　If she missed this opportunity, there would be no second chance. I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.

...... Please.

　Just before touching her, Deanna's eyes pierced straight through Exiga. I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing.

You said that you wanted me. I'll give you ....... Everything but your heart.

　I'm sure you'll find a lot of people who'd love to have you.
　...... No, no. It's not that she lost her emotions.
　It's what's controlling her now. It's--

"My position, my body, everything is yours to do with as you please. But the mind is impossible. ...... I gave my heart to one person a long time ago.

　Coma, deep, despair...

"Oh, my ......
"What's the matter?　You don't care about my heart, do you?
It's...
I have a future that I want more than anything. I have a beloved vow that I made with someone I love. --I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure you'll be able to do it.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. She took a few steps backward.
　Deanna's gaze is strong. So strong, yet so dim.
　A person with such bright hope in her eyes is now sinking into deep despair. As if she had encountered a sudden storm, her beautiful blue eyes turned gray and cloudy.

(...... so much, by the way)

　( So much, so far) To be Exxiga's is such a despair for her. Is it so unbearable that she is convinced of the death of her ...... heart?

Is that what you want?" "...... Would you rather take the hand of the man who loves you, than continue to love another woman, a man who does not care for you? Is that what you want?
Is that what you want?" "Isn't that what His Highness said earlier? I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one. ...... What she wants and who she loves is irrelevant to my feelings.
"So ...... are you happy?
...... I don't know. But I do know that even if I abandon these feelings and choose to be loved by His Highness, I will never be happy. --But I know that I will never be happy if I give up this feeling and choose to be loved by His Highness. There is no way I can be happy by choosing a path that I know I will regret, letting go of myself.

　The latter part of her words seemed to be more of an unintentional outpouring of her true feelings than something she wanted Exiga to hear. The latter part of the words seemed to be more of an unintentional gesture than something she wanted to say to Exiga.
　--Truly, in the truest sense, her heart never wavered. She cares deeply and profoundly for only one person, and she gives up her own happiness with all her love.
　No matter who Deanna loves, Exiga's heart for her will never change.
　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the following web site: ....... The "Diana" that Eksiga has been longing for, the one who faces the world straightforwardly and continues to care for it, will be lost forever.

(There is no ...... hope, is there?

　I said that I don't care about Deanna's heart.
　But that doesn't mean it doesn't matter. --But it doesn't mean it doesn't matter.
　Because she is the first woman I have ever been in love with, I want ...... Deanna to be happy, more than anyone else.
　If gaining her is the equivalent of losing her happiness forever,......, how can I hope for more?

　--He closed his eyes and accepted the reality that was slowly approaching. It's a good idea to take a look at your own personal life.



"Thank you for your reply to ....... I'm going to take a quick tour of the area. What would you like to do, Princess?
I'm ...... going to go back to my room.
Left, I see. The princess seems to be an accomplished horsewoman, so there is no need for a guide.

　Deanna seemed to have understood correctly the far-fetched declaration that she would not interfere any further. A few beats later, I hear her straighten her posture.

"Thank you for your kindness, .......

　She bowed softly, and her presence faded away.
　And then the sound of her footsteps disappeared completely.

I guess you could call this ...... heartbreak.

　In the middle of a beautiful meadow, Exiga looked up at the sky alone.