Before my eyes stands my younger sister, Vicer.

As I see her, who likely knows me just as well as our parents do, the Queen’s face hidden behind a mask suddenly stiffens.

‘No… why is she talking to me at a time like this? Could it be… she has figured out I am the Queen?’

Still, she was trying her best to disguise herself.

However, despite that, it couldn’t be said that her disguise was flawless, and with a hint of unease, the Queen cautiously opened her mouth.

“Yes, that’s correct. But… what is the matter? Have I done something wrong?”

The voice that followed had a slightly muffled tone.

Thanks to the magical tool obtained from the Dragona Empire that alters voices, the Queen’s voice sounded entirely different from usual.

‘Thank goodness, the effect is definitely working.’

Relieved by that fact, the Queen subtly monitored her sister’s expression.

Then, partially seeing through her demeanor, Vicer asked in a voice laced with a hint of suspicion.

“Not that, but… where are you going right now? I was under the impression you came here to escort the Princess?”

Vicer seemed displeased by the sight of a foreigner like her wandering around the Lord’s Castle without the escorted Princess.

Seeing her sister like that, the Queen couldn’t help but let out a wry smile internally.

‘As always, you’re so diligent. It’s no wonder you come off a bit uptight.’

The situation highlighted the well-known traits of her sister, filling the Queen with a strange nostalgia as she told Vicer about her current situation without any lies.

“I’m on my way to my lodgings. The Princess mentioned that I need not provide escort today.”

“Oh? In that case… I see. Sorry for stopping you. I’ll let you be on your way.”

“Yes, pardon me. Then I shall take my leave.”

With that brief exchange, the Queen gracefully left the scene.

Of course, even though she had altered her voice with magic, her unique tone remained unchanged; she had no intention of prolonging the conversation.

‘Huh… that was a bit risky. Thankfully, it seems I didn’t get caught.’

With a relieved sigh, the Queen hurriedly made her way toward her lodgings.

Meanwhile…

Watching her retreating figure, Vicer felt a familiar emotion deepening within her once again.

‘Why… why is that? Whenever I see that woman, I can’t shake this sense of nostalgia?’

The familiar feeling from a woman she had just met.

As she pondered this incomprehensible fact, Vicer began heading toward the path the Queen had taken.

Unable to dispel the lingering thoughts of this question from her heart…

*

In front of me lay a letter.

As I examined it, I instinctively furrowed my brow.

The content contained parts that were somewhat unexpected, even for someone like me who knew the overall circumstances.

The gathering of Mansfeld and Chris IV in the northern Sacred Empire was about to begin their movements.

The information indicated that they, who had consistently exuded an uneasy atmosphere, were finally on the move.

Receiving this letter from Friedrich, I felt the need to obtain more detailed information in the ever-changing situation.

‘How surprising… honestly, I thought it would be at least another year before these guys moved.’

As the harsh climate led to continuous poor harvests, the Sacred Empire was dwindling.

The aftermath also reached the northern continent, which had been importing food from the Sacred Empire, and as a result, Chris IV, who was sharpening his sword for invasion, sadly had no choice but to delay his deployment for a while.

Food, the basic element in moving an army.

In that situation, when it’s lacking, there’s truly nothing you can do. So, I expected that they would lie low until this famine ended, just as it had been in the original work.

However…

They had started moving, defying my predictions.

Right now, which was over a year earlier than in the original timeline.

And now, I felt the necessity to monitor their altered movements as quickly as possible.

‘When Mansfeld went rampaging, at least there were certain predictions I could make. But honestly, the situation is quite different now… the Sacred Empire is suffering from severe famine, and over on Chris IV’s end, the situation isn’t so plentiful either…’

The conditions were quite different than when we went to war more prepared.

While I had a rough idea of both sides’ power levels, under these circumstances, making hasty conclusions about victory was tricky. Thus, I concluded that direct investigation was necessary and urgently summoned a meeting.

*

“Hmmm… Chris IV, is it?”

“Yes, Father. I’ve heard he has just begun his march southward. The Emperor’s side has also started to mobilize troops in response, so a large-scale clash seems unavoidable soon.”

The Emperor reacted swiftly to the news of Chris IV’s march.

Despite the difficult circumstances, he ordered General Tilly and his troops, along with the newly appointed figure, Valenshtein, to advance against the invasion.

“It goes without saying that their movements will inevitably have a significant impact on us. We should also send someone to keep a close eye on the situation.”

“I understand. Who do you think would be suitable for reconnaissance?”

Count Turun surveyed the commanders present as he asked.

This mission could technically be viewed as reconnaissance, but given it was at the site where a large army would clash, it was a task laden with more than just typical risks.

Knowing this situation caused the soldiers to hesitate for a moment.

Then, one figure raised their hand among them.

“I’ll go, Father.”

“Hmm?”

“No… Vicer, is that you?”

“Yes, Father. I believe that to carry out the mission effectively in that perilous environment, it must be me, a level 6 Mage. Please let the girl stay back. I will ensure I complete the task and return safely.”

“Hmm…”

Surely, it would be better to send a strong individual capable of dealing with considerable threats to such a dangerous location.

However, regardless of that, Count Turun began to show signs of considerable pondering upon hearing his own daughter volunteer for such a task.

“Please allow me, Father. Everyone is risking their lives for this war. As a commander, I’d like to contribute meaningfully as well.”

Vicer pleaded once more.

In the end, Count Turun had no choice but to arrive at a difficult decision.

“…Alright. If that is truly your wish, I grant you permission. Just be cautious of the dangers and ensure you return safely.”

“Yes, thank you, Father.”

A smile blossomed on Vicer’s face at Count Turun’s words.

At that moment, Cazerose, who was present, began to cautiously speak, as if she had made a decision.

“I am truly grateful that you would take the initiative to participate in such a dangerous task, young lady. Then, regarding this matter, I will also offer some assistance. Freddy Mars?”

“!? A… Ah… Yes?”

Freddy, suddenly addressed, displayed surprise.

To her, Cazerose spoke in a serious tone.

“It’s an order. During this mission, you will accompany Lady Vicer, and ensure her safety.”

“W-What? A… that… uhm… Yes, understood, Mr. Cazerose.”

Freddy, flustered, ultimately accepted Cazerose’s words.

Cazerose then smiled at Vicer, and in response to her small gesture of gratitude, Vicer slightly bowed her head.

‘Still, as a sister-in-law, she must be trying to look out for me like this. Plus, showing such proactive cooperation must be to solidify her standing in Bohemia…’

Watching their exchange, I understood the underlying political calculations behind Cazerose putting forth a powerful piece like Freddy.

It was an act layered with political strategy intertwined with mere assistance.

That gave me the feeling once again that a princess was indeed a princess, and a light smile began to form at my lips.

At that moment, for some reason, I failed to notice Freddy’s slight, strange demeanor.