ILRP 07

ILRP

Posted by William, ? Views, Released on May 5, 2026

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Chapter 7

The swordsmanship class had ended.

After washing up in the training hall’s shower room, Elizia slowly changed her clothes.

She deliberately took her time, wondering if Rakan might be waiting for her.

Running into him by chance was one thing—but walking around together as if it were routine felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Please, just don’t be waiting for me. Please already be gone.
Muttering to herself, Elizia passed through the dim corridor.

Then, as she stepped out toward the afternoon sunlight—

“Elizia.”

As expected, Rakan was there, waiting for her.

Was it the bright afternoon sun piercing her eyes, or the brilliance of his golden hair? Squinting, Elizia hesitated. But when Rakan gestured for her to come over, she had no choice but to step forward, as if resigned.

He wasn’t being forceful at all… so why couldn’t she refuse him?

Elizia found her own feelings puzzling, but she couldn’t figure them out.

They walked side by side as if it were natural. With no more classes left, they headed toward the dormitory.

The late afternoon sunlight was warm, and only the sound of birds filled the quiet between them.

“Relax your wrist.”

Elizia recalled the advice he had once given her and swung her wooden sword through the air.

Since that day, her wrist no longer hurt, and the shock when clashing swords had lessened. His advice had definitely been useful.

“For someone from an enemy nation, I might have been a bit too kind teaching you that.”

“If a war breaks out, I’ll make good use of it. Thanks.”

Elizia smiled lightly as she replied.

The Kingdom of Ortigia and the Kasutra Empire had been in a truce for twenty years.

Because of that, the word “war” no longer felt so heavy. They could even joke about it.

And lately, spending time with him wasn’t as unpleasant as before. If anything, she felt they had grown closer.

She didn’t dislike this atmosphere… but she was curious about what he was thinking.

Could he be interested in me? No way.
She glanced up at him.

But judging by how he kept half a step of distance, it didn’t seem like he had romantic interest or any intention of making a move.

“Senior, why have you suddenly started approaching me like this?”

“Why? Afraid I might have taken an interest in you?”

“That’s a scary thing to say.”

“Scary? You should feel honored.”

“……”

She wasn’t even surprised by his remarks anymore. It seemed she had gotten used to him. Still, her expression couldn’t help but stiffen slightly.

Meanwhile, Rakan continued walking calmly, as if nothing was strange at all.

“If I get the chance someday, I’d like to introduce you to my younger brother.”

“Your brother?”

Elizia asked, a bit bewildered.

His younger brother… the one he once said resembled her? The handsome half-brother?

She had known his approach wasn’t romantic—but she didn’t expect him to act like a matchmaker.

Noticing her confusion, Rakan chuckled lightly.

Absurdly enough, Elizia found herself thinking that the curve of his smiling lips was quite pretty.

“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not so free that I’d meddle in my brother’s or an enemy princess’s love life.”

“Then why?”

“Because of political relations.”

“Political… relations?”

Elizia narrowed her eyes, unable to fully grasp his meaning.

She was the future queen of Ortigia. His words were clearly related to that fact.

But what influence would building ties with imperial nobles really have?

Still, Rakan didn’t seem inclined to explain. Tilting his head slightly, he looked at her seriously.

“Anyway, since we met first, let’s build a connection. It won’t be a loss for you.”

“Is that so?”

Feels like I’m losing quite a lot, actually, she thought—jealous stares from other girls, her declining popularity, her expressions rotting because of his comments…

Swallowing her thoughts, she nodded.

He seemed a bit twisted, but not a bad person by nature. And although he was from an enemy nation, he clearly had many connections.

It wouldn’t hurt to build ties.

“By the way, who are you going to the party with tomorrow?”

“Senior Sophie.”

“I see.”

The gravel crunched underfoot as Elizia lightly kicked a pebble.

“What about you?”

It was a casual question. Yet, the moment she waited for his answer felt strangely tense.

If he mentioned another girl’s name… it felt like it might bother her.

“Frederick Watts.”

But the name he gave wasn’t a girl’s.

Frederick Watts—the boyfriend of her roommate, Sophie.

Elizia quietly exhaled, a hint of relief mixed in.

They had reached the fork leading to the dormitories.

“I’ll go now.”

“Alright.”

They exchanged brief farewells and went their separate ways. A clean parting.

“Elizia, are you really going like that?”

“Yes. Why?”

“……”

Sophie’s expression became indescribable.

They were preparing in their dorm room for the academy anniversary party in the annex.

Sophie, being the daughter of a wealthy merchant, wore a trendy silk dress. It flared elegantly, its pink fabric adorned with shimmering embroidered lace.

Elizia, on the other hand, wore something simple—her usual neat navy dress.

Though elegant, it lacked the “princess-like” flair. More like a strict governess than royalty.

Sophie threw open the wardrobe, revealing numerous gorgeous dresses.

“All these beautiful dresses, and you choose that?”

“There’s no one I need to impress anyway.”

“…What is wrong with our Princess Elizia?”

“Hmm… my lack of skill?”

That was the problem—her own clumsiness.

In the palace, maids handled everything. But here, doing it herself was too bothersome.

Sophie sighed and began pulling out dresses, holding them up against Elizia.

“Let me handle it today.”

“…Alright.”