Potential Matches

The young man standing guard in a corner of the room was Sir Damon Oakshield. One of the most talented knights in Bavalon, he was also of a remarkably young age (just one year older than Isabelle), and was recognized to be the closest person in becoming the next Saint Knight.

Sir Damon had straight blonde hair and a set of deep blue eyes resembling a clear lake. His blue eyes have always captivated Isabelle, and even after a few years she still can't get over the way he looks at her.

They've been secretly a couple for three years now.

It was considered forbidden for a knight of the royal family to have a relationship with one of their family members. However, if they have proven themselves worthy, then special exceptions can be made.

Isabelle had hoped one day to reveal their love for each other to her parents, but that dream had been shattered the moment her future engagement was announced.

Now they can only keep their secret together and pray no one finds out.

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After dinner was finished, the Felgrands and their guests quietly went back to their previous conversation.

"We have considered some potential matches from nations that are not controlled by humans," spoke Prince Brandon after wiping his mouth with a napkin, "I think it will be beneficial for us to have other races join our side. After all, they possess their own unique sets of magic systems which can help bring a surprise to our enemies."

"Wait a sec," Isabelle interrupted, "Are you actually saying you want me to marry someone that isn't of the same species?"

An awkward silence filled the air.

"Ahem," King Simon cleared his throat, "Daughter, we aren't trying to offend you. We're simply discussing all the possibilities for potential suitors."

"Yes," Queen Laura chimed in, "Don't worry though. We won't hand you over to the beastmen or dwarves. The ones we've considered are those that are the most closest to human beings in physical form, such as the elves."

Isabelle remained silent, although she felt slightly relieved at her mother's clarification. At least she won't have to marry someone that isn't a humanoid.

'Actually,' she suddenly thought, 'This could give me a chance. Elves and fairies have long life spans, and I've heard that it is rare for humans to have a truly intimate relationship with them. It's very likely that I'll be treated like a mistress instead (the members of those species do sometimes practice polygamy), and I won't have to be involved with them more than I have to. They might even eventually get tired of me.'

This presented the possibility for her to be cast aside one day and may even allow her to go back to her previous life. Of course, whether or not she'll really be set free will depend on her partner. She also could not choose to leave of her own free will as that could break the pact her parents will make with them.

Nevertheless, this kind of match could still give her the best option.

Gazing at her family, Isabelle could see her mother and brother giving her deep stares. Perhaps this was secretly her family's intention.

"If I may interject, truthfully speaking, I think it is better for us to seek aid from foreign countries governed by actual humans," spoke Minister Phelp just as Isabelle was contemplating, causing her to stop and glare at him hatefully, "While it is true that other humanoid species can provide us with new forms of magic, they cannot help supply our armies with the best numbers."

One of the family's advisors looked confused, "What do you mean by that?"

Minister Phelp shook his head before moving his purple eyes to gaze at the King and Queen.

"What I mean is," he elaborated, "Is that the population of other humanoid species is often lower than ours. Even if one of them were to help us, the number of troops we would get may not be sufficient enough against our enemies.

"This is also ignoring some of the enmity that certain species have towards the human race. Will the ones we reach out to even want to provide us with their full army?"

King Simon frowned, "That should not be a problem. For the last few centuries, our kingdom has always tried to maintain peace with the other intelligent species. Queen Victoria herself-"

"-Was a wonderful monarch, your grace," Minister Phelp added before quickly bowing his head at the sight of his king's displeased expression, "Forgive me, I did not mean to interrupt-"

'Liar,' Isabelle spitefully called out in her head.

"-but I would just like to point out that what the Glorious Matriarch had intended, took many years to accomplish after her reign. Throughout that period, our ancestors have often had struggles, and even conflicts, with many non-humans. Elves, fairies, beastmen, whatever you call it, still remember the days in which our ancestors have tried to suppress their growth.

"Although things are different now, I'm afraid that there are still some groups out there who hold anti-human views among members of their species. They may not want their race to risk their lives for our cause."

His words caused the other guests to start nodding their heads in agreement to his statement. It did make sense from a certain point of view.

Prince Brandon focused on Minister Phelp.

"Are you saying that they'll obstruct themselves from going to war?" he asked.

"I'm saying that they'll most likely have an internal conflict within their ranks that will prevent them from giving us their full support," Minister Phelp corrected, "It isn't reliable to trust members of other species. And I don't mean this in a racist way, but the safest option is to seek help from another human faction."

He then turned his attention to Princess Isabelle.

"For the sake of open-mindedness, we might even consider the option of drawing over one of the enemies to our side."

This suggestion shocked Isabelle, causing her to rile up.

"You want to send me over as some kind of peace offering?!" she yelled while standing up from her seat, completely offended at the idea, "Even worse, you actually want to hand me over to one of our enemies? I'll be lucky that I won't get torn apart before the marriage ceremony!"

The other guests leaned slightly back from her outburst.

Over by the side, after hearing of the idea, Sir Damon's eyebrow unnoticeably twitched and he increased his grip on the handle of his sword.

This proposal was like asking for the princess to be sent to the wolves.

But despite the outburst, Minister Phelp stood his ground.

"You must think carefully, princess," he spoke in a voice that was both soft and comforting, "Times are not what they were before.

"We have been able to safely broker a peace with our enemies in the past. I'm sure, with the right precautions in place, that your life will not be in immediate danger once the arrangements are complete."

Isabelle snorted at his slippery words. Only an idiot would think that nothing would go wrong after a peace agreement was made.

Even if her life was somehow guaranteed to be protected, Isabelle could not bear the idea of living in either the Fermes Kingdom or the Spanyx Empire.

The former was a largely feudalistic society. There was a huge divide between the nobility and the other classes. Not only that, but the nation also did not hold females in high regard. Fermes was entirely male dominated, with the women barely having any ounce of freedom.

As for the latter country, it could arguably be worse. The entire society was militaristic, with each member having high values on strength. While the women could obtain a bit more freedom in that society, they would still have to prove their strength in combat if they want to gain any respect.

Living in a peaceful society that values equality and freedom, Isabelle had never sought to gain any martial skill on the battlefield. That wasn't to say she was entirely defenseless on her own, but rather her preference of magic leaned towards protection and did not emphasize much on power.

Observing the direction of the discussion, her mother quickly intervened.

"For the time being, we shouldn't be so busy focusing on making peace with our enemies. In the past couple of years, dissent had been brewing among the high-ranking members of their nobility towards our nation.

"It is much more preferable to seek help from those not involved with our rivals."

"Yes, your majesty," Minister Phelp nodded his head, "I was only considering all the options open to us."

"We appreciate your open mind, minister," King Simon said, "But for now, I will not have my daughter be married to either of those nations."

With that declaration, the topic shifted once more.

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Isabelle gloomily walked back to her room.

This time, she was accompanied by a group of guards along with her mother and brother. Her father had other matters to attend to.

While feeling upset, she took comfort in the fact that Sir Damon was one of the guards moving beside her.