Exiting the carriage, the butler told Karolina her father was waiting for her in the drawing room. There, she graced herself before His Majesty, King Nathan, who was sitting beside her father. But the king shushed her. He was here on private business.
They exchanged pleasantries, and Nathan asked if she had a lover or a partner of any kind at the moment. Her father asked him to leave out the small talk and get to business, but Nathan assured him this wasn't small talk. He stood up and began to explain why he was here.
The deadline for formalizing their broad-based alliance was approaching fast. Unfortunately, one of their own had slighted a duchess of the Malcosian Empire. Said duchess happened to be the reigning emperor's younger sister. So they wouldn't take that lying down.
Under normal circumstances, Nathan would be facing some sort of sanction. But an envoy from the empire had arrived just the other day and presented a proposal. They were to provide a wife to the second prince of the Malcosian Empire.
Karolina knew the second prince of Malcosia was Edward Ruby Martinez, the founder and commander of the Pyreborn Knights. Exceptionally gifted with both sword and magic, he had distinguished himself through countless battles and made a name for his order throughout the world. However, he had never been hailed a hero, because he was cruel. He would strike down anyone, even women and children. He was feared by the people as a man devoid of blood and tears. They called him the bloodthirsty prince.
Nathan was troubled, having to choose a bride for him soon. He had to select a noblewoman of the highest status within their country. His own daughter was already promised to someone, and the nation could not afford to send Flora, because she was the candidate to be the next saint.
Karolina resigned herself to this fate. Many could replace her, but no one could replace Flora. And so Nathan made one final request of her, for the sake of their country. He asked that she marry the second prince of the Malcosian Empire.
She accepted, with no resistance whatsoever.
After the king left, Karolina's father came up to her, asking if she had any doubts about marrying Prince Edward. If so, he would persuade the king to scrap this plan. She answered that this country would come to ruin if she refused, and he cut her off. He knew that. But he could not stand by and watch as his daughter was married off to another country like a sacrificial offering. She was his darling little girl.
She couldn't believe what he was saying. She had always thought she was unloved, since she was a disgrace, unworthy of anything.
Her father said, "That's ridiculous." And he asked, "Who said that?" — embracing her closely.
She was so happy, though, accepting this marriage without reservation. If this would serve the kingdom of Celestia, and if she could be of use to their house, it would be the greatest honor.
He smiled, thinking she was just like her mother in that respect. She was surprised as he went on to say she was just like Karen — the way she was so hard on herself, yet kind to others, the way she never spared any effort. He thought she was her spitting image.
Karolina asked to hear more about her mother, and they talked about her all through the night. About how she, with persistent effort, was able to beat him in chess once. About how delicious the late-night snacks she secretly made were. About how hardworking and serious she was, yet on occasion she would prank him and give him a hard time. How she loved going out to pick flowers with Flora. And the fact that right up to the very moment of her death, she never once harbored resentment toward anyone.
As if showing off a precious treasure, he carefully conveyed his memories of her with each and every word.
Iris, a maid, stopped outside, overhearing their giggling. She then went to Flora and reported what she had heard about Karolina.
Visiting Karen's grave on another day with her father, Karolina took notice of the bouquet he was holding. Blue hydrangeas meant unchanging love, and white meant modest love. Despite how he seemed, her father was surprisingly romantic.
They knelt, and he said, "Karen, it's been almost sixteen years since you left this world. And yet, I still can't get used to a life without you. When it dawns on me, I find myself looking for traces of you."
Karolina looked at him in surprise. She spoke next.
"It's been a while, Mother. Thanks to the resilience you passed on to me in birth, I'm doing great. Being healthy is my only merit. But I'm actually getting married. Tomorrow, I depart for the Malcosian Empire. Mother, I believe today will be the last time I'm able to visit your grave. So please allow me to ask you one final thing. Mother, are you glad you gave birth to me?"
Her father was taken aback by that question, but she continued.
"The nobles of the kingdom of Celestia call me the Sanchez family disgrace. I lack brilliance of mind and any talent whatsoever, and to make matters worse, I was the cause of your demise, Mother." She wept, asking, "Have you ever wished that you never gave birth to an embarrassment like me?"
Her father said that was enough, and Karolina apologized. But that said, she had no regrets herself. A light breeze blew, and she told her mother she wouldn't run from her fate any longer.
While packing her things that evening, Flora burst into her room, saying she had heard the news. Karolina ignored her sister's taunts about how she was being married off as a sacrificial offering, and her saying that no matter where she went, no one — not even a bloodthirsty prince — would ever love a disgrace like her. It was a relief to Karolina in a way, because she would never have to see Flora again.
Karolina wept with smiles at her exit carriage, thanking her father for everything, all while Flora scowled, watching them from the window above. The Duke embraced his daughter, telling her he was so proud of her, and he began to cry as well. He told her she needn't be special, or the best, but simply live a happy, healthy life. That was all he wished for.