The Bewilderment of the Sacrificial Second Princess

Chapter 54: Honeymoon?

“We’ve already tied the knot and made it official, so why don’t we take a honeymoon?”

“What do you mean?”

It was during tea time, roughly a week after our wedding ceremony, when he brought it up.

Initially, I had anticipated being trained to become a bride shortly after arriving in the country. However, I ended up getting entangled in national affairs instead. Even though I had taken a few days off after the ceremony, I was inundated with tasks like sifting through proposals for the examination system, determining the timeline and how to announce it, and working hard to construct facilities for those eager to learn. That’s why I was taken aback when he suddenly suggested a couple’s excursion and asked for clarification.

“Yes…I think the present state of Baratonia is all thanks to you, Claire. The country has made remarkable strides in this brief span of time. Plus, we were able to avoid going to war.”

“Well, I simply did what I could.”

“That’s the beauty of it, don’t you think? Haha, we’ve always relied on you. Nonetheless, I reckon we’ve learned to stand on our own two feet a bit. Therefore, after consulting my father, I’ve been considering a two-week journey to the northern region opposite the Faithnum Empire… to visit various countries.”

As one travels north from the Baratonia Kingdom, they come across countries where winter descends and snow blankets the landscape. In some of these winter lands, it’s winter all year round. The mere thought of it piqued my interest, and my eyes shone with excitement.

“Are you interested?”

“Very much so!”

“I had a feeling you would be. This will be more just a honeymoon trip——a journey for the both of us. I’m grateful for everything you’ve done thus far and what you’ll continue to do. So, I was thinking we could make the most of our honeymoon and explore different countries.”

Two weeks may not seem like a long time, but I’m a bit of a homebody. No matter how many travelogues or historical documents I read, nothing compares to the allure of experiencing a foreign land firsthand.

Moreover, the Baratonia Kingdom remains partially uncharted, and there are neighboring countries with whom we have business dealings that I would love to visit. I don’t think there will be any objections if we inform them of our intention to go on a honeymoon trip.

However, the issue of escorting loomed over my thoughts. Friendly countries may pretend to be cordial, but our country was once a vassal of the Faithnum Empire and now operates as an independent state, our intentions unclear to outsiders.

Bringing a sizable escort could be interpreted as a precursor to making trouble. However, it’s not possible for the Crown Prince and Crown Princess to travel without an escort.

“I can sense what you’re pondering. You’re worried about the escort, aren’t you?”

“Well, I’m open to traveling, but I also think it might be best to remain within the confines of the Baratonia Kingdom…”

The perception of the Baratonia Kingdom as a nation that instigates wars is prevalent since it has had no significant interaction with other countries. It was a vassal of the Faithnum Empire, so for them, it served as a shield. Even now, it still serves that purpose, but having just attained independence from being a dependent nation has weakened its defenses.

“Yes, considering how we are perceived by other countries, it’s possible that we’re viewed as a significant threat.”

Auglia-sama’s smile was faint as he concurred, “Indeed.”

“When I asked Julius about this, he was enthusiastic and exclaimed, ‘I will protect you!’ However, it was absurd for both the Crown Prince and the Prince to leave the country and venture into unknown territory. Although I am grateful that he is willing to do so, I am currently in the process of selecting guards. Typically, when royalty travels, most countries provide around 20 guards. At most, they may prepare gifts, but there is no hostility. So even if we travel to various countries, it will only be to two neighboring nations.”

While I would relish the opportunity to immerse myself in unfamiliar cultures outside the region, the exorbitant cost makes me believe that it isn’t the right time for such an adventure.

The decision of whether to politely request a deferment or take advantage of this opportunity after getting married remained a quandary.

“However, there is another option…”

“What is it? If it’s something that’s safe and doesn’t require a lot of money…”

“We could rent one of the ships from the extreme winter land and set sail.”

My hands involuntarily clasped together in excitement. The prospect of exploring the high seas filled me with a sense of wonder.

“But when I mentioned it to Marquis Glen… he rejected the idea.”

I must have looked crestfallen because Auglia-sama suppressed a smile and shook his head.

“Can I at least know the reason?”

“Apparently, the sea is an entirely different world. Even experienced sailors can be thrown from the ship during storms. So, Marquis Glen and his group only ventured along the nearby coast.”

The thought of risking my life made it difficult to say “I want to go!” with ease. However, it would be safer to explore neighboring countries.

Against human foes, a guard would be helpful, but against the forces of nature, humans are powerless. As the Crown Princess of the Baratonia Kingdom, I must be content with merely boarding the ship when it’s docked in the port.

“Nevertheless, the sea is an entirely different world… I’m truly curious about the fishermen’s experiences. I’m positive it would make for a captivating book. There would be those who long for it and those who fear it… I’d like to have an adventure full of danger and excitement somehow.”

“Claire? Can we get back to discussing our honeymoon?”

“Oh…! Yes, I’m sorry. I was caught up thinking about the sea.”

“Speaking of which… let’s save that for later, once the country is more settled. They’re still in the midst of our first deep-sea fishing expedition, and the outcome will determine whether we can officially exchange food, fish, pearls, lumber, and shipbuilding techniques with Marquis Glen. Not to mention, you were interested in the expedition.”

“…you can tell? Yes, but I don’t have the status to do anything dangerous.”

“So what do we do? I believe Claire has done more than enough for us to visit the two neighboring countries. My father, myself, and probably everyone at the palace would feel the same way. The introduction of paper and printing plates was your doing, and the number of medical books and doctors has increased. I apologize for having little time to spare.”

“The issue lies in the escort and conducting the visit with decorum. I’ll think about it… Auglia-sama, thank you.”

In actuality, he probably planned a long distance honeymoon, but I’m now knowledgeable about the country’s internal affairs. If he compelled me to participate in a honeymoon that I considered pointless, I might have become angry.

He converses with me respectfully, placing his trust and reliance in me. Such thoughtfulness brings me joy.

Sitting beside Auglia-sama, I clasped his hand and declared, “I’ll try to think of it in the cheapest way possible!”, undertaking a new mission.

I sensed a wry grin directed towards me at those words, but perhaps it was simply my imagination.