William was shocked, "Simon? But why?! He killed my father and then he decided to help me?! Why would he do that? Is it just his twisted game?"

"He wanted revenge." Dante's sudden voice made us both flinch. He continued to speak with an expressionless face, "He killed my mother for revenge. However, he didn't care about killing me nor the Imperial King. He just did it so he could return back to the Sanki Kingdom to get revenge on his father. When he killed my mother, he was furious when she compared him to his father. It was obvious that he hated the Sanki King."

I nodded, "That makes sense. But I still don't understand why he would become a spy and write to William. What purpose could he have?"

"His purpose was to protect you."

We all jumped as we turned to see Millie moving a portrait to the side and climbing out of the wall. William looked at the portrait in disbelief, "Just how many walls can you walk through?!"

Millie ignored him as she spoke, "Simon was obsessed with Seri. He wanted her for himself. He was worried that something would happen to her, so he wrote to William to ensure that she would stay in the King's good graces."

My brain felt numb, "I really don't understand him…"

Millie rushed over and took my hands with large eyes, "Seri. You must avoid Simon from now on."

Dante nodded quickly, "I agree."

William added, "I think that's a good idea too. He may try to kidnap you."

My face twitched, "It's so rare for you three to be in agreement. However, I can't avoid him forever. If I am going to be William's personal Knight, I will eventually run into him."

Millie and Dante immediately looked at William. William's face twitched from guilt, "I don't want to see him either! I don't think I could control my anger if I saw him again."

I sighed, "I doubt we will have a choice in the matter."

William frowned and nodded his head. If Simon became the Sanki King, we would definitely have to meet him again. William looked at me with an anxious expression, "Seri. If I have to see him again, you have to be there."

"What? Why me?!"

"Because if anyone can handle that crazy man it is you!"

Millie nodded in agreement, "I hate to admit it, but I agree with King William. Simon would probably be a lot easier to deal with Seri there. However, you all shouldn't worry that much. I will make sure to hide in order to protect Seri from him if he so dares to try something."

William sighed, "Then I will have to rely on you when the time comes."

I yawned, "Well. Is that all we have to discuss? I want to get one last night of good sleep before I become a slave."

"There… There is one thing…" William glanced at Dante timidly.

Dante spoke, "What is it?" William pulled out a document and timidly handed it to Dante. He took it and opened it with wide eyes, "This… Are you serious?"

Millie and I looked at the paper he were holding curiously. Both of our mouths dropped as well, "No way…"

William nodded, "I talked it over with my mother and I believe that those who have royal blood should start being treated like it. It doesn't matter who their parent is, as long as they have royalty in their veins. I have already distributed titles to the rest of my half-siblings."

Dante frowned, "But… Being a Duke…"

I glanced at William, "Will he have to do any extra work as a duke?"

William's face twitched at my question, "No… Unless he would like to. Do you want to? I could give you land to rule over if you prefer."

Dante shook his head, "Just the title is enough."

"Fufu! This is great!" I flipped my hair, "From now on, you can call me Duchess Seri."

William frowned, "No. You are called The Royal Knight Seri. No one will dare call you Duchess."

I stuck out my tongue, "You ruin everything fun." I hesitated before smiling again, "Does this mean I get to wear pants from now on?"

Everyone: "…"

Well at least there is one benefit to entering this terrible contract.

William sighed in exasperation, "Yes, you can wear pants. Just don't forget you start tomorrow at daybreak."

"Daybreak!?"

That's usually when I go to sleep!!!

"If you don't come on time then…" He traced his finger across his neck, "Dead."

Dante tugged on my hand, "I will wake her up in the morning."

"Then I will have to rely on you." William paused then turned to Dante in surprise, "Wait why will you wake her up?! Don't you think that sounds rather suggestive!?"

Millie giggled, "King William. It's supposed to be suggestive. They will be sharing a bed after all~"

William had smoke coming out of his ears as he was trying to process what he just heard, "W-W-What?! No! You two must not share a bed before marriage! Everyone will spread bad rumors!"

Millie teased him more, "It wouldn't be a rumor at this point. They've already done it."

"D-D-Done it?! DONE WHAT?!"

Millie sighed, "Oh~ You should have seen it King William. The two of them were like-"

Dante and I both immediately slapped our hands over her mouth so she couldn't finish the rest of her sentence. However, William seemed to have an idea of what she meant. He slowly sank down in his throne chair with a pale expression and waved his hand, "T-Then… I will excuse you both… I need… I need some time to process this…"

We bid William goodbye and was escorted out of the Palace. The guards were surprised to see Millie walk out even though they were sure that they didn't see her while they were inside. However, no one said anything, so they quickly disregarded it.

As soon as I entered my home with Millie and Dante behind me, I stopped walking and immediately burst into tears. They both appeared at my side to comfort me. Millie looked at me with gentle eyes, "Seri… What's wrong?"

I sobbed, "My evil empire! I won't have the time to run it now!!!"

Dante: "…"

Millie sighed in exasperation, "That is what you were so concerned about?"

Dante chuckled, "I can just run it for you."

Millie nodded quickly, "Yes! And I can help him. You can still know what is happening and be in charge even if Dante and I are the ones who are running it."

I wiped away my tears, "That's right… It's not like you both have anything to do either. You are both jobless mooches. It's about time you contribute."

Dante and Millie: "…"

......

-A few months later-

It had only been a few months, but I was already being worked to the bone. Simon came to meet us and unfortunately William and I didn't have a choice. He needed to discuss the trade deal and William had to be there. Since William was there, naturally I was as well. William and I both held each other back as Simon spoke in riddles to tease us. We both wanted him dead but were forced to work with him. Simon found that extremely entertaining which only enraged us more. I demanded my sword back, but Simon brushed it off and said he couldn't find it.

No matter how annoying he was, he still held up his end of the bargain. With the trade deal now reestablished, the two Kingdoms became allies. Although it felt more like a cold war, the people in both Kingdoms were prospering.

Simon immediately set a requirement that to join the army you must be at least 16. You were still allowed to train when you were younger, but it had to be reasonable. Anyone forcing children into the situations like he had been in would be immediately beheaded.

I was surprised that Simon took my conditions so seriously now that I had properly escaped with Dante. Simon wouldn't admit any ulterior plan, but he did assure us he would no longer target Dante or William. Naturally, William and I didn't believe him, but there was only so much we could do.

The only problem was that Simon had yet to find his last remaining brother. It was his eldest brother and the one who held the birth right to the throne. Of course, no one would follow the eldest brother except for a group of rebels, but Simon couldn't allow himself to ignore them.

Oh well. I am sure I will never have to deal with his problems again.

I returned home at dusk trying not to fall asleep while shuffling. Dante was already waiting for me the moment I walked into the door. Dante smiled at me with warmth in his eyes, "How was work?"

I collapsed into his arms, "Dante… I am so tired… I won't survive…"

He chuckled as he picked me up, "It looks like you are still in need of training."

I whined, "Have you no mercy?"

We entered our room and laid in bed together. The moonlight peeked in through the windows illuminating the room. As we held lay together in a tight embrace, I placed my head against his bare chest. I closed my eyes to listen to the rhythmic beating of his heart. I felt him gently rub my back as if he was too afraid the slightest pressure would hurt me.

Our fingers intertwined as we gazed at the moon together.

I could get used to a feeling like this.

I'm not going to say we lived happily ever after.

However, this feels pretty d*mned close.

~The End~

I sat up in a panic, "F*CK!"

Dante panicked and sat up, "What?!?"

I turned to him with a pout, "I fell in love with a Prince… In the end, I still chose the cliché ending…"

"…"

Dante nudged me, "You just figured that out? Why do you think I started carrying you princess-style?"

I narrowed my eyes, "You are lucky that I love you."