Leticia felt a wave of optimism. If the person Ryuuji mentioned was a trusted friend, perhaps they could become friends as well.
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door. A young woman with a proud bearing and a confident gaze requested permission to enter. Ryuuji made the introductions.
"Leticia, this is Íris, my most loyal assistant and a warrior of notable skills. Íris, this is Princess Leticia of the Winter Kingdom."
Íris, a nineteen-year-old woman, standing 1.72m (5'8") tall, with long brown hair usually tied back in a practical braid and expressive green eyes, made an elegant curtsy.
"It is an honor to finally meet you, Princess Leticia. I have heard a great deal about you."
"The pleasure is mine, Miss Íris," Leticia replied, intrigued by the aura of confidence the young warrior emanated.
"Why don't you two take this opportunity to talk and get to know each other better?" Ryuuji suggested, gesturing to the pile of documents on his desk. "I have some urgent matters to attend to."
As soon as they left the office, Íris turned to Leticia with an open and challenging smile.
"Princess, if I may be so bold, I would very much like for us to become friends. And for that, there is nothing better than a small activity to break the ice and truly get to know one another. What do you say?"
Leticia, feeling an immediate liking for Íris's vibrant energy, agreed with enthusiasm.
"An excellent idea! But what kind of activity do you have in mind?"
"Let's just say Your Highness should change into something a bit more... athletic. I believe it will help immensely," Íris replied, a playful glint in her eyes.
Leticia, growing more and more excited, accepted the suggestion. As they headed to the princess's chambers, they passed a group of castle maids who, upon seeing Íris, began to whisper and cast sideways glances. Íris sighed but didn't lose her good humor.
"Pay them no mind, Princess. They're a bunch of jealous gossips," Íris murmured with amused disdain. "They call themselves 'fans' of Prince Ryuuji, but the only thing they do is whisper behind people's backs."
"Do you also go through unpleasant situations because of this?" Leticia asked, surprised.
"Unfortunately, yes," Íris admitted, taking Leticia's hands in a gesture of camaraderie. "But I don't let it get to me."
In that moment, a new connection formed between them, a mutual understanding born from sharing a similar experience.
Leticia changed into an elegant yet practical training outfit. Íris accompanied her to the castle's vast training center.
"I want to propose a little test," Íris said, stopping before a set of targets.
"A test?" Leticia repeated, curious.
"Just a way for us to assess our skills and have a little fun. Don't take it as a threat, but rather as... a challenge between future best friends," Íris said, smiling.
"What do you mean?" Leticia was still a bit confused.
"I'll be frank. My greatest dream has always been to be a protector of this kingdom. That's why I dedicated my life to becoming the best warrior possible and joined the royal guard. Prince Ryuuji is more than my sovereign; he is my friend and someone for whom I have immense respect. I need to be certain that he will be safe, even when I can't be around. So... I am here to test you, yes, but I am stating my reasons clearly and honestly. It is up to you whether to accept the challenges or not."
Leticia felt a wave of respect for Íris's frankness and loyalty.
"I accept, Íris. And I will do my best to demonstrate that the education and training I received were not in vain."
Meanwhile, in the office, Ryuuji tried to focus on his reports, but his mind insisted on wandering. Suddenly, one of the administrative staff burst in, looking rather desperate. Lord Clifford, who was assisting the prince, immediately reprimanded him.
"What is this manner of entering His Highness's office?!"
"Forgive me, Lord Clifford, Your Highness, but it's an emergency! Miss Íris... she... she wants to kill Princess Leticia!"
Ryuuji shot to his feet, his heart pounding with worry. Without a second thought, he ran toward the training center. When he arrived, he was met with a completely unexpected scene: a small crowd of guards and staff had formed around the archery range, some even placing bets and cheering animatedly. Ryuuji was even more confused about what was actually happening. Leticia and Íris were side by side, bows in hand, in the midst of a fierce competition.
"Íris! What is the meaning of this?!" Ryuuji demanded, still trying to understand the situation.
"Ah, Prince Ryuuji!" Íris exclaimed, turning with a victorious but respectful smile. "It's just a little test. But it's almost over... She has already proven herself worthy in horsemanship, balance, swordsmanship, and finally, we are testing her aim."
"What exactly are you testing, then?" Ryuuji insisted, still perplexed.
"Whether she's fit to be your wife, of course!" Íris replied, with the utmost naturalness.
"And since when are these the attributes for evaluating a wife?!" Ryuuji asked, genuinely shocked and a little amused by his assistant's logic.
Aleph, who had arrived discreetly from one side, leaned on Ryuuji's shoulder with an amused air.
"Let them be, Ryuuji. They're having fun... Besides, who are you betting on?"
"I will not participate in this childishness!" Ryuuji retorted, trying to maintain his seriousness, but a slight smile threatened to escape.
"Yes, yes, of course not..." Aleph said, winking at his brother. "I'm betting on Princess Leticia."
Ryuuji arched an eyebrow.
"Do you really think she'll beat Íris in archery? Íris is the best archer in the kingdom!"
"Bet's on, then," Aleph concluded with a confident smile.
The tension on the training field was palpable. All eyes were fixed on the two competitors. By an almost imperceptible difference, Leticia's arrow struck the center of the target a fraction of a second before Íris's. A murmur of surprise and admiration rippled through the crowd. Everyone knew that Íris was not an easy opponent to beat, and the skills Leticia had demonstrated throughout all the "tests" had won her the respect and recognition of many present.